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NASB | Matthew 3:15 But Jesus answering said to him, "Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he *permitted Him. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 3:15 But Jesus replied to him, "Permit it just now; for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then John permitted [it and baptized] Him. |
Subject: What does water baptism do? |
Bible Note: You wrote: "What Peter is talking about here is a sign of the Holy Spirit by the house of Cornelius speaking with tongues." To paraphrase one of my fellow posters you know well, you do read your Bible, don't you? Peter said that the Gentiles received the Holy Spirit AFTER BELIEVING. Are the caps not enough? I can't make colored text. What we see with the Gentile believers is precisely what Paul describes in Ephesians: "In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation--having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory." --Ephesians 1:13-14 The Gentiles believed (Acts 11:17), received the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:47), which, according to the Scripture above, is the sealing of the believer in Christ, a pledge from God. Having been recognized as recipients of the Holy Spirit (reserved for Christians -- see the verses above or Romans 8:6-10 if you are still befuddled by whom the Holy Spirit exclusively indwells), they then were baptized in water as an outward sign and seal of belonging to the church of Jesus Christ. You wrote: "Is a sign to the Jews Acts 10:48 placed them in Christ." I believe Paul in Ephesians 1, not the works righteousness-based "Church of Christ." Just as we saw in 1 Corinthians 12:13 (which you ignored, that verse not being Mark 16:16 or Acts 2:38), this verse indicates that the Holy Spirit baptizes us into Christ. Water baptism is not the defining moment that places one in Christ, no matter how you want to interpret your two pet verses in direct opposition to the entire remainder of the New Testament. You wrote: 'If you were back in the first century, what would your answer be to the men who asked "Bretheren What shall we do". Would you answer be the same as Peters answer?' Well, it may have been. Or I might have answered the way Paul did: 'And he called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas, and after he brought them out, he said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."' --Acts 16:29-31 Having believed, the jailer and his household were baptized. Paul must not have read Mark 16:16. Such a firm hold you have on baptismal regeneration! It is a shame that the Holy Spirit emphasized faith so much, with barely a mention of baptism at all in regard to salvation. But why should you be expected to be in balance with God's revealed word? You are too busy thinking that you can "meet God halfway" in salvation. Now there's a reason to boast! --Joe! P.S. I know, I know: Mark 16:16! |