Results 241 - 260 of 309
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Author: Grace and Truth Ordered by Date |
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Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
241 | Can God save us the way HE WANTS TOO? | Acts 2:38 | Grace and Truth | 50436 | ||
1. Suppose we say: “He who eats and digests his food shall live, but he who eats not shall die.” Would it be sensible to say: “He who eats and digests his food shall live, but he who eats not, and does not digest, shall die.”? Can one digest what he does not eat? Is it even necessary to discuss baptism with one who is in a state of disbelief? 2. The plain truth of the matter is this: Jesus “unequivocally” stated that “he who believes and is baptized shall be saved.” The terms “believes” and “is baptized” are, in the Greek Testament, compound participles in the aorist tense. In Greek grammar this reflects a format which indicates an action that takes place prior to that of the leading verb (Machen, 116-117), which, in this case, is “shall be saved.” This means that both actions occur before that suggested by the verb. In other words, salvation does not occur until the believer has been baptized. This is as plain as language can be. 3. J.W. Willmarth, a noted Baptist editor and writer, once conceded: “. . . our Saviour said, just before he ascended the heavens: He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. We shall hardly dare to tamper with his royal word and make it run, He that believeth and is saved shall be baptized (306). Jesus didn’t baptize “Finally, if baptism is essential to salvation, does it not seem odd that the scriptures specifically state that our Saviour Himself did not baptize (Jn. 4:2).” 1. That is not exactly correct. The text actually says that “Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John . . . .” This clearly indicates that Jesus did not view the rite as a trivial matter. Professor Alvah Hovey, an eminent Baptist scholar, noted that “it is a maxim that ‘what one does by another, he does himself’ . . . .” Accordingly, he says, this is “rather an explanation of the manner in which Jesus baptized. . .” (110); it does not reflect a minimizing of immersion. 2. This text merely declares that Jesus did not personally administer the immersion. And there is a very good reason for that. There almost certainly would have been a problem in that those who were immersed directly by Christ would have tended to develop an inordinate pride and claimed some superiority over those who were baptized merely by one of the disciples. There is absolutely nothing in this context to suggest that baptism is not essential. |
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242 | Can God save us the way HE WANTS TOO? | Acts 2:38 | Grace and Truth | 50435 | ||
1. There is not a solitary example in the book of Acts of a “conversion” independent of baptism. The cases of Zaccheus and the thief, therefore, prove nothing relative to immersion. Why was Jesus baptized? “Our Savior himself was baptized; surely he didn’t do so in order to ensure salvation. Rather, His baptism is proof positive of the symbolic nature of the act, as opposed to its efficacy.” 1. Our Savior never repented; are we to assume then that repentance is unnecessary? Again, our friend should carefully calculate the consequences of his argument before he makes it. 2. Jesus was baptized in order to “fulfill all righteousness” (Mt. 3:15). This expression has to do with doing “whatever has been appointed by God to be acknowledged and obeyed by man” (Vine, 684). Again, it is here used “in the sense of fulfilling the divine statutes” (Arndt, 195). The point is, for whatever reason he was immersed, Christ obeyed. If, therefore, one is instructed to be immersed today in order to have his sins washed away (Acts 22:16), if he follows the Lord’s example, he will obey. Moreover, he will not attempt to argue a contrary position. 3. If our baptism is somehow parallel to Christ’s baptism, and we are baptized in order to demonstrate “symbolically” a salvation we have received already, would that not suggest that Jesus was immersed to “demonstrate a salvation already received”? And if that logic follows, from what was Jesus saved? 1. Clearly, the baptism of Jesus was in a different class than ours, and his case provides no argument to invalidate baptism “for the remission of sins” today. Those who don’t believe are condemned “You frequently cite Mark 16:16, in which Jesus states that ‘he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved . . . .’ However, the second clause in that sentence, ‘but he that believeth not shall be damned’ states unequivocally that belief (faith) is the key element to salvation.” 1. While faith may be described as “a key element,” in the salvation process, because it is the motive out of which additional acts of obedience arise, it is not correct to suggest that it is the only element in salvation. Again we stress, such reasoning would exclude repentance. May one be saved without sorrow for sin and a corresponding reformation of life? Surely our friend will not so contend. 2. When Christ affirmed that one who disbelieves will be condemned, it was entirely unnecessary to add further acts of rebellion in order to make the case. The unbeliever is condemned at that point. It is superfluous to extrapolate the disobedience. |
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243 | Can God save us the way HE WANTS TOO? | Acts 2:38 | Grace and Truth | 50434 | ||
* At the time of their encounters with the Savior, neither Zaccheus nor the thief were under the commission which was inaugurated later – on the day of Pentecost. They both lived during a transition period when the law of Moses was still operative (thus providing forgiveness by means of animal sacrifice), and yet the ministry of John the Baptizer had begun also (Lk. 16:16). It was a very unique time. Further, John baptized “for the remission of sins” (Mk. 1:4), and vast multitudes were immersed by him (Mt. 3:5-6). It cannot be established whether or not either of these gentlemen had been exposed to John’s preaching, or whether or not they had, at some point, obeyed his message relative to baptism. They might very well have, and then, one or the other of them could have lapsed into his old ways again. One thing we do know is this: those who heard John’s preaching, and who ignored his baptism, were rejecting the counsel of God (Lk. 7:30). Here is an interesting question: if refusing John’s baptism was a rejection of God, what would be the case with reference to one who refuses the baptism commissioned by Him whose shoes John was unworthy to bear? * During the days of His public ministry, Christ had the power to personally forgive sins, independent of the rite of baptism (cf. Mk. 2:5). When the Lord died, however, his will was subsequently expressed in the written record of the new covenant (Heb. 9:15-17). The Savior’s “will” is now mandated by means of a written code. That ratified will (cf. Mt. 26:28) requires immersion “for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38). No one has the right to argue that forgiveness may be bestowed in some other fashion. |
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244 | Can God save us the way HE WANTS TOO? | Acts 2:38 | Grace and Truth | 50433 | ||
1. had been foretold by the prophet Joel, this declaration was made: “And it shall be, that whosoever, shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21). To what does “calling” on the name of the Lord refer? Surely not merely verbalizing the expression, “Lord, lord,” for Christ plainly denounced those who do nothing more than that (cf. Mt. 7:21; Lk. 6:46). It is clear that a comparison of verse 21, with the information provided subsequently in this same chapter, demands that “call” be assigned a comprehensive sense. Note this question: Is the “saved” of verse 21 equivalent with “remission of sins” in verse 38? Yes it is; the blessing is identical. Since there are not alternate plans of salvation for the lost sinner (cf. Jude 3), it becomes obvious that the “call” (v. 21) encompasses the “repent and be immersed” of the later passage (v. 38). To suggest, therefore, that the term “call” somehow negates the specific commands to repent and be baptized in order to enjoy remission of sins, is a serious error. What about Zaccheus and the thief on the cross? Our friendly critic continues: “Jesus announced to all gathered at Zaccheus’ house that ‘This day is salvation come’ (Lk. 19:9); no mention is made of baptism. And as Jesus hung on the cross, the thief crucified next to him recognized His power and majesty; Jesus rewarded the thief’s faith with the memorable promise, ‘Today shalt thou be with me in paradise’ (Luke 23:43). While one could, I suppose, speculate that Zaccheus and his house were somehow baptized in an unrecorded interim, there can be no doubt about what happened on the cross.” 1. Neither Zaccheus nor the crucified thief was explicitly instructed to “repent.” Will it be argued that repentance is a matter of no consequence? One ought to reflect upon the logical extension of an argument before making it. |
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245 | Can God save us the way HE WANTS TOO? | Acts 2:38 | Grace and Truth | 50432 | ||
1. For example, the fact that God is said to be “one” (Dt. 6:4) does not negate the biblical truth so abundantly affirmed elsewhere that God, i.e., the nature of deity, is possessed by three Personalities – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (cf. Mt. 28:19-20). A truth emphasized in one passage may be enlarged by additional information in other texts. This is a most fundamental principle of interpretation. 2. While Ephesians 2:8 mentions salvation by grace through faith, later, in the same letter, the apostle affirms that one is “cleansed . . . by washing of water with the word” (5:23). If one concludes that “saved” (2:8) is the equivalent of “cleansed” (5:23), it then becomes obvious that salvation by “faith” is not independent of being “washed with water,” (a phrase admitted by virtually all scholars to be a reference to baptism - Arndt, 481; Thayer, 382). Moreover, while both grace and faith are stressed in Romans 3:22ff – as means of “redemption” – three chapters later the inspired apostle affirmed that one is buried with Christ in baptism that he might walk in “newness of life” (6:3-4). Is “newness of life” a parallel descriptive for salvation? Of course it is. Clearly, then, salvation by grace and faith is not exclusive of other conditions specified in supplementary texts relating to justification. Those who call on the name of the Lord shall be saved Our kind critic charges: “In your article on “Promise Keepers” you cite Romans 10:12; interestingly you do not mention the very next verse, ‘whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’” 1. We have published but one article dealing with the Promise Keepers movement. It appeared in our Penpoints section, September 20, 1999. That essay contained no reference to Romans 10:12. But we will happily address the point being made. 2. In Acts 2, after describing a “great and notable day” that |
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246 | Can God save us the way HE WANTS TOO? | Acts 2:38 | Grace and Truth | 50431 | ||
Baptism isn’t always mentioned A gracious gentleman acknowledges that we have cited a number of passages which appear to connect baptism with salvation (e.g., Mt. 28:19-20; Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3-4; 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 5:26; Tit. 3:5; 1 Pet. 3:21). But he says: “I’m also familiar with Ephesians 2:8, ‘by grace are ye saved ’ and Romans 3:22-27. Nowhere in these passages is baptism mentioned as a requisite to salvation.” 1. While it is true that the passages referenced (Eph. 2:8; Rom. 3:22-27) do not explicitly mention baptism, neither do they contain any allusion to repentance. Are we to assume that repentance is not required for redemption? Surely not. 2. It is rarely the case that a single context will totally exhaust the biblical material on a particular theme. It is the “sum” of the truth that counts (Psa. 119:160), not an isolated text, that may focus upon a limited point of emphasis. Acts 2:38 contends for repentance and baptism as “requisites” for “forgiveness,” with no specific mention of faith. However, by means of that interpretive rule known as “analogy of faith,” belief in the Lord must be implied as well. In his famous work, Biblical Hermeneutics, M.S. Terry defined the concept of “analogy of faith.” This principle “assumes that the Bible is a self-interpreting book, and what is obscure in one passage may be illuminated by another. No single statement or obscure passage of one book can be allowed to set aside a doctrine which is clearly established by many passages” (449). |
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247 | Can God save us the way HE WANTS TOO? | Acts 2:38 | Grace and Truth | 50428 | ||
I'm going to share some information with you, so bear with me. A Dispute About the Purpose of Baptism by Wayne Jackson Article Description Several questions and comments have been recently received relative to some of our material dealing with the purpose of (water baptism, ) as that theme is set forth in the New Testament. Accordingly, in this Feature article, we wish to address a readers obviously sincere concerns. We receive a great number of questions dealing with a variety of biblical issues. It simply is not possible to deal with all of them. Some are impertinent, trivial, seemingly bereft of any semblance of sincerity and, therefore, in our judgment, warrant no response. We give very little, if any, attention to unsigned correspondence. Some questions, however, though reflecting erroneous ideas, are characterized by an apparent earnestness, and are of such significance, that they may justify a response that is more extensive than our normal Questions and Answers column might accommodate. Such was the nature of several questions and comments recently received relative to some of our material dealing with the purpose of (water baptism,) as that theme is set forth in the New Testament. Accordingly, in this Feature article, we wish to address a reader’s obviously sincere concerns. We will state our friend’s objections, and then follow with our response. |
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248 | CAN JESUS DICTATE THE TERMS OF SALVATION | Acts 2:38 | Grace and Truth | 50406 | ||
DON'T LEAVE OUT JOHN 3:5, BORN OF WATER AND THE SPIRIT! Perhaps you don't understand my question; I know Jesus saves, can he also dictate the terms? WHAT DID HE TELL THE APOSTLES TO DO IN MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE AND JOHN? DID THEY CARRY OUT HIS COMMANDS? OR DID THEY CHANGE WHAT HE SAID FOR THEM TO DO? |
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249 | WHY? | Acts 2:38 | Grace and Truth | 50404 | ||
Again, I ask WHY DID JESUS TELL THE APOSTLES TO BAPTIZE THE PEOPLE WHO BELIEVED IF IT IS NOT NECESSARY! Let's not Gest, give bible for the answer! Remember 1 Peter 3:21 this is the same Peter in the book of Acts 2:38, DID HE LIE AGAIN? | ||||||
250 | Can God save us the way HE WANTS TOO? | Acts 2:38 | Grace and Truth | 50403 | ||
I see that you still want to seperate Peter's answer to those who asked "what shall we do" My question was did Peter lie or did he tell them what the Lord said to those who believed? Where is it in the bible does it say were saved by FAITH ALONE! The book of James wouldn't agree with this statement, no where in the bible will you find such a statement. Again in Mark 16:15-16 DID JESUS TELL THE APOSTLES WHAT TO PREACH? OR did he not know what he was talking about? You equate baptism with the Law of Moses, or with something man thinks of himself, but what I'm talking about is WHAT JESUS SAID we must DO! Which is a direct ORDER FROM GOD John 12:48-50. Baptism is a mandate FROM GOD, man did not inclue it GOD did! It is the only way (into Christ) (into his DEATH) through FAITH! I notice you pick out verses in Romans and Galatians and you don't read to the end of those chapters, because if you did you would learn what the text is teaching, God spoke to Abraham Romans 4:20-25 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving goly to God:(unbelief in what God said! what Jesus said IN Mark 16:16, what Peter told the people to do in Acts 2:38, vs. 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. Jesus promised salvation to those who believed and were baptized in Mark 16:16. If God promised salvation through faith, repentance,confession,baptism and living faithful; we shouldn't stagger at what he promised! In Galatians 3:6-29 teaches that they or we are not to depend on the Law of Moses, because it was just a school master vs.24 to bring us to Christ, vs 27 teaches us how we get (into Christ) by baptism through faith, we put him on! |
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251 | Can God save us the way HE WANTS TOO? | Acts 2:38 | Grace and Truth | 50402 | ||
I see that you still want to seperate Peter's answer to those who asked "what shall we do" My question was did Peter lie or did he tell them what the Lord said to those who believed? Where is it in the bible does it say were saved by FAITH ALONE! The book of James wouldn't agree with this statement, no where in the bible will you find such a statement. Again in Mark 16:15-16 DID JESUS TELL THE APOSTLES WHAT TO PREACH? OR did he not know what he was talking about? You equate baptism with the Law of Moses, or with something man thinks of himself, but what I'm talking about is WHAT JESUS SAID we must DO! Which is a direct ORDER FROM GOD John 12:48-50. Baptism is a mandate FROM GOD, man did not inclue it GOD did! It is the only way (into Christ) (into his DEATH) through FAITH! I notice you pick out verses in Romans and Galatians and you don't read to the end of those chapters, because if you did you would learn what the text is teaching, God spoke to Abraham Romans 4:20-25 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving goly to God:(unbelief in what God said! what Jesus said IN Mark 16:16, what Peter told the people to do in Acts 2:38, vs. 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. Jesus promised salvation to through who believed and were baptized in Mark 16:16. If God promised salvation through faith, repentance,confession,baptism and living faithful; we shouldn't stagger at what he promised! In Galatians 3:6-29 teaches that they or we are not to depend on the Law of Moses, because it was just a school master vs.24 to bring us to Christ, vs 27 teaches us how we get (into Christ) by baptism through faith, we put him on! |
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252 | God knows everything Why except the date | John 10:30 | Grace and Truth | 50393 | ||
If you need more bible answers go to christiancourier.com! | ||||||
253 | Can God save us the way HE WANTS TOO? | Acts 2:38 | Grace and Truth | 50377 | ||
"Of course, my understanding of the verse is that Peter was not connecting repentance with water baptism for salvation". Then you would have to do the same with Mark 16:15-16. These are the words of Jesus himself! The reason I ask is I hear and read about this seperation alot, my question to those of faith is (can God save us the way HE WANTS TOO)? If He tells us to be baptized for the remission of sins, and he does, why can't we just trust His word? Many on this forum don't believe that God could save through water baptism, but those in the bible believed. My last question is, did baptism come from God or is it man made, and give scripture for the answer. | ||||||
254 | God knows everything Why except the date | John 10:30 | Grace and Truth | 50369 | ||
Yes, I am a member of the Lord's church! | ||||||
255 | What did he tell the people to do? | Acts 2:38 | Grace and Truth | 50303 | ||
What did he tell the people to do? | ||||||
256 | Should women be allowed to preach? | Galatians | Grace and Truth | 50301 | ||
The BIBLE IS RIGHT! The passage could be said in this way " that a woman should not try and be a bossy nag over her husband. " (Your View) now this is a truth that all would agree with, it was a problem for women then and it is also still today. This problem has it's roots in fear. The woman who is afraid of adversity will find that she will try to take control by trying to control her husband and her family. This is ban against usurping the authority of the husband, not a ban on teaching the Gospel to all that have hears to hear. All saints are called to teach the Word as the Spirit leads. (This above statement is wrong as two left shoes, and is taking God's word out of context, we need to let God be true and every man a liar! If God or Jesus wanted to use women as preaches He would have made it clear in his word)! The Bible is very clear about the woman role in the church and no one can change that, and those who seek to justify women being (PASTORS,DEACONS,ELDERS OR ANYTHING OVER THE MAN IS WRONG! DEAD WRONG!). 1Tim 2:12 means exactly what it saids. How many women Apostles did Jesus choose? How many were chosen in Acts 1? The women were there from the begining, but God did not choose them to preach then or now! |
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257 | Any scriptures on slain in spirit? | Bible general Archive 1 | Grace and Truth | 50282 | ||
John you are one who I can see that have his eyes wide open to what's going on out there in the name of Jesus Christ! The information you gave to (enriched) is right on the money! Would to God more eyes are as opened as yours! | ||||||
258 | Did Peter tell the truth? | Not Specified | Grace and Truth | 50280 | ||
In Acts 2:38 Did Peter tell the truth about the way of salvation, when he told the men that were prick in the heart, to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins? | ||||||
259 | Did Peter tell the truth? | Acts 2:38 | Grace and Truth | 50286 | ||
In Acts 2:38 Did Peter tell the truth about the way of salvation, when he told the men that were prick in the heart, to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins? | ||||||
260 | Do you care about the denomination... | Eph 4:3 | Grace and Truth | 50129 | ||
Do you care about the denominations or what the bible says about being saved? The Gospel of Christ is how God saves men today not denominations! That why we look to God's word to ask for God's approval, men will tell you what you want to hear! And not what God said! | ||||||
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