I respectfully disagree that Baptism is not part of one’s salvation.
I am extremely uncomfortable with the idea that Baptism saves. For one thing, if Baptism were the means of salvation, then what would have been the purpose of Christ's atonement on the cross?
Also, if Baptism saves, then shouldn't I be running through the airport with a "Super Soaker" and baptizsing everyone I see?
I do agree with Jaerod that Baptism is necessary for any Christian. In fact, for anyone to say that they are a Christian, and yet, deny that we are commanded to Baptize, and to be Baptized, I would say has a poor concept of Christianity.
However, to state that Baptism is "NECESSARY" for
salvation, is to deny that salvation is by faith alone, and that salvation is by faith "PLUS" mans works, hense, the glory is not God's but rather it is partially Gods, and man gets to share in the glory.
It is true, and it is recorded in Mark 16:16 that he who believes and is baptized shall be saved, it is equally true and recorded in that same verse, that he who does not believe, shall be damned.
Therefore, "I" believe that this clearly states that it is
faith ALONE that saves, (Sola Fide) and the absence of faith that damns. Not baptism.
In the sacraments, (The Holy Eucharist, and Baptism) we do recieve Gods Grace, and the forgiveness of sins, this is true, but I do not believe that God is constrained to those events in order to provide faith to anyone, and it is faith that saves.
Faith is not something you or I do, faith is a gift from God, and I believe that God is able to give that saving faith to whomever, and in any way that He chooses.
Likewise, there are those who believe that faith is the result of mans knowledge, and that a person must "know" or somehow, make a conscious effort to "BE Saved".
If that is a persons belief, then I suppose they would see the act of Baptism as a necessary work in order to
Be, or to
Get saved.
I will not elevate one Doctrine above another, but I will state that after 6 weeks of Catechism classes, I often ask my adult students (childrens classes are 2 years, not 6 weeks) if they believe that Salvation was given to them on the Cross 2,000 years ago?
Or if salvation is something that they have to learn, or do, or meet a certain age requirement for, or that it has to be by water? or Oil? or by Aspersion, or Affusion, or Submersion, Immersion?
To those who have it set firmly in their heart that Baptism is necessary
in addition to faith, or that it must be performed in a particular way, method, at a certain age, etc... I accept that fact, when it happens, and I think that God has led them in a particular doctrinal belief, and I contact an appropriate Pastor from a denomination that is in aggreement with their personal belief and introduce them so that they become members of that congregation where they will feel more at home.
They may come to a different understanding in the future...or they may not.
So now i wonder: Can all sins be forgiven?
And are there any ways to 'repair' or at least 'settle' sins so that I can feel better in reading the Word, without been afraid to turn the pages and feel worst and worst as i'll understand more?
Oliver;
The only sin that is "unpardonable" is the ongoing and continual sin of blaspheming the Holy Ghost."
That is... a continual, ongoing, and intentional refusal to accept the process of sanctification.
And THAT!.....WILL!! get someone sent to hell.
You (obviously, by your own confession) are NOT committing that sin.
Stay open to learn and to hear the Word of God.
He will continue to guide you through the Holy Ghost.
Your past and future sins, just like mine, are forgiven, Jesus did that on the cross 2,000 years ago. That was what He meant by "It is finished". John 19:30
The sins you repent of, are all forgiven by His promise. His Grace is freely available to you, in infinite measure.
That is the "GOOD NEWS" that...is the "GOSPEL!! :groupray: