ACTS, CHAPTER 8
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Believe what ?
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:31-32 KJV
“For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
John 5:22, 24
“For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life:
and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
John 3:34-36
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.”
John 4:24-26 KJV
“Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
John 18:37
“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.”
John 14:21, 23-24 KJV
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:”
2 John 1:9-10 KJV
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
John 8:31-32 KJV
“For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
John 5:22, 24
“For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life:
and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
John 3:34-36
“God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.”
John 4:24-26 KJV
“Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
John 18:37
“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.”
John 14:21, 23-24 KJV
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:”
2 John 1:9-10 KJV
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The Bible, our guide in spiritual matters, ties water baptism in as a prerequisite to receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.
[Act 2:38 KJV] 38 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.
It is of spititual significance because the Bible says it is, as the risen Saviour stated:
[Mar 16:15-16 KJV] 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
[Gal 3:26-27 KJV] 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
[Rom 6:3-6 KJV] 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
The gospel ordinance symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. It is necessary to note that the Bible uses the word, buried with him by baptism, that is a description of immersion which can be verified by other accounts. It does not say poured with him or sprinkled with him but buried (under the water).
As water baptism is identified as a prerequisite to receiving the Holy Spirit, what spirit leads those who have not followed this Christian requirement?
[Act 2:38 KJV] 38 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.
It is of spititual significance because the Bible says it is, as the risen Saviour stated:
[Mar 16:15-16 KJV] 15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
[Gal 3:26-27 KJV] 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
[Rom 6:3-6 KJV] 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: 6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
The gospel ordinance symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. It is necessary to note that the Bible uses the word, buried with him by baptism, that is a description of immersion which can be verified by other accounts. It does not say poured with him or sprinkled with him but buried (under the water).
As water baptism is identified as a prerequisite to receiving the Holy Spirit, what spirit leads those who have not followed this Christian requirement?
I have added those words in brackets. Yes we are symbolically buried with Christ in water, and raised again to "walk in newness of life".
But the quotations from Acts 2:38 and Mark 16:16 should not be misunderstood. They need to be properly understood in the light of Gospel truth. BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED. There is no inclusion of baptism in the matter of salvation.
At the same time, because it is a commandment of Christ, and must follow immediately upon conversion, we read this: And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. (Acts 16:33) As you go through the book of Acts you see this happening all the time. But churches today have generally departed from this practice.
But the quotations from Acts 2:38 and Mark 16:16 should not be misunderstood. They need to be properly understood in the light of Gospel truth. BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND THOU SHALT BE SAVED. There is no inclusion of baptism in the matter of salvation.
At the same time, because it is a commandment of Christ, and must follow immediately upon conversion, we read this: And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. (Acts 16:33) As you go through the book of Acts you see this happening all the time. But churches today have generally departed from this practice.
Those gathered at Pentecost already believed in Jesus yet were told to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sin... And it was Jesus who said unless you repent you will die in your sins, (Luke 13:3, 5) as well as, those who believe and are baptized shall be saved. (Mark 16:15-16)
It was Jesus who said unless you repent you will die in your sins. (Luke 13:3, 5) Clearly people are not automatically saved upon initial belief in Jesus as revealed by those gathered at Pentecost. They believed in Jesus, yet were told to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sin... (Mark 16:15-16)
‘is not repent, metanoia in Greek? A change of mind from unbelief to belief in the risen Jesus? And will not God lead us each personally to do as God desires us to do? Which God only has the best for each of us, correct? Romans 14
if I lead anyone to water, if that person does not decide to wiilingly be water Baptize, then there is no real baptism is there.
only the working of a fake to get others to think they believe. Baptism is a personal belief, between Godand that person. And God knows who is who, man does not, yet acts well.
thank you
if I lead anyone to water, if that person does not decide to wiilingly be water Baptize, then there is no real baptism is there.
only the working of a fake to get others to think they believe. Baptism is a personal belief, between Godand that person. And God knows who is who, man does not, yet acts well.
thank you
To believe God in risen Son is Metanoia, (repent) then God begins the new work in that person, that tells God I believe you God.
do you think God will not lead them to Baptism, water and Spirit, and whatever each needs to know. To agree with God, keeping free choice in place?
romans 14:1-4 tells me God will. So much deeper than just about food.
do you think God will not lead them to Baptism, water and Spirit, and whatever each needs to know. To agree with God, keeping free choice in place?
romans 14:1-4 tells me God will. So much deeper than just about food.
