Abundant Life Apostolic Church
2220 Muirhead Avenue NW
Olympia, Washington 98502
PHONE: 360-357-5490
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The following letter was written to answer the questions that people had on baptism:
April 10, 2003
Daily Courier
550 Doyle Avenue
Kelowna, BC
Dear Sir:
In the article, "The Question of Baptism," I would like to make the following comments. It was God who said, "thou shalt surely die." It was the serpent who said, "Ye shall not surely die:"
The Word of God says: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:16)
Man made religions says: He who believes is saved, and should be baptized.
The Word of God says: Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38)
Man made religions says: Repent and be baptized because your sins have already been forgiven.
The Word of God says: 'Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.' (John 3:5)
Man made religions says: Baptism is not essential for salvation. This "birth of water" is natural childbirth.
The Word of God says: "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:4)
Man made religions says: We were buried therefore with him by belief into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
The Word of God says: "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:4-5)
Man made religions says: There are many baptisms and many bodies, and many faiths.
The Word of God says: "who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you - not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, it saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."(1Peter 3:21)
Note: Look at the above verse carefully. It teaches the water of Noah's flood is a symbol of baptism--and baptism saves us. The "it" in the phrase "it saves you" is referring to baptism So this verse actually states two times that baptism saves us!
Man made religions says: Baptism does not save you--baptism is merely a symbol.
The Word of God says: "and you were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead." (Col 2:12)
Man made religions says: Baptism is a work of Man.
The Word of God says: "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for as many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." (Galatians 3:26-27)
Man made religions says: Baptism does not put us into Christ--belief alone does.
The Word of God says: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)
Man made religions says: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, telling them to pray for me to come into their life, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.
The Word of God says: "Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" Then Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing." (Acts 8:36-39)
Man made religions says: Baptism is required, but not in water. Baptism is in "spirit". And if water is used, sprinkling or pouring is ok. And candidate for baptism need not believe (such as with infants).
The Word of God says: "And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name." (Acts 22:16)
Man made religions says: Paul had been praying and fasting for three days at this point, and called Jesus "Lord", so he was already saved. Baptism had nothing to do with having his sins washed away.
The Word of God says: "You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." (James 2:24)
Man made religions says: We are justified by faith alone.
Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
God's Word has spoken! Will you give heed or continue down the path of destruction, taking precious people with you?
Pastor Franklin D. Simmons
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