In another thread, the subject of water baptism has intervened into the subject of the thread, and threatens to divert (
The Hope Of The World). This subject can be a contentious one, but I hope it can be approached with love on all sides.
On the side of the necessity for water baptism for salvation, certain verses were quoted in that thread by a participant, which could provide a starting point.
John 3:5,
Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 1 Peter 3:21
Of course it is. Even the thief on the cross was baptized by Christ's Word which like the rain and snow comes back to him fruit. Those whom the graves gave up too were baptized at Christ's crucifixion. I had a intense debate with a brother who disagrees with me. I disagree with the doctrine of the "Baptism of Desire".
I believe God reveals exactly how His Word goes forth. In Isaiah 55. Many disagree with the scriptures. Protestants deny the obvious language of
John 3:5
5Jesus answered,, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
And many Catholics deny the necessity of Doctrine devised, needing to line up with the language of scripture.
2Tim.3 Verses 16 to 17
[16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
These maxims always need to be applied by Christians. Men's doctrines, when formulated must align with what scripture says. Things like (a priest can be in mortal sin and serve at God's altar), and (the Baptism of Desire), do not lend themselves to being aligned with the Holy Word.
Baptism of Desire:
Baptism of desire (Latin: Baptismus flaminis) is a teaching of the Anglican Communion, Lutheran Church and Roman Catholic Church explaining that those who
desire baptism, but are not
baptized with water through the Christian Sacrament because of death, nevertheless receive the fruits of
Baptism at the moment of death ...
It is just this simple: When looking to create a doctrine one must look at the equation and sum of the written WORD first. Then ask himself does this doctrine I am devising gel with what is Christ's clear message. If the equation of Christ's message is TRULY, TRULY ,VERILY,VERILY most assuredly ,a“Timeless truth I am telling you: “ then that is a clear equation that "The Baptism of Desire " does not align with. (You will see what I am saying as you read further on). Clearly Christ means what He says. That is a timeless truth, very simply -at no period IN TIME , which death and ALL UNFORTUNATE circumstance come about during, will change His MAXIMS. Therefore , one can easily dismiss this doctrine called "The Baptism of Desire".
Why would the sum be, the thief on the cross WAS NOT BAPTIZED, when it contradicts the obvious equation? It is clear, the thief was baptized based on Christ's language and PROMISE, which truly, truly, verily, verily, a timeless truth means. So it is as the prophet Isaiah reveals from God, for God spoke through Him:
Isaiah 55:10-11
10For just as rain and snow fall from heaven
and do not return without watering the earth,
making it bud and sprout,
and providing seed to sow and food to eat,
11so My word that proceeds from My mouth
will not return to Me empty,
but it will accomplish what I please,
and it will prosper where I send it.
Aramaic Bible in Plain English John 3:5
Yeshua answered and said to him: “Timeless truth I am telling you: “If a person is not born from water and The Spirit, it is impossible that he shall enter the Kingdom of God.
John 3:5
5Jesus answered,, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
Truly , truly means He promises and means what He says. He would have to make good on His own words because of who He is. If he says something, He must do it. Certain Catholics disagree with that. I think it is because they do not want to admit they are wrong . They would rather forgo truth for denominational pride. That's a shame. They should be more like Peter and accept their admonishment. Peter was very humble. Too bad those who claim to be built on that very rock do not follow His lead.
Numbers 23:
19God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act?
Does He promise and not fulfill?
Does he promise and not fulfill?
John 3:5
5Jesus answered,, “Truly, truly,( means I promise you) I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.
Hebrews 13:
Christ's Unchanging Nature
…7Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you (LIKE ISAIAH and ALL THE PROPHETS AND APOSTLES AND FRIENDS OF). Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace and not by foods of no value to those devoted to them.…
I am 100% correct about the "Baptism of Desire " just as I am correct in knowing, water baptism is a necessity for salvation.
Mathew 5:18
18
For I tell you truly, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.
Certain people need to get off their high horses and start riding into discussions meek and humble on a donkey.
God Bless!
