It is possible for one to be religious, and at the same time, teach and practice things that are reverse to what the Bible says and teaches. For example, on the subject of baptism, it is a fact that many people teach that a person is saved before they are baptized. But actually, such teaching is the reverse of where the Bible places salvation. Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized SHALL BE SAVED…” (Mark 16:16). The apostle Peter said, “Repent and be baptized…FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS” (Acts 2:38). Saul of Tarsus (later became the apostle Paul), was told to, “Arise and be baptized and WASH AWAY YOUR SINS…” (Acts 22:16). Again, Peter declared that, “baptism DOTH ALSO NOW SAVE US…” (1 Peter 3:21). I’m sure you have noticed the order is baptism BEFORE salvation and not AFTER! In every verse that has baptism and salvation, or it’s equivalent, both in the verse, you will see that salvation always follows baptism.

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Clearly, the Bible teaches that a LOST person is baptized IN ORDER TO BE SAVED. Why then are we told that a SAVED person is baptized to show he/she is ALREADY SAVED? To claim salvation (remission of sins) BEFORE baptism is the reverse of what the Bible teaches. If not, why not?

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Also, those who teach that justification is by FAITH ONLY, independent of works, teach the reverse of where the Bible places justification. James 2:24 says: “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” (Jas.2:21). To separate faith and works with regard to justification reverses God’s order. Think seriously on these things.

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Dennis Abernathy