*Sigh*
The thief on the Cross --- Right, one does not know for sure if he (the one who Believed at the end and received Salvation) was Baptized before getting into trouble with the Law. But most theologians that I talk to say the guy was probably "lost as a goose"
Another riot! By "theologians", I assume you mean those that have Ph.D after their name??? It is these same Ph.D's that are "voting" on whether or not to ordain homo bishops in the Episcopal church! What is wrong with "speaking where the Bible speaks" and "being silent where it is silent"?
Again, why did Christ die on the Cross if all these other things are required for Salvation. The Cross means nothing then! Jesus went through all that suffering for no good reason!
It is more than astonishing, it is AMAZING, how some people (i.e. YOU) will spend nearly a lifetime trying to "prove" that plain statements of the Bible don't really mean what they say!
Observe:
Acts 16:31 says, "BELIEVE in the Lord Jesus and you will be SAVED."
Do you believe that the above statement teaches that BELIEVING in Jesus is necessary to be saved? You say, "Yes." Why? Because it is a plain statement of truth given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
2 Cor. 7:10 says, "Godly sorrow brings REPENTANCE that leads to SALVATION."
Do you believe that the above statement teaches that REPENTANCE is necessary to be saved? You say, "Yes." Why? Because it is a plain statement of truth given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
Rom. 10:10 says, "It is with the mouth that you CONFESS and are SAVED."
Do you believe the above statement teaches that CONFESSION is necessary to be saved? You say, "Yes." Why? Because it is a plain statement of truth given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
1 Pet. 3:21 says, "BAPTISM also now SAVES you."
Do you believe the above statement teaches that BAPTISM is necessary to be saved? You say, "No." Why? You tell me!
(A) Because it doesn't fit what I was taught
(B) Because I only choose to believe the first 3, not the 4th one
(C) Because baptism is a "work" and we're not saved by works
(D) Because I know that the verse plainly says that baptism saves us, but I've been taught by Pastor so-and-so that baptism does NOT save us. So... even though the scriptures say plainly that "baptism also now saves you," well, that's different from those other 3 you put up there before it. Don't ask me why, I just know it is. I'm going to have to go along with my pastor, after all, he's such a good man and has such a kind, sincere way about him. Everyone's known and loved him for so many, many years. Now how can you NOT believe someone like that if he says baptism is not necessary to be saved. No sir, I'll put my trust in Pastor so-and-so, rather in what the Bible says!
Tell me something, "Try One", how long will it be before you say that there is nothing anti-Christian about a homosexual minister of God??