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

Preacher · Apr 28, 2015

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?]

Nick01 · Apr 28, 2015

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

To clarify your post, and maybe distill the key point out of it, are you essentially asking "Is water baptism itself the specific means by which sins are remitted?"

der · Apr 28, 2015

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

Praise the Lord. Jesus said in John 3.5, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Notice through the book of Acts how baptism in Jesus' name, and the filling, or baptism of the Holy Ghost is mentioned together, which would refer to Jesus' water and the Spirit of John 3.5. Some say baptism is a symbol. No where in the Bible does it say baptism is a symbol. Rather Romans 6.3 says, Know you not that so many of us as were BAPTIZED INTO JESUS CHRIST, WERE BAPTIZED INTO HIS DEATH. The Bible says here that we who were baptized in Jesus' name, were actually baptized into his death. Colossians 2.12 says, We are buried with Christ in baptism, wherein also we are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who raised him from the dead. And 1Peter 2.21 says, Baptism does also now save us...BY THE RESSURECTION OF JESUS CHRIST. So being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, we put on his death, and resurrection. As it says in Galatians 3.27 it says, As many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. In other words those who haven't been baptized into Christ, have not put on Christ. Like it said in Romans 6.3 said, So many of us as were BAPTIZED INTO JESUS CHRIST, WERE BAPTIZED INTO HIS DEATH. It didn't say nothing about baptism being a symbol. Remember Jesus said in Mark 16.16, He that believes (the gospel) AND IS BAPTIZED WILL BE SAVED. If other scriptures seem to teach otherwise, you must of misinterpreted them, because Jesus said plainly, He that believes AND IS BAPTIZED WILL BE SAVED. And 1Peter says baptism saves us by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Now when the Bible says in Romans 10.9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. In other words you will have the opportunity to be saved, because you confessed, and believed. Remember the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, he confessed with his mouth to Philip, and believed, but he wasn't saved until Philip had baptized him, because Jesus clearly said, He that believes AND IS BAPTIZED WILL BE SAVED. Acts 2.38 says, Repent, and BE BAPTIZED EVERYONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 4.12 says, Neither is there salvation in any other (besides Jesus Christ): for there is none other 'NAME' UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN, 'WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED'. It says in 1Corinthians13 was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul. This is why you must be baptized in Jesus' name to be saved as Jesus said in John 3.5 Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. May God bless you. Amen.

crossnote · Apr 29, 2015

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

Baptism=immersed
Have you been immersed into Christ or into water?
Most of the Scriptures you cite are talking of being placed (immersed) into Christ.
But get wet if you must.

Vernon · Apr 29, 2015

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

Yes , water baptism is for the remission of sins , that is like catechism, pre-school. Pseudo-Christians have trouble believing any traditional dogma.

crossnote · Apr 29, 2015

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

Vernon said:

And Paul? was he a pseudo Christian?
I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. (1Co 1:14-17)

If water baptism brought about forgiveness I doubt Paul would have spoken so lightly about it.

crossnote · Apr 29, 2015

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

I fail to see water here...

Eph_1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Col_1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

JesusIsAll · Apr 29, 2015

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

Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

There is water baptism, but there is also the baptism in Jesus Christ that is of the Spirit. This is explicit in scripture. In Acts, some baptized of John's baptism were re-baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, to receive the Holy Spirit, with no mention of water in the process. Just a hypothetical case, but let's say there are two baptism doors, one labeled water, and the other Holy Spirit, which one would you enter? Which one do you know you may not enter heaven without? So, what then is THE baptism?

vic1980 · Apr 29, 2015

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

MarcR · Apr 29, 2015

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

Preacher said:

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

In fact it does not teach that! In the phrase for the remission of sins, the word translated as 'for' is εἰς, not πρός. If πρός had been used you would have been correct; but εἰς as used here means in light of, in recognition of, or because of. It is not to secure forgiveness; but rather to witness to the fact of forgiveness.

We have the same usage of for in English.

oldhermit · Apr 29, 2015

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

MarcR said:

I would think you would know your Greek better than that Marc. εἰς never, never, never, expresses backward motion, always forward motion and is NEVER translated 'because of'.

mailmandan · Apr 29, 2015

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

MarcR said:

Greek scholar A. T. Robertson comments on Acts 2:38 - he shows how the grammar of this verse can be used to support more than one interpretation of this text. He then reaches this conclusion: "One will decide the use here according as he believes that baptism is essential to the remission of sins or not. My view is decidedly against the idea that Peter, Paul, or any one in the New Testament taught baptism as essential to the remission of sins or the means of securing such remission. So I understand Peter to be urging baptism on each of them who had already turned (repented) and for it to be done in the name of Jesus Christ on the basis of the forgiveness of sins which they had already received." The illustrations of both usages are numerous in the N.T. and the Koin, generally (Robertson, Grammar, page 592).

In Acts 2:38, this would mean that "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.

