Is baptism essential unto salvation?

[Adino]

More Scripture to think about:

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10)

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (2Corinthians 5:18-19)

Do these passages teach a finished reconciliation at Calvary in the eyes of God?

Do these passages teach that God has committed to us the job of spreading the Good News of this reconciliation?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by Adino

More Scripture to think about:

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10)

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (2Corinthians 5:18-19)

Do these passages teach a finished reconciliation at Calvary in the eyes of God?

Do these passages teach that God has committed to us the job of spreading the Good News of this reconciliation?

Take into consideration that the church in Rome and the church in Corinth were already obedient to the Gospel, meaning they were already baptized (Romans 6:3; I Corinthians 1:13-16). All of the Epistles were written to obedient saints, therefore ever promise and exposition delivered to them only applies to obedient saints.

[Adino]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Take into consideration that the church in Rome and the church in Corinth were already obedient to the Gospel, meaning they were already baptized (Romans 6:3; I Corinthians 1:13-16). All of the Epistles were written to obedient saints, therefore ever promise and exposition delivered to them only applies to obedient saints.

Cannot leave without addressing this fallacy, Bro. If all Oneness preachers will from this moment on cease teaching their view of Acts 2:38 and John 3:5 to their already saved congregations then maybe this position would have more merit. There is a reason it continues to be taught. That reason is to safeguard the message.

There is no doubt the Gospel message permeates the epistles. In fact, it is delved into more deeply in the epistles than it is anywhere else in Scripture. This was done in order to ensure that is was safeguarded against extreme gnostic and/or pagan views trying to creep into the 1st century Church and corrupt its purity.

I'll give you the last word on this, because I want to address your thoughts on John 3:5.

[GrowingPains]

Originally Posted by Adino

Cannot leave without addressing this fallacy, Bro. If all Oneness preachers will from this moment on cease teaching their view of Acts 2:38 and John 3:5 to their already saved congregations then maybe this position would have more merit. There is a reason it continues to be taught. That reason is to safeguard the message.
There is no doubt the Gospel message permeates the epistles. In fact, it is delved into more deeply in the epistles than it is anywhere else in Scripture. This was done in order to ensure that is was safeguarded against extreme gnostic and/or pagan views trying to creep into the 1st century Church and corrupt its purity.

I'll give you the last word on this, because I want to address your thoughts on John 3:5.

The same reason your kind of church emphasizes over and over again its own message. Nothing is wrong with this. Why would we cease teaching one of the most powerful messages? I'm not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ...

[Adino]

Originally Posted by GrowingPains

The same reason your kind of church emphasizes over and over again its own message. Nothing is wrong with this. Why would we cease teaching one of the most powerful messages? I'm not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ...

Neither was Paul, which is why the Gospel message of salvation permeates his writings..... this was my point. I'm a little surprised you missed it, Bro.

[GrowingPains]

Originally Posted by Adino

More Scripture to think about:

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:10)

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (2Corinthians 5:18-19)

Do these passages teach a finished reconciliation at Calvary in the eyes of God?

Do these passages teach that God has committed to us the job of spreading the Good News of this reconciliation?

To form a doctrine on a subject, all scriptures on that subject should be first considered so that there is harmony.

Answering your question: YES! We all believe in that reconciliation... or I would assume most on this forum do.

(Sorry, just now catching up to these posts)