John 3:16 (salvation, funeral, blood, hell, mission)

[Aqualung]

Want to start a one-on-one debate? With this type of thing I don't like to have to answer a billion people all attacking me at once...

[Buttons*]

Originally Posted by Aqualung

Want to start a one-on-one debate? With this type of thing I don't like to have to answer a billion people all attacking me at once...

can't you pm her with that?

[Aqualung]

Yes. Couldn't you have PMd me with that?

[Buttons*]

Originally Posted by Aqualung

Yes. Couldn't you have PMd me with that?

yes! cant we all just get along?

[sojourner]

Originally Posted by Buttons*

Basically i'm asking if baptism is necissary for salvation.

main questions:
* Does one need to be baptized to attain salvation? (this is a newer question)
* Is there a cut-off age for children or people who aren't able to make a decision (like the mentally disabled)?
* What about baptizing babies? Does that save you? What if you die before baptism?

No. There is no magic in either the water or the words. Baptism is an outward sign of obedience on the candidate's part, and aonoutward sign of grace on God's part. The act of baptism is unnecessary for salvation. Therefore, since baptism basically exists for our benefit, there are advantages and disadvantages to both believer's baptism, and infant baptism. There would really be no benefit, other than to family members of the mentally infirm.

It's the sacrificial work of Christ on the cross that works salvation for us -- not our work of being baptized. Baptism is a ritual that heps us to focus on the grace we already know is present.