In Matthew 3:11, we read - "I baptize you with water "for" (eis) repentance. If we look forward, then we have I baptize you with water for "in order to obtain" repentance, which makes no sense at all. Repentance precedes water baptism. I baptize with water "in regards to/on the basis of" repentance (looking back) makes sense.

After harmonizing scripture with scripture, here is my conclusion. There can be no contradictions in the Word of God.

Acts 3:19 - Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. *What happened to baptism?

Acts 10:43 - To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins. 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit (compare with Acts 2:38 - the gift of the Holy Spirit) had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. (The gift of tongues is for the body of Christ and not lost unbelievers - 1 Corinthians 12). Then Peter answered, 47 "Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" *What happened to baptism in verse 43?

Acts 11:17 - If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, BEFORE WATER BAPTISM (compare with Acts 16:31 - believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved) who was I that I could withstand God?" When they heard these things they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, "Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance unto life. *What happened to baptism?

Acts 15:8 - So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, 9 and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. *What happened to baptism?

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*

oldhermit · Apr 29, 2015

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

mailmandan said:

I have great respect for A. T. Robertson as a Greek scholar but this is one time he has simply missed it. Even his colleague Daniel Wallace who did not believe that baptism was essential for the forgiveness of sin disagreed with Robertson on this point and rightly so.

SeaBass · Apr 29, 2015

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

Charles Bray Williams (1869-1952) was a Southern Baptist, born and raised in North Carolina. He earned the B.D. degree at Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Penn., in 1900, the M.A. from the University of Chicago 1907, and the Ph.D. in Greek from the same institution in 1908. From 1905 to 1919 he was Professor of Greek and New Testament Interpretation at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. From 1919 to 1921 he was President of Howard College (now Samford University) in Birmingham, Alabama. From 1921 to 1925 he served as as chair of New Testament Interpretation at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. From 1925 to 1939 he was Professor of Greek and Ethics at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. Throughout his teaching career, he also served as Pastor for Baptist churches in the cities where he resided.

Charles B. Williams, The New Testament in the Language of the People

Charles B. Williams (Baptist), who has been Dean of Southwestern Seminary, President of Samford University, Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Mercer University and Professor of Greek and Ethics at Union University unequivocally states that “eis is always prospective”.

Charles B. William's Translation (1950 Edition)
38 "Peter said to them, 'You must repent--and, as an expression of it, let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ--that you may have your sins forgiven; and then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Concerning the above translation, Professor J. R. Mantey, of the Department of New Testament Interpretation, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Chicago, has stated: "We concluded that it (C. B. Williams Translation. L. W. M.) is the best translation of the New Testament in the English language."
Translation of Acts 2:38 By Baptist Schools and Scholars - Martin

Edward A. McDowell of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kentucky says that “it (Charles Williams translation) gives the most accurate rendering of the Greek text of any translation with which I am acquainted.” J.R. Mantley of Northern Baptist Theological Seminary in Chicago calls it “the most accurate and illuminating translation in the English language.” John Mostert of the Moody Bible Institute says that “more than any other translator he brings out the aktsionsart (kind of action) of the verbs, an element little stressed in standard versions.”

Not all Greek Baptist scholars, as Charles Williams, was willing to sacrifice his Greek scholarship for a religious bias as AT Robertson was willing to do.

BradC · Apr 29, 2015

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

oldhermit said:

Here is an article about the baptism on the dead you might be interested in...

Every Greek would know the account of Alexander the Great's conquest of the world. In only a few years time, Alexander had rolled his military machine across the known continents, dominating any who would try to resist him. The strength of Alexander's army was known as the Greek phalanx (invented by his father, Philip of Macedonia, but perfected by Alexander). The way the phalanx would work is as follows: the soldiers would make several long lines. The men in the front would carry a large shield that would cover the soldiers from head to foot. Each of the men lined up behind the shield would carry long spears, which they would rest on the shoulders of the men in front of them. Thus, they would approach their enemies in unison and virtually walk right over them. If the man in the front of the line should be killed, the second man would simply drop his spear, pick up the shield and the lines would continue on their march. That second man would pick up the shield “on behalf of (or in the place of) the dead soldier who once carried it.”

From these three important points, we can gain an understanding about what Paul meant in these verses. As an illustration of the reality of physical resurrection (and vain faith if resurrection doesn't occur), Paul questions,

“Why would people suffer and die for Christ if there is no resurrection? Having seen others die for Christ, do you think that I would suffer according to their example if I didn't believe in the resurrection?” He states, “Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them? Why are we also in danger every hour? I protest, brethren, by the boasting in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If from human motives I fought wild beasts atEphesus, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, LET US EAT AND DRINK, FOR TOMORROW WE DIE.” (I Corinthians 15:29-32)

Paul was convinced of the reality of our future life. This is what made it possible for him to give his present life for Christ. Without his confidence in Christ's promise of resurrection, Paul would not have allowed himself to suffer. We must ask ourselves,“Are we convinced of the resurrection, and our future life in heaven with Christ?” If the answer is yes, we ought to be willing to suffer for Christ during this life, following the examples of the saints that went before us. Paul exhorts us to be willing to take up the shield of those who have been persecuted for Christ's sake, remembering the rewards that await those who love him.

oldhermit · Apr 29, 2015

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

BradC said:

Here is an article about the baptism on the dead you might be interested in...

