RJ
Active
- Joined
- Jun 1, 2009
- Messages
- 4,080
First of all let me say that I know that there are individuals on TJ that believe in the necessity of water baptism and I am not here to criticize that belief. But I don’t believe in that and I am simply trying to engage anyone in an open discussion about it.
Here is how I feel:
Baptism by water whether sprinkling, full immersion or any other form can be a very rewarding and uplifting experience. It can be a beautiful way for a person to openly and outwardly express a very wonderful inward faith and love for Christ. I haven often, in fact, given some thought to doing it myself as witness to my belief in Christ.
But, after saying that, I do not believe it is a part or a requirement to be saved. A person who believes in water baptism as a prerequisite to eternal salvation is not living in truth.
With all respect, if you believe in this, you are living in a life of legalism and not by God’s Grace.
God abolished legalism when he abolished the old covenant. In the old covenant, man took a participatory role in his forgiveness, he had laws to keep and primarily he was required to participate in the annual “Day of Atonement”. Atonement was an annual requirement by God that was accomplished by man in his performance of rituals, sacrifices and sprinkling of blood. This covering of sin was only good until the next year’s atonement.
The very instant that Christ died, he ushered in the new covenant and took man completely out of the picture. Christ death and blood did not cover man’s sins, it took it away for ever.
Man no longer lives under the law (legalism), he lives under grace.
God says that Grace is free, it is a gift, and there is absolutely nothing you can do to receive it but just accept it. Grace is Christ and what he offers you. God says that you are saved through faith in Grace (this free gift) and by nothing you can do (works or deeds
Many want to quote Acts as their belief in water baptism. I am not a theologian but, ask one and they will tell you that Acts is a historical document and not meant to be taken as doctrine. Water baptism is an act that man must do in order for it to happen, this is living by the law and not through grace. Many can be saved during the act of water baptism if they happen to accept God’s gift during that ritual; the water itself has nothing to do with it. You can be completely saved any where any time, even in a shower.
Christ said the he does not baptize by water but by the Holy Spirit, the very result of man accepting God’s Grace!
Blessings to all and I hope I did'nt offend anyone.
Joe
Here is how I feel:
Baptism by water whether sprinkling, full immersion or any other form can be a very rewarding and uplifting experience. It can be a beautiful way for a person to openly and outwardly express a very wonderful inward faith and love for Christ. I haven often, in fact, given some thought to doing it myself as witness to my belief in Christ.
But, after saying that, I do not believe it is a part or a requirement to be saved. A person who believes in water baptism as a prerequisite to eternal salvation is not living in truth.
With all respect, if you believe in this, you are living in a life of legalism and not by God’s Grace.
God abolished legalism when he abolished the old covenant. In the old covenant, man took a participatory role in his forgiveness, he had laws to keep and primarily he was required to participate in the annual “Day of Atonement”. Atonement was an annual requirement by God that was accomplished by man in his performance of rituals, sacrifices and sprinkling of blood. This covering of sin was only good until the next year’s atonement.
The very instant that Christ died, he ushered in the new covenant and took man completely out of the picture. Christ death and blood did not cover man’s sins, it took it away for ever.
Man no longer lives under the law (legalism), he lives under grace.
God says that Grace is free, it is a gift, and there is absolutely nothing you can do to receive it but just accept it. Grace is Christ and what he offers you. God says that you are saved through faith in Grace (this free gift) and by nothing you can do (works or deeds
Many want to quote Acts as their belief in water baptism. I am not a theologian but, ask one and they will tell you that Acts is a historical document and not meant to be taken as doctrine. Water baptism is an act that man must do in order for it to happen, this is living by the law and not through grace. Many can be saved during the act of water baptism if they happen to accept God’s gift during that ritual; the water itself has nothing to do with it. You can be completely saved any where any time, even in a shower.
Christ said the he does not baptize by water but by the Holy Spirit, the very result of man accepting God’s Grace!
Blessings to all and I hope I did'nt offend anyone.
Joe
Last edited:
