Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,"

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eternally-gratefull

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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

to phil 112:
Of course, no one is arguing that Jesus was a sinner!!
Jesus was baptized to "fulfill all righteousness," He was being consecrated to God as a priest to God. The consecration process required that the appointee be washed with water (Ex. 29: 4), then clothed with the priestly garments, then anointed with the oil of gladness which represented anointing with the Holy Spirit. Jesus was not baptized for forgiveness, he was baptized to fulfill the requirements of the consecration process. Jesus was not clothed with priestly garments which represented righteousness as He had His own righteousness, which was more than sufficient. Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power. (Acts 10: 38)
All Christians are priests to God and similarly consecrated as priests. Our bodies are washed with pure water (Heb 10: 22) as our hearts are sprinkled clean with the blood of Christ; we are clothed with Christ and His righteousness (Gal. 3: 26, 27); we are anointed with the Holy Spirit (1 John 2: 20, 27) Therefore it behooves each of us to be baptized in water, as Jesus was.
God bless

No, It behooves us to be washed with pure water (the HS) as CHrist said. not impure water, which will never wash anyone.
 

Ahwatukee

Senior Member
Mar 12, 2015
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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

to phil 112:
Of course, no one is arguing that Jesus was a sinner!!
Jesus was baptized to "fulfill all righteousness," He was being consecrated to God as a priest to God. The consecration process required that the appointee be washed with water (Ex. 29: 4), then clothed with the priestly garments, then anointed with the oil of gladness which represented anointing with the Holy Spirit. Jesus was not baptized for forgiveness, he was baptized to fulfill the requirements of the consecration process. Jesus was not clothed with priestly garments which represented righteousness as He had His own righteousness, which was more than sufficient. Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power. (Acts 10: 38)
All Christians are priests to God and similarly consecrated as priests. Our bodies are washed with pure water (Heb 10: 22) as our hearts are sprinkled clean with the blood of Christ; we are clothed with Christ and His righteousness (Gal. 3: 26, 27); we are anointed with the Holy Spirit (1 John 2: 20, 27) Therefore it behooves each of us to be baptized in water, as Jesus was.
God bless
You are correct in that it does behoove us to be baptized, but it does not save us. It is a sign after salvation that we have been crucified with Christ and resurrected, the death of the old man and the rising of the new. Here is another proof that baptism is not a requirement for salvation: When Paul was arguing against the divisions that plagued the Corinthian church he said to them:

"For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power."

Now if baptism was an absolute requirement for salvation, then how could Paul make the above statement, since it would have been imperative to preach both the gospel and to baptize in order to complete the process of salvation. To be clear, if Paul was only preaching the gospel, then according to those who say baptism is a requirement to be saved, then Paul would only have been performing half of the requirement for salvation and therefore, leaving those he preached only the gospel to as being unsaved. Baptism is an outward demonstration of faith to the community as one being identified with Christ in his burial and resurrection.
 
Feb 21, 2012
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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

Well, that explains a lot. I am sure this will make little or no impression on you but at least you will never be able to say this has never been explained to you before. The promise of the Holy Spirit was spoken of in three different terms by the Old Testament prophets. He spoke of the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. This will define availability, Isaiah 32:15, 44:3 and Joel 2:28. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit would establish unification, Ezekiel 36:27 and 37:14, 26-27. The empowering of the Holy Spirit would determine his functionality within the body, Joel 2:28-29. Both John and Jesus reaffirm the promise of the Holy Spirit, Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:28 and John 1:32-33.

There would be a baptism of the Holy Spirit of whom Jesus would be the sole administrator. The true sons of Abraham would be the recipients. Jesus promised that as a result, this baptism of the Holy Spirit would be accompanied by an indwelling of the Holy Spirit, John 14:17-18. His disciples would be baptized with the Holy Spirit, Acts 1:4-5. In their case, they would also be empowered with the Holy Spirit, verse eight, to enable them to fulfill their appointed functions. There are some key phrases used in connection with the Holy Spirit that we need to understand. The phrase “came upon” is always associated with one being empowered by the Holy Spirit. We never see this expression used in connection with the baptism of the Holy Spirit or with the indwelling, only with the empowering. One purpose of the empowering was to establish the credibility of the apostles and others as messengers of God.

