Subject: Unbaptized children |
Bible Note: Greetings, Kin First of all Peter did not say “I NOW REALIZE”. He simply said “I REALIZE” (perceive). The “NOW” you quoted in Acts 10:34 does not exist in the NKJV or the KJV and is only in the NASB because it was added (italicized). But it does not matter if these were the very first Gentile believers or not. The point is: (1) Peter and his Jewish friends knew they could be saved. (2) They did not know if they could be baptized or not. (3) The believers were unquestionably saved before they were baptized. I know you have been under some hard teaching on this subject, bro, but don’t read something into the Word that is not there. Balance scripture with scripture. Any place water baptism is included with salvation that seems to say water baptism is required in addition to grace thru faith does not stand up when taken in context and when balanced with other scripture (i.e. Mark 16:16). Water baptism is a declaration of salvation, not a means of salvation. Example: I coach cross-country at a local high school. I coached a young man this year that won the state meet with a state record breaking time. If you asked me about the race, I might tell you that he won the race, set a state record, and receive a trophy declaring him 2001 state champion. If you become a cross-country coach some day and one of your kids comes up to you and ask you what they need to do to be state champion, you might tell them, well this is what retxar said, “win the race, set a state record, and receive a trophy that declares you state champion”. Well, all you are telling this kid is true, and if they did this they would certainly be the state champ. However, if they have nothing else to go on, they could win the race and still not believe they are the state champion unless they also break the state record, and then only when, and if, they get a trophy that says so. In reality tho, they would be state champion the very instant their foot crossed the finish line. The trophy would just be a declaration of that fact. Water baptism has the same relationship to salvation. It is a declaration of our salvation, not a means of salvation. Jesus Saves!!! retxar |