Don’t let the water strangle the Life of Salvation out of  U

 Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38); “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned; {hen Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”        These two verses, appear to say that one must believe and be baptized in water to be saved, and appear to stand in contradiction to the many other verses in the Bible that tell us that belief alone in Jesus and His sacrifice for our sins, will save us. Examples: (Jn. 1:12; 3:16; Lk. 8:12; Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 13:39;16:30-31; Gal. 3:22; Eph. 2:8-9; I Tim. 1:16; 4:10; Heb. 10:39) and Many more.  In resolving a seeming contradiction, one should assume that the multitude of verses on the subject are correct, and interpret the odd verse/s accordingly, not the reverse.  Furthermore, when there is an interpretation which renders all the verses non-contradictory, this is the interpretation that is correct.  In this instance, such an interpretation is that belief in Jesus alone saves, and water baptism adds nothing to salvation.  Why then is water baptism mentioned in conjunction with salvation? We know it is very important and we also know that the Bible commands all who have believed to be baptized in water, to show the world that they are Christians(been born again/ Holy Spirit baptism).  One who believes and is not baptized in water is disobeying God, but he is still saved, as the multitude of other verses tell us. One that is baptized in water and has not believed in Jesus and * received Spirit baptism is Not saved.(Rom. 8:9b); “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Faith in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is all that is required to be saved. )Eph. 2:8-9). Once saving faith is exercised The Holy Spirit enters into us and seals our salvation.(Eph. 1:13-14a; 4:30; Gal. 3:27) and it says; “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; And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.; in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise”

There is no additional work or ritual required to seal our salvation in Jesus, He did it All or He did nothing at all. He will not share His redemption of us with any work, ritual or institution. (II Peter 3:18) All that is required is to believe and receive. (Romans 10:9-10) Both of these words are mentioned over 100 times in the New Testament alone.

Faith in Jesus +Anything else= Nothing for Salvation;

Faith in Jesus + Nothing else= Everything for Salvation

*Spirit baptism happens at the time that saving faith is exercised. The ability to exercise that saving faith comes from God and not of any will of your own. cf. (Jn. 6:44 , Philippians 1:29, II Thessalonians 2:12). The unregenerate person is a slave of sin, see Rm.6:16 NIV that says; “Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey--whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?” and can not make the decision to accept Christ until God has enlightened their heart.

NOTE: If a person is baptized in water before receiving Holy Spirit baptism he or she goes into the water a dry unregenerate sinner and comes out of the water a wet unregenerate sinner.

Rev. George Pryor M. Th.Pastor Emeritus.

revgap@gmail.com updated 11/11/23