Subject: what is baptism |
Bible Note: Searcher, Acts 10:47-48 is an entire different study in itself. It is the ushering in of the Gentiles to the Church. This group of men recieved the Spirit "just as he had come on us (the apostles) at the beginning"(Pentacost) Acts 11:15. It was a unique conversion you will find only in Acts 2:1-13 and 10:47-48. "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. Acts 2:236-40 A study of this whole passage in context gives no reference to baptism after salvation. If so “you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” wouldn’t be future tense. But “you will receive…” is future tense. So according to your belief, one gets saved, then gets baptized, then receives the Holy Spirit. That is clearly unbiblical. Second, “repent AND be baptized” is a direct command to the people in response to their question “what shall we do?” Did the people have to repent after they got saved? Not after but before: Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them--do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish." Luke 13:1-5 I say this with sincere concern: Are you open to the idea that you could be wrong? Look into it for yourself and you will find that the doctrine your preaching was never original church doctrine and has just come about the last 200 years. Look into it, it can only help. Kin |