Subject: Is baptism a work? |
Bible Note: Charis: Great answer! I too believe that the Holy Spirit enters you upon Baptism. The contrast is those that say Baptism is an "optional" item. If it is optional, when does the Holy Spirit enter you? Is at the very last syllable of the "Praying Jesus into your heart"? (of which I don't beieve) The last breath? I simply don't believe my Lord would be so nebulous on such an important topic. Paul had everyone he converted baptized - the jailer and his family were baptized in the middle of the night. Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit." Jn 3:5 Kind of says it all. Furthermore, from MY(emphasis on "my", we each need to study the Bible ourselves and not take other people's opinions of it as absolute truth) personal study of the Bible I believe three things are required for salvation: 1) Declare Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior; 2) Repent of your sins; and 3) be baptized in His name. The last words of Jesus before ascending to Earth were clear, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," Mt 28:19. For those wanting to know the tenets of Christianity 101 - my Lord made it very simple, very clear on what my duty is as a follower, as a disciple. Yours in Christ, Don |