CONFRONTED WITH THE TRUTH? by steve finnell

Who is most likely to change their erroneous positions concerning Jesus and His terms for pardon when confronted with the truth?  Is it more likely that religious leaders or common followers of Jesus will repent of  false beliefs when God's truth is presented?

The majority of those who followed Jesus were common everyday men. Most church leaders rejected Jesus and His terms for pardon.

Luke 7:27-30 This is the one about whom it is written, 'Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You, Who will prepare Your way before You! 28 I say to you , among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." 29 When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they acknowledged God's justice, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected God's purpose for themselves not having been baptized by John. (NASB)

It was the Pharisees and lawyers who rejected God's purpose by not being immersed in water. Is it not the church leaders today who reject Christian baptism. They reject its purpose.

1.Immersion in water is not for a testimony of faith.

2.Water baptism is not simply an act of obedience.

3.Baptism is not something men do after they are saved.

4.Immersion in water is not in order to wash away the original sin of Adam.

5. Baptism is not in order to join the denomination of your choice.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF WATER BAPTISM?

1. In order to be saved. Mark 16:16 ...and has been baptized shall be saved...(NASB)

2. In order to have sins forgiven. Acts 2:38....and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins...(NASB)

3. So we can walk in a new life. Romans 6:4 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. (NASB)[THERE IS NO NEW LIFE BEFORE BEING IMMERSED IN WATER]

4. So men can be holy and blameless. Ephesians 5:25-27 ...Christ also loved the church...26 so that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word....27....that she would be holy and blameless.(NASB)

Is it possible that men today reject God's purpose for themselves by not being immersed in water according the New Covenant terms for pardon?

Church leaders are usually the last people to admit they have been wrong and change their position when confronted with the truth. Even church leaders who know the truth are reluctant preach and teach the truth for fear of criticism or losing their position in the church.

Very few who followed Jesus were Pharisees or scribes.

Being immersed in water is the last act of a sinner, it is not the first act of a Christian.