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What the Bible Says About the Bible - Helpful and Important Scriptures (Part 1)

 HELPFUL AND IMPORTANT SCRIPTURES - Part 1


The Catholic Blog - Helping people find answers to the most common questions about Catholicism with answers from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Bible. (www.catholic.blog )



What are the “Five Solas”

The “five solas” describe a summary of some of the major concerns and focuses of those who sought reform in the church in the 1500s during the “Protestant Reformation.”  “Sola” means alone and was used to define the essential elements of the Christian faith.  The “reformers” of the day saw many things being added to the pure teachings of the Bible.  Their corrective focus was found in their theological convictions about

 1) Scripture 2) Faith 3) Grace  4) Christ  5) God’s Glory 

when understanding God’s plans for salvation in the Gospel. 


SCRIPTURE ALONE

The Bible alone is our greatest authority.

The What (Authoritative Communication) of Our Salvation

Scripture over Tradition and the Magisterium.

This does not mean that truth is not found elsewhere.  It means that all we learn about God, His Creation, and His plan for life and eternity should be interpreted in view of the Scriptures.  The Bible is sufficient for our theological understanding.


The Bible Is from God

  • 2 Peter 1:19–21 “And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, [20] knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. [21] For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (ESV)
  • “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
  • “the Scriptures…bear witness about me” - Jesus in John 5:39-40 (ESV)
  • "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17
  • Deuteronomy 18:20 “But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.’” (ESV)



The Bible Is Sufficient for Salvation

  • 2 Peter 1:3 “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence” (ESV)
  • 2 Timothy 3:10-17 “the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 
  • James 1:21  “receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls”
  • Ephesians 6:17  “take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”
  • Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
  • Mark 12:24 “Jesus said to them, ‘Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?’"
  • "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:7-8
  • Jude 3 “Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (ESV)
  • John 20:30–31 “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; [31] but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (ESV)


Do Not Add or Take Away from the Bible’s Teaching & Authority

  • Deuteronomy 4:2 “You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you.” (ESV)
  • Deuteronomy 12:32 “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it.” (ESV)
  • Ecclesiastes 3:14 "I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him.” (ESV)
  • Proverbs 30:5–6 “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. [6] Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.” (ESV)
  • 2 John 9 “Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.” (ESV)
  • 1 Corinthians 4:6–7 “I have applied all these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, brothers, that you may learn by us not to go beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up in favor of one against another. [7] For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” (ESV)
  • 2 Timothy 2:15 “rightly handling the word of truth” (ESV)
  • Galatians 1:6–9 “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—[7] not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. [8] But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. [9] As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” (ESV)
  • Revelation 22:18–19 “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, [19] and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” (ESV)



Relevant Warnings - Do Not Turn Away from the Bible

  • 2 Timothy 4:3–4 “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, [4] and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (ESV)
  • 2 Peter 2:1 “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies”
  • Jude 4 “For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God”
  • Matthew 23:4 “They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders"


See also:

www.catholic.blog/christ-alone

www.catholic.blog/faith-alone

www.catholic.blog/grace-alone

www.catholic.blog/gods-glory-alone


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Top 30 Videos for Catholics on YouTube


 

Here are some of the best videos for Catholics on YouTube! 

Check them out!

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  8. How can we be saved according to the Catholic Catechism?  Is salvation alone thru Catholicism? https://youtu.be/PJlqg9oPkjg (The Catholic Blog #9)
  9. Do We Receive Grace and the Holy Spirit through the Catholic Sacraments? (The Catholic Blog #10) https://youtu.be/Du2T7EXwF0I 
  10. Is Catholic Mass Necessary to Go to Heaven? Does Giving Money to Church Save Us? Catholic Blog #11 https://youtu.be/LREEjW5ioc4
  11. Will I Go to Heaven If I Am Not Baptized in the Catholic Church? Babies? - The Catholic Blog #12  https://youtu.be/CWmdiGmoeUA 
  12. Is Catholic Confirmation Necessary to Go to Heaven? To Receive the Holy Spirit? Catholic.Blog #13 https://youtu.be/KBFwAOhaTL8 
  13. Is the Catholic Eucharist Necessary for Salvation? Does the Wine & Bread Literally Change into the Blood & Body of Christ? FAQ #14  https://youtu.be/h0aBRyCuVpE 
  14. The Catholic Blog FAQ #15 - Does Our Eucharist Help the Dead? Help Us Connect to the Dead? https://youtu.be/RXciw9PnVNM 
  15. Is Catholic Penance Necessary for Salvation and Forgiveness? FAQ #16 from Catholic.blog  https://youtu.be/eFTvG3_Mhbw 
  16. The Catholic Blog FAQ #17 - Is Peter the First Pope? https://youtu.be/iwuAHnyZnCQ 
  17. The Catholic Blog FAQ #18 - Did Peter have Authority Over All the Apostles? https://youtu.be/LZkMsxjcIxE 
  18. The Catholic Blog FAQ #19 - Does Peter Call Himself a Pope or Bishop? https://youtu.be/HBAhQurwdQo 
  19. Catholic.blog FAQ #20 - Was Peter Married? Is Priestly Celibacy Biblical? https://youtu.be/5XDpUgVVhPw 
  20. The Catholic Blog FAQ #21 What Is Veneration? Is Mary Our Mother? Should Mary Be Venerated? https://youtu.be/xCeEFqGCyPI
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  22. The Catholic Blog FAQ #23 - Is Mary the Cause of Salvation? Did Mary Save the Whole Human Race?  https://youtu.be/kCMP17Kh8Lk 
  23. The Catholic Blog FAQ #24 Was Mary a Virgin Her Entire Life? Did Jesus Have Any Brothers?  https://youtu.be/ZxNt_iL1QxU 
  24. The Catholic Blog FAQ #25  Is It True that Mary Never Died? Did Mary Ascend to Heaven? https://youtu.be/KocqlOtQe18 
  25. The Catholic Blog FAQ #26 Are Images of Jesus, Mary, Saints, or Angels Helpful or Harmful? Do Relics &Rosaries have Power?  https://youtu.be/wbSvx9JMaAw 
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  29. Is the Catholic Catechism Corrupt? Or Trustworthy? ... See for Yourself! The Catholic Blog FAQ#30 https://youtu.be/nITsSzHS5p0 
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Will I Go to Heaven If I Am Not Baptized in the Catholic Church? What About Babies Who Die Before Being Baptized?

 IS CATHOLIC BAPTISM NECESSARY FOR SALVATION??





The Catholic Blog - Helping people find answers to the most common questions about Catholicism with answers from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Bible. (www.catholic.blog )


“Is Catholic baptism necessary for salvation?” - Important Passages of The Catechism of the Catholic Church to Consider:

  • “Those who belong to Christ through faith and Baptism must confess their baptismal faith before men” (CCC 14)
  • “All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ.” (CCC 818)
  • “Baptism, the gate by which we enter into the Church.” (CCC 950)
  • “Baptism is necessary for salvation for those who have not yet been reborn” (CCC 980)
  • “communicating forgiveness of sins in Baptism” (CCC 981)
  • “The grace of the Holy Spirit has the power to justify us, that is, to cleanse us from our sins and to communicate to us ‘ the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ’ and through Baptism” (CCC 1987)
  • “Justification is conferred in Baptism, the sacrament of faith” (CCC 1992)
  • “Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ” (CCC 977)
  • “The faithful are born anew by Baptism” (CCC 1212)
  • “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit” (CCC 1213)
  • “Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God” (CCC 1213)
  • “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word” (CCC 1213)
  • “This sacrament is also called the ‘washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit’ for it signifies and actually brings about the birth of water and the Spirit without which no one ‘can enter the Kingdom of God’” (CCC 1215)
  • “exorcisms are pronounced over the candidate” (CCC 1237)
  • “the baptismal water is consecrated by a prayer” (CCC 1238)
  • “Baptism…signifies and actually brings about death to sin and entry into the life of the Most Holy Trinity through configuration to the Paschal mystery of Christ” (CCC 1239)
  • “Baptism is performed in the most expressive way by triple immersion in the baptismal water.  However from ancient times it has also been able to be conferred by pouring the water over the candidate’s head” (CCC 1239)
  • “The newly baptized is now, in the only Son, a child of God, entitled to say the prayer of the children of God: ‘Our Father’” (CCC 1243)
  • “Baptism is the source of that new life in Christ from which the entire Christian life springs forth” (CCC 1254)
  • “The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation” (CCC 1257)
  • “Baptism is necessary for salvation for those whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who had the possibility of asking for this sacrament” (CCC 1257)
  • God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but he himself is not bound by his sacraments” (CCC 1257)
  • “For catechumens who die before their Baptism, their explicit desire to receive it, together with repentance for their sins, and charity, assures them the salvation that they were not able to receive through the sacrament” (CCC 1259)
  • “By baptism all sins are forgiven” (CCC 1263)
  • “Justified by faith in Baptism” (CCC 1271)
  • “Baptism seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ.” (CCC 1272)


ARE INFANTS SAVED BY BAPTISM?

  • “Born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin, children have need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness and brought into the realm of the freedom of the Children of God” (CCC 1250)
  • “The Church and the parents would deny a child the priceless grace of becoming a child of God were they not to confer Baptism shortly after birth” (CCC 1250)
  • “As regards children who have died with Baptism, the Church can only entrust them to the mercy of God, as she does in her funeral rites for them. …allow us to hope that there is a way of salvation for children who have died without Baptism” (CCC 1261)
  • “with respect to children who have died without Baptism, the liturgy of the Church invites us to trust in God’s mercy and to pray for their salvation” (CCC 1283)


WHY IS EVERY CATHOLIC EXORCISED AT BAPTISM?

  • “When the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the Evil One and withdrawn from his dominion, it is called exorcism” (CCC 1673)
  • “Jesus performed exorcisms and from him the Church has received the power and office of exorcizing.  In a simple form, exorcism is performed at the celebration of Baptism.” (CCC 1673)
  • “The solemn exorcism, called a ‘major exorcism,’ can be performed only by a priest and with the permission of the bishop.  The priest must proceed with prudence, strictly observing the rules established by the Church.” (1673)
  • “Exorcism is directed at the expulsion of demons or to the liberation from demonic possession through he spiritual authority which Jesus entrusted to his Church.” (1673)


“Is Catholic baptism necessary for salvation?” - Important Scriptures to Consider:

  • Titus 3:5 “he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (ESV)
  • John 3:5 “Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’” (ESV)
  • Ezekiel 36:25–27 “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. [26] And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. [27] And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.” (ESV)
  • Romans 6:3–4 “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (ESV)
  • 1 John 2:29 “If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.” (ESV)
  • 1 John 3:9 “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.” (ESV)
  • 1 John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” (ESV)
  • 1 John 5:1 "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him." (ESV)
  • 1 John 5:4 “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (ESV)
  • 1 Corinthians 1:14 "I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius”
  • 1 Corinthians 1:17 “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”
  • 1 Corinthians 15:1–8 “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, [2] and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. [3] For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, [5] and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. [6] Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. [7] Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. [8] Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” (ESV)
  • 2 Samuel 12:21-23 "His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!" 22 He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' 23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”
  • Ecclesiastes 6:3-5 “I say that a stillborn child is better off than he." (ESV)
  • Deuteronomy 1:39 “And as for your little ones, who you said would become a prey, and your children, who today have no knowledge of good or evil, they shall go in there. And to them I will give it, and they shall possess it.” (ESV)
  • Titus 2:11–12 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, [12] training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age” (ESV)
  • Zechariah 3:2 “And the LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, O Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?” (ESV)
  • Jude 9–10 “But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” [10] But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively.” (ESV)
  • More scriptures on the death of babies and children: www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-the-death-of-babies-children 
  • More scriptures on baptism: www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-baptism 
  • An Ante-Nicene (early church fathers’) historical approaches to spiritual warfare and exorcism: www.trustworthyword.com/sw-church-history  (NOTE: very different from the much later (1614) Catholic Church’s Rituale Romanum approach to the demonic)


