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Is Water Baptism Essential for Salvation?
Jesus had no sin, yet He was baptized to "fulfill all righteousness". When we are baptized, (submerged, not sprinkled) it is a symbol of dying, being buried and resurrected into Christ. When Paul came to Corinth and learned that the believers there had received John's baptism, but knew nothing of The Baptism in Christ, He carried it out straight away and THEN (afterward) He laid hands on them for them to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Disciples were baptized before Pentecost. Which some believers think they receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit upon saying a sinner's prayer, which isn't so. The evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is being endued with power to perform the works of the Spirit. Most it is recorded have evidence in receiving their new prayer language (tongues), while others such as in the verse below received not only their prayer language (tongues) but began prophesying right away also. Many churches today will not even preach or teach, nor do they believe in the Spiritual gifts, so what we have are those that have a form of "godliness" but deny the power thereof. They can do no mighty works, because of unbelief.
But yes, I believe Jesus is fully talking about water Baptism, it is if you just think of the mechanics of it, as being born again. You come up out of the water a different person then when you went in, and if you didn't, it may be because you thought it was an outward sign to others, and received nothing of it for yourself. Some people want to ask, and I see no reason to ask if water Baptism is necessary for salvation? My question would be, why do you ask? Do you have a reason you don't want to be Baptised? If so, I would say better check that first! The Lord is God. I am sick of people bringing up rare scenarios to try to justify their stance. I am sure if a person is unable, such as the thief on the cross, or a bedbound person, the just God we serve is not a legalist, and judges the heart, not the outward appearance. A person can want to, but be unable physically to do so. God knows the difference between unable and unwilling. If an able bodied person chooses not to, is blaze` or indifferent regarding it, I would have to wonder about their spiritual condition and their sincerity toward Christ, since Jesus surely didn't have to do it, but He did to "fulfill all righteousness." So, God who looks on the heart would be judging that situation, and looking on the heart. What is the resistance all about? Acts 19:1-7 "And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve." It was ordered by Jesus to the Disciples, to "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations; baptize them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit;" Matthew 28:19 While He was with them and then after the Apostles received the power of the Holy Spirit, Peter said, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38 Which Paul demonstrated that the Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ was followed by a laying on of hands at which time those he was ministering to received the baptism of Holy Ghost and power. Rather than argue whether or not water Baptism is necessary for salvation, we should be asking ourselves why was it necessary for Paul to have the men participate in a Baptism of Christ, and why was it so important that they did it straight away, no time wasted? Why? My guess would be to "fulfill all righteousness". An act of sanctification unto the Lord. Apparently it is important and should not be taken lightly or easily dismissed. By example of how important the Apostles regarded it, it should be done by all who are able and all who are able should be willing. | |||
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