Water baptism is necessary to be in the first resurrection

[Wansvic]

"Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" 1 Cor 15:29-30

This scripture indicates that people realized water baptism played a part in one's salvation. They were attempting to intervene for those who had died without having been water baptized. Furthermore it can be concluded that the baptism being referred to is water baptism. Why? Because man assists others in water baptism. Whereas, God controls when He baptizes a person with His Spirit.

Paul doesn't condone the unbiblical practice of baptizing for the dead. However, he uses it to make a point. Those who professed not to believe in the resurrection of the dead, did in fact believe in it. If not, why bother to do something to assist in a loved one's salvation after they had died if they rose not?

 

[DavidTree]

I'm flexible with the Bible up until a point, just because I believe it is written with intentional ambiguity. Few things in the Bible, especially the New Testament, are easy to nail down with any certainty. For example, we have this water baptism thread and very few people seem to 100% agree with each other. That's because the Bible isn't clear enough.

My interpretation of water baptism being for the first resurrection reconciles why the Bible says that water baptism saves, but also says that faith in Christ saves. Either there are multiple ways to get saved, multiple prerequisites to salvation, or there are different kinds of salvation. Once you understand my line of thinking, it actually gives a lot more grace to the Bible, avoids salvation contradictions, and is contextual: water baptism and the resurrection are completely within context of each other. Water baptism is about saving the body in the resurrection.

That's my belief and if I can be given a clear verse that says "Water baptism has nothing to do with the first resurrection." Then I would quickly change my beliefs. Unfortunately, we could only hope for a Biblical message so clear so as to completely harmonize the faith in unity of knowledge. Thus, Christianity is severely fractured into thousands of denominations.

Bottom line is that I agree with you that circumcision was a matter of faith and that water baptism is a matter of faith.

Bottom line is, what raised Jesus from the dead = was it water baptism or the Spirit? = according to Scripture now- alone

 

[Wansvic]

And where is this in scripture?

Salvation is not possible without remission of sin.

Jesus said: ...repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47

This began on the Day of Pentecost:
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38



Scripture confirmation:

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:16

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Mark 1:1-5

And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; Luke 3:3

 

[Pilgrimshope]

Salvation is not possible without remission of sin.

Jesus said: ...repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47

This began on the Day of Pentecost:
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38



Scripture confirmation:

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:16

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Mark 1:1-5

And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; Luke 3:3

amen it is a foundation of the New Testament to get baptized for remission of sins according to the old

we can’t be new people unless we die
And start living a new life

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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.

knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:3-4, 6-

until we die it’s going to be hard to be. Born anew or released from my prior authority

“Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ;

that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:1, 4

it would be hard to change being held under the same word but if we die as that word says for our sin , it’s fulfilled and now we’re free to live a new life. Ot condemned or under the law we already died to now we can just have the word of life before us the rest is fulfilled

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭

our sins are remitted , now we’re learning the new word of salvation being recognized as having already died for our sins in Christ through baptism now we are learning to be children in the risen lord eternal Children headed home when we leave this world and our flesh behind.

 

[Wansvic]

I agree. By faith (having a clear conscience decision in choosing Christ to be our Lord and Savior) we receive salvation by the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the atonement of sin.

Believing the entire gospel message and being obedient to the associated commands, of water baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost, makes salvation possible due to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:38, 22:16, 8:12-17, 10:43-48, 19:1-6...)

 

[Wansvic]

amen it is a foundation of the New Testament to get baptized for remission of sins according to the old

we can’t be new people unless we die
And start living a new life

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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.

knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:3-4, 6-

until we die it’s going to be hard to be. Born anew or released from my prior authority

“Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ;

that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:1, 4

it would be hard to change being held under the same word but if we die as that word says for our sin , it’s fulfilled and now we’re free to live a new life. Ot condemned or under the law we already died to now we can just have the word of life before us the rest is fulfilled

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭

our sins are remitted , now we’re learning the new word of salvation being recognized as having already died for our sins in Christ through baptism now we are learning to be children in the risen lord eternal Children headed home when we leave this world and our flesh behind.

