ONE BAPTISM - Ephesians 4:5

[mailmandan]

#147 "Or do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? (Rom 6: 3)

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. 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.

"For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." (Gal. 3: 27)[/QUOTE] Notice in Galatians 3:27, that those who were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Now for the word "enduo" (put on). This word also appears in Romans 13:14 where we read, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill it’s lusts." This exhortation is not to a sinner, telling him to be baptized to "put on" Christ, but it is written to Christians. Evidently then, baptism is not the only way to "put on" Christ. To "put on" Christ is to conform to Him, imitate Him. So it is in baptism; we "put on" Christ, conforming to Him in the ordinance that declares Him to be our Savior. So if we must "put on" Christ to be saved through water baptism, apparently we are not saved yet. We must also “put on” Christ by making no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts (Romans 13:14). Right? Let’s be consistent.

As Greek scholar A.T. Robertson explains - "This verb is common in the sense of putting on garments (literally and metaphorically as here). In I Thessalonians 5:8 - Paul speaks of "putting on the breastplate of righteousness." He does not here mean that one enters into Christ and so is saved by means of baptism after the teaching of the mystery religions, but just the opposite. We are justified by faith in Christ, not by circumcision or by baptism. But baptism was the public profession and pledge, the soldier’s sacramentum, oath of fealty to Christ, taking one’s stand with Christ, the symbolic picture of the change wrought by faith already. One does not put on a uniform in order to become a soldier. Simply putting on a soldier’s uniform does not make one a soldier. Once he is made a soldier he is then able to wear the uniform that distinguishes or marks him as a soldier. Putting on a judge’s robe does not, in itself, make anyone a "judge." But, one who has been made a judge is qualified to put on "judicial robes" and thus declare his qualifications. So too with being baptized the Christian puts on robes for which he has previously been qualified to wear. The putting on of Christian attire is not what makes one a Christian, but one which becomes a token of it.

"For by (in) one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were made to drink of one Spirit. (1 Cor. 12: 13)

For by ONE SPIRIT we were all baptized into ONE BODY.. This is clearly SPIRIT baptism, not water baptism and not both baptisms merged together.

IMO there is one baptism with two elements just as there is one spiritual birth with two element. (John 3: 5)

The one baptism is Spirit baptism and the two elements are living water and Spirit (John 3:5; 4:10,14; 7:37-39). The natural man can only understand natural plain ordinary H20.

We can not be born (come out of) water and the Spirit unless we have first been immersed in water and the Spirit. This is just common sense God bless.

We are immersed into the body of Christ through Spirit baptism, not water baptism. This is common sense to genuine believers. To unbelievers/those who are spiritually discerned, this truth makes no sense. Just as notuptome pointed out in post #154 - "Until you understand the difference between Spirit baptism and water baptism you will continue in error." ​You will not understand the difference and will continue in error UNTIL you REPENT and BELIEVE the gospel and only then will the blinders be lifted - 2 Corinthians 4:3,4.

 

[integerlost]

When I became a woman
I realized why my childhood pastor baptized us alot

He liked to put on a show is all
He liked to act like he was John the Baptist
Jesus' s right hand man or something lol

He was certainly on the right.

 

[plaintalk]

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28: 18-20)
Who authorized this baptism? Jesus, Himself, authorized the baptism. No one has the authority to change or end it or depict it as a mere picture of reality. Real things happen when we are baptized in the name of Christ. To whom? All the nations For how long? Till the end of the age. Why? To make disciples by baptizing and teaching those that believe. No one, including A. T. Robertson, has the right to ignore this baptism in considering the meaning of the one baptism in Eph. 4: 5 This baptism is a work of faith (Acts 8: 36- 38) and hence by definition and practice is of faith which is a work of God. Those that received the word were baptized and were added to the number who were being saved. (Acts 2: 41, 47)
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. (1 Cor. 12: 13)
No one has the right to ignore the baptism with the Spirit. The solution, IMO, is to understand that the one spiritual birth of water and the Spirit is preceded by the one baptism of water and Spirit. God bless.

