These issues should not be so difficult for any of us. Seeing you are well versed in Holy Scriptures, I will outline some Biblical facts. If you see I missed something let me know.
We know from the preponderance of the Biblical evidence one is saved by God’s Grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We also know from the preponderance of the Biblical evidence we are justified by faith.
We do know Paul commented that he did baptize people but that he was sent to preach the Gospel and not to baptize.
From that statement we can conclude that water baptism is not specifically the Gospel message.
We know the Gospel message Paul outlined in 1 Corinthians 15 was the same Gospel preached by all the apostles. Of which Paul outlines the Gospel message is Christ crucified, died and Risen (praise God!).
We know from Christ’s own lips that “he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”
Expanding on the above we have Paul in Romans 8 telling us “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”
The NT witness, however, also tells us that those who heard and believed the above also got in some form of body of water and were baptized. I agree one cannot escape the FACT that those who “were cut to the heart” (Acts 2) believing the Gospel presented to them were baptized that day without hesitation or theological debate.
Now why do we have such controversy here? I think it is because some see baptism as a human ‘work of righteousness.’ It is not because it is commanded as some will say; but I say as with those on Pentecost those who are “cut to the heart” with the offering of the Gospel of Grace, are baptized.
I’m sure you nor anyone else proclaiming Christ as Lord and savior believe the actual water or one who is the baptizer have any mysterious salvific qualities or ‘elements’ involved. We know from the preponderance of the Biblical evidence (frankly from the actual God given light to us!) that it is by Grace we are saved through faith.
Finally, I will leave a thought provoking comment and reference which all can examine if they care to do so. The below is the Great Commission. Notice the ‘defining’ verb for the Great Commission is “to teach.” In Mark 16 and a few more modern English versions the ‘defining’ verb is “preach the Gospel.” Which supports the previously mentioned “they were cut to the heart” believed and were baptized.
From Matthew 28:
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.(KJV)
These issues should not be so difficult for any of us. Seeing you are well versed in Holy Scriptures, I will outline some Biblical facts. If you see I missed something let me know.
We know from the preponderance of the Biblical evidence one is saved by God’s Grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
That is the gospel.
We also know from the preponderance of the Biblical evidence we are justified by faith.
Faith is just one of the works, not the only one. Can’t have faith without “hearing”, belief(faith), repentance, confession, and baptism. All of which are biblical doctrines.
We do know Paul commented that he did baptize people but that he was sent to preach the Gospel and not to baptize.
Christ did the same.
From that statement we can conclude that water baptism is not specifically the Gospel message.
Paul didn’t mention confession, hearing, believing, or confession in that sentence either. Are we to conclude that they aren’t part of the gospel message either?
We know the Gospel message Paul outlined in 1 Corinthians 15 was the same Gospel preached by all the apostles. Of which Paul outlines the Gospel message is Christ crucified, died and Risen (praise God!).
Christ is the gospel. His death, burial, and resurrection.
We know from Christ’s own lips that “he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”
Yes Christ said that and I believe that. He also said: “ He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned’” Do you believe these words of Christ also...? Belief (faith) AND BAPTISM. Not belief only.
Expanding on the above we have Paul in Romans 8 telling us “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”
All are predestined to either heaven or hell, the choice is ours.
The NT witness, however, also tells us that those who heard and believed the above also got in some form of body of water and were baptized. I agree one cannot escape the FACT that those who “were cut to the heart” (Acts 2) believing the Gospel presented to them were baptized that day without hesitation or theological debate.
Why? Peter goes on to say that as many as obeyed the gospel were “added to the Church. Acts 2:41 “ Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.”
Now why do we have such controversy here? I think it is because some see baptism as a human ‘work of righteousness.’
Baptism is a work, it is a work of Christ, not of man.
It is not because it is commanded as some will say;
Christ commanded it in Matt. 28:19, Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16. It was even commanded of Paul in Acts 22:16.
but I say as with those on Pentecost those who are “cut to the heart” with the offering of the Gospel of Grace, are baptized.
The sure were so that they could get forgiveness of sins just as Peter stated. Same with Paul in Acts 22:16.
I’m sure you nor anyone else proclaiming Christ as Lord and savior believe the actual water or one who is the baptizer have any mysterious salvific qualities or ‘elements’ involved.
No. It’s just a simple matter of obedience to the command of Christ to do it. Why would I profess belief and faith and Christ and then not trust him?
We know from the preponderance of the Biblical evidence (frankly from the actual God given light to us!) that it is by Grace we are saved through faith.
What good is faith without obedience?
Finally, I will leave a thought provoking comment and reference which all can examine if they care to do so. The below is the Great Commission. Notice the ‘defining’ verb for the Great Commission is “to teach.” In Mark 16 and a few more modern English versions the ‘defining’ verb is “preach the Gospel.” Which supports the previously mentioned “they were cut to the heart” believed and were baptized.
Yes they were cut to the heart but more importantly they acted on their belief and obeyed what Peter instructed them to do. They were baptized and added to the Church.
From Matthew 28:
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.(KJV)
You will notice Christ said what I have “commanded” you to do. Which of the above commandments do you think is not essential to our salvation Teaching? Baptism? Going? Or are they all essential?