EG,
I apologize for the snide remark. It shouldn't have happened.
In regard to your statement that God gave the Jews commands but none of them were required for salvation: What about the ten COMMANDments? If they disobeyed those would they still obtain salvation?
see, this is what I mean, who ever obeyed the ten commands as God required? Moses made them confirm an oath that they would obey every word. And guess what. No one fulfilled that requirement. Hence as the good book says. All have sinned and fall short of that standard.
So in one aspect your right. They could not be saved if they did not keep the commands.
But then again, You and I have failed just as much as they have, Thats why we need grace. Thats why we need justified.
Romans three makes it clear. For ALL have sinned (even you and I) and have fallen short of Gods glorious standard. Being justified FREELY by his GRACE.
The fact is, no one will make it to heaven based on how good they are. Or how many works they do. We have ALL SINNED AND FALL SHORT.
Grace is your only Hope mary, Your sacraments will not help you. They just cause you more debt. As paul said Romans would be a great study for you. I pray you take up the challenge and study the romans road.
It appears that you have been taught that if Jesus DIDN'T say something to Nicodemus, the woman at the well and in John 6 about baptism that means baptism is not necessary or saves us!!! We should simply disregard all the other passages in Scripture about baptism? I think you would agree that it is necessary that we are to follow Jesus example and do what he tells us to do? He was baptized, he told us to baptize and told us HOW to baptize (in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit). We don't 'do what he asks because we trust him'. He doesn't "ask" us to do anything. We do what he tells us to do because we MUST do it to be saved. If you ask someone to do something they have a choice. Do you really think baptism is not necessary and a choice? It appears you don't think it is NOT necessary or a choice since you believe it is necessary to 'so what he asks'.
in john 3 4 and 6, jesus told them, and us how to be bor agai, how to be saved, and how to recieve eternal life
Baptism was not mentioned because it was not required for salvation.
It is however a command, Like circumcision was to the jew. Both represent being cleansed. Both were commands, but neither saved. Or has any part in your salvation. Paul chastened the jews and called them out trying tp add circumcision to the gospel. Well he is calling those out who try to add baptism the same way.
Why you can not see this, is just beyond my comprehension.
Just to be clear. For 2,000 years Christianity has taught that Jesus dialogue with Nicodemus WAS about baptism. It has only been since the Protestant revolution that men have changed that teaching and twisted that dialogue.
Just to be clear. 2000 years of jewish history taught that circumcision was required for salvation. The jews were wrong about that, just like the catholics are wrong about baptism
I care about what God says and what es us said
THAT FACT IS, if baptism was being spoke of. JESUS WOULD HAVE TOLD HIM. The fact he did not should go to great lengths to prove to you and many others that it is not required.
You want to listen to men, Thats on you. I will listen to god. You think I protest yuo? Feel free. The jews called Jesus a protester and crucified him. I am in good company with those who are being shamed with rejecting the tradition of men.
In regard to 1 Peter 3:20-21 where it says that eight souls were saved through water. There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism not the removal of the filth of the flesh but an appeal to God for a good conscience. That passage CLEARLY says when you are baptized (which is done with water) the purpose of the water is NOT to clean the dirt from your body. So what is the purpose of the water EG? If it is just symbolic, why does that passage say that it NOW SAVES US? You have been taught that it doesn't save us but that passage literally says OPPOSITE of that. What is the water washing away if not SIN? How can a symbolic act save us? There is nothing contradictory between Peter’s statement about baptism being an appeal to God for a good conscience and a salvific understanding of baptism. You believe it has to be one or the other and that is NOT true. Once again, you are following the teachings of the Protestant revolution and throwing away 2,000 years of Church teaching.
It clearly says baptism does not remove filth of the flesh
It does not remove sin. It is a good consciousness towards god.
if baptism was required for salvation. Every OT saint is in hell, because they failed to meet the requirments.
Paul said the wrks of the law never helped save anyone. The OT they were saved by grace through faith in God
You make it harder for a NT believer to be saved, Because you want us to think that NT works do save, they are more important than the works of the OT.
Well your wrong
As paul said, and as I keep showing your buddy
If it is of grace its no longer of works. Otherwise grace is no longer grace
We are saved by grace through faith, not of ourself. Not of works lest anyone should boast
Not by works of righteousness which we have done but by his mercy, he saved us.
You want to boast of your works. Feel free.. they may work for making you look good to men, and your churhc
But they will not mean a thing to God. Because he wants to offer you grace. You can chose to recieve or reject it. But you will never be able to earn it by works of sacraments.