The Cross of Christ Alone Can Save

[Jeffrey]

Originally Posted by mfblume

Brethren, explain these passages:

Mark 16:16 KJV He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

The repeated phrase omits and integral part of salvation. It is known that baptism is an act that joins hands with believing faith. It is part of the picture almost. Thus, it is often said in such context (including Acts 2:38)

Colossians 2:11-12 KJV In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: (12) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
What does Paul say in Romans about circumcision -- particularly as it related to Abraham, and what we have in common with Abram? Romans 4. This scripture clearly draws a picture of Paul's picturesque analogy of "being in Christ." Both burial (going down in water) and resurrection (coming up from water) are seen here. None of which are systematic as a theological vice as much as they are a great demonstration of what is happening. Neither do I believe baptism to be "purely symbolic" as some on here do.


Acts 22:16 KJV And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

"washing away sins" is not done by baptism.... we know this. If one asks he will forgive. By our faith in God we are seen justified, meaning we are pardoned ("washed") of our record of wrong -- and the second part of justification is reconciliation of relationship. Again, we limit Paul to literal speech, turning his every expression into a systematic theology, which it is not. We see here another picture of the life coming to Christ -- they are always baptized -- and what one pictures is someone stepping away from the past and "into Christ." Neither is confession the "way in."

Romans 6:3-4 KJV Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Doug Moo's thoughts/comments on this passage are incredible. Encourage you to read them. Paul is explaining a concept to Jews, using things Jews would understand. Again, he often uses baptism as being the most visible manifestation of what has happened. I say it again though that I don't believe it's "just symbolism" but that in baptism is a real awareness and presence of Jesus. It's a statement not just in flesh to others, but also in Spirit. But it's not the "way in."


1 Peter 3:21 KJV The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

This verse has been treated with worthy commentary often on AFF.


Good for starters.

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