This lesson was presented on the radio, February 13, 2011.It is a response to an article that appeared in the Bowling Green Daily News by Ryan Smith of the Rolling Hills Community Church in Bowling Green, KY.
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But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. (Galatians 6:14, 15 NKJV)
I’m assuming the first commenter is the same Ryan Smith that Tim was responding to in his radio program. If so, I’m curious: if you are going to bother responding to this, why not address what was taught? I just listened to this again – he quoted from your article and used the Scriptures to refute your teaching on faith, baptism, and religion. Instead of responding to what he said, you cite the verse above. We all agree that “neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything.” This is not about circumcision, but your statements about religion, faith, and baptism. Frankly, I’d love for you to take up Tim on his offer of a public debate on these issues.
Hi Andy, thank you for your comment and your obvious sincere desire to follow the Word of God. However, with all due respect there is nothing to debate since justification by faith has been settlled for thousands of years as orthodox christianity starting with Abraham (according to Paul) and passing on through King David and then the Apostles. I pray that you and others who beleive as you do would understand that though baptism is important and should be observed by every professing beleiver in Jesus Christ it is not essential for the justifiation of the soul from past, present and future sin. We can add nothing to the perfect work of Christ on the Cross. We have been saved by God’s grace through Faith in Jesus Christ. All acts of obedience such as baptism prove that we have been saved but are not required to be saved.
No one is arguing against justification by faith. What you are arguing is justification by faith alone. That has not been settled since you and many others continue to promote this false doctrine (James 2:24). Your assertion that baptism is not essential is in direct contradiction to what Jesus and the apostles taught. Jesus said one who believes AND is baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16). Peter said, “baptism now saves you” (1 Peter 3:21), yet you say that baptism is “not required to be saved.” I choose to believe the words of the inspired apostle.