David Miller wrote: >> Baptism is not magical and not everyone who is baptized >> experiences salvation. Faith in Christ is the proper >> focus, and baptism is a powerful way in which a new >> convert can express saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Judy wrote: > So you agree then - that baptism will not save us? Have you ever known anyone to profess faith in Christ and then later turned away from Christ and went the way of the world? Would you then conclude from that observation that faith will not save us? I wouldn't. I agree with Peter that baptism saves us. Why would you or anyone else disagree with Peter and the Holy Scriptures? I certainly agree with you that the act of being immersed in water alone does not save anybody. However, baptism is not just immersion in water. We understand that faith should be present when a person enters the purifying waters of baptism. We understand that this faith comes from hearing the Word of God. Therefore, we need the preaching of the gospel, the hearing of God's Word, the drawing of the Spirit, and the response of a repentant heart. This all is brought to fruition in water baptism when the new convert professes his faith in Christ by being baptized. This is the Scriptural order. Those who relegate baptism to an outward symbol of an inward experience that has already happened are not following the Scriptural model. They are following their own Protestant theology which is based upon a reaction against Roman Catholicism and its inappropriate focus upon baptism without faith in bringing about salvation. How many people who believe like you do would ever preach the gospel as: "Repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins"? How many do you know who would instruct someone coming to new faith in Christ, "arise and be baptized and wash away your sins"? If they are not speaking in this way, then I suggest you consider that their theology is goofed up. Peace be with you. David Miller, Beverly Hills, Florida. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
