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NASB | John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 3:5 Jesus answered, "I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God. [Ezek 36:25-27] |
Bible Question:
Greetings Colin! My friend, what then does Scripture mean when it says that we are not saved by works? Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |
Bible Answer: I also appreciate the dupe as I was about to answer the other until I noticed that it is addressd to Colin. First of all by works the scripture is refering to works of the law: Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Water baptism is not a work of the law. It was established by Peter. Lets look at this in chronological order. You can read the entire section of this scripture but here is the most important: Matthew 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Notice Jesus says will give, a future event. This brings two questions: When did Jesus give the keys? What did Peter bind and loose on earth? Keys given: Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, The keys are an understanding of the scriptures, which at the time was the Old Testament. Now to find what was loosed and what was bound we have to look at the teaching of the Apostles. The first four gospels are the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The book of Acts is the life and ministry of the Apostles and it is here we find their teaching. Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. As of Acts 2:42 the teaching or doctrine is given. We are told they continued stedfastly in the doctrine of the Apostles, thus, whatever they taught can be found in the previous verses. In these preceeding verses we see Peter preaching, starting with: Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: And ending with: Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Then came acknowledge to the first step of salvation: Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this,... You have to hear the Word Continuing Acts 2:37 ...they were pricked in their heart,... Step 2, Conviction/Faith/Belief ...and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Now, Peter binds on earth: Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent,... Step 3: Repent, turn from your ways to Gods ways ...and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,... Step 4a is the doctrine of baptisms (See Hebrew 6:1,2) consisting of two parts. The order of the two parts is irrelevant. If you want your sins remitted you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. ...and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Step 4b Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. John 3:8 tells us everyone born of the Spirit will make a sound. I've seen many arguments that water and spirit are the same, or everywhere water is mentioned it's some metaphor or something for spirit. I do not know why so many fight the water. All we have to do is look at the inclusion of the Gentiles to see water and spirit are not one in the same: Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. At this time they had not been baptized in the water. Why is the order different than the day of Pentecost?(Acts 2) Because the Jews NEVER would have baptized the Gentiles in the water. God had to show teh Jews he was including the Gentiles in the plan of salvation. Look at their reaction: Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. How did they know they received this most precious gift? Ac 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, If the water and spirit are the same then they would be done. But they are not: Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. Whether anyone likes it or not, that is what Peter bound on earth. Peter did this with the authority Jesus gave him and with full knowledge of the scriptures. Thank you Jesus! Praise the Lord! Norm |