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J
I came to receive Jesus Christ through faith several years ago on a late Saturday night. About a month prior to that, my mother in law had passed away and I was thinking very seriously about the afterlife. Soon after she had passed away, I remember asking Jesus Christ that whatever it takes to get me to heaven, just put the answer right in front of my face so that I will know with absolute assurance here is the answer and now it's up to me to accept the truth.
I had no assurance of salvation prior to my conversion because I was trusting in works for salvation and not in Christ alone. Also, just prior to my conversion, I had read through a gospel tract that really caught my attention which led me to thoroughly search through the Scriptures. I knew the Lord was drawing me. Finally, after reading through the book of Romans and eventually the book of Ephesians, I came to Ephesians 2:8,9 and that's when the light came on! I had then placed my faith (belief, trust, reliance) in Christ alone for salvation and knew without a doubt that I had become born again! Praise the Lord!
I remember over the years how several people had tried to explain the gospel to me, but at that time the truth just went right over my head, but right after my conversion, I could look back and say, "that's what he meant, that's what she meant, that's what they meant!"
On Sunday morning, I was water baptized at a Baptist church where some friends of ours attended and I gave about a 5-10 minute testimony just before I was baptized on how I had finally come to receive Christ through faith, but in the past had been trusting in works for salvation and had previously attended churches that falsely taught salvation by works.
*1 John 5:11 - And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
I had no assurance of salvation prior to my conversion because I was trusting in works for salvation and not in Christ alone. Also, just prior to my conversion, I had read through a gospel tract that really caught my attention which led me to thoroughly search through the Scriptures. I knew the Lord was drawing me. Finally, after reading through the book of Romans and eventually the book of Ephesians, I came to Ephesians 2:8,9 and that's when the light came on! I had then placed my faith (belief, trust, reliance) in Christ alone for salvation and knew without a doubt that I had become born again! Praise the Lord!
I remember over the years how several people had tried to explain the gospel to me, but at that time the truth just went right over my head, but right after my conversion, I could look back and say, "that's what he meant, that's what she meant, that's what they meant!"
On Sunday morning, I was water baptized at a Baptist church where some friends of ours attended and I gave about a 5-10 minute testimony just before I was baptized on how I had finally come to receive Christ through faith, but in the past had been trusting in works for salvation and had previously attended churches that falsely taught salvation by works.
*1 John 5:11 - And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
Amen.....the difference is seen in David vs. Hitler......David murdered Uriah, suffered night after night of conviction, was confronted, should have died, acknowledged his sin, his son paid the price (pic of Jesus) and he suffered physical consequences his whole life as evidenced by the Psalms and word.....
Hitler on the other hand...a murderer, no remorse, no conviction, no change, etc.....
The difference between a child of God who sins and a lost man who sins is seen above.........
Hitler on the other hand...a murderer, no remorse, no conviction, no change, etc.....
The difference between a child of God who sins and a lost man who sins is seen above.........
Words matter and so I believe you meant "obtaining salvation" rather than "abstaining salvation".
I would stick to the KJV for the actual meaning of His words.
1 Peter 3:[SUP]21 [/SUP]The like figure 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: KJV
The answer of a good conscience towards God is to believe in Him to be saved and then you receive the baptism with the Holy Ghost. That is the whole point of deferring from water baptism because that is not the kind of baptism that saves as a result of believing in Jesus Christ which is the answer of a good conscience from God.
That is the one oversight that most water baptizer overlook and that is the baptism with the Holy Ghost from the Father by way of the Son in Jesus's name.
I understand how believers use water baptism as a means to symbolize obeying the gospel, but obeying the gospel is by believing in the preaching of the cross.
1 Corinthians 1:[SUP]14 [/SUP]I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;[SUP] 15 [/SUP]Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.[SUP] 16 [/SUP]And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.[SUP] 17 [/SUP]For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.[SUP]18 [/SUP]For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.....[SUP]21 [/SUP]For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
Here is how water in like figure symbolizes the baptism with the Holy Ghost :
John 7:[SUP]38 [/SUP]He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.[SUP] 39 [/SUP](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.)
Titus 3:[SUP]4 [/SUP]But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,[SUP] 5 [/SUP]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;[SUP] 6 [/SUP]Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;[SUP] 7 [/SUP]That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Anyway, Bible versions do matter just as words do matter. That Bible version you had used of 1 Peter 3:15 cannot be true if Paul was thanking God that he baptized only a few people so that every one would believe him when he said that it is by believing in the preaching of the cross is how any one is saved.
To be baptized by water is an ordinance for saved believers to follow; but it is not a means nor an obedience to the gospel in how we are saved when it is by believing in Him is how one receives the promise of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
1 Corinthians 12:[SUP]13 [/SUP]For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Galatians 3:[SUP]14 [/SUP]That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.....[SUP]26 [/SUP]For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.[SUP] 27 [/SUP]For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.[SUP] 28 [/SUP]There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.[SUP] 29 [/SUP]And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
So it is in like figure to water that the baptism with the Holy Ghost by way of Jesus Christ at the calling of the gospel is compared to in how we are saved by which is by believing in the preaching of the cross which is the actual answer of a good conscience towards God; not the answer of doing water baptism.
I would stick to the KJV for the actual meaning of His words.
1 Peter 3:[SUP]21 [/SUP]The like figure 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: KJV
The answer of a good conscience towards God is to believe in Him to be saved and then you receive the baptism with the Holy Ghost. That is the whole point of deferring from water baptism because that is not the kind of baptism that saves as a result of believing in Jesus Christ which is the answer of a good conscience from God.
That is the one oversight that most water baptizer overlook and that is the baptism with the Holy Ghost from the Father by way of the Son in Jesus's name.
I understand how believers use water baptism as a means to symbolize obeying the gospel, but obeying the gospel is by believing in the preaching of the cross.
1 Corinthians 1:[SUP]14 [/SUP]I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;[SUP] 15 [/SUP]Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.[SUP] 16 [/SUP]And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.[SUP] 17 [/SUP]For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.[SUP]18 [/SUP]For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.....[SUP]21 [/SUP]For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
Here is how water in like figure symbolizes the baptism with the Holy Ghost :
John 7:[SUP]38 [/SUP]He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.[SUP] 39 [/SUP](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.)
Titus 3:[SUP]4 [/SUP]But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,[SUP] 5 [/SUP]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;[SUP] 6 [/SUP]Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;[SUP] 7 [/SUP]That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Anyway, Bible versions do matter just as words do matter. That Bible version you had used of 1 Peter 3:15 cannot be true if Paul was thanking God that he baptized only a few people so that every one would believe him when he said that it is by believing in the preaching of the cross is how any one is saved.
To be baptized by water is an ordinance for saved believers to follow; but it is not a means nor an obedience to the gospel in how we are saved when it is by believing in Him is how one receives the promise of the Holy Spirit.
Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
1 Corinthians 12:[SUP]13 [/SUP]For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Galatians 3:[SUP]14 [/SUP]That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.....[SUP]26 [/SUP]For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.[SUP] 27 [/SUP]For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.[SUP] 28 [/SUP]There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.[SUP] 29 [/SUP]And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
So it is in like figure to water that the baptism with the Holy Ghost by way of Jesus Christ at the calling of the gospel is compared to in how we are saved by which is by believing in the preaching of the cross which is the actual answer of a good conscience towards God; not the answer of doing water baptism.
J
well any of the listed in revelation can be saved through Jesus,the underlying problem with people is that they "think" they can do what they want after being saved,this is not true,noone who is "Truly" saved is allowed to kill or allowed to perform anything opposite of God's will,such as for example if a person becomes saved they would have no will to do abominable things like lie down with the same gender,or think themselves better than God,Salvation is not a free pass to do what one wants,it is protection from the old law as well as a promise of eternal life,and a way to be closer with God and learn his word more abundantly through the holy spirit,if people actually would "Read" and "desire understanding" of God's word then they would not presume to think they can mock God blatantly,for of a truth God has mercy upon all who are saved,but those who treat it as an "excuse" to do as foolishly as they please are completely blinding their selves for where is it written that God encourages "iniquity"(Sin)?
nowhere but alas though God gives unto his sheep there are some of his flock that inevitably seek to live in "misunderstanding" instead of seeking God for "Understanding".
nowhere but alas though God gives unto his sheep there are some of his flock that inevitably seek to live in "misunderstanding" instead of seeking God for "Understanding".
I have noticed that in this thread and others those who trust Jesus for their salvation seem to love sharing what they've found in their walk with God. On the other hand those who believe that we must do this or that to get or keep salvation always seem to if not attack then at least post negative things about the other group. I know they will say "we must stop the spread of false teaching" but really, is that the reason? Those of us who have a relationship with Jesus and know Him are secure because of Him. Those trying to earn or keep their salvation may indeed be saved but they are missing that personal relationship with God.
I believe both groups are indeed saved if they have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior but sadly the second group is missing out on so much. Knowing Jesus is NOT just about escaping hell (though if it were that would still be amazing) rather it is about coming to know Him and living with His peace, joy and love. I thank God that I was able to turn from toxic faith (trying to achieve self worth by meeting religious standards) to genuine faith (relying on God for my worth) so that I can finally start doing the 2 things Jesus actually told us to do. Without fulfilling our need to be loved we can love neither God nor anyone else and these are the two commandments He left for us.
I honestly pray each day that those here and elsewhere that rely on what they do in a futile attempt to get or keep saved will be freed from that religious bondage and come into a personal, one on one relationship with Jesus. It is what He wants and it offers so, so much here in this life. Shalom.
I believe both groups are indeed saved if they have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior but sadly the second group is missing out on so much. Knowing Jesus is NOT just about escaping hell (though if it were that would still be amazing) rather it is about coming to know Him and living with His peace, joy and love. I thank God that I was able to turn from toxic faith (trying to achieve self worth by meeting religious standards) to genuine faith (relying on God for my worth) so that I can finally start doing the 2 things Jesus actually told us to do. Without fulfilling our need to be loved we can love neither God nor anyone else and these are the two commandments He left for us.
I honestly pray each day that those here and elsewhere that rely on what they do in a futile attempt to get or keep saved will be freed from that religious bondage and come into a personal, one on one relationship with Jesus. It is what He wants and it offers so, so much here in this life. Shalom.
Hi Joe...I love about about the lady at the well...Jesus spoke of the living waters to her, He said if you knew me you would give me a drink, she was like " How can i give you a drink, you have no bucket ", that`s when He said if you drink from Me you will never thirst...He then told her about herself after she admitted she had no husband but had had many men, when she realized after telling Him that she was waiting for her Savior, He was the Savior, then she ran and told all those in her town " this is the Savior, for He told me all things ", and many followed Him and believed...Just as we must do, trust,lean and rely on Him...xox...
...Jesus spoke of the living waters to her, He said if you knew me you would give me a drink, she was like " How can i give you a drink, you have no bucket ", that`s when He said if you drink from Me you will never thirst...He then told her about herself after she admitted she had no husband but had had many men, when she realized after telling Him that she was waiting for her Savior, He was the Savior, then she ran and told all those in her town " this is the Savior, for He told me all things ", and many followed Him and believed...Just as we must do, trust,lean and rely on Him...xox...
...xox...