The Bible does use words like "chance" and "accident". This doesn't challenge the sovereignty of God. Time and chance happen to all men (Eccl.9:11). The priest and Levite happened to come down the road to Jericho by chance (Lk.10:31,32). But, they didn't help the suffering man. The Law had provision for those who accidentally (unintentionally) commit a crime (Num.35:11). Such accidents are not necessarily preordained by God. God's sovereignty is not a doctrine that has no room for chance and accidents. Man is called to be careful and wise.
"Last Supper" by Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo (1750) Yes, it is. Water baptism identifies one with the redemption work of Jesus Christ, with His death, burial, and resurrection. It is anticipated of visible identification with Christ and His Church. Every person has the personal responsibility to examine him/herself before deciding to partake in the Lord's Table. The Bible makes it clear that those who chose not to be baptized were rejecting the counsel of God (Lk.7:30). In a mixed congregation, it is not possible to always know who is worthy to partake of the Table; however, the minister must encourage only those who have been baptized for remission of sins (not just as a ritual but by faith in Jesus Christ) to partake of the Table. Before Jesus sat down to dip bread in the cup, He washed His disciples' feet. He makes the statement that they are already "washed" and only need feet to be washed. Of course, this may not explicitly/only refer to their baptism, fo
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