The Baptism Debate

Does salvation occur through baptism? If so, where does Jesus fit in? If not, what purpose does baptism serve? Alistair Begg walks us through various theological beliefs surrounding baptism and points to Christ, the only one who can save us from sin. A consideration of baptism ultimately requires us to examine our willingness to trust Christ alone and to publicly confess Him.
Preached: 12//10/2000
Scripture: Acts 16:11-15

[@StaceeMassey]

Thank you, Alistair, for this thorough study on baptism.

[@steffanhelle8332]

Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. Acts 3:26 - KJV 🥰

[@philipuren3857]

Thank you Alistair, very helpful insight into baptism.

[@31surprises]

God has blessed you greatly. Thank you for sharing your knowledge in such a way that comforts and convicts.

[@janineandersonhall3278]

I very much appreciate this detailed explanation of how baptism is interpreted by different denominations. I was raised in the Presbyterian Church and baptized as an infant. When I became a believer, I felt I should be baptized: "Believe and be baptized." As I continued in the Presbyterian tradition, I heard the explanation of the covenant sign. I just didn't buy it: it seemed too complicated while the call to baptism seemed simple. Alistair made it clear to me when he questioned the Biblical validity of making baptism the replacement of circumcision and communion as the replacement of the Passover. The Quakers have taken this issue another step and nullify receiving physical baptism because Christians are baptized in the spirit. But this is not a public affirmation of what we have spiritually received. I will receive believer's baptism--finally, after wrestling with this for decades. Thank you for bringing clarity and conviction to me.

[@ByGracethroughFaithEph.2.8]

I fell sorry for you Janine if you look at Baptism as a public testimony of your Faith, I would look at a ordinance as pointing to God's work, promise and commitment. A testament of Faith would be glorifying God in praise,prayer and Holiness.

[@margaretliebenberg9800]

Excellent! The best teaching and explanation on this topic I've ever heard. Thankyou, Alistair Begg.

[@pastorart1974]

I have been listening to this guy preach on Moody Radio for many years. This is the first video I have ever seen of him

[@dinoandrade3640]

Amen! Loved this 🙌🙏! God is so good! He is enough! Believe in Him

[@daveseibert9390]

Thank You Brother Begg!

[@johncolquitt3086]

He talks alot about theology but little about what the Bible actually says. He says he wants to get to the scriptures but spends most of his time elsewhere. Here's what it says: On baptism First What Jesus said: 1. Jesus said. Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Commanded by Christ 2. Great Commission Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Church age: 1. The first recorded Gospel Sermon: Acts 2:37‭-‬38 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Baptism explained in Epistles: 1. Puts us in Christ Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Saves us I Peter 3:21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, He disagrees with the last verse.

[@Wunderlust76]

That you Pastor this was edifying and insightful. I appreciate your approach 🙏 I'm wondering where I can find the sermon on Lord's Supper you referenced. This is clearly an older video recently reshared...much appreciated the help.

[@jessyjonas4988]

Doctrine is important Thank you Holy Spirit for your leading and guidance

[@johncolquitt3086]

He talks alot about theology but little about what the Bible actually says. He says he wants to get to the scriptures but spends most of his time elsewhere. Here's what it says: On baptism First What Jesus said: 1. Jesus said. Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Commanded by Christ 2. Great Commission Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Church age: 1. The first recorded Gospel Sermon: Acts 2:37‭-‬38 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Baptism explained in Epistles: 1. Puts us in Christ Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Saves us I Peter 3:21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, He disagrees with the last verse.

[@teejay7510]

Great sermon on baptism.

[@janetteirisolivier6101]

Glory Hallelujah🔥💃🙌

[@patriciavarga4084]

I was raised a Catholic. The Bible teaches believe and be baptized. Seems clear enough to me…. Thank you Pastor Begg.

[@bobbyadkins6983]

You must be born again to enter into the kingdom of God. Don't add to or take away from the Bible. Get you a KJV.

[@mauriceb53]

The Bible is clear and must be followed. Baptism by immersion for believers for the remission of sins as Jesus and Peter and the apostles taught. This is the only way to contact the shed blood of Christ - Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3-4 etc.

[@pastorart1974]

Belief, in the Bible, always preceeds Baptism. No infant was ever Baptized in the Bible. When I returned from the Vietnam War I had a long talk with my Lutheran Pastor, who agreed no infant was ever Baptized in the Bible.

[@carbonbiker]

@@pastorart1974 But… it doesn’t say NOT to baptize infants that I can see….

[@pastorart4528]

@@carbonbiker Actually it does. First, the Greek word, transliterated into English as "Baptism" or "Baptize", actually means"to immerse". Second, in the Great Commission, it is clear, that we are to go into all the world and make disciples in all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Well the word, THEM, in the previous sentence, is a pronoun, which refers back to the noun, "disciples". Only after someone has been made a new Disciple, are we commanded to Baptize them. It doesn't say, Baptize Nations or Baptize babies, it says, "Baptize the new Disciples". Infants aren't capable to deciding to repent from their sins and deciding to ask Jesus to forgive those sins. The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:19. Keep in mind that I was raised in a Lutheran, infant baptizing church. But when I started reading the Bible for myself, I found Zero support for infant baptism, and zero support for Jesus dying on Good Friday, Jesus died on Good Wednesday.

[@kylestaack38]

Paul makes it so clear. Not of heritage or of works but grace alone faith alone in Christ alone. What can baptizing be for then??? Obviously only for believers

[@HOCKMAN1981]

Acts 2:38 I was baptized for same reason FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS. Acts 22:16 Paul washed away his sins

[@jdbordelon7752]

Veritas. A very good sermon. Thank you. The uniform is part of the duty you have chosen (ask any Veteran, not the grumpy ones though)...likewise the three piece suit baptism is a very good anecdote. Parents are accountable for the children given them; train them according to scripture in the way they should go and they will not turn from it. Baptize them dedicate them to the Lord, Joseph and Mary did. Should you fail to do so, someone else will and it could be the enemy. Jesus was baptized by John as an adult.Why would you argue these things if Jesus...GOD... did it then as He said follow me. As the Pastor said read up on these things and study, verify and above all TRUST the Lord.

[@LJrock101]

Alistair Begg just made me a Presbyterian.

[@moussicalaghan8677]

False Witness...

[@bobbyadkins6983]

So sorry to hear that. Please study the Bible for yourself and ask God to help you understand it. Calvinism is blasphemous and very cruel.

[@mauriceb53]

Become a Christian and a member of the Church of Christ and don't wear a man-made name that can't be found in the Bible.

[@moussicalaghan8677]

@@bobbyadkins6983 Alistair Begg is also a calvinist... Presbyterian is a denomination and a term related to ecclesiology, not soteriology. But I guess @LJrock is also a calvinist (so Am I). Greetings from France

[@moussicalaghan8677]

@@mauriceb53 CoC? sad...

