ACTS, CHAPTER 8

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homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
16,557
497
83
#41
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.
Winner, I see it is God that has been by his Holy Spirit straightening me out and up as in Romans 14:1-4 tells me about God. I also see God only wants what is best for us the people, otherwise Son would not have willingly done what he did going through that suffering of the cross for people to begin with. Baptism is of God and we the people in belief see to get water baptized as a good coinscience towards God. Not to become a member of Churches
Or others. as Peter said, when he saw the Spirit of God fall on the Gentiles in Acts, he said who can refuse water now. I can't and so got that done in willing Thanksgiving and praise to God, for giving this reconciliation to learn new from God to me personally as others do that too.
It is between God and you each personally above everything else first, to me at least, thanks for the explanation, God gave you to state. I get it
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
626
219
43
#42
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.

The fact that baptism is not mentioned in Romans 10 provides nothing. It’s just a passage dealing with a different aspect of salvation. If that prooves baptism is not necessary for salvation , then by the same logic I can prove that FAITH is not necessary for salvation. Acts 2:37 the Jews asked Peter, “What must we do ( to be saved)?” Peter said REPENT and be baptized…. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. “AS YOU CAN SEE NOT A SINGLE MENTION OF FAITH. Does that prove faith is not necessary for salvation? Well, if Romans 10 proves baptism is not essential to be saved, then I guess Acts 2:37-38 proves “faith” is not essential to salvation. And there are other scriptures that prove this as well. Look at Luke 13:3, 5. This is Jesus talking here, and he said if you don’t REPENT you will all perish—no mention if faith at all! In fact, He repeats it again in verse 5–just in case you missed it the first time—if you don’t repent you will perish. He didn’t say “if you don’t believe you will perish.” So therefore, according to your reasoning faith isn’t required.
Are you not isolating Romans 10 from the whole body of gospel truth? Consider 1 Peter 3:21- Peter says baptism saves us. He didn’t say “faith” saves us. There is no mention of faith in that scripture at all. I guess that proves “faith” is not required for salvation. According to you, if “faith” had been necessary for salvation it would have been mentioned in Acts 2:37-38; and in Luke 13:3,5 and in 1 Peter 3:21. Therefore, using your argument, I have just proven “faith” doesn’t have anything to do with salvation.
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
626
219
43
#43
Winner, I see it is God that has been by his Holy Spirit straightening me out and up as in Romans 14:1-4 tells me about God. I also see God only wants what is best for us the people, otherwise Son would not have willingly done what he did going through that suffering of the cross for people to begin with. Baptism is of God and we the people in belief see to get water baptized as a good coinscience towards God. Not to become a member of Churches
Or others. as Peter said, when he saw the Spirit of God fall on the Gentiles in Acts, he said who can refuse water now. I can't and so got that done in willing Thanksgiving and praise to God, for giving this reconciliation to learn new from God to me personally as others do that too.
It is between God and you each personally above everything else first, to me at least, thanks for the explanation, God gave you to state. I get it
God bless you in your study of His word!
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,777
113
#44
The fact that baptism is not mentioned in Romans 10 provides nothing.
Really? Well then you have a serious problem understanding the significance of certain passages of Scripture. What about "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved"? Does that prove anything? Or did Paul forget to add "and also be baptized" and will you make up that deficiency?
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
626
219
43
#45
Really? Well then you have a serious problem understanding the significance of certain passages of Scripture. What about "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved"? Does that prove anything? Or did Paul forget to add "and also be baptized" and will you make up that deficiency?
All you have done is add another scripture to Romans 10 to try to disprove the necessity of baptism for salvation. You have not answered the argument I made in my last post, which was, if Romans 10 and (adding your new scripture) Acts 16 prove that baptism is not necessary BECAUSE IT IS NOT MENTIONED IN THOSE SPECIFIC PASSAGES, then, Acts 2:38, Luke 13:3,5 and 1Peter 3:21 prove that “faith” is not essential to salvation because “faith” is not mentioned in those scriptures dealing with salvation. If not, why not? You have not proven your point and you have not disproved my point. I’d like an answer dealing with that specific argument—it was your argument after all— not mine.
My position and belief is that it takes BOTH “faith” AND “baptism” to be saved ; not just one or the other—but BOTH. Isn’t that exactly what Jesus says in Mark 16:16? “He that believes AND is baptized shall be saved.” I agree with Jesus and I believe what He says. YOU are the one taking issue with Jesus trying to teach something different from what He very plainly says in Mark 16:16. The burden of proof lies on you to show us all why what Jesus says is not true. You have not done that with Romans 10 or by using Acts 16. As I have shown,by my answer, that doesn’t prove anything, unless you are willing to dismiss faith as being essential also. I’m pretty sure you will not do that. So your argument using Roman’s 10 and Acts 16 “doesn’t hold water”.
It is inconsistent to argue Romans 10 eliminates baptism but deny that Acts 2:38 eliminates Faith. Maybe I’m wrong about what you believe. Maybe you DO believe that Acts 2:38 makes “faith” unnecessary—do you? If not, then how can you argue that Roman’s 10 makes baptism unnecessary?
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
16,557
497
83
#46
“What must we do ( to be saved)?” Peter said REPENT and be baptized…
Note this
It does not say water or Spirit Baptism, yet there is only one true Baptism. John's id not the true Baptism. As John said to Jesus, he must be Baptized by Jesus. Jesus replied he had to do all that is right first, Then John Baptized him, and witnessed Jesus as the Messiah to the first chosen
I believe in getting water baptized, not for membership of any Church on the corner of walk don't walk, or not for any plaudits or any popularity either.
As a good conscience between God and me, hopefully everyone else too, thank you
  1. 1 Peter 3:16
    having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
    In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations
  2. 1 Peter 3:21
    The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

