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Results		Verse	Author	ID#
1	when a I saved and when baptised	Rom 10:9	Aspiring Overseer	189707
	Brad, Since I assume you do not mean by your comment there is more than one way to contact the blood of Christ, the issue remains how do we know water baptism is the final step towards salvation. We, of course, have the very first instance of preaching the gospel by Peter: Acts 2:38-39 38 And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. NAS We must be baptized into Christ. Since baptism by the Holy Spirit was only for the Apostles and the first gentiles, the only other Christian baptism mentioned in the NT is through water. Ephesians 4:4-7 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. NAS 1 Corinthians 12:13 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. NAS Galatians 3:26-27 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. NAS Hebrews 10:19-22 19 Since therefore, brethren, we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. NAS Acts 22:15-16 16'And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.' NAS Best regards, AO
2	when a I saved and when baptised	Rom 10:9	Aspiring Overseer	189706
	Dear Steve, Thank you for your reply and please forgive my delayed response. Your shear number of verses require a bit of work to address! You previously wrote in part: “If Acts 2:38 is interpreted as you interpret it, then we must reject other scripture. For example, what do you do with the following scriptures if your interpretation of Acts 2:38 is correct (John 3:16, Romans 4:1-17, Romans 11:6, Galatians 3:8-9, Ephesians 2:8-9, etc...)?” Letting Acts 2:38 speak for itself (as we should with all scripture), the gift of the Holy Spirit (salvation) is only received after water baptism. We should note that this is a gift received by all those who have believed, confessed, repented and are baptized. The baptism you refer to for Cornelius and his family was the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Only completed twice in the Christian Age; once for the first Gentile converts and once for the first Jewish converts (the Apostles). Thus we have the example of the very first preaching of the Gospel of Christ: Acts 2:38 38 And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. NAS Now, the other verses you list as being irreconcilable are: John 3:16 16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. NAS We should note that “should” as in “should not perish” is completely conditional and must be subject to something else (i.e. obedience) and thus can not be honestly used to support the “grace alone” doctrine. Romans 4:3 3 For what does the Scripture say? "And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." NAS We know that Abraham believed God because he did what he was commanded to do. He moved to another land, he offered up his son, etc.. All things requiring action (James 2:21-23) Romans 11:6-7 6 But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. NAS The works referenced are works of the Mosaic Law. Fulfilled by Christ and no longer applicable (Romans 11:1-24) Galatians 3:6 6 Even so Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. NAS It was only though Abraham’s actions that his faith was proven and the previous scripture fulfilled (James 2:21-23). Finally, Ephesians 2:8-9 simply does not say God requires nothing of His people for salvation. In fact, verse 10 specifically states that we were created for the good works God has commanded of all Christians. The passage, in context, instructs us that God’s plan of salvation was not brought about by any action of man, either Jew or Gentile, but is God’s gift to man through Christ Jesus. There was nothing any of us could have done to cause God to send His Son to be our sacrifice for sin. It was solely His choice; His design. Ephesians 2:8-10 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, that no one should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. NAS As an added bonus, we can also note that the Apostle Paul taught the reason for his own water baptism was to wash away sins. Acts 22:16-17 16'And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.' NAS If Paul’s sins had not been cleansed, how could he have been saved? In fact, he was not saved until he emerged from the waters of baptism, having fulfilled God’s commandment leading to eternal life. Best regards, AO
3	when a I saved and when baptised	Rom 10:9	Aspiring Overseer	189697
	Brad, The important point of 1 Peter 3:20-21 is not who was “wet”, but that God’s people where brought safely through the water. Those indeed who “got wet” and were disobedient to God were not saved. Also, as a point of clarification, water baptism does not by itself save anyone, but it is the only means by which the saving blood of Christ may be contacted. To obey everything else of God’s commands yet neglect water baptism is like building a bridge half-way across a river. It might look great as you are driving across, but it’s end will bring an unpleasant (and wet) surprise. Best regards, AO
4	when a I saved and when baptised	Rom 10:9	Aspiring Overseer	189613
