I wanted to use this blog to answer a question brought up in our small group last Friday: the relationship between being reborn and being baptized. The question was raised as we looked at John 3:1-21, the story of Nicodemus, a Pharisee who came to Jesus with the question "what does it means to be born again, or born of water and the Spirit" (John 3:5-7).
I don't mean to give the official position of our church concerning these questions, nor do I claim an advanced Biblical prowess. Simply, here are some related Bible passages to further whet your appetite, courtesy of Ms. Google.
As to the question of whether baptism is a "MUST" to be saved, look at the story of the thief who was next to Jesus on the cross. Luke 23:41-43: "Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, 'I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.' " (NIV). The theif didn't get a chance to be baptized.
On the other hand, see Colossians 2:11-12 for our old selves being buried with Jesus through baptism. "In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead" (NIV).
Or, finally, take a peek at the great commission in Matt. 28:19: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (NIV).
By Jean Choi
1 comment:
It's 1:30am and God has led me really search my own heart on this topic (thanks Jean!) My belief has always been that it is not required to be baptized to obtain salvation, however I am reading this 14 page manuscript that starts with the following questions:
Is baptism necessary for salvation? When should it be done? Should infants be baptized?
Should one be re-baptized in later years if one feels his first baptism was invalid? Should
the living be baptized for the dead? What is the form for baptism? Sprinkling, pouring, or
immersion? Can you be saved if you are not baptized? Who should do the baptizing? What
if you were baptized by a man in whom you have since lost faith? Should you be baptized
again? Here, from the pages of your own Bible, is the plain truth about water baptism.
After reading this I have to say that my heart has been changed, what seemed to me a mere public display or proclamatin of one's new found desire for Christ is much, much , much more than that.
Here is a the link to the article, it is insightful with alot of biblical support, I hope everyone reading this will take the time to rediscover the importance of baptism:
http://www.garnertedarmstrong.org/pubs/waterbap-pdf.shtml
Gary
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