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit was a single, one time, for all time, for all men event and would never be repeated. The "pouring out upon ALL flesh" was God's making available of the Holy Spirit to all humanity. At a single point in time God granting access to the Holy Spirit to all men of all time.

The Empowering of the Holy Spirit was a visible manifestation of the presence of the Holy Spirit. This was symbolized by tongues of fire and was demonstrated by men speaking in tongues. Notice how the pattern of this empowerment follows the outline of the Great Commission.

1. To the Jews, 1:8
2. To the seven deacons at Jerusalem, 6:5-8
3. To the Samaritans – Jewish descendants of mixed blood, 8:14-19
4. To the Gentiles, 10:44-48 and 19:1-6

The Indwelling was an act of God. It was a gift, Acts 2:38. There was no way to obtain this under one’s own power. It is a fusion of the eternal and the natural, 1Corinthians 3:16, 6:19, Ephesians 2:22 and 4:5. This completely collapses the distances between the two worlds. God and man, the natural and the eternal have become one. Christ is in God, man is in Christ, and the Holy Spirit is within man. Man has been absorbed into deity.

The world stands outside of this relationship, John 14:17. Divided allegiance is impossible. Man must choose one or the other. The Holy Spirit is a seal of ownership, 2Corinthians 1:22, Revelation 7:3-4 and 9:4. He is the one who confirms ownership. He is a seal of sonship, Romans 8:9-16 and Galatians 4:6. He confirms our restored relationship with deity. He is a seal of promise, Ephesians 1:14-15. He confirms our destiny. This is how the Holy Spirit functions to finalize the work of God. What began in the mind of the First position was then actuated by the power of the Second Position and completed by the power of the Third Position. This is deity functioning in perfect harmonic cooperation. I have got a lot of work to catch up on so I will probably not be ale to respond until later this afternoon, .
Yes . . . According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:4 We live in this world but we are not to be conformed to this world . . . And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God. Rom. 12:2 We change our thinking to line up with the word of God - who we are in Christ, who we are as sons of God . . .
 
Feb 9, 2010
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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

[SUP]20 [/SUP]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.
[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(1 Peter 3:20-21).

This is talking about water,because it says baptism does save us,but not because it washes away the filth of the flesh,but a good conscience towards God.


[SUP]3 [/SUP]Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
[SUP]4 [/SUP]Therefore 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, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
[SUP]6 [/SUP]Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
[SUP]7 [/SUP]For he that is dead is freed from sin(Romans 6:3-7).

The Bible says when we are baptized in water,we are planted in the likeness of His death,and then we shall rise in the likeness of His resurrection.

In other words we have to identify with the man Christ Jesus,for He went through 3 steps,crucified,and died,buried,and rose again,and we must do the same by repenting of our sins,water baptism,and receiving the Holy Spirit.

[SUP]16 [/SUP]He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned(Mark 16:16).

[SUP]15 [/SUP]Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

[SUP]16 [/SUP](For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
[SUP]17 [/SUP]Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost(Acts 8:15-17).

They were water baptized,then they received the Spirit.


[SUP]35 [/SUP]Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
[SUP]36 [/SUP]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?
[SUP]37 [/SUP]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.
[SUP]38 [/SUP]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.
[SUP]39 [/SUP]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(Acts 8:35-39).


[SUP]3 [/SUP]And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
[SUP]4 [/SUP]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.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied(Acts 19:3-6).

The people that were baptized by John,had to be baptized again in the name of the Lord Jesus,and then they received the Holy Spirit.

Notice also that they were always baptized in the name of Jesus,and that is because Jesus is the name of the Father,Son,and Holy Ghost,which Luke says straight out that baptism is to be preached in Jesus' name.

Some people do not want to admit we have to be water baptized,because then it will go against we do not do works to be saved,but then repenting of our sins is a work,and allowing the Spirit to lead us is something we have to on our part.Baptism is part of the initial plan to be saved,like repenting of sins,and receiving the Spirit,after that works will do us no good,except works of love.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

[SUP]20 [/SUP]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.
[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(1 Peter 3:20-21).

