Things that need to be believed for salvation

Be not removed from the simplicity that is found in Christ --->It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe

Those that embellish salvation beyond that, void the gospel and are preaching a gospel of a different kind with no power to save......end of story!

I pray you forgive me! I unignored you.....not that you cared but anyway!. You have the right to your opinions and to be heard! I also have that right and to not respond negatively to your comments! I'm sorry! Blessings💖💖💖

It's all Good and I know I am very heated, emphatic and overbearing at times.....I am very zealous for the truth and proverbially I sometimes my mouth writes checks my butt can't cash.....I may totally disagree with your view, oppose it tooth and nail and with heat and sarcasm, but that does not mean i am mad, hate you or have an inability to understand what you are saying.....

I do apologize for offending you in the way I have ripped into you over what you believe

After receiving the infilling of the Holy Ghost on the Day of Pentecost, Peter gave instructions that should not be ignored. Paul also followed the instructions.

After listening to Peter and believing that Jesus was the messiah whom was crucified, those present were upset and asked what THEY MUST DO.

Peter DID NOT say, “Nothing else needed. You are good to go; you believe Jesus is the Messiah.

Peter’s response was a set of instructions that everyone must follow after believing in the Lord Jesus. The instructions are recorded in Acts 2:36-42:

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
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.
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."

It is recorded that both Gentiles and Samaritans also followed Peter’s life giving message of belief, repentance, water and Holy Ghost baptism: (Acts 10:44-48; Acts 8:12; 14-17)

Notice Peter’s interaction with the Jewish leaders concerning what the Angel of the Lord told Cornelius to do: He was told to seek out Peter who would tell thee words (explain) what he must do to be saved. (Acts 11:13-14)

Why would Peter state that Cornelius and others, who had already received the Holy Ghost, needed to be water baptized if it was not a part of salvation?: “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.” Acts 10:47-48

Lastly, individual disciples at Ephesus were given and received the same message from Paul. (Acts 19) This account specifically points to the fact that water baptism must be done in Jesus name. If water baptism did not play a part in salvation it would not be necessary to re-baptize these disciples in water at all.

It is important to realize that due to the multiple recorded examples no one is exempt from following the commands given by God through Peter.

Well, you must be a oneness pentecostal trying to promote one must be water baptized to be saved. Now, you said this, "Why would Peter state that Cornelius and others, who had already received the Holy Ghost, needed to be water baptized if it was not a part of salvation?:"
"IF" as the text of Scripture clearly states and AS you say that "Cornelius and others, WHO HAD ALREADY RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST,"

Here is my question? SINCE they had received the Holy Spirit "FIRST" and they were not water baptized are the believers saved or not saved if they did not get water baptized? My point is the fact that in life a person can still believe in Jesus Christ for salvation and yet are unable to be water baptized. So according to you would Jesus reject their confession of faith because they were unable to get water baptized.

And yes, I know what Peter said at Acts 2:38 but here in Acts 10:44-48 you have a model in which "appears" to contradict Acts 2:38. You also brought up Acts 11:14-16 and apparently you did not notice what vs14, "and he shall SPEAK WORDS to you by which you will be SAVED, you and all your household." Then at vs15, "And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them JUST AS HE DID UPON US AT THE BEGINNING." Vs16, "And I remembered the word of the Lord how He use to say, "John baptized with water but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

Again, saved first and then water baptized, that's the order. So, how do you reconcile what the Scriptures clearly teach with your oneness understanding which contradicts the scriptures? And what about the thief on the cross that repented for his deeds and Jesus told him that he would be in Paradise with Him? He (obviously) did not get water baptized? And please, spare me the lame excuse that the thief was in the old covenant so it don't count.

IN GOD THE SON,
bluto

Salvation is as simple as believing that the Lord Jesus has the ability to save you and then asking Him for that Salvation.

Understanding that Jesus paid for your sins, that He's the Son of God and that He rose on the third day is all knowledge that helps to back up this simple belief that the Lord Jesus has the ability to save you.

There is a lot more to back up the credentials of the Lord Jesus Christ. This bolsters faith but is not 100% necessary knowledge in regards to salvation.