 

[plaintalk]

Baptism, in water, in the name of Christ for the forgiveness of sin, accomplish many real things and is not a picture of baptism with the Spirit. (1) we are baptized into Christ. (Rom. 6: 3; Gal. 3: 27) (2) repentance. Just as John’s baptism involved repentance (Mark 1: 4), the baptism in water in the name of Christ involves repentance (Acts 2: 38) We die to the old self when baptized. (Rom. 6: 6) (3) Disciple of Christ. Believers become disciples when they are baptized and taught just as they were with John’s baptism. (John 4: 1) (4) calling on the name of the Lord. The context of Acts 22: 16 associates calling on the name of the Lord with baptism not faith. (Acts 2: 21) (5) Baptism is an appeal to God for a good conscience. When we are baptized, we are calling on the Lord or appealing to God to give us a good conscience. (1 Peter 3: 21) (6) Forgiveness of sin- As our bodies are washed with pure water, we are sprinkled with the blood of Jesus which cleanses us from our sins. (Heb. 10: 22; 9: 14) All spiritual blessings including forgiveness are “in Christ”. (Eph. 1: 3, 7) We are baptized both in water and Spirit into Christ. (7) Identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection when we are baptized into Christ. (Rom 6: 3-7) (8) Death to self. We die to self in baptism. (Rpm. 6: 6) (9) Clothed with Christ. We are clothed with the attributes of Christ when baptized. (Gal 3: 27) The work of the Holy Spirit in renewal is to bring our actual life practices into conformity with that which has been reckoned to us in being clothed with Christ.
(10) children of God. We become children of God when by faith we are baptized into Christ. (Gal. 3: 26, 27) (11) The gift of the Holy Spirit is promised to those who by faith are baptized into Christ. (Acts 2: 38, 39; 5: 32) (12) Salvation. Those that believe and are baptized shall be saved. (Mark 16: 16; 1 Peter 3: 21) We are saved by the washing of regeneration. (Titus 3: 5, 6)
(13) Obedience to the gospel. We obey the gospel when we—die, are buried and arise—in baptism. (Rom 6: 3: 7; 2 Thess. 1: 8, 9)) (14) Perfecting of our faith. Our faith is perfected or completed when our faith works with the works of faith, including repentance and baptism. Our faith is completed by the obedience of faith and is deemed by God to be authenticate and efficacious in accomplishing His purpose. (Gen. 22: 12; James 2: 20-24) God bless.

 

[mailmandan]

And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28: 18-20)

We have here a command from Jesus to go and make disciples then baptize them and teach them to observe all that Jesus has commanded, but Jesus did not say that water baptism was "absolutely" necessary for salvation - "water baptized or condemned."

Who authorized this baptism? Jesus, Himself, authorized the baptism. No one has the authority to change or end it or depict it as a mere picture of reality.

No one is trying to end water baptism and no one has the authority to change it into Spirit baptism or depict it as the reality, rather than the picture of the reality. Your absolute obsession with water baptism is completely ridiculous! You need to place your faith in the Savior God, not the water god.

Real things happen when we are baptized in the name of Christ. To whom? All the nations For how long? Till the end of the age.

Real things happen when we believe/place faith in Christ for salvation BEFORE we are water baptized:

Whoever believes in Him shall not perish/is not condemned/has everlasting life (John 3:16,18,36; 5:24; 6:40,47; 11:25,26).

Whoever believes in Him receives remission of sins (Acts 10:43); receives the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:45; 11:17).

Those who believe the gospel are sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13).

Those who believe the gospel are saved (Romans 1:16).

We are no longer dead in our trespasses/have been made alive together with Christ/raised up with Him and seated in the heavenly places in Christ by grace saved through faith (Ephesians 2:5-8).

We receive remission of sins and are sanctified by faith in Him (Acts 26:18).

Why? To make disciples by baptizing and teaching those that believe.

No, Jesus did not say that we "make" disciples "by" baptizing them. You added the word "by" in verse 19 in order to fit your biased doctrine. Jesus said go therefore and makes disciples of all the nations, (comma) baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit and teaching them to observe all that He has commanded. This is part of discipleship, those who have chosen to become disciples. Getting water baptized does not magically make believers "become" disciples of Christ. The believer's decision to become a disciple of Christ is signified, but not procured in baptism. Becoming a disciple of Jesus is a heart decision that is made prior to becoming water baptized.

No one, including A. T. Robertson, has the right to ignore this baptism in considering the meaning of the one baptism in Eph. 4: 5

Nobody, including A.T. Robertson is ignoring this baptism and one one, including you and all other Campbellites have the right to change this one baptism or confuse this one baptism (Spirit baptism) that places us into the body of Christ with water baptism.

Even though there are baptism(s) plural, in Matthew 3:11 we read - I baptize you with 1. water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the 2. Holy Spirit and 3. fire. *There is only ONE baptism that places us into the body of Christ and that is SPIRIT baptism, not water baptism.

Ephesians 4:5 - one Lord, one faith, one baptism.

1 Corinthians 12:13 - For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. You need to quit fighting the truth!

This baptism is a work of faith (Acts 8: 36- 38) and hence by definition and practice is of faith which is a work of God.

A work of faith (done out of faith) is still a work and we are not saved by works (Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9). The work of God (what God requires) is that you believe on Him in whom He has sent (John 6:29).

Those that received the word were baptized and were added to the number who were being saved. (Acts 2: 41, 47)

Those who received his word through repentance/faith were "afterwards" water baptized. We are saved by grace through faith, not works. Believers have been saved from the PENALTY of sin (justification) and are being saved from the POWER of sin (ongoing sanctification). Water baptism is not what added believers to the number. *Pay close attention:

Acts 4:4 - But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

Acts 5:14 - More and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number/the group of believers.

For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. (1 Cor. 12: 13)

*Not a drop of plain ordinary H20 in that verse. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. *Also see John 4:10,14 for the word drink(s). *This is SPIRIT BAPTISM, not water baptism. Learn the difference.

No one has the right to ignore the baptism with the Spirit. The solution, IMO, is to understand that the one spiritual birth of water and the Spirit is preceded by the one baptism of water and Spirit.

No one has the right to substitute water baptism for Spirit baptism or merge both water baptism and Spirit baptism into one baptism. Spiritual birth is of living water and Spirit (John 3:5; 4:10,14) and precedes water baptism. Spiritual birth is not by plain ordinary H20. You continue to confuse the picture with the reality. The natural man just cannot understand. You need to REPENT and BELIEVE the gospel and then you will understand.

 

[mailmandan]

Baptism, in water, in the name of Christ for the forgiveness of sin, accomplish many real things and is not a picture of baptism with the Spirit.

Water baptism does not obtain the forgiveness of sins, but is the picture of baptism with the Spirit. As Greek scholar Daniel Wallace correctly points out - *Water baptism is not a cause of salvation, but a picture; and as such it serves both as a public acknowledgment (by those present) and a public confession (by the convert) that one has been Spirit baptized.* 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.

*In Acts 10:43 we read ..whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins. These Gentiles received the gift of the Holy Spirit - Acts 10:45 - (compare with Acts 2:38 - the gift of the Holy Spirit) when they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ - Acts 11:17 - (compare with Acts 16:31 - Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved) BEFORE water baptism - Acts 10:47 - this is referred to as repentance unto life - Acts 11:18.

*So the only logical conclusion *when properly harmonizing Scripture with Scripture* is that faith in Jesus Christ "implied in genuine repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 15:8,9; 16:31; 26:18). *Perfect Harmony*

(1) we are baptized into Christ. (Rom. 6: 3; Gal. 3: 27)

Baptism is the public proclamation of one's inward spiritual relation to Christ attained before the baptism. Into his death or unto his death, "in relation to his death," which relation Paul proceeds to explain by the symbolism of the ordinance. Baptism is the public proclamation of one's inward spiritual relation to Christ attained before the baptism. We are Spirit baptized into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13) not water baptized. Being water baptized into Christ would in regards to identification, just as the Israelites were "baptized into Moses" (1 Corinthians 10:2) but they were not Spirit baptized into the body of Moses.

In Galatians 3:26, Paul clearly said that we are sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus (.) PERIOD! End of sentence and thought on how we become children of God. Next sentence, next thought - For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on/clothed yourselves with Christ. The Greek word for "put on" is "enduo" and means to enclose oneself in, as when one "puts on" clothes or armor or some other item. Involved in this is the idea of "imitation" and "identification." Just as 1 Corinthians 10:2 says that all (the Israelites) were "baptized into Moses" in the cloud and in the sea, but this does not mean they were literally water baptized into the body of Moses. You are not rightly dividing the word of truth.

"Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light...put on (endue) the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof" (Romans 13:12,14). This exhortation is written to Christians (those already saved). Evidently then, baptism is not the only way to "put on" Christ. To "put on" Christ is to conform to Him, imitate Him. So it is in baptism; we "put on" Christ, conforming to Him in the ordinance that declares Him to be our Savior. So if "put on" Christ means saved through water baptism, apparently we are not saved yet. We must also "put on" Christ by making no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts in order to be saved as well (Romans 13:14). Right? NO. *This exhortation is to those ALREADY SAVED.

"Put off," wrote Paul, "the old man," and "put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness"(Ephesians 4:22,24); And, "put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11). *Written to those ALREADY SAVED.

