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QUESTIONS YOU HAVE ASKED
Recently someone asked, "Some preachers place a lot of emphasis on
repentance these days, this causes me to wonder if one does not have a real deep
feeling of repentance at the time of his baptism, then how sound is that
baptism? I have always felt that faith in Christ as the Son of God was the most
important thing."
God has given His divine plan for man to follow. This divine plan is clearly
revealed in the New Testament in a number of different ways. For instance, there
are times when Bible writers will express, in a general way, the fact we are
saved by faith (Rom. 5:1), which is an obedient faith (Jm. 2:24, 26). At other
time Bible writers are very specific and tell us precisely what is required
(Acts 2:38; 22:16). To put special emphasis on one part of God's plan of
salvation to the neglect of other essential elements does an injustice to the
word of God, and causes one to fall short of God's expectations. Each aspect of
God's plan of salvation is equally important. Notice, we must hear God's word.
Perhaps, there are people who would take this step in the process of salvation
for granted, but one can hardly do so and still expect to receive the blessings
of God’s forgiveness. Many times God told his people, "He that has an
ear, let him hear" (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). The essential
nature of this point is seen in that “faith comes by hearing” (Rom. 10:17).
Surely, all would recognize the essential element of faith in God and in His
word (Heb. 11:6). Jesus said, "For if you believe not that I am he, you
will die in your sins" (John 8:24). Man must confess the name of Christ
(Rom. 10:32, 33), and he must, also, repent. Acts 2:38 teaches both repentance
and baptism are of equal importance to obtain forgiveness. In
verse 41 Luke records the results of Peter's sermon, "Then they that gladly
received his word were baptized." Our responsibility to the Lord certainly
does not end with baptism; rather, it is only the beginning of a new life in
Christ. God expects every Christian
to live faithfully, regardless, of the cost (Rev. 2:10). Revealing for us that
one can lose his salvation (Gal. 5:4), manifold warnings
and admonitions are given to God's people to remain separated from sin (Eph.
5:11; 2 Tim. 3:5; Titus 2:12). It should seem obvious that we may not pick and
choose which key elements to obey to receive eternal life.
However, denominationalism has long ignored the divine command to
be baptized in water for the remission of sins as the New Testament teaches. Can
we fail to comply with this crucial command, while claiming we have truly obeyed
God from our hearts (Acts 10:48)? Consider another example; one cannot remove
repentance from God's plan, either. Conversion to Christ means the wicked
lifestyle has been put away and progressively becomes an obsolete facet of our
lives. The impure habits that characterizes wickedness, the language spawned
from the gutter, the malice, envy, and hate often found in the sinner’s heart
must be replaced with godliness, righteousness, and loving kindness. Repentance
brings this change about. The apostle Paul explained his changed life; saying he
had turned from "darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto
God" (Acts 26:18). Therefore, we must obey all of God’s commands to be
forgiven and to live the faithful Christian life.
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