The place of Baptism

[MrSealedEternal]

The concept of baptismal regeneration is the idea that baptism is a

[justme7]

the way i have come to understand baptism is that it is not only an outward sign but also an act of obedience.

the baptism itself is to signify one's dying to self and being raised again in CHRIST, just as HE died and was raised again.

i completely agree with Other One, that if baptism had the power of forgiveness CHRIST would have died in vain. it is my belief that there is no healing or forgiving power in any water on earth but in CHRIST alone.

as believers we want to be baptized, but i do not think that if one cannot be (ie. confesses CHRIST on their death bed) that they have lost the possibility of salvation. the theif on the cross is a great example.

all and any salvation is found in JESUS CHRIST alone.

amber

[Homosearching]

My question to all of you who have reply to this question If it was not important why did God but it in the bible and why did the Apostles Baptize everywhere they when. I read A lot of opinions saying that baptism is an outward sign but no scriptures to back it up. Even one quoted Act 10 where they said can we forbid water. Why would they say that if it was not nessary. It seems obvious that in that account they were expressing a need to be baptized.

Also didn't Christ rebuke the Pharisee because they did things to be seen of men. Matthew 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

If baptism was just a outward sign isn't that going against what Christ is teaching us here that we don't want our Christian life to be just something that men see. Again why would Christ command it and the Apostle teach it everywhere they went if it was not nessary for salvation?

[deadman1204]

Salvation cannot be dependant upon baptism, because that means we have power over ones salvation.

John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

John 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

There is nothing in here about the actions of man saving a person. It is only belief on Christ that saves.

[deadman1204]

right, if you love him you will keep his commandments. However, your quote from mark is miss-interpreted. The verse is speaking about faith. If you BELEIVE and are baptised you will be saved. However, if you do not BELIEVE your damned. He does not say if you are not baptised your damned. You cannot even make this inferance.

This is doubly wrong because that means all christians are dependant upon other humans for thier salvation since you cannot baptised yourself. Is there anything in the bible that would back up your salvation being dependant upon another human? It totally removes the power of salvation from Jesus and places it in the sinful hands of man. This gives man POWER OVER GOD. Which is herasy straight up. God is not and cannot be dependant upon the choices/whims of others, muchless sinful evil hearted creatures.

*edit - typos

Edited January 4, 2006 by deadman1204

[Guest LDStudent]

It does not save, but if we are not baptized we are not saved.

[deadman1204]

If you don't beleve, your damned. It DOES NOT say if your not baptised your damned.

Perfect example to prove this - the theif on the cross. He was not baptised, but he was saved. Or what about everyone who died before Christ. Does that mean abraham, issac, jacob, heck all of isreal was not saved?

The requirements for salvation have never changed. Abraham was justified by faith, just as we are.

The availability of water is the most rediculous requirement for salvation man has ever created.

Edited January 12, 2006 by deadman1204

[deadman1204]

you misread me card.

I never said baptism was a bad idea, or that we shouldnt want it. We are commanded to be baptised after all. But baptism in and of itself does not save anyone. It is usually a result of someone being saved.