This is talking about water,because it says baptism does save us,but not because it washes away the filth of the flesh,but a good conscience towards God.

um, It does not remove sin (remove filth of the flesh) so it is useless.

Yes it is a good conscious to God. do it, But it will never save you.


[SUP]3 [/SUP]Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
[SUP]4 [/SUP]Therefore 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, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
[SUP]6 [/SUP]Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
[SUP]7 [/SUP]For he that is dead is freed from sin(Romans 6:3-7).

The Bible says when we are baptized in water,we are planted in the likeness of His death,and then we shall rise in the likeness of His resurrection.

In other words we have to identify with the man Christ Jesus,for He went through 3 steps,crucified,and died,buried,and rose again,and we must do the same by repenting of our sins,water baptism,and receiving the Holy Spirit.
Um, This is baptism into CHRIST and his DEATH, not water (no water mentioned) this can only be done by the HS, not by man, ''Not to mention, If this is water baptism, you better still be under water, because it it says, we have yet to be baptized into his resurrection yet (that is a future baptism we are still waiting on)

[SUP]
16 [/SUP]He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned(Mark 16:16).

[SUP]15 [/SUP]Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

[SUP]16 [/SUP](For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
[SUP]17 [/SUP]Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost(Acts 8:15-17).

They were water baptized,then they received the Spirit.


[SUP]35 [/SUP]Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
[SUP]36 [/SUP]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?
[SUP]37 [/SUP]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.
[SUP]38 [/SUP]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.
[SUP]39 [/SUP]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(Acts 8:35-39).


[SUP]3 [/SUP]And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
[SUP]4 [/SUP]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.
[SUP]5 [/SUP]When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
[SUP]6 [/SUP]And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied(Acts 19:3-6).

The people that were baptized by John,had to be baptized again in the name of the Lord Jesus,and then they received the Holy Spirit.

Notice also that they were always baptized in the name of Jesus,and that is because Jesus is the name of the Father,Son,and Holy Ghost,which Luke says straight out that baptism is to be preached in Jesus' name.

Some people do not want to admit we have to be water baptized,because then it will go against we do not do works to be saved,but then repenting of our sins is a work,and allowing the Spirit to lead us is something we have to on our part.Baptism is part of the initial plan to be saved,like repenting of sins,and receiving the Spirit,after that works will do us no good,except works of love.
so we replace Holy Spirit baptism (washed by the hand of god) with the baptism of men (washed by the hand of men).

Ok. You do that, The jews made a mistake trying to make physical circumcsion by the hand of men a prerequisite for their salvation, and demanded we all do it. The church has done the same with baptism, take the physical baptism by the hand of men and make it a pre-requisite.

news flash, we are washed by the hands of God, not men, Out circumcision/baptism is completed by God, not men.
 
Feb 26, 2015
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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

John the Baptist said first to Repent of our sins then we are to be Baptized.

First we have to accept Salvation from God and then we receive Baptism.

Its interesting how the Cults teach that we are to be Baptized first.
 

plaintalk

Senior Member
Jul 20, 2015
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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

to Awahtukee:
There was much confusion and a partisan spirit over baptism in the church at Corinth. Some were claiming to be baptized by certain individuals and were creating problems. Paul was not disavowing baptism, IMO that is your agenda coming out. It does not matter who does the baptizing, any Christian can baptize another, but not everyone can preach the gospel effectively. Paul was trying to reduce the conflict.
Jesus said he who has believed the gospel and has been baptized shall be saved. The apostle Peter wrote--baptism now saves you. The apostle Paul wrote that the one baptism is one of the seven pillars of the unity of the Spirit. For my part, I think I will stay with them. God bless.
 

plaintalk

Senior Member
Jul 20, 2015
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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

to eternally-grateful:
The Scriptures do speak of being baptized to wash away sin (Acts 22: 16), being cleansed by the washing of water with the word (Eph. 5: 26), washing our bodies with pure water (Heb. 10: 22) and being washed with the blood of Christ (Rev. 7: 14) but i am unfamiliar with the being washed with pure water(the Holy Spirit) God bless.
 

plaintalk

Senior Member
Jul 20, 2015
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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

to Ahwatukee:
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God. You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone. (James 2: 21- 24) God bless.
 

plaintalk

Senior Member
Jul 20, 2015
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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

to Ahwatukee:
No my friend, we appropriate the grace of God through faith which works by love. (Eph. 2: 8, 9; Gal. 5: 6)
 

MarcR

Senior Member
Feb 12, 2015
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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins," is there any reason to believe that any other cases of water baptism were practiced for any other reason

For Example

Act 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Act 8:38 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.
Act 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Act 16:15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
Act 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
Act 18:8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
Act 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Act 9:17-18 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

????? [If so, where are the scriptures that indicate it?]


Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins," It is my understanding that this is NOT the case! This has been thoroughly discussed on several other threads and I see no reason to duplicate that discussion here!
 

plaintalk

Senior Member
Jul 20, 2015
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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

to Ahwatukee:
Please understand that Cornelius, the Gentile, was an exceptional case that took exceptional effort on the part of God to convince the Jewish Christians including the apostle Peter. Cornelius and his household were saved when they were born of both water and the Spirit. Jesus answered, TRULY, TRULY, I SAY TO YOU UNLESS ONE IS BORN OF WATER AND SPIRIT, HE CANNOT ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD. (John 3: 5)
While Jesus was on earth, He had the power to forgive. After He died His covenant became effective. God bless.
 

plaintalk

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Jul 20, 2015
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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

to eternally- grateful:
By faith we are baptized into Christ in whom is all spiritual blessings. (Rom. 6: 3; Eph. 1: 3) "But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption." (1 Cor. 1: 30) When we by faith obey God, in love, it becomes His doing, His work, not our own. There is a marked difference between a "work of faith" and a "work of righteousness." God bless.
 

plaintalk

Senior Member
Jul 20, 2015
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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

to eternally- grateful:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." (Mt. 28: 19) NASB They made disciples by baptizing all the nations !
"He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved." (Mk. 16: 16) NASB This was given by our Lord at the same time Matthew 28: 19 was given, same baptism!
"Repent (all of you), and let each of you be baptized in the name of Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2: 38) NASB Peter was emphasizing the necessity of baptism for each person. God bless.
 

mailmandan

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Apr 7, 2014
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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

There is a marked difference between a "work of faith" and a "work of righteousness."
So a work done out of faith "work of faith" is not a "work of righteousness" but a work of UN-righteousness? Why don't you show us from Scripture plain talk where it says we have been saved by grace through "works of faith." *Chapter and verse please.* Paul clearly said SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH, NOT WORKS (Ephesians 2:8-9); NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE BUT ACCORDING TO HIS MERCY HE SAVED US.. (Titus 3:5); HE SAVED US AND CALLED US WITH A HOLY CALLING, NOT ACCORDING TO OUR WORKS.. (2 Timothy 1:9). Why do you continue to insist on trying to "shoe horn" works "into" salvation through faith? Is Christ's finished work of redemption not sufficient enough for you? So how many works/works of faith/works of obedience etc.. must you accomplish and add as a supplement to Christ's finished work of redemption in order to help Him save you?
 
Dec 9, 2011
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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

So a work done out of faith "work of faith" is not a "work of righteousness" but a work of UN-righteousness? Why don't you show us from Scripture plain talk where it says we have been saved by grace through "works of faith." *Chapter and verse please.* Paul clearly said SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH, NOT WORKS (Ephesians 2:8-9); NOT BY WORKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH WE HAVE DONE BUT ACCORDING TO HIS MERCY HE SAVED US.. (Titus 3:5); HE SAVED US AND CALLED US WITH A HOLY CALLING, NOT ACCORDING TO OUR WORKS.. (2 Timothy 1:9). Why do you continue to insist on trying to "shoe horn" works "into" salvation through faith? Is Christ's finished work of redemption not sufficient enough for you? So how many works/works of faith/works of obedience etc.. must you accomplish and add as a supplement to Christ's finished work of redemption in order to help Him save you?
You have harmonized the scriptures he gave with the ones you gave and it made sense but when he attempts to harmonizing the scriptures you gave with the scriptures he gives they Don't make any sense.

I Wonder if he understands but doesn't accept what you are saying nevertheless Hopefully someone is being helped.
 
