Bible Question: Hi Cheri! Thank you for responding to my questions! You stated that water baptism is a form of works that shows your faith by obedience, for it was commanded by our Lord to be baptised. In response to your statement, are you suggesting that I get baptised, since it is the Lords command? I mean, wouldn't it be a sin if I don't, since the Lord commanded it? Thank you!!! |
Bible Answer: jesus1km, This is where the debate and confusion comes in and it shouldn't really. I John 3:19-24 says And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. 20 - For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our hearet, and knows all things. 21 - Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. 22 - And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 23 - And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Yeshua Messiah and love one another, as He gave us commandment. 24 - Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, bu the Spirit whom He has given us. If your heart is condemning you for not being baptized, then by all means do it for it is sin to you not to receive baptism. If your heart is not condemning you, then do it as an act of obedience (or don't do it, your salvation is not dependant upon it). My personal view is: in whatever deed I can do out of obedience to my Lord, I rejoice!! If in everything we do and say, we remember that we are the children of the King of the universe and when people see us they see our Father, then we will do our best to make sure everything we do and say will bring honor and not disgrace to His name. That is what "works" is. Just doing everything in His name to His glory and honor. Cheri |