Mark: John 3:5...Jesus answered, “Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.
Ooops! You are going to put out of business the whole Baptist community, Mark, by quoting scriptures they somehow "overlooked." Their theology insists baptism is not required for salvation.
I understand how materialistic your faith is, but if your interpretation is correct (which I don't believe it is) the folks claiming infant baptism imparts Grace are in deep trouble. All examples of baptism in Scripture involve adults after they have believed. Trying to claim your historic lineage somehow gives you special powers just doesn't fly with those who actually read Scripture.
I believe there are several ways to interpret this verse.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the spirit, he can not enter the kingdom of God.
I think the most straight forward is Jesus is talking about physical birth and spiritual birth. Another very reasonable understanding is Jesus was using the phrase "born of water" as a symbol for the word of God.
If you notice in Mark 16:16 it is not the lack of baptism that condemns.
Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
***Ooops! You are going to put out of business the whole Baptist community, Mark, by quoting scriptures they somehow “overlooked.” Their theology insists baptism is not required for salvation.***
Isn’t it ironic - the group that named themselves Baptists don’t believe in salvific baptism. Well, not ironic pe se, merely illustrative of man-made theologies.
I’m not sure of exactly what separates the various denominations except for degree of heresy.