Did the board just mess up on its own, or is someone afraid of discussing biblical topics?

-- Anonymous, December 10, 2001

Answers

Response to What happened to my posts?

Biblical topics are fine; but from here on out I will delete references which are not conducive (in my opinion) to healthy debate. (ccfmoderator@aol.com)

I was recently pondering some of our discussions concerning the necessity of a person believing that baptism was for the "forgiveness of sins" for it to be effective. Some on this board said that the baptism was not effective unless a person specifically believed and understood that its purpose (baptism) was for forgiveness. If they did not have this understanding, they are lost, unsaved, etc... according to this theory. This appears to be based on Acts 2:38 below:

(Acts 2:38, NIV) Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

My question is this: Is it also necessary for the person to believe that they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit for their baptism to be effective? If not, why not? It would seem that to be consistent with your view, the person would have to believe in both.

-- Anonymous, December 10, 2001