I had a friend FWD me THIS article.
I had a bad taste in my mouth from the git-go on this baby (pun intended)
Let me explain:
Circumcision is not necessarily a sign of bloodshed as much as it is a sign of cutting yourself off at the very point of the promise God made to Abraham.
Baptism is not New Testament circumcision. Circumcision is New Testament circumcision and it is discouraged as a means of spiritual discipline/commitment.
A better question to ask is, “Why do we continue to circumcise baby boys?” My sons both got the snip. I vote hygiene. Not to mention that uncircumcised penises look like monsters.
I think this guys’ Bible is broke. Check out what Colossians 2 actually says,
Colossians 2:8-12
8 Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elemental forces of the world, and not based on Christ. 9 For the entire fullness of God’s nature dwells bodily in Christ,10 and you have been filled by Him, who is the head over every ruler and authority. 11 You were also circumcised in Him with a circumcision not done with hands, by putting off the body of flesh, in the circumcision of the Messiah. 12 Having been buried with Him in baptism, you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
Paul does not appear to be connecting circumcision to baptism per se, but giving two separate examples of Jesus Christ being the means by which we are saved. So they are alike or similar in that neither one of them save a person, Jesus saves all by Himself. I think the point is better summarized as this:
We are circumcised for real by faith in Jesus.
We are baptized for real by faith in Jesus.
Others are merely minus skin and/or soggy.
OK, now I know this guy’s Bible is broke. There are many examples of NT believers, post resurrection getting baptized all by themselves (including the Ethiopian eunuch he concedes) or without any reference to their entire household being baptized. No sir, there are more than ONE notable exception to this false doctrine.
1. Crispus and Gaius
1 Corinthians 1:14
I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius
2. These Samaritans and Simon specifically
Acts 8:12-13
12 But when they believed Philip, as he preached the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 13 Then even Simon himself believed. And after he was baptized, he went around constantly with Philip and was astounded as he observed the signs and great miracles that were being performed.
3. Oh, did he really forget SAUL of TARSUS? Seems notable to me.
Acts 9:18
At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.
4. These believers at Cornelius’ houses HEARD and then BELIEVED and then were BAPTIZED. So whomever was present was baptized as believers in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord prior to being immersed in water.
Acts 10:44-48
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speaking in other languages and declaring the greatness of God.
Then Peter responded, 47 “Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.
5. I’m assuming these crazy Corinthians (at least many of them) were living la vida loca solo
Acts 18:8
Many of the Corinthians, when they heard, believed and were baptized.
6. These 12 disciples of John
Acts 19:1-7
19 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions and came to Ephesus. He found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
“No,” they told him, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 “Then what baptism were you baptized with?” he asked them.
“With John’s baptism,” they replied.
4 Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the One who would come after him, that is, in Jesus.”
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began to speak in other languages and to prophesy. 7 Now there were about 12 men in all.
Furthermore, God promises to save any who call upon Him, not just those who took a bath in public at church when they were babies
Romans 10:9-13
9 If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 One believes with the heart, resulting in righteousness, and one confesses with the mouth, resulting in salvation. 11 Now the Scripture says, Everyone who believes on Him will not be put to shame, 12 for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, since the same Lord of all is rich to all who call on Him. 13 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
1 Cor 7 says nothing about baptism. It is speaking to staying together for the kids. Now this chapter does, however, state something confusing regarding kids, but it doesn’t speak to baptism at all.
By this guys’ logic, I should off my kids before they reach whatever magical age they become accountable in order to guarantee their salvation.
This kind of crap makes me angry.
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