There are about 150 passages in the Word of God that state unequivocally that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ's finished work on the Cross alone, but sadly there are some that cause confusion in the Body of Christ by teaching that without water baptism a man or woman is not saved, and they often cite this verse as evidence. Yet, if our eternal salvation is dependent on water baptism it stands in contradistinction to the clear teaching of the rest of the Word of God, and it indirectly declares that Christ's finished work on the Cross is insufficient for our eternal salvation, requiring us to add to His finished work. As Paul would say: "May This Never Be!" From the foundation of the world, the shed blood of the Lamb of God was God's demanded purchase price for the salvation of all mankind, and although the waters of baptism are a most beautiful picture of the inner cleansing that results when a person is saved by grace through faith in Christ, if it is a requirement for salvation in addition to Christ finished work at Calvary, it proclaims that His finished work was insufficient to pay the full price for the sin of the whole world. It is a precious truth that we read in Mark: "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved," but the rest of the verse is also a severe warning: "but he who does not believe will be condemned." There are many that believe in the historical Jesus and His moral teachings without believing in His sacrificial death and glorious Resurrection for the forgiveness of their sins and life everlasting. Such people are not saved, even if they go through a physical water baptism. That sort of detached belief does not result in a man or woman being saved, and baptized into the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit, they have not mixed an inner heart faith with the factual truth. Baptism is simply an outward and public demonstration of an inner, supernatural work of regeneration by the Holy Spirit, which takes place in the life of a man or woman who trusts in Christ for salvation. The very moment that a guilty sinner who has recognized his or her need of salvation, places their faith in Christ as their own sin-substitute, that man or woman is saved. The instant a guilty sinner who recognizes their need of salvation, puts their trust in Christ as their own Kinsman- Redeemer, that man or woman is immediately Baptized By The Holy Spirit and is taken out of Satan's domain and placed into the Body of Christ. Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You that Christ's sacrificial work on the Cross is sufficient for our salvation. Thank You that we have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and received salvation. In Jesus' name we thankfully Pray, AMEN.
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This verse has caused much controversy and is used as a proof-text that 'water baptism' is necessary for salvation, but that is not what this verse teaches. Neither water baptism nor spirit baptism saves us, but faith in Christ. However, spirit baptism is the immediate RESULT of faith in Christ and water baptism is the outward sign of the inner change of a redeemed life. We are saved by faith in Christ and are 'baptized' (placed into) the Body of Christ the moment we are saved. The meaning of 'baptizo' is 'placed into' but the transliteration of the Greek 'baptizo' to 'baptism' has incorrectly become associated with water baptism. We Are Justified By Faith and not by being baptized. But because we are justified we are immediately baptized in the spirit, which gives us a good conscience before God. God declares us righteous because of our faith in Christ and we are placed in Christ the moment we are saved by grace through faith in Him. Faith in Christ saves us from God's righteous judgement. Faith in Christ removes the filth of the flesh by the forgiveness of sin. The reference to 'the baptism which now saves us' in this verse, is not implying that 'water baptism' or 'spirit baptism' is the means of salvation. Spirit baptism is the result of faith in Christ while water baptism is a illustrative picture of the inner cleansing of the heart at salvation. When a man or woman turns from their sins to Christ and is cleansed by the washing of the water of the Word of God, the result is a good conscience before the Lord. 1 Peter 3:21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Our United Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for this truth that being baptized does not save us, but it is a wonderful outward expression of faith in Jesus and the answer of a good conscience toward God. Thank You that we have been identified with Christ’s death, burial, and Resurrection. Thank You that His death became our death, His burial became our burial, and that through Christ's Resurrection, we have received a good conscience before God. May we walk daily in newness of life for Your honor and glory. In Jesus' name, AMEN. |
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We are a growing group of people praying daily for and with others. We were led to start an online ministry to deliver what is needed more now than ever, a place where you can go to easily to submit a prayer request or requests involving others to pray for your needs. The Power of Prayer. Matthew 18:20- For where two or more come together in my name, there I am among them. You are never alone in prayer. The Power Of Numbers Praying.
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