CAN YOU ENVISION JESUS SAYING THAT?   BY STEVE FINNELL

The mantra of many believers in Christ is "Water baptism is important, however, it is not essential for any ones salvation."

Can you envision Jesus saying that?

What if all the creed books, all the Bible commentaries, and other books written about Bible were destroyed? What if the source for truth you had was the Bible and the Bible alone, then, what would you believe was the purpose of water baptism? Would you still believe that water baptism was not essential for salvation?

THE BIBLE

Ephesians 5:25-26...as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for it, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,  (NKJV)

Ephesians 5:25-26....as Christ showed to the church when he died for her, 26 to make her holy and clean, washed by baptism and God's word;  (The Living Bible---Paraphrased)

Ephesians 5:25-26 ....as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, (NASB)

Can you imagine Jesus saying, "Water baptism is not essential to salvation?"

Acts 22:16 'And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' (NKJV)

Acts 22:16 And now, why delay? Go and be baptized, and be cleansed from your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' (The Living Bible ---Paraphrased)

Acts 22:16 Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.' (NASB)

Can you envision Jesus saying, "Saul your sins were washed away three days ago on the road to Damascus, water baptism is not essential to salvation?"

Acts 2:38....let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins;..... (NKJV)

Acts 2:38 And Peter replied, "Each one of you must turn from sin, return to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; then you also shall receive this gift, the Holy Spirit. (The Living Bible--- Paraphrased)

Acts 2:38 ...each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christfor the forgiveness of your sins..... (NASB)

Can you envision Jesus saying, "Water baptism is not essential to forgiveness of sins?"

Mark 16:16 .....and is baptized will be saved... (NKJV)

Mark 16:16.... and are baptized will be saved... (The Living Bible---Paraphrased)

Mark 16:16 .....and has been baptized shall be saved... (NASB)

Can you imagine Jesus saying, "Water baptism is important but not essential to salvation?"

IF YOU ONLY HAD THE BIBLE, WHAT WOULD YOU BELIEVE?

Creed books, Bible commentaries, and all other books explaining the Bible are not the infallible word of God. They are not God's inerrant message to all mankind. Why would you not simply trust the Bible and the Bible alone for God's truth given to mankind?