Does Acts 2:38 mean we have to be baptized to get into Heaven? -Debate

[SeaBass]

Acts 2:38 says nothing about water whatsoever. Every Christian is Spirit baptized when He trusts Christ as Savior. The context of Acts 2 is the Baptism of the Spirit.

Peter in Acts 2:38 did not command them to be "spirit baptized" but you assume that into the context.

1) Mt 28:19,20; Mk 16:15,16; Lk 24:47 are all verses dealing with Christ's baptism of the great commission. Christ's commission His disciples, humans' to go and baptize. Humans can only baptize with water as the Phillip did with the eunuch in Phillip carrying out this commission of Christ.

Lk 24:47 "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."
This is Luke's account of the great commission. Peter was "at Jerusalem" when he preached the first recoreded gospel sermon where Peter preached repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins just as Luke said here in Lk 24:47. SO Acts 2:38 is the human administered water baptism of Christ's great commission.

2) the human administered water baptism of the great commission was commanded. One can obey a command as water baptism. N0 kind of spirit baptism was ever commanded to the disciples so that is not something that can be obeyed. Baptism with the Holy Ghost was only promised to the apostles, Acts 1:1-5 no one today

3) No t long ago I strarted a thread onEph 4:5 that shows there is ONE baptism in effect in this present CHristian dispensation that saves that being Christ's baptism of the great commission that lasts till the end of the world, Mt 28>19,20. That ONE baptism gets violated by many trying to create TWO baptisms.

Water baptism is a human work, thus it cannot save.

Your opinion that cannot be proven from the bible.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, not of works lest anyone should boast. (Eph 2).

The abundance of passages offering salvation merely for believing, trusting Christ, having faith (without any baptism mentioned), proves that water baptism is not essential to salvation. There are too many such passages even to fit in one post on this forum.

Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved.

Such expressions as "whosoever believes," anyone, everyone who believes; rule out as impossible any essential addition to believing as man's responsibility in salvation.

If you have been trusting in water, making it an idol, you are urged to repent of that sin and trust the Lord Jesus as only & sufficient Savior now.

You're still participating in your exegetical error when you think you can cheery-pick out just the verses that mention belief while purposefully ignoring the verses that teach repentance saves, confession saves and baptism saves. Paul "for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God." One cannot be declaring all the counsel of God when they are willfully leaving this out.

Lastly, [as expected] you introduced your straw man. I have not seen anyone here on this forum say they trust in water to save them or made water an idol. The water does NOTHING for it is theACT OF OBEDIENCE is submitting to water baptism as commanded by God that God saves one. It was not the water that healed Naaman's disease, but it was his act of obeying God in going and dipping that God healed him. Heb 5:9 Christ is the author of salvation to all them that obey Him. Christ commanded water baptism and saves those that obey that command. Not obeying His command to be water baptized is sin/disobedience/unrighteousness.

 

[elf3]

are God's instructions on how to live in the Bible, or in the Reader's Digest or NY Times ?

Well obviously God's instructions on how to live are in the Bible. But water baptism isn't an instruction on how to live. An instruction on how to live according to Biblical doctrine could be defined as "a moral law giving us direction on how to follow Christ". Baptism isn't a moral law.

 

[SeaBass]

<blink> what? how can anyone trust rely on and believe in the "LORD"(MASTER) Jesus, Messiah, Savior, King of Kings, and still NOT do what He says to do?

i just don't get it..... (and really don't know if i want to..... there's so much out there just not good to get ! )

Lk 6:46 "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"

Christ said one must believe to be saved, Jn 8:24, repent to be saved/not perish Lk 13:3,5; confess to be saved, Mt 10:32,33 and be baptized to be saved, Mk 16;16,

 

[dcontroversal]

Well obviously God's instructions on how to live are in the Bible. But water baptism isn't an instruction on how to live. An instruction on how to live according to Biblical doctrine could be defined as "a moral law giving us direction on how to follow Christ". Baptism isn't a moral law.

The great commission slams baptism of a part of salvation as the first command is to MAKE disciples...the word disciple means a learner of ones doctrine.....THE DOCTRINE of biblical salvation which is based upon faith and through grace, is a gift, cannot be earned by deeds and or works......the order is quite simple...