S

shotgunner

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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

Acts 8

An Ethiopian Receives Christ

25So, when they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.


26But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, “Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a desert road.)27So he got up and went; and there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he had come to Jerusalem to worship,28and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.29Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.”30Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”31And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
32Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this:

“HE WAS LED AS A SHEEP TO SLAUGHTER;
AND AS A LAMB BEFORE ITS SHEARER IS SILENT,
SO HE DOES NOT OPEN HIS MOUTH.
33“IN HUMILIATION HIS JUDGMENT WAS TAKEN AWAY;
WHO WILL RELATE HIS GENERATION?
FOR HIS LIFE IS REMOVED FROM THE EARTH.”
34The eunuch answered Philip and said, “Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?”35Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him.36As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”37[And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”]38And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him.39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing.40But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.

If we take the time to analyze verse 35 & 40, it is a clear indication that Philip first preach the Gospel to the eunuch, before he and the eunuch came along the road were water was presented so he -eunuch- could be baptized in Jesus name. who taugh the eunuch upon the baptism. Why would Philip state in verse 37 if you belive with all your heart you may , if it just means nothing but getting wet hmm...

Shalom
Because Phillip would not baptize the man until he had been saved. That's why Phillip emphasized that he could not be baptized until he believed with all his heart.
 

plaintalk

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Jul 20, 2015
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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. (Mt. 7: 21)
He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved. (Mk. 16: 16)
I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. (Lk. 13: 3
He who believes in the Son has eternal life, but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. (John 3: 36)
And it shall be, that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Acts 2: 21)
Repent and let each one of you be baptized in the name of Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2: 38)
Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those that were being saved. (Acts 2: 47)
And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name. (Acts 22: 16)
Through whom we have received grace and and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among the Gentiles, for His name's sake. (Rom. 5: 1)
Who will render to every man according to his deeds: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. (Romans 2: 6-8)
Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? (Ron. 6: 3)
For he who has died is freed from sin. (Rom. 6: 7)
But thanks be to God that you though you were the slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. (Rom. 6: 17, 18)
That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. (Rom. 10: 9)
And such were some of you but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of out God. (1 Cor. 6: 11)
And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. (1 Cor. 13: 2)
But now abides faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Cor. 13: 13)
For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. (2 Cor. 7: 10)
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ. (Gal. 3: 26, 27)
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through Love. (Gal. 5: 6)
That He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing with water with the word. (Eph. 5: 26)
So then my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philp. 2: 12, 13)
Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were raised up with Him through faith in the working of God , who raised Him from the dead. (Col. 2: 12)
Constantly bearing in mind your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of our God and Father. (1 Thess. 1: 3)
Dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. (2 Thess. 1: 8)
For the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1 Tim. 1: 5)
Who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity. (2 Tim. 1: 9) And He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to his mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3: 5) And having been made perfect, He became to all that obey Him the source of eternal salvation. (Heb. 5: 9)
Let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (Heb. 10: 22)
By faith Abraham, when he was called obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance.--- (Heb. 11: 9)
He will receive the crown of life , which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (James 2: 12)
Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. (James 2: 17)
But are you willing to recognize that faith without works is useless. (James 2: 20)
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of works, faith was perfected. (James 2: 21, 22)
And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS," and he was called the friend of God. (James 2: 23)
You see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone. (James 2: 24)
According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure. (1 Pet. 1: 2)
Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart. (1 Pet. 1: 22)
An corresponding to that, baptism now saves you---not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience---through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (1 Pet. 3: 21)
And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep his commandments. The one who says , "I have come to know Him," and does not keep his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1 John 2: 3, 4)

Yes faith is the indispensable connection to the grace of God, but faith, without love and works of faith, is meaningless, dead and useless. Faith works through repentance, baptism, calling on the name of the Lord, confession and the obedience of faith, in love, to perfect itself. We are saved by a "perfected" faith, an obedient loving faith. Works of faith are not MY WORKS, they are works of God since faith is a work of God. Works of faith are not performed to be righteous thereby, they are performed to perfect our faith. We must constantly guard our minds from that concept, which is the basis of law and law is not of faith. Even so, faith is not the greatest quality, that distinction is claimed by love. God bless.
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. (Mt. 7: 21)
The will of the Father is not salvation by works. John 6:40 - For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him (not looks to your works and believes in them - Matthew 7:22) shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.

He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved. (Mk. 16: 16)
He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved (general cases without making a qualification for the unusual case of someone who believes but is not baptized) but he who does not believe will be condemned. The omission of baptized with "does not believe" shows that Jesus does not make baptism absolutely essential to salvation. Condemnation rests on unbelief, not on a lack of baptism. So salvation rests on belief. NOWHERE does the Bible say "baptized or condemned." If water baptism is absolutely required for salvation, then why did Jesus not mention it in the following verses? (3:15,16,18; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26). What is the ONE requirement that Jesus mentions 9 different times in each of these complete statements? BELIEVES. *What happened to baptism? *Hermeneutics. John 3:18 - He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who (is not water baptized? - NO) does not believe is condemned already, because he has not (been water baptized? - NO) believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. (Lk. 13: 3)
Unless we repent "change our mind" we won't believe the gospel and become saved. Those who believe the gospel have already repented in the process of changing their mind and choosing to believe the gospel. "I believe the gospel but never repented" is an OXYMORON.

He who believes in the Son has eternal life, but he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him. (John 3: 36)
I see you prefer this translation because of the word "obey" instead of believe, which you confuse with works salvation. Obey the Son does not mean do extra works for Him in order to help Him save you, but obey by choosing to believe. If John wanted to make obedience the central theme in salvation here, he would have said: "He who believes and obeys the Son has eternal life," but that is not what John said. To believe on the Son is to obey Him and to disbelieve the Son is to disobey Him. The King James Version renders this same verse as: He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. The Greek word translated as "believeth not" in that verse is apeitheo and it means: not believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving. Strong’s definition of apeitheo is "to disbelieve willfully and perversely." In the context of 3:36, to not obey the Son means to reject His message by refusing to believe.

And it shall be, that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Acts 2: 21)
When you call on the name of the Lord you trust in Him to come to your aid. Inherent in your calling is the essential faith that He can and will help you. So to call on the name of the Lord is to call on Him in belief, trust, reliance that He will save you. This is not some additional requirement that we accomplish after having been saved through faith.

Repent and let each one of you be baptized in the name of Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2: 38)
In Acts 2:38, "for the remission of sins" does not refer back to both clauses, "you all repent" and "each one of you be baptized," but refers only to the first. Peter is saying "repent unto the remission of your sins," the same as in Acts 3:19. The clause "each one of you be baptized" is parenthetical. Faith in Jesus Christ "implied in genuine repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 15:8,9; 16:31). *Perfect Harmony* Notice when the Gentiles received the gift of the Holy Spirit (compare with Acts 2:38 - the gift of the Holy Spirit) in Acts 10:43-47. *BEFORE WATER BAPTISM.*

Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those that were being saved. (Acts 2: 47)
Acts 4:4 - However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. Acts 5:14 - And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. Water baptism FOLLOWS saving belief in Christ.

And now why do you delay? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name. (Acts 22: 16)
The first question that must be answered is "when was Paul saved?" Paul tells that he did not receive or hear the Gospel from Ananias, but rather he heard it directly from Christ. Galatians 1:11-12 says, "For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ." Paul had repented (Acts 9:6). "Lord, what will you have me to do?" Repentance means a "change of mind," and is wrought by the grace of God. Paul once persecuted the Lord (Acts 9:5), but is now ready to serve Him. Paul had believed. He had Christ as his Lord (Acts 9:6). The Bible tells us that "no man can say that Jesus is Lord except "by" the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3). Paul had, by the work of the Holy Spirit, submitted to Christ as Lord. Paul prayed (Acts 9:11). "Behold, he is praying," the Lord said to Ananias. This indicates that Paul's praying was pleasing to God. People in the church of Christ teach that God does not hear an unsaved man's prayer, quoting in this regard John 9:31 - "We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will." Well, Paul was a worshipper of God, calling Christ "Lord" and ready to serve Him. All of these things characterized Paul before he was baptized. So, Paul heard and believed in Christ prior to getting water baptized. Paul had already believed in Christ when Ananias came to pray for him to receive his sight (Acts 9:17). It also should be noted that Paul at the time when Ananias prayed for him to receive his sight, he was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17)--this was before he was water baptized (Acts 9:18). Verse 17 connects his being filled with the Spirit with the receiving of his sight. We know that he received his sight prior to his water baptism. It is also interesting that when Paul recounted this event again later in Acts (Acts 26:12-18), he did not mention Ananias or what Ananias said to him at all. Verse 18 again would confirm the idea that Paul received Christ as Savior on the road to Damascus since here Christ is telling Paul he will be a messenger for Him concerning forgiveness of sins for Gentiles as they have faith in Him. It would seem unlikely that Christ would commission Paul if Paul had not yet believed in Him and was not saved.

