Saved by faith alone?

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saved by grace, not by works. would be faith alone
I am continuing to be being saved by continuing to receive Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Everything we need for life and godliness is being given to us with and in our Lord Jesus Christ. If I am ever rejecting Jesus, I am also rejecting all that is given to us in Him. IfI start receiving HIm again, I start receiving again everything that comes with and in Him.
 
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Jn 3:5 by both water and the spirit
Water baptism is not the only "water" mentioned in scripture.

John 4:10 - Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

John 4:10 - but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” - *Jesus connects living water with everlasting life. *Living water is not water baptism. In *1 Corinthians 12:13, we also read - ..drink into one Spirit. Water baptism is the picture or symbol of the new birth, but not the means of securing it

Also "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 her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word.
Jn 3:22 they went about preaching the reformation and faith alone, ooopps! sorry
Roman Catholic sales pitch. False religion turns signs and symbols of salvation into the substance and the source.
Jn 3:22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them and baptized.
Again, in regard to John 3:22, by this time Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus is over with and He has moved on. John 3:22 - After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He was spending time with them and baptizing. Verse 22 is out of context with verse 5. What is still in context with verse 5 are verses 14-18. You would walk around mountains of grace in order to find water.
ez 36:25-27 baptism
The passage reads, "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you." To understand these verses correctly, we must examine the historical and spiritual context in which they were written. Ezekiel’s message relates to Israel’s restoration after judgment. This cleansing imagery connects to ceremonial practices under the Mosaic Law, rather than to New Testament baptism. Understanding this distinction is essential to grasp the true meaning of Ezekiel’s prophecy. The Old Testament describes several ceremonies that involved sprinkling water or blood. These practices symbolized ceremonial cleansing but did not provide inward transformation or salvation. They were shadows pointing forward to the spiritual cleansing God would later provide through Christ.
mk 16:16 faith and baptism
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. If he who believes will be saved (John 3:15,16,18,36; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25-26) then he who believes and is baptized will be saved as well. However, the omission of baptized with "does not believe" shows that Jesus does not make baptism absolutely necessary salvation. Condemnation rests on unbelief, not on a lack of baptism. So, salvation rests on belief. *NOWHERE did Jesus say, "whoever is not baptized will be condemned." *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.
mt 28:19 faith and baptism
We have here a command from Jesus to go and make disciples of all nations and baptize converts. However, it does not say here that baptism is absolutely necessary for salvation. The same command also includes the clause "teaching them to observe all things" that Christ has commanded them. Becoming a disciple of Jesus is signified yet not procured in the waters of baptism. Becoming a disciple of Jesus is a heart decision that is made prior to receiving water baptism.

CONTINUED..
 
Jn 1 prepared by baptism
John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’
Jn 2 waters of purification
The "waters of purification" refer to six large stone water jars set at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, each holding about 20–30 gallons were used for Jewish ceremonial washing. These jars were part of the rite of purification required by Jewish law before meals or religious activities. In first-century Judaism, ritual washing was a regular practice to maintain external and symbolic purity.
Jn 3:5 born again by baptism
Pure eisegesis. The word "baptism" is not found in John 3:5.
Jn 4 baptism
John 4 living water.
acts 2 baptism
Acts 2 repent. See post #2,834. https://christianchat.com/threads/saved-by-faith-alone.211849/page-142#post-5777863
acts 8 baptism
Acts 8:36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” 37 Then 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.” 38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. *Believing unto salvation precedes water baptism.

John 20:31 - but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.
1 cor 12:13 baptism
This is Spirit baptism, not water baptism. 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.
gal 3:27 baptism
Galatians 3:26 - For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus (Period.) Not through faith and water baptism. Also read John 1:12 - But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. *Received Him, given the right to become children of God, through believing in His name, not through water baptism.

"Baptized into Christ" does not mean water baptized into the body of Christ. That is only accomplished through Spirit baptism. (1 Corinthians 12:13) Now in what "sense" would a believer be "water baptized into Christ?" In the same "sense" that the Israelites were "baptized into Moses.." (1 Corinthians 10:2) The Israelites were not literally water baptized into the body of Moses and there is little dispute that being "baptized into Moses" signified the open allegiance and public identification of the Israelites with Moses as their leader. Moses was formally recognized as the leader of the covenant people. Water baptism signifies our allegiance and public identification with Christ as our Savior, so it would only be in that sense.
eph 4:5 baptism
There is only one baptism that saves and 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. *Also see John 4:10,14; 7:37-39 for the word drink(s) and see the connection with the Holy Spirit.
1 pet 3:20-21 baptism
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 said 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). *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. So, by Peter saying, "not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience - through the resurrection of Jesus Christ," Peter guards against saving power to the physical ceremony in H20.

A man and a woman become united through their wedding vows and the ring symbolizes this. Just as we become united with Christ through faith and water baptism symbolizes this. A symbol is not the reality but is a picture of the reality. 👀
 
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A man and a woman become united through their wedding vows and the ring symbolizes this. Just as we become united with Christ through faith and water baptism symbolizes this. A symbol is not the reality but is a picture of the reality.
You are stating that baptism is a symbol and not the vow? Baptism is the vow!

