Subject: what is baptism |
Bible Note: After 900 postings on the subject of "baptism", if your question has not already been asked and answered, then it probably never will be answered. I will ask and answer a question of my own. Q: Is water baptism necessary for salvation? A: "Salvation is conditioned solely on faith in Jesus Christ. Nearly 200 times faith, or belief, is stated as the single condition in the N.T. (John 1:12; Acts 16:31). (...) "Baptism is the visible testimony to one's salvation, but not a condition for it. Acts 2:38 should be translated, "Repent and be baptized on the basis of the remission of sins." Acts 22:16 teaches that baptism followed the arising, just as forgiveness followed the calling on the name of the Lord. The two parts of the verse should be kept distinct. Mark 16:16 is probably not a genuine part of Mark's Gospel" (page 1950, Ryrie Study Bible, Moody Press, 1978). |