Baptism: Essential or Not

[A.W. Bowman]

Originally Posted by TGBTG

What meanest thou?

See Post # 31. The elevation of the Holy Ghost above its intended position.

I apologize to the long delay in responding – I thought I was finished with this thread.

The Spirit is given for a purpose, to serve the children of God that they might fulfill God's design and purpose in our lives and to labor within the kingdom of God. For the most part, we look to the Spirit as a source of fulfilling our personal desires and needs, but that is a secondary task of the Holy Spirit. The primary task is to provide us with spiritual insight into the word of God and to provide God’s witness to our testimony concerning the gospel. (Mark 16:17-18 & Hebrews 2)

In too many worship services, we are looking for the ‘feel’ of the Holy Ghost (goose bumps), the blessings of the Holy Ghost (deliverance from problems), the power of the Holy Ghost (healing), the signs of the Holy Ghost, (speaking in tongues & interpretation), etc. etc. In these kinds of services when the name of Jesus is invoked, it is generally as an addendum to a prayer. Even when the Spirit is manifested, it is the Spirit that is often times worshiped, not the one He is there to represent and was sent to remind us of whom we are to focus our attention worship upon. See John 15:26 & 16:12-16.

We are to imitate Jesus, i.e., to take on (and to keep) the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5 & 1 Peter 4:1). We are to become living epistles (1 Corinthians 1:10 & 2 Corinthians 3:3) of the word of God, and to conform ourselves to the likeness of Jesus (Ephesians 5:1, followers, i.e. imitators of). In many services we seek the ‘gift of the Holy Ghost’ (the experience of) and fail to transform that experience into kingdom service.

Even in our prayers, we generally call upon the name of the Father, the Lord, God, Jesus, or the Holy Ghost, to heal, deliver and to bless us and others. We tack on the phrase “In the name of Jesus.” not understanding what that prayer signature actually means or the authority it carries when used according to scripture. We need to move from asking Jesus to do what He has instructed us to do – in His name (authority) - and to perform those tasks according to the power provided to us via the Holy Spirit of God, so that we might exercise the authority that has been given to us (John 14:8-21).

Without the Spirit of God we have no power (Acts 1:8). But, let us not worship the power or even its method of delivery, but its originator - Jesus.

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Note to readers: It is imperative that the content of the scriptural references provided be read and understood within their larger context.

[OneAccord]

Great post, Deac. I know of an instance of a man who had repented, asked to be baptized, only to be put off until the following Sunday. He was killed in a car accident on the Friday or Saturday before he was baptized. So, my question is this: If he is lost for all of eternity, who will be held accounbtable for his soul? The man himself? Or the preacher that failed to act immediately?

I was told on this very forum by a preacher (who is no longer here) that babies that die in infancy will go to hell because they were not batized. I then asked about unborn babies that die as a result of abortions. Still waiting on that answer, though its been a couple of years.

Sometimes I think the Lord should have given us one more Fruit of the Spirit. Or a another Gift of the Sprit. And I think it should be called COMMON SENSE. I know I could use a double portion of that one!

[OneAccord]

And, note to the above: Yes, I believe baptism is essential. Not to get saved, but, because we are saved. We, IMO, are saved when the Lord forgives our sins, which, again IMO, happens when we repent of those sins.

[BeenThinkin]

Originally Posted by OneAccord

And, note to the above: Yes, I believe baptism is essential. Not to get saved, but, because we are saved. We, IMO, are saved when the Lord forgives our sins, which, again IMO, happens when we repent of those sins.

Right on!

Been Thinkin

[Michael The Disciple]

I was not given my beliefs by a UPC Pastor. I was a Charismatic who started out in the Jesus Movement of the 70's. While yet involved in such groups I came through study of scripture to see that water baptism is essential to salvation.

What could be more simple.

He that believes AND IS BAPTIZED shall be saved. He who believes not shall be damned.
Baptism is part of believing.

The Protestant/Evangelical version is the opposite.

He who believes AND IS SAVED should be baptized....

See the difference?

The words of Jesus convinced me to believe what I believe. Not mens words. I was happy to recieve truth and depart from Protestant Evangelical error.

[CC1]

I think 3 steppers look at one steppers as believing baptism is unnecessary while in reality most one steppers view baptism as something very important but something that is a sacrament every believe should want to do as part of following Christ, not something they do as a requirement of salvation.

My one step pastor has preached the importance, beauty, and significance of taking on Christ in water baptism as a symbol of being buried with him, identified with him, etc.

[Sarah]

Originally Posted by CC1

I think 3 steppers look at one steppers as believing baptism is unnecessary while in reality most one steppers view baptism as something very important but something that is a sacrament every believe should want to do as part of following Christ, not something they do as a requirement of salvation.

My one step pastor has preached the importance, beauty, and significance of taking on Christ in water baptism as a symbol of being buried with him, identified with him, etc.

Actually, CC1, Rom 6:4 says we are buried with Him BY baptism. Don't say anything about it being just a 'symbol'.

[Falla39]

Originally Posted by Sarah

Actually, CC1, Rom 6:4 says we are buried with Him BY baptism. Don't say anything about it being just a 'symbol'.

Also Gal. 3:27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by Sarah

Actually, CC1, Rom 6:4 says we are buried with Him BY baptism. Don't say anything about it being just a 'symbol'.

Do you think we are literally buried?

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Socialite

Do you think we are literally buried?

Symbolic

Romans 6:4 (The Message)

3-5 That's what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we're going in our new grace-sovereign country.