I would argue that a person is saved way before they truly know any of these things.

Your comments do not change the fact that Peter's initial instructions to repent, be water baptized and receive the Holy Ghost is evidenced in each scripture provided. You are neglecting to see that all three components occur albeit in different order.

In the case of Cornelius and others, if water baptism was not a required component of salvation there would have been no need for Peter to bring it up and COMMAND it be done after seeing the group had received the Holy Ghost.

Peter did speak words by which the group would be saved. He explained that Jesus was the Messiah, they were then filled with the Holy Ghost and Peter commanded they submit to water baptism which they did.

"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 10:47-48

Peter knew there was Spiritual significance to being water baptized because he asked the other Jews present if they objected to him water baptizing the people God had filled with His Spirit. The Jewish people realized water baptism was a part of salvation. Why else would it be necessary to consider whether or not to withhold it from Gentiles?

As far as the thief on the cross, he was under the Old Testament whether one accepts it as the truth or not. The New Testament requirement to receive the Holy Ghost was not even possible until the Day of Pentecost. We know the thief died before that and the Holy Ghost did not make an appearance until 50 days later.

"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:" John 16:7-8

We are cool David! We may even begin to like one another....lol! Blessings🌞🌞🌞

There really needs to be a global teaching on this word 'believe'. The word pistueo means to entrust, to have confidence in and one way to put it that I really like is 'to lean upon'

Puts some really meaning to what was said and goes far beyond what modern day meaning of the word believe.


Speaking of word meanings, I really had no idea what Jesus meant when He said, blessed are they, blessed are they so I looked up the word blessed.. Oh my, mind blown... I don't think most know what it means it's so mind blowing haha

Welcome to cc and Blessings!🌞🌞🌞

Thanks.. I've been around for a while now lol

Sorry,my first sighting of you or your post! Blessings

Even Satan believes in God. If the above was all that was necessary, then in theory demons
would be Christians!

James 2:19 NKJV
[19] You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe-and tremble!

James 2:19 NLT
[19] You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.

It is the Holy Spirit which woes us, draws us, gives us faith, gives us the unction to
turn to God. You need a personal encounter with the living God. That has to come first
then belief floods in.

There are thousands upon thousands upon thousands who go to church. They have head
knowledge but no heart knowledge. They may even know the bible back to front but do not
personally know Jesus. The Pharisees are a prime example. They knew the law inside out and
could no doubt tell you a thing or two. But Jesus said they were like white washed tombs full
of dead men’s bones. They looked squeaky clean on the outside but inside they were full of
decay and death.

Don’t make the common mistake of thinking a Christian is a person who reads the bible and
has lots of factual information. It’s far more than that.


Matthew 23:25-27 NKJV
[25] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. [26] Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. [27] "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.

Mainstream Christianity promotes a "Just believe" message that the majority of the world's population have accepted. But Jesus words indicate that there will be few that find the strait gate and narrow way that leads to eternal life:

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW THEIR BE that find it." Matt 7:13-14

Jesus goes on to indicate that many who believe in Him and His sacrifice will be shocked to find that the kingdom is not to be their eternal home:

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matt 7:21-23

Considering Jesus' own words there is more to receiving salvation than believing who He is. Don't misunderstand, believing in Jesus and His sacrifice is essential because without it nothing else would matter. However, belief prompts action. Everyone must step out in faith and do what He says because we believe both in Him and His life-giving message.

The New Testament church was birthed on the Day of Pentecost when instructions were given to those who accepted Jesus and His sacrifice. (Acts 2:1-41)

The moment Adam and Eve lost their salvation, our heavenly Father established a way for us to gain it back, and the scripture telling of this is Leviticus 17:11: 11 Forthe life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make an atonementfor your souls upon the altar, since it is the lifeblood that makes atonement.

This atonement was a mystery for 4,000 years, it was often only told of in symbolism.

We live in a secular world, scripture tells of a spiritual world. We have changes in our secular world, but the spiritual world never changes. If we understand the spiritual that symbolism tried to explain we understand God better.

Now, we don’t use symbolism for atoning blood, we use Christ. We don’t use the ritual bath for baptism, we use baptism. We don’t use dietary control to teach us to stay away from the uncleanliness of sin, we keep only clean thoughts going into our minds.

