Subject: Is baptism a work? |
Bible Note: If your statement in reference to my screen name was not intended as a barb, I will cast my feelings aside. Thank you. John Piper seems to be an intelligent man. What he says is very sobering and should be understood by all. The fact of the matter is that some people take a certain group of scripture and use it to defend their belief, others take another group of scripture and use it to defend their belief. What should be taking place is the first group should merge with the second and the all of the scripture studied and application made. All examples of conversion or discussion that includes performance of or references to baptism (water baptism into Christ), respectively, were recorded for a reason. Some say that it is what a person already saved does as an outward sign of their salvation. Some say it must be performed in order to be saved. Only one is correct. Which one does the bible support? Passages used to support the idea that baptism is not necessary speak nothing of baptism so how can they be used to refute it. On the other hand, passages that speak of baptism either relate it to forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38, 22:16), coming in contact with Christ (Rom 6:4, Col 2:12), or as an act of obedience unto salvation (1 Pet 3:21). Baptism is no more a work than hearing the word of God, believing the word of God, repenting of sins, and confessing Christ before men are. But this is where many in the religious world stop. It doesn't stop until we come in contact with the death of Christ and we do that through baptism (again, Rom 6:4, Col 2:12). If you choose not to accept the entire teaching of the bible that is up to you. There is just too much supporting evidence in the bible in favor of baptism being necessary to obey and please God to honestly deny it. |