There were different ways to receive the Holy Spirit—Miraculous baptism of H.S. Acts 2 and Acts 10, laying on of the apostles hands, Acts 8 and in dwelling of the Spirit at baptism Acts 2:38. Not everyone received a “baptism” of the Spirit like Cornelius did; and not every Christian in the first century had an apostle lay their hands on them and give it to them. Acts 8, the Ethiopian eunuch for example. He was converted by Phillip, was baptized and went on his way rejoicing back to Ethiopia. But every New Testament convert (after the cross) was promised the Spirit and received it when they were baptized. Acts 2:38.
you may not agree, but I believe that the miraculous gifts of the Spirit were temporary per 1 Cor. 13:9. The gift of the Holy Spirit at baptism is how we get it today and it dwells within us. 1 Cor. 6:19.
you may not agree, but I believe that the miraculous gifts of the Spirit were temporary per 1 Cor. 13:9. The gift of the Holy Spirit at baptism is how we get it today and it dwells within us. 1 Cor. 6:19.
I notice you gave NO scripture for your opinion. And that would probably be because there is none to support what you say. In fact, just the opposite is true. The Bible teaches baptism is necessary to salvation in numerous places, like 1 Peter 3:21–where Peter says baptism saves us. Even Jesus in His own words places baptism BEFORE salvation, in Mark 16:16, and makes salvation conditional upon belief plus baptism.
It’s obvious Peter is speaking of water baptism because he uses the water of the flood as an example. Again in 1 Cor. 10 when Peter COMMANDED them to be baptized, he had to be speaking of water baptism because they had already been baptized with the Spirit. Also, in Acts 2, when Peter answers the question “what must we do?” His answer was to be baptized (water baptism). And THEN they would get the gift of the Spirit. Do you think Peter is telling those Jews “be baptized with Holy Spirit baptism and then you will get the Holy Spirit? That makes no sense.
In Acts 8 when God said the people in Samaria believed and were baptized, (verse 12) you think that was Holy Spirit baptism???? Then why did He say in verse 15, AFTER they had been baptized, that they had not received the Spirit yet. Obviously, that was water baptism in verse 12 and at that point they were saved; the verses after that says they had received the word of God before the apostles laid their hands on them. Kindly tell us where the Bible says that “”water baptism has zero to do with a persons salvation. Are we suppose to believe it just because you say so? And please explain the examples I have given and show us how all of these baptisms were Holy Spirit baptism and not water.
It’s obvious Peter is speaking of water baptism because he uses the water of the flood as an example. Again in 1 Cor. 10 when Peter COMMANDED them to be baptized, he had to be speaking of water baptism because they had already been baptized with the Spirit. Also, in Acts 2, when Peter answers the question “what must we do?” His answer was to be baptized (water baptism). And THEN they would get the gift of the Spirit. Do you think Peter is telling those Jews “be baptized with Holy Spirit baptism and then you will get the Holy Spirit? That makes no sense.
In Acts 8 when God said the people in Samaria believed and were baptized, (verse 12) you think that was Holy Spirit baptism???? Then why did He say in verse 15, AFTER they had been baptized, that they had not received the Spirit yet. Obviously, that was water baptism in verse 12 and at that point they were saved; the verses after that says they had received the word of God before the apostles laid their hands on them. Kindly tell us where the Bible says that “”water baptism has zero to do with a persons salvation. Are we suppose to believe it just because you say so? And please explain the examples I have given and show us how all of these baptisms were Holy Spirit baptism and not water.
The Holy Spirit is God. God will give it to whoever God sees loves God without any ulterior motive, but to serve God.
Therefore ask God, believe God, then receive from God, God gives to those that will not abuse it. Peter did not give it, Paul did not give it.
God gives it period or not, at least this is how I see it. Those that act as if they got it, might not? God knows. There is no specific way, if is then one is better than others. And God has no respect of persons ever.
Therefore ask God, believe God, then receive from God, God gives to those that will not abuse it. Peter did not give it, Paul did not give it.
God gives it period or not, at least this is how I see it. Those that act as if they got it, might not? God knows. There is no specific way, if is then one is better than others. And God has no respect of persons ever.
In Romans 8:9, Paul expresses people are not saved unless they have been indwelt by the Holy Spirit. It is essential for salvation. The people in Acts 8 had not acquired the NT rebirth until days later when they received the Holy Ghost.
Scripture reveals both water baptism AND receiving the Holy Ghost are essential elements of the NT rebirth. This parallels what Jesus said in John 3:3-5.
Scripture reveals both water baptism AND receiving the Holy Ghost are essential elements of the NT rebirth. This parallels what Jesus said in John 3:3-5.
As God does this in all that are his and me, I am weak
Romans 14:1-4
Authorized (King James) Version
14 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
Romans 14:1-4
Authorized (King James) Version
14 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. 2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
God has given us his completed, revealed Word. 2 Tim. 3:17 says that the scriptures make the man of God COMPLETE. It also says we haveveverything we need in the scriptures. Therefore, I must find my answers there and believe what it says. 1?Cor 13:9 says that the miraculous gifts of the Spirit will CRASE when the “Perfect” will of God has cone. See Romans 12:2 and James 1:25. We have that which is “perfect” today. Therefore, today, the only way anyone can receive the Holy Spirit is to obey Acts 2:38– be baptized into the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. The Holy Spirit is promised to every person who obeys Christ in baptism. Paul tells in 1 Cor that our bodies are His temple and He lives in us.
It’s true that the saved have an in dwelling of the Spirit, but they got it when they obeyed Peter’s instruction to “be baptized for the remission of sins” as stated in Acts 2:38. Peter says it was a “gift” from God when they were baptized. It was never given “in order to save” anyone—it was given “because they were saved”. There is a huge difference. Notice that the promise of the “Spirit” comes AFTER having your sins forgiven which means receiving the Holy Spirit comes AFTER salvation—not before. Romans 8:9 does not prove the Spirit “saved” them; it only proves that saved people have the Spirit. As Paul says in 1 Cor. 6:19 that our bodies are a temple for the Holy Spirit to dwell. That does not mean that the Spirit saved us, but it means that only the saved have the Spirit living in them.
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I don’t understand how you can say “ there is no inclusion of baptism in the matter of salvation” when Mark 16:16 says “He that believes (belief) and is baptized (baptism) shall be saved.” The conjunction “and” connects things of equal value. Baptism is of the same importance as faith. If I said 1 + 1 = 2, would you have any trouble understanding that? What don’t you understand that belief + baptism = salvation. That is the way Jesus says it. What YOU are saying is 1 (belief) —1 (baptism) = 2 (salvation). Or maybe you are saying 1 (belief = 2 (salvation) —(baptism). Not the same thing is it?
Then Acts 2:38 plainly says that baptism is for the remission of sins. Isn’t that salvation? Why would Peter say that baptism SAVES US if “there is no inclusion of baptism in salvation.” Or why would Ananias tell Paul that he needed to be baptized to “wash away” his sins. And why did Peter COMMAND Cornelius to be baptized? What you are saying does not agree with scripture.
