Bible Discussion Thread

The fact is that Acts 2 38 is NOT the "model " plan of salvation, nor are any of the other "water verses " which the cultists use. Only by taking such verses out of their context can one teach such heresy. All of the Bible is true, not just the favorite "proof texts " of the cults. Baptism saves no one. It only serves as a testimonial picture of the death, the burial, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ AFTER one has believed on Christ Acts 8 36 38 . Paul said in I Corinthians 1 17 that ". . . 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. " This "gospel " is defined by Paul in I Corinthians 15 1 4, and it does NOT include water baptism. The dying thief was not baptized, yet Jesus saved him Luke 23 42 43 , and John wrote that we are washed in the BLOOD of Christ Rev. 1 5 , not in the water. In fact, the saints in Heaven claim to have gotten there by the blood of Jesus Rev. 5 9 , not by water. By faith in the blood of Jesus Christ one is saved Rom. 3 25 . Water baptism only follows this faith as an outward step of obedience.