Unbelievable. You rip a single verse out of context of the chapter and what St. Paul is saying and expect to make a whole doctrine of this. I am not trying to be nasty, but do you realize that this is what the JW's, Mormons, and a host of other cults do?
No, because I am staying in context with what Paul is speaking about. He is discussing Baptism... and in the end he makes the statement that Christ did not call him to baptize! When one infers something from the text , they do so in relation to all that has been previously said.. I feel it is in perfect syntax to say that Paul is saying the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation.. not baptism.
You then say:
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How then can one be saved if one insists upon remaining in the family of Adam rather than to enter the kingdom of God?
God saves. Before we are even cognizant of this God saves us. IN fact God has saved those that are his in eternity past, before the creation and foundation of the world. God then gives us the gift of faith. Now that we are spiritually alive, and our will is free, and we posess faith ( which is needed top please God), we are able to respond to the Gospel message. However, we usually think that this is the moment we are saved. -- this is only the moment we become aware of our salvation. It has already occurred, and it has already been performed by God alone..
You further state:
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Wrong. Look at the ordinance of circumcision in the Old Covenant. It truly made one a member of the kingdom of God. Are you saying that in the New Covenant, are you saying that baptism does less? Hardly.
No, thats RC theology. I have attended RC baptisms where after the announcement, they address the infant and proclaim to them that they are now part of the Body of Christ. That is language reserved for someone who has come to a saving knowledge of the truth, and has made a profession of faith.
Lastly
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Well, see now, that is covenantal. Baptism makes one a member of the covenantal kingdom, but ulitmately, one must "confirm" that decision for themselves.
No, it is more than conformation. They must claim it for themselves. Until such time, they recieve the benefits that are extended to their parents who posess faith, and God bestows mercy and favor upon them because of this. ( IN fact this is a picture of how God bestows mercy and favor upon us becasue of what Christ did for us).. but no Reformed theologian believs that baptism introduces that child into the Kingdom of God... thus negating the need for that child to ever examine himself ( when he is older) and come before the Lord and ask for forgiveness, and ask the Lord to save them. At least, I don't see the same language used in our 'Order of worship' books in comaprison to the RC baptism ritual.
Lastly-- shall I list the examples of OT Jewish individuals who are clearly shown as being reprobate-- and your theory presupposes that just because a foreskin was sliced off, they are automatic members of God kingdom. Thats comparable to a Dispensational saying that Rom 11:25 refers to a national re-awakening and national salvation of Israel.
Last edited by Aslans Singer; Sun Dec 26, 20045:32 PM.
