Must You Be Born Again?

[farouk]

You want to gamble on eternity, be my guest.

Frankly it would be unrealistic to tell people that unless they are baptised they won't go to heaven, while leaving aside the vital inner work of the Holy Spirit through whom Christ offered Himself without spot to God (Hebrews 9.14). An outward symbol may refer to an inner reality; it does not in itself produce spiritual consequences for eternity: this would otherwise be salvation by works and ritual.

 

[justbyfaith]

Frankly it would be unrealistic to tell people that unless they are baptised they won't go to heaven, while leaving aside the vital inner work of the Holy Spirit through whom Christ offered Himself without spot to God (Hebrews 9.14). An outward symbol may refer to an inner reality; it does not in itself produce spiritual consequences for eternity: this would otherwise be salvation by works and ritual.

The inward work of being filled with the Holy Ghost is promised to those who receive baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.

And, while someone may receive the Holy Spirit merely because of asking (Luke 11:9-13), the more absolute promise is found in Acts of the Apostles 2:39-39.

Without the shedding of blood there is no remission (Hebrews 9:22). How then is there remission of sins (and there is) when we receive baptism in Jesus' Name, if the blood is not in the water?

 

[user]

Without the shedding of blood there is no remission (Hebrews 9:22). How then is there remission of sins (and there is) when we receive baptism in Jesus' Name, if the blood is not in the water?

Yes very good point.

1 John 5:6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.
1 John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
1 John 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.


Keep up the good work.
God Bless!

 

[Rocky Wiley]

Frankly it would be unrealistic to tell people that unless they are baptised they won't go to heaven, while leaving aside the vital inner work of the Holy Spirit through whom Christ offered Himself without spot to God (Hebrews 9.14). An outward symbol may refer to an inner reality; it does not in itself produce spiritual consequences for eternity: this would otherwise be salvation by works and ritual.

Baptism is about washing away past sins. I can't say that one is not going to heaven unless they are baptized, but why take the chance?
Act_22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.