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Denominationals Recognize Baptism for Remission of Sins
by J. Randal Matheny

At a time when some in churches of Christ are discarding
the biblical doctrine of immersion for the forgiveness of
sins, denominational leaders sometimes recognize what
Scriptures teach on the subject. In his book Will the
Real Heretics Please Stand Up, David W. Bercot concluded
that second-century Christian writings "associated three
very important matters with water baptism:" remission of
sins, the new birth, and spiritual illumination.*

In northeast Brazil, missionary Joseph McKinney Jr.
wrote yesterday requesting prayers for Deuzimar. "He is
the pastor of a denomination of 200 people here in Joao
Pessoa. He is sincere in his search for the truth. In
studying about biblical baptism, he concluded it is
necessary for salvation. Immediately he began teaching
it. He is concerned about his family's support, but he is
not letting salary get in the way of the truth. On
Thursday, the denomination's board of directors will
decide what to do about him. Ask that may God guide them
and Deuzimar in His way, wherever that may lead.
Deuzimar's desire is to begin a New Testament church in
his own house. Please pray for that dream, too."

As we ourselves continue to study and apply Scripture to
our own lives and work, we rejoice when others discover
the truth of the gospel. We also pray that Christians may
preserve this truth, for the church of the living God is
"the pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Tim. 3:15).

__________
*David W. Bercot, "What Baptism Meant to the Early
Christians," in Will the Real Heretics Please Stand Up,
3rd. ed. (Tyler, Tex.: Scroll Publishing, 1999), p. 78.

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