Religious Cults & False Prophets~ Discussions and DebatesCritical Identity of BaptismHi, Snipe. It is true that Christ said the sign of the New Covenant is the memorial of the Communion. However, in my post I indicated the specific sign of the circumcision made without hands. Just as the sign of Spirit baptism is speaking in tongues so is water baptism in Jesus' name the sign of the circumcision made without hands. God has used signs throughout the Scriptures. In my study of the subject of the significance of the sign of "circumcision" in the O.T. and how that sign is applied to the N.T. I found it definitely corresponded to water baptism. Therefore, if the circumcision of the O.T. is a "type" that refers to water baptism in the N.T. then the significance of that "type" as it was in the O.T. must carry over in principle to the N.T. application. The O.T. circumcision served as the enrty point to participate in the Old Covenant as water baptism must also serve as an entry point into the New Covenant. And when we look at Acts 2:38 we find "repentance", "water baptism in the name of Jesus", and "infilling of the Holy Ghost" all lumped together as terms for entry into the New Covenant. Before anyone can participate in the New Covenant they must first acknowledge they are a sinner in need of a Saviour which is the first step in repentance. So is "repentance" then a work for salvation? Or is "repentance" a requirement of faith? If "repentance" is not a work for salvation then why would water baptism in Jesus' name be considered a work? All three terms in Acts 2:38 are on equal footing. So if water baptism in Jesus' name is a work for salvation then "repentance" must also be a work. Many on this forum have said that I preach a system of works for salvation by claiming water baptism in Jesus' name as necessary. But is not "repentance" necessary? You mentioned that if a person did not have the chance to be baptized is a different issue. Is not that the same as saying if a person did not have the chance to repent? What about all those who have never had the chance to hear the gospel? That is why in the Book of Acts it was expedient for those who believed and repented to immediately follow through with the other terms of the Gospel. The Apostles wasted no time making sure those who believed were baptized as soon as possible in the accounts of the Book of Acts. Several times the issue of a person not having the chance to be baptized even though they believed and repented has been raised on this forum in response to my posts. In my own case, I believed and repented but did not get baptized for nine months until I finally found a church. I believe the grace of God covered and protected me during that nine month lapse as I also believe the grace of God may cover those who believe until they fulfill the terms of the gospel. |
🌈Pride🌈 goeth before Destruction
When 🌈Pride🌈 cometh, then cometh Shame