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NASB | John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 1:1 In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. [Gen 1:1; Is 9:6] |
Subject: What is God's will for you? |
Bible Note: BB,Thanks for your comment, as well as your question, giving me a chance to search the scriptures, which is often the reason I log on. Your question about baptism seems "loaded" to me, only because of so many debates I have witnessed in the past in my short life as a "born again." However I will do my best, and offer the answer that I feel fits the will of God. The view I've adopted is that no, baptism is not necessary for salvation, but it is required for obedience. "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (In context, Act 2:37-38) Now the word spoken through Peter does not tell us repent OR be baptized and he does not tell us repent and MAYBE get baptized. Also, an important verse is Luke 3:16, " John answered, saying unto all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire " So, in conclusion, I must say that only Jesus can baptize us with the Holy Spirit. For Jesus Christ said the final word concerning the salvation of mankind when He hung dying on the cross, and said,"It is finished." Then the curtain of the temple was rent, and the Holy Spirit was released, never to be held in a man-made structure again. He Now Dwells In Us! "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." (1Cor 6:19,20) The baptism of the Holy Spirit is foretold in Eze. 36:25-27; " Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them]. Baptism of the Holy Spirit is through Christ, Titus 3:4-7, "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Hoping to continue, I must cut this short. I hope this answers your question, Any more? Tim |