“So Rev Proctor why does the church say (after baptism) their names have now been written in the book of life. Sounds like the wrong to say.”
It is wrong to say that. It’s a rhetorical statement with no biblical basis. I’ve heard it said, “come put on Christ by baptism.” Also dead wrong. As you know, salvation is experienced the moment a person believes the gospel, at which time the Holy Spirit begins His indwelling (Eph. 1:13-14). It’s also simultaneous to the baptism of the Holy Spirit of a new believer into the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13). If the baptism and indwelling of the Holy Spirit aren’t experienced, then there’s no salvation (Rom. 8:9). Thus, water baptism is only a symbol of what should be a spiritual reality. Unfortunately, this is not taught to candidates prior to their water baptism. So, the result is that many Protestants and all Catholics believe in baptismal conversation. I believe ultimately the Holy Spirit brings some of them to the truth. That’s what He did for me, a former Roman Catholic. He used and still uses God’s Word to impact and convince me of the truth about God, His work of salvation, and His eventual blessings for the righteous and condemnation for the wicked (Psalm 1:6). Sorry for my long-windedness. Thoughts just kept flowing. Okay. Bless be the tie…
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