“Is Catholic baptism necessary for salvation?” - Important Questions to Consider:

  • Why is Baptism such a big deal for Catholic doctrine?  What does it mean that Baptism isn’t completed without penance, catechism, and the Eucharist?  Is that seen in the Bible?
  • Is the “born of water” a reference to baptism in John 3:5? Or a reference to Ezekiel 36:25-27?
  • Do the passages in 1 John speak about being born again by baptism? Or through belief? Love? Personal and relational knowledge of God? Evidenced by a changed life? In faith?
  • Does Romans 6:3–4 describe being baptized into a church?
  • Why is the process of getting baptized &going through Catechism in the Catholic Church so lengthy compared to the instantaneous belief and baptisms seen in Acts 2:41, 8:36, 9:18, 16:33, 18:8, 19:5?
  • Is the consecration (blessing) of baptismal water in the Bible?
  • Where is triple immersion in the Bible? Where is pouring over/infusion in the Bible?
  • Where does the Bible advocate for praying for someone’s salvation after they already died?
  • If baptism is necessary for salvation, why would Paul say he was thankful that he only baptized two people at Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:14)?
  • If baptism is necessary for salvation, why would Paul say “Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 1:17)?
  • Why Paul outlines the gospel in 1 Cor 15:1-8 why does he not mention baptism?  What is his focus?
  • What do these passages imply about the salvation of babies & children who die? 2 Samuel 12:21-23, Deuteronomy 1:39, Job 3:11-17, Ecclesiastes 6:3-5, & Jeremiah 19:4.
  • Are baptismal exorcisms (casting out of Satan/demons) in the Bible?  Why is exorcism performed as part of every Catholic Baptism?
  • When exorcisms happen in the Bible what rules exist?  Or is it a simple command in the authority and name of Jesus?
  • Why does the Roman Catholic Church has such extensive rules and procedures for exorcism as encapsulated in Rituale Romanum?



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You can download the free eBook "A Biblical Study of The Catechism of the Catholic Church" at www.catholic.blog or purchase a Kindle, paperback, or hardback version at Amazon (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B098L1MRLK).6 Tough Passages on Baptism to Consider

The below passages are tough to understand and seem, on their own, to advocate for baptismal regeneration (that baptism saves).  If we look more closely at them individual, we can see them more clearly and how they can be reconciled with the many Scriptures that explain that salvation comes through faith alone as a free gift of God’s loving grace.


1) Does Acts 2:38 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Acts 2:38, “And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

  • Could the best translation for “for” in this context be either “because of” or “in regard to” and not “in order to get”?
  • Another important note is how some of the verbs and pronouns are different: some are singular and some are plural.  Could this mean that “when you take into account the change in person and plurality, essentially what you have is ‘You (plural) repent for the forgiveness of your (plural) sins, and let each one (singular) of you be baptized (singular).’ Or, to put it in a more distinct way: ‘You all repent for the forgiveness of all of your sins, and let each one of you be baptized.’” (for more see: www.gotquestions.org/baptism-Acts-2-38.html )


2) Does Mark 16:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Mark 16:16 “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

  • An important translation note: “There is some question as to whether these verses were originally part of the Gospel of Mark or whether they were added later by a scribe. As a result, it is best not to base a key doctrine on anything from Mark 16:9-20, such as snake handling, unless it is also supported by other passages of Scripture.”
  • If this verse it to be included in Scripture, does it even describe the eternal status of those who “believe and have not been baptized”?  We cannot for certain the opposite is true.
  • What is the evidence of condemnation in this verse?  Is it even connected to baptism? 
  • Does the Bible ever say that if one is not baptized they are not saved?  What about the man on the cross next to Jesus who is never baptized, never goes to church, never takes Eucharist, and is never confirmed? 
  • What is required for salvation? Belief.
  • More at: www.gotquestions.org/baptism-Mark-16-16.html 


