Fastfredy0
2024 Supporter
AgreedIt seems to me that you would choose a fourth option: that baptism doesn't save.
The purpose of the book of John 20:30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. Eternal life in Christ is the purpose of the book, yet baptism is never mentioned. It is impossible to contend that God’s purpose of the book is incomplete.However, that notion is contrary to scripture (1 Peter 3:20-21, Acts 2:38-39, Romans 6:1-4, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:12, Ezekiel 36:25-27, etc.)
- 1 Peter 3:21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, [the verse is confusing in regard to baptism being ritual or spiritual]
- Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Many scholars feel the translation is better rendered as: “Repent, and be baptized everyone of you, [believing] upon the name of Jesus Christ into the remissions of sins”.
- Romans 6:1-4 ... this doesn't refer to water baptism. Baptism means "to be associated with" so when it says "baptized into His death?" is means "associated with His death" which is part of what it means to be IN CHRIST
- Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:12 ... same as Romans 6:1-4 (FYI ... not all uses of the word Baptism refer to water baptism. There is 8 different types of baptism in the Bible that I am aware of)
- baptism is not mentioned when the Mark 16:16 is repeated in the negative form.
- There is no evidence in the passage to show that the baptism referred to in Mark 16 is ritual (with water), rather than by the Spirit.
- Mark 16:9-20 are not included in some older manuscripts so their inclusion in scripture is questionable. Mark 16:16 Whoever believes [Human requirement per the efficacious call of the Spirit] and is baptized [divine miracle] will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Stated from the negative side baptism is omitted as being unnecessary; for he that disbelieves cannot be baptized. If this verse is about water baptism he can be baptized; but if it is the baptism of the Spirit, he cannot.
- Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, both men and women. [Belief precedes baptism]
- Acts 10:44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word [the Holy Spirit only indwells in the saved]. 45 And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God [further evidence of salvation]. Then Peter declared, 47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people [evidence that these new believers were not baptized; yet they were saved], who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. Notice in these verses they had already received the Holy Spirit before they were baptized in water.
- Acts 22:16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ The verse, written by joining the imperatives and participle should read: “Arising, be baptized; wash away your sins, calling on the Lord.”
- Paul before his baptism had received the Lord Jesus and his eyes had been opened and the Holy Ghost given. Acts 9:18. Cornelius and his house also received the Holy Ghost and spake with tongues before their baptism. Acts 10:44-48. The Jailer at Philippi manifestly believed before he was baptized. Baptism without antecedent faith was treated as invalid in certain disciples at Ephesus. Acts 19:1-5.