Quote:
Originally Posted by Jason Badejo
Baptism is VERY important. If someone refuses baptism there is a very good chance (line 99% IMO) that they have not truly repented and have a counterfeit faith.
Baptism is so closely linked to conversion in the NT that a very strong case can be made for the absolute necessity of water baptism (such as Church of Christ and Oneness Pentecostals believe). But I do believe that saying baptism is necessary (is the moment of salvation) is problematic and doesn't fit with the truth if justification by faith, nor the many cases where Jesus obviously forgave people based on belief (and yes I know that was before the cross, I'm more than willing to discuss), or the fact that salvation has always been by faith (As Romans 4, Gen 15:6, and Hebrews 11 demonstrate).
But scriptures such as Acts 2:38, 22:16, Mark 16:16, and 1 Peter 3:21 can be strung together to make a strong argument. I grant that...I'm just not convinced they are to be understood in the baptismal regeneration sense.
As for tongues.... |
Ok here is my point. If one step believers think one is saved by faith alone and they don't see as we do, that faith is like a vehicle driving you through a journey to your final destination:
Do you think that CONFESSION is adding works to faith? After all Paul says if we BELIEVE in our heart and CONFESS with our mouth the Lord Jesus we shall be saved.
So isn't this the same principal as when Christ says he who believes and is BAPTIZED shall be saved?
Does not confession ADD to faith in your belief?
How about repentance? If we are saved by faith ONLY apart from doing anything why must we REPENT?
Paul told the Philippian jailer "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved".
Evangelicals use this all the time. Just believe!
And they cant see that according to their own doctrine THEY are adding to the "finished work of Christ" by adding (at least some of them) confession, calling on the name, and repenting.
Altho there is scripture for all these things they say they are preaching salvation by faith alone. Well we do the exact same thing when we teach baptism
in water and the Holy Spirit baptism as essential.
See where Im coming from? If being saved by faith rules out the essentiality of baptism why not rule out confession with the mouth? Having to repent? Having to CALL on the name?
Why are these not considered works?
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