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Post by Soulfyre on Jan 7, 2005 11:51:48 GMT -5
How do "salvation", "baptism" and the "church" relate? Is baptism essential to salvation, or is it "salvific" (does baptism accomplish salvation)? Must one be a member of "THE church" to be saved? Let's apply a little theological and scriptural elbow grease to this issue, which tends to separated Protestants from either Roman Catholic or Orthodox Christians, and in some cases, Protestants from one another. God bless you and yours, Matthew (soulfyre)  |
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Post by rgrove on Jan 7, 2005 17:20:40 GMT -5
This would largely depend upon what you mean by "THE church", but I'm assuming the capital letters mean that you must be in a particular church (without naming names) and not the universal church. I would have no problem if it means the universal church, but if it's defined as a particular church then I firmly believe this is adding to the gospel and that it's incumbant upon anyone making such an assertion to explain why this isn't in direct opposition to Paul's teaching in Galatians and therefore fall under his anathema. The other parts of the post take more thought, however. |
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Post by Alejandro on Jun 21, 2005 13:29:17 GMT -5
It is my personal opinion that baptism does nothing in and of itself. You could be baptised and afterwards continue to live a life that is not Godly. Baptism is an outward sign of your old flesh dying and the renewing of your mind.
The Church, I am guessing, you are refering to is the Body of Christ. That church, yes you must be apart of to be 'saved'. In Act 2:47, it says God added to 'the church' daily. It does not indicate that there were multiple churches all around the Middle East. However, this does not mean that there was only on congregation. In Act 2:9-11 we see that there are many congergations spread across all of the Middle East.
In Mark 16:16, Jesus says that whoever believes in him shall be and is baptised shall be saved.
However, in Acts 2:21 it says that whoever merely calls upon the Lord, that man shall be saved.
Further more, in Acts 16:30 when Paul and Silas are asked 'what must be done in order for me to be saved?", they responded: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
In Romans 5:10 it says that Jesus' life saved us
In Romans 10:9, we are told to confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and we shall be saved.
Again, in Roamns 10:3, it says those who call upon the man of Jesus shall be saved.
In Ephsians 2:8 it says we are saved through Faith.
Be blessed,
Alejandro
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