Sermon Central
-
Is Baptism By Immersion Required For Salvation?
Contributed by Dennis King on Aug 1, 2018 (message contributor)
Summary: Though the New Testament contains no explicit instructions on how to administer Baptism, the Greek word baptizo means "to immerse. Herein is a brief history of baptism before and after "sprinkling" became acceptable by many Churches.
What shall we conclude from these differing opinions and beliefs? It seems clear to us that immersion in a river was the biblical norm for hundreds of years. But should it be an inflexible norm? Should every Church welcome in to fellowship only those baptized within their denomination or all whom Christ has accepted as found in Romans 15:7 and 1 John 1:3. Does God accept believers on the basis of their faith in Christ and their desire to obey Him or on the basis of how much water covered their bodies when baptized? It is not my place to tell you what is the one and only righteous way to baptize though I totally believe full immersion is completely biblical.
I believe a person's first Baptism is of and by the Holy Spirit. This is everyone's 'True Baptism' by God. The second, Baptism by water is a private and public reinforcement of personal faith by demonstration and obedience.
Once again, as with faith, the choice is yours.
Other Works by this author:
The Soul Searching Robot is a mildly adult version of a robot trying to get a soul so it could be saved.
The Soulful Robot is the same basic story as above except toned down to a “G-Rating.”
Valley of Deceit a BlackSteel Novel of Marines and Army soldiers in Afghanistan.
The Take Down is the follow-up story of Valley of Deceit.
Satan's Rummage Sale is a modern day fable suitable for all ages.
The Strawberry Squirrel a short children's adventure story.
Sunken Timbers (Part One) Two Kids find a magic turtle on a beach and go off on an adventure.
Sunken Timbers (Part Two). Sunken Timbers, parts One and Two combined can be ordered with customized names to fit any combination of kids like brothers, and sisters or cousins or just neighborhood friends. If you like, please preview these children's stories at Amazon and consider having the character names customized to fit your children, grandchildren or neighborhood children. This can be delivered via Email as PDF or MS Word file from HLS@USA,COM.
Invented and published an eight-suited 'Christian' card deck that plays all known card games like Spades, Hearts, Pinochle, Spoons and Old Maid. Besides the 'normal' four suits, the additional suits are the Cross, Angel, Shield and Castle and their colors are gold and blue, respectively. You may review this and order at Toss Christian Card Deck or from Amazon.com.
Copyright May 2016 Dennis King. Permission is granted for any Christian, non-commercial use.
