Galatians 1:7 and 9, “Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ ... As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”
One of the most damnable religions in the United States is the demonic
CHURCH OF CHRIST. It is
the church of Satan! On their website, they openly teach that water baptism
is mandatory for salvation.
They teach . . .
You should know that by baptism:
- You are saved from sins (Mark 16:16 1 Peter 3:21)
- You have remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
SOURCE: http://church-of-christ.org/church-of-christ/JMB.html
Here is what another demonic Church of Christ website teaches . . .
When will God save you?
At baptism . . . you will be washed clean of all sin in
the blood of Christ and saved.SOURCE: http://www.agapebiblestudiesonline.org/assignments/course-5.pdf
The Church of Christ teaches lies of the Devil. Nowhere in the Bible was anyone ever water baptized until after they were saved. No one in the Old Testament was water baptized. The thief on the cross wasn't water baptized.
Here is a Bible study explaining Mark 16:16, 1st Peter 3:21 and Acts 2:38.
Perhaps the strongest Biblical evidence that water baptism is NOT required for salvation is found in 1st John 5:13, “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may KNOW that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” The Apostle John plainly states in 1st John 5:13 that the purpose of his Epistle is to help them KNOW, beyond any shadow of a doubt, that they are saved; yet he doesn't mention “baptism” even once. The word is not found in 1st, 2nd or 3rd John! If water baptism were necessary for salvation, then certainly John would have told them to make sure they'd been water baptized; but he didn't!
The Apostle Paul plainly stated in 1st Corinthians 1:17, “FOR CHRIST SENT ME NOT TO BAPTIZE, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.” If water baptism were required for salvation, then certainly the Apostle Paul would not have treated the matter with such frivolous speech.
If, as many false prophets claim, water baptism is necessary for salvation; then there are two Gospels. There must have been one plan of salvation for Old Testament saints who weren't baptized; and then another plan of salvation for New Testament believers. However, the Bible does not teach that. In fact, Acts 10:43 settles the matter by clarifying that Old Testament saints were saved the exact same way believers are today. Acts 10:43, “To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.”
Genesis 15:6 tells us that Abram (later to be
renamed Abraham) was saved by grace through faith in the Lord. Genesis
15:6, “And he believed in the LORD; and He counted it to him for
righteousness.” Amen! Romans 4:3-6 confirms this truth. Romans 4:3-5,
“For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto
him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of
grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that
justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” A
person's faith is COUNTED for righteousness. Water baptism has nothing to do
with a sinner's faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Doctrine of Christ
2nd John 1:9, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the DOCTRINE OF CHRIST, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.”
The doctrine of Christ is everything that the Bible teaches about Jesus Christ pertaining to the Gospel message. This includes Jesus' virgin birth, deity, Godhead, sinless life, vicarious (substitute) death in our place, burial (verifying His death), bodily resurrection, and the importance of the literal physical blood of Jesus. Teaching that good works are required for salvation is an attack against the Doctrine of Christ (Romans 3:19-20). Teaching that water baptism is necessary for salvation is an attack against the precious Doctrine of Christ (Romans 10:13). Eternal life is a free gift from God the Father to those who come to Him by way of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Salvation is of the Lord; not men. Our part is to simply receive that gift by faith in the Son of God, for the forgiveness of sins.
The Doctrine of Christ is critically important. Every false religion attacks the Doctrine of Christ. Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses and Christian Scientists all diminish the Godhead and the deity of Jesus Christ.
Catholics require water baptism (which they call a sacrament), and 6 other sacraments, in order to get to Heaven. This is unbiblical. The term “sacrament” is not found in the Bible. A sacrament is something which supposedly bestows grace, divine favor or salvation upon a person. Again, this is not taught in the Bible. We are saved by God's grace through faith in His Son, Jesus, the Christ.
Seventh-Day Adventists corrupt the Doctrine of Christ by teaching that faith alone is insufficient to save a person. They teach that a person's life, including their works and attitude toward the Sabbath Day, determine one's eternal destiny. It's all of the Devil. Seventh-Day Adventism is a demonic religion.
Perhaps you ask, “Then which religion is correct?” I'm glad you asked. The answer is NONE! No religion can get you to Heaven. I am an Independent Fundamental Baptist, but that won't get me to Heaven. Salvation is NOT found in any religion; but rather, in a Person—The Lord Jesus Christ!
The Doctrine of Christ is the Biblical truth about Jesus Christ. Nothing is more important!
Please read,
Doctrines of
the Church?
What is Water Baptism?
So what is water baptism then? It is simply one's public profession of faith. Romans 6:4-5, “Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that LIKE as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the LIKENESS of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection.” Carefully notice the words “like” and “likeness.” Water baptism represents the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Just as a wedding ring represents one's lifetime commitment to their spouse, 'til death do us part; so does water baptism represent one's faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. A person is not married because they wear a wedding ring on their finger, anymore than a person would be an automobile for walking into a garage. Likewise, water baptism cannot save anyone, nor does it wash away anyone's sins. Some false prophets corrupt the Bible by twisting around the Scriptures, teaching that water washes a person's sins away. No, it doesn't! The Bible plainly teaches that only Jesus' precious literal blood washes our sins away (1st John 1:7; Revelation 1:5).
If you get baptized, you are just getting a bath. The significance of water baptism is that you are ALREADY saved, and your faith is real. A marriage is not consummated when rings are exchanged in ceremony; but upon union between a man and a woman, who have made a lifetime commitment to one another. This is why divorce is such a horrible sin, because it dishonors a lifetime vow made in the presence of God, and breaks apart a union which the Bible says God made. Matthew 19:6, “Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.” No one has a right to divorce, because God joined you both together.
