Greetings
This is terribly wrong. Justification is primal - not sanctification. Justification determines destiny - not rewards. Sanctification determines rewards - not destiny.
The unseen Spirit baptism is part of justification and is eternal (2 Cor 4:18).
The visible water baptism is temporal and part of sanctification.
The difference is critical. What can I do to help you see this?
Lloyd
Absolutely not. Baptism has nothing to do with justification. It is part of salvation via sanctification. Justification + sanctification = salvation. However, justification is primal and enables sanctification. Sanctification without justificaiton is simply good works for the person going to hell.Originally posted by bmerr:
The claim is that baptism has nothing to do with salvation, but it is also admitted that it is commanded by Jesus. So, we should be baptized, but for the "right reasons". Do I have it right so far?
The CoC is seen as a works religion because you place sanctification ahead of justification. For you, salvation is a conditional process. Initial justification is by faith but needs to be supplemented by obedience and faithfulness. ONly at an ill-defined level of perfection can final justification be awarded. You have no security because you are never sure if you are good enough.Originally posted by bmerr:
It is repeatedly implied that we in the church of Christ teach that man "earns" his salvation. This is a false allegation. Obeying God's commands does not "earn" anything. Obedience is simply the manifestation of one's faith. It is a living, saving faith.
This is terribly wrong. Justification is primal - not sanctification. Justification determines destiny - not rewards. Sanctification determines rewards - not destiny.
The unseen Spirit baptism is part of justification and is eternal (2 Cor 4:18).
The visible water baptism is temporal and part of sanctification.
The difference is critical. What can I do to help you see this?
Lloyd