Saved by grace dia faith into Jesus and his sacrifice, resurrection
Identify with Jesus and publically show your belief into the resurrection of Jesus (baptism)
Serve God in newness of life (works)

The latter two have nothing to do with salvation and as long as men swallow Campbellistic dogma and or pseudo religious dogma that is spread by Rome and all of her daughters they will continue to trust into water and works!

 

[SeaBass]

John the Baptist's marching order: Luke 1:76-79 (KJV)
[SUP]76 [/SUP] 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;
[SUP]77 [/SUP] To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
[SUP]78 [/SUP] Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
[SUP]79 [/SUP] To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

John was sent to bring knowledge. He preached repentance as required for remission of sin. People confessed their sins and were water baptized. But confessing sins doesn't remit them. They confessed, in position to receive remission from Christ.

Matthew 26:28 (KJV)
[SUP]28 [/SUP] For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Water baptism only affords the opportunity to testify of one's confessing sin and repenting of sin. Without repenting one goes no further with God. Next the blood of Jesus cleanses, remits, us of sin after repenting of sin. Water can't do that.

John's baptism was for remission of sins, MK 1:4 and was later replaced at Pentecost by Christ's water baptism of the great commission that also remitted sins, Acts 2:38.

John's baptism was for the remission of sins, Mk 1:4 yet the Hebrew writer said without shedding of blood is no remission, Heb 9:22. So how could John's baptism remit sins when Christ's blood had NOT yet been shed? JOhn's baptism remitted sins in promise for when Christ did shed His blood that blood flowed backwards from the corss and remitted the sins of all those that were baptized with John's baptism and it also remitted the sins of all those obedient OT characters as Abraham, David, etc.

Connect the dots.
Acts 2:38 (KJV)
[SUP]38 [/SUP] 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.

What baptism could possibly accomplish remission of sins?
Being washed by the blood of Jesus.
Washed in His blood! That's Jesus' baptism, which makes us eligible for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Connecting the dots:
Rev 1:5 John said Christ washed us from our sins in His own blood
Jn 19:34 Christ shed His blood that washed away sins in His death
Rom 6:3-5 one is water baptized into Christ's death where there he contacts the blood of Christ washing away his sins

One must have access to the death of Christ to have access to His shed blood and water baptism is that only access.

Our marching orders:

Luke 24:46-49 (KJV)
[SUP]46 [/SUP] And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
[SUP]47 [/SUP] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
[SUP]48 [/SUP] And ye are witnesses of these things.
[SUP]49 [/SUP] And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

One last thing that has been avoided over and over here. I asked why Jesus didn't take up John's ministry of baptizing people in water. Not one instance is on record. What? What to do? Love Jesus' preaching, believe it, then have to go get baptized by John? No. John was in prison. So who? What disciples carried on water baptism on a regular basis like John did?

From the time of John the Baptist's beheading until Pentecost there is a gap in water baptism, Jesus not offering it. Why? Jesus was revealed, the mission of John fulfilled. The crowds followed Jesus. People had the same opportunity face to face with the Lord Jesus to confess and repent, but still have to wait for remission (forgiveness, deliverance) of their sins by His shed blood.

It is that shed blood that saves us. Everything up to that leads to salvation.

I agree. Lk 24:47 is Luke's account of CHrist's great comission (Mt 28:19,20; MK 16:15,16 are two other accounts)


Lk 24:47 "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."

Peter followed exactly as Luke said here in Acts 2 at Pentecost. Peter was "at Jerusalem" preaching the first recorded gospel sermon where he preached repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins. THis baptism that Peter commanded is the human administered baptism of Christ's great commission and humans can only administer water baptism as Phillip did the eunuch in carrying out this commission in acts 8.

Wonder why Paul avoided water baptizing believers?

1 Corinthians 1:12-18 (KJV)
[SUP]12 [/SUP] Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
[SUP]13 [/SUP] Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
[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.

Paul did baptize 1 Cor 1:14,16. Paul as all disciples are under Christ's great commission to go and baptize.

There was division at Corinth where they were following after the person who baptized them instead of all following Christ. Paul said "I thank God I baptized none of you but Crispus and Gaius" NOT because baptism was non-essential but because "lest any should say that I had baptized in my name". Paul did not baptize many at Corinth for he did not want to be accused of baptizing them in his name, not because water baptism is non-essential. What Paul says in 1 Cor 1:12,13 in healing the division at Corinth makes baptism essential to be "OF Christ". Paul made being "OF Christ" necessary by two things. If you claim to be of Christ then 1) Christ must have been crucified for you and you must be baptized in the name of Christ, verse 13

 

[Mitspa]

Some good post read some things I had never considered before while in my dinner break. It seems some restrict themselves to the limits if a sect they are in and others have sought the truth apart from the religious box Satan desires to put upon all who will know the truth... again thanks to those of you who have taken the time to study this issue out.

 

[Mitspa]

Again I would ask why Paul didn't baptize if its required for salvation? That's just not reasonable to say Paul was leaving people thinking they was saved by faith in the gospel when really they was not? Come on its time to use some basic common sense in your religious zeal

 

[kennethcadwell]

Again I would ask why Paul didn't baptize if its required for salvation? That's just not reasonable to say Paul was leaving people thinking they was saved by faith in the gospel when really they was not? Come on its time to use some basic common sense in your religious zeal

Paul did baptize ( 1 Corinthians ), but he only baptized a few so that they can carry out the work of baptism for him why he did the main will of God he was sent to do. And that was to preach the word to the gentile nations.
He did the same thing our Lord did, Jesus spent His ministry preaching the good news to the Jews as He left the baptizing up to His apostles/disciples to do.
The apostles/disciples were baptized by John and we can see that in John 3:22-23, our Lord Jesus even went to John to be baptized and He said to John this has to be done. Then He commanded baptism to continue in both Mark 16:16 and Matthew 28:19. Plus the bible tells us to not be unaware for those in the past were baptized also. ( 1 Corinthians 10 )

 

[Jabberjaw]

One last thing that has been avoided over and over here. I asked why Jesus didn't take up John's ministry of baptizing people in water. Not one instance is on record. What? What to do? Love Jesus' preaching, believe it, then have to go get baptized by John? No. John was in prison. So who? What disciples carried on water baptism on a regular basis like John did?

John 4:1-3 (NKJV) [SUP]1 [/SUP] Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John [SUP]2 [/SUP] (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), [SUP]3 [/SUP] He left Judea and departed again to Galilee.

 

[Mitspa]

So we are to believe that Paul got some saved when he preached the gospel and got them baptized but some or (most) he left half saved because he didn't want people to say things about him? come on? That's just not reasonable and is contrary to all that Paul thaught about the gospel.

 

[Jabberjaw]

So we are to believe that Paul got some saved when he preached the gospel and got them baptized but some or (most) he left half saved because he didn't want people to say things about him? come on? That's just not reasonable and is contrary to all that Paul thought about the gospel.

That is your argument? what is "half saved" ?

 

[Atwood]

<blink> what? how can anyone trust rely on and believe in the "LORD"(MASTER) Jesus, Messiah, Savior, King of Kings, and still NOT do what He says to do?

i just don't get it..... (and really don't know if i want to..... there's so much out there just not good to get ! )

Well Jeff the Peaceful, do you mind if I ask where you are coming from?

1) from the POV that you are a man of God denouncing Christians for sinning?
2) from the POV that you are a man of God denouncing persons who claim to be Christians and are not, as proven by their disobedience?
3) from the POV of a self-righteous Pharisee who thanks God that He is not like the sinful publican?
4) from the POV that you have moral frustration with yourself as in Romans 7:

14 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15 For that which I do I know not: for not what I would, that do I practise; but what I hate, that I do. 16 But if what I would not, that I do, I consent unto the law that it is good. 17 So now it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwelleth in me. 18 For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me, but to do that which is good is not. 19 For the good which I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I practise. 20 But if what I would not, that I do, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwelleth in me. 21 I find then the law, that, to me who would do good, evil is present. 22 For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: 23 but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me out of the body of this death?

If for one am perplexed as to how it should be difficult for you to understand how unglorified Christians who have indwelling sin and a flesh that lusts vs the Spirit, living in a context of world, flesh, and devil/demons, should not be inconsistent in their lives? James tells us that in many ways all Christians stumble. Is that hard to comprehend? Do you have a similar problem understanding how a perfect & righteous God created a good world & good creatures, yet all the sin and suffering abounds?

 

[elf3]

That is your argument? what is "half saved" ?