[@ArmandoBN497]

What is the rule for, you go out sharing the gospel with a couple of church members. We come to a person that accepts the gospel and ask if he could get baptized now since their is a body of water. Would it be wrong todo so or should we wait todo it in front of the church?

[@lincolndunstan3057]

Alistair, you can apply to be pastor at my church, anytime you’d like, as long as it’s soon!!

[@johncolquitt3086]

He's outstanding with what others say but steers clear of the passages. He talks alot about theology but little about what the Bible actually says. He says he wants to get to the scriptures but spends most of his time elsewhere. Here's what it says: On baptism First What Jesus said: 1. Jesus said. Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Commanded by Christ 2. Great Commission Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Church age: 1. The first recorded Gospel Sermon: Acts 2:37‭-‬38 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ (Look) for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Baptism explained in Epistles: 1. Puts us in Christ Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Saves us I Peter 3:21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, He disagrees with the last verse.

[@patriciavarga4084]

❤❤❤

[@muddyboots7753]

Without all the this and that of religion, get a new believer to read and study just the Bible and he will come to a logical conclusion on many of the controversial topics on his own.

[@royharp3665]

Love Alistair Begg, but don't forget about the children e.g. suffer not the children, Jesus blessed the children, Paul instructs the children, The law instructs the children, so how can we know that among those thousands of people who were baptized at Pentecost that there were no children? Can we really suppose all were adults and none of there children were baptized? And what about the mentally handicapped who can't understand? Should parents deny them baptism?

[@johncolquitt3086]

He talks alot about theology but little about what the Bible actually says. He says he wants to get to the scriptures but spends most of his time elsewhere. Here's what it says: On baptism First What Jesus said: 1. Jesus said. Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Commanded by Christ 2. Great Commission Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Church age: 1. The first recorded Gospel Sermon: Acts 2:37‭-‬38 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Baptism explained in Epistles: 1. Puts us in Christ Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Saves us I Peter 3:21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, He disagrees with the last verse.

[@Berean_with_a_BTh]

Letting the children come is not the same as imposing something on them - especially when they are incapable of expressing faith or repentance. On the repentance issue, you may be interested to know that the early church regarded infants as being born innocent and, therefore, not in need of baptism. It was only after infant baptism was introduced that a doctrine of original sin was invented to support the practice. For example, the _Apology of Aristeides_ (c.125, 15.11), the _Epistle of Barnabas_ (c.130, 6:11), and the _Shepherd of Hermas_ (c.100-c.160, 27:1; 101:1-3) all expressed the conviction that children are born innocent of sin. The _Didache_ (aka _The Lord's Teaching Through the Twelve Apostles to the Nations_ , c.90-150, 7:1-4) reserved baptism for persons old enough to have received instruction and to have fasted for at least the day before. Writing c.205-210, Tertullian objected to what appears to have been the newly-introduced practice of paedobaptism. His objection was, not only that were infants innocent but also that they were incapable of ‘coming’ of their own volition (cf. Luke 18:16) to express faith or to confess or repent from any supposed sins ( _On Baptism_ , 18). Instead, baptism was to be preceded by prayer, fasting, night-long vigils, and the confession of all past sins ( _On Baptism_ , 20). Until Augustine came along, the only early church writers claiming infants were born in an inherited sinful state were Cyprian of Carthage and Augustine’s contemporary, Jerome. Opposing these three, Aristeides of Athens, the writer of the _Epistle of Barnabas,_ Hermas of Rome, Irenaeus, Gregory of Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa, John Chrysostom and the writer of the _Apostolic Constitutions_ all viewed infants as being born innocent. Fundamental to Augustine’s hermeneutics was his belief that the practice of paedobaptism necessarily evidenced a tradition based on revelation to the church through Scripture and it was his job to identify the relevant Scriptures. The core of Augustine’s argument supporting paedobaptism was that Adam’s sin was inherited, an argument he largely based on an interpretation of what he _knew_ from Ambrosiatser's _Commentaries on Romans_ to be a Latin mistranslation of Romans 5:12b, which construed Adam as the one ‘in whom’ all sinned ( _A Treatise Against Two Letters of the Pelagians_ 4.7). Coupling this with an interpretation of poorly-translated texts of Psalm 51:5a and Job 14:4-5a, Augustine argued that even infants are held guilty because of Adam’s transgression ( _On the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and On the Baptism of Infants_ I.34, III.13). Hence, according to Augustine, having inherited Adam’s sin, infants needed baptism for its remission ( _Letter_ 158.1). When we come to the Reformation, we find Luther (an Augustinian monk) uncritically adopting Augustine’s teaching and Calvin endorsing Luther. Calvin openly admitted his theology was entirely Augustinian, writing, _"Augustine is so wholly within me, that if I wished to write a confession of my faith, I could do so with all fullness and satisfaction to myself out of his writings"._ It is little wonder then, that so many churches in the Lutheran/Calvinist tradition both practice paedobaptism and preach a doctrine of original sin. That doctrine of is a plain contradiction of Deuteronomy 24:16 and Ezekiel 18:20 & 24. See also Ecclesiastes 7:29. What Scripture clearly shows is that human sinfulness arises during one’s youth (Genesis 8:21; Jeremiah 3:25) and that children must reach a certain level of maturity before they are able to make moral choices between good and evil (Isaiah 7:15-16).

[@royharp3665]

@@Berean_with_a_BTh your premises depend on cases. Pedobaptism is a coherent theology that depends on system of premises from the beginning to the end of scripture.

[@Berean_with_a_BTh]

​@@royharp3665 In case you hadn't noticed (in spite of the evidence I've already provided), paedobaptism baptism wasn't practiced in the early church. If paedobaptism was church tradition all along and was consistent with Scripture, how do you explain such widespread opposition to it? The doctrine of Original Sin, so thoroughly expounded by Augustine of Hippo (354-430) to support the unbiblical practice of paedobaptism, is a plain contradiction of Ecclesiastes 7:29. What Scripture clearly shows is that human sinfulness arises during one’s youth (Genesis 8:21; Jeremiah 3:25) and that children must reach a certain level of maturity before they are able to make moral choices between good and evil (Isaiah 7:15-16). Furthermore, since the human spirit is not inherited from one’s parents; rather, but is given to each person individually by God (Ecclesiastes 12:7; Hebrews 12:9), it is unreasonable to suppose it is any less pure at conception than the source from whence it comes. For the 'household' issue, have a watch of: kzbin.infonOa1hulVSxE?si=v67gkZgHrWmWJJjI Coherent or not, paedobaptismal theology is a plain contradiction of Matthew 28:19 and multiple other Scriptures indicating that it is only disciples who are eligible to be baptized.

