"What must I do to be saved?"

You erroneously interpret James 2:24 to mean that a man is justified (accounted as righteous) by faith AND works in contradiction to Romans 4:2-6 - What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified (accounted as righteous) by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it (faith, not works) was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works.

Once again, in James 2:24, James is not using the word "justified" here to mean "accounted as righteous" but is shown to be righteous. James is discussing the evidence of faith (says-claims to have faith but has no works/I will show you my faith by my works - James 2:14-18) and not the initial act of being accounted as righteous with God. (Romans 4:2-3) Go back and read post #270 again.

In the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, the Greek word for justified "dikaioo" #1344 is:

1. to render righteous or such he ought to be
2. to show, exhibit, evince, one to be righteous, such as he is and wishes himself to be considered
3. to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be

The gospel is the "good news" of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that BELIEVES.. (Romans 1:16) To "believe" the gospel is to trust in the death, burial and resurrection as the ALL-SUFFICIENT means of our salvation.

1 Corinthians 1:21 - For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who BELIEVE. When will you believe?

It's about faith in the work of being water baptized. You trust in water baptism for salvation and NOT IN CHRIST ALONE.

You would walk around mountains of grace in order to find water. This sounds like you are the victim of church indoctrination. 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 receives remission of sins. Again, these Gentiles received the gift of the Holy Spirit - Acts 10:45 - 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*

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). *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.

... This sounds like you are the victim of church indoctrination...

believing they cannot beat sin.

I do believe the gospel as stated in scripture. (Mark 16:15-17, John 3:3-5, Acts 2:2-42, 8:12-18, 10:43-48, 19:1-7, 22:16)

I believe what the word says about water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus and what results upon belief and obedience to the command. It is for remission of sins as stated in numerous places. And as revealed by Ananias to Paul; "Why tarriest thou, arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins calling upon the name of the Lord." Acts 22:16

Clearly we disagree.

You as well as others get hung up on the sequence that occurred with the Gentiles in Acts 10:43-49. And ignore the fact that they were commanded to be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus after receiving the Holy Ghost. The promise given at Pentecost was fulfilled. Do you not understand that God was not oblivious to the fact that Cornelius and others were going to believe and obey the command to be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus? Although not expressed, it is quite possible Peter would have faltered at giving the baptism command if not for God's intervention. Peter actually told the Jewish leaders in Acts 11 that AFTER seeing the group receive the Holy Ghost who was he to withstand God. This statement had to pertain to water baptism, because that was the only command he gave after their being indwelled by the Holy Spirit. Notice the Jewish leaders response: "Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." (Acts 11:17-18) Repentance unto life involves everything included having one's sins remitted in obedience to the baptism command.

There is no way around it, scripture reveals that the NT rebirth involves water and Spirit. (John 3:3-5) This truth is confirmed by the first and subsequent messages presented to those of all nationalities. This same message has been carried throughout the corridors of time. God promises to give the Holy Spirit to those who are willing to accept and be obedient to the gospel first presented at Pentecost. (Acts 2:2-39) The sequence differs; however, both water and Spirit are involved.

Interesting how those who throw that around, never, ever consider it may pertain to themselves. We are all admonished to study to shew ourselves approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth.

All we need do is humbly repent and receive His grace.

"What must I do to be saved?"
This was the question posed by the Philippian Jailor after witnessing prison doors miraculously opened and prisoners miraculously set free from there bonds.

Jesus' death on the cross made possible the opening of spiritual prison doors and release from the bonds of sin for every man, women, and child ever born. The answer of Paul and Silas to the Philippian Jailor makes this abundantly clear...
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31).

The Gospel of Salvation is clear, simple, and elementary. Stand firm and do not be swayed from the glorious truth of such great salvation bountiful and free!

Isaiah 55
1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.

Believing is a product of having already been born again (John 10:26-29).

"What must I do to be saved?"
This was the question posed by the Philippian Jailor after witnessing prison doors miraculously opened and prisoners miraculously set free from there bonds.

Jesus' death on the cross made possible the opening of spiritual prison doors and release from the bonds of sin for every man, women, and child ever born. The answer of Paul and Silas to the Philippian Jailor makes this abundantly clear...
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31).

The Gospel of Salvation is clear, simple, and elementary. Stand firm and do not be swayed from the glorious truth of such great salvation bountiful and free!

Isaiah 55
1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.

Clearly we strongly disagree and the sequence of events in Acts 10 clearly refutes your argument. These Gentiles believed, received the gift of the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues which is a gift of the Holy Spirit that is only for believers - 1 Corinthians 12) and were saved BEFORE water baptism. (Acts 10:43-47) In regards to "repentance unto life" in Acts 11:17-18, nothing is mentioned here about salvation by obedience to the baptism command. That is more eisegesis on your part. Repentance is a "change of mind" and the new direction of this change of mind is believing in Christ unto salvation/trusting in Christ as the ALL-SUFFICIENT means of our salvation.