Paul makes a crucial point in verse 5. Notice he specifically states a condition: It is IF a person has been planted together in the likeness of Jesus death (water baptism) we shall also be in the likeness of Jesus resurrection. This condition applies to everyone under the New Testament until Jesus' second coming.

"For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:" (Romans 6:5)

 

[JeffA]

Salvation is not possible without remission of sin.

Jesus said: ...repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47

This began on the Day of Pentecost:
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38



Scripture confirmation:

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:16

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Mark 1:1-5

And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; Luke 3:3

Probably the best response I have seen to my query.

Yes. I agree that....repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name.
I would note that you stated that "God commanded" water baptism. I don't see that here.
My understanding is that John the Baptizer passed the torch (so to speak) to Jesus who would carry on the Baptism, in spirit.
The water-submersion practice remains to this day. I have been Baptized, too.
It still remains that a person can be dunked without repentance, just as a person can repent without the water.
Water Baptism is certainly a "Proclamation" of repentance. True repentance comes from the spirit.
I certainly think it is a good thing to be water-baptized. Let's all go to the river one day and be symbolically cleansed.
I'm not disparaging water-Baptism. I just remain unconvinced that it is a requirement for salvation.

 

[DavidTree]

Salvation is not possible without remission of sin.

Jesus said: ...repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47

This began on the Day of Pentecost:
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38



Scripture confirmation:

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:16

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Mark 1:1-5

And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; Luke 3:3

So we see, in the scriptures you posted that water baptism does not save us, but repentance toward God in the acceptance that in Jesus Christ we have remission of sins.
Therefore, since this is a BOLD PUBLIC Declaration of faith to depart from sin for the Life in Christ we gladly embrace water baptism as a symbolic outward act of faith, identifying with our Savior's Death and Resurrection.

If it had any merit towards washing away our sins, Christ would not of suffered and died on the Cross.
If it had any merit towards washing away sin, it would not be a 'one and done' outward act of faith.
If it had any merit towards washing away sins, i would be the first to 'jump in' = at least once a week!

We joyfully embrace in our hearts, the death and resurrection of the LORD by which we initially and publicly immerse and rise up.

Good News - there is Special Holy Water that continually washes us from the inside - do you know what it is?

 

[2ndTimothyGroup]

I'm flexible with the Bible up until a point, just because I believe it is written with intentional ambiguity. Few things in the Bible, especially the New Testament, are easy to nail down with any certainty. For example, we have this water baptism thread and very few people seem to 100% agree with each other. That's because the Bible isn't clear enough.

My interpretation of water baptism being for the first resurrection reconciles why the Bible says that water baptism saves, but also says that faith in Christ saves. Either there are multiple ways to get saved, multiple prerequisites to salvation, or there are different kinds of salvation. Once you understand my line of thinking, it actually gives a lot more grace to the Bible, avoids salvation contradictions, and is contextual: water baptism and the resurrection are completely within context of each other. Water baptism is about saving the body in the resurrection.

That's my belief and if I can be given a clear verse that says "Water baptism has nothing to do with the first resurrection." Then I would quickly change my beliefs. Unfortunately, we could only hope for a Biblical message so clear so as to completely harmonize the faith in unity of knowledge. Thus, Christianity is severely fractured into thousands of denominations.

Bottom line is that I agree with you that circumcision was a matter of faith and that water baptism is a matter of faith.

Thanks for your reply. I guess we'd just have to have a sit down, face to face conversation where we could ask and clarify instantly. To be honest, it is extremely difficult to get anywhere through text alone. The fact that we can spend days working up a reply to what a person says is not good. I believe that it is best to have instant clarification, or, if a person cannot clarify instantly, then it shows that perhaps that person doesn't really understand what they're talking about.

So, I must say that I really don't understand where you're coming from. As for those who rose from the dead . . . did they all receive water Baptism?

Matthew 27:50-53 NLT - "Then Jesus shouted out again, and he released his spirit. At that moment the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, rocks split apart, and tombs opened. The bodies of many godly men and women who had died were raised from the dead. They left the cemetery after Jesus' resurrection, went into the holy city of Jerusalem, and appeared to many people."

