I've been thinking about baptism alot over the years and I'm sure you've read my other posts on here in the past, concerning it. I've discovered that the Church of Christ places a great deal of importance on baptism being necessary for salvation. I agree with this whole heartedly. Something that has recently made itself known to me is the fact that baptism is only 1 part of salvation. Now at this point, you have every right to say to me "DUH!" but what I've discovered recently, seems to go further in my mind than just simply saying the words. I have talked to someone in my family in recent years, who doesn't believe that baptism is part of salvation. They believe that it's something good to do and that it's "an outward showing of an inward work". I told them that I wanted them to be baptized and they told me "Baptism doesn't save you!" To which I replied "NO, not by itself!" That statement seemed to stun and quiet this family member down. I have to say, also, that those were not my words. I was quite stunned myself considering the fact that I had never thought about baptism not saving you. People tend to believe that's what the Church of Christ teaches and believes......that baptism saves.
What has recently come to my attention is this.....
Believe
Confess
Repent
Baptism
If any one of these is left out, I believe we are not saved. Each "step" has equal importance and one cannot be left out.
For example, if I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins and rose from the dead on the third day and is coming again to take me home.......and if I Confess His name to others; telling them openly that I believe in Him........and I am baptized............BUT do not change the way I live, then I do not believe I am saved. You cannot leave out any of the 4 "steps" that I have listed above and expect God to welcome you on into Heaven with open arms.
Feel free to disagree. This is what I believe. ;)
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Salvation
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3 comments:
I agree with you that someone who has not been baptized is not saved. This sounds so harsh but I believe it to be true according the bible. All 4 "steps" must be present in order for salvation to take place. We cannot leave one of them out and expect to get the same results. Just like when we are baking a cake, for example. If we leave out the flour (or some other ingredient) it will not be cake. It's something else entirely different.....also known as "a mess". ;)
I agree with you 100% Jennifer.
Several years ago one of my denominational relatives announced that she was getting baptized even though she didn't feel it was needed for salvation. I asked her "if it's not needed, what's the point?" A confused look on her face and a long silence followed.
You can be saved without baptism. Was Jesus not saved before he was baptized. Did the theif on the cross next to Jesus get baptized. Baptism is a public announcement of you belief and faith in Christ. Being saved is admiting you are a sinner,believe that Jesus is the only way, then asking Jesus into your life. Yes Baptism is an essential part in the maturation of a Christian.
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