In regards to the word "water" in John 3:5, Jesus mentions "living water" in John 4:10, 14; 7:37-39 and in John 7:38-39, we read - "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke concerning the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the source of living water and spiritual cleansing. If "water" is arbitrarily defined as baptism, then we could just as justifiably say, "Out of his heart will flow rivers of living baptism" in John 7:38. If this sounds ridiculous, it is no more so than the idea that water baptism is the source or the means of becoming born again.

Also "water" is used in scripture as an emblem of the word of God, and in such uses it is associated with cleansing or washing. (John 15:3; Ephesians 5:26) When we are born again, the Holy Spirit begets new life, so that we are said to become "partakers of the divine nature." (2 Peter 1:4) The new birth is brought to pass through "incorruptible seed, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever" (I Peter 1:23) and the Holy Spirit accomplishes the miracle of regeneration.

*So to automatically read "baptism" into John 3:5 simply because it mentions "water" is unwarranted.*

You believe what your pet verses "on the surface" appear to teach, but is not in harmony with the rest of scripture on salvation by faith.

In regards to Acts 22:16, as Greek scholar AT Robertson points out, baptism here pictures the washing away of sins by the blood of Christ, but it does not literally wash away our sins, contrary to your conclusion. Jamison, Fausset, and Brown Commentary makes not 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 Acts 10:43, receiving remission of sins is connected with "believes in Him" and not with baptism (Acts 10:43-47). In Acts 9, Jesus told Ananias that Paul "is a chosen vessel unto Me" (vs 15), although the apostle had not yet been water baptized. Before Paul was baptized, Christ had already commissioned him to "bear His name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel" (Acts 9:15) and such a commission is not for one who is still lost in their sins. Before Paul’s baptism, Christ had set him aside as one who would "suffer for His name’s sake" (9:16). Can one who is a child of the devil, as all the lost are (Ephesians 2:1-3, John 8:44), really suffer for Christ’s sake? NO.

So, Paul had already believed in Christ when Ananias came to pray for him to receive his sight (Acts 9:17). It also should be noted that Paul at the time when Ananias prayed for him to receive his sight, he was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17)--this was BEFORE he was water baptized (Acts 9:18). Verse 17 connects his being filled with the Spirit with the receiving of his sight. We know that he received his sight prior to his baptism.

Excellent article on Acts 22:16 - https://kentbrandenburg.blogspot.com/2015/03/acts-2216-baptism-essential-for.html

It's interesting that when Paul recounted this event again later in Acts (Acts 26:12-18), he did not mention Ananias or what Ananias said to him at all. Verse 18 again would confirm the idea that Paul received Christ as Savior on the road to Damascus since here Christ is telling Paul he will be a messenger for Him concerning forgiveness of sins for Gentiles as they have faith in Him. It would seem unlikely that Christ would commission Paul if Paul had not yet believed in Him and was still lost in his sins.

No scripture is to be interpreted in isolation from the totality of scripture. Practically speaking, a singular and obscure verse is to be subservient to to multiple and clear verses, and not vice versa.

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It's interesting that when Paul recounted this event again later in Acts (Acts 26:12-18), he did not mention Ananias or what Ananias said to him at all. Verse 18 again would confirm the idea that Paul received Christ as Savior on the road to Damascus since here Christ is telling Paul he will be a messenger for Him concerning forgiveness of sins for Gentiles as they have faith in Him. It would seem unlikely that Christ would commission Paul if Paul had not yet believed in Him and was still lost in his sins.

No scripture is to be interpreted in isolation from the totality of scripture. Practically speaking, a singular and obscure verse is to be subservient to to multiple and clear verses, and not vice versa.

I was raised in the Roman Catholic church and they teach the false doctrine of salvation by water baptism. I also had temporarily attended the church of Christ and they also teach salvation by water baptism. I've seen first hand how easily people in both of those churches fall prey to church indoctrination and it's obviously no different with you. Oneness Pentecostals, Seventh Day Adventist's and Mormons also do a great job of indoctrinating their members as well.

Even a minimal study of denominations reveal a belief in some but not all aspects clearly revealed in the inspired word of God. To judge whether something is true because a certain denomination accepts it or not is not wise. Wisdom comes when people choose to accept what the bible says, not what others say it means. Period. Sadly, manmade tradition continues to blaze a trail weaving its way through history even unto today.

As I have said many times, and shared scripture confirmation, obedience to water baptism in Jesus' name AS WELL AS being indwelt with the Holy Spirit (a separate experience from water baptism) is what results in a person acquiring the NT rebirth. Jesus made this available to all mankind through His shed blood on Calvary. Man has a choice, he can believe it and obey by faith or not.

The natural man, before he has been quickened to the new spiritual life, (Eph 2:1), will not, and indeed, cannot repent