In Acts 16, the jailer was a Roman heathen. Of course the first thing Paul would have told him was he had to believe in Jesus. But he, would likely, have never even heard of Jesus and so, in verse 32, Paul and Silas SPOKE THE WORD OF THE LORD to them— they taught him about Jesus and His gospel. Why do you think they were baptized in the wee hours of the morning? If, like you say, baptism has nothing to do with salvation, Why not wait until a more convenient time? You are correct that all of the New Testament examples of conversion show the converts being baptized immediately, but why was that?? It certainly seems like there would have been at least one example of a believer waiting to be baptized at a later time IF BAPTISM HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SALVATION. But the fact is that baptism is all about salvation and that accounts for the reason the jailer and his house were baptized IMMEDIATELY in the early morning hours after a stressful and eventful night! And if baptism is not necessary to be saved why did the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 STOP THE CHARIOT?! He was a believer; and if like you believe, he was already saved, then what reason would he have to delay his journey back to Ethiopia any longer by doing something so unnecessay? He could easily wait until he got back home. Besides, how did he even know about baptism? He knew about baptism because “PHILLIP PREACHED JESUS TO HIM.” That is proof that baptism is part of the gospel of Christ. Very much the same as when Paul “SPOKE THE WORD OF THE LORD” to the jailer. They all learned about baptism when they were taught what to do to be saved. And they were ALL baptized immediately—as if it was very important and necessary—which it was.
I hope you are aware that the devil ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS tells people the “opposite” of what God says. Go all the way back to the garden of Eden. God told Eve if you eat the fruit, “you will die.” Satan tells her, “No, you will NOT die.” Satan has not changed. God says in the Bible, “ BAPTISM SAVES (1 Peter 3:21). Satan tells people, “No, BAPTISM DOES NOT SAVE.” God says in the Bible, you are NOT (saved) BY FAITH ONLY.”
James 2:24. Satan tells people “Yes, you are SAVED BY FAITH ONLY.” He always says the very opposite of what God says.
1Timothy 4:1 — “Now the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some will depart from the faith giving heed to deceiving spirits and DOCTRINES OF DEMONS…”
As I have already noted, one should not isolate Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38 from the whole body of Gospel truth. Now if baptism was necessary for salvation, it would have been mentioned in Romans 10, which provides full details about how a sinner may be saved, with the focus on saving faith. So let's look at some key verses:
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
As you can see not a single mention of baptism. And there are numerous Scriptures and passages which fully support this.
At the same time believer's baptism by immersion is extremely important as the first step in the Christian walk. It has tremendous spiritual significance and may not be disregarded. Also according to Scripture it must be immediately or almost immediately after conversion.
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
As you can see not a single mention of baptism. And there are numerous Scriptures and passages which fully support this.
At the same time believer's baptism by immersion is extremely important as the first step in the Christian walk. It has tremendous spiritual significance and may not be disregarded. Also according to Scripture it must be immediately or almost immediately after conversion.
Therefore, we, I, you do not have free choice to choose this to do? That is the point I am making to you, sorry you do not get it
God says it is God that causes his children (willingly) to stand up, And that has never been by force ever or manipulation from God, from people yes it is and has and still goes on
I can lead a Horse to water, can I make the Horse drink, can anyone else?
Thanks to all here desiring all too drink. Yet please watch out for forcing anyone to do it. Harassing gets others to do it to shut others up and then that one never really drinks, but to shut up others manipulating others to get done in them what they see as is to be done and it does not get done in them, sincerely
Force me to drink and I drink, you get excited and boastful I did drink, yet it was not top please God, it was to please you and the Church of you.
Thank you
God says it is God that causes his children (willingly) to stand up, And that has never been by force ever or manipulation from God, from people yes it is and has and still goes on
I can lead a Horse to water, can I make the Horse drink, can anyone else?
Thanks to all here desiring all too drink. Yet please watch out for forcing anyone to do it. Harassing gets others to do it to shut others up and then that one never really drinks, but to shut up others manipulating others to get done in them what they see as is to be done and it does not get done in them, sincerely
Force me to drink and I drink, you get excited and boastful I did drink, yet it was not top please God, it was to please you and the Church of you.
Thank you