Every Greek would know the account of Alexander the Great's conquest of the world. In only a few years time, Alexander had rolled his military machine across the known continents, dominating any who would try to resist him. The strength of Alexander's army was known as the Greek phalanx (invented by his father, Philip of Macedonia, but perfected by Alexander). The way the phalanx would work is as follows: the soldiers would make several long lines. The men in the front would carry a large shield that would cover the soldiers from head to foot. Each of the men lined up behind the shield would carry long spears, which they would rest on the shoulders of the men in front of them. Thus, they would approach their enemies in unison and virtually walk right over them. If the man in the front of the line should be killed, the second man would simply drop his spear, pick up the shield and the lines would continue on their march. That second man would pick up the shield “on behalf of (or in the place of) the dead soldier who once carried it.”

From these three important points, we can gain an understanding about what Paul meant in these verses. As an illustration of the reality of physical resurrection (and vain faith if resurrection doesn't occur), Paul questions,

“Why would people suffer and die for Christ if there is no resurrection? Having seen others die for Christ, do you think that I would suffer according to their example if I didn't believe in the resurrection?” He states, “Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them? Why are we also in danger every hour? I protest, brethren, by the boasting in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If from human motives I fought wild beasts atEphesus, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, LET US EAT AND DRINK, FOR TOMORROW WE DIE.” (I Corinthians 15:29-32)

Paul was convinced of the reality of our future life. This is what made it possible for him to give his present life for Christ. Without his confidence in Christ's promise of resurrection, Paul would not have allowed himself to suffer. We must ask ourselves,“Are we convinced of the resurrection, and our future life in heaven with Christ?” If the answer is yes, we ought to be willing to suffer for Christ during this life, following the examples of the saints that went before us. Paul exhorts us to be willing to take up the shield of those who have been persecuted for Christ's sake, remembering the rewards that await those who love him.

I am not understanding what any of this has to do with Acts 2:38 or what I said about the use of εἰς.

phil112 · Apr 29, 2015

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

Preacher said:

So you believe Christ was a sinner. Tell me, how many other false doctrines do you ascribe to?

SeaBass · Apr 29, 2015

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

(1)
Col 2:11,12 God does the work of cutting away the body of sin (remits sins) when one is buried in baptism, not when one repents.

(2)
Rev 1:5 John said Christ washed us from our sins in His own blood
Jn 19:34 Christ shed His blood in His death
Rom 6:2-7 baptism is what puts one into Christ's death to contact His shed blood that washes away sins/remits sins. It is in baptism where one becomes "dead" and freed from sin, verse 7. Repentance does not put one into the death of Christ where sins are washed away by Christ's blood, repentance does not make one "dead" freed from sin.

(3)
Therefore Acts 2:38 cannot mean repent for remission of sins for repentance is not the point when God cuts away the body of sin, not the point when one is in the death of Christ, not the point when one becomes "dead" freed from sin.

phil112 · Apr 29, 2015

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

Adam Clarke understood this passage as it was written. Baptism is simply an outward sign of an inward act...a public statement of your new beginning.

[FONT=Arial,Helvetica]Verse 38. "Peter said unto them, Repent" - metanohsate; Humble yourselves before God, and deeply deplore the sins you have committed; pray earnestly for mercy, and deprecate the displeasure of incensed justice. For a definition of repentance, see on Matt. iii. 2.

"And be baptized every one of you" - Take on you the public profession of the religion of Christ, by being baptized in his name; and thus acknowledge yourselves to be his disciples and servants.

"For the remission of sins" - eiv afesin amartiwn, In reference to the remission or removal of sins: baptism pointing out the purifying influences of the Holy Spirit; and it is in reference to that purification that it is administered, and should in consideration never be separated from it. For baptism itself purifies not the conscience; it only points out the grace by which this is to be done.
"Ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - If ye faithfully use the sign, ye shall get the substance. Receive the baptism, in reference to the removal of sins, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost, by whose agency alone the efficacy of the blood of the covenant is applied, and by whose refining power the heart is purified. It was by being baptized in the name of Christ that men took upon themselves the profession of Christianity; and it was in consequence of this that the disciples of Christ were called CHRISTIANS.
[/FONT]

Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary - Acts 2

Joidevivre · Apr 29, 2015

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

When I was around 8 or 10, I was baptized as an action showing that I was already cleansed from sin (through and by only the blood of Christ). And when I came out of the water, it was an action showing that I was a new person in Jesus. That I was now one with Him and one of His children.

As a child's way of thinking, it seemed good at the time - and I've never felt any different about it. It was what my church (the Baptist church) taught.

Even though it was taught that it was a symbolic thing to be done publicly, I felt something. Being in Christ took on a new meaning.

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