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Bible Question: How
can people believe they are saved by saying a prayer,
when you have to be baptized to wash away your sins in
order to be in Christ. Aren't these people being fooled
into thinking this is how they are saved?
Bible Answer: A
prayer of faith does not save a man or woman. Some people
believe it does, just as some people believe that baptism
saves them. Both are works. Both are things that God
says does not save us.
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For
if Abraham was justified by works, he has
something to boast about; but not before
God. For what does the Scripture say? "AND
ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED
TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS." Now to the
one who works, his wage is not reckoned as
a favor, but as what is due. But to the one
who does not work, but believes in Him who
justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned
as righteousness. (NASB)
Romans 4:2-5 |
There is nothing wrong with prayer or baptism, but they
do not and cannot save us. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us that
God alone gives us the faith that saves us.
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For
by grace you have been saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves, it is the
gift of God; not as a result of works,
that no one should boast. (NASB)
Eph. 2:8-9 |
It is a gift to us. Why is it a gift? Because we could
not have believed if we had wanted to according to Romans
3:11.
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THERE
IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO
SEEKS FOR GOD . . . (NASB)
Romans 3:11 |
The Holy Spirit has to work in us to draw us to Jesus.
He gives us the faith with which we believe (John 6:65,
44 and 37). Baptism
is only a symbolic act. There is no efficacy in baptism
- no special blessing. It is only symbolic of a changed
heart and life. A change produced by God Himself and
only Himself.
Conclusion: It
is the Word of God that gives us understanding of God's
mercy and His saving grace.
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.
. . by the washing of water with the word.
(NASB)
Ephesians 5:26 |
The Word of God cleans up our confusion and gives a correct
understanding of our sinful self and Jesus' wonderful
love, mercy and forgiveness. Praise the Lord! |
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