Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Matthew 11:11 "Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 11:11 "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater [in privilege] than he. |
Subject: least in kingdom greater than John |
Bible Note: Dear FlintyJoe, You said, "Read John 3:5 and notice who only can enter into the kingdom of God. Even assuming John was baptized in water, he was not baptized in holy spirit as Acts 1:5 clearly indicates. Holy spirit as Jesus stated would arrive at Pentecost." You're not saying that John wasn't saved I hope. Otherwise, where would that leave all the 'righteous' saints of old? Abraham, Issac, Jacob, Moses, Joshua, Isaiah, Daniel, etc., etc.? Are you implying that these and so many others were in no way affected by the Spirit of God that they could not be saved? that no one, prior to those who died believing after Pentecost, is saved and in God's Kingdom? Scripture doesn't name specifically WHO was in Abraham's Bosom (Luke 16:19-26), but we do know that the righteous dead were kept there apart from the wicked dead. I'm sure John was among those who were there awaiting Messiah's arrival (he was just fortunate enough to have met Him!!!!). And baptism in water has nothing to do with the initial act of salvation, it's an outward act of obedience as a symbolic sign of a new birth, a new beginning, a new creature. The new birth/beginning/creature has already taken place. If baptism was critical to salvation I'm sure Paul would have busied himself baptising new believers (1 Cor. 1:17). If not, then alot of folks are going to have to rethink their doctrines and theology where the thief on the cross is concerned (Luke 23:39-43) also, don't you think? If I have misunderstood you, please forgive and pray my ignorance turn to enlightment :-) Just my 2 cents worth Cheri |