 

[mailmandan]

(2) repentance. Just as John’s baptism involved repentance (Mark 1: 4), the baptism in water in the name of Christ involves repentance (Acts 2: 38)

John's baptism was in regards to the remission of sins received upon repentance, not in order to obtain the remission of sins. In Matthew 3:11, we read - "I baptize you with water for repentance.." Did John baptize with water for "in order to obtain" repentance or for "in regards to/on the basis of" repentance? Nobody gets water baptized in order to obtain repentance but BECAUSE they have repented. Repentance obtains the remission of sins and baptism is parenthetical in Acts 2:38. *That is in perfect harmony with Luke 24:47; Acts 3:19; 5:31; Acts 11:17,18.

We die to the old self when baptized. (Rom. 6: 6)

Water baptism is the PICTURE of being buried and raised with Christ/old self crucified with Him but NOT THE REALITY. When are you finally going to accept the truth?

(3) Disciple of Christ. Believers become disciples when they are baptized and taught just as they were with John’s baptism. (John 4: 1)

Becoming a disciple of Christ is a heart decision made by the believer BEFORE they are water baptized. Water baptism does not magically make believers become disciples of Christ. It signifies they have chosen to be disciples of Christ. There is a difference. Just like you don't baptize unbelievers in order to magically make them become believers, but BECAUSE they are believers.

(4) calling on the name of the Lord. The context of Acts 22: 16 associates calling on the name of the Lord with baptism not faith. (Acts 2: 21)

The Greek aorist participle, epikalesamenos, properly translated means "having called" on the name of the Lord. Paul’s calling on Christ’s name for salvation preceded his water baptism. It is absurd to think that Paul had not yet called upon the name of the Lord and that water baptism is all the same as calling on the name of the Lord. When you call upon 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 save you. So, in essence, to call on the name of the Lord unto salvation is to call upon Him in complete faith and trust that He will save you.

(5) Baptism is an appeal to God for a good conscience. When we are baptized, we are calling on the Lord or appealing to God to give us a good conscience. (1 Peter 3: 21)

Water baptism is not the appeal or the call. The genitive in the Greek text is correctly translated as the pledge of a good conscience, not for a good conscience. Baptism is a pledge to God made from a good conscience. Jamison, Fausset, and Brown make 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).

In 1 Peter 3:21, Peter tells us that baptism now saves you, yet when Peter uses this phrase he continues in the same sentence to explain exactly what he means by it. He says that baptism now saves you-not the removal of dirt from the flesh (that is, not as an outward, physical act which washes dirt from the body--that is not what saves you), "but an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (that is, as an inward, spiritual transaction between God and the individual, a transaction that is symbolized by the outward ceremony of water baptism). Just as the eight people in the ark were "saved THROUGH water" as they were IN THE ARK. They were not literally saved "by" the water. Hebrews 11:7 is clear on this point (..built an ARK for the SAVING of his household). *NOTE: The context reveals that ONLY the righteous (Noah and his family) were DRY and therefore SAFE. In contrast, ONLY THE WICKED IN NOAH'S DAY CAME IN CONTACT WITH THE WATER AND THEY ALL PERISHED.

(6) Forgiveness of sin- As our bodies are washed with pure water, we are sprinkled with the blood of Jesus which cleanses us from our sins. (Heb. 10: 22; 9: 14)

More Campbellite confusion. Hebrews 10:22 in the NASB reads - let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. *Notice the order. Reference to this verse as proving regeneration, or the new birth, by water baptism ignores the point of the contrasting of that sprinkling which affects the heart, removing from it an evil conscience, and that washing of the body with pure water. It is the sprinkling (with the Blood of Christ- Hebrews 9:14; I Peter 1:2) which touches the heart. The washing of pure water affects the body. Paul was careful to distinguish between an outward holiness or circumcision, which was of the flesh (Romans 2:28-29) and an inward holiness, which was of the heart. The true Jew, the true child of Abraham (and therefore the true Christian) has the inward circumcision of the heart, not only the outward, and this is accomplished by the "sprinkling of the blood of Christ" (I Peter 1:2), not by a washing in water in the ordinance of water baptism. Even Peter said - "not the removal of the dirt from the flesh" but the answer of a good conscience toward God. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21). The writer of Hebrews shows us that no outward ceremony affects the heart (Hebrews 9:13ff.). He would not, and does not contradict himself here by teaching that the washing of the body in water accomplishes an inward cleansing. The former is inward and spiritual, "of the heart" (Romans 2:28-29), and the latter is outward and physical, or "of the flesh" (Romans 2:28-29). The washing of the body in pure water does not present baptism as the means of the cleansing or purifying of the heart. The sprinkling with the Blood of Christ is, and washing our bodies with water is expressly distinguished from sprinkling with the Blood of Christ. Since water baptism is not the means of purifying the heart from sin, it is not the means of regeneration, and it is not absolutely necessary for salvation.

