A Closer Look at Ephesians 1:13
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In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
What was heard and believed?
Just as Paul explained what was required of the Ephesus disciples, it is noted in the previous chapter that Aquila and Priscilla explained more clearly the Word of God to Apollos who had only received John's baptism as well:
"And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ." Acts 18:25-28
What was heard and believed?
Just as Paul explained what was required of the Ephesus disciples, it is noted in the previous chapter that Aquila and Priscilla explained more clearly the Word of God to Apollos who had only received John's baptism as well:
"And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ." Acts 18:25-28
Here's what's sad to me. Why can't you guys respectfully say to one another, I see why you think that, but I disagree because...? I mean, obviously belief and baptism are both important. The disagreement is where in that process salvation actually occurs. Do you really have to keep arguing about it with the same points over and over, getting more and more hostile toward one another? How about we accept that God is the one who knows our hearts and knows when we're saved? How about we just be obedient and let Him be the one that decides? I grew up in a church that taught that immersion baptism was the moment of salvation, and people would have these questions: well, what if you've decided to be baptized, but on your way to the baptismal there's an earthquake and you die? Would anyone really guess that because they didn't make it to the water, that person wasn't saved? Maybe, but I'll just leave that between that person and God.
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Many have established belief's because pastors avoid (intentionally or unintentionally) scripture that goes directly against their church doctrine. The Word says that our responsibility is to plant and/or water seeds. (scripture) And it is God who will give revelation to those in pursuit of His truth. One can conclude that revelation cannot manifest if believers neglect to plant and/or water seeds. It is God's Word that will not return void. Word must be planted for that process to occur.
I experienced this concept myself and want others to at least be given the opportunity to compare what they have been told with actual scriptures on a topic.
A personal example of this:
I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues when I was very young. Years later I got water baptized "in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost." Afterward, I was presented with evidence that the forerunners of the RCC altered the way water baptism was administered. (325 A.D.) Many today unknowingly follow that tradition rather than complying with scripture. As confirmed by the Word of God, ALL recorded water baptisms were done in the name of the Lord Jesus. I was water baptized that way. After being obedient to the actual Word my spiritual eyes were indeed open. (John 3:3) I could "see" (understand) scriptures with greater clarity than in the past.
"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, ..." 1 Sam. 15:22
Remember that it was Jesus Himself that stated "He who believes and is baptized shall be saved..." He did not say, He who is saved by believing is to get baptized. Yet, many are teaching just that very thing.
I am more concerned about the results of not sharing scripture. Than worrying about ruffling a few feathers by sharing scripture that debunks error. My prayer is that the seeds of truth will produce fruit. Something the enemy fights against, day in and day out.
I experienced this concept myself and want others to at least be given the opportunity to compare what they have been told with actual scriptures on a topic.
A personal example of this:
I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues when I was very young. Years later I got water baptized "in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost." Afterward, I was presented with evidence that the forerunners of the RCC altered the way water baptism was administered. (325 A.D.) Many today unknowingly follow that tradition rather than complying with scripture. As confirmed by the Word of God, ALL recorded water baptisms were done in the name of the Lord Jesus. I was water baptized that way. After being obedient to the actual Word my spiritual eyes were indeed open. (John 3:3) I could "see" (understand) scriptures with greater clarity than in the past.
"Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, ..." 1 Sam. 15:22
Remember that it was Jesus Himself that stated "He who believes and is baptized shall be saved..." He did not say, He who is saved by believing is to get baptized. Yet, many are teaching just that very thing.
I am more concerned about the results of not sharing scripture. Than worrying about ruffling a few feathers by sharing scripture that debunks error. My prayer is that the seeds of truth will produce fruit. Something the enemy fights against, day in and day out.
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Precious friend, and Even Further Disagreement about whether
God Even Requires water today. Actually He Has Only :
ONE Baptism
Today, Under Pure GRACE!
GRACE And Peace...
God Even Requires water today. Actually He Has Only :
ONE Baptism
Today, Under Pure GRACE!
GRACE And Peace...