The wedding rings are significant because there
is a marriage which they represent. Likewise, water baptism is significant
in that there is faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ which it represents. A
man and woman don't have to exchange nor wear wedding rings to be married in
God's eyes. Likewise, a sinner does not have to be water baptized to be
saved in God's eyes. Salvation comes by faith alone in Jesus Christ
(Galatians 3:26).
Search the Scriptures!
There are MANY things wrong with the Church of Christ religion; but we know that they are following Satan because they teach the false doctrine of Baptismal Regeneration. I am not trying to be unkind, sincerely; but as a born-again Christian who loves the Lord Jesus Christ, it is my duty to contend for the Christian faith, defending the Doctrine of Christ. The Church of Christ is a misnomer, because they are neither a Church, nor do they know the Christ of the Bible.
I want to mention that there are many different religious denominations which use the term “Church of Christ,” even the false Mormon cult. Whether it be the lying United Church of Christ, or the heretical Churches of Christ, the demonic Mormon Latter Day Saints, or the heathen Church of Christ; they all teach water baptism as a means of salvation, which is is a false gospel. Religion is the worst thing that ever happened to this wicked world. The Bible does not tell us to follow religion. Jesus commanded us in John 5:39 to SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES!
Matthew 22:29, “Jesus answered and said unto them, YE DO ERR, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.” What a Bible verse!!! Jesus' Words have never been so true as today, because most people do err in their understanding of the Scriptures. They just don't know the Bible. God teaches for us to STUDY. 2nd Timothy 2:15, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Most people study the Bible without the presence of the Author, Who is God. This is why there are so many false cults in the world.
I thank God, I thank God, I thank God, that the Holy Spirit has guided me into all truth, just as Jesus promised in John 16:13, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” I am not worthy of all the truth which God has taught me. I feel like Jacob who said in Genesis 32:10, “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which thou hast shewed unto thy servant; for with my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I am become two bands.” God is good. So many people don't want the truth; they don't love it. 2nd Thessalonians 2:10 says that is exactly why they will follow the Antichrist and be destroyed.
The best way to interpret the Bible is with the Bible, by cross-referencing Scripture with Scripture. When you read a passage of Scripture and think you understand the doctrine (teaching), you verify that doctrine by making sure that it agrees with the rest of the Bible. All Scriptures must agree in harmony. With this truth in mind, the subject of water baptism is clearly understood when we consider all of the Scriptures as a whole.
There is not one verse in the entire Bible that teaches water baptism as a means of salvation. Jesus taught Nicodemus in John 3:1-7 that salvation is a second birth, by the Spirit of God. Salvation is not brought about by rituals or ceremonies; but by faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. This truth is evidenced by John 20:31, “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.” No mention of baptism is made. John 3:16 does not mention baptism, but simply teaches that whosoever believeth on the Son of God has everlasting life. If water immersion (baptism) were required to be saved, then God would have said so. God said what He meant, and meant what He said. Members of the Church of Christ false religion DO ERR, NOT KNOWING THE SCRIPTURES (Mathew 22:29). They are not saved. They are trusting in a false gospel of Baptismal Regeneration.
Also, notice in Matthew 22:29 that Jesus said the Sadducees didn't know the power of God. Romans 1:16 tells us that the power of God is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If you are wrong on salvation, then you are wrong on everything. If the cornerstone of the foundation is crooked, then the whole building is going to be crooked. Church of Christ members have built their religion on a foundation of sinking sand. The Biblical Gospel is a gift of God that is freely provided (Romans 5:15), freely offered (Romans 10:13) and freely received (Revelation 22:17).
Thus, Water Baptism is NOT required for
salvation. To think that the God of the universe would refuse to save a
person for not being dunked in water is wrong. It is by faith (trusting) on
Jesus that sinners are saved (Romans 10:13).
Conclusion of the Matter
There are many Satanic deceivers in the world (2nd John 1:7; Revelation 12:9). Sadly, the Church of Christ are amongst them. Anyone who teaches that water baptism is required for salvation is a filthy liar. If you think it is merely a matter of differing religious opinions and not worth fighting over, then you need to be saved my friend. As a born-again believer who loves the Lord Jesus Christ (Who is the living Word of God), I am compelled to preach the truth. I am not worried about offending people with the truth; I am worried about not offending people. The truth always leads to either revival or riot!
I love all people and respect their right to disagree with me. I am thankful that I have a right to disagree with them. America is great because we have the right to disagree with each other. A truly free society is one is which it is safe to be unpopular. The truth is not too popular these days, nor has it ever been. We are living in an information war, in the spiritual realm as much as in the secular realm. With the increase in modern technologies and mass communication, the information war has greatly intensified. We are living in the Last Days prophesied of in the Bible.
Although a great nation is one in which its citizens have a right to disagree with each other; God will not bless a nation that disagrees and rebels against His Word. Freedom is being able to make our own choices; Liberty is the reward for making the right choices. Tragically, Americans have overwhelmingly chose to worship false gods. Church of Christ worship a different God than the God of the Bible, because they are following doctrines of devils (1st Timothy 4:1) instead of the doctrine of Christ (2nd John 1:9).
As a consequence, God's judgment is upon our nation. I cringe when I hear people talk about religion like it's no big deal what a person believes. It's not a basket of goods where you can pick and choose your favorite religion. God will curse the nation that disobeys the Bible, God's Law. The Church of Christ angers God, because they lead souls into Hell through their false gospel of Baptismal Regeneration. Find an Independent Fundamental Baptist Church.
“A demonic spirit's favorite activity is making a person feel religious without an understanding of the Word of God.” —Pastor Max D. Younce