What he is meaning by "half saved" is that by baptizing some but not all according to "baptism necessary for salvation" only those baptized would be "fully saved". By preaching "baptism necessary for salvation" Christians who were not baptized were not "fully saved" under that teaching. By teaching "baptism necessity" it leaves a whole bunch of Christians in limbo because they couldn't be baptized. For example the "death bed" confessions.

 

[Atwood]

That is your argument? what is "half saved" ?

Half-saved? YOu mean persons who have a list of hoops to jump through for salvation, but have only got through half of them?

They ain't no hoops.

The gospel is Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, & you shall be saved. No ifs, ands, or buts.

 

[Atwood]

Paul did baptize ( 1 Corinthians ), but he only baptized a few so that . . . ."

Where does scripture give such a SO THAT?

those in the past were baptized also. ( 1 Corinthians 10 )[/QUOTE]

Where does scripture say that everyone in the past was baptized? 1 Cor 10 is one of those verses hard to understand that Peter tells us about in Paul, like baptism for the dead. Whatever 1 Cor 10 means it is baptism into Moses, not into Christ there. Neither is it said that any baptism saves in 1 Cor 10.

 

[iwant2serve]

It is strange to me that this conversation comes up as often as it does and the same results are stated. What did Jesus say, Mark 16:15-16 [SUP] [/SUP]And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. [SUP] [/SUP]He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
These seem to be the ingredients given by Jesus. When looking at all the other passages of scripture we cannot discount this one to say the others are right. Also when reading the book of ACTS what happened to the people after they believed (they got baptized). So rather if it is linked to salvation or not because Jesus gave this as a command for believing there is no need to question if we are not baptized can you still be saved.

 

[Mitspa]

Common sense says Paul did not leave the job half done. Its just silly to think Paul got some completely saved and then left some in limbo.

 

[kennethcadwell]

So we are to believe that Paul got some saved when he preached the gospel and got them baptized but some or (most) he left half saved because he didn't want people to say things about him? come on? That's just not reasonable and is contrary to all that Paul thaught about the gospel.

What he is meaning by "half saved" is that by baptizing some but not all according to "baptism necessary for salvation" only those baptized would be "fully saved". By preaching "baptism necessary for salvation" Christians who were not baptized were not "fully saved" under that teaching. By teaching "baptism necessity" it leaves a whole bunch of Christians in limbo because they couldn't be baptized. For example the "death bed" confessions.

Like I said one of Paul's understudies and fellow brother in Christ did the baptizing.
He did not just go in by himself preach the gospel and then leave. He preached the gospel and instructed them, and then one of the other disciples that were present did the baptizing.
The reasoning Paul mentioned that he was glad that he did not baptize them all, but only a few. Was because there was a big issue arising in the church like we still have today. People were taking and causing division in the church by following who they wanted to follow, and interjecting their own philosophies to how they wanted to live debating with other members of the church on not living that way to.
People were saying I was baptized by him, so that is who I follow and arguing with those who were saying they were baptized by another and followed them. Paul was saying think God I only baptized a few of you, because I do not want people claiming they follow me and cause strife with others. Paul says we were baptized into Jesus, when we were dipped in water, not in another's name.

We see that same problem happening today as people walk around, I am Catholic and baptized as such, I am Baptist and baptized as such, I am this or that denomination and baptized as such. Causing division and strife.
No we are not baptized as such, we are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

 

[Atwood]

The "What Did Jesus Say" approach, often is erroneous, as it supposes that the sayings of Jesus in the gospels are somehow superior to the rest of scripture or that the rest of scripture is not also the Word of Christ.

QUOTE=iwant2serve;1812368][SUB]It is strange to me that this conversation comes up as often as it does and the same results are stated. What did Jesus say, Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.[/SUB]
[/QUOTE]

The Lord Jesus said many things, of which this is the only one that has baptized & saved in the same verse. Logically speaking, the form is
If A & B then C. (if believe & baptized then saved).
If not A, then not C (if not believe, then not saved).

You cannot deduce from that:
If not B, then not C. That is simply a logical fallacy.

Moreover, water is not mentioned.
Spirit Baptism is salvific.

But the only essential for salvation is believe (have faith, trust in the Lord Jesus).

Water baptism is a human work, & human works do not save.

For by grace you have been saved through faith . . . not of works.

