Originally posted by LouisBooth
"Now, why would Jesus give such COMMAND if BAPTISM is NOT relevant to salvation? "
Umm..ed this is another example of you adding to scripture. We baptise because it identifies you with the church and shows physically the spiritual change that has already happened.
*chuckles* standard quote for lack of credible answer. And aren't you adding to scripture when you say that "we baptise becuse it identifies you with the church and shows physically the spiritual change that has already happened?" Isn't this an OPINION rather that an Biblical support?
I say that Jesus COMMANDED his disciples to BAPTIZE those who BELIEVE because it is RELEVANT to salvation on account of Mark 16:16 where Jesus says that "he who BELIEVES and is BAPTIZED will be saved." As a matter of fact, Matt. 28:19 DISPROVES your allegation that Mark 16:16 is doubtful.
"I want to see scripture to support your belief - NOT assumption NOR interpretation. "
So why did Christ get baptised? Did he have sin that needed to be cleansed?
I'm afraid you are still not answering my question. My question is this: "Whose idea is it that 'baptizing is the outward declaration that I am a Christian. It's declaring my allegiance to God.' Is there a biblical support for this belief?"
I want to see scripture to support your belief - NOT assumption NOR interpretation.
Or are you telling me that Christ was baptized to show that he is a Christian and was declaring allegiance to God? That's still an interpretation that has no basis my friend.
As for mark 16:16 I'm not going to base docterine on THAT VERSE ALONE because its in question according to the older manuscripts. So I won't base docterine on a lone verse, especially in that passage. And it DOES say that if you aren't baptised you are condemned, only that if you don't believe.
One who does NOT believe is CONDEMNED because he won't be baptized and his sins won't be forgiven, and he won't receive the gift of the holy spirit (Acts 2:38).
No matter how you try to TWIST the scripture to fit your belief, the TRUTH will always come out that BAPTISM is relevant to salvation.
However, just to make it clear, baptism into a false church won't do you any good either. Christ died only for HIS church, NOT any other else's church.
Ed
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