[jkl1122]

You are the only one who has brought up special circumstances that you believe contradict the clear teaching of the Bible. In case you forgot, you were the one that asked the question about someone dying before they could be baptized, and then mentioned the thief on the cross.

In Acts 2, we learn of the beginning of the church at Pentecost. Please read these two verse very carefully.

37 Now when they heard [this,] they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men [and] brethren, what shall we do?" 38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

You claim that all that is needed to be saved is to believe, and yet Peter never even mentions belief when he is asked directly what to do to be saved. Of course, those who asked the question already believed. So if you are correct, then Peter's answer to them should have been you don't have to do anything since you already believe. Yet, that isn't what he said to them at all. It could not be stated any more simply. Why do you choose to ignore the clear teaching of the Bible on the subject of salvation?

[JohnnyM]

I brought up circumstances that go against your interpretation of the Bible. The man who believes but dies before baptism is still saved. For you, it is a "hard case".

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever beleives in Him will not perish but have everlasting life.

No mention of Baptism for everlasting life? None and this is Jesus speaking. If Baptism was the prerequisite for it, dont you think He would have mentioned it.

Now, I am not saying Baptism is unimportant. It is vital to any believer and not getting baptized is an act of disobedience.

See my post #55 for an explanation on salvation.

JM