Subject: Mark 16:16 what does it say? |
Bible Note: Tim, You write:What role does 'works' play in our salvation, none in accomplishing our salvation. However, once we are saved, then we will 'work' and be obedient to God's commands - such as baptism. So basically what you are saying is God owes it to us to save us? You said, "once we are saved, then we will 'work". My friend I am not trying to twist your words but you make it sound like before you do anything for the Lord He's going to have to save you first. Friend it never has worked this way and never will. God has given to us all He is going to. The Gospel and a meens to accept it and we have to go to Him and accept it. God doesn't come down from Heaven and pick you, you have to pick God, by repenting, confessing, and being baptized. Only then will the Lord add you to His church. Remember Tim I am not saying that I can acumulte merit badges by doing different works. These works I am speaking of are things that are required. Just as in the Old Testament didn't the High Priest once a year have to offer a sacrifice, once for himself and once for the rest of the people? Could he have just offered one sacrifice for everybody and that be acceptable? No. There are guide lines that God has set forth in His word that we must comply with. Baptism is the culminating act that shows our obedience to God. You cannot expect to be saved without first being baptized. Romans 6 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so WE ALSO SHOULD WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE. This is after we are baptized. 'knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8Now IF WE DIED WITH CHRIST, we believe that we shall also live with Him,' We die with Christ through Baptism, there is no other way. Raven |