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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: Greetings charis, I thank you for presenting yourself a little more clearly. :-) I never said nor hinted that the process of sanctification was not an ongoing process (1 Peter 1:2, Phil. 2:12). In fact, I agree! And I believe that this process has a beginning at salvation and an end, when the Lord completes the work that He has started in us. However, I believe that at the moment of salvation, a believer experiences the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the baptism by fire, which would constitute 'one baptism'. As for subsequent baptisms by fire throughout our lives that help us to be cleansed from sin- I have always believed that this is only the process of sanctification working itself out in our lives rather than us going through other subsequent baptisms. But I appreciate your point of view and I'll have to consider what you believe, although I disagree with it in light of Eph. 4:5. I believe that all three forms of baptism (fire, Holy Spirit, and water) are effective as you do, even though I believe that water baptism is not entirely essential to complete our spiritual walk in Him. Yes, water baptism is very important and we must do it because we are commanded to. And, like you've already stated, it is entirely for OUR benefit. But I believe that water baptism, in and of itself, is just a public affirmation and declaration of the Spiritual baptism that has already occurred within. Yes, water baptism is a sign to the world of our faith. Why do we do it in church, you ask?? Good question!! It is really a symbol for society as a whole, my friend, not just the church for church membership! :-) Friend, I have nothing at all to prove to you either! I only pray that you and I could see the truth as to what Scripture says concerning baptism. :-) And yes, I know just how effective my baptism is, thank you. Nolan |