	BradK, Thank you for your feedback. How many times must God cause to be written His commands before they are expected to be followed? If it is more than once, then a person should check themselves to see if they are in the faith. I agree that context is critical and that is why God included Romans 11:1-5 before giving us verse 6 so that we would know that the works which were ineffective were the works of the Law of Moses. This says nothing about excluding work from the Law of Faith. As to 1 Peter 3:21 being difficult to understand, its preceding verse should make abundantly clear that as eight were brought safely through the water, so God's people today are brought safely into the body of Christ through the same element. Best regards, AO
5	when a I saved and when baptised	Rom 10:9	Aspiring Overseer	189598
	Steve, Scripture is very clear on the mater that Christianity is simply not a "something for nothing" religion as is so often erroneously asserted. The natural man does indeed revise God's Word to agree with their desire to have no responsibility for their own actions. Thus the constant refrain of half-truths train and sustain a population who may have a great zeal for God, but not in accordance with the truth. They seek the easy road, stubbornly refusing to acknowledge their own God-given ability to chose between good and evil, they unwittingly proclaim themselves to be helpless souls, waiting for a "revelation" from God that they manufacture in their own minds, allowing themselves the "free pass" they crave from their daily deeds. The requirement of baptism for salvation has been contested since the later half of the first century, but Scripture is indeed clear on its necessity. Acts 2:38 38And Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. NAS They chose to repent and be baptized in order to receive the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:36 36And as they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" NAS He excitedly chose to be baptized as soon as it was physically possible. Acts 16:32-34 33And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. NAS They were immediately baptized. Why not wait until the rest of their friends and family could witness the event? Because they were acting on their faith that the words presented to them were the command of God. John 14:15 15 "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. NAS 1 Peter 3:21-22 21 And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you-- not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience-- through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him. NAS Baptism now saves you by being the final step to the grace offered through the blood of Christ. God could not make it any clearer, “Baptism now saves you”. How? Not in itself, but through the individual’s obedience to the command of God, allowing that person to finally have a clear conscience before the Lord. Agree or disagree, each of us must make our own decision. Best regards, AO
6	Miracles and Consequences of Sin	Heb 1:1	Aspiring Overseer	189532
	God no longer needs to impart miraculous occurrences to confirm His plan for mankind as it is forever preserved, accurate and complete, in the Bible. 2 Corinthians 5:6-8 6 Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord-- 7 for we WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT-- 8 we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. (Emphasis added) NAS 1 Corinthians 13:8-11 8 Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. NAS As for consequences, they have sometimes been forgiven, but not always. God desires you to learn from your mistakes, just as any parent. Best regards, AO
7	when a I saved and when baptised	Rom 10:9	Aspiring Overseer	189531
	Steve, Thank you for your response. It is an interesting doctrine that people are called on to believe and confess God; both actions requiring human effort; yet water baptism is beyond the pale! You are correct in stating this subject has been discussed at length so I will not subject you or others following this thread to a repeat of the discussion. Please feel most welcome to contact me individually, if desired. Best regards, AO
8	when a I saved and when baptised	Rom 10:9	Aspiring Overseer	189485
	Steve, Thank you for an excellent post. Some folks may be confused by John’s baptism versus Christian baptism so I have taken the liberty to expand slightly on your work. Though John 1:33 and Matthew 21:25 refer to John's baptism, which has been supplanted, Christian baptism is unquestionably a commandment of God and must be obeyed for salvation. I have listed some of the verses here for easier following. God sent John to baptize and thereby establish its precedent. John the Baptist said, John 1:33 33 "And I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.' NAS Jesus confirmed John’s action was commanded by God. While not the same as Christian baptism, it foreshadowed its arrival. Matthew 21:25 25 "The baptism of John was from what source, from heaven or from men?" And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say to us, 'Then why did you not believe him?' NAS The Lord commands his disciples to baptize. Although given before the Church began, Christ confirms the action. Matthew 28:18-20 19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. " NAS And, finally, Peter confirms the Lord’s command for baptism in the current age. Acts 10:48 48 And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days. NAS As you so succinctly wrote, “It has nothing at all to do with legalism or salvation by works etc... but everything to do with humbling ourselves in submission to God in obedience to Him!”. Best regards, AO
9	Friday crucifixion	John 19:31	Aspiring Overseer	181134
	For your consideration: The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. [It was the preparation] Every Sabbath had a preparation which began at the ninth hour (that is, three o'clock) the preceding evening. Josephus, Ant. b. 16 c. 6, s. 51, recites an edict of the Emperor Augustus in favour of the Jews, which orders, "that no one shall be obliged to give hail or surety on the Sabbath day, nor on the preparation before it, after the ninth hour." The time fixed here was undoubtedly in conformity to the Jewish custom, as they began their preparation at three o'clock on the Friday evening. (from Adam Clarke's Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1996 by Biblesoft) AO
10	Is Christmas and 25th Dec. biblical?	Bible general Archive 3	Aspiring Overseer	181132
	Kalos, Your assertion is quite interesting and made me ponder this new insight with respect to the Apostle Paul's wanderings through Athens in Acts 17:23. Maybe Paul's reason for being there was not to take advantage of an opportunity to teach Gentiles, but to actually do some sight-seeing among their objects of pagan worship? On further consideration, however, I think it is more reasonable to believe Jesus, as well as, Paul, went to where they could preach to the greatest number seeking to serve God. It would be a stretch to assert either one desired to promote pagan observances. AO
11	What choice do pagans have	Acts 17:30	Aspiring Overseer	181131
	Finder, Please forgive my delayed response. I appreciate your sympathy for those that are lost. We must remember that regardless of their circumstance, all people have a choice to seek God. The pagan who acknowledges that someone created the world around him, if that individual is sincere, will seek to find the creator. If not, they will follow the societal customs of their group. Their choice has not been denied them. As for Romans 10:14, a vast number of people did hear the gospel, but refused to believe. In fact the gospel has already been preached throughout the entire world. That certain societies have disobeyed and long since forgotten the word of God is not God’s fault. Romans 10:18 18 But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, And their words to the ends of the world." NAS Everyone who seeks God in accordance with the truth will find Him. To have very large populations be condemned is not surprising and is unquestionably fair. Who are we that we should question the actions of God? AO
12	The ignorant didn't need to repent	Acts 17:30	Aspiring Overseer	180927
	Finder, Thank you for your patience. I believe my "fog" this morning was self-imposed due to a multitude of tasks at hand and, possibly, an insufficient quantity of caffeine. Without a doubt, we must dismiss the possibility that a pagan, if faithful "to the light they have", will be saved, even if they hear nothing of Christ. Romans 10:14 14 How then shall they call upon Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? NAS So without hearing they will not come to the truth, which they must achieve to enter Christ's Kingdom. As to “multiple paths”, either the Bible is the truth or a complete lie. The Apostle Paul’s instruction is clear that if even he would have preached a different path, he would have stood condemned. Galatians 1:8-10 8 But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed. NAS As to why there is little or no evidence of these conversions, I would suggest two possible reasons. One, they are likely exceedingly rare. Old Testament examples show the percentage of righteous to pagans as extremely low, i.e. Sodom and Gomorrah, the Flood, etc.. Second, God likely causes each soul to be born in just the proper environment to fulfill His Master Plan. Just as Pharaoh was placed in his position because God knew Pharaoh would never obey Him, so God likely places the souls of those who will not obey Him in these highly indoctrinated societies. Conjecture, but in the "big picture", is it man's position to ask God why He did not save past generations? The Lord demands I serve Him; not the other way around. P.S. Does Acts 17:30 say that God has "saved" those who were ignorant of Him or simply that He will not punish them for their ignorance if they repent? If the later, would not the repentance be the seeking of God in accordance with knowledge (of the truth)? Best regards, AO
13	Are there isolated evidences for this	Acts 17:30	Aspiring Overseer	180852
	Finder, I do not mean to be dense, but could you please restate your point(s) with respect to the following: "But this kind of hypothesis rules out the unique evidences that single individuals out of pagan societies could really have a fair opportunity to be saved. There doesn't seem to be any pattern from among the pagans that could justify that these isolated individuals had the same fair choice as the evangelized do. Which makes the following verses sound contradictory: " Thank you. AO
14	Die without the revelation of the Gospel	Acts 17:30	Aspiring Overseer	180845
	Finder, You asked, "How could the ones that are not reached with the message be morally accountable to a message they never heard?" and "Could this then be true that these peoples are saved without ever hearing the message of the Gospel?". We know that God is specific in giving us but one way to be saved, so to surmise that pagans might be given an alternative route would be easily refuted. We also know that God many times caused complete nations to perish due to their failure to worship Him. Although the example you give would, indeed, be circumstantial, if we assume that none from the prior generations had ever received the gospel, could it be they had not asked? In other words, is it not possible that none questioned the truth of their pagan religion? Instead of imploring God for the truth, they set off to find it through man-made avenues. If this was the case, why would God send one of His priests to someone who is not seeking? Prov 8:17 17"I love those who love me; And those who diligently seek me will find me. NAS Zephaniah 1:1-6 1:1 The word of the LORD which came to Zephaniah son of Cushi, son of Gedaliah, son of Amariah, son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah son of Amon, king of Judah, 2 "I will completely remove all things From the face of the earth," declares the LORD. 3 "I will remove man and beast; I will remove the birds of the sky And the fish of the sea, And the ruins along with the wicked; And I will cut off man from the face of the earth," declares the LORD. 4 "So I will stretch out My hand against Judah And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, And the names of the idolatrous priests along with the priests. 5 "And those who bow down on the housetops to the host of heaven, And those who bow down and swear to the LORD and yet swear by Milcom, 6 And those who have turned back from following the LORD, And those who have not sought the LORD or inquired of Him. " NAS Conversely, if just one person questioned the religion of their pagan ancestors and prayed to God for the truth, would not God have been faithful? Either that individual would have left their country in search of the truth or the truth would have been brought to them. Thus the answer is not that God makes different rules for different people, but that the individuals failed to sincerely seek God. Acts 17:25-27 26 and He made from one, every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times, and the boundaries of their habitation, 27 that they should seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; NAS Best regards, AO
15	An a way shall the be there and that way	Is 35:8	Aspiring Overseer	180834
	jhamp41, Try the following: Isaiah 35:8 8 And a highway will be there, a roadway, And it will be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean will not travel on it, But it will be for him who walks that way, And fools will not wander on it. NAS John 14:6-7 6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me. NAS Best regards, AO
16	what is baptismin the bible	Mark 16:16	Aspiring Overseer	176584
	Brad, If God did not give an ordinance then what is the New Testament based upon? It appears from your statement that understanding God's requirements, or commandments, is not necessary for salvation. Why should baptism be rejected as needed for salvation while belief is not? Both require a person to work (do something, take action, etc.). AO
17	Every NATION or every PERSON?	Matt 24:14	Aspiring Overseer	169263
	Jeff, Acts 13:48 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. NAS Can not the “appointed” simply be understood as all those Gentiles who sought God in accordance with knowledge and believed Paul's preaching (i.e. they were sincere in their quest for the truth and desired to follow God rather than man)? God rewards those who seek Him. They simply made the proper choice. Interestingly, two verses before this we find another example of man's choice regarding obedience. Acts 13:46 46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; since YOU repudiate it, and JUDGE YOURSELVES unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. NAS (emphasis added) The recipients of that message refused to accept the new covenant. Not because it was impossible, they simply chose not to obey. AO
18	Every NATION or every PERSON?	Matt 24:14	Aspiring Overseer	169258
	Hi Jeff, I understand your struggle with the doctrines mentioned. If it is God's will that all men should be saved why are so many lost? Specifically, you wrote: "If God desires that all be saved, then why is it that all were not elected/predestined to salvation?" Let's look at this concept in light of scripture. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. NAS Does not God hope that all men would be saved? What keeps that from happening? Is it God or ourselves? Are not the choices we make either pleasing or displeasing to God? Ezekiel 18:22-23 23 "Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked," declares the Lord GOD, "rather than that he should turn from his ways and live? NAS Ezekiel 18:32 32 "For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies," declares the Lord GOD. "Therefore, repent and live." NAS Ezekiel 33:11 11 "Say to them, 'As I live!' declares the Lord GOD, 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?' NAS 1 Peter 3:11-12 11 "And let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 "For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, And His ears attend to their prayer, But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil." NAS Throughout scripture God declares we must turn back to Him if we desire to live. Why would He create people who could not turn back and then instruct them as He did above? Is God a God of confusion? No, but His plan of salvation is hidden from those who do not seek Him in accordance with knowledge. Why is God's Master Plan with regard to predestination always assumed to mean that only a "select few" were