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Originally Posted by CliffS
To say that baptism must be done in a certian manner is to say that it in some way is essential to salvation.
I believe there is way too much emphasis placed on baptism in the church today.
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Baptism is essential to salvation. Jesus says in no uncertain terms that you MUST be born again of water and spirit or you dont get to the final destination.
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Originally Posted by CliffS
As I see it the only way to be properly baptized is sincerly and truthfuly commiting oneself to Christ. If one isn't doing that then it makes no differance as to how it is performed or if in fact it is performed.
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But thats saying that God's grace is dependent on us. He doesnt need our permission to act. There is two sides to grace. Ex opere operato which is God's grace acts in and of itself or by the very act, and ex opere operatis which is our ability to utilize the grace given. However, it must always act ex opere operato for us to be able to use it ex opere operatis.
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Originally Posted by CliffS
The realy eternily important baptism is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. And that is a gift from God.
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Well, grace in general is a gift of God. But Jesus again does say "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." (John 3:5)
I would say that both are eternally important, and thats not just my opinion, but seems to be Jesus' opinion as well. Its more than a sign or simple act of obedience. Its a change of state from the old man to the new. A regeneration.