Catsrus wrote:
“To build a doctrine on just one scripture is heresy.”
It could be, if that were the case here. But that is the question at issue here, not the conclusion.
What is not a question is this, to play certain verses of Scripture off against others is the precise reason why the visible church stands so fractured today - something that is not the will of God. And also not in question is this, to deny the plain meaning of 1 Peter 3:21 is to call God a liar.
Catsrus also wrote:
“You must compare 1 Peter 3:21 with all other scriptures relating to repentance and baptism.”
Yes, that is part of my point. But you are willing to do what you recommend only in one direction. In other words, the very self-criticism you so vehemently urge on Catholics, of whom I am not one (for the sake of full disclosure), you seem to think not a good idea for yourself. In addition, your “all other scriptures” comprises far, far fewer than you imagine. My friend, to be a Christian theologian is to stand humbly under the correction of the unchanging Word of God and expect to do a lot of repenting. It is also wise to consider against whom you may be arguing ... and by that I don’t mean me.
And, once again, you err. 1 Peter 3:21 does not mean you are saved by baptism. So, you can believe what you want, and fight against God’s word. Its your soul at stake here, not mine. You call God a liar when you hold tight to another gospel. And, yes, we are to look at scripture in light of other scriptures. In other words, to search all scripture to determine the true meaning of God’s Word.
To not do so, is to call God a liar, and I’m not the one doing that. So, I suggest you look in the mirror.