The complete reply concerning church history, conversion, and the body of Christ
Claim examined: Baptism and conversion
Scriptural Answer
Faith, You wrote, "Can you show that your church has always existed?" This is not necessary, please read Luke 8:11. You wrote, The only true church or body of Christ necessarily existed since the time of Christ. All true believers are a part of this body." Once again I will ask you Faith, where is your proof of an INVISIBLE CHURCH??? You wrote, "How can you think that the church you belong to is this Body??" See Romans 1:16 and 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9. It is OBEDIENCE TO THE GOSPEL that allows one to be ADDED to the church. You wrote, "Only Jesus knows who are his Body......" Scripture(s) please??? You wrote, "And He promises to come for us in the end of days to establish us. That is what the Bible says." Once again Faith, you do err NOT knowing the truth. The church of Christ is here on this earth, and has already been established. You wrote, "I think that you are deluding yourself if you believe that Christ's church is exclusive.....and that only members to your institution are saved." Faith, you are sadly mistaken if you think I am "deluding" myself. I have asked you to show how all of these conflicting denominations are the "body of Christ", and to date there have been NO scriputural references to back up your assertions. This is God?s Plan of Salvation according to the Bible. The New Testament tells us what we must DO to be saved and receive eternal life: 1. Hear the Gospel. (John 5:24, Acts 15:7, Romans 10:17, Revelation 3:20). 2. Believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and that he came to earth and voluntarily died on the cross for the sins of all mankind. Believe that Jesus then arose from the dead in order that we may have eternal life. (Mark 16:16, John 3:16-18, John 8:24, John 11:25-26, John 20:31, Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9-10, Hebrews 11:6, 1 Peter 1:8-9). 3. Repent of our sins. (Luke 13:3-5, Acts 2:38, Acts 17:30, 2 Corinthians 7:10, 2 Peter 3:9). 4. Confess before others that Jesus is your Lord and Savior. (Matthew 10:32, Romans 10:9-10, 2 Timothy 2:19). 5. Be immersed in baptism (water) for the remission of your sins. (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38-41, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-5, Galatians 3:26-27, Titus 3:5-7, 1 Peter 3:18-22). 6. Stand firm. (live a faithful Christian life). (Matthew 10:22, Matthew 24:13, Mark 13:13, Luke 21:19, 1 Timothy 4:16, Hebrews 10:36, James 1:12). Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. (Hebrews 5:9). Obedience and Submission PROVE our love for the Lord. Your "faith only" salvation will cost you eternally. Go back and re-read Luke 6:46.
KJV Scriptures Used
Read each passage in its chapter and compare the Scriptures together.