What is the beginning of the gospel according to Mark 1: to us the key to the kingdom is baptism. The beginning of the gospel is the word arche or the most important thing for believers.
"the idea of an unbaptized Christian is simply not entertained in the New Testament" (F.F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, p. 77).
Matthew recorded the absolute direct commad of Jesus:
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Matt 28:18
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name (singular) of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matt 28:19NKJV
Matheteuo (g3100) math-ayt-yoo'-o; from 3101; intrans. to become a pupil; trans. to disciple, i.e. enrol as scholar: - be disciple, instruct, teach.
"teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. Matt 28:20
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Paul tells about His own baptism and connects it to the great Commission
Calling on the name of the Lord is what happens when one REQUESTS a clear conscience according to Peter in 1 Pet 3:21. This calling always involves baptism. It is not possible to be a DISCIPLER without being a DISCIPLE.
According to the command of Jesus MAKING DISCIPLES is parallel to BAPTIZING them. Again, so we keep the context:
Baptism is not a PUNCHED TICKET to heaven. Rather, much like proselyte baptism or "commercial" baptism into disciple ship to one who HAD SECRETS no one else had. Discipling includes the participles BAPTIZING and TEACHING.
This gives the lie to the Zwiglians who claim that the FIRST death and FIRST gospel was for the Jews only. After 1525 Zwingli's radically new FAITH ONLY and believer's baptism believes that one must WORK and STRUGGLE with Law, believe and then have Christ come and DIE for them personally. Or, perhaps, they BECOME Christ and die for their own sins. Before Paul the Master Tentmaker would share his trade secrets or mysteries with you you must take on his name and he baptizes you. Why would Jesus teach you the deep mysteries of the faith before you became his CHILD in the faith. After baptizing them as the first step of DISCIPLING then Jesus said:
The gospel of Mark records the same commandment:
There are two participles which relate to the verbe "to disciple." They are: BAPTIZING and TEACHING. The command of Jesus to DISCIPLE all nations demands these two steps: Baptizing and Teaching. |
THE beginning (Arche, most important) of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; Mark 1:1
<>As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Mark 1:2Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon
archê , hê, (v. archô) beginning, origin
beginning, from the first, from of old, lay a foundation,
from the beginning, from the first, from of old,
logos the original argument,
the principal sum, first principle, element
The ARCHE or foundation of the gospel is also THE WAY God predestined to save mankind FROM the race of wicked men:
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye THE WAY of the Lord, make his paths straight. Mark 1:3
The foundation was the COUNSEL of God to prepare a tiny remnant as an offering on the day of Pentecost:
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Mark 1:4
And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. Mark 1:5
Because the rich and famous wanting to sell more books and bookings, baptism is being attacked with malice aforethought. The peddlers of the free Word and the urge to "get rich" automatically leads them to assuming that God was not able to make HIS Word survive the Y2K experience. However, they in a partnership with God are "working our your own salvation" which, Shelly claims, means to help God reveal His message for their culture. Did Jesus ever sell a book for 28 dollars?
First, we have to decide what the gospel IS NOT. Do you remember that Jesus "fired" the experts in the law because they TOOK AWAY the KEY to knowledge and made liturgical prayers and wrote books to steal the houses of widows? To solve the problem, Jesus gave the KEYS to Peter, the big fisherman, who would not TAMPER with the Word. This masculine man could never get "one hour with the king" and his lecturship.The key is not "just Jesus": That would be Anti-Christ. When Peter preached he went back to the Testament. Without that foundation his sermon would make no sense. Peter opened the church by repentance and baptism to those who already believed. People who respond are seekers.
What led those "who would get rich" peddling the Word to lead so many to reject Christ and His Words? They use old science to cunningly devise fables that all Bible truth expired. They say that we slipped into the Postmodern world where all trut--before them--was so uncertain and "sifted" that there were only seven truths ABOUT Jesus left. They called this the "core gospel" but it had no "apple." Strong delusions has sifted this down to Just Jesus. See Dennis Downing under Max Lucado at Oak Hills. Just Jesus And Rubel Shelly
- WHY WE NEED THE TRUTH about the beginning of the gospel in Mark 1.
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Part One: The Thief on the Cross Saved without Baptism!
No: Christ had not
yet preached to the pre- Cross faithful nor ascended into
heaven.
Part Two: Baptism is just a pledge that you have been saved? No: Baptism is our REQUEST TO God; not OUR guaranteeing OUR faith and future conduct to gain "church" membership. Part Three: Salvation by Trust Only or Prayer Only? 12/5/02 See how the GA, Shelly, Lucado Trithism as A Family of Gods leads naturally to despising the counsel of the human Jesus and how Baptists Baptism denies that Christ came FULLY in the flesh. Part Four: Romans 6: Baptism DOES NOT save? |
PAUL spread the news: FOOLS LOVE TO BE FOOLED!
Carroll D. Osburn, a "leading" pseudo-scholar at a once-Christian university says that men with advanced degrees are being trained as prophets, chanellers and facilitators and sent out to change YOUR church. He reveals the change agent's plan by reporting on feminists with the same agenda.
"Much of what is held as 'truth' by patriarchalists seems actually to be nothing more than cultural bias" (p. 43).
By lumping churches of Christ with Feminists he reveals the GUILT CLAUSE;
"Feminist hermeneutics stands over against patriarchal hermeneutics" its goal achieved
.......... "by small, often unnoticed acts of SUBVERSION. Numerous such incremental changes,
.......... like erosion, will eventually BRING DOWN the fortress." (Meaning male Father-Son)"The Bible is not so much a 'heaven-sent answer book' as a historical book produced within and for a historical community--
.......... yet it serves as Scripture today because people find themselves accountable to it.
.......... That is what make its Scripture" (p. 46)."There is major disagreement on whether one should use the Bible to undergird doctrines in a "proof-texting way, or whether one should allow doctrine to emerge from understanding texts in their literary and historical contexts. Certainly these differing views of Scripture lie behind differing views of women in the church" (p. 90)
Men who have no shame take the pay of a college or church and then deny that the beginning of the gospel is baptism. Jesus said that unless you are born AGAIN of water and Spirit or water and the Word you SHALL NOT, CANNOT enter into the kingdom. But Jesus took away the keys to knowledge from the doctors of the law:
Carroll D. Osburn contends that "when one teaches that baptism is "for the remission of sins," and insists this truth is a test of Christian fellowship, he is an advocate of "sectarianism" (Carroll D. Osburn, The Peaceable Kingdom, Abilene, TX: Restoration Perspectives, 1993, p. 52). He says "that whether one believes that baptism is "for" the remission of sins, or "because of" the remission of sins, is wholly irrelevant (p. 91).
Yes, Jesus said that Doctors of the Law "Take away the key to knowledge." The conclusion to such a statement is that IT JUST DOESN'T MATTER. When this happens Paul told the Hebrews that by rejecting the beginning of the gospel people fall from grace and they are guilty of blaspheming the SPIRIT as the Word of God.
Rubel Shelly and John York "take liberties" and read "work our your own salvation" and NARRATE it to mean that the old people in partnership worked out their own SCRIPTURE for their culture. However, we live in a different CULTURE (didn't everyone). Therefore, WE have to partner with Go to get a new set of TRUTH.