What we find is that these men and women were already considered Holy, yet they did not receive water Baptism.

Ephesians 4:5 NLT - "There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism . . ."

There is one God for all.

There is one Faith for all.

There is one Baptism for all.

As I have pointed out in previous sets of Scripture, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit all take credit for performing Spiritual Circumcision. And without the Spiritual Circumcision, there can be no granted Faith, nor can there be the [one] Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

And this Baptism of the Holy Spirit is what happened to Eldad and Medad of the Old Testament. Notice what Moses had to say about their Baptism of the Holy Spirit:

Numbers 11:26-29 NLT - "Two men, Eldad and Medad, had stayed behind in the camp. They were listed among the elders, but they had not gone out to the Tabernacle. Yet the Spirit rested upon them as well, so they prophesied there in the camp. A young man ran and reported to Moses, "Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp!" Joshua son of Nun, who had been Moses' assistant since his youth, protested, "Moses, my master, make them stop!" But Moses replied, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit upon them all!"

Again, there is ONE Lord, ONE Faith, ONE Baptism. How we define this baptism is done by many different words and concepts, but it is the same Baptism. Any other form of Baptism does not contain any Effectual Power, hence, there is ONE Baptism.

Peace to you . . .

 

[Wansvic]

Probably the best response I have seen to my query.

Yes. I agree that....repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name.
I would note that you stated that "God commanded" water baptism. I don't see that here.
My understanding is that John the Baptizer passed the torch (so to speak) to Jesus who would carry on the Baptism, in spirit.
The water-submersion practice remains to this day. I have been Baptized, too.
It still remains that a person can be dunked without repentance, just as a person can repent without the water.
Water Baptism is certainly a "Proclamation" of repentance. True repentance comes from the spirit.
I certainly think it is a good thing to be water-baptized. Let's all go to the river one day and be symbolically cleansed.
I'm not disparaging water-Baptism. I just remain unconvinced that it is a requirement for salvation.

The reason I mention the NT command to be water baptized was from God follows: Jesus was God manifested in the flesh. (John 1:1) With that in mind notice what Luke states in Acts 1:1-2. After Jesus' ascension He gave commandments to His apostles through the Holy Ghost. And it was after the Holy Ghost was given on the Day of Pentecost that Peter commanded everyone who accepted Jesus' death, burial and resurrection to repent, and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sin and stated they should receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

" The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

Also, the interaction between Jesus and John the Baptist confirms both water baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost are necessary. One did not replace the other. Notice when Jesus came to John the Baptist to be baptized, John said I have need to be baptized by you. John understood He needed to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Nonetheless, Jesus told John to water baptize Him in order to fulfill all righteousness. Clearly Jesus was indicating both were necessary.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

Believing the entire gospel message and being obedient to the associated commands, of water baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost, makes salvation possible due to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:38, 22:16, 8:12-17, 10:43-48, 19:1-6...)

In Acts 10:46-48 which came first? Spiritual baptism or physical? Which one saved the individual?

It is as you say in 1 Peter 3:20-21 the physical was symbolic by the flood in washing away the filth/sin of the world. It is now the spiritual baptism that saves.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

The reason I mention the NT command to be water baptized was from God follows: Jesus was God manifested in the flesh. (John 1:1) With that in mind notice what Luke states in Acts 1:1-2. After Jesus' ascension He gave commandments to His apostles through the Holy Ghost. And it was after the Holy Ghost was given on the Day of Pentecost that Peter commanded everyone who accepted Jesus' death, burial and resurrection to repent, and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sin and stated they should receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

" The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

Also, the interaction between Jesus and John the Baptist confirms both water baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost are necessary. One did not replace the other. Notice when Jesus came to John the Baptist to be baptized, John said I have need to be baptized by you. John understood He needed to receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. Nonetheless, Jesus told John to water baptize Him in order to fulfill all righteousness. Clearly Jesus was indicating both were necessary.

Jesus's interaction with John the Baptist was within fulfilling the law.