I must do all that is right
John 1:26
John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
John 1:27
he it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Therefore, what are we Baptized in Water or the Holy Ghost of God?

Id ir a work to get in and stay in? Under Law yes, absolutely
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
16,557
497
83
#47
Thank you as we reach, grow new daily in trust to God to reveal deeper truth to us, in what got done for us to walk new in and not try to earn it anymore, as I did for a long time at first, being in religion then, now seeing to just respond to God and learn from everything. trusting God permits maturity in us, those that will not quit belief to his love and mercy of Son for them too.
Amazing grace gift this is, amazing as we each go through adversities too
 

Beckworth

Active member
May 15, 2019
626
219
43
#48
Note this
It does not say water or Spirit Baptism, yet there is only one true Baptism. John's id not the true Baptism. As John said to Jesus, he must be Baptized by Jesus. Jesus replied he had to do all that is right first, Then John Baptized him, and witnessed Jesus as the Messiah to the first chosen
I believe in getting water baptized, not for membership of any Church on the corner of walk don't walk, or not for any plaudits or any popularity either.
As a good conscience between God and me, hopefully everyone else too, thank you
  1. 1 Peter 3:16
    having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
    In Context | Full Chapter | Other Translations
  2. 1 Peter 3:21
    The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

I must do all that is right
John 1:26
John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
John 1:27
he it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
Matthew 3:11
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Therefore, what are we Baptized in Water or the Holy Ghost of God?

Id ir a work to get in and stay in? Under Law yes, absolutely

Acts 2:38 must be water baptism because Peter said you are baptized for the forgiveness of sins and THEN you get the gift of the Holy Spirit. Read it carefully. Water baptism first then, God’s gift of the Spirit. .if it had been Holy Spirit baptism then they would already have the Spirit—so why would Peter say they would get the Spirit after baptism? That doesn’t make sense.

Acts 8:12 was water baptism because they did not get the Holy Spirit until verse 16 AFTER they were baptized.

Acts 8, again, the Ethiopian eunuch said “see, here is WATER why can’t I be baptized.” Again WATER baptism.

Acts 10 -Cornelius was COMMANDED to be baptized in water after receiving the miraculous outpouring of the Spirit. Proving that holy Spirit baptism was NOT the One baptism in Ephesians 4; otherwise why would they HAVE to be baptized in water??? A COMMAND , after all, means it is necessary; not optional.

1 Peter 3:21 the baptism that SAVES US is water baptism because he uses the water of the flood as a paraell.

The One baptism talked about in Ephesians 4 is water baptism—not that there were not others at one time , but only this one is the one that SAVES US! Just as Peter said in 1 Peter 3:21. It harmonizes with all the other scriptures. Before you can say it was Holy Spirit baptism you must show proof! And I’m afraid you have none.
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
16,557
497
83
#49
Acts 2:38 must be water baptism because Peter said you are baptized for the forgiveness of sins and THEN you get the gift of the Holy Spirit. Read it carefully. Water baptism first then, God’s gift of the Spirit. .if it had been Holy Spirit baptism then they would already have the Spirit—so why would Peter say they would get the Spirit after baptism? That doesn’t make sense.
As you say, as you see it must be, the same with me and all others in their sight as well
Water and Spirit Baptism are not the same to me. No matter, the motive is at hand behind each and every person doing it. Again if one does water to get and if not one does not get is a new law in itself made by man, to get one to it and must do, which is religion period.
Religion means "what am I doing to get God to respond to me" When God is the creator, I am the creation, it makes no sense to me to get God to respond to me, does it you? If so, okay, you go. To me, if God ever responds to me by what I do or do not do (As people do that), then when God responds to me by my doings (Dung) then that would make me God of God would it not?
I am the creation, who am I the clay to say, one has to do or not do to be given
The potter decides and me I am not the potter, you have a great day
God seriously loves us all. I have no right to say one is in and the other one is out. To make Doctrine of anything else, but God, in Son as is done with works of us the people, so he gave the one and only perfect Son to us all to believe God or not consciously so.
I have chosen the risen Son as my Lord for my God as leader of me, thank you in love and mercy to all, the same as Son did going to that cross once for us all. Hebrews 10:10, anything else is a distraction and messes people up in it, through doubt(s) of the done work for them all also
 

NilsForChrist

Active member
Jan 31, 2023
183
86
28
#50
Acts 2:38 must be water baptism because Peter said you are baptized for the forgiveness of sins and THEN you get the gift of the Holy Spirit. Read it carefully. Water baptism first then, God’s gift of the Spirit. .if it had been Holy Spirit baptism then they would already have the Spirit—so why would Peter say they would get the Spirit after baptism? That doesn’t make sense.