But, history knows that effeminate males and females always produce a charismatic, musical work as opposed to the MASCULINE mind focused on the WORD in the synagogue of Christ.
Max Lucado says that neither faith, repentance, confession nor baptism has any thing to do with salvation: people love to be fooled. Max, along with Lynn Anderson, is promoting Promise Keeper's Shepherding or Discipling. They use "prayer circles" to answer their own prayers to "bring down your church." Rubel Shelly speaks of Accountability Groups. He depends on Bob Mumford who is the father of the Shepherding groups around Crossroads in Florida: fools love to be fleeced.
Tertullian: b. c. 155, /160, Carthage [now in Tunisia] d. after 220, Carthage
The consequence is, that a viper of the Cainite heresy, lately conversant in this quarter,
has carried away a great number with her most venomous doctrine,
making it her first aim to destroy baptism.
.......... Which is quite in accordance with nature; for vipers and asps and basilisks
.......... themselves generally do affect arid and waterless places.
WHAT IS THE KEY to the kingdom WHICH Change Agents ARE trained to take away?
By the Spirit of Christ (1 Pet 1:11, Rev 19:10), we have the testimony of Malachi, Zacharias, Mark, John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, Peter, Paul and 1525 years of history to defend baptism as the way to glorify God's grace. Mark began his gospel account:
THE beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; Mark 1:1
Of FIRST IMPORTANCE, the GOSPEL exists as a FORM or PATTERN. The word "First," is the Greek "PROTOS." This gospel pattern of "first importance" means the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ along with the other proofs of His full Deity (Col 2:9) and doctrinal teachings. (1 Cor 15).
As an example, a famous dress designer CREATES a PATTERN for the rich, but the poorest lady might follow the PATTERN free of charge. Christ gives grace only to those who follow His Steps.
Jesus called this PATTERN-GOSPEL the "BAPTISM of suffering and death" with which He must be baptized. Only those baptized with that FORM of baptism of death will be translated into a Christ's spiritual body or clothed with Him.
The GOSPEL means that Jesus Christ gives REST. The burden which God wanted removed was "spiritual anxiety created by religious ritual."
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Ye have wearied the Lord with
your words.
Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say,
Every one that
doeth evil (noisome, vexing) is good in the sight of the
Lord, and he
delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment? Mal 2:17
Speaking of Judas who would not live to TRIUMPH OVER Jesus, the Psalmist predicted that the enemies of Christ would attempt to remove His name from the earth.
Triumph- over is quite identical to EXTERNAL MELODY. Both are related to literal and spiritual warfare against God. Jesus cast out the musical minstrels "more or less violently" as one "ejects dung." Furthermore, because the thief's bag or Judas Bag was for "carrying the mouthpieces or reeds of wind instruments" when Jesus RUBBED OF the SOP for him this was his MARK that Satan would enter into him and lead him to betray him. The mocking was musical mocking of the Warrior Levites:
ALL musical words
in a religious sense derive from Satan, prostitution,
sodomy, silencing the WORDS of God and therefore betraying
him just as surely as all BELIEVETH NOTS repudiate baptism
and MARKET their treachery are SUPPLANTERS and take
"compensation" (h6118) from "heel."
Psallo (psao)
The REASON for the GOSPEL which frees from MAKING WAR AGAINST GOD is that no man and certainly no theatrical performer can intercede (as they claim) for you:
This is important because becoming a disciple of Christ frees the believer to be a student. The refreshing brought by baptism gives us rest: Refreshing : Andronikos (g408) an-dron'-ee-kos; from 435 and 3534; man of victory [Nike] The word REST Jesus promised us is relief from RITUALS and programs. Pauo means: bring to an end, stop! have done! be quiet!, take one's rest, cease, have done of one singing or speaking |
BEHOLD, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the WAY before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:1
But who may abide (comprehend or receive) the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a REFINER'S FIRE, and like FULLER'S SOAP: Malachi 3:2 (To Wash)
The refiner's fire made silver and gold to become a water vessel pure enough to enter into the temple. Our spirit is the temple of God. Fuller's Soap makes Crimson garments as white as snow.
THE WASHING PROCESS BY JESUS CHRIST WAS PROPHESIED TO BE:
Kabac (h3526) kaw-bas, to trample; hence to wash (prop. by stamping with the feet)... WASHING. The Greek Louo (g3068) means to bathe the whole person.
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, Re.1:5
Paul defined this WASHING:
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water (H20). Heb.10:22
God does something in CLEANSING and PURIFYING the Spirit which we cannot comprehend. Like the TYPES of the flood and the Red Sea, baptism has a destructive element which repels. Moses said: "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord." God responded "Why call out to me, raise your hands and move move through the death waters."
ZACHARIAS prophesying of JESUS CHRIST explains the MOST IMPORTANT meaning of the gospel for mortals.
That we should be (1) saved from our enemies, and (2) from the hand of all that hate us (Satan); Luke 1: 71
(3) To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and (4) to remember his holy covenant; The oath which HE sware to our father ABRAHAM, Luke 1: 72-73
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; Lu 1:76
(4) To give KNOWLEDGE of salvation (A new spirit) unto his people
.......... (5) BY the REMISSION of their SINS, Lu.1:77Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, Lu 1:78
To give light to them that sit in darkness (ignorance) and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:79
Epiphaino (g2014) ep-ee-fah'ee-no; from 1909 and 5316; to shine upon, i.e. become (lit.) visible or (fig.) known: - appear, give light.
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Tit.2:11
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Tit 2:12
.......... But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Tit.3:4Not 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; Tit 3:5 (Our spirit becomes A holy spirit)
Works are Ergon (g2041) er'-gon; from a prim. (but obsol.) ergo, (to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); by impl. an act: - deed, doing, labour, work
Righteousness: Dikaiosune (g1343) dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay; from 1342; equity (of character or act); spec. (Chr.) justification: - righteousness.
Mercy is: Eleos (g1656) el'-eh-os; of uncert. affin.; compassion (human or divine, espec. active): - (/ tender) mercy.
And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. Ro.15:9
Paul is speaking of Baptism as a washing of regeneration.
Loutron (g3067) loo-tron'; from 3068; a bath, i.e. (fig.) baptism: - washing.
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, Ep.5:26
Louo (g3068) loo'-o; a prim. verb; to bathe (the whole person; whereas 3538 means to wet a part only, and 4150 to wash, cleanse garments exclusively): - wash.
Regeneration is:
Palig-genesia , hê, rebirth, regeneration, of the world, palingenesias hêgemones, of Noah and his sons, of persons, beginning of a new life,
III. in NT.,
<>1. resurrection, Ev.Matt.19.28.
2. regeneration by baptism, dia loutrou palingenesias Ep.Tit.3.5 .Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 1 Pet 3:20
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the an1 Pet 3:21swer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
To the general assembly and church (ekklesia, synagogue) of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, Heb.12:23
THE Holy Spirit does not need renewing: it is OUR spirit or mind which needs to be enlightened when we are given A holy spirit.
Dayspring is:
Anatole (g295) an-at-ol-ay'; from 393; a rising of light, i.e. dawn (fig.); by impl. the east (also in plur.): - dayspring, east, rising.
