NO, it is not. Baptism is an outward sign of having been buried with Christ.
>>It is the beginning of life in Christ from which all else is possible.<<
False once again. It's faith in Christ that is the beginning.
>>It is also the Sacrament of Initiation in the Church.<<
Absolute nonsense. There is no scripture to substantiate that.
>>Don't forget that the Devil and his demons know who Christ is... they believe He is the Son of God.<<
Once again, total corruption of what scripture says trying to mislead. The demons know that there is one God. Believers believe on Jesus Christ.
The Catholic belief system is a total corruption of the word of God with added pagan beliefs and practices. Just like you attempt to use the demons know that comment. It's corrupting the words of scripture and not to be trusted.
Where does Scripture EVER say that baptism is just an "outward sign"?
It is an outward sign... but there is more. The burial with Christ is an explanation of what is happening in that we are joining in His Sacrifice of the New Covenant. But Baptism is more than a symbol or sign. It isn't just a social event to show conversion. It is an outward sign of inward Grace. Jesus gave the command that the world should be baptized in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and observe all that had been taught to the Apostles. It is the great commission, not just some play-acting meant as a symbol. It is real in the reality of the water and real in the reality of the Grace. Too many reduce the sacraments given to us to mere play-acting!
False once again. It's faith in Christ that is the beginning.
Faith brings you to Baptism, yes. However, your life in Christ begins with Baptism. This is the "born again" discussion with Nicodemus of John 3. Why do I get the feeling that if I quoted the Church in saying the sky is blue, you would feel the need to correct me to the correct shade?
Absolute nonsense. There is no scripture to substantiate that.
Speaking of nonsense... nearly every Scripture on the subject of Baptism screams that. What is the first thing that occurs when one wants to join the Church? Whether it's the Ethiopian or the multitudes, it is Baptism. You can quibble if you want over names of rites and such but the reality is the same. It is the initiation into the body of the Church.
The Catholic belief system is a total corruption of the word of God with added pagan beliefs and practices. Just like you attempt to use the demons know that comment. It's corrupting the words of scripture and not to be trusted.
Matt 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Now, I am sick and tired of the invective. You and I see the subject we are discussing differently. I am not calling you out as a heretic or corruptor... just discussing. I would appreciate the same courtesy. Stick to the subject and stop with the invective or I will ignore you from here on.