Galatians 1:7 and 9, “...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.”
Most churches in the world today are false churches which pervert the Gospel
of Jesus Christ. The Good news of Jesus Christ is that Jesus came into the
world to save sinners, and that through faith anyone may be saved simply by
believing on Jesus Christ, the Son of God, for the forgiveness of sins.
Acts 10:43, “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name
whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” It's that
simple to be saved. We are the SINNERS and Jesus is the SAVIOR!
The CHURCH OF CHRIST teaches the damnable heresy of Baptismal Regeneration, that is, the false doctrine that a person absolutely must be water baptized in order to go to Heaven. On the Church of Christ 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)
Sins are washed away by the blood of Christ (Acts 22:16; Hebrews 9:22; Hebrews 10:22; 1 Peter 3:21)
SOURCE: http://church-of-christ.org/church-of-christ/JMB.html
Although it is certainly true that one's sins are washed away by the blood of Christ (1st Peter 1:7), it is NOT true that water baptism is that washing away process. The Church of Christ, as do Lutherans and other religious false cults, claim that one's sins are washed away during the act of water baptism. No such teaching is found in the Bible. Only by grasping for straws and failing to comprehend the Bible as a whole can anyone fabricate the heresy of Baptismal Regeneration.
Let's examine the individual Scriptures given by the Church of Christ, which they CORRUPT in a sinful attempt to pervert the Gospel of Christ.
- Mark 16:16 — “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” The emphasis in this Scripture is clearly upon him that believeth. The Bible doesn't say that one who is not water baptized shall be damned; but rather, he that believes not. John 3:18 says that the unbeliever is condemned already. The Gospel of John mentions the words believe and believeth 85 times; but baptism is never mentioned as being necessary for salvation. The Apostle John wrote 1st John so that we could KNOW that we are saved (1st John 5:13); yet he never mentions baptism even once. That alone proves that water baptism is not essential to going to Heaven.
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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.
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; Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:5-6).
Beware of the Church of Christ Demonic Cult
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, 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!
As a consequence of decades long unrestrained wickedness and idolatrous false religion in America, 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. People approach religion like they're shopping in a grocery store. 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.
“A demonic spirit's favorite activity is making a person feel religious without an understanding of the Word of God.” —Pastor Max D. Younce