1st Peter 3:21

Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the pledge of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Such a clearly bogus comment can only come from a need to defend a faith alone regeneration theology.

Again, baptism is the vow not the symbol of the vow.
 
You are stating that baptism is a symbol and not the vow? Baptism is the vow!

1st Peter 3:21

Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the pledge of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Such a clearly bogus comment can only come from a need to defend a faith alone regeneration theology.

Again, baptism is the vow not the symbol of the vow.
False. Baptism is the symbol of the vow. The physical act of water baptism does not wash away sin; rather, salvation comes from the spiritual reality of a cleansed conscience and a public vow of allegiance to Jesus Christ.
 
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False. Baptism is the symbol of the vow. The physical act of water baptism does not wash away sin; rather, salvation comes from the spiritual reality of a cleansed conscience and a public vow of allegiance to Jesus Christ.
You are fighting the very words of the verse.

Here is the verse again.

1st Peter 3:21 CEV

Those flood waters were like baptism that now saves you. But baptism is more than just washing your body. It means turning to God with a clear conscience, because Jesus Christ was raised from death.

Stating that baptism now saves you is quite biblical, it's just not in accords with faith alone regeneration theology.

And this is the problem.

Again, baptism is the pledge that saves not the symbol of the pledge that saves.
 
But John the Baptist's water baptism type ministry was to end when the new Church age began.
But, not all stopped in the beginning because it was all new to them, and they had not yet been shown of the changes!
On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command:
“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have
heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be
baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 1:4-5

Not everybody knew of the change that suddenly took place the day the Church age began.
Not until some time passed, and teachings became known to them as to the change.

Because you are reading about how they were still thinking in a wrong way?
Does not mean we are to follow it. We need to learn from what was going on.

......
what church?

the apostolic church has always instructed neophytes and baptized them in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit! as mt 28:19 says

thks
 
Luke 3:16
John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I,
and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

It is so obvious.

Tradition rules Christianity regardless of what the scripture plainly states.

Repentance, John's water baptism, and some of the sacraments, that is modern Christianity.

Who needs the Holy Spirit?
what is the fire?

thks
 
Learn this for once...
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God
unless they are born of water and the Spirit. John 3:5​

What was Jesus discussing?
About the second birth.

So?
What is being born of water?
Our first birth.
For a mother breaks water when as child is being born.

It is time more of us learned about this.
Check link!


.......
no it don't say born of water born again of the spirit

it says born again of (both) water and the spirit

you did not choose your earthly family you were born into it

you must be born into the heavenly family as well

For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

administered unto you!

instructed and baptized!

2 Corinthians 8:19
And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:

thks
 
The church also has taught witch trials.

The church has conducted Inquisitions.

The church has also executed heretics.

The church has promoted war.

The Crusades (1095–1291)
A series of eight major military campaigns sanctioned by the Catholic Church aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land
from Muslim control.

The Thirty Years' War (1618–1648)
One of the most destructive conflicts in European history, primarily fought between Catholic and Protestant alliances
in the Holy Roman Empire, eventually drawing in most of Europe.

The French Wars of Religion (1562–1598)
A prolonged period of civil infighting, massacres, and military operations primarily between French Catholics and Huguenots (Protestants).

The Hussite Wars (1419–1434)
A series of military conflicts fought by the followers of Bohemian reformer Jan Hus against armies loyal to the Catholic
Church and the Holy Roman Emperor.
you forgot the cathars & albigensians!

thks
 
The church also has taught witch trials.

The church has conducted Inquisitions.

The church has also executed heretics.

The church has promoted war.

The Crusades (1095–1291)
A series of eight major military campaigns sanctioned by the Catholic Church aimed at reclaiming the Holy Land
from Muslim control.

The Thirty Years' War (1618–1648)
One of the most destructive conflicts in European history, primarily fought between Catholic and Protestant alliances
in the Holy Roman Empire, eventually drawing in most of Europe.

The French Wars of Religion (1562–1598)
A prolonged period of civil infighting, massacres, and military operations primarily between French Catholics and Huguenots (Protestants).

The Hussite Wars (1419–1434)
A series of military conflicts fought by the followers of Bohemian reformer Jan Hus against armies loyal to the Catholic
Church and the Holy Roman Emperor.
the church has authority with Christ (mt 28:18-20) to proclaim truth and condemn errors

the state has authority to execute justice (rom 13)

thks
 
You are fighting the very words of the verse.

Here is the verse again.

1st Peter 3:21 CEV

Those flood waters were like baptism that now saves you. But baptism is more than just washing your body. It means turning to God with a clear conscience, because Jesus Christ was raised from death.

Stating that baptism now saves you is quite biblical, it's just not in accords with faith alone regeneration theology.

And this is the problem.

Again, baptism is the pledge that saves not the symbol of the pledge that saves.
Once again, 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 said 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).