Acts 8:12 was water baptism because they did not get the Holy Spirit until verse 16 AFTER they were baptized.

Acts 8, again, the Ethiopian eunuch said “see, here is WATER why can’t I be baptized.” Again WATER baptism.

Acts 10 -Cornelius was COMMANDED to be baptized in water after receiving the miraculous outpouring of the Spirit. Proving that holy Spirit baptism was NOT the One baptism in Ephesians 4; otherwise why would they HAVE to be baptized in water??? A COMMAND , after all, means it is necessary; not optional.

1 Peter 3:21 the baptism that SAVES US is water baptism because he uses the water of the flood as a paraell.

The One baptism talked about in Ephesians 4 is water baptism—not that there were not others at one time , but only this one is the one that SAVES US! Just as Peter said in 1 Peter 3:21. It harmonizes with all the other scriptures. Before you can say it was Holy Spirit baptism you must show proof! And I’m afraid you have none.
AMEN
 

j55

Active member
Sep 29, 2024
176
65
28
#51
Simon the sorcerer was false teacher.
Acts chapter 9. Jesus gave Paul Holy Spirit. Only Jesus can give holy Spirit to individuals. Many people have Spirit of slumber, Isaiah chapter 6. not many Christians have Holy Spirit.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,254
1,109
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#52
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.
Water baptism is not a requirement after conversion, but is an essential element of the NT conversion. The first message given regarding requirements relative to the NT rebirth state specifically when the reality occurs. (Acts 2:41)

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

37 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?

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.

39 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.

40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.


42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." Acts 2:36-42
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,254
1,109
113
#53
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.
You miss the point. It was after the people had already believed in Jesus that Peter told them to Repent and be baptized (water) in the name of Jesus for the remission of their sins. (Acts 2:36-38)
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,254
1,109
113
#54
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
You may think continuing to share what the Word states about water baptism is somehow forcing people to comply. I do not. It is the sharing of God's word that has the ability to shatter the darkness.

Sharing God's word is what God expects of each and every one of us. Whether a person accepts or rejects what is shared is between them and God. If they do accept the truth it is solely because of the Word of God; as such, man has nothing to boast about. "So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase." 1 Cor. 3:7-7
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
16,557
497
83
#55
Simon the sorcerer was false teacher.
Acts chapter 9. Jesus gave Paul Holy Spirit. Only Jesus can give holy Spirit to individuals. Many people have Spirit of slumber, Isaiah chapter 6. not many Christians have Holy Spirit.
there is a lot of playing Church, yet God continues with us all for us all to see and decide and see our errors here growing up or not. God knowing the desires in each of us, allows revelations to us each personally to see and become content, and learn to not think we know truth, when only God knows the whole truth for us to be humble in, at least me. Matt 10:16-20, Luke 21:14-15
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
16,557
497
83
#56
You miss the point. It was after the people had already believed in Jesus that Peter told them to Repent and be baptized (water) in the name of Jesus for the remission of their sins. (Acts 2:36-38)
Not sure I missed the point, yet you say I have, great
So, therefore they were saved before water Baptism by God right? At least we see that, when Peter entered the Gentile House of Cornelius, illegally according to Jewish Law then.
God did the preaching through Peter to them (Luke 21:14-15) Peter saw the Holy Ghost come on them, without water Baptism (Even though he promoted them to get water Baptized after that happened). Peter Was amazed and reported this to his cohorts, the other disciples. They might have agreed and saw the freedom or rebuked him saying God does not give without anyone having to do it.
The same controversy is going on to this day over I got it and others do not and those with me oare in and those not are out. What a flesh attu=itude playing God in place of God that loves us all y'all

Peter later on in his learning, learned this about water Baptism


1 Peter 3:16-21

Living Bible



Do what is right; then if men speak against you, calling you evil names, they will become ashamed of themselves for falsely accusing you when you have only done what is good.Remember, if God wants you to suffer, it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing wrong!
Christ also suffered. He died once for the sins of all us guilty sinners although he himself was innocent of any sin at any time, that he might bring us safely home to God. But though his body died, his spirit lived on, and it was in the spirit that he visited the spirits in prison and preached to them— spirits of those who, long before in the days of Noah, had refused to listen to God, though he waited patiently for them while Noah was building the ark. Yet only eight persons were saved from drowning in that terrible flood. (That, by the way, is what baptism pictures for us: In baptism we show that we have been saved from death and doom by the resurrection of Christ;[a] not because our bodies are washed clean by the water but because in being baptized we are turning to God and asking him to cleanse our hearts from sin.)


1 Peter 3:16-21

Authorized (King James) Version

having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: by which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
 

homwardbound

Senior Member
Oct 24, 2012
16,557
497
83
#57
You may think continuing