Is Baptism necessary for Salvation?

[Carry_Your_Name]

So, you're implying that works save. Is that what you really want to teach? Doesn't "all" mean all? Shouldn't "all the nations" mean what it says, which would include everyone? Are there not Gentile followers of Christ? Since when does the word "Gentile" separate Gentile believers from Gentile non-believers? Does it not separate Jew from non-Jew?

If “all nations” include everyone, then who are the “brethren”? Illegal aliens? Homeless bums? I’ve heard this socialist message all the time that emphasizes and elevates philanthropic works, is that what you’re implying? Lord Jesus was clear in Matt. 12:48-50, “and he stretched out his hand toward his disciples and said, ‘here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.’ ” I “imply” as much as Lord Jesus himself did.

It really isn't tricky. The two parables show that not all who profess Christ belong to Christ and are known by him. This is all carryover from chapter 24 and Jesus answering his disciples' questions regarding signs of the end of the age and Christ's return, ending with the comparison of a "faithful and wise servant" to a "wicked servant." As, I stated, the five wise virgins are those true followers of Christ and the five foolish are those who merely profess to be followers but are not. This is also the same in the parable of the talents, with the "wicked and slothful" servant not being a true servant.

Except the first two address his servants, the last one addressed the NATIONS, on a much broader scale. The best example is Joshua 2, where Rahab the harlot harbored the two spies. When Jericho fell, she and her family were spared, and her name was listed in Jesus’s genealogy.

 

[Carry_Your_Name]

The rest of Matt 25 is about the final judgement and everyone will be there, not just Gentiles, not just unbelievers. The works that the sheep and goats did do not save them, but rather are proof of who is saved and who is not. Even Christians will be judged on how they treated fellow believers, that is not exclusive to unbelievers, nor to Gentiles only.

No, Christians are already judged in the previous two parables. If you’re so against work, then what are the investment of talents and the preparation of oil about? Are those “works”? And what sets “my brethren” apart from the sheep and goats? How are they not judged in this one?

 

[Dave...]

Not a lot of time. Jesus is called the second Adam. We wouldn't have needed Him if the first Adam didn't fail. One sin.

 

[Free]

If “all nations” include everyone, then who are the “brethren”?

It’s in my post.

I “imply” as much as Lord Jesus himself did.

I’ll ask again: do you really want to teach that works save, as your post implies?

Except the first two address his servants, the last one addressed the NATIONS, on a much broader scale. The best example is Joshua 2, where Rahab the harlot harbored the two spies. When Jericho fell, she and her family were spared, and her name was listed in Jesus’s genealogy.

I’ll ask these again as well:

Doesn't "all" mean all? Shouldn't "all the nations" mean what it says, which would include everyone? Are there not Gentile followers of Christ? Since when does the word "Gentile" separate Gentile believers from Gentile non-believers? Does it not separate Jew from non-Jew?

I should also ask, how are the Jews saved? Who are they in Matt 25:31-46?

Simple, straightforward answers to these simple questions are preferable. Discussion amongst Christians should be to pursue the truth and based on honesty and integrity, not evasion and avoidance.

No, Christians are already judged in the previous two parables.

There are non-Christians in those two parables, as I pointed out.

If you’re so against work, then what are the investment of talents and the preparation of oil about? Are those “works”?

Where did I say I was against works?

And what sets “my brethren” apart from the sheep and goats? How are they not judged in this one?

Who says they are set apart? Who are the sheep and who are the goats?