 

[Wansvic]

So we see, in the scriptures you posted that water baptism does not save us, but repentance toward God in the acceptance that in Jesus Christ we have remission of sins.
Therefore, since this is a BOLD PUBLIC Declaration of faith to depart from sin for the Life in Christ we gladly embrace water baptism as a symbolic outward act of faith, identifying with our Savior's Death and Resurrection.

If it had any merit towards washing away our sins, Christ would not of suffered and died on the Cross.
If it had any merit towards washing away sin, it would not be a 'one and done' outward act of faith.
If it had any merit towards washing away sins, i would be the first to 'jump in' = at least once a week!

We joyfully embrace in our hearts, the death and resurrection of the LORD by which we initially and publicly immerse and rise up.

Good News - there is Special Holy Water that continually washes us from the inside - do you know what it is?

The scripture makes no mention of water baptism being a symbolic act. It does, however, indicate that obedience to the command is when God remits an individual's sin. (Acts 2:38, 22:16) This is only made possible through Jesus' death, burial and resurrection.

Being obedient to God's command to be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus remits one's prior sins. After receiving the NT spiritual rebirth which includes both water baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost (Acts2:38...) We are a new creation in Christ Jesus. Afterward, when we sin as we progress in our walk, the scripture states we are to confess our sin and Jesus will forgive us our sin and cleanse us. (1 John 1:8-9) Salvation is an ongoing process as indicated by Paul in Philippians 2:12: "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, ... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

 

[Wansvic]

In Acts 10:46-48 which came first? Spiritual baptism or physical? Which one saved the individual?

It is as you say in 1 Peter 3:20-21 the physical was symbolic by the flood in washing away the filth/sin of the world. It is now the spiritual baptism that saves.

As confirmed through multiple examples, both water baptism in the name of Jesus and receiving the Holy Ghost are required. (Acts 2:38, 22:16, 8:12-17, 10:43-48, 19:1-6...) The sequence differed indicating one was not sufficient without the other. This truth is further understood by Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:3-5. Everyone must be born of water and Spirit. A parallel can be seen in God's design of the natural birth. The baby comes out of the water of it's mother's womb and draws air into it's lungs. Taking either one away results in a stillborn child.

 

[FreeGrace2]

I'm sure you're only reading commentators that sympathize with your flawed views on the Bible.

So, it's now "flawed views", huh. At one time, you said you agreed with MOST of what I posted. So, just over your own flawed misunderstanding of 1 verse I have "flawed views" of the Bible. What a flip flop.

I showed your contradiction. Here it is again.

You admit that water baptism is not required for salvaation.
But you insist that water baptism is required for resurrection.

Yet, the Bible says plainly that the resurrection is for "those who belong to Christ".

You would have it that resurrection is for "those who have been water baptized".

But you are blind to your error.

As we can all see, you quickly and thoroughly disagree with any differences to your denominational creed on this message board.

Would you please inform me of this "demoninational creed" you think I have? In fact, I've attended an independent church for over 2 decades. But what demonination do you think I am clinging to?

There's a good chance you just don't know what you're talking about.

There is NO chance of that. I just showed you again how contradicted you are. Look above again.

Didn't you say that "resurrection" wasn't even mentioned in 1 Peter 3:21? Case in point.

" and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,"s

OK, let me clarify for you. The verse DOESN'T SAY that water baptism is required for being resurrected.

If you would read more carefully, it is the resurrection of Jesus that was mentioned. But your claim is that WE need to be water baptized to be resurrected. So you just remain confused. More and more.

The verse mentions the resurrection of Christ, but NOT the resurrection of believers. That's your error.

Salvation of the soul and the resurrection aren't the same things.

No one said they were. But...resurrection is based on being saved. 1 Cor 15:23 makes that extremely clear.

You wrongly think that resurrection is based on being water baptized. Couldn't be more wrong.

 

[FreeGrace2]

Flood waters - is the type or symbolic of what later became a reality in the NT. God's NT command of water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus is the antitype (the real thing). This truth is spelled out in 1 Peter 3:20-21.

The word "anti-type" isn't the "real thing".

