Subject: Is baptism a work? |
Bible Note: CWADE, read Acts 8:26-40. Here we have an example of someone (ethiopian eunuch) reading scripture but not understanding it (vs 30,31). Philip, beginning at the very scripture the eunuch was reading began to teach him Jesus (vs 35). As we read on we notice that they approached some water (vs 36). What then does the eunuch say? "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" Where in this section of scripture does it say Philip taught this man about baptism? It doesn't, but, he knew enough about to know it was necessary for them to stop the chariot and for him to be baptized. What does vs 37 say? Acts 8:37 And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may (implying, on the other hand if you don't believe you shouldn't). The conclusion here is that if a person believes in Jesus, baptism must be included in this belief because baptism is an integral part of salvation. As many other members of the forum have said, this is a dead issue. Those that believe baptism is an important and necessary part of salvation also believe in what the bible teaches. Those that do not believe baptism is necessary for salvation would do well to re-examine "the whole counsel of God". |