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QUESTION 2:
What is original sin and does baptism take it away?

ANSWER:
The only original sin in the human race was the disobedience of Adam in eating of the forbidden tree. Romans 5:12 and Romans 5:18. The term "original sin" has been coined by a religious group that teaches it is the sin that you are born with or in. This is true as Psalms 51 states, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me" Psalms 51:5. David is saying he was born a sinner. Our sin by birth is taken away, not by water, but by the Lamb of God that was slain. In John, we read, "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" John 1:29. Man will not be judged for what he IS but only for what he has DONE. In Revelation 20:12 we read, "... they were judged every man according to their works." Baptism does not take away any kind of sin. It is a symbol of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. This is the gospel. This alone is what takes away sin. Read Hebrews 9:22 and 1 John 1:7. A child does not need baptism to cleanse it from sin. The blood of Christ does it. This is why a small child can go to heaven before their age of accountability. When that child becomes old enough to know they are sinning against God, then they must repent and trust Christ to take away what they have DONE, not what they ARE. Every child and adult, as such, must repent or perish. Luke 13:3. They must believe in order to be forgiven. In Acts we read, "...whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins" Acts 10:43. Are your sins forgiven? Do you trust in the blood of Christ for cleansing? Many are trusting in baptism that can never take away sin. Do trust in the Saviour and be saved today.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen