Many Christian groups rightly say that water baptism is not required for salvation, but they then qualify it so strongly as to, I think, invalidate their first assertion. For example, I like what Hank Hanegraaff says, "The most critical mistake one can make with regard to baptism is to believe that it is necessary for salvation." But then he qualifies that with, ".....baptism is a necessary threshold each of us must cross into a life of fruitful service unto God." This makes no sense to me. I believe a person can live an authentic and fruitful Christian life without being physically baptized in water. I've been a Christian for 30 years, and I was a more faithful and fruitful Christian for many years prior to my baptism. I hoped being baptized would help me strengthen and grow my faith, but I experienced no spiritual gain from my baptism over 2 years ago. Why would God command us to do rituals that are of no benefit? Or maybe Christians interpret the bible wrong in this area?
2007-09-10
04:17:01
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23 answers
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asked by
Bill X
2
in
Religion & Spirituality