Baptism in itself means nothing, it is just an outward action to show what has happened on the inside. No special little 'benefits' happen when you are baptised, it is just something one should do. God stated so, and whether or not we fully understand it, we should obey. For instance, the Israelites were commanded not to eat pork, why? Well, uncooked pork contains trichina worms, which can cause an incurable disease. The Israelites sure did not know this fact, but they obeyed anyways, because God knew best.
Getting baptized gives you the ability to go to heaven, it doesn't give you a free ticket into heaven. It all depends on what you do with the gift of Gods grace...
Well, yeah, unless you do not know about baptism, which you do. Or if you do not have the ability to get baptized
God judges on your knowledge. For example if you grew up never learning about the catholic faith then God would judge you based on never knowing about the catholic faith.
If you are not baptised, but still accept Christ as your own personal savior, you will go to heaven.
However, steevo believes that it is considered baptism if you just accept Christ as your savior (such as the events of the theif on the cross). Never really considered that a form of baptism though... but whatever keeps you going, I guess.
So you are Catholic, eh steevo? How do you feel about drinking alcohol? One of the reasons I disagree with the Catholic beliefs is most believe that is alright to drink, like every weekend or so.
Well, i believe that it is alright to drink alchohol, but in a small enough quantity that it won't hurt your body.
for example 1 beer can bring you pleasure because it tastes good (i would not know because i am not old enough yet to drink but this is what i have heard) but 10 beers is bad because it will hurt your body and possibly those around you.
I probably will not look up that information, steevo. I am a Christian, but I am certainly not a Catholic. I know my stuff when it comes to religion. Besides, that is not really a totally revelant topic to research, in my opinion. I am currently spending my personal studies researching old Biblical terms - fascinating stuff.