Jamison, Fausset, and Brown Commentary makes note of the importance of the Greek in Ananias' statement. When Ananias tells Paul to "arise, be baptized, wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord," the tense of the last command is literally "having called" (aorist middle participle). "Calling on [epikalesamenos] --- 'having (that is, after having) called on,' referring the confession of Christ which preceded baptism." [Jamison, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, vol. 3 pg. 160]. Kenneth Wuest picks up on this Greek nuance and translates the verse as follows: "And now, why are you delaying? Having arisen, be baptized and wash away your sins, having previously called upon His Name." (Acts 22:16, Wuest's Expanded NT). Scripture must harmonize with other scripture. As with any single verse or passage, we discern what it teaches by first filtering it through what we know the Bible teaches on the subject at hand. In the case of baptism and salvation, the Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of any kind, including baptism (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9). So, any interpretation which comes to the conclusion that baptism, or any other work which follows faith, is necessary for salvation, is a faulty interpretation. Faith is not baptism and faith precedes baptism and we are saved through faith. It's just that simple. Not hard to understand, just hard for works salvationists to ACCEPT.
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
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Re: Since Acts 2:38 teaches that the baptism commanded is "for the remission of sins,

Through whom we have received grace and and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among the Gentiles, for His name's sake. (Rom. 5: 1)
You quoted the wrong verse and this is no coincidence. Romans 5:1 - Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. The verse that you meant to quote was Romans 1:5. Anytime you see the word "obey" or "obedience," you jump to the erroneous conclusion that we are saved by obedience/works which follows faith. Paul's mission, as he perceived it, was to bring people to the point of saving faith in Christ, which faith, in turn, would motivate one to express and evidence that saving faith in appropriate fashion. This obedience flows from saving faith in Christ. Although Paul can speak of people’s initial response of coming to faith in Christ as an act of obedience, in which he describes it as "obeying the gospel" (Romans 10:16), the purpose of Paul’s apostleship was not merely to bring people to conversion but also to bring about transformed lives that were consistently obedient to God. Notice that Paul said they HAVE (already) received grace and apostleship FOR/UNTO obedience to the faith. Just as in Ephesians 2:10, Paul said that we are created in Christ Jesus FOR/UNTO good works. We are clearly saved FOR good works, NOT by good works (Ephesians 2:8-10). In Romans 1:5, Paul did not say that they did not receive grace and apostleship until they produced "enough" obedience/works. We have access by FAITH into GRACE… (Romans 5:2) not faith "and obedience." We are saved through faith first, then "unto" obedience/good works. You put the cart before the horse.

Who will render to every man according to his deeds: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. (Romans 2: 6-8)
If one reads Romans 2:6-10 in isolation from the rest of the book of Romans, one might conclude that Paul was teaching salvation by works. However, as you read and study these passages, it is imperative to keep in mind that these verses do not describe how one becomes saved, but the way the saved (and unsaved) conduct their lives. These works done are the result of, not the means or basis of receiving salvation. So patient continuance in well doing, seeking for glory, honor, and immortality; (vs. 7) is not at all set forth as the means of their procuring eternal life, but as a description of those to whom God does render life eternal. Notice that ALL who receive eternal life are described as such, everyone who does good (vs. 10). Good deeds flow from a heart that is saved and evil deeds flow from a heart that is unsaved. Verse 8 - but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness--indignation and wrath. Notice that ALL who do not receive eternal life are described as such, everyone who does evil (vs. 9). What those passages convey is that though our deeds are judged by God, it's not the good deeds themselves which are the basis or means of our salvation, but the type of deeds expose whether our heart was saved, or not. These deeds done out of faith are the fruit, not the root of our salvation. If Paul wanted to teach that we are saved by works, then he would have clearly stated that we are saved through faith and works in Ephesians 2:8 and that we are justified by faith and works in Romans 5:1 but that is clearly NOT what Paul said. Also see (Romans 4:4-6; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9 etc..).

Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? (Ron. 6: 3) For he who has died is freed from sin. (Rom. 6: 7)
Here you go again confusing the symbol with the reality. We are Spirit baptized "into the body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:13) not water baptized. In what sense are we water baptized into Christ? In the same sense that the Israelites were "baptized into Moses" (1 Corinthians 10:2). Were the Israelites literally water baptized into the body of Moses? Absolutely not. As Greek scholar AT Robertson explains - Baptism is the public proclamation of one's inward spiritual relation to Christ attained before the baptism. See on "Galatians 3:27" where it is like putting on an outward garment or uniform. Into his death (ei ton qanaton autou). So here "unto his death," "in relation to his death," which relation Paul proceeds to explain by the symbolism of the ordinance. We were buried therefore with him by means of baptism unto death (sunetaphmen oun autwi dia tou baptismato ei ton qanaton). Second aorist passive indicative of sunqaptw, old verb to bury together with, in N.T. only here and Colossians 2:12 . With associative instrumental case (autwi) and "by means of baptism unto death" as in verse Colossians 3. In newness of life (en kainothti zwh). The picture in baptism points two ways, backwards to Christ's death and burial and to our death to sin (verse Colossians 1 ), forwards to Christ's resurrection from the dead and to our new life pledged by the coming out of the watery grave to walk on the other side of the baptismal grave (F. B. Meyer). There is the further picture of our own resurrection from the grave. It is a tragedy that Paul's majestic picture here has been so blurred by controversy that some refuse to see it. It should be said also that a symbol is not the reality, but the picture of the reality. Water baptism is the PICTURE, NOT THE CAUSE.

But thanks be to God that you though you were the slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed, and having been freed from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. (Rom. 6: 17, 18)
There is a contrast here between slaves in Romans 6:16. There are only two kinds of slaves in this world, in the spiritual sense; slaves of sin unto death, or slaves of obedience unto righteousness. When we place our faith exclusively in Christ for salvation/believe the gospel by trusting in His finished work of redemption as the all sufficient means of our salvation, we then become "servants of obedience unto righteousness." Being slaves of sin is put in the past tense. Paul goes on in Romans 6:18 - "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness."

Notice in Romans 10:10 - For with the heart one believes unto righteousness..

Notice in Romans 4:5 - But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith (not works) is accounted for righteousness.

In Romans 6:17, before they obeyed that form of doctrine by choosing to believe the gospel (Romans 10:16), they had been slaves to sin. 1 Peter 1:22 notice - "Purified your souls in obeying the truth" and notice in Acts 15:9 - "Purified their hearts by faith. We obey that form of doctrine/obey the truth when we obey the gospel by choosing to believe the gospel.

That if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. (Rom. 10: 9)
Notice in Romans 10:8 - But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (together) that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, (notice the reverse order from verse 9 to verse 10) - that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation. Confess/believe; believe/confess. Confessing with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in our heart that God raised Him from the dead are not two separate steps to salvation but are chronologically together. It's not believe today then confess next week and are finally saved next week.

1 Corinthians 12:3 - Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except BY the Holy Spirit. There is divine influence or direct operation of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a person when confessing that Jesus is Lord. This confession is not just a simple acknowledgment that Jesus is the Lord (even the demons believe that), but is a deep personal conviction, without reservation, that Jesus is that person's Lord and Savior. So simply believing in our head (and not in our heart) that God raised Him from the dead does not result in righteousness and simply reciting the words "Jesus is Lord" not by the Holy Spirit from a check list of steps as if they are simply magic words that when added to mere "mental assent belief" gives us an entry pass through the door of eternal life is not unto salvation.