AboutErnie Laurence, Jr. Expertise I am capable of answering any questions concerning doctrines of the church of Christ. I specialize in Creation vs. Evolution topics, the book of Revelation and other Biblical prophecies, and other apologetics related topics such as distinctions from denominational doctrines.
Experience My experience in this area includes: having been raised by members of the church of Christ from infancy, having been immersed into the church of Christ at age ten, having taken an active role in worship/service leadership (song leading, teaching, preaching, youth ministry) since age fourteen through the present, and participating in numerous formal debates, research projects, and online discussions.
Organizations The church of Christ
Publications Local congregations.
Education/Credentials I hold a bachelor's degree in computer information systems (CIS) from Tarleton State University which focuses on business communication and management. This provided training for how to deal professionally with individuals and organizations if not direct training in the field of religion. See experience section for informal education experience.
Question QUESTION: But doesn't GOD have to convict the person's heart before they do all of that?
ANSWER: A person has to be convicted in their hearts to obey the gospel. That conviction, that decision and determination to obey the gospel, comes from hearing the gospel, from reading what God wants us to do and being convinced that what is heard and read in the gospel is true. That is what Peter talks about in 1 Pet. 3:21. Water immersion that saves us is not just a cleansing of dirt from the body but that which is demanded (the answer) by a good conscience, a convicted heart before God. Conviction is in reality step 2 of the 5 steps I gave you.
In Truth and Love,
Ernie
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: So what exactly is your belief?
Is your belief that in order to be saved,you have to be baptised and if you aren't then you are not saved?
Answer Essentially, yes.
Though water immersion is not the only requirement. ALL five things are required for salvation and must be done in the correct order.
If you don't repent of sins, why would you desire to be immersed for the remission of sins?
If you don't believe the gospel message concerning the need for repentance, why would you repent of sins?
If you don't believe in Christ, how can you truly confess faith in Him?
If you don't hear the gospel, how can you believe it?
But if you have done all the others, you still are not saved because it is immersion according to the Word that saves (Eph. 5:26; 1 John 5:8; 1 Pet. 3:21; Rom. 6:17-18).
