[LowOiL]

NO, Yes Baptism is a great show of faith to others, but it is not necessary to get to heaven. The repentive thief beside Jesus on the cross was not baptized. Jesus told him, "today you will be with Me in paradise". How can you argue with that? Was Jesus lying? Did He say, If somehow you can get off this cross and go get baptized, then you can be with Me in paradise? I just don't see were there is anything to argue here

Anyways, Keep seeking truth.

I have been baptized. BTW..

[nickcarraway]

Well, you actually changed the debate. I said that people were born again when they were baptised.

[nickcarraway]

Well, you actually changed the debate. I said that people were born again when they were baptized.

Just so you know, baptism is necessary for salvation. I think the thief was saved; and I think he recieved baptism by desire. Would you deny Mark 16:16: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Or John 3:3: Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (See also:1 Pet. 3:21; 22:16, Rom.;Acts 2:38, 6:3–4; Col. 2:11–12) Even Martin Luther believed baptism was necessary, see Large Catechism 4:6: "Baptism is no human plaything but is instituted by God himself. Moreover, it is solemnly and strictly commanded that we must be baptized or we shall not be saved. We are not to regard it as an indifferent matter, then, like putting on a new red coat."

[nickcarraway]

Yes Baptism is a great show of faith to others

I couldn't disagree more. Who cares about a show of faith to others? That is irrelevant. See Matthew 6.