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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: Greetings charis! I do not totally agree with your analogy between 'water baptism/salvation' and 'no parachute/jumping out of a plane', but that is besides the point. I never said that water baptism is optional or something that should be taken "lightly". It is very important and something that we are commanded to do (Matt. 28:19, Acts 2:38). However, at the same time, water baptism is not a prerequisite that determines the eternal resting place of our souls and I am glad that you agree with me! Water baptism is something that every believer should do and it is supported by the Bible. It is a very special experience that publicly symbolizes the inner baptism of the Holy Spirit. We are brought to salvation when we have been apprehended by Jesus Christ, and this is where the baptism by the Holy Spirit occurs- at the moment of salvation. I never said that salvation is the END of our spiritual walk! It is only the beginning! And we are perfected in Him through the process of sanctification. However, our spiritual standing has now been changed forever since we are now in a perfect standing before God at the moment of salvation, by confessing our sins and receiving Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. (Acts 8:35-39) Granted, we are not "perfected" ourselves yet, but our STANDING before God is now "perfected", in that we have accepted the Lordship of Jesus Christ. My friend, I agree, perfection IS acheived by God in His unlimited timeframe, and He will perfect the work that He has started (Phil. 1:6, James 1:4). Blessings to you, Nolan |