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NASB | 1 John 5:6 This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 5:6 This is He who came through water and blood [His baptism and death], Jesus Christ--not by the water only, but by the water and the blood. It is the [Holy] Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. [He is the essence and origin of truth itself.] |
Subject: What does baptism consist? |
Bible Note: Dear Tim, Greetings in Jesus' name! Brother, If I were asked how are we saved, I would have to say that we are saved by grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8) Is anything else 'required' by God? No! But, I am also well aware that God desires so much more of His people! You are correct, the book of James (2:22) very clearly shows that our faith is perfected in our subsequent works! Can any of these works alone commend us to God apart from faith? No, not a one! Can any combination or amount of works apart from faith save us? No! Therefore, we are saved by grace through faith, AND our good works, in faith and by the Holy Spirit, perfect our salvation. In this light, I agree that water baptism, baptism of the Holy Spirit, and the baptism of fire are ALL washings that facilitate our sanctification, which is the perfection of our salvation. I do not see this perfection as being 'automatic' upon confession of (or being apprehended by) Christ. Instead, I consider this perfection to be an ongoing process, as in "...work out your salvation with fear and trembling..." Philippians 2:12. In my humble opinion, God justifies us (sees us as holy) AND desires (and assists us) that we become holy. Some (many?) may say that we must choose one stance or the other, faith or works. I trust that James knew what he was saying when he wrote faith AND works. If I may say so, I think the problem is the word 'essential.' There are those that interpret this as 'required,' and go into conniptions. :-) Indeed, there are some that would say that baptism (and sometimes other things) are 'minimum requirements' for salvation. I strongly disagree with this belief! There is but one 'minimum requirement' for salvation, and that is faith toward God, the faith of Abraham. But, as we all know, Abraham stood up, set his face toward God, and walked the path to God. By the way, I am sorry to have to write like the Amplified Bible. I find it necessary, as some 'lay in wait' for a misquote or undotted 'i' :-) Blessings to you in Sud Afrika! In Christ Jesus, charis |