Over & over, many many times salvation is offered for merely belief, without anything added, without baptism mentioned. Whoever believes rules out any other essential requirement, as does language like anyone who believes & everyone who believes.

Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved. NO WATER, NO WORKS.


1 Cor 1:21
it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe.
[NO WORKS, NO WATER]

Gal 2:15-16
We being Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus[/B], that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
[NO WORKS, NO WATER]

Gal 3:

This only would I learn from you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now perfected in the flesh? 4 Did ye suffer so many things in vain? if it be indeed in vain. 5 He therefore that supplieth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or
by the hearing of faith? 6 Even as
Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness. 7 Know therefore that they that are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all the nations be blessed. 9 So then they that are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham.

For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one who continues not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them. Now that no man is justified by the law before God, is evident: for, The righteous shall live by faith; 12 and the law is not of faith; but, He that doeth them shall live in them. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one who hangs on a tree: that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

[NO WORKS, NO WATER]

Gal 3:22ff

But the scripture shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept in ward under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. So that the law is become our tutor to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith is come, we are no longer under a tutor. For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus.
[NO WORKS, NO WATER]

Gal 5:5-6

For we through the Spirit by faith wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.

[NO WORKS, NO WATER]

Eph 1:10ff
to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things upon the earth; in him, I say in whom also we were made a heritage, having been foreordained according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his will; 12 to the end that we should be unto the praise of his glory, we who had before hoped in Christ: 13 in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation,— in whom, having also believed, ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 which is an earnest of our inheritance, unto the redemption of God’s own possession, unto the praise of his glory.

[NO WORKS, NO WATER]

Eph

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one should boast
[NO WORKS, NO WATER]

Philip 3:8-9
Yea verily, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but refuse, that I may gain Christ, and be found in him, not having a righteousness of mine own, even that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith:
[NO WORKS, NO WATER]

Col 2:6
As therefore ye received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, 7 rooted and builded up in him, and established in your faith, even as ye were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

[NO WORKS, NO WATER]

1 Tim 1:15-17
Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief: howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me as chief might Jesus Christ show forth all his longsuffering, for an ensample of them that should thereafter believe on him unto eternal life.

[NO WORKS, NO WATER]

2 Tim 3:15b
the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

[NO WORKS, NO WATER]
Titus 1:4
to Titus, my true child after a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.
[NO WORKS, NO WATER]

Heb 3:19ff
And we see that they were not able to enter in because of unbelief. Let us fear therefore, lest haply, a promise being left of entering into his rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it. 2 For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard. For we who have believed do enter into that rest;

[NO WORKS, NO WATER]

Heb 10:39
But we are not of them that shrink back unto perdition; but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul.
[NO WORKS, NO WATER]

Heb 11:7

By faith Noah, being warned of God concerning things not seen as yet, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; through which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

[NO WORKS, NO WATER]

1 Pet 1:3ff

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy begat us again unto a living hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 unto an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
[NO WORKS, NO WATER]
6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, ye have been put to grief in manifold trials, 7 that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold that perisheth though it is proved by fire, may be found unto praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ: 8 whom not having seen ye love; on whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

[NO WORKS, NO WATER]

1 John 5:4-5

4 For whatsoever is begotten of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that hath overcome the world, even our faith. 5 And who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

[NO WORKS, NO WATER][/FONT]

1 John 5:10-13
Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son. And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.

[NO WORKS, NO WATER]

Rev 3:5
The one who overcomes will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father . . . . 1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is begotten of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. And who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith.

[NO WORKS, NO WATER]

Ps 37:5-6
Commit thy way unto YHWH;
Trust also in him, and he will bring it to pass.
And he will make thy righteousness to go forth as the light,
And thy justice as the noonday.

[NO WORKS, NO WATER]

 

[Jabberjaw]

Half-saved? YOu mean persons who have a list of hoops to jump through for salvation, but have only got through half of them?

They ain't no hoops.

The gospel is Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, & you shall be saved. No ifs, ands, or buts.

Common sense says Paul did not leave the job half done. Its just silly to think Paul got some completely saved and then left some in limbo.

Jesus could not save everyone, what make you think Paul could?

Matthew 7:13-14 (NKJV)
13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Luke 13:23-24 (NKJV)
23 Then one said to Him, "Lord, are there few who are saved?" And He said to them, 24 "Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.