Yesterday was a little strange. Mom left the house and a little later dad did too. That wasn't too odd, they do that sometimes. However, it was really late when they got home. It was dark for a VERY long time. Even though they did let on two lights and a radio (thanks Dad), I was getting worried. It just wasn't like them. When they got home, I was so excited that I ran laps around the house and barked. Then we all sat together, they counted (it was funny, mom started with 60, then 50, down to 10, then it was every number). They said HAPPY NEW YEAR and I gave them both a kiss and they kissed each other.
I don't know what it was, but they were happy, so I was happy. They said that we would get to do this many more times and I get to spend many more years with them. Mom and dad were talking about resolutions, and since I am a Border Collie, I am smart and know what they are. My resolutions are to become a Canine Good Citizen then train as a Therapy Dog. Who wouldn't want to go visit new people and make them smile? Mom says I should also make a resolution to be nicer to my brother - we'll see about that one.
ONE-SIDED DEBATE
ReplyDeleteWhen debating the proposition of water baptism being essential for salvation; there is only one side found in the Scriptures. The Bible clearly teaches that water baptism is for the forgiveness of sins. There are no contradictory verses of Scripture to disprove that water baptism is essential to salvation.
Mark 16:16 ....has been baptized shall be saved....
There is no Scripture that states has been baptized shall not be saved.
John 3:5 ....unless one is born of water...he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
There are not any antithetical Scriptures that state men do not have to be born of water to enter the kingdom of God.
Acts 2:38 ...and each of you be baptized......for the forgiveness of your sins...
Search as you will, you cannot find one contradictory Scripture that says water baptism is not for the forgiveness of your sins.
Romans 6:3-6 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?........6 know this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;
There is no verse of Scripture that say our body of sin was not done away through being baptized into Christ.
Colossians 2:12-13 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead . 13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircuncision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions.
There is no opposing Scripture that says being buried with Him in baptism has nothing to do forgiveness of transgressions.
Ephesians 5:25-27 ...just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.
There is not a verse in the Bible that says Jesus did not cleanse the church by the washing of water with the word.
1 Peter 3:21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you......
It is impossible to find the Scripture that states water baptism does not save you.
The statements you will not find in the Bible.
1. Baptism does not save.
2. Baptism is not essential to be saved.
3. Baptism is not for the forgiveness of sins.
4. Baptism is only for men who are already saved.
5. Baptism has absolutely nothing to do with salvation.
Jesus never said any of these five things. No apostles ever uttered any of theses five things.
THE FIVE STATEMENTS ARE ONLY FOUND IN CREED BOOKS, BIBLE COMMENTARIES AND OTHER WRITINGS OF MEN.
IF YOU USE SCRIPTURE ALONE, WATER BAPTISM IS A ONE-SIDED DEBATE!
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