Why is it so hard to beileve in Jesus Christ?????????

[throughfiierytrial]

Well, if you have not read the Scriptures for yourself your faith is not resting on Scripture yet so I encourage, no urge you to read it all...be as the noble Bereans in the book of Acts!!

 

[dcalling]

This isn't a debate forum, if you want to debate the theology of Baptism that belongs in a place like General Theology.

I understand your Baptist tradition's position on Baptism, as a Lutheran I disagree with it and indeed believe what I have said is explicitly biblical and in keeping with what the Christian faith has always taught. It is the historic teaching and belief of Christians over the last two thousand years and so I won't feel ashamed for expressing Christian teaching. If you want to debate this, and the relevant Scriptures, that should be done in a more appropriate forum like General Theology.

There's actually a thread already in GT concerning this topic here: http://www.christianforums.com/threads/is-water-baptism-necessary-for-salvation.7912729/

-CryptoLutheran

In my own understanding water baptism is not necessary, as God don't care your surface but your heart (i.e. God don't care the burnt offerings), and water baptism is just a procedure. The thief that died with Jesus went to heaven without been baptized.

However my pastor told me that when possible, always baptize, else he is not totally sure..... So if conditions allows, why put in any doubt on your salvation

 

[throughfiierytrial]

I actually already have a church that I attend with my family.

It may be the best church, it may not...read to determine if they are following Scripture closely in their practices and doctrine. When you read keep this passage in mind:

27 As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
I John 2:27
(The Him referred to in the passage is the Holy Spirit.)
I'd suggest that the first time you read through that you do not use aids for understanding...the Holy Spirit is teaching you...pray for His understanding as you read. Don't read headings and all the notes or resort to concordances...just read through the first time. That is my suggestion.
God Bless

 

[throughfiierytrial]

In my own understanding water baptism is not necessary, as God don't care your surface but your heart (i.e. God don't care the burnt offerings), and water baptism is just a procedure. The thief that died with Jesus went to heaven without been baptized.

However my pastor told me that when possible, always baptize, else he is not totally sure..... So if conditions allows, why put in any doubt on your salvation

Baptism is commanded...if there are extenuating circumstances which prevent baptism...like being crucified...near death, your faith will save you. If you are still ignorant of the fact that it is commanded I believe you'd be saved.

 

[ViaCrucis]

In my own understanding water baptism is not necessary, as God don't care your surface but your heart (i.e. God don't care the burnt offerings), and water baptism is just a procedure. The thief that died with Jesus went to heaven without been baptized.

However my pastor told me that when possible, always baptize, else he is not totally sure..... So if conditions allows, why put in any doubt on your salvation

For Lutherans it comes down to understanding Baptism as Gospel rather than Law. God has attached certain promises to Baptism, hence the Lutheran understanding that a Sacrament is defined as a visible element comprehended with God's word. If Baptism were merely water it would mean nothing but it is God's word joined together with the water that makes Baptism of any significance--which is why Baptism is efficacious to accomplish what it conveys.

That doesn't make Baptism "absolutely necessary", as though one cannot be saved apart from baptism, because again it is God's word that is efficacious. Which is precisely why the thief on the cross is saved because of the word which Christ spoke to him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in paradise."

It is that same saving word of Gospel that is found in the Sacrament of Baptism, it's why Baptism is efficacious to accomplish that which Holy Scripture says of it. Mere water cannot unite a sinner to Christ, but we read in Romans 1 that the Gospel is the "power of God to save all who believe" and in Romans 10 "faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God". It is through the Means of Word and Sacrament that God creates and grants faith to us in order to believe and trust in Christ.

Since we are powerless to turn to God and to make ourselves righteous by our own efforts (Ephesians 2:8-9) we must rely on the external word of God. We have been told where God indeed operates to accomplish what He will--in His Word and Sacraments--outside of which we have been told nothing.

This is why Lutherans always point to the external Means of Grace, God's Word and Sacraments, not to our own strength, efforts, and works. We are powerless to save ourselves or accomplish anything toward our own righteousness, but are instead helpless and hopeless sinners relying upon the mercy and grace of God alone, on Christ's account alone, alone through faith which is from God alone.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[Countryangel707]

I want to say thank you to everyone who has commented on this post and has offered their help. I think I am getting there slowly. I think now is not so much the problem of me doubting its just me feeling blank sometimes.

 

[throughfiierytrial]

I want to say thank you to everyone who has commented on this post and has offered their help. I think I am getting there slowly. I think now is not so much the problem of me doubting its just me feeling blank sometimes.

Go forward in peace, may the Lord be with you and may you become wise unto salvation by your reading and putting His teachings into practice. With all my heart...Godspeed!

 

[-(iconoclast)-]

Jesus is real. Abraham had faith and that was counted to him as righteous.

Faith is very important in christianity. Even god says His attributes are invisible. The biggest proof is His creation which should be evidence enough.

Test the spirits so you know if you are hearing from God. Christian life is one big test and you will always be tested but God said he would not test you far from what you can handle.

Have confidence in God. Dont lose faith, hope or love, or then it is down hill.

If you fail. Pick yourself back up, God knows you are not perfect.

What you need is the peace of God on you. Give all tour problems to God and enjoy life when it is good.