Quote:
Originally Posted by pelathais
I wasn't saying that either "baptism" nor "repentance" were ambiguous. What's "ambiguous" is the prepositional phrase, "for the remission of sins."
Does this prepositional phrase modify "baptism" or "repentance?" In the end, for the obedient and sincere believer it really is a moot point. We repent and we are baptized. Our sins are remitted.
However, the UPC's "official" documents have always said that "remission of sins" comes at "Repentance and Conversion" and not at baptism. "Water baptism for the remission of sins" at least appears to have been a minority view amongst the brethren early on.
As time went by, there has been an increasing move toward making the prepositional phrase modify "baptism." This is probably the majority opinion now and, I think, represents what you've heard preached. Historically, it does represent a change. So, before guys like OPII "send everyone else to hell" - it would be wise for them to stop and read the actual documents of the org he names.
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Sorry for the delayed response. I'm having trouble with my Internet provider or my phone line. I'll have to call them again on Monday. Very aggravating.
I'll have to think about what you typed in bold. I have to listen to John preaching a "baptism of repentance" and think about that. They appear to be tied up together. I, obviously, don't know everything, but this seems important as there doesn't seem to be any disconnect with repentance and baptism for the remission of sins as preached in Acts.
My loyalties are only tied up with God and His Word. Been a lot of places, seen a lot of faces, you know how that plays out in the end.