Ja 3:1 Be not many of you teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment.
Mth 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.
Luke 6:46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
John 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day
If you are not including baptism (immersion) in your plan of salvation, then it falls mighty short of God's plan of salvation as put forth in his word. Please remember we are dealing with people’s souls here! Please review this letter, search the scriptures, and see if these things are not so. Hearing, believing, repenting, and confessing are most assuredly needed, but, you must culminate the process by being immersed (baptized) as the following verses CLEARLY show:
Matt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost:
Acts 2:38,41 Then Peter said unto them, repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 41)Then they that gladly received his word were baptized.
Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
See Also: Mark 16:15,16 / Acts 8:35-38, 9:18,10:48a / 1 Cor 12:13 / Gal 3:27 / 1Peter 3:20-21
Baptism is the pinnacle of our faith. After hearing the Gospel, believing it, repenting of our sins, confessing Jesus as the Son of God, it is in baptism that we contact the blood of our Savior and our sins are washed away!
There is NO sinner’s prayer in the Bible! We are baptized into Christ. This is biblical.
Baptism takes us through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. PLEASE NOTE:
Rms 6:3,4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefor we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Just as Naaman needed to dip 7 times in the Jordan to be cured, so must we obey to be saved (Please read: 2Kings 5:11-14). The water didn’t cure Naaman, his obedience did. It is the same in baptism. God’s grace makes it possible.
Faith / belief / & obedience go hand in hand. They are one in the same. They complete each other.
Please pray about, think about, and review what you are teaching. It has to be God’s way, not ours!
Lk 8:15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
NOTE FROM STRONG’S CONCORDANCE: 907 baptizo {bap-tid'-zo} from a derivative of 911;
1) to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk)
2) to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean
with water, to wash one's self, bathe
3) to overwhelm
Millions of dear souls are under the false assumption that they are “Born Again Christians” simply because they have said a “sinner’s prayer” or mumbled some sort of prayer about “accepting Jesus into their heart”. THIS IS NOT BIBLICAL DOCTRINE!
We humans let Satan pull the wool over our eyes too easily. But just as Jesus fended off that old Devil’s lies with scripture, so here also we shall wield the spiritual sword (God’s word) and defeat Satan and his lies.
Jhn 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Belief IS a work. Just as hearing, repenting, confessing, and being baptized are all works.
Works of FAITH. They are all verbs. They are all words of action.
Advocates of the sinner’s prayer scream about “working” for our salvation. Well, sorry to say, even saying a “sinner’s prayer” is a work.
If we didn’t have to DO ANYTHING to be saved, then everyone would be saved NOW - right?
But the cry of those in Acts 2 was “ what shall we DO?”. Saul of Tarsus was told what he must DO. The eunuch in Acts knew he had to DO something. All those in Hebrews Chapter 11 DID something: Able OFFERED, Abraham OBEYED, and Noah PREPARED.
God’s grace is in the fact that he has supplied a WAY of salvation. But we must DO our part.
This isn’t earning salvation, it is procuring salvation.
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Here we have belief AND baptism tied together. Plain English, but still Satan gains victories when “belief only” advocates wrest this scripture to the destruction of the simple minded.
The argument goes: ”it doesn’t say “believeth not and is baptized not shall be damned”. Let’s look at it another way: He that puts wet clothes in the dryer and turns it on shall get dry clothes; but he that doesn’t put the clothes in the dryer shall have wet clothes. Do I really need to say “he that doesn’t put the clothes in the dryer and doesn’t turn it on shall have wet clothes”? Of course not! Just because it’s the Bible doesn’t change proper grammar! If you don’t believe, you are not going to get baptized!
What this verse really shows you is that baptism is an extension of true belief.
While we are on this verse, let me ask you something. Let's say you know that I am rich, and, a man of my word. I have put out an offer of $10,000.00 to anyone who believes in me and is immersed into a body of water. Could you understand that statement enough to meet the criteria in order to recieve that $10,000.00? I am sure you can. Why is it so hard to understand what Jesus says?
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Act 5:32 And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
Why didn’t they just pray the Holy Ghost into their hearts?
Jhn 12:42-43 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess [him], lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43) For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
Jam 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Jam 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
It is interesting to note that the only time we find the term “faith only” anywhere in the Bible is here in James, and that is in the negative sense. Yet we have millions of people building their doctrine on and around the cry of faith only!
Let scripture interpret scripture. If one scripture seems to contradict another scripture, than more studying is needed. God’s word does not contradict itself.
We will be judged by the word of God (Jhn 12:48). It would be to our advantage to know the word of God, don’t you think? Please think and pray over this.
1) The thief on the cross:
a) He was not under the new covenant where Christ's baptism is in force (Acts 19:3 - 5, 18:25 - 26)
b) We do not KNOW if he was baptized or not (with John's baptism)
c) He was forgiven directly by Jesus as was his prerogative on earth (Mk 2:9)
2) Salvation is not by works:
a) Then why isn't everyone saved. If none of us has to DO anything to be saved - THEN WHY ARE WE NOT ALL SAVED? Because, we DO need to DO something. Even the silly idea of "praying Jesus into your heart" is a work, so that argument is no argument.
b) The works Paul was talking about in the context of Eph 2:8-9, were works with the mind set of earning salvation, not works based on the sacrifice of Jesus (God's grace). We are called to works of faith (trusting in the operation of God as in Gal 3:27). Read of Paul's conversion in Acts 22:16. Paul was baptized TO HAVE HIS SINS WASHED AWAY. How else can we rectify these two portions of scripture if what I am saying isn't true?
