Baptism: Regeneration or Symbol?

Hrhema said:

No its not because the picture is that man is unable to help himself and has no ability. He is nailed to a tree hands and feet. Baptism can't help him because he is a condemned criminal. He is going to die! Where is the preacher to preach the written gospel so he can believe? He's on the tree condemned... In Adam all die! The Law Of God nailed him there. The only Salvation for the one thief as the other one does not belong to him is the one crucified in the middle... The Lamb Of God. Baptismal regeneration is a brother of gospel regeneration... None has the power to save eternally... Brother Glen

 

Salvation is an act of God and God alone.We can do some things on our own but salvation,never.

But salvaion is conditional,you receive this free gift under certain conditions.Obedience to the gospel is required,this is man's response.Who cares at what point God saves us,we are required to obey him and baptism is one of the requirements.No power in baptism but power in obedience.We humbly have enough faith to publicly show our obedience to God.

God did so much for us,why can't we do that for his name's sake.

 

Charles said:Salvation is an act of God and God alone.We can do some things on our own but salvation,never.

But salvaion is conditional,you receive this free gift under certain conditions.Obedience to the gospel is required,this is man's response.

So what is it Grace or Works?... It can't be both!... Brother Glen

 

Brother Glen,
I don't disagree with you.Salvation is through Jesus by the grace of God,period.That's where all the power is.Salvation=100 percent grace.

Salvation is there for the taking.Available to all men.But if Romans5:2 is worth it's salt,we have to access grace by faith.Baptism is an act of faith,it's a test to provide evidence that we believe and repent.Brother Glen,I appreciate the confidence that you put in the cross but you are an example of the Baptists putting too little emphasis on baptism.The CoC puts too much emphasis,where is the middle.

I believe both denominations are alright and saved but the center stage needs to be the cross,which I commend you for.

God bless,Charles

 

Ok charles you must be as tired as in pain as I feel, with those liquid filled "blisters" on your feet, your back screaming in pain clouding yer mind, when you made the slightly confuzzling statement

"Baptism is an act of faith"

See to me, and not many other people, Baptism is a response to God responding to our faith & repentance.

Baptism is a declaration of your beliefs - Designed for a public forum to declare that God has acted in your life - changing you - and has granted you the matchless grace of forgiveness - ie salvation.

 

Sularis,

When you said baptism is a declaration of our beliefs,you said the same thing I said(an act of faith).

Since all power is given to the cross,there lies none for baptism.So if it has no power then why do it?

Because we believe that the bible tells us to do it.It is indeed a declaration of our faith(belief).

The woman with the issue of blood had to push her way through the crowd to touch Jesus.Jesus commended her faith which included an act of touching.No power in the touching but power in obedience because of who Jesus was.No difference in baptism.

Thanks for your reply,God bless
Charles

 

I'm a pastor's wife and we put a great emphasis on Baptism. It makes you a memeber of that local church and shows your obediance to Christ. I really don't believe people can be rewarded with their good works to they have trusted Christ with this very important ordiance. It should be done as soon as possible.