[@kylestaack38]

Paul makes it so clear. Not of heritage or works but grace alone faith alone in Christ alone. What can baptizing be for then??? Obviously only for believers New Covenant of Spiritual children!!!!!! Not children of the old covenant of flesh. Amen 🙏 Amen 🙏

[@thundershadow]

The public nature of baptism is ancillary. The spiritual accomplishment of baptism is often rejected. But it is that which baptism accomplishes in the spiritual realm that is its real purpose. It is that which occurs during baptism that we do not see which makes the difference between baptism and just getting wet. It is how we perceive baptism that strongly indicates spiritual-mindedness as opposed to carnal-mindedness. When I see a legitimate baptism... I see a point in the person's life when they are reaching out to God by faith. That's 1 Peter 3 which says it is an appeal to God. If a person goes into baptism thinking they are making a statement to the people witnessing that baptism... then they lack instruction. When the scriptures institute baptism... they do not do it as if its purpose is symbolic. Is the cross symbolic? What Christ faced was very real. Was the Ark symbolic? To me, the Ark suggests a time when God cut the tree of mankind to the nub. Am I wrong? Why is infant baptism ineffectual? Because the baby is not doing anything except getting wet. They are being handled like a package in the mail. Baptism is the point when we step into a spiritual life that is if you believe what the scriptures say about it.

[@malvarado5955]

I know signs have come to an end because Jesus tells us through our apostle Paul , what do u do with Roman’s 6:3 , teaching people to trust in water cleansing is blasphemous when we have the 😮death burial an resurrection

[@lindaw2418]

Believe and be baptized! Revelations 22:18-19 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. Is this infant baptism adding to Gods Word? Just a thought.

[@gerardsymonette8906]

Give honor to the scriptures over the teachings of men.

[@s.c.i.7506]

Romans 6 is a passage that should be read and discussed when baptism is the topic.

[@mauriceb53]

I wish we had heard more Bible from the preacher and less from the writings of men.

[@s.c.i.7506]

@@mauriceb53 My thoughts exactly. Doctrines and teachings of men are not the answer.

[@johncolquitt3086]

​@@s.c.i.7506 Commanded by Christ 2. Great Commission Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” II. Church age: 1. The first recorded Gospel Sermon: Acts 2:37‭-‬38 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 2. The Samaritans conversion. Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. III. Individual conversions 1 . Simons Conversion Acts 8:13 Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed. 2. . The conversion of the Eunich Acts 8:36‭, ‬38‭-‬39 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 3. Paul's Conversion Acts 9:18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; Recount of his conversion Acts 22:16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ 4. Cornelius Converted Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. 5. Lydia Converted Acts 16:15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us. IV. Other Churches 1. The Corinthians Acts 18:8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. 2. At Ephesus Acts 19:5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 3. Paul recounts this conversion. Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name. Acts 22:16 ASV V. Baptism explained in Epistles: 1. Puts us in Christ Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 2. Burried with Him. Romans 6: 3-4 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 3. Saves us I Peter 3:21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

[@kac0404]

Does the Bible inform us who should be baptized? Yes, it definitely does. Note the following outline: THOSE WHO ARE TAUGHT-Mark 16:15-16 THOSE WHO BELIEVE- Mark 16:15-16 THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO REPENT-Acts 2:38 THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO STATE THEIR FAITH IN CHRIST-Acts 8:37 THOSE WHO GLADLY RECEIVE THE WORD-Acts 2:41

[@johncolquitt3086]

You're correct! He talks alot but ignores most of the scriptures.

[@joannaczerniak3655]

What about eastern orthodox church doctrine in terms of baptism? What is pastor Alistair Begg's view about the eastern orthodox church faith in terms of Baptism? Why wasn't it mentioned?

[@sarahd5341]

Eastern Orthodox is outside of the Christian church

[@melydallas4322]

Luke 2:22 (KJV) And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; Is it not clear that the baby of a Christian must be dedicated or presented them to the LORD not baptism , coz the baby does not know what is right and wrong yet.? So if you baptise them , you will include them to the last supper also which they don't know what it means . Don't we commit sin taking this last supper not knowing what it means .?

[@Just_A_Wafaring_Stranger]

The baby was CONCEIVED in SIN. The baby is a SINNER!!! You DON'T dedicate the baby to the LORD. EVERYTHING belongs to the LORD...the cattle on a thousand hills are His. The baby, when old enough needs to seek the LORD for mercy and salvation. Until then, he is dead in his trespasses and sins.

[@derekf85]

The Presbyterian’s view better explains Hebrews 6 and 10. Or you have to capitulate perseverance of the saints.

[@PepeLeFunk]

The problem-and I say this as a Presbyterian-is that the author of Hebrews seems to almost certainly be addressing adult jewish concerts, for whom the temptation/pressure to revert back to judaism would’ve been great. I think we must recognize that those passages in Hebrews are harder than many recognize.

[@cowboy112051]

they have nothing to do with Heb 6 and 10

[@johncolquitt3086]

He talks alot about theology but little about what the Bible actually says. He says he wants to get to the scriptures but spends most of his time elsewhere. Here's what it says: On baptism First What Jesus said: 1. Jesus said. Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Commanded by Christ 2. Great Commission Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Church age: 1. The first recorded Gospel Sermon: Acts 2:37‭-‬38 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Baptism explained in Epistles: 1. Puts us in Christ Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Saves us I Peter 3:21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, He disagrees with the last verse.

[@steffanhelle8332]

Born of womb-water and reborn of the Holy Spirit !

[@colinrogerson3599]

I agree entirely with this comment. Many good Christians have tried to use Jesus’ words in John 3:5 to make a connection between baptism and the “water” mentioned. However, it’s clear at that point in the discussion, that Jesus was responding to Nicodemus’ question about natural birth, in order to show a contrast between it and spiritual birth. A suitable paraphrase of the verse might read: “I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born (both physically) of (womb) water and (spiritually by) the Spirit.”

[@michaelbergeron1554]

Womb water? Lol

[@mauriceb53]

It's real water in John 3:5 and that's baptism. Much Water in baptism is found in John 3:23 (same chapter) and that proves it to be so!

[@steffanhelle8332]

@@mauriceb53 Thief wasnt baptized and Jesus said "today you'll be with me in Paradise"!

[@mauriceb53]

@@steffanhelle8332 The thief died before Jesus commanded baptism for us in Mark 16:16. This was after his resurrection and is called the Great commission

[@mbgrocott7115]

What I don't understand is why so many christians cannot accept the fact that there is a spiritual significance to baptism just as there is with prayer. We accept that when we pray, God, who is spirit, hears our prayers. In the same way, when we are baptized, we are united with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection. This is not a replacement for being circumcised, rather, baptism replaces going to the High Priest with one's animal sacrifice year after year. Christ is our High Priest, seated at the right hand of God, who died once for all. And just as He needed to die only once, we only need to go to Him once for the forgiveness of our sins. In baptism, we enter the inner sanctuary with Him, where previously only the earthly High Priest would go to commit the animal to sacrifice. There, he would sprinkle everything with the blood, symbolizing the washing away of sin and guilt. But what was done then under the Law was merely a shadow of what was to come. In baptism, it is our heart which is sprinkled by Christ, the Heavenly High Priest, with His blood. All we need to bring to baptism is the willingness to die, similarly depicted in the story of Abraham and Isaac. However, again in similar fashion to Abraham and Isaac, when we arrive at the critical moment, we find God has provided the sacrifice. It is not a ram caught in a thorn bush but His Son wearing a crown of thorns. It is truly an amazing story which only God could create, the melding together of sacrifice and High Priest and, by grace, us.

