Replies

You wrote:
“Back to my example of the Great Commission. If Jesus commands us to baptize,...”

My reply:
Actually I was the one who pointed out that water baptism is part of the Great Commission. (See my post #21.) Obviously the ritual of water baptism should be carried out. As you know, there are many commands in Scripture about things that the Christian should and should not do. That doesn’t mean that all of those things are the way to receive the free gift of eternal salvation.

You wrote:
“... and we clearly see salvation is acheived in various commands to repent or believe or confess or BAPTIZE or whatever -...”

My reply:
No. The way to receive eternal salvation isn’t just “whatever.” Repent - the Greek word metanoeo - means to change your mind, to turn. The unbeliever must change his mind from unbelief to belief in Christ as his only Savior.

The Bible is clear that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God who died on the cross as our substitute.

He paid the penalty for our sins.

He took the punishment that we deserve.

God’s provision of eternal salvation is a free gift (Ephesians 2:8,9).

God, through Jesus Christ, did everything.

All you do is accept that free gift.

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

The Bible explains how to be saved (how to receive the free gift of eternal salvation).

Below are just a few of the many verses that explain how we, undeserving sinners, can be reconciled to a just and holy God and receive the free gift of eternal salvation:

Acts 16:31
BELIEVE in the Lord Jesus
[Note: It doesn’t say “believe in the Lord Jesus AND receive water baptism”]
and you will be saved

Acts 10:43
Every one who BELIEVES in him
[Note: It doesn’t say “who believes in him AND receives water baptism”]
receives forgiveness of sins through his name.

Ephesians 1:13
In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation — having also BELIEVED
[Note: It doesn’t say “believed AND received water baptism”],
you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise.

Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through FAITH
[Note: It doesn’t say “through faith AND water baptism”];
and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.

Romans 5:1
Therefore being justified by FAITH
[Note: It doesn’t say “by faith AND water baptism”],
we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

Romans 5:2
Through him we have also obtained access by FAITH
[Note: It doesn’t say “by faith AND water baptism”]
into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Romans 4:5
But to him who does not work, but BELIEVES on him who justifies the ungodly
[Note: It doesn’t say “believes AND receives water baptism”],
his FAITH
[Note: It doesn’t say “his faith AND water baptism”]
is counted for righteousness.

You wrote:
“... then I ask HOW DARE YOU delete the word of God to suit your beliefs?”

My reply:
As I’ve already said, I believe that water baptism is commanded in the Great Commission and should be practiced.

But time and time again Scripture tells us that the way of salvation is to BELIEVE in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved (Acts 16:31).

So, according to your view, it’s the writers of inerrant, infallible Scripture who “dare” to omit the water baptism that you think should be included as necessary for eternal salvation.

(P.S. Thanks for explaining about your name.)