[Forest Keeper]

In response to those who pointed that some of the martyrs had never been baptized (often a soldier standing by as someone was being tortured and martyred for the faith would be so moved that he would loudly proclaim himself to be a Christian, and be martyred immediately himself), there arose a phrase that said that these martyrs had been "baptized in blood," rather than in water.

Ah, that explains it, thank you. I also find your approach to those who weren't formally baptized to be eminently reasonable. Although I do not think that Baptism has anything to do with salvation, there are other areas where I would use the same approach, such as knowing the name of Jesus as the only one by which we are saved. I guess that there are many people who are saved that have never heard the name or have had any book knowledge of Jesus at all.

[wmfights]

"I guess that there are many people who are saved that have never heard the name or have had any book knowledge of Jesus at all."
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I appreciate reading your posts and your willingness to look at all sides of an issue, but you are dead wrong on this one. JESUS was very clear that the only way to the FATHER was through HIM. IOW, you must know and trust in JESUS.