Subject: And what about those who will die before |
Bible Note: Makarios - A good and appropriate --and scripturally sound -- selection from the pen of John MacArthur on baptism! ..... Holding imperatively onto the doctrine of the regenerative power of water to effect man's salvation almost invariably goes hand in hand with the doctrine of works salvation, the idea in both instances being that man must do something to earn his salvation. I've wondered why it is apparently so difficult for some to understand the plain language Paul used in explanation to the Ephesians (2:8,9) of God's plan of salvation. He told them, "By grace you have been saved through faith." He explained to them in simple words that it was not of their own doing -- "not of yourselves" -- but it is "the gift of God." It is not compensation for being good little Ephesians and helping old ladies across the street! "It is the GIFT of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." ..... What could possibly be plainer than that? Yet in spite of this clear teaching on what salvation is ("the gift of God") and what is isn't ("not of works"), whole theological systems are based on salvation by water and works. Perhaps a trip to the bookshelf to take a hard look at a good theological dictionary might help to get this doctrine of grace fixed firmly in mind, because some of the problems may lie in confusing justification with sanctification. Justification has nothing whatever to do with good works. It is the experience of a guilty sinner receiving the position of righteousness before God. Scripture makes it clear that this is possible only on the basis of God's grace and of the individual's personal, saving faith in the Person and the redemptive work of Christ on the cross. .... Sanctification is positional, progressive, and ultimate. Positional -- the work of the Holy Spirit in setting a man apart for Jesus Christ at his conversion (1 Peter 1:2) ...... Progressive -- the work of the Holy Spirit which continues throughout the life of the believer and which results in increasing personal holiness: "For we are His worksmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works...(see Ephesians 2:10) ...... Ultimate -- The culmination of the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit resulting in glorification in the presence of God. ...... So good works clearly are not part of justificaton but of sanctification. ..... Christ commanded that those who become His followers should be baptized (Matt. 28:19), making baptism essential to obedience. This witness to salvation is testimony to the believer's obedience to the command of Christ. This immersion in the name of the Triunity (Matt. 28:19) neither saves nor contributes to salvation in any way. --Hank |