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NASB | Colossians 2:12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Colossians 2:12 having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him [to a new life] through [your] faith in the working of God, [as displayed] when He raised Christ from the dead. |
Subject: 3 baptisms or 1, or... |
Bible Note: Dear Nolan, Greetings in the name of Jesus! Yes, yes, yes! :-) Please do not put me in the camp of those that 'require' things, my friend. I have never said anything of the sort. I believe that we are justified by grace through faith. On the other hand, you seem to be saying that there is no ongoing cleansing or sanctification at all. I find this goes against the 'sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit' (1 Peter 1:2) that we observe in many saints. In fact, few show forth 'completed sanctification' upon confession of Christ. Some change quickly, some take longer, some have up and downs, and some never show forth any fruit of this cleansing. I believes this apparent reality shows that the Spirit *begins* His holy work in our lives at *that moment,* AND continues to sanctify us as we 'work out our salvation with fear and trembling.' (Philippians 2:12) I must say that you said in this post, and in several others, the word 'begin,' which would imply that you also believe in a 'beginning, a during, and an ending.' You ask for my opinion: I see that the Lord indeed starts His work in our lives by the initial cleansing work of the Holy Spirit. God also 'asks us to submit' to water baptism, for OUR benefit, as a strength and a seal upon the things that have already begun. At times, the Lord also sends a 'refining fire' into our lives, again for our benefit and cleansing. This baptism of fire can be sent to us as many times as He sees fit. The result is three baptisms in the New Testament that sanctify our lives. Each is important and effective. They work in tandem, and all seem to be that which God desires in our walk in Him. None seem to be optional, to be done in accord with our will, for our purposes. One thing you said about water baptism, that is is a sign to the world of our faith. Then why do it in church? The world is not watching there. So this makes it only a symbol for the benefit of the saved community, which sounds like church membership to me. :-) Friend, I don't have anything to prove to you! I only pray that your water baptism is more effective than you think it is. :-) Blessings, peace and love in Christ Jesus, charis |