Baptism? I don’t recall Jesus, while dying on the cross, asking the thief to his right if he had been baptized in the church. I do remember the thief confessed his sins to Jesus, repented, and accepted Jesus as the true son of GOD. And Jesus assured the thief, HE would go and prepare him a place in paradise today.
I know parents want what’s best for their infants, but I believe an infant can neither accept nor deny Jesus. But Jesus knows the little children - he knew them in the womb.
Jesus, knows our heart and I believe all that are given to him by the father will not be lost. He will find his lost sheep. When I was lost I was not seeking Jesus, but he found me. I accepted him (whether through election or free will) and have his promise of eternal life. Truly this was amazing grace.
Obviously, I believe the physical act of baptism will not save you, only the blood of Jesus Christ. There is a place in the church for baptism, but again any physical act by you or others will not save you.
Peace to all brethren.
Hah! I wondered when the Thief on the Cross argument would enter the fray.
I used to think this was an argument based on ignorance of the scriptures. But even Baptists can’t be that blind.
Using the TOTC argument against baptism is not just ignorance but deliberate deception.
“There is a place in the church for baptism, but again any physical act by you or others will not save you.”
Yeah? Then making that “Altar Call” and/or “Calling on the Name of the LORD” (also physical acts) won’t save you either?
All. Righty. Then.