Years ago, I would ask someone if they were saved, born again, or a Christian and the response was “I’ve been baptized” which does not have anything to do with salvation.
These are the Words of Jesus and the order in which He commanded the disciples and us to do. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20)
The order- make disciples means to give the plan of salvation- that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.(Romans 10:9-10) Confession is fine, but it takes more than that; one must believe in their heart, because the heart is what is changed. Anyone can confess, but belief is what really makes the difference.
There is no baptism in Jesus name only, or one has to speak in tongues to be saved. We stand on what Jesus said. In the book of Acts, there were Jews who had not accepted Christ, and for the apostles to convince them.
And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So, they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So, they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. Now the men were about twelve in all. (Acts 19:1-7)
John could only baptize with water, but he said: I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Matthew 3:11) In other words, only Jesus could bring salvation, which means we are baptized into Christ (new birth by the Holy Spirit). For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27) This has nothing to do with water baptism, it means to be spiritually baptized in the body of Christ, (new birth by the Holy Spirit).
Was the thief on the cross baptized in water? Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”(Luke 23:42-43). This proves that water baptism cannot save anyone.
For those who are baptized as children prior to having knowledge and understanding about being in a relationship with Christ, that baptism didn’t mean a thing. Water baptism is an outward (physical) sign of new birth (having a relationship with Christ); - it is an open show of saying to whoever sees your baptized, that you had an inward experience of new birth.
The Christian churches dedicate babies back to the Lord-
Hannah gave her son back to the Lord: For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore, I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So, they worshiped the Lord there. (1 Samuel 1:27-28)
Simeon: So, he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word; for my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. (Luke 2:27-33)
Glory to God for opening the eyes of His people!
His handmaiden, Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org
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