Baptism, not necessary for salvation

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Recommended: Meaning Of Jesus' Baptism To A Christian Today

Within the Christian faith, among the different denominations, there are a variety of issues that are interpreted differently. The interpretations depend upon the denomination. Most issues stem from the differencing opinions based upon the meaning of specific verses in the Bible. One particular issue that causes great debate is whether or not baptism is necessary for salvation. The issue indeed stems from different opinions; however, some of these opinions do not take into account the context and other details of the verses they use to support their opinion. There are many verses in the New Testament that clearly states that baptism is an event that follows salvation. Hence in the Christian faith, we are saved by faith alone in Jesus Christ, because of this, baptism is not necessary for salvation.
Actually, baptism is recommended for the new believer after they enter a saving relationship with Jesus, for the purpose of making a public statement regarding their commitment to Jesus. Paul explains what salvation is in his letter to the Romans in chapter 10 verse 9: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved” (NLT). Douglas Moo discusses the meaning of this verse in his commentary. He states “The confession that Jesus is Lord is one of the most basic distinguishing marks of being a Christian. With the heart one believes that God raises Jesus from the dead. The fulfillment of these two conditions brings salvation” (Moo, 2000). To stay that the work Jesus did on the cross was not enough to complete salvation is to discount the sacrifice that Jesus made. In John 3.16 God made it clear that Jesus’ sole purpose for coming to earth was to provide salvation...

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...of baptism does not line up with the Word of God accurately; their doctrine rests on faulty interpretations that contradicts different verses of Scripture. Needless to say, it is Solus Christus that saves us.

Work Cited
Allen, Clifton J, and John MacGorman. The Broadman Bible Commentary.. Nashville, TN: Broadman Press,
1971
Hull, William E, and Malcolm Tolbert. Luke-John.. Nashville, Tenn: Broadman Press, 1970.
Moo, Douglas J. The NIV Application Commentary: Romans.. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing
House, 2014.
Brom, Robert H. "Tracts." The Necessity of Baptism. Catholic Answers, 10 Aug. 2004. Web. 18 Mar. 2014.
Laurie, Greg. New Believer's Bible. New Living Translation. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House, 1996. Print.
"What Does the Bible Say About Baptism?" What Does the Bible Say About Baptism? Christian Bible Reference Site, n.d. Web. 18 Mar. 2014.

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