This is from biblehub.com-
antitupos: struck back, corresponding to
Original Word: ἀντίτυπος, ον
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: antitupos
Phonetic Spelling: (an-teet'-oo-pon)
Definition: struck back, corresponding to
Usage: typical of, representing by type (or pattern), corresponding to, an image.
HELPS Word-studies
499 antítypon (from 473/antí, "corresponding to" and 5179/typos, "type") – properly, an antitype which corresponds to (fulfills) a type (a predictive symbol). See 5179 /typos ("a theological type") for extended discussion.

I rest my case. You can argue with the Greek. I know what it says and means.

 

[Wansvic]

Jesus's interaction with John the Baptist was within fulfilling the law.

Water baptism was not an OT law. It was initiated by John the Baptist and later modified to include the name of the Lord Jesus (after His death, burial and resurrection) on the Day of Pentecost as prophesied by Jesus in Luke 24:47. (Acts 2:38)

 

[Wansvic]

The word "anti-type" isn't the "real thing".

This is from biblehub.com-
antitupos: struck back, corresponding to
Original Word: ἀντίτυπος, ον
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: antitupos
Phonetic Spelling: (an-teet'-oo-pon)
Definition: struck back, corresponding to
Usage: typical of, representing by type (or pattern), corresponding to, an image.
HELPS Word-studies
499 antítypon (from 473/antí, "corresponding to" and 5179/typos, "type") – properly, an antitype which corresponds to (fulfills) a type (a predictive symbol). See 5179 /typos ("a theological type") for extended discussion.

I rest my case. You can argue with the Greek. I know what it says and means.

Please take note of the description you furnished. It states an antitype fulfills a type. The type being the symbol. The antitype the real thing.

antitype which corresponds to (fulfills) a type (a predictive symbol)

 

[FreeGrace2]

Please take note of the description you furnished. It states an antitype fulfills a type. The type being the symbol. The antitype the real thing.

antitype which corresponds to (fulfills) a type (a predictive symbol)

Go tell that to all the translators who translated it as "literal water symbolizes the baptism that saves us.

You think literal water saves. No, faith saves. Paul told that to a jailer. Never mentioned water baptism as the means of getting saved.
Yes, he was saved, to declare his faith to others.

Mark 1:8 is a clear statement that water baptism is DIFFERENT than Holy Spirit baptism.

We are saved when we are indwelt with the Holy Spirit. That is the baptism that saves. Not water.

Water kills. Just ask any member of the human race during Noah's day after the flood began.

Or, ask any Egyptian soldier who pursued the Israelites into the Red Sea.

In both cases, the literal water KILLED those who were immersed.

Read 1 Cor 10:1-5 with a straight face. Paul described the Exodus generation as having been "baptized into Moses and INTO the SEA".

In fact, they all went through the Red Sea on DRY ground. Not a drop got on any of them.

You still don't understand the meaning of baptism.

 

[DavidTree]

The scripture makes no mention of water baptism being a symbolic act. It does, however, indicate that obedience to the command is when God remits an individual's sin. (Acts 2:38, 22:16) This is only made possible through Jesus' death, burial and resurrection.

Being obedient to God's command to be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus remits one's prior sins. After receiving the NT spiritual rebirth which includes both water baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost (Acts2:38...) We are a new creation in Christ Jesus. Afterward, when we sin as we progress in our walk, the scripture states we are to confess our sin and Jesus will forgive us our sin and cleanse us. (1 John 1:8-9) Salvation is an ongoing process as indicated by Paul in Philippians 2:12: "Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, ... work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

Dear Brother, i lovingly and strongly say that water baptism is indeed spoken by the Apostles and even the LORD as being purely symbolic and of no merit to wash away sins. That it is an outward act of righteousness because of Genesis, which is the Foundation of Truth.
Whereas the Apostles, Christ, Genesis and the OT Prophets speak of the circumcision of the heart(faith & obedience) and the remission of sin thru the Blood as the requirement for salvation = SEE Abraham's righteousness and how it came about.

1 Peter 3:14-22 clarifies the symbolism of water baptism and the non-symbolic elements that actually saves us - PEACE