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The most debated subject among churches is that of baptism.
The Mormon web site - Lds.org gives this definition of baptism:
Baptism by immersion in water by one having authority is the first saving ordinance of the gospel and is necessary for an individual to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to receive eternal salvation. All who seek eternal life must follow the example of the Savior by being baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.
This is the general belief held by many churches: namely, water baptism is the vehicle used to wash away sin.
To understand baptism we must first define the word. Baptism means nothing more than placed into. [Vines Expository Dictionary defines it as a processes of immersion, submersion and emergence. An example of this would be : drawing water by dipping a cup into the bowl of water. There are many baptisms in the Bible there for you must carefully read each verse in context in order to determine into what the object is being placed into. It is important to understand - the word baptism is not always in reference to water.
Jesus received two baptisms. The first is found in Mark 1: 9-13 where he receives a water baptism by John the Baptist. Then we find the Jesus speaking of his death on the cross as a baptism in Luke 12:50 Jesus said: I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! He was placed into role of the sacrificial lamb in order to accomplish Gods will.
The Bible also mentions three distinctly different baptisms in Luke 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:
There is only one baptism that is essential for salvation is spiritual not water.
At the moment a sinner hears the gospel and places his trust in the Lord Jesus he is baptized, or placed into Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:13 says: For by one Spirit are we all baptized (or placed into) into one body and again in 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,
The example of this is found in Acts chapter 10 where Peter is sent to preach the to a man named Cornelius and his household. Notice what it says in verse :44 and 45
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Ghost was given to the first Gentile believers when they trusted in the Lord Jesus without being water baptized. To prove this lets read verses 47 and 48. VERSE 47- Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Teaching water baptism as a means of washing away sin detracts from the saving gospel of faith in Jesus Christ alone and places the emphasis on a religious work administered by man. Water baptism is nothing more than a visible testimony to what was spiritually accomplished by the new birth.
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Mysteryby interex100472 views
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