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Mt.2:2
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Peter said that the light
shines and the day star rises in our heart by honoring God's
unique revelation to us. False STAFF stealing the position
of vocational deacons are a MARK or SIGN that you must not
listen to them.
God does not tolerate men to be a priest between you and God's Word. We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 2 Pet 1:19
That means that it is UNLAWFUL to further expound the inspired Word of God. You must never let anyone stand between you and faithful reading and study of the Bible. Peter did not leave an office of the POPE to define what the Bible should say. Instead He wrote: Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things alway in remembrance. 2 Peter 1:15 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 2 Peter 1:16 For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 2 Peter 1:17 And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 2 Peter 1:18 Click to read Rubel Shelly and John York quoting from this passage without seening baptism. They agree that Mary was a sexually questionable woman: like Cherokee Sal, the prostitute of Roaring Camp. |
"BECAUSE Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws." (Gen 26:5). .
Why did Jehovah-Saved, Joshua or Jesus visit in the flesh although we live, move and have our being in Him?
No human was able to intercede between man and God. That is why He does not need, cannot tolerate, a human priesthood. Jehovah- Saved as the ARM of God came to rescue a tiny remnant:
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world (Satan's kingdom), according to the will of God and our Father: Ga.1:4
Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to TAKE OUT of them a PEOPLE for his NAME. Acts 15:14
Satan has the majority in the grip of his grudge against Christ. Therefore, God only SEEKS those who can worship Him in the new PLACE of the human spirit (John 4:23). Only baptism explains how Christ purchases the believers.
And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you PURCHASED men for God FROM every tribe and language and people and nation. Re.5:9
For many are called, but few are chosen. Matt 22:14
Water baptism by faith puts you on the cross, in the tomb, arising with a new regenerated spirit and leaving the old "death rags" behind. Baptism is the only thing which puts on the pure garments of Christ:
for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed (sink into) yourselves with Christ. Ga.3:27
There is no second chance: don't get fooled by the change agents of Anti-Christ who WANT you to be LEFT BEHIND because,
Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, Heb 9:27
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Heb 9:28
When Christ suddenly appears, the offer will have expired.
MARK then says that the BEGINNING or the MOST IMPORTANT meaning of the GOSPEL to believers is that God will WASH us and make us WHITE AS SNOW. Refining silver or taking crimson out of a white garment is a LABOR INTENSIVE effort: only God can do that TO us and FOR us.
Jesus insisted that John baptize Him to fulfill all righteousness. Fulfill means to "coincide with a prediction, verify, fully preach baptism." His baptism was a visual aid where "Father" recognized Jesus Christ as the "SON" and not the Babylonian Mother of the Daughter. It is a permant sign of God's grace.
This was the SIGN to many. Therefore, again:
THE BEGINNING of the GOSPEL of Jesus Christ, the S.O.N. of God; Mark 1:1
Liddell and Scott note: "Arche means the beginning, origin, lay a foundation, LOGOS (Word) the WORD of the THOUGHT, principles of knowledge
Jesus the WORD OR SON spoke the THOUGHT of the FATHER. His ARCHE or most important commandment to the Apostles was to GO, PREACH and BAPTIZE those with FAITH.
Therefore, Mark looks back to the GOSPEL prophesied by Malachi and forward to "THE" faith or the Christian system.
As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy WAY before thee. Mark 1:2
The voice (shouting) of one crying in the wilderness (a very lonely place), Prepare ye the WAY of the Lord, make his paths straight (level at once). Mark 1:3
Mark then reveals the most important principle of the gospel for those who are not Jesus the Christ.
John DID baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance FOR the remission of sins. Mark 1:4
This was the MARK of the presence of God in the flesh. Many Jews saw this baptizer as a SIGN of Messiah:
And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. Mark 1:5
And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John 1:25
<>John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; John 1: 26
He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoes latchet I am not worthy to unloose. John 1: 27These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. John 1: 28And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel,
therefore am I come baptizing with water. John 1:31
Jesus never baptized with water because that was to be a human act of the faithful.
After John and the disciples of Jesus showed the WAY, and after Jesus Christ fulfilled the PATTERN gospel of "baptism" in His death, He promised to return in Spirit (John 14:18) to guide the Apostles into all truth. John said that only Jesus Christ could wash our spirit and make it holy or pure.
BAPTISM OF WATER: As a human, John the Baptist and Jesus through his disciples prepared the WAY among those who REPENTED and were baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.
1. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ Acts 2:38a
2. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, 1 Pet 3:21a
WASHING OF SPIRIT: However, only the ascended Christ could give baptized believers a "washed" new spirit so that they could become as "little children." This "baptism" does not give supernatural powers unless Jesus picked you to reveal His Word and die for your faith.
1. for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the (A) Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38b
2. but the answer (request for) of A good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 1 Pet 3:21b
People after Pentecost were baptized in WATER in order to receive the washing or sprinkling of the HEART so that they had A holy spirit. History does not think that water was done away with.
JESUS CHRIST ILLUSTRATED THE MEANING OF BAPTISM as CONVERSION
<>And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, Matthew 18:2
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted,and become (be born) AS little children,ye SHALL NOT enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3
JESUS TOLD NICODEMUS THE SAME THING USING BORN AGAIN
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mothers womb, and be born? John 3:4
The question is how can Nicodemus a grown man be BORN AGAIN. The new birth does not involve the physical birth. Therefore, to be born again is to be born of water which involves water baptism: we are born OUT of the water.
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man (already born of the flesh)
be born of WATER (H20) and of the SPIRIT,he CANNOT ENTER into the kingdom of God. John 3:5
Jesus has connected being CONVERTED to BEING BORN of water and the Spirit.
<>Palingenesia 1 [genesis] a being born again, new birth; used by Cic. of his restoration after exile:-- hence, in NTest.,1. the resurrection.
2. regeneration by baptism.Anazogr-êsis , eos, hê, restoration to life, Agath.1.13.
Peter connected the Spirit with the Word as did Jesus in John 6:63:
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 1 Peter 1:22
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Peter 1:23
For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 1 Peter 1:24
But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. 1 Peter 1:25
Word is: Rhema (g4487) hray'-mah; from 4482; an utterance (individ., collect. or spec.); by impl. a matter or topic (espec. of narration, command or dispute); with a neg. naught whatever: - / evil, / nothing, saying, word.
Rheo (g4482) hreh'-o; a prim. verb; for some tenses of which ... is used; to flow ("run", as water): - flow
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. John 7:37
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. Jn.7:38
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) John 7:39
The test of the new birth is an urgent need for the Milk and Waterof the Word:
<>WHEREFORE laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 1 Pet 2:1
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 1 Pet 2:2If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 1 Pet 2:3
As Jesus said My WORDS are SPIRIT and LIFE, His words convey GRACE and becoming joint heir with Him:
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Ac.20:32
Paul to the Hebrews warned of the tragic results of not loving the Word as the Holy Spirit:
For it is impossible for those who
> were once enlightened,
> and have tasted of the heavenly gift,
> and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, Heb.6:4
> And have tasted the good word of God,
> and the powers of the world to come, Heb 6:5If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh,
.......... and put him to an open shame. Heb 6:6For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: Heb 6:7
But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. Heb 6:8
Now, pick up Peter again:
<>To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 1 Pet 2:4
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Pet 2:5Pneumatikos (g4152) pnyoo-mat-ik-os'; from 4151; non-carnal, i.e. (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concr.), or divinely supernatural, regenerate, religious: - spiritual. Comp. 5591.
