The Bible teaches that one becomes a Christian by repenting – turning away from – of their old, sinful way of life…dying to their old self. Through baptism, being submerged in water, one is spiritually buried just as Christ was buried. Upon coming out of that water, they “rise again” to a new life just as Christ was resurrected. They are “born again.”… Read More Have You Been Buried With Christ In Water?
Do you want your sins forgiven by God? If so, then God’s promise and command through Peter to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of sins applies to you just as it did to Peter’s hearers on Pentecost. We know this because Peter then said, “For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself” (Acts 2:39; cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:14; Romans 1:16; Mark 16:15-16).… Read More Baptism and Forgiveness of Sins
When asked the specific question, “What shall we do?”, Peter did not tell his listeners on Pentecost to pray to Jesus and ask Him into their hearts. He told them, “Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38), before stating that this promise is not only for them and their children but also “for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself” (Acts 2:39).… Read More Are Sins Forgiven Before Baptism?
A lot of people say that Saul was converted and saved on that Damascus road when Jesus talked to him and he “saw the light.” However, a further examination of both Luke and Paul’s account of the event shows that not to be true.… Read More What Does It Mean To Wash Away Your Sins?
When you’re submerged in water, the water might cleanse the dirt from your body, but the water won’t cleanse your soul from sin. Only the blood of Jesus does that. Jesus said that his blood was “poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28). Christians “have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses” (Ephesians 1:7). With that in mind, remember that Paul was told that by being baptized he would “wash away your sins” (Acts 22:16). Thus, it is in baptism that one spiritually comes into contact with the blood of Christ which cleanses us from our sins. We are commanded to be baptized in water (Acts 10:47-48; cf. John 3:5), but the water itself doesn’t spiritually cleanse us. Rather, it brings us into contact with the blood of Christ which does cleanse us.… Read More Baptism and a Good Conscience
Pre-Denominational Christianity 
You must be logged in to post a comment.