He absolutely did. Just because he didn't baptize every single person himself doesn't mean he didn't follow it. We have reached out to many people and when it comes time for their confession, there is somebody else that they are closer to and want them to baptise them. That does not mean that we aren't following Jesus' commands. I guess what I don't understand is- if my Lord and Savior is willing to lay down his life for my sins, who am I to say that I don't have/ want to do what He says? Is it really asking too much? This is not some man made rule, this comes straight from the word of God.
The command says to make disciples and baptize. Period. That's all the command says. So if he only made disciples (which, btw, if salvation was dependent on baptism, how did he even make the disciples?) then he was only doing half of his job. I'm not saying that it is asking too much. I'm not saying that it's not important. I'm not saying that at all. All I'm saying is that if a person gets "saved" tomorrow, but their church doesn't hold a baptism until next year some time (our church does one a year), then are they going to hell if they die before then? Heck no! I've been baptized three times, does that make me more saved? no. And if you are not in the "once-saved-always-saved" camp (if you are, this is irrelevant), do you get baptized every time you make a new confession of faith? I mean, if you don't, you're not saved? Maybe this is one of those things that we'll have to agree to disagree on. I Believe the Bible, personally, and Romans 10:9-10 is pretty clear about how one attains salvation. And there's no mention of baptism....
Then she is actually contradicting herself in a way. Jesus did MANY things and he was perfect, so if we are to do like Jesus did but don't, does that mean if we aren't perfect we will go to hell??? Then why did he die then if God isn't really going to fullfill His promise? Satan better have a lot of room then because that means we will ALL be going there then. Does this make sense? Yes we should do as Jesus did and follow his examples and because of that I think Baptism is imporant, but his death was even MORE important, IMO. You don't obtain your salvation through Baptism, but it is imporant, just like loving thy neighbors is important.
Yeah! AMEN! I agree with this and I LOVE the scriptureal support to your answer! We are baptised to show that we believe... When I got baptised it was a big testimony to my own father, he started seeking after that! That Public Display of belief in Christ is our testifying what we believe. I do believe we should get baptised because there are scriptures that tell us to, but the Word states that we need to "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ" to be saved.
Yes, I believe we SHOULD be baptized (by immersion), but I do not think the act of baptism saves us. Amie's quote from Romans 10 is a great scripture reference. There is nothing magical in the water. Baptism is an act of obedience- a public profession of our faith. I have a good friend who is a member of a church that believes is the whole body isn't submerged, you aren't saved-no matter what the circumstances. They recently baptized someone who's hand didn't go completely under the water (she was holding her nose), and some (not all) members of the church thought she was not saved. I view that kind of thinking as legalistic.
It does not, nor did I say that. I am not going to argue this point. Look at the examples in the bible. They didn't have baptism ceremonies. They did it when they realized they needed to. As for the heart, only God determines- not us. No, I'm not in that camp. Repentance is different from salvation. As do I, and I don't appreciate the insinuation. I have not quoted anything other than scripture. Not man's interpretation of scripture. As for Romans, I completely agree. Confession is part of salvation. However, these scriptures were not addressing that. They were addressing the Jews who did not believe Jesus was the Christ.
Wow. Well, baptism has nothing to do with being saved. I wish I could go further into this but I don't have the time right now. However, I do think many have answered very well. I just happen to have a discipleship lesson on baptism that gives tons of scripture, so I would share that if I wasn't leavning for a doctor's appointment in a few minutes. Maybe I will share the verses when I get back. Ok...I am confused which verse in Romans was talking to the Jews? Romans was written for the gentiles and it is where we get the basis of our doctrine. Maybe I am misunderstanding something...sorry...I will admit I just breezed through this thread. Maybe I should shut up until I have more time. LOL.
You're right Ava, I was rushing through too. Go to 9:30. His desire for the israelites to kow Christ as well as God. God wants all of us. I'm not disputing believing or confessing your belief. But how do you balance Romans 10 with Romans 6:1-4? Did he change his mind? I don't think so. It needs to be read in its entirety, not just pull verses here and there. What about Galations 3:26? In both Romans and Galations he says "all of us/you." He says it for a reason.
No mention of Baptism. No mention of Baptism. Roman 6:1-4 talks about having a new life. It does not mention salvation. And it also may very well not be talking about water baptism, rather a spiritual baptism (the baptism into Christ). Again, agree to disagree or keep beating a dead horse. I'm not going to change your mind and you're not going to change mine.
Isn't that what salvation is? Becoming a new creation? One last thought. If I tell my children to "clean their rooms: sweep the floor, make the bed, and pick up toys" one day and only "clean their rooms" the next, does that mean that they don't have to sweep or make beds only pick up toys the second day? Which is being obedient?
I'm not a Bible scholar by any means and you ladies have come up with a lot of persuasive arguments. But I think when you are talking regarding scriptures you have to take ALL scripture into account. Not just the verses that support your point. I don't think the Bible is intended for each verse to be read in isolation but as a set of instructions for our entire lives. And certainly in the Bible there is the instruction to be baptized and supported by the perfect example of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Anything Christ has done is good enough for me. He is my role model and I try to do as HE would do. However I believe that God is a just and merciful God. If a righteous person who believes in Christ and has led a good life dies without being baptized a loving God will not send that person to Hell. I can't even wrap my mind around people thinking that babies who are not baptized will go to Hell. It's contrary to all I believe about God. Amy
Thank you all for helping me. I AM going to be baptised and I can't wait! I still don't believe that I will go to hell but NOW believe that it is something I should do. Still scared of the water though. LOL.
I think that's the best way to look at it. You won't go to hell for NOT being baptized, but it IS something very strongly encouraged (some would even say "commanded") in the New Testament. So it is something that one SHOULD do if it is at all possible. Nothing to be scared of! The pastor will walk you through it, step by step! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
This has been an interesting thread!! I think we all agree that you don't 'have' to be baptized to get into heaven but that it's a public profession.
My question is why is it a question? Jesus had no reason to repent and be baptized other than to please God. I was not baptized to get into heaven, or because my religion required it. I was baptized because it is my desire to please God.
Wow. I really enjoyed reading all of these posts. I am not able to quote scripture like that. My thoughts are that baptism is not a requirement for salvation but an outward profession only. I was raised Lutheran but do not attend a Lutheran church anymore. I personally do not believe in baptising babies. I believe that it is a personal decision that should not be made by someone else for me. I was baptised as a baby and my parents have constantly pressured me to have Grace baptised. They don't understand why I won't even though I have tried to explain. They think if she died tomorrow she'd go to hell. I think that is absurd. But they are old fashioned and refuse to even attempt to understand anything but what they have been taught by the Lutheran church all their lives.
Baptism is the first act of obedience once you are saved, so congradulations, mommix3! I am so happy for you. Until I got baptized, I honestly felt like something was just not complete. I was saved....but I felt like something was missing. It is an important thing to do and I am thrilled you are doing it.
