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NASB | Titus 3:5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we have done, but because of His own compassion and mercy, by the cleansing of the new birth (spiritual transformation, regeneration) and renewing by the Holy Spirit, |
Bible Question:
John 3:16 says: That God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. This tells me that if I believe in him I am saved without being baptised. Now Mark 16:16 says: He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Now this verse indicates to me that you must be baptised and except Jesus to be saved. Please explain. Thank you and God bless |
Bible Answer: Hi Gunner, This is not an easy question to provide a brief answer for. Orthodoxy generally holds that salvation is by grace through faith alone (Eph. 2:8-9). The basis of the problem is noted in "Rediscovering Expository Preaching": 'The rapid deterioration of primitive Christianity has been well documented. A lack of expository preaching in the post-apostolic period is evidence of this, but it is not the only problem. The ordinance of believers’ baptism rapidly turned to the doctrine of baptismal regeneration. The Lord’s Supper shifted from being a memorial for believers to being viewed widely as a sacrament conveying saving grace.' [John MacArthur, Rediscovering Expository Preaching, 42] Scripture as a whole teaches and confirms that it is our faith that saves us (2 Tim. 1:9). Though there are a few verses such as Mark 16:16 (texual doubt), Acts 2:38, and 1 Pet. 3:21, that have proved problematic, the overwhelming weight is still on grace by faith! In Paul's summary of the Gospel in 1 Cor. 15:1-4 he is strangley silent on Baptism if it is indeed necessary for one's salvation! As an interpretive principle, we interpret the less clear by the more clear verses. Context also plays a significant role. Baptism is perfomed as an Ordinance to identify the new believer with Christ. It is merely an outward profession of an inward work done by God (1 Cor. 6:11, 12:13). You may also do a search using the "Search" function and type in "Baptismal Regeneration" to view the discussions on this topic on the SBF. They are numerous! Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Titus 3:5 | Author | ||
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carats5 | ||
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CMOORE | ||
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sweet | ||
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Charles_P | ||
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DocTrinsograce | ||
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Edd | ||
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Gunner 1985 | ||
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BradK |