The Great Commission is a commandment FK, not something left up to Southern Baptists to fit to their own taste.
Baptists see the water baptism as being symbolic of the already accomplished Spirit baptism
The two must go hand in hand, FK. He said teach all nations (so that they may believe), and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
This word baptize comes from the Greek word baptiso which, in Greek, means numerous immersions (as opposed to the word bapto, which is a single immersion).
To say that water salvation is not necessary is really to make up your own religion of sorts. Clearly teaching and baptizing is given as one complete package.
St. Paul concentrated on preaching more than baptism. But, then again, he was much more concerned with having Gentiles come to faith first, which was urgently necessary given the fact the Church was dying in Israel. Once they believed, baptism could follow. In those days, teaching was a priority, even life.
The Great Commission is a commandment FK, not something left up to Southern Baptists to fit to their own taste.
Sure, but the physical performing of commandments is not what saves us. That is, unless you are under the Law for your salvation. If so, then I wish you the best of luck and hope that you get a very high score. I think I'll stick with grace for my salvation. :)
FK: "Baptists see the water baptism as being symbolic of the already accomplished Spirit baptism."
The two must go hand in hand, FK. He said teach all nations (so that they may believe), and baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
No problem. We (Baptists) teach that water baptism should ideally be very soon after belief.
This word baptize comes from the Greek word baptiso which, in Greek, means numerous immersions (as opposed to the word bapto, which is a single immersion).
I couldn't find any reference for this. Here is what Strong's says:
NT:907 - baptizo (bap-tid'-zo); from a derivative of NT:911; to immerse, submerge; to make overwhelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the N. T.) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism: KJV - Baptist, baptize, wash.
There is no indication of multiple immersions there. Plus, we both know that scriptures never say or imply triple immersion. In fact, Matt. 3:16 says "As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. ...". This would make no sense if He went up and down three times first.