predestined for salvation? Romans 8:28-30 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; 30 and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. NAS Has God not foreknown every soul of mankind and could He not have desired that each one would become like Christ? It is no different for those of us who are parents. Do we not desire the best for each of our children? Are they not brought into the world with a hope that they will be "predestined" for success? I do not know any parent who has conceived a child so that they would fail. Obviously not all kids grow into successful adults. Is that by chance or by choices that have been made? Now the world will lean towards "chance" because they do not believe in the design of a creator. Those seeking God, however, know that nothing happens to them by chance. Only those that seek to be successful will actually reach their goal. Furthermore, salvation is for all men, not just for a select few. Titus 2:11-14 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus; 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. NAS 2 Peter 3:9-10 9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. NAS I also recognize that not only a "considerable number" of bible scholars and theologians would disagree with me, but probably the majority of them. I hope that in time they might be persuaded to change their mind! :-) AO
19	Every NATION or every PERSON?	Matt 24:14	Aspiring Overseer	169215
	Jeff, 1 Timothy 2:3-5 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. NAS Please excuse my butting-in, but I believe the reconciliation of God's desire for all to be saved and the fact that few are is explainable by one thing: choice. Acts 17:25-27 26 and He made from one, every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times, and the boundaries of their habitation, 27 that they should seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; NAS God created all of mankind to seek Him in accordance with knowledge (Acts 17:24-28; Ro 10:2). While He desires that each one of his creations would seek Him, He knows that few will. Not by His design, but by their choice. In other words, He has designed each person with the ability to reason and desires that they should use that ability to serve Him (Is 1:18)! If they chose to serve something else, whatever their outward actions, they must bear the consequences. Whether the bushman continuing to practice the religion of his parents or the atheist who holds themselves as supreme, both, as God's creation, have the opportunity for salvation, but they must first chose to seek it! Matthew 6:33-34 33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. NAS P.S. I appreciate your approach to scripture and look forward to future discussion. AO
20	Gift of Healing	Mark 16:17	Aspiring Overseer	169161
	GJ2, Sorry this is a bit late, but I hope you do not mind some additional information. MIRACLES MIRACLES (Lat. miraculum, from mirari, to "wonder"). In general terms miracles may be defined as supernatural manifestations of divine power in the external world, in themselves special revelations of the presence and power of God; and in connection with other special revelations to which they are subservient, as aiding in their attestation, establishment, and preservation. (from The New Unger's Bible Dictionary. Originally published by Moody Press of Chicago, Illinois. Copyright (c) 1988.) What is, or were, the purpose of miracles? In the OT they were to confirm God’s power and to meet the needs of His people. In the New Testament they are used to confirm the validity of God’s word through the given messenger (Mark 16:20). Physical results were not an important benefit as the focus in Christianity is spiritual, not physical. 1 Cor 15:50 50 Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. NAS Additionally, we are to walk by faith and not by sight. 2 Cor 5:7 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight-- NAS As such, the benefit of establishing a person’s faith in God through their witnessing of a miracle was the sole reason for their existence. Mark 16:19-20 19 So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed.] NAS Do miracles exist today? Prior to the Christian Age, miracles were directed to God’s people for their physical and spiritual benefit. Over time they became less frequent as the written word of God in the form of the Old Testament was compiled. Eventually, the Old Testament replaced the need for the miracles in that the Israelites could refer to the Law of Moses and the Prophets, at will, and had no need for a current reminder to strengthen their faith or act as a reminder of their responsibilities towards God. With the arrival of Jesus’ ministry, miracles were again started to demonstrate the validity of Jesus’ statements as the Son of God and allow the establishment of the Christian Church, but only to the point they were no longer serving a purpose. At that point they were ended and disciples then were required to depend upon faith only. The length of time these miracles were to take place, their purpose and location were all prophesied within the Old Testament. Mic 7:15 15 "As in the days when you came out from the land of Egypt, I will show you miracles." NAS Deut 29:4-5 5 And I have led you forty years in the wilderness; your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandal has not worn out on your foot. NAS AO

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