Subject: Saved by belief or belief and baptism? |
Bible Note: Paul is not talking of water baptism, starting in (1 Cor 12) he's speaking of spiritual gifts. The body he's refering to is a spiritual body, nothing physical. "For by one Spirit we were all baptized" not by water but by The Holy Spirit! John the Baptist spoke of this spiritual union by Christ, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the HOLY GHOST, and with fire" (Matt 3:11). Paul also said, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that NOT OF YOURSELVES: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8,9). The water baptism is a work we do ourselves but Jesus is the one who saves us/baptizes us into His body. Truth in love |