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I'm saying it is not necessary to be saved. If someone maintains that baptism is necessary for salvation, is he adding a work, his own, to the finished work of Christ? |
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You can be saved by faith alone. One should be mindful of the scriptures to lead a proper life, including baptism. I believe a more important lesson than baptism is to "Love your enemy". |
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One more point: the scriptures we are all quoting were written in Greek and direct translation into English is done with difficulty (note various versions of the Bible). When I or others try to examine specific scriptures out of context errors can occur |
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Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' (New International Version) Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of (water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. "Do not be amazed that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' (New American Standard Bible) Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' (English Standard Version) Jesus answered, "For sure, I tell you, unless a man is born of water and of the Spirit of God, he cannot get into the holy nation of God. Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh. Whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. "Do not be surprised that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' (New Life Version) Jesus said, `I tell you the truth. This new birth is by water and by the Spirit. No person can enter God's kingdom if he has not been born that way. That which is born of a person is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. You must not be surprised when I say, "You must be born again." (Worldwide English (New Testament)) |
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Unless someone is baptised they cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven. |
Offtopic but, Listen, this is an intellectual forum. If you want to debate scriptures, you have to come up with something better than that. |
I normally do not like to jump in on these Topics, because I have more urgent things to do, but at the same time when I see broad daylight taken for night I have to say "Are we all mad?". I know we all have various beliefs, but the evidence I see some people given to justify a belief makes me wonder if they are really sure in what they are establishing as a proper interpretation.
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...why don't we just leave it at that. |
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LDS, In my opinion you do not fully understand John 3:5-7 |
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So I want be misunderstood I'm not saying baptism is not important. I'm saying it is not necessary to be saved. |
In my opinion:
Although I don't believe John 3:5-7 is referring to baptism. I do believe one can be saved without baptism in rare circumstances. For example: You confess your love for Christ and have a genuine internal rebirth and on the way to your baptism your are hit by a bus. I also believe once you know the importance of baptism and you don't get baptized you are rebelling against God.
Offtopic but, LDS I apologize for being argumentative. It is a character flaw I have and I am trying to be a better person. Sincerely, pockettape. |
As you explain it that way, I can agree with you. At the same time, if a person converts, and refuses to be baptized, or refuses to repent, then they can't make a "deathbed repentance" and be saved (in my opinion). So, again in my opinion, when Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the State, but refused it for himself until on his deathbed, he would not receive anywhere near the reward of, say, Stephen.
There are always exceptions that prove the rules. This is one of them. There is another exception that I am willing to accept. Little children (including those whose minds are as little children) are exempt from the requirement for baptism. They are not accountable, and if they die in that state, they will receive all the blessings and rewards possible.
Well, well...it seems like we have reached an agreement afterall:
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do believe one can be saved without baptism in rare circumstances. |