Baptism for Remission of Sins (page 2)

Gopher

Chacha,

To answer your question, following along with what jimmer said, baptism is a means of cementing your relationship with God. As noted, the thief hanging next to Jesus didn't get baptized, and yet he will have (or perhaps already does have) a chance in Christ's Kingdom.

Regarding those "master Member" notations, the one who set up this board has an arrangement to keep count of the number of postings you do. Less than 25, you're a "newbie". 25-99, you're a "Junior member". From 100 to 199 postings, you're a "senior member". Then between 200 and 999 postings, you're a "master Member". At 1000 you become a "Jedi Poster". I forgot what happens after 2000.

Gopher

chacha

I did not think the thief on the cross needed baptism because the new law was not in effect because Christ had not yet died for our sins.

Why then does the Bible say " He who believes and is baptized shall be saved ",.
if baptism is not an absolute necessity for salvation
Acts 2-v38 ...Repent...and be baptized ... for the remission of your sins" how does one obtain remission of sins if not through the blood of Jesus which was shed as the perfect sacrifice for our sins., if one does not obey the above scripture? This leads me to believe that
baptism is a necessity

The will of a testater does not go into effect untill his death is my understanding.

chacha

Gopher,Jimmer,Pomegranit and Carmel; are all of you JW's

Gopher

Chacha,

As far as being cleansed from sin, it is our faith and not an act of baptism that accomplishes that. 1 John 1:7 says in that regard, "The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin."

Baptism is an important act that demonstrates faith which pleases God. But it itself doesn't have the same saving power as faith.

You asked if we were JW's. I am a former JW, as are most if not all those about whom you asked.

Gopher

Jang

You are so right Gopher ....

A lot don't understand the Greek eis which is often translated fr.

The easiest way to explain it is:

If I told you I was taking an asprin FOR a headache, would I be taking it to GET a headache or BECUASE I have a headache.

In the same way, we are baptised BECAUSE our sins have been remitted ....

JanG

chacha

Glad to know that you are all former JW's. I will now get to my real concern. My sister is a JW and she has lung cancer and I am very concerned for her soul which she believes at death no longer exists and she does not believe in Hell. I do not know all of your beliefs, however, I am a Christian and have been for 35 years. a member of the CHURCH OF CHRIST. I do not know how to help her and would appreciate anything that you can do since you are no doubt aware of the JW beliefs. What helped you to see the "light" Please help me.

chacha

I had originally thought that I was on a JW site and that by having someone say that baptism is not only for remission of sins and belief in Jesus Christ and his teaching as revealed in the Bible that she would be able to see that an organization is not needed. My tactics backfired. I do believe in the Father, Son and Holy spirit and that the Bible is inspired and that if one only had the Bible he could read it and learn and that no other literature would be necessary,
Per se: Watchtower literature:
Now that I have explained my motives can you and will you help me?

pomegranate

chacha,

I am sorry to here about your sister...but, there is only one that can help her. I can guarantee you that she will be helped.

There are no words at this time that I feel should be used on her. The only thing now would be to love her beyond all religious doctrine. Love her beyond all the differences you may have in each others faith.

God's mercy is greater than His judgement. His Love is greater than all.

chacha, rest assured God WILL NOT leave your sister. No matter how deeply she may be deceived. But I think yours is to show huge love...I know you know that. But maybe these words might help.

I don't know what else to say, but Love.

pomegranate

Gopher

Chacha,

I'm so sorry to hear of your sister's lung cancer. Will she make it? From your words, it sounds some doubt exists.

I also gather that your sister joined the JW's when she was an adult. How deeply is she involved?

Those above factors may have something to do with whether she stays a JW or gets out at some point.

Some of us (raised in the organization) left upon becoming adults because the burden of being a JW is just too heavy. I stayed through 21 years of adult life (until age 39) when I came up against the heavy hand of Watchtower-style justice. After seeing what happened to me, I decided I could no longer support such a judgmental, hard-hearted group of people portraying themselves as followers of a loving Messiah.

If your sister is not deeply involved, you may be able to reason with her, show her information such as the book "Crisis of Conscience" by former Watchtower governing body member Ray Franz, and also the websites * http://www.freeminds.org and * http://watchtower.observer.org. These contain news and views to help honest people see the fallacy of the Watchtower doctrine.

If your sister is deeply involved with the JW's, you might want to disregard the previous paragraph for now and apply what Pomegranate said about showing "unconditional" love, love such as they cannot experience within the "ever-watchful" association of JW's.

BTW, the JW belief about the soul is that upon death, it ceases to exist. However, God would restore it during the 1,000 year reign of Christ, most likely to an earthly existence, so that individuals could get a second shot at life, but this time everlasting life. JW's believe very few Christians die and go to heaven to rule with Christ.

Hope some of this is helpful.

chacha

My sister is 58 and was introduced to the JW's at about age 21, she attended for several years , but had not been going for the past 8 years untill the cancer was diagnosed, has only gone once since that time because of her condition, however, she becomes very angry if I try to talk with her about religion. our family has always been very close, there are five of us kids and on my fathers deathbed he was calling for this sister whom he believed to be lost. I love her very much but do not know how to reach her. Do you believe that Jesus is one with God. She first told me years ago that Jesus was a good man and a prophet but now says he is " a God" Having believed in the trinity for all these years it is difficult for me to understand.
I believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and was written so that everyone could understand it, at least to learn enough of the Lord's plan of salvation for us. I guess i am considered a fundamentalist . Do the JW's baptize one into the Watchtower Society?

Baptism for Remission of Sins

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