3) Does 1 Peter 3:21 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

1 Peter 3:21 “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (ESV)

  • When Peter connects baptism to salvation, what is the root cause of the salvation?  What does baptism represent?  What does an “appeal to God” mean?
  • Why does the Peter refer to the mechanical act of baptism ("removal of dirt”)?  It he pointing out that it isn’t about the act itself, but about the inward appeal of belief and repentances?
  • How did the waters of the flood “save” Noah and his family?  How are the ark and baptism connected here (1 Peter 3:20)?
  • Was Noah saved by his wisdom, obedience, skill, and hard work to build the ark?  Or was he saved by his inwards trust and love of the Lord so that the God provided a rescue from the waters of judgment?  Who shut the door of the ark (Genesis 7:16)?
  • Are we saved by our wisdom, obedience, and diligence to get baptized?  Or are we saved by our inward trust and love of the Lord in how He provided a rescue from the judgment of sin through His death and resurrection on the cross?
  • See www.gotquestions.org/baptism-1Peter-3-21.html for more helpful thoughts.


4) Does John 3:5 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

John 3:5 “Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (ESV)

  • Why is the word “baptism” not explicitly used here but is used later in the chapter (John 3:22-30) at a different time and place?
  • Why is water the symbol of cleansing throughout the Bible? (for examples see: Psalm 51:2,7; Ezekiel 36:25, John 13:10; 15:3; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:22; Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5)
  • How might this connect to the “living water” Jesus speaks to later in John? (John 4:10 & 7:37-39)
  • How does this “water” cleanse us internally and eternally? (see Ezekiel 36:25-27 & Titus 3:5)
  • Why is water used often to symbolize the Spirit’s work in us? (see Isaiah 44:3 & John 7:38-39)
  • Was Nicodemus being rebuked for not understanding baptism or for not understanding these passages: Ezekiel 36:25-27 and Jeremiah 31:33.
  • More insights here: www.gotquestions.org/baptism-John-3-5.html 


5) Does Acts 22:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Acts 22:16 “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’” (ESV)

  • Did Paul believe before his baptism (Galatians 1:11-12)?  
  • Did Paul receive the Holy Spirit before his baptism? (Acts 9:17-18)
  • A helpful translation note: “The Greek aorist participle, epikalesamenos, translated "calling on His name" refers either to action that is simultaneous with or before that of the main verb, "be baptized." Here Paul’s calling on Christ’s name for salvation preceded his water baptism. The participle may be translated "having called on His name" which makes more sense, as it would clearly indicate the order of the events.”
  • How does baptism externally portray the inward washing away of sin that happens at salvation? (1 Corinthians 6:11 and 1 Peter 3:21).
  • When Paul shares his testimony of conversion with King Agrippa (Acts 26:12-18), why does He focus on meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus and not on his encounter with Ananias (Acts 9:10-17) and baptism?
  • For further study, checkout: www.gotquestions.org/baptism-Acts-22-16.html 


6) Does Galatians 3:27 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Galatians 3:27 "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (ESV)

  • Why is Paul writing this letter to the Galatians according to Galatians 1:6-10?
  • What does he mean that we are “not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Christ” (Galatians 2:16) and that “you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26)?
  • Is this passage even talking about baptism into water?  Or is it talking about union with Christ through the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the point of faith?  What does Romans 8:9 say is the principal difference between believers and non-believers?
  • How is Jesus the one “who baptizes with the Holy Spirit” (John 1:33-34)?
  • What does it mean to be “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13-14)?
  • More info on this passage here: www.gotquestions.org/baptism-Galatians-3-27.html 

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