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NASB | Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, "Repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways, accept and follow Jesus as the Messiah] and be baptized, each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ because of the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. |
Bible Question: Thanks Hank. My understanding of repentance is, to go the other way in thought deed and word to what the person lived pre being born again. To determine to become more Christ like in everyday life and living in general. The couple requesting baptism are living together as if married. I understand that we are to "work out our own salvation" and that the christian journey is a work in progress (thank goodness for grace). The thing is, If this fact hadn't come to light none would be the wiser and they would be baptized in ignorance, but now the fact is known what is the responsibility of the church? |
Bible Answer: Hi ceebee7, There are certainly two sides to this issue. On the one hand, no one expects new believers to be completely separated from all sins immediately, and obedience to God's command to be baptized should not be delayed until we are completely sanctified. On the other hand, the willingness to continue in sin without repentance is very problematic, in that it does not demonstrate re-birth. Does this couple consider their living together without being married to be wrong? Are they intending to continue that way, or is the Holy Spirit convicting them to either separate or be married? As for myself, I only believe in baptizing someone whom I believe to be truly born again. If I believe them to be born again, then I have no hesitation to baptize them, regardless of what else is going on. But the bottom line on salvation, which baptism is a symbol of, is that it is through faith, and not works. If there is faith, there is salvation, and if there is salvation, there should be baptism. I hope this helps! Love in Christ, Mark |