All spiritual blessings including forgiveness are “in Christ”. (Eph. 1: 3, 7) We are baptized both in water and Spirit into Christ.

We are not baptized both in water and Spirit into Christ. We are baptized by one Spirit into one body.. (1 Corinthians 12:13) and water baptism F0LLOWS (Acts 10:43-47; 11:17; 15:8,9). We are "in Christ" after having believed the gospel BEFORE water baptism. Ephesians 1:13 - In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation - having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise.

 

[mailmandan]

(7) Identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection when we are baptized into Christ. (Rom 6: 3-7)

There is identification with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection when we are water baptized, but water baptism does not place us into the body of Christ, but Spirit baptism does (1 Corinthians 12:13). Just as there is identification with Moses when the Israelites were "baptized into Moses" (1 Corinthians 10:2) but this does not mean that the Israelites were Spirit baptized into the body of Moses. You are not rightly dividing the word of truth.

(8) Death to self. We die to self in baptism. (Rpm. 6: 6)

Water baptism is the PICTURE of death to self, but not the cause.

(9) Clothed with Christ. We are clothed with the attributes of Christ when baptized. (Gal 3: 27) The work of the Holy Spirit in renewal is to bring our actual life practices into conformity with that which has been reckoned to us in being clothed with Christ.

Notice in Galatians 3:27, that those who were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Now for the word "enduo" (put on). This word also appears in Romans 13:14 where we read, "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill it’s lusts." This exhortation is not to a sinner, telling him to be baptized to "put on" Christ, but it is written to Christians. Evidently then, baptism is not the only way to "put on" Christ. To "put on" Christ is to conform to Him, imitate Him. So it is in baptism; we "put on" Christ, conforming to Him in the ordinance that declares Him to be our Savior. So if we must "put on" Christ to be saved through water baptism, apparently we are not saved yet. We must also “put on” Christ by making no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts (Romans 13:14). *Let’s be consistent.

(10) children of God. We become children of God when by faith we are baptized into Christ. (Gal. 3: 26, 27)

We become children of God by faith. (period) - Galatians 3:26. Not by faith and baptism. Just as we read in John 1:12 - But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. Not believe in His name and baptism there either. You "added" the words "when by faith we are baptized into Christ." You rewrite the Bible in order to make it fit your biased church doctrine.

(11) The gift of the Holy Spirit is promised to those who by faith are baptized into Christ. (Acts 2: 38, 39; 5: 32)

You continue to confuse water baptism with Spirit baptism and identification with Christ with baptized by one Spirit into one body. 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. This is exactly what Acts 3:19 teaches except that Peter omits the parenthesis. Also compare the fact that these Gentiles in Acts 10:45 received the gift of the Holy Spirit (compare with Acts 2:38 - the gift of the Holy Spirit) and this was BEFORE water baptism (Acts 10:47).

*In Acts 10:43 we read ..whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins. These Gentiles received the gift of the Holy Spirit - Acts 10:45 - (compare with Acts 2:38 - the gift of the Holy Spirit) when they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ - Acts 11:17 - (compare with Acts 16:31 - Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved) BEFORE water baptism - Acts 10:47 - this is referred to as repentance unto life - Acts 11:18.

We receive the Holy Spirit when we believe the gospel BEFORE water baptism (Acts 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 15:8,9). We receive the Holy Spirit when we obey Him (Acts 5:32) by choosing to believe the gospel (Romans 10:16; 1:16).

(12) Salvation. Those that believe and are baptized shall be saved. (Mark 16: 16; 1 Peter 3: 21) We are saved by the washing of regeneration. (Titus 3: 5, 6)

Mark 16:16 - He who believes and is baptized will 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) because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

In 1 Peter 3:21. Peter tells us that baptism now saves you, yet when Peter uses this phrase he continues in the same sentence to explain exactly what he means by it. He says that baptism now saves you-not the removal of dirt from the flesh (that is, not as an outward, physical act which washes dirt from the body--that is not the what saves you), "but an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (that is, as an inward, spiritual transaction between God and the individual, a transaction that is symbolized by the outward ceremony of water baptism). Just as the eight people in the ark were "saved THROUGH water" as they were IN THE ARK. They were not literally saved "by" the water. Hebrews 11:7 is clear on this point (..built an ARK for the SAVING of his household). *NOTE: The context reveals that ONLY the righteous (Noah and his family) were DRY and therefore SAFE. In contrast, ONLY THE WICKED IN NOAH'S DAY CAME IN CONTACT WITH THE WATER AND THEY ALL PERISHED.

The washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5) refers to spiritual washing/purification of the soul that is accomplished by the Holy Spirit and not plain ordinary H20.

(13) Obedience to the gospel. We obey the gospel when we—die, are buried and arise—in baptism. (Rom 6: 3: 7; 2 Thess. 1: 8, 9)

Water baptism is the PICTURE, but not the reality. We obey the gospel when we choose to believe the gospel. Romans 10:16 - But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?" Those who refuse to believe the gospel are those who do not obey the gospel and do not know God (2 Thess. 1:8,9).

(14) Perfecting of our faith. Our faith is perfected or completed when our faith works with the works of faith, including repentance and baptism. Our faith is completed by the obedience of faith and is deemed by God to be authenticate and efficacious in accomplishing His purpose. (Gen. 22: 12; James 2: 20-24)

James did not say that "repentance and baptism" work with our faith to perfect or complete our faith. James is discussing Abraham here and notice in James 2:21 that James did not say that Abraham's work of offering up Isaac resulted in God's accounting Abraham as righteous. No! The accounting of Abraham's faith as righteousness was made in Genesis 15:6, many years before his work of offering up Isaac recorded in Genesis 22. The work of Abraham did not have some kind of intrinsic merit to save his soul, but it proved or manifested the genuineness of his faith. This is the sense in which Abraham was justified by works, "shown to be righteous."

Made perfect or complete by works means bring to maturity, carry to the end, to complete like love in 1 John 4:18. It doesn't mean that Abraham was finally saved many years later based on his works. When Abraham performed the good work in Genesis 22; he fulfilled the expectations created by the pronouncement of his faith in Genesis 15:6.

The scripture was fulfilled in vindicating or demonstrating that Abraham believed God and was accounted as righteous. Abraham was accounted as righteous because of his faith (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:2-3) long before he offered up Isaac on the altar and fulfilled the expectations created by the pronouncement of his faith in Genesis 15:6.

The harmony of Ephesians 2:8,9; Romans 4:2-3 and James 2:24 is seen in the differing ways that Paul and James use the term "justified." Paul, when he uses the term, refers to the legal (judicial) act of God by which He accounts the sinner as righteous (Romans 3:24; 5:1). James, however is using the term to describe those who would prove the genuineness of their faith by the works that they do. Man is saved through faith and not works (Ephesians 2:8,9; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9); yet genuine faith is vindicated, substantiated, evidenced by works (James 2:14-24). *Please pay close attention - The word "alone" in regards to salvation through faith "in Christ alone" conveys the message that Christ saves us through faith based on the merits of His finished work of redemption "alone" and not on the merits of our works. It is through faith "in Christ alone" (and not by the merits of our works) that we are justified on account of Christ (Romans 3:24; 5:1); yet the faith that justifies is never alone (solitary, unfruitful, barren) if it is genuine (James 2:14-24). *Perfect Harmony.*

Instead of continuing to "parrot off" what your Campbellite predecessors before you have taught like a broken record, why don't you take the time to prayerfully consider the truth. It's time for you to REPENT and BELIEVE the gospel. I will continue to pray for you.

 

[directline2iam]

All of Gods Word saves us. This means water baptizem and Spiritual.
you are not saved by bread alone but by EVERY woord which proceeds from the mouth of God. Some of you need to rethink your man made beliefs.
Every word from God iincluding water WITH the WORD baptizem is fundamental to salvation else why read any of it.
He was gracious enough to give us His written Word...Stop nitpicking and be joyful that He cares so much

 

[mailmandan]

All of Gods Word saves us. This means water baptizem and Spiritual.
you are not saved by bread alone but by EVERY woord which proceeds from the mouth of God.

We are not saved by water baptism and other works, but by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8,9). In Matthew 4:4, Jesus actually said, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' He did not say "saved" by bread alone.

Some of you need to rethink your man made beliefs.

It's actually you who needs to reread Matthew 4:4 and rethink your man made beliefs.

Every word from God iincluding water WITH the WORD baptizem is fundamental to salvation else why read any of it.

Ephesians 5:26 says washing of water by the word, not by plain ordinary H20 (water baptism). Water is used in the Bible as an emblem of the Word of God, and in such uses it is associated with cleansing or washing:

John 15:3 - You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

Ephesians 5:26 - that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.

1 Peter 1:23 - having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever.

He was gracious enough to give us His written Word...Stop nitpicking and be joyful that He cares so much

Harmonizing Scripture with Scripture in order to reach the proper conclusion on how man is saved is not nitpicking. In 2 Timothy 2:15, the Lord tells us to be diligent to present ourselves approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

That salvation is by grace through faith and is not by works (Ephesians 2:8,9) is not hard to understand. It's just hard for works salvationists to ACCEPT. It is tragic that human pride will not allow works salvationists to come to Christ. Their hands are full of their works and they will not let go in order to take hold of Christ through faith.

Acts 16:30 - And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

Harmonizing Scripture with Scripture in order to reach the proper conclusion on how man is saved is not nitpicking. In 2 Timothy 2:15, the Lord tells us to be diligent to present ourselves approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

That salvation is by grace through faith and is not by works (Ephesians 2:8,9) is not hard to understand. It's just hard for works salvationists to ACCEPT. It is tragic that human pride will not allow works salvationists to come to Christ. Their hands are full of their works and they will not let go in order to take hold of Christ through faith.

Acts 16:30 - And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."

Yes, we must harmonize scripture with scripture. Belief is not enough. A faith that works saves.

to those who, by perseverance in good work, seek glory and honor and immortality, eternal life, but to those [who act] from selfish ambition and who disobey the truth, but who obey unrighteousness, wrath and anger. Romans 2:7-8​

 

[roaringkitten]

Great work mailmandan! Keep on contending for the faith here on CC!

"Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Jude 1:3

 

[mailmandan]

Yes, we must harmonize scripture with scripture. Belief is not enough.

Belief is enough because the object of our belief (Jesus Christ and His finished work of redemption) is enough to save us. These verses below clearly show that belief is enough:

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.

John 3:18 - He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 6:47 - Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.

Acts 10:43 - To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.

Acts 13:39 - and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

Acts 16:31 - Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.

Romans 1:16 - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

*What additional requirements did you see added to the word believe(s) above to imply that belief is not enough?

A faith that works saves.

Genuine faith results in producing good works and we are saved FOR good works (Ephesians 2:10), but NOT BY good works (Ephesians 2:8,9).

to those who, by perseverance in good work, seek glory and honor and immortality, eternal life, but to those [who act] from selfish ambition and who disobey the truth, but who obey unrighteousness, wrath and anger. Romans 2:7-8

Allow me to show you where you did not properly harmonize scripture with scripture and came to the faulty conclusion that man is saved by works:

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 receiving 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 2:8,9 and that we are justified by faith and works in Romans 5:1 but that is clearly NOT what Paul said. Also see (Romans 4:2-6; Titus 3:5; 2 Timothy 1:9 etc..).

*By not properly harmonizing scripture with scripture, you ended up turning DESCRIPTIVE passages of scripture into PRESCRIPTIVE passages of scripture and the result was, salvation by works, in contradiction to multiples passages of scripture. Please prayerfully consider the truth.

 

[Grace777x70]

The religion of self-improvement defines righteousness in terms of "keeping the rules "

But this is the way of self-righteousness and it leads to failure every time. The true way of righteousness is believing in the finished work of Christ and what He has already done for us. He lives His life in and through us. Without Him we can do nothing.....Jesus said.

The religion of self-improvement defines the work of God as rule keeping and good behavior, but Jesus said the work of God is " to believe in the One He has sent - John 6:29 ".

This is why the so-called bad "sinners" have an inside track when it comes to the kingdom of grace.

This faith in the righteousness of Christ alone is foolishness to the self-righteousness mindset. Someone who is honest enough to admit their failings won't be blinded by any illusions about how good they are.

Just like the Israelites at Sinai that said " God, just tell us what to do and we will do it"...self-performance...then the Lord brought in the law..and everyone had to keep away from the mountain or be killed by the presence of God. He was relating to man-kind now through their chosen own self-performance.

Today the self-performance mindset is trusting in "their" DOING...and not in what Christ has already done for us and believing in His work. This is the mantra:

" I will be accepted, righteous and good enough IF I keep the rules"

It's as if Jesus never came. They are in essence mixing the covenants and relying on the Old Covenant mindset. It is unbelief in the character and work of our Father in Christ for us.

New Covenant righteousness , as simple as it may sound , has zero to do with you and the choices you make and has everything to do with God and what He has accomplished in Christ.