So, by Peter saying, "not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience - through the resurrection of Jesus Christ," Peter guards against saving power to the physical ceremony in H20. Baptism is a symbol of salvation in that it pictures Christ's death, burial and resurrection and our identification with Him in these experiences. In reality, believers are literally saved by what baptism symbolizes--Christ's death, burial and resurrection. B

You error by turning a symbol into a savior. 🚩
 
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Once again, 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 said 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).

So, by Peter saying, "not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience - through the resurrection of Jesus Christ," Peter guards against saving power to the physical ceremony in H20. Baptism is a symbol of salvation in that it pictures Christ's death, burial and resurrection and our identification with Him in these experiences. In reality, believers are literally saved by what baptism symbolizes--Christ's death, burial and resurrection. B

You error by turning a symbol into a savior. 🚩
but the inward action of grace washing away sin and filling us with faith, hope, charity and the spirit is bound by the outward action of water washing the body

we can't see grace or it effects so God helps our nature with the outward that we can see

Hebrews 10:22
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having ourhearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

the power of sacramental grace!

thks
 
What age are you living in?

Before the Cross took place?

You are doing that.
You neglected to include my entire post. Again, the scriptures below reveal the command to be water baptized in the name of Jesus for remission of sin and the need to receive the Holy Ghost was instituted for all those living in the New Testament:

"It is no coincidence that both water baptism in the name of Jesus and receiving the Holy Ghost are involved in all detailed conversion accounts.

Acts 2:38-39 (Jews)
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.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 8:12-17 (Samaritans-half Jewish-half Gentile)
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....
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 10:43-48 (Gentiles)
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.


Acts 19:2-6 (Disciples who who had to be water baptized in Jesus name)
He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied."
 
but the inward action of grace washing away sin and filling us with faith, hope, charity and the spirit is bound by the outward action of water washing the body

we can't see grace or it effects so God helps our nature with the outward that we can see

Hebrews 10:22
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having ourhearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

the power of sacramental grace!

thks
The power of sacramental deception. Again, false religion turns signs and symbols of salvation into the substance and the source.

Hebrews 10:22 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. 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 circumcision, which was of the flesh (Romans 2:28-29) and an inward circumcision, which was of the heart.

The true child of Abraham (and therefore the true Christian) has the inward circumcision of the heart, not only the outward, which 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. Hence, as 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)
 
I wonder?
Have you ever heard of the Apostle Paul?

Here is what Paul had to say about water baptism in relation to what it is to be now since we have entered the Church age.
In Paul's day there were still guys like you around that were troublemakers. Trouble for those wanting to learn how to grow in grace and truth, rather than doing rituals that were no longer needed.

Paul stated that he was not sent to baptize but to preach the gospel, and he only baptized a few individuals to avoid confusion and division among the believers (1 Corinthians 1:17). His focus was on spreading the message of grace rather than performing baptisms.

Paul baptized only a few, so you guys would put your shotguns down, and allow him to teach what was really need.

.

.
Context matters. Note that Paul was still preaching water baptism in the name of Jesus some 20+ years after the initial command was given at Pentecost. Paul expressed its necessity to the Ephesians in Acts 19:1-6. Clearly, he understood that water baptism was part of the gospel message. Paul’s comment then could not have been intended to mean what some mistakenly believe.

Scripture reveals Paul preached the need to be water baptized but rarely performed the actual water baptisms himself.

Paul mentions Crispus by name as one of those that he did personally baptize. (! Cor. 1:14) Let’s take a look at the circumstances around the baptism of Crispus to see if it gives any insight. The scripture reference is Acts 18:6-10. The record shows that Crispus and all of those of his household and MANY Corinthians believed Paul's message and were baptized. (verse 8) This verse alone confirms Paul’s message included the need to be baptized.

So of the entire group, the chief ruler of the synagogue (Crispus) was the only one that Paul actually baptized himself. (see 1 Cor. 1:14) Clearly, someone else was with Paul and performed the other water baptisms. Further it should be noted that on that very night the Lord gave Paul a vision. He told him to continue speaking/sharing the message without fear. (Acts 18:9-10)

Acts 18:6-10
6 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
7 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
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.
(Paul’s comments in 1 Cor. 1:14 establish that this was water baptism. "I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;")

9 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
 
1 Corinthians 1:17​
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—
not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

.
See post 2897
 
I am continuing to be being saved by continuing to receive Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Everything we need for life and godliness is being given to us with and in our Lord Jesus Christ. If I am ever rejecting Jesus, I am also rejecting all that is given to us in Him. IfI start receiving HIm again, I start receiving again everything that comes with and in Him.

That unfortunately reduces Christ to a mere salvation functionary rather than being the Savior as Scripture tells us He is. If, as you say, everything we need for life and godliness is truly given to us in Him and with which I agree, then there cannot be requirements outside of that for us to satisfy. To say our security depends on our continuous ability to 'receive' or 'reject' means we are ultimately saving ourselves by our own endurance and wisdom. Scripture leaves no room for human contribution to salvation—Christ alone is the Savior, not man.
 
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