Hebrews 10:4-10
4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.
5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:
6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure.
7 Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.
8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.
10 By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

If you are saying that it is not possible for God to use symbolism to teach us humans, then you are dead wrong. God is spirit, and by denying the spiritual component in scripture, by making it only physical, it can do nothing as these scriptures tell us.

The sacrificial system could be understood as a system the pagans used, in Isaiah we are told how wrong that is as well as these scriptures. The sacrificial system as symbolic of Christ as is the truth is of God, and we are to regard what is of God as holy.

Truth of the matter is....you can believe that jesus is the son of God. In fact you can believe he is God. Even the demons believed.
The Bible is the holy word of God. All truth. Does nothing for you.
Now when you realize your in need of a savior, that you are a sinner, broken, poor, that Jesus is the only one who can save you now your on to something.

Authentic Christianity promotes those who BELIEVE/PLACE FAITH IN Jesus Christ for salvation will be saved, just as the Bible teaches. (John 1:12; 3:15,16,18,36; 5:24, 6:40,47; 11:25,26; Acts 10:43; 11:17; 13:39; 16:31; Romans 3:22-28; 4:5; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:21; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8; Philippians 3:9; 2 Timothy 3:15; 1 John 5:13 etc..). The majority of "professing" Christianity (which includes false religions and cults that claim to be Christian) along with the majority of the world's population believes in "salvation by works."

There are few that find the strait gate because there will be few who genuinely place their faith (belief, trust, reliance) IN JESUS CHRIST ALONE FOR SALVATION.

Such people may believe "mental assent" in the existence and in historical facts about Jesus and that His death, burial and resurrection "happened," yet these many people who were "religious, but not right with God" did not believe/have faith in/trust in/reliance in Jesus Christ and His finished work of redemption as the ALL-sufficient means of their salvation. Instead, these many people trusted in works for salvation, as we see from Matthew 7:22.

John 6:40 - For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.

These many people (unbelievers) in Matthew 7:22 had the wrong foundation. They were trusting in their works to save them and NOT IN CHRIST ALONE. Jesus NEVER knew them which means they were NEVER saved. Their hearts were not right with God, so their attempted external obedience was stained with sin apart from the blood of Christ. *Seeking salvation by works is not the will of the Father.

John 17:3 - And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. The term "know" implies intimate, experiential knowledge, through a relationship with Him, not merely theoretical knowledge. These many people in Matthew 7:22 were not true converts.

Without faith it's impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6) no matter how many alleged wonderful works that these many people set out to conjure up through the flesh in a vain effort to obtain salvation by works. This is why Jesus referred to them as "ye that work iniquity." Apart from the imputed righteousness which is of God by faith in Christ (Romans 4:5-6; Philippians 3:9) their sin remains.

Even the demons believe in who Jesus is and in James 2:19, we see that the demons believe "mental assent" that "there is one God," but they do not believe/have faith in/trust in/reliance in Jesus Christ for salvation (and neither do works salvationists). In other words, they do not believe on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31) and are not saved. Their trust and reliance is in Satan, as demonstrated by their rebellion in heaven and continuous evil works. Those who do not truly believe trust in works for salvation. It's not enough to believe "mental assent" in Jesus and that His death, burial and resurrection "happened." In order to be saved, we must BELIEVE IN JESUS CHRIST AND IN HIS DEATH, BURIAL AND RESURRECTION AS THE ALL-SUFFICIENT MEANS OF OUR SALVATION. (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4)

Action which is produced "out of" faith and "follows" having been saved through faith is works and we are saved through faith, not works. (Ephesians 2:8,9) There is a difference between doing what Jesus says IN ORDER TO BECOME SAVED and doing what Jesus says AFTER WE HAVE BEEN SAVED THROUGH FAITH. Works-salvationists get this confused and the end result is salvation through faith (their version of faith) + works.

Those who teach the heretical doctrine of baptismal regeneration (lead by Roman Catholicism) are obsessed with Acts 2:38 and fail to properly harmonize scripture with scripture in order to reach the proper conclusion on doctrine and fail to see 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*