The same Peter cannot be so absent minded that he has two new births in mind. Remember that he obeyed the Great Commission of Jesus Christ:
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. Acts 2:38
This means the gift of A holy spirit because the name of the Spirit is Jesus of Nazareth. A new spirit is a regenerated spirit and with a new mind and spirit we experience the NEW BIRTH because the old body must be considered dead.
In his epistle the same Peter said:
Baptism, which corresponds to this (Ark), now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1 Pet 3:21RSV
The WORD of God is the bearer of the Spirit or Mind of Christ. When the word germinates and gives a NEW spirit or A holy spirit or A clear conscience then we are the children of God. Of the church:
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, Ep.5:26
Therefore Jesus lays a stumbling block for those who would deny that baptism is necessary because it calls God a liar and marks one as a traitor.
If you can be saved before Baptism then you can be saved before conversion and OBEYING the direct commands of Jesus:
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Matt 7:21
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Matt 7:22
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matt 7:23
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: Matt 7:24
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not SHALL be DAMNED. Mark 16:16
Jesus knew that His Baptism of suffering, death, resurrection and ascension as the pattern or form would DRAW those to Himself who walked by faith. This is the same meaning as CANNOT ENTER into the kingdom of God and SHALL NOT enter into the kingdom of heaven. If you cannot or shall not enter the kingdom of God as manifest in some churches then you shall not enter into the eternal spiritual kingdom when this world burns up. Therefore, if you cannot enter the kingdom than you SHALL BE DAMNED.
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Cor 4:4
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 4:6
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2 Cor 4:7
Why is refusing to believe which means rejecting baptism such a TERMINAL fork in the road between those who shall be saved and those who shall be damned? Is not believing such a bad thing? Is CLAIMING to believe without baptism perfectly alright as false AGENTS claim? The fact is that God is selecting out those who will move into the spiritual dimension while this earth is being consumed perhaps by the next solar flare. Those who BELIEVETH belong to Satan's team as he seeks to build a secular KOSMOS kingdom by recruiting with wine, women and music. No, it does not matter how sweet and sincere they appear: the more cunningly crafty they appear the more they bear the MARK of Cain: Cain means a "musical note."
"BELIEVETH NOT" means that they disobeyed by rejecting baptism.
Apisteo (g569) means to be unbelieving, meaning to disobey
Apistos (g571) disbelieving, i.e. without Christian faith, a heathen, untrustworthy (person), faithless, infidel.He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself:
.......... he that believeth not God hath made him a liar;
.......... because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 1 John 5:10
There are two teams in the present STAR WARS: those who sign up with Jesus Christ while everyone else, sincere or not, serves Satan.
The Pharisees and doctors of the law were enemies of God and the Old Testament. Pharisees wrote their own laws specifically to repudiate the Words of God and steal widow's houses. There were three destructive SECTARIAN groups: the Pharisees (selling false doctrine and living off widows), Scribe (book writers for the false teachers) and Hypocrites. The hypocrites were a SECT. In the Greek literature they were "rhetoricians, sOPHISts (serpents), singers, musicians and craftsmen which included plotters of heresy as well and theatrical performers. In the book of Revelation they play the roles of sorcerers or enchanters. As the OPHIS is the serpents of the end time the NACHASH was the serpent or MUSICL ENCHANTERS in the garden of Eden:
But the Pharisees and experts in the law REJECTED God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John. Luke 7:30
"Rejected" means that they call God a liar and are still damned because they are still on Satan's team. Rejecteth is:
Atheteo (g114) means to DISESTEEM, DESPISE, disannul, frustrate, bring to nought, reject. It means a TREACHEROUS PERSON. It includes Kategoros an accuser, a BETRAYER.
David Lipscomb: Baptism is an act of more sacred import than other acts of obedience. It is the act which first manifests and declares faith in Christ Jesus and that consecrates man to the service of God. It is a more sacred act, just as the oath of allegiance that a foreigner takes to a human government is more sacred than the ordinary observance of the laws of the land. To violate the laws of the land is a misdemeanor; to violate the oath of allegiance is treason to the government.
As Jesus Christ ses up two FORMS to show that without BAPTISM which means CONVERSION you CANNOT, SHALL NOT enter the kingdom, Luke now shows that baptism confirms the STUMBLING BLOCK for those who would be traitors and not suitable for the eternal kingdom of God in another dimension.
Then Peter said unto them (believers), Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ FOR (in order that) the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38
Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 NRSV 1989
NOTHING BUT WATER BAPTISM CONNECTS TO THE SHED BLOOD OF CHRIST.
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matt 26:28
Did Jesus shed His blood BECASE sins were already remitted? People who tell you otherwise are out to hurt you "real bad."
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Rom 6:3
NOTHING BUT BAPTISM CONNECTS TO "FAITH" AND "BEING CLOTHED WITH" THE RESURRECTED CHRIST:
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:26
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gal 3:27
Then Luke recorded the experience with the apostles and said that to BE CONVERTED is for the remission of sins.
Therefore, being baptized means to be converted.
Jesus said that unless we become like little children and become converted we SHALL NOT enter the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus was told that he must be born again of water and Spirit or he COULD NOT enter.You cannot have remissions of sins BEFORE conversion.
In another form to confirm the two forms Jesus identified.
Repent ye therefore, and be CONVERTED, that (in order that) your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; Ac.3:19
Refreshing means that we become a NIKE: a new man of victory. Born again. That means that the Nike-laitians or Nicolaitains: Clergy wins over Laity has ceased as part of the GOSPEL.
The word "That" means FOR the remission of sins. The word THAT proves it as it is used elsewhere. "That" cannot mean "because of." Therefore, "for" remissions of sins means that we are baptized or converted IN ORDER or THAT our sins may be remitted. Here are some examples:
Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye might know that I am the Lord your God. De.29:6
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. 2 Co.2:4
Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. Ep.6:22
We are baptized IN ORDER THAT we might have our sins washed away by Jesus Christ.
The Spirit Christ caused
BAPTISM and CONVERSION to be associated with the remission of sins:
If you can be saved before Baptism then you can be saved before
conversion.
An ANGEL told Philip to go where he would meet the Ethiopian Eunuch.
The eunuch was reading Isiah the prophet and the SPIRIT told Philip to join to the chariot. Philip heard him reading from Isaias and asked him if he understood what he was reading. Isaiah could not understand the fulfilment without someone who understood the fulfillment:
So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. Isa 52:15
To sprinkle has the meaning of TO SPIRIT. Man washes the body in baptism but God sprinkles our hearts.
Nazah (h5137) naw-zaw'; a prim. root; to spirt, i. e. besprinkle (espec. in expiation): - sprinkle.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. (meaning to musically mock) Isa 53:4
Hagar represented Egypt, Mount Sinai and Jerusalem which is identified as Sodom. Jerusalem was inhabited by the SEED of Abraham but they were not the children of Sarah. While Jesus spoke in parables to the people in Jerusalem the pilgrims heard Him gladly. Jerusalem would shortly come to an end and a false Jewish nation of Hagar would be destroyed or dispersed if they didn't believe to be BORN AGAIN as children of Abraham and become spiritual Israelites:
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Isa 53:11
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; Lu. 1:76
<>To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Lu.1:77
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, Lu. 1:78
To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace Lu. 1:79John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Mk.1:4
Only those baptized received A holy spirit. And remember that the SPIRIT which would rest on the BRANCH was not a little person.
