Information Related to "Questions and Answers - Nov/Dec 2007"
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Question: I like reading The Good News, as most of the time your articles are biblically based. However, I must contend with your article in the November-December 2006 issue entitled "Baptism: Beginning of a New Life." Though baptism is certainly an important part of the Christian life, it is not mandatory for salvation.
You specified Acts 2:38 as making baptism a "required condition." If that were true, then you would be telling me that the thief on the cross, who confessed his sins by stating to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom" (Luke 23:42, KJV), is in hell and that Jesus lied to him when He said, "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise." The thief had no time for baptism or a "laying on of hands," which is also not required. Yet from these references, we can safely say that the thief went to heaven.
Another reference that goes against what your article attempts to teach is Acts 9:17-18, where Saul (later Paul) received his sight back, first had hands laid upon him by Ananias, then was filled with the Holy Spirit, then was baptized.
Also reference 1 John 1:9, where the only "required condition" is for us to "confess our sins," and then we'll be forgiven and "cleansed of all unrighteousness." And reference Romans 10:9, which states, "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God has raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
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