UNIQUE GRACE DOCTRINEThe greatest majority of "Christian denominations" baptize in water their members. Some by "sprinkling",some by "immersion",some baptize children,other only adults. Some believe water baptism is essential to salvation,others say it is a symbol of the believer being immersed in the death of Christ ( note: Christ did not drawn on the cross !) and of His burial and resurrection when they come out of the water. ( a concept which anyway cannot be applied to infants,given they do not even know what they are doing!) But,there is a but,and a big one,they get really angry and controversial when we point that water baptism is not required in this "DISPENSATION OF GRACE" and actually goes against The Gospel of Grace. Water Baptism is work,and we are saved with no works on our part,but by the operation of God and our faith in HIS WORK on our behalf. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Colossians 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; We are baptized BY THE SPIRIT into JESUS CHRIST the very moment we hear the word of truth,the Gospel of our salvation, 1 Cor 15:1-4 and receive it as THE FREE GIFT of GOD. Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. We are SAVED and SEALED Ephesians 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, Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. PAUL wrote: 1 Corinthians 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. 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. |