AND there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: Isa 11:1
And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; Isa 11: 2
And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: Isa 11: 3
But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. Isa 11: 4
These are the SEVEN SPIRITS represented by the Menorah in the Holy Place as a type of the body or church of Christ. Quick understanding is the word:
Ruwach (h7306) roo'-akh; a prim. root; prop. to blow, i. e. breathe; only (lit.) to smell or (by impl. perceive (fig. to anticipate, enjoy): - accept, smell, * touch, make of quick understanding.
FAITH ONLY never promises that God will sprinkle our HEART (internal only, please) FROM evil and make iA holy spirit or a clear conscience which means consiousness. That word means a CO-PERCEPTION of the Word of God.
FAITH includes OBEDIENCE or it is Apistos--treachery. THE FAITH is God's method to save versus THE LAW the Jewish converts were worried about.
SING, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord. Isa 54:1
For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. Isa 54:9
Tehowm is the Babylonian DISTORTION in the form of TIAMAT. She is the MATRIARCHAL goddess. She was, as I remember, the FRESH WATER. Tiamat or Tehowm conspired to murder the noisy next generation of the Babylonian Triad. Ea, the patron god of MUSIC, got wise and conspired to murder the OLDER GENERATION. And so the story goes on and includes the Epic of Gilgamesh about the flood. Later it involves Inanna the musical goddess who stole the powers from Ea after getting him drunk. She is now ZOE. She had the skills to control the SEVEN GATES OF HELL. So, you see, Jesus came to defeat the Jewish system which was a Babylonian system built on MYTH.
The Depthos or BATHUS of baptism does not mean LIFE but DEATH. In baptism we submit ourselves to the evil system represented by water (Flood, Red Sea, Baptism). We must CONFRONT and die before the blood of Christ will REgenerate us so that the MYTHS of religion (in all churches) do not drag us down because Satan still rules everything in the PHYSICAL or carnal world.
Peter says that baptism is a FORM or anti-type of the flood. While we deserve to be the sinners drowned by the flood, baptism is the INSTEAD OF. By being baptized we REQUEST A clear conscience of A holy spirit. Therefore, it is GRACE that we do not have to DROWN for our own sins.
The enuch understood prophecy but he had seen but did not under the events in Jerusalem.
And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. Acts 8:31
Beginning at that scripture, Philip preached unto him JESUS. The prophesied BRANCH would be both KING and PRIEST sitting on one throne:
Iesous (g2424) ee-ay-sooce'; of Heb. or. [3091]; Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Isr.: - Jesus.
Yehowshuwa (h3091) yeh-ho-shoo'-ah; or yhowsua yeh-ho-shoo'-ah; from 3068 and 3467; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua (i. e. Joshua), the Jewish leader: - Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Comp. 1954, 3442
Yehowshuwa would be understood to be the BRANCH or the Messiah: God in Jesus Christ.
Because there has been no change in the Gospel preached about baptism by Jesus, and understanding that Philip was sent out from Peter the baptizer, we know for certain that preaching the gospel demanded baptism as THE MOST IMPORTANT thing a believer MUST do or they CANNOT, SHALL NOT enter into the kingdom of Christ in the church and the eternal spiritual kingdom when this earth is burned up.
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? Acts 8:36
Philip is not surprised because he had preached baptism to the Eunuch who had understood that Jesus was Jehovah- Saved: The king/priest who would rule over the spiritual Israelites while the SEED of Abraham through Hagar would be dispersed.
And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Acts 8:37
"Believeth" is not relying on FAITH for salvation but putting one's trust in Jesus Christ.
Pisteuo (g4110) pist-yoo'-o; from 4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by impl. to entrust (espec. one's spiritual well-being to Christ): - believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.
Pistis (g4102) pis'-tis; from 3982; persuasion, i.e. credence; mor. conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), espec. reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstr. constancy in such profession; by extens. the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.
"BELIEVETH NOT" by rejecting baptism is INFIDELITY:
Apisteo (g569) means to be unbelieving, meaning to disobey
Apistos (g571) disbelieving, i.e. without Christian faith, a heathen, untrustworthy (person), faithless, infidel.
And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. Acts 8:38
The Greek word EIS shows that they went INTO the water. They did not go down BECAUSE of the water but into the water. You cannot baptize without getting into the water. Baptism demands MUCH water:
Baptizo (g905) bap-tid'-zo; from a der. of 911; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the N.T.) of ceremonial ablution, espec. (techn.) of the ordinance of Chr. baptism: - baptist, baptize, wash.
And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing (cheerful, well off). Acts 8:39
The enuch received the result of his own seeking and went away with a refreshing from the Lord. If he had RECEIVETH NOT then he would not have been baptized and would not be treacherous but would have been an infidel.
PAUL CONFIRMED THAT BAPTISM IS THE FOUNDATION OF THE GOSPEL TO HUMANS:
Baptism is where Paul called upon the name of Jesus Christ to WASH away his sins. (Acts 22:16). "Calling" is requesting A holy spirit. If he wrote Hebrews he said of Jesus Christ:
And being made perfect, he became the author (causer) of eternal salvation unto all them that OBEY him; Heb 5:9
Faith and obey include the same things: Obey (g5219) means to hear, be attentive, heed or conform, to be obedient. Paul showed the difference between the PATTERN of the Gospel and obeying the FORM in baptism. If you cannot or will not fall in love with the Words of Christ it is because you are not in His spiritual assembly (Gr. ekklesia or synagogue) or "school of the Bible. Baptism as a continuing practice shows forth or preaches faith in His resurrection.
For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first (ARCHE) principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Heb 5:12
THEREFORE leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection (to maturity) not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Heb 6:1
Of the doctrine of baptisms (baptismos, singular), and of laying on of hands (spiritual gifts), and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Heb 6:2
When the miracles of childbirth is over we worry if the child spends its time on the birth process and does not grow from being a milk baby to a meat adult.
You cannot GO ON to completion until you have accepted the foundation principles. Many wanted to go back and repeat the supernatural miracles which were SIGNS to CONFIRM the apostles of Christ. The Apostles were confirmed by supernatural signs: our part is to obey the truth which they preached beginning with baptism for the faithful.
If you repudiate your baptism as part of the FOUNDATION, you will have no ability to seek the deep mysteries of the faith.
For it is IMPOSSIBLE for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted (eat the word) of the heavenly GIFT, and were made partakers (co-participant) of the Holy Ghost Heb 6:4
.......... And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, Heb 6:5
.......... .......... If they shall fall away, (it is impossible) to renew them again unto repentance;
.......... .......... seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. Heb 6:6
Those who BELIEVETH NOT were therefore identified as treacherous infidels.
Those who presume to be teachers and DENY these first principles WILL NOT, CAN NOT teach the deep mysteries of the kingdom: they are guilty of an unforgivable sin. God then drives them into delusions.
