ltwin;12084703
Only history and human nature proves this conclusion false.
Huh? You mean someone who disbelieves and thinks the gospel is all baloney will go ahead and get baptized anyway? One would think they would walk away shaking their heads.
Therefore, this remark about history and human nature doesn’t make sense.
Except that it does. Water, by its very nature, when you are in it, will wash you whether you like it or not.
Scripture is quite clear that salvation is a matter of the heart by the Spirit. Physical means, such as circumcision and water baptism, are signs but they do not replace what occurs inwardly.
Salvation is of course a matter of the Spirit. As far as circumcision, nothing occurs inwardly with circumcision. But not so with baptism. It is a physical sign that something is occurring inwardly as well. That’s why Peter says baptism saves you now. With baptism, you know you are being changed inwardly. You don’t have to depend upon subjective feelings, such as a “burning in the bosom.” Not so much now, but back in Jesus’ day, the people expected spiritual benefits to accompany physical rites, such as baptism. The Jews used water for purification purposes, so they would not be surprised, but would expect, that a ceremonial washing by water would be the means one would be purified of their sins. All of course by means of the resurrection and the Spirit.
Indeed, baptism does not replace what occurs inwardly…it causes what occurs inwardly, with the Spirit. “…water and the Spirit.”
However, as I said before, if one dies before baptism, but with the intent to have his sins washed away by baptism, I’m sure God will count his faith as righteousness. Which means you are right in a fashion.
I’m sorry, I find it abhorrent that Catholics would defend coerced baptism and then say “well he’s still clean, water does that.” No, I’m sorry Christ did not come and die on a cross so I could jump in water out of fear for my life, livelihood and social status and then be declared free from original sin and a disciple of Christ.
I don’t know of Catholics who defend coerced baptism. And do I detect a hint of sarcasm in your remarks?
And yes, Jesus died on a cross so we could be washed free of our sins. The Blood of Christ is applied through baptism.
Christ died because he loved me, and he wanted me to be free. For freedom we have been freed. Christ died so that he could possess me body, soul and spirit. He died so that I could become a temple of the Holy Spirit; the very dwelling place of God.
His Spirit and his bride cry “come”, calling me to total consecration, complete surrender and the laying down of my life. This is a holy thing; a weighty thing. It’s not something to be treated lightly.
All true! Well said.
To treat baptism of insincere people like it does that grieves me and I believe it grieves the Holy Spirit
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“To treat baptism of insincere people…” I don’t understand this remark. Of course insincere people should not be baptized–no one is saying that they should be. However, God knows who is insincere, and I imagine it does grieve the Holy Spirit.
I have seen enough forms and fashions in my time in the church. I don’t want forms and fashion. I want what is real. No thank you.
I don’t follow what is meant by forms and fashions, but I don’t blame you for not wanting forms and fashions, and I want what is real also. And what is more real than baptism? With baptism you have the reality.