There are "fruits of righteousness " but they are not the root of righteousness ..Jesus is our righteousness. 1 Cor 1:30

The more we get the revelation of His righteousness given to us - the more the real "fruit of His righteousness " will be evident outwardly in our lives and that righteousness that is in our inner man because we are a new creation in Christ - brings glory to our Father and Lord.

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

Belief is enough because the object of our belief (Jesus Christ and His finished work of redemption) is enough to save us. These verses below clearly show that belief is enough:

Belief is obviously not enough.

​What [is] the benefit, my brothers, if someone says [that he] has faith but does not have works? That faith [is] not able to save him. James 2:14

Thus also faith, if it does not have works, is dead by itself. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe, and shudder! But do you want to know, O foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? James 2:17-20

For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. James 2:26​

 

[PeterJens]

The religion of hyper-grace defines righteousness in terms of adopted righteousness.

But this is the way of adopted righteousness and it leads to failure every time. The true way of righteousness is believing in the finished work of Christ and what He has already done for us walking in His love, purity and example. He lives His life in and through us. Without Him we can do nothing.....Jesus said.

The religion of hyper-grace defines the work of God as mystic zapping and superspiritual transformation, but Jesus said the work of God is " to believe in the One He has sent - John 6:29 ".

This is why the so-called repentant "sinners" have an inside track when it comes to the kingdom of Heaven

This faith in the righteous example of Christ alone is foolishness to the hyper-grace mindset. Someone who is honest enough to admit their failings won't be blinded by any illusions about how good they are by just adopting anothers good deeds without walking in them yourself.

Just like the Israelites at Sinai that said " God, just tell us what to do and we will do it"...obedience to the law...then the Lord brought in the law..and everyone had to keep away from the mountain or be killed by the presence of God. He was showing obedience to holiness is the only way to draw near to God.

Today the hyper-grace mindset is trusting in something for nothing...and not in what Christs love transforms us within our hearts so we can walk in obedience to His commands. This is the mantra:

" I will be accepted, righteous because I believe the right things even though I know I walk in sin"

It's as if Jesus never brought real life to earth. They are in essence mixing sin, hypocracy and righteousness relying on the free gift mindset. It is unbelief in the character and work of our Father in Christ for us.

Gods righteousness , as simple as it may sound , has zero to do with a new mystical revelation but is implanted in the snake lifted by Moses in the desert, and is about a real encounter with Christ and God and how that changes you, here and now in the real world.

There are "fruits of spirit " but the root of righteousness is our walk with Christ in the light by faith.

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
John 1:4

The more we walk with Christ - the more the "fruit of His love " will be evident outwardly in our lives and that righteousness will show in our thoughts, actions and words.

 

[Grace777x70]

Doing righteous deeds by themselves does not make one righteous. This is having the cart before the horse.

I know there have been "good" people doing "righteous deeds " but they were not belonging to God. Many religions have moral living people in them - all doing "righteous deeds".

Here is how righteousness is manifested to a believer....we need to be righteousness conscious...not sin-conscious...we have a new creation in Christ now!

This "righteousness " that we already have now in our new creation ( the inner man ) is because we are in Christ - will manifest outwardly in doing righteous deeds - but we need the "horse" in front first.

The "horse" being Christ's righteousness in us because of our being in Christ in our inner man..our new creation in Christ.

Awake to who you are in Christ!..Awake to righteousness and sin not..when you see who you are in Him in your new man..you become like Him outwardly.

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (NASB)
[SUP]17 [/SUP] Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
[SUP]18 [/SUP] But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.


Hebrews 5:13 (NASB)
[SUP]13 [/SUP] For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant.

Romans 5:17 (NASB)
[SUP]17 [/SUP] For if by the transgression of the one, death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 54:14 (NASB)
[SUP]14 [/SUP] "In righteousness you will be established; You will be far from oppression, for you will not fear; And from terror, for it will not come near you.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NASB)
[SUP]21 [/SUP] He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

When you see who you are in Christ because of His finished work...you become outwardly in behavior what you are truly like in your new inner man where Christ dwells.

 

[HeRoseFromTheDead]

This faith in the righteous example of Christ alone is foolishness to the hyper-grace mindset.

Righteousness is more than faith in the righteous example of Christ. It is faith in his death and abiding in and following his life.

 

[roaringkitten]

Keep on shedding the truth to God's Word grace777!

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ." 1 Pet 3:15-16

 

[Mitspa]

Paul means "one" as in unified ..as all believers are "one" ...