Paul in Romans 6:17 says that our baptism is obeying THAT FORM of doctrine. Form or tupos means "INSTEAD OF." The greatest gift of GRACE is that we can be baptized INSTEAD OF dying on a cross. Form or tupos also means a MARK. He puts the SEAL on us: that MARK will come in handy when Jesus Christ returns.
Paul said that God washes us and gives us A holy spirit only at baptism.
Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Cor 6:10
And such were some of you: but ye are WASHED (have fully remitted), but ye are sanctified ("A" holy spirit), but ye are justified (made innocent) in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit (Mind of Christ) of our God. 1 Cor 6:11
Jesus used this idea of washing and told Paul:
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and WASH AWAY thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Ac.22:16
Wash is:
Apolouo (g628) ap-ol-oo'-o; from 575 and 3068; to wash fully, i.e. (fig.) have remitted (reflex): - wash (away).
Louo (g3068) loo'-o; a prim. verb; to bathe (the whole person; whereas 3538 means to wet a part only, and 4150 to wash, cleanse garments exclusively): - wash.
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1Co.6:11
Palig-genesia , hê, rebirth, regeneration, of the world, palingenesias hêgemones, of Noah and his sons, of persons, beginning of a new life,
III. in NT.,
1. resurrection, Ev.Matt.19.28.
2. regeneration by baptism, dia loutrou palingenesias Ep.Tit.3.5 .Those who are baptized or washed receive A holy spirit:
Hagiazo (g37) hag-ee-ad'-zo; from 40; to make holy, i.e. (cer.) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate: - hallow, be holy, sanctify.
JUDE, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Ju.1:1
Peter says that calling is REQUESTING a clear conscience at the time and place of baptism.
DID JESUS AS SPIRIT LIE TO PAUL? So they say. But Jesus the Spirit Lord told Paul:
But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Acts 26:16
Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, Acts 26:17
Salvation from the enemies of their culture includes salvation from Satan who is their father. This was true of Pentecost because Jesus said that the clergy were sons of the Devil and liars because "they speak on their own."
However, the same salvation is for victory over Satan IN ORDER THAT they might be added to Christ's kingdom which CONNECTS the heavenly and earthly church together.
To open their eyes, and
to turn (g1994) them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God,
that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance (patrimony) among them which are sanctified (make holy) by faith that is in me. Acts 26:18
They were not made holy or received A holy spirit BY FAITH until they repented and were converted or baptized.
Holy: Hagiazo (g37) hag-ee-ad'-zo; from 40; to make holy, i.e. (cer.) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate: - hallow, be holy, sanctify.
TURN means to CONVERT. Luke drew a parallel between BAPTISM and being Converted:
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. Acts 2:38
Holy: Hagios (g40) hag'-ee-os; from hagos , (an awful thing) [comp. 53, 2282]; sacred (phys. pure, mor. blameless or religious, cer. consecrated): - (most) holy (one, thing), saint
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, (g1994) that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; Ac.3:19 [Meaning A man of victory]
Refreshing: Adronikos (g408) an-dron'-ee-kos; from 435 and 3534; man of victory; Andronicos, an Isr.: - Andronicus.
Nikos (g3534) nee'-kos; from 3529; a conquest (concr.), i.e. (by impl.) triumph: - victory.
The only thing which results in the REMISSION OF SINS and a VICTORY is baptism. Jesus commanded it: those who deny it call Jesus Christ a LIAR and "believeth not" marking themas traitors to Jesus by making a career (and living) out of saying that Jesus was just flat wrong. These are of those who have placed themselves among those who do not have the spirit of faith.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Co.15:57
Nike (g3529) nee'-kay; appar. a prim. word; conquest (abstr.), i.e. (fig.) the means of success: - victory.
Those who BELIEVETH in Jesus Christ are born of God because they are identified as believers only after they have been baptized. This is the ONLY mark of those who do not call God a liar. Is born is PAST TENSE:
WHOSOEVER believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. 1 John 5:1
<>By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 1 John 5:2
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 1 John 5:3For whatsoever is born of God overcometh (g3534) the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith 1Jn.5:4
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted,and become (be born) AS little children,
.......... ye SHALL NOT enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3How does John define those who BELIEVETH?
Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? 5:5
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 1 John 5:7
And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. 1Jn.5:8
Which "Jesus" is that? This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. 1 John 5:6
And we know he is, because God said so with a voice from heaven when Jesus was baptized, and again as he was facing death[a]-yes, not only at his baptism but also as he faced death. And the Holy Spirit, forever truthful, says it too. So we have these three witnesses: the voice of the Holy Spirit in our hearts, the voice from heaven at Christ's baptism, and the voice before he died. And they all say the same thing: that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 1 John 5:6LIV
But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. Jn.19:34
The water, blood and spirit NEVER agree except at water baptism. Romans 6 shows that the BLOOD bears witness only when we are baptized to be "crucified with Christ" and contact the blood.
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man (already born of the flesh)
.......... be born of WATER (H20) and of the SPIRIT,
.......... .......... he CANNOT ENTER into the kingdom of God. John 3:5If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. 1 John 5:9
He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness (witness born or testimony) in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 1 John 5:10
<>And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. John 16:15<>And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1 John 5:11
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mk 16:16Believeth not means to reject the counsel of God and identify us as treacherous infidels according to Jesus in the words He spoke.
He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 1 John 5:12These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God: that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 1 John 5:13
True faith is the RESULT of baptism where God gives us A holy spirit, a clear conscience and makes us SONS of God:
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:26
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gal 3:27If you refuse to be baptized you refuse to become children of God by faith. There is no other way: those who call God a liar are not OF FAITH and not suited for the eternal spiritual kingdom.
In Acts they received an inheritance AMONG THEM because the were ADDED to the church:
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved [Those who were BEING saved by repentance and baptism]. Ac.2:47
Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: Acts 26:19
But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. Acts 26:20
When Paul went to the Gentiles he did not preach a POST CHRISTIAN GOSPEL which excluded baptism. What he preached in Jerusalem he preached in Corinth and the result was that believers were baptized without having to be baptized by Paul.
Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christs gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, 2 Co.2:12
What was Christ's Gospel?
<>And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mark 16:16God in Jesus Christ directly PROMISED that "believeth" AND or + "baptism" will cause them to be SAVED because that is what God in Christ commanded and promised.
If you deny that then you call Jesus Christ a LIAR because you are not "of the truth" or because there is not truth in you because Satan has already purchased you to make you despise truth.
In the case of the Jailer, after the earthquake and the prisoners were freed:
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? Acts 16:30
> Whatever, the Jailer had in mind, being saved is the same word Jesus directly connected to baptism.
> Paul preached CHRIST'S GOSPEL.
> He would have been a liar if he had not preached baptism.
> We have no record of the "sermon" but the Jailer wanted to be baptized.
> He repented and was baptized to be "saved."
> Only after the baptism is he said to be BELIEVING.And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Acts 16:31
<>And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. Acts 16:32
And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. Acts 16:33And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. Acts 16:34
The jailer and those ISOLATED in the jail house who could HEAR the gospel and choose to be baptized were called believers. They are not called believers BEFORE they were baptized.
Abraham was justified by FAITH. Ask God why: "Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws. Ge 26:5
The promise of the Spirit of Christ made to Abraham shows how to have the faith of Abraham and become children. Again:
WHAT? FOR ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:26
HOW? FOR as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gal 3:27
People who believe that they can be saved just by believing must wonder how they can be saved OUTSIDE of Christ.