3) Paul says he was glad he didn’t baptize many of the Corinthians:
a) There is no problem with Paul, there is a problem with scriptures taken out of context, such as this one. We can not have scripture battling scripture. God's word does harmonize if we will but take the time to study it.
Paul is dealing with division in 1 Corinthians chapter 1. These people have already been baptized (saved)(Acts18:8). That isn't the issue. The issue is people following after certain figureheads instead of united in Christ. Verses 13 and 15 shows why Paul was glad he did not baptize them. With their mind set, they would be following HIM. Verse 15 is key to this section of scripture.
Why take one section of scripture out of context, and hold it up against many other, very clear verses. There are NO contradictions. We need simply to "rightly divide the word of truth" (2Tim2:15).
4) What about Romans 10: 9 -10:
a) Granted, at first reading, this does look like a good argument against baptism. The only problems are that 1), it is a good argument against repentance also, for that is not mentioned here either, and 2), all the other scriptures that DO mention repentance and / or baptism.
However, if we search out all the scriptures dealing with salvation, we still come back to the same basic 6 (hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, being baptized, and living faithfully unto death). These can, and often times do, fall entirely under the meaning of “belief” or “believe”.
For a more in depth look go to:
"More baptism info" link at the end of this article.
5) How can we possibly contact the blood of Christ:
By doing it God’s way-
a) Where are ALL spiritual blessings?
Ephesians 1:3 = In Christ
b) Where is salvation found?
2Timothy 2:10 = In Christ.
c) How do we get into Christ?
Galatians 3:27 = Baptized into Christ.
d) What saves us?
Eph 2:13, Col 1:14 = The blood of Christ.
e) How do we contact the blood of Christ?
In his death: Romans 6:3-5 = Baptism
6) Baptism is not part of the preaching of the Gospel.
a) Philip and the Eunuch didn’t know this, for when Philip “preached unto him Jesus”, the Eunuch knew he had to DO something:
Act 8:35 - 39 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
36 And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
b) Note also that the Gospel Paul wrote about in 1 Corinthians 15 is in perfect harmony with what takes spiritually at our baptism in Romans 6 (which was also written by Paul):
1Cr 15:1 - 4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Rom 6:3 - 5 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection:
Now doesn’t baptism (immersion) into water fit these scriptures better than a sinner’s prayer?
c) Also please read Acts 18:23 - 19:5 and note that it was imperative for Apollos and those at Ephesus to be baptized into Christ.
NOW PLEASE CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING ALSO:
Baptism is not something we do AFTER salvation. It is what brings us into a saved state.
It is the fulfilment of Biblical belief.
Hearing + believing = repenting, confessing, and being baptized. These are ALL requirements of salvation. NONE can be left out.
If all we have to do is to believe, then what do these verses mean?
Mat 7:21-24 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy
name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24) Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
If all we have to do is repent, then what do these verses mean?
Rom 10:9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is
made unto salvation.
If all we have to do is confess, then what do these verses mean?
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
And if all we have to do is be baptized, then what do these verses mean?
Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
All of these things are a by-product of belief. A saving belief is inseparable from obedience (Heb Chapter 11).
There are MORE scriptures dealing directly with baptism & being saved (10) than there are of repentance (8) in ALL the epistles? Yet for some reason (Satan?), people are compelled to consign baptism as an afterthought to salvation, but would never dare to do so with repentance. ASK YOURSELF WHY?
PLEASE read in Black & White what just some of the scriptures say:
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Matt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
1 Peter 3:20,21 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21)The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
NOW, picture yourself at judgement, when we shall all be judged by the word of God(Jhn12:48), explaining to Jesus why YOU left baptism out of the plan of salvation
.
The penitent heart, the heart that knows it is a sinning heart, and is broken before the holiness of God, will do anything and EVERYTHING that God commands.
If, in the so called “Sinners Prayer”, the confessing of the Lordship of Christ were left out, and baptism put in, then believe me I would be “going off” about confessing Christ (which is an ONGOING process by the way) instead of baptism! THEY ARE ALL IN GOD’S PLAN, SO WE MUST PRESENT THEM ALL!
It seems that the closer people get to the truth, and they see it just doesn’t match up to their beliefs, something called “what if” syndrom kicks in. “What if, I have been good all my life?” “What if, they never heard the gospel?” “What if, they died while they were reading the Bible but didn’t confess Christ?” And on and on. Well, WHAT IF it just has to be done God’s way PERIOD! Ask Cain if it should be done God’s way. Ask the whole world of Noah’s day if it should be done God’s way? Ask Sodom if it should be done God’s way? Ask Uzzah (2Sam6:6-7). And on and on.
BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST IS BIBLICAL (Gal 3:27). PRAYING JESUS INTO YOUR HEART IS NOT!
If you have read this all, and taken the time to look up the verses, I thank you. I pray that it will bless you either today or in the future.
Kindest Regards, Mike Sullivan
Mike Sullivan PO BX 350 Hummels Wharf Pa 17831 mail at rentalstop.net
Click here for more baptism information!