John boy,
We would agree that the Bible is a tapestry, would we not? We have one chapter of one book that compliments another, as we have different books that compliment each other, all making the other stronger, etc, Would that be a right assumption? Each important to the complete story.
We agree upon salvation by grace only, and differ where I view baptism as an act of obedience "showing good conscience" but not the actual act being necessary to be saved.
I guess that is where we differ, with a question thrown in. (full of questions, ain't I?) With NO scriptures posted with my question, tell me why you consider:
1. confession any less an "act" of obedience than baptism? As I have read all the scriptures we have posted about the NECESSITY of confession, it then IS a work. A work of faith on your part, right? That is the same I see baptism, as a work of faith.
Works of faith you say?? YES say I, look at the following:
In Hebrews, Chapter 11, verse 30, we read, "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were compassed about seven days". The walls of Jericho fell by faith because Joshua believed what God said and obeyed his command. Should not our faith then, in the same way, cause us to obey ?
ANOTHER QUESTION!! If Joshua had sat in a recliner drinking iced goats milk, waiting on God to crash the walls would they have crashed? I believe because of Joshuas action, IN FAITH he obeyed God and did what was told and the walls came down. NOW another finish to this story is that JOSHUA did not make those walls come down did he?? No of course not GOD DID IT!! sorry for hollering.... I believe God brought the walls down cause his servent had faith in HIM.
SAme with my salvation, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and my Savior not cause of what I have done but because of what He has done. I have "ACTED" on that IN FAITH by confessing and being baptized, as the examples have shown me to do. MY work? no. my faith in action.
I do confess(working again);o) that I do not know all the answers to the thief on the cross.
Lets look at him.
matt 27:38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.....44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
Mark 15:27 And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.
Luke 23:33 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.
34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
35 And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God.
36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,
37 And saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself.
38 And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us.
40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss.
42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
I am reminded of a man in the old testament who lived, and then "walked with God" . did not die like the rest.
Gen. 5:
23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:
24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
I guess the moral of that story is that God is the I AM and does His good pleasure.
dan
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