Grace through faith is the ground or foundation. No one believes that they can give birth to themselves or ressurrect their dead body. No one believes that they can cause a seed to germinate, yet we all know that the free gift of a tomato
And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. Ec.3:13
Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. Ec.5:19
NOT FAITH ONLY: Don't call God and Paul liars by excluding Baptism. Paul defines baptism before he shows that our FAITH accepts the GRACE of God.
AND you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Eph 2:1
Quickened is what Jesus meant about being BORN AGAIN. This has nothing to do with the HUMAN POWER but it demands being PLANTED alongside Jesus Christ to accept free grace.
Suzoopoieo (g4806) sood-zo-op-oy- eh'-o; from 4862 and 2227; to reanimate conjointly with (fig.): - quicken together with.
<>And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: Col. 2:10
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Col. 2:11There is no hint that one puts off the body of sins by just believing. Therefore, remission of sins occurs at the time and place of baptism:
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Col. 2:12
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Col.2:13
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world,
according to the prince of the power of the air,
the spirit (An unholy spirit) that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Eph 2:2Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Eph 2: 3
When people are beyond redemption God pours out His wrath.
Orge (g3709) or-gay'; from 3713; prop. desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by anal) violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorence); by impl. punishment: - anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Rom 1:16
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Rom 1:17
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Rom 1:18
Wrath is:
Oregomai (g3713) or-eg'-om-ahee' mid. of appar. a prol. form of an obsol. prim. [comp. 3735]; to stretch oneself, i.e. reach out after (long for): - covet after, desire.
Word with similar definition
barbit-oidos , on, singing to the barbiton, komoido-loicheo , play the parasite
Similar meaning
komoidoloicheo 1 [leicho] to play the parasite and buffoon,
Lur-oideo , play the lyre,
pithek-izo , play the ape, of flatterers, barbarous form epitêkizi or epitêkize<>hupopi thekizo , play the ape a little, hupo ti mikron
mikrosI. small, little, in point of Size, Hom., etc.; also in point of Quantity, Hes., Ar., etc.2. in Amount or Importance, little, petty, trivial, slight.. makes me of small account.Similar Definition
cithari-zo , a-re, v n., = kitharizo, to play on or strike the cithara,
Similar Definition
parasi-tor . a-ri, v. dep. [id.] , to play the parasite, to sponge: parasitarier.Psalm 22 and Psalm 41 prophesied that under the lead of Judas the clergy would attempt to MUSICALLY MOCK Jesus right to the Cross.
All they that see me laugh (h3932 = "speak in tongues") me to scorn: they (hurl insults) shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, Psalm 22:7
Leag (h3932) law-ag'; a prim. root; to deride; by impl. (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly: - have in derision, laugh (to scorn), mock (on), stammering.
Laeg (h3934) law-ayg'; from 3932; a buffoon; also a foreigner: - mocker, stammering.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Eph 2: 4Even when we were dead in sins, hath QUICKENED (regenerated) us together WITH Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) Ephesians 2:5
And hath RAISED us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places IN Christ Jesus: Ephesians 2:6
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The same Paul defined this as
baptism:
Buried with him in BAPTISM, wherein also ye are RISEN with him through the faith of the OPERATION of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Col.2:12
And in Romans 6 <>God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Rom 6:2Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Rom 6:3Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:
..........
that
like
as
Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, For if we have been planted together in the likeness (Form) of his death,
The Romans obeyed a FORM of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Righteousness means justification. We are justified when we believe because we affirm God's Truth. However, we are also justified when we OBEY a form of doctrine and AFTER we are made FREE OF SIN. Every time God told Abraham to do something, Abraham obeyed God's laws and decrees. As a result, God approved of Abraham because FAITH obeyed each time God commanded. |
Being baptised is always PASSIVE. WE cannot do works when we are passive. God works the OPERATION so give us a new spirit.
Don't skip this fact when you teach FAITH ONLY.
Baptism is the IDENTIFYING ACT REQUESTING God's grace.
Jesus Christ directly commanded baptism to Glorify His power to save as long as time shall last. Only baptism SHOWS that God's grace is powerful enough to keep His WORD from being "shot" to pieces with our vision. Baptism is Christ's work: don't repudiate Him. His message does not change to fit our "enlightened" minds.
Christ was MADE KNOWN where John was baptizing WITH WATER:
And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. John 1:31
Therefore, baptism as the ACT which would demonstrate Christ to the world THROUGH Christ Jesus:
That in the ages to come he might SHEW (indicate by an act) the exceeding riches of his grace, in his kindness toward us, through Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:7
If you are not baptizing and are minimizing baptism then Jesus claims that you are a treacherous, slippery fellow. This is the only visible ACT where we declare the GLORY OF GOD before witnesses. Those who are OF FAITH will respond to Grace bestowed at baptism:
Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world,
.......... that I should bear witness unto the truth.
.......... Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. John 18:37
A faithful assembly which glorifies God does not please itself as Christ did not please Himself (Romans 15).
Please means to excite the emotions. Paul said to glorify God with one MIND and one VOICE as we speak "that which is written." You cannot glorify God by baptizing with sand and you cannot glorify God by musical Rock and Roll. These prove that you REPUDIATE the words of God as the way to glorify God.
The assembly glorifies Christ through the Lord's Supper where we show forth His DEATH.
The assembly glorifies Christ by focusing on baptism as the only showing act of grace in His resurrection. If it does not it simply denies that salvation is by Grace through faith where faith obeys:
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the GIFT of God: Ephesians 2:8
Note the parallelism between not of yourselves and not of works.
Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:9
Paul says that faith comes by hearing the Word. The Word is a gift of God preached to produce faith. While the gift is GRACE and not FAITH, it is a fact that no one could believe without a message from God. Again, God is the Fuller who clothes us in Christ only at baptism:
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Eph 2:10
And Paul takes us back to the FULLER prophesied to wash us. Workmanship means the FABRIC which results when the fuller takes "homespun" and makes it into a fine garment:
Poiema (g4161) poy'-ay-mah; from 4160; a product, i.e. fabric (lit. or fig.): - thing that is made, workmanship.
See Rubel Shelly poking fun at how we see baptism. More data on the work of the Fuller to make us new clothing.
Besides washing dirty clothes, the Fuller takes homespun cloth which is barely useable. He washes it and tramps on it with his feet and otherwise makes a fine fabric. He then uses Fuller's soap or a white clay to make it very white. This also preserves the garment so that it does not wear out easilty. In baptism Jesus does more: He uses His clothing to make us suitable to be children.
When we are clothed with Christ we should understand that His garment was transformed into something new:
Metamorphoo (g3339) met-am-or-fo'- o; from 3326 and 3445; to transform (lit. or fig. "metamorphose"): - change, transfigure, transform.
