No trolling...Two honest questions.

[Porter Rockwell]

First, I was watching the call in show on the local ministries on the Alpha and Omega channel last night. A question came in about the verses in 1 Peter 3. Here they are.

18For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited F22 in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
21There is also an antitype which now saves us--baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

All three Pastors said these verses were very hard to interpret. Then they proceeded to disagree with each others interpretation. Any offerings anyone?

Second, on a related note. The Jehovah's Witnesses were passing by a few days ago and asked to be able to come in and share a message related to death. I invited them in, offered some food and sat down to listen. Some of you know I had a five year old boy pass away three years ago. I asked them a question I would pose to the rest of you. My son was never baptized.Christ and Peter both taughtthat one must be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost in order to be saved. Since my son was never baptized, will he be saved? I know that all children are alive that die in Christ ie Ist Cor: 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive and Ephesians 2:5even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), but those do not answer my question.

Thanks for your thoughts in advance.

Porter

[Rebel Hog]

Porter, first of all, I did not know about the death of your son and
sincerely offer youmy condolences.
Brother, this is what I have always been taught,

Among our Lord's last words to his disciples was the charge to preach the saving gospel to all men. In Matthew Chapter 28,verse 19, he said, "Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost". The question before us is what was and is the action of that baptism commanded by Christ and his apostles. The Bible clearly describes the action of Christian baptism as a burial in water, for baptism is a likeness to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

[Porter Rockwell]

Reb,

Thaks for the reply and kind words. I do agree (yes we agree, Yeah!) about the symbol and ordinance of baptism. So what would your answer be to those three pastors about Peters words and what will be the ultimate fate of my boy?

Thanks,

Porter.

[etothepii]

Little bit at a time. This part, I think we can agree, is easy:

18For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit,

Christ died for our sins. He is our permanent sacrifice.

Am I doing OK so far?

[etothepii]

19by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison,

Not sure about this. I look forward to answers. Something tells me that "spirits in prison" is figurative, not a reference to a physical prison, in which spirits are held.

[Rebel Hog]

The first Christian, the thief on the cross, was not baptized, but was with Christ in paradise that very day. Like wearing a wedding ring after you are married, baptism is a public proclamation of faith after accepting an eternal relationship with Christ (e.g. Acts 2:41, 6:36-38; Acts 8:12-13; Acts 9:17-18; Acts 10:46-48; Acts 16: 14-15; Acts 16:31-34; Acts 18:8).

We as Independent, Non Denominatioal Baptist let our children decide when they
are ready to be Baptized. They know whenthey are ready to seal the acceptance of
Christ by Baptism. You have tohave accepted Christ in your heart first before you
seal His acceptance.

[etothepii]

ORIGINAL: Rebel Hog

The first Christian, the thief on the cross, was not baptized, but was with Christ in paradise that very day. Like wearing a wedding ring after you are married, baptism is a public proclamation of faith after accepting an eternal relationship with Christ (e.g. Acts 2:41, 6:36-38; Acts 8:12-13; Acts 9:17-18; Acts 10:46-48; Acts 16: 14-15; Acts 16:31-34; Acts 18:8).

I think as you do, Reb, although we both know this is a hotly debated topic. Can you ease through the verses with me? I'm very curious about the spirits in prison part, and I can use the tutoring.

The Baptism part of the discussion will get here soon enough.

[The Rev]

My heart goes out to your BroPorter, I can't even imagine your pain..

I agree with Bro. Reb. Jesus looked over at the thief on the cross and said, "Today, you will be with me in paradise"

[Chuck7]

Porter I also am very sorry about your son. I will say amen to the words that have already been spoken. I do know God's mercy and grace for goes beyond our expectation.
CHuck

[biscuit eater]

I believe the spirits in prison were the fallen angels in Noah's time. Jude 6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, F1 but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.