Holiness, The Cement Of Christianity.

[Curtis]

Water Baptism has nothing to do with receiving eternal life, but it has every to do with having a clear "conscience". When a person receives Jesus Christ as their savior by confession him to be, they are immediately "baptized" by one Spirit into one body. (1 Cor 12:13) Water Baptism comes later after this has happened.

1Pe 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
1Pe 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Water Baptism does not give eternal life, it only "clears our conscience" of knowing we did what was commanded of us.

 

[Chopper]

Praise God! It appears, you were truly "Born Again" the second time, or the second time you finally realized who was in you!. I had been in a church, raised my kids there, for 30 years, I received the Holy Spirit 11 years ago....never will forget it and when Satin tries to creep in, I just go back to that day I first believed and he goes away! I like to say in my spiritual life there was BC and AC, Before Christ and After Christ. BC, I knew of God and Jesus, now AC, I know God and I know Christ! Glad you are here!:thumbsup:

Thank you my friend. I believe that you and I will have lots to share here in this Forum. Praise Jesus for His unspeakable gift of the Holy Spirit.

 

[Chopper]

I'm definitely interested to hear the explanation myself, but thought i would add my 2 cents. I think that water baptism is important, because it is a sign of obedience to God, His ways, commands and His Word. And when we obey God in all ways, it pleases Him and shows Him that we have a willing heart and attitude. Thus we are teachable and open to anything He desires for us to do.
Thanks for letting me share!

As always Cturtle, you say wisest things. That is exactly what water baptism is all about. I'll comment further on other benefits a little later.