Quote:
Originally Posted by TGBTG
Acts 10:43
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Also, consider what Peter said again:
Acts 15
7And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Their hearts were already purified by God even before they were baptized.
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I agree with all your points, but baptism was still demanded, and without it I think they would be lost if they refused it. Abraham was deemed righteous before circumcision, but do you think God would have done that had God seen his heart would refuse circumcision when it was required of him?
Baptism is a SIGNATURE on a contract, so to speak. God's seal is the Holy Ghost. Ours is baptism. It is part of cutting the covenant.