And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them. Mark 9:3
That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; Eph 4:22
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; Eph 4:23
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. Ep.4:24Put on is:
Enduo (g1746) en-doo'-o; from 1722 and 1416 (in the sense of sinking into a garment); to invest with clothing (lit. or fig.): - array, clothe (with), endue, have (put) on.
for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Ga.3:27NIV
Ephesians 2:10 shows that we are baptized into Christ and clothed in him so that we may walk as He has ordained: a pattern. And Paul shows that our baptism into Christ where we put on Christ is the explicit act by which we make known the GLORY of God until He returns:
And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Ro.9:23
Let's repeat that: Baptism is God washing us by grace through faith. If you jerk away this grace-demonstrating emphasis on baptism, the spiritual members will run like they are being attacked by hell: and it is so. No preacher or elder has this authority.
The same Paul then repeats this same faith-baptism doctrine as Christ washing His bride.
That FORM of doctrine: Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; Ephesians 5:25
Obeying the pattern INSTEAD OF dying on the cross:
That he might sanctify (make mentally holy) and cleanse (wash off) it with the washing (loutran: baptism, washing of regeneration) of water (H20) by the word (an utterance), (Eph 5:26.).
Isaiah 11 says that the spirit which will rest on the BRANCH will be the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord abd quick understanding
Jesus said that: It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63
Paul said that: That he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, Eph 5:26RSV
Peter said: For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (1 Pet 1:23)
The SPIRIT was representative of a dove or rock pigeon; the messenger on the Ark with Noah. The Holy Spirit is the Mind of Christ (1 Co. 2). Therefore, to have A holy spirit means to be washed with the Word so that we become co-perceivers with Christ. Those who repudiate baptism have a REAL HARD TIME telling the truth in song and sermon.
Paul and Peter show that SCRIPTURE is inspired and confirmed by miracles: it is God's MARK to identify false teachers: there is NO TRUTH in them. (Isa 8:20)
<>And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing (pacifying) words. Col 2:4
be ye doers (performers) of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Ja.1:22
Beware lest any man spoil (rob) you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Col. 2:8
WHY? For IN him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. Col. 2:9
And ye are complete IN him, which is the head of all principality (Arche) and power: Col. 2:10
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Col. 2:11
Buried with him in BAPTISM, wherein also ye are RISEN with him through the faith of the OPERATION of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Col.2:12
Paul makes it clear that Baptism is faith in the operation of God. If we deny baptism then we do more than call God a liar: we deny that Spirit had the power resurrect dead flesh. Signs ceased to SEAL God's truth against thieves.
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he QUICKENED together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Col. 2:13
This means REGENERATED in Spirit where God washes or sprinkles our spirit.
But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Titus 3:4
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; Titus 3:5
Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; Titus 3:6
Washing is baptism:
Loutro (g3067) loo-tron'; from 3068; a bath, i.e. (fig.) baptism: - washing.
Regeneration is the new birth:
Paliggenesia (g3824) pal-ing-ghen-es-ee'-ah; from 3825 and 1078; (spiritual) rebirth (the state or the act), i.e. (fig.) spiritual renovation; spec. Messianic restoration: - regeneration.
Renewing our Spirit gives us A holy spirit.
Anakainosis (g342) an-ak-ah'ee-no-sis; from 341; renovation: - renewing.
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:7
The result is that through baptism we are justified by grace.
And we are made heirs, children or added to the church.
PAUL connected a CLEAR CONSCIENCE or A DEEP-THINKING MIND to baptism.
This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their hearts (broken), and in their minds (deep thoughts) will I write them; Heb 10:16
And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 10:17
Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Hebrews 10:18
There was ONE death and ONE baptism: if you repudiate that change you prove yourself unfit for Gods SPIRIT dimension.
No singer or musician could enter into the Holy Place (type of the church) of the temple even to clean out garbage--on penalty of death. However, the Ekklesia (synagogue) was for the common people who meet with God in the new PLACE of the human spirit or mind (John 4). As school, the synagogue "had no praise service." Neither did the church.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, Hebrews 10:19
By a new and living WAY (Mk 1:2), which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; Hebrews 10:20
And having an high priest over the house of God; Hebrews 10:21
.......... Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,
.......... having our HEARTS sprinkled from an evil conscience,
.......... and our BODIES washed with pure water (H20). Hebrews 10:22Baptism saves because only in baptism do we profess our faith for the first time.
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) Heb 10:23
To the general assembly and church (ekklesia, synagogue) of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, Heb.12:23
PETER connects A CLEAR CONSCIENCE to BAPTISM where we REQUEST IT. We obey a pattern of the ark:
The like figure (instead of) whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Peter 3:21
The old word "answer" means to ask for, seek, to request, beseech, pray." A clear conscience means co-perception, to see completely, be clandestinely informed of. As Paul said, we are partakers (co-participant) of the Holy Spirit (Heb 6:4) which is the Mind or Christ (1 Cor 2) in His Words which are Spirit and Life (John 6:63)
<>"To Zwingli, the child was born with an "inherited frailty" which inevitably would give rise to a sin nature in each person.
"To Zwingli, baptism was more a pledge of what we ought to do rather than a testimony to what God has already done for us."
Although Zwingli was apparently weak in developing a theology of baptism, especially in relation to its sacramental effectiveness, certainly he helped to lay the groundwork that would be built upon by later Reformed theologians. Quoted from. Rev. Christopher C. Arch, M.A
Jesus commanded the Apostles to baptize in the name or authority of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That name is Jesus, Joshua or Jehovah- Saved.
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12
Peter understood that at Pentecost and demanded that believers repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:38
Philp preached about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 8:12).
The small band of disciples at Ephesus had received John's baptism but not the post Pentecost baptism along with the gift of A holy spirit. Therefore, they were not equipped to be effective in preaching the gospel. Therefore, after they were baptized by Paul, he laid his hands on them which gave them the ability to PROPHESY or preach by inspiration to those of the various TONGUES or minor dialects.
AND it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus; and finding certain disciples, Acts 19:1
He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Acts 19:2
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto Johns baptism. Acts 19:3
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. Acts 19:4
Those FAR AWAY who were baptized into John's baptism were told to be baptized again. The speaking in tongues was to VALIDATE Paul as an apostle of Christ.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 19:5
The SIGNS WHICH FOLLOWED were to prove that Paul was an inspired apostle from Jesus Christ.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Acts 19:6
Tongues does not mean gibberish. There were 5 languages and 70 known dialects which were called "tongues." By receiving a special empowerment by the Holy Spirit the RESULT was that they were able to FORTH TELL the gospel message and were enabled to go out and spread the word. A holy spirit means that we have a clear conscience or according to Peter a co-perception of the Word.
And all the men were about twelve. Acts 19:7
And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. Acts 19:8
But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. Acts 19:9
The purpose of an assembly in a public facility intended that the gospel be sent out into the whole province. Those who were empowered by the hands of Paul would have been instrumental. We have no future bestowing of the power to PROPHESY or preach the gospel in this area. Like Pentecost, there were twelve men empowered.
And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. Acts 19:10
And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: Acts 19:11
Baptism must continue until Jesus returns as the way to glorify His power to save us from this present world by baptism which is an act of God's Grace. That power is shown forth in an act to affirm His resurrection. We continue the Lord's Supper to preach the DEATH of Christ.
That is the meaning of the Gospel which must be preached as a witness before Jesus returns looking for those with the SEAL of Baptism.
I am not your judge but Jesus says that you SHALL NOT, CANNOT enter into the kingdom of heaven and of God without baptism.
If you listen to any theology which says that Jesus said something different then as a blind person you will follow the blind and receive no mercy.
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