[@peterhussey-yeo9041]

There is only one baptism that saves us and it's not water baptism

[@mbgrocott7115]

@@peterhussey-yeo9041 I know where you are going with this b/c I've heard it before. Simply wrong. When the 3,000 were baptized in Acts or when anyone was baptized in Acts, they went down into the water, as in the very descriptive case of the Ethiopian official who said to Philip, "Look, here is water, what prevents me from being baptized?" Please don't twist the scriptures and in doing so, lead people astray. One more point, no form of baptism "saves" anyone, anymore than a sinner's prayer can "save" a person or any other act can "save" a person. It's is God's work and action that saves; by grace we are saved and that through the blood of Christ. That said, it is incumbent upon us to go to Christ with contrition of heart, with repentance in mind, and seek forgiveness of sins through Him. We are doing exactly that when we accept the invitation to be baptized, or at least that ought to be where we are in heart, mind and spirit. Otherwise we just get wet.

[@thedynamicsolo4232]

@@peterhussey-yeo9041 Yes, that is why Jesus said "Go , teaching them and baptizing them in my name", Paul was baptized, Cornelius and his household, ALL the men in Acts 2:38 were told to be baptized in water. You have given no backing scriptures like Acts 9 with Paul, Mark 16:16, the Ethiopian who was baptized...The misuse of Matthew 26:28 is where this comes from. "for this is my blood which is given for the remission of sins...." the Greek word "for" there is used 1773 times in the new testament. It means "In order that" not "because of". Were sins forgiven when Christ was still alive? No, because he had not died yet. Why would Paul say "Don't you know all of you who were baptized into Christ were baptized into His death"? Stop making claims you cannot back up brother. The thief on the cross was before the new covenant. Now, if you disagree with me, what BAPTISM saves us?

[@dwbid42]

@@mbgrocott7115"Simply wrong. When the 3,000 were baptized in Acts or when anyone was baptized in Acts, they went down into the water, as in the very descriptive case of the Ethiopian official who said to Philip, "Look, here is water, what prevents me from being baptized?" Please don't twist the scriptures and in doing so, lead people astray. " I agree with the "simply wrong" but it's you that is simply wrong. You're mistake is that you don't understand that there was and is absolutely no difference in water baptism from John's baptism until todays baptism. Water baptism has always been to make disciples once someone had repented and believed. That's what John required, Peter required and that's what's should be required today. Act 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE, saying unto the people, that they should BELIEVE on him which should come after him, that is, ON CHRIST JESUS. Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water UNTO (EIS) repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: HE SHALL BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY GHOST, and with fire: Mar 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, AND PREACH THE BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE FOR (EIS) THE REMISSION OF SINS. NOTICE in Mat 3:11 John baptized with water UNTO (EIS) REPENTANCE. Using the logic that people who believe in baptismal regeneration use in Acts 2:38 this verse would be saying that your BAPTIZED TO BRING ABOUT REPENTANCE. I don't know of anyone that advocates for this and even if they did Johns own words shoots this down. Mat 3:7 BUT WHEN HE SAW MANY OF THE PHARISEES AND SADDUCEES COME TO HIS BAPTISM, HE SAID UNTO THEM, O GENERATION OF VIPERS, WHO HATH WARNED YOU TO FLEE FROM THE WRATH TO COME? MAT 3:8 BRING FORTH THEREFORE FRUITS MEET FOR REPENTANCE he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Luk 3:7 THEN SAID HE TO THE MULTITUDE THAT CAME FORTH TO BE BAPTIZED of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Luk 3:8 BRING FORTH THEREFORE FRUITS WORTHY OF REPENTANCE, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. John wouldn't baptize unless those being baptized showed "fruits meet for repentance" meaning you believe, repent and because you're then saved you get baptized. The disciples weren't told to wait in Jerusalem until Pentecost because water baptism would then be needed for salvation. They were told to wait for the Holy Ghost who nwas to come and do the baptizing that had long been promised ---- "Please don't twist the scriptures and in doing so, lead people astray. One more point, no form of baptism "saves" This is the pot calling the kettle black. NO FORM OF BAPTISM "SAVES" I assume you're CoC and that's how they twist things. Baptism doesn't save however - you have God's grace, Jesus' shed blood, you believe that Jesus is Lord and that he suffered, died, was buried, and raised from the dead for our sins (the Gospel), admit you're a sinner, repent of your sins, confess from the mountain tops that Jesus is your Lord and Savior and have enough faith to move a mountain - but wait until you allow another sinful human to submerge you in water you are the son of the devil and are damned for eternity. OF COURSE YOU DON'T BELIEVE BAPTISM SAVES!!

[@dwbid42]

@@thedynamicsolo4232the baptism that gets us INTO CHRIST - 1 Cor 12:13 FOR BY ONE SPIRIT ARE WE ALL BAPTIZED INTO ONE BODY, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

[@malvarado5955]

The gospels are a continuation of the Old Testament, in other words it is Judaism, lord Jesus comes to fulfill the promises to Israel our apostle is Paul and Jesus tells us through Paul don’t preach water baptism preach the gospel of Christ s redemption at Calvary

[@allynheyes6233]

In the Presbyterian Church of America (Tim Keller and RC Srpoule) teach that infant baptism is a sign and seal into the covenant family. They also believe that Baptism allows their baptized child, if dies before age of accountability, will go to heaven and unbaptized children no one knows what happens to them. I attended a PCA church in Canada. This is what is taught. Not many people are aware of this.

[@douglasdelong1526]

RC Sproul - one of the greatest theologians of our age! Love him!

[@bobbyadkins6983]

Calvinism is blasphemous and very cruel.

[@douglasdelong1526]

@@bobbyadkins6983 try harder. God is sovereign. You, on the other hand, are not.

[@cowboy112051]

@@bobbyadkins6983 Do you read your bible? Blasphemous? How so? I would love to debate you on this...do you have any scripture to back that up?

[@Derekmartin20]

Before accountability they go to Heaven

[@georgerobbins2172]

2 Tim. 2:15, 1 Cor. 12:13, Eph.4:5 1 Cor.1:14

[@SpotterVideo]

Old Covenant Baptism vs. New Covenant Baptism (water vs. Spirit) Water baptism was a part of the Old Covenant system of ritual washing. The Old Covenant priests had to wash before beginning their service in the temple. (Ex. 30:17-30) When Christ was water baptized by His cousin John in the Jordan River, He was under the Old Covenant system. He also only ate certain foods, and wore certain clothes, as prescribed by the 613 Old Covenant laws. Christ was water baptized by John and then the Holy Spirit came from heaven. (Acts 10:38) The order is reversed in the New Covenant. A person receives the Holy Spirit upon conversion, and then believers often declare their conversion to their friends and family through a water baptism ceremony. Which baptism makes you a member of Christ’s Church? The New Covenant conversion process is described below. (Born-again) Eph 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Eph 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (A person must “hear” the Gospel, and “believe” the Gospel, and will then be “sealed” with the Holy Spirit.) Joh 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (See Jer. 31:34 for the New Covenant promise, and 1 John 2:27 for the fulfillment) ============ Which baptism is a part of the salvation process, based on what the Bible says? What did Peter say below? Acts 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Based on Luke 3:16, and John 1:33, and Acts 11:15-16, the most important thing about the word "baptize" in the New Testament has nothing to do with water. The Holy Spirit is the master teacher promised to New Covenant believers in Jeremiah 31:34, and John 14:26, and is found fulfilled in Ephesians 1:13, and 1 John 2:27. Unfortunately, many modern Christians see water/ every time they read the word "baptize" in the text. Based on the above, what is the one baptism of our faith found in the passage below? How many times is the word "Spirit" found in the passage, and how many times is the word "water" found in the passage? Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, Eph 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (See 1 Cor. 12:13) “baptize” KJV Mat_3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Mar_1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Water or Holy Spirit?, See Eph. 1-13.) Luk_3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: Joh_1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; Joh_1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 1Co_1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (See Eph. 4:1-5) Heb 9:10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (Old Covenant ----> New Covenant) How many people have been saved by the Old Covenant water baptism of John the Baptist? Who did John the Baptist say is the greatest Baptist that ever lived in Luke 3:16? What kind of New Covenant baptism comes from Christ? Hebrews 9:10 Old Covenant vs. New Covenant (ESV) but deal only with food and drink and various washings, regulations for the body imposed until the time of reformation. (Geneva) Which only stood in meates and drinkes, and diuers washings, and carnal rites, which were inioyned, vntill the time of reformation. (GW) These gifts and sacrifices were meant to be food, drink, and items used in various purification ceremonies. These ceremonies were required for the body until God would establish a new way of doing things. (KJV) Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (KJV+) Which stood onlyG3440 inG1909 meatsG1033 andG2532 drinks,G4188 andG2532 diversG1313 washings,G909 andG2532 carnalG4561 ordinances,G1345 imposedG1945 on them untilG3360 the timeG2540 of reformation.G1357 (NKJV) concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation. (NLT) For that old system deals only with food and drink and various cleansing ceremonies-physical regulations that were in effect only until a better system could be established. (YLT) only in victuals, and drinks, and different baptisms, and fleshly ordinances-till the time of reformation imposed upon them .

[@jd-gw4gr]

why is my beloved brother mr. begg only taking half of what Jesus told nicodemus: "... except that a man be born of water and Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of GOD." water is necessary for salvation: it is not faith alone: 1) hearing the Word of God; 2) the Word produces faith in that believing in Christ as his Redeemor; 3) thus one will confess with his mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord; 4) then being baptize into Christ and 5) living the life Jesus Christ, who is sovereign King-Lord-Master, called him to live and finally death onto eternal life. this is the Gospel of Christ!

[@thedynamicsolo4232]

Why do believers BICKER about this command? Because they think it is a WORK that an individual does. It is NOT A WORK that gets you into heaven. It is an ACT OF OBEDIENCE that is part of your salvation otherwise Paul, Cornelius, The men and bretheren of Acts 2:38 would not have been immersed in water. The teaching is NOT confused. The commands are clear and there is no argument. To be in CHRIST you must be baptized into His death!!! Romans 6.

[@thedynamicsolo4232]

By the way, baptism is NOT sprinkling or pouring. Those are the Greek words "rantizo" and "cheo" which are NEVER used in scripture. The word is "Baptizo" which means to plunge, immerse, overwhelm.

[@BrolicG]

I don't see how an "act of obedience" is not a work. The dictionary defines an act as "the doing of a thing, a deed", a work. I have difficulty seeing what you're getting at.

[@mauriceb53]

He who believes and is baptized (immersed) shall be saved Mark 16:16 How is that a work when we obey?

[@bobthrasher8226]

Where does the NT say baptism is a "sign" or symbol or representation or identification or the like?

[@hcharton5722]

No person should ever declare that they know the recipe for salvation. This is pure sinful hubris. Since God is All Powerful - you cannot know all of the ways that our Creator has established for you to flourish in the Holy Spirit.

[@marinamarciano8352]

Did he misspoke coming to his personal conclusion that baptism precedes faith? (@38:40)

[@bobthrasher8226]

no

[@ByGracethroughFaithEph.2.8]

It's a blessing that infants can receive God's sign which signifies his promise of adoption and eternal life throughout the Bible, Both these signs, physical circumcision and baptism confirm and give assurance of Gods promise, The Bible clear that only those of faith inherit the promises of God. "NOT" those that receive the outward sign. Please read Rom 2:28-29 the outward sign does not save according to the apostle Paul, only those of Faith recieve Gods promises according to Gen 15:6

[@johncolquitt3086]

Commanded by Christ 2. Great Commission Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” II. Church age: 1. The first recorded Gospel Sermon: Acts 2:37‭-‬38 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 2. The Samaritans conversion. Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. III. Individual conversions 1 . Simons Conversion Acts 8:13 Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed. 2. . The conversion of the Eunich Acts 8:36‭, ‬38‭-‬39 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing. 3. Paul's Conversion Acts 9:18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; Recount of his conversion Acts 22:16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ 4. Cornelius Converted Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. 5. Lydia Converted Acts 16:15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us. IV. Other Churches 1. The Corinthians Acts 18:8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. 2. At Ephesus Acts 19:5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 3. Paul recounts this conversion. Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name. Acts 22:16 ASV V. Baptism explained in Epistles: 1. Puts us in Christ Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 2. Burried with Him. Romans 6: 3-4 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 3. Saves us I Peter 3:21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

[@peterwubs5663]

I love Alistair... but here I agree to disagree. My Children are born into a Christian family. That makes them children of God. In the old Testament the boys where drawn into Gods family. Nowadays my children, members of the Christian family should also get the sign of that Christian family. Just like the kids get a last name.

[@Berean_with_a_BTh]

God has no grandchildren. You being a Christian does not make your children God's children.

[@jamesstrohl2016]

There isn't a debate. Salvation comes from completing what Christ commanded. Hear the word, believe the word, confess that Jesus is the Christ, Repent of your sins, Be baptized, and be faithful until death. If one excludes any of this steps then you are not saved. So it is a fact that Baptism does save.

[@peterhussey-yeo9041]

Water baptism doesn't save anyone

[@thedynamicsolo4232]

Back your claim sir. What PROVES baptism does not save?

[@douglasdelong1526]

@@thedynamicsolo4232 Romans 10:9

[@mikebrinker6342]

@TheDynamicsolo Good morning. Where does God's word say that Baptism grants us eternal fellowship with him?

[@jhubbard7256]

Only Jesus saves. Sacraments are an external act of obedience, an outward sign of the inward change. (Simon in Acts was not saved…and neither are we…by being baptized.) We are saved by Grace alone through Faith in Jesus Christ alone (in the work He did on the cross on our behalf) and not through any efforts, act, or works of our own (Ephesians 2:8,9) as revealed by Scripture alone, to the Glory of God alone.

[@johncolquitt3086]

He talks alot about theology but little about what the Bible actually says. He says he wants to get to the scriptures but spends most of his time elsewhere. Here's what it says: On baptism First What Jesus said: 1. Jesus said. Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Commanded by Christ 2. Great Commission Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Church age: 1. The first recorded Gospel Sermon: Acts 2:37‭-‬38 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Baptism explained in Epistles: 1. Puts us in Christ Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Saves us I Peter 3:21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, He disagrees with the last verse.

[@user-tz3zl1kr7r]

Couldn’t just have taught from scriptures, with the help of the Holy Ghost. I did appreciate your priority on salvation. I like that you brought up Peter saying when the people asked, what should we do…believe and be baptized, 3000 were. So Jesus, went out into the water, in another scripture they were baptizing because there was much water there. You mentioned much thinking on this subject, there was much praying also? I don’t know your religion, it must be oppressive, that you had to camouflage what you believe, don’t worry, I imagine not many if any, understood your conclusion. God will not be mocked, what you sow is what you will reap. If you confess Jesus, he will confess you. If you deny Jesus he will deny you. I totally believe in repentance.

[@johncolquitt3086]

He talks alot about theology but little about what the Bible actually says. He says he wants to get to the scriptures but spends most of his time elsewhere. Here's what it says: On baptism First What Jesus said: 1. Jesus said. Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Commanded by Christ 2. Great Commission Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them inthe name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Church age: 1. The first recorded Gospel Sermon: Acts 2:37‭-‬38 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Baptism explained in Epistles: 1. Puts us in Christ Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Saves us I Peter 3:21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, He disagrees with the last verse.

[@laurarivera5875]

Talk about cutting off the head of the snake!!!!: "What difference does it make in the children?" NONE! God doesn't ask us to do purposeless things. If it makes zero difference why do it?

[@Raipe]

It's not quite right what he says about presbyterians. Baptism is also a seal for the infant. Westminster confession say that salvation belongs to the baptized. That sounds very a anglican also. This is not the best way to teach other views. Because he does not go to the scriptural arguments of Infant baptism. I was baptist for 15 years and changed my view because or my study of Bible from different angles. Bible is absent from theaching that Sunday school kids baptism should be delayed. God bless!

[@kac0404]

We do not see one example of babies getting baptized in the New Testament. It is assumed into passages where we are told that whole households were baptized, but there is no evidence in the passages that babies were included. This is only an assertion without any other scriptural evidence.

[@oracleoftroy]

We dont see a single example of infants being denied baptism. What we do see is that age doesn't seem to even be a concern to the apostles, rather they baptized anyone in the household of a believing head and didn't once show any partiality regarding age or mental development or the other things baptists read into scripture.

[@kac0404]

@@oracleoftroy Show me in the New Testament where any Apostle baptized a baby or infant? Give book, chapter, and verse only. No opinions or unnecessary commentary needed.

[@oracleoftroy]

@@kac0404 Show me in the NT where any apostle refused to baptize an infant? I won't allow you special pleading or the arrogant assumption that you are right by default. My position doesn't depend on age but household status, so your challenge doesn't prove or disprove anything, but yours requires something that the bible never teaches, namely that baptism is partial to age. Yet Acts is full of household baptisms, and age wasn't ever listed as the requirement.

[@kac0404]

@oracleoftroy No need to answer my question with a question. I ask you for Biblical proof to your position. It's obvious that you can't answer my question and the fact that you can't makes your point invalid.

[@kac0404]

@oracleoftroy To be baptized, a person must have awareness of his sins and his need for a Savior, repenting of his actions (Acts 2:36-38; Rom. 3:23; 6:23). He must hear the word of God (Matt. 28:18-20; Rom. 1:16; 10:14-17) and believe its testimony that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God (John 20:30-31, Mark 16:16) who died on the cross and was raised from the dead to provide redemption for mankind (John 3:16; Rom. 5:6-10). He must confess this belief publicly (Rom. 10:9, Acts 8:26-40). A baby is incapable of doing these things. A baby taken by his parents to be baptized is not a Christian baby, just a wet baby. An actual baptism has not occurred. Baptizing a baby with the notion of making it a child of God reduces baptism to nothing more than a work. Mere works absent of faith cannot save. Moreover, it is a work performed on an individual by a third party, without his consent, or even his knowledge.

[@ArizonaSusan]

Water baptism is not required. To name a few…were Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Jeremiah, Isaiah, Elisha, Elijah, Adam, Mary, Adam, Joseph, Joshua, Samuel, Ezra, Hosea, Nehemiah, Esther, Seth, Abel, Ruth, Job, Boaz, Ezekiel, Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zachariah, Malachi, John the Baptist, the 12 apostles, and the 120 individuals (that were gathered together on the day of Pentecost), the thief on the cross next to Jesus water baptized into salvation? No. Will we see them in heaven? Yes. Is God going to ask to see our baptism certificate? No. Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness to step into His position of High Priest. In Leviticus 16, Aaron (the high priest) had to be washed many, many times and yet Jesus was washed just once by John (the baptist). Now, does the Holy Spirit baptize with water? No! Nearly every Christian group will not accept a person for membership without water baptism. Do you really believe that every member in your congregation is a born again child of God? Of course not! No baptism can give new life. Only the power of God can do that. So I am convinced, maybe contrary to the way I was taught in my earlier years, that this is Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Paul speaks of this in I Corinthians Chapter 12. In Chapter 12 is the only valid baptism for us in this Age of Grace. And it’s a baptism that human hands cannot touch; it’s a baptism that a lost person can have no part in. In water baptism, we can never be sure of a person’s salvation. In fact, by adding additional condition on salvation makes the work of the cross of no effect. You ask the average individual, how did you become a member of your Church? Well I was baptized into it! But you see that’s not what the Scriptures says. Here it says, “that you have been baptized into Christ.” Now there’s not a drop of water in this verse. It’s as dry as a bone, and to follow up with another verse come back to Romans chapter 6, and you have the same thing. Jesus told Nicodemous that a man must be born again to enter the kingdom. Born again of the spirit. If water baptism were a requirement, Jesus would have said so. This question (of water baptism) is often asked in order to undermine mystery truths revealed to Paul. Do not let it trouble you. Paul himself explains why. Baptism is Jewish, and Paul was a Hebrew of the Hebrews (Phil 3:5). Baptisms were part of the law as a purification for sin, and Paul knew the ‘perfect manner of the law' (Acts 22:3). I Corinthians 12:13 “For by one Spirit (the Holy Spirit, it’s capitalized) are we all (believers of Paul’s Gospel for salvation) baptized into one body, (the Body of Christ). Now here’s another verse that is as dry as a bone. Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” He didn’t say, “To everyone who repents and is baptized” or “to everyone who does according to man’s traditions,” but he said “to everyone that believeth”! He stated very plainly that if we believe this Gospel with all our hearts - that Christ died, was buried, and rose from the dead - then that Gospel becomes the very power of God Himself. The very power that created the universe is released on us, to us and in us so that we, by that power of God, become children of God. It is beyond human understanding, so we must take it by faith. The Bible says that is what the Gospel is, and when we believe it, God counts it as righteousness for us. But it is imperative that we be very careful what we believe! We must stop attaching the requirements of the Mosaic Law and what man has made a tradition to the new covenant. We are UNDER GRACE.

[@jerome2642]

Jesus clearly says that BOTH believing AND Baptism are necessary for salvation, not believing alone: "whoever believes AND IS BAPTIZED will be saved" (Mark 16:16). There is no seperation of "water baptism" from "grace" because the two of them are connected in the sense that it is through the process of experiencing Baptism (with water) that a person receives God's grace -- the very same grace that is the responsible for the forgiveness of our sins (Ephesians 1:6 - 7) and ultimately our salvation. This is why Peter appealed to the crowds on Pentecost Day to repent and "be baptized in the name of Jesus FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF YOUR SINS" (Acts 2:38). The Baptism that he was talking about here is clearly Baptism WITH WATER because in the new testament, water baptism was also referred to as being baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus: "Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized WITH WATER since they have received the Spirit as we have? So he commanded that they be baptized IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST" (Acts 10:47 - 48). If Peter had said to crowds on pentecost day: "Repent for the forgiveness of your sins , and then be baptized in the name of Jesus", it would have indicated that forgiveness of sins takes place BEFORE Baptism. But he doesn't say that. Instead he says "Repent AND BE BAPTIZED in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins" Some people have cleverly tried to suggest that the word "baptized" in Mark 16:16 was referring to being "baptized WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT" and not to being "baptized WITH WATER". But this kind of exegesis is clearly problematic because the same people who interpret mark 16:16 in this way also insist that Baptism with the Holy Spirit happens AT THE EXACT SAME MOMENT when a person believes in Jesus, not sometime AFTER believing in Jesus (because they claim that it is not possible for someone to have truly baptized in Jesus Christ WITHOUT also being baptized with the Holy Spirit). Well in that case, if the act of believing ALSO INCLUDES the experience of being baptized with the Holy Spirit, it means that "believing" and "Baptism with the Holy Spirit" constitute a SINGLE EVENT, are so Jesus should have simply mentioned A SINGLE requirement for salvation by saying: "Whoever BELIEVES will be saved" instead of outlining TWO requirements by saying: "whoever believes AND IS BAPTIZED will be saved". The phrase "AND IS BAPTIZED" would have been an unnecessary addition IF it actually refers to Baptism with the Holy Spirit and IF Baptism with the Holy Spirit actually happens AT THE SAME TIME as believing in Jesus (not afterwards) And so in actual fact, the phrase "and be baptized" in Mark 16:16 is referring to being baptized WITH WATER. Jesus is essentially saying that a person has to first of all BELIEVE and then be BAPTIZED with water in order to be saved. He didn't switch things by saying "whoever is baptized and believes will be saved" because a person can only be validly baptized with water if he truly believes in Jesus in his heart. This is why the New testament tells us that the early christians only baptized those who believe in Jesus Christ (for instance, in Acts 16:31 - 33 Paul baptized the Roman soldier AFTER telling him to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ). This is why in Mark 16:17 Jesus didn't say: "whoever does not believe AND IS NOT BAPTIZED will be condemned". He simply said: "whoever does not believe is condemned". He didn't bother adding the phrase "and is not baptized" because there is no point trying to baptize a person who refuses to believe because his lack of faith has already made it impossible for him to receive a valid water baptism. It is true that there are several Bible passages that that mention BELIEVING in Jesus (or having FAITH in Jesus) as being necessary for salvation without also explicitly mentioning BAPTISM in the same passage. But it wrong to conclude that such passages are outrightly DENYING the necessity of water Baptism for salvation. If Baptism is necessary for salvation and believing in Jesus Christ is necessary for receiving a valid water Baptism, a statement would be a correct if it says that BELIEVING in Jesus is necessary for salvation (EVEN WHEN that statement doesn't explicitly mention anything about Baptism). More importantly, there is NO passage in the Bible that OUTRIGHTLY DENIES the necessity of water Baptism for salvation by saying that people can still be saved even if they REFUSE to be baptized.

[@mauriceb53]

@@jerome2642 Excellent 👍 You did a better job than Alastair Beggs in explaining what baptism really is - and you used the Bible!

[@markedwards5883]

@@jerome2642 You forgot the second half of Mk 16:16 "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." Jesus just separated baptism from belief

[@jerome2642]

@@markedwards5883 were you expecting Jesus to say: "Whoever does not believe AND IS NOT BAPTIZED will be condemned " ?. If you understand the connection between "believing" and "Baptism" you would understand why Jesus didn't bother mentioning Baptism in the second part of Mark 16:16. A valid water Baptism is ONLY possible AFTER a person has professed his BELIEF in Jesus Christ (there was NEVER a time in the New testament when the Apostles administered water Baptism to someone who REFUSED to believe in Jesus Christ). BELIEVING has to happen first, before Baptism can be done, and not the other way round. That is why Jesus said: "Whoever believes and IS BAPTIZED will be saved"; He didn't say: "Whoever is baptized and BELIEVES will be saved". And so if someone refuses to believe in Jesus Christ, it makes NO DIFFERENCE if that person goes ahead to receive water Baptism because water Baptism would have NO spiritual benefit to the person. Hence, there was NO NEED for Jesus to mention Baptism when He was talking about those who REFUSE to believe in Him. It was sufficient for Him to simply say: "Whoever does not believe is condemned" If He had said "Whoever believes and is NOT BAPTIZED will be condemned" it would give the impression that someone who refuses to believe CAN STILL be saved if he goes ahead to receive water baptism. But that is clearly not true because water baptism can make salvation possible ONLY in those who BELIEVE in Jesus Christ. And so when Jesus said: "whoever does not believe will be condemned" , He was not SEPERATING water Baptism from believing (the two of them must go together in order for salvation to occur); He was simply acknowledging the fact that a person who refuses to believe in Him is already condemned and WILL REMAIN condemned even if he goes ahead to receive water baptism

[@markedwards5883]

@@jerome2642Jesus condemned unbelief ONLY. You can twist the Lord's words at the expense of your own soul. If you add works to your salvation, you have no Grace. "But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works [baptism] otherwise grace would no longer be grace." Rom 11:6 Read Romans

[@studiodemichel]

Alistair is not far from the truth of baptism. God, bless him and please remove his Calvinism and understand the efficacy of obedient Faith. Peter did not say "believe and be baptized." He said to the believers, "Repent and be baptized FOR the forgiveness of sins..."

[@alastairhopkins245]

Jesus said to the man on the cross next to him "today you will be with me in paradise". (Luke Chapter 23 Verse 43). Had this man been water baptized??? Water baptism happens because someone has been saved. Water baptism doesn't save. The recent coronation happened because Charles is now the King. The coronation didn't make Charles the King. Charles became the King when his mother - Queen Elizabeth the Second - died. A coronation for William or George would be nonsense as neither of them are King.

[@trailrvs]

No one taught salvation before baptism until Zwingli in the 1600’s. He even said no one had taught it before. So it is not part of the original gospel! We are saved by grace through faith at baptism!

[@Wgaither1]

How come the Roman Catholic Church doesn’t baptize an adult immediately after they put their faith in Christ and repent ? Why this long process of RCIA? 36 And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?" 37 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. (Acts 8:36, ESV)

[@trailrvs]

@@Wgaither1 ever since the late first century this has been the case. Although the Church has always taught that someone who died while a catechumen will be saved because they desired Baptism but had not been able to do it yet. Also those martyred before they could be baptized. Faith alone baptism is a 16th century invention of Zwingli.

[@Wgaither1]

@@trailrvs thank you. But that wasn’t my question. Why hasn’t the Roman Catholic church followed scripture on when someone should be baptized? Shouldn’t an adult be baptized when they first have the desire? According to the CCC baptism frees someone from being a slave to sin. If that’s the case it doesn’t make sense to make someone wait to be freed from a slave to sin

[@trailrvs]

@@Wgaither1 yes it frees them but the reasons have much to do with obligating people to follow the Catholic faith without them knowing the details. As the Lords Church with the fullness of truth, we handle it responsibly

[@gatorchomp9607]

@@trailrvs you’re still not answering the question

[@jmdenali]

No pun intended sir, but I beg to differ. I challenge you to become a better Berean sir and study the New Testament position more carefully, for when you so brilliantly exposed the error which our Presbyterian, Anglican and Catholic friends embrace, you will also find that your position on Acts 2:37 and 38 is also found grossly wanting. Please take this to heart before the Lord, for it is a matter of life and death, and as you well understand that any deviation from the soteriology that Christ and His Apostles taught, places our eternal destiny hanging in the balance.

[@digitallifeline162]

Water baptism is symbolic. It's not something actually happening to you. It's showing you dying to your old life and rising to a new life in Christ Jesus. Charles the Third will not become King at his coronation. He became King when his mother - Queen Elizabeth the Second - died. You don't become a Christian when you are baptized. If Charles dies before his coronation he will still have been King. A coronation for William or George would be nonsense as neither of them are King.

[@masteryoda2918]

Baptism does 3 things: 1) Buries your dead spirit - if done right then your buried in Jesus and will be raptured, else you won't 2) It replaces your dead spirit with the holy Ghost. 3) The Holy Ghost then proceeds to teach you what's important. - This is an ongoing thing that requires you to form that relationship. Having the holy Ghost gives you same power that God used to create the universe. around 99% of "Christians" will not be raptured because they were not baptised in Jesus. The Catholics changed the verse in Mathew to corrupt the baptisim - read the book of Acts to see how it is supposed to the done. As a result no-one baptised in the unholy trinity will get these benifits. Christian: a person that follows the teachings of Jesus. The very moment you are baptised - you can feel the difference, its profound. NOT symbolic! - Its a spiritual event as real as death and birth for the body.

[@sweynforkbeardtraindude]

The "Baptism Debate" is a man made mess of nonsensical words and thoughts. Scripture is clear: Then Peter said to them, Repent and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 As you can see, there is no debate. It is a simple command. Obey it, it is not difficult.

[@wmarkfish]

Waterboarding babies is a crime.

[@carbonbiker]

Nobody is waterboarding babies. What a stupid thing to say.

[@bernardmichaud1099]

Jesus was not baptized by John, He was anointed as a priest by John who was himself a priest since He was of the tribe of Levi like his mother Elizabeth and his father Zecharias a Hight Priest both of them descendants of Aaron. Let me add here that the word "BAPTISM" does not mean "IMMERSION in every case . In Mark 10:38,39 Jesus refers to his suffering as a baptism. The mission of John was to announce the Messiah. After cleansing the temple , the Pharisees asked Jesus "by what authority do you do this? Jesus asked them "the baptism I received of John, was it from heaven or of men?" Jesus was not a sinner and did not need to prepare the way for himself by O.T ceremonial washing "of men". Of heaven refers to His "ANOINTING" I do not understand why the word baptism is even used when it is clear that what John was doing was an O.T. practice CALLED CEREMONIAL WASHING but in the case of Jesus it was an anointing. Read Acts 19 1-5, ...“Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into the baptism of John (ceremonial O.T. washing, not Christian Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the one who was to come after him-that is, in Jesus.” 5 And when they* heard this,* they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. WHY DID THEY NEED TO BE RE-BAPTIZED? In my 50 years as a Christian I have come to realize that the true meaning of what is called Christian baptism occurs at the moment we are born again, and the candidate become himself a priest as Hebrews says "offering spiritual sacrifices unto God. As Christians we are all priest and at our conversion is when we are anointed as such. It has nothing to do with John the dipper. Does this make sense? The word 'baptism' is as ambiguous as the word 'Jew', and brings a lot of confusion on the subject.

[@Berean_with_a_BTh]

I suggest you read your Bible more carefully. John the Baptist was NOT called a priest in the NT - his father Zechariah was (Luke 1:8), but it doesn't automatically follow that John was a priest. There is no evidence John was ever ordained as a priest (cf. Exodus 40:12-15) or ever served as one. As for whether Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, I suggest you read Mark 1:9, which explicitly says he was. Luke 4:18 tells us it was God, not John the Baptist, who anointed Jesus. See also Acts 4:26-27; 10:38; Hebrews 1:9.

[@bernardmichaud1099]

@@Berean_with_a_BTh John the Baptist was, like both his parents from the priestly tribe of Levites. You are assuming that he wasn't a priest. I am assuming that he was. As another example: I could assume that none of the 12 apostles received John' baptism since there isn't a single verse in the N.T. that says they were, although they themselves baptized others. Was John the Baptist himself baptized? He suggested to Jesus that He should be in Matt. 3:14. There is a big difference between John' baptism and Christian baptism. As John said "I indeed baptize you with water , but He that commeth after me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. As a BTh you should read "Classic Baptism by James W. Dale". A good characteristic of a True Christian is HUMILITY.

[@Berean_with_a_BTh]

@@bernardmichaud1099 I made no such assumption. It is you who is making claims for which you have no evidence. Indeed, your claim that John didn't baptize Jesus is demonstrably false. I note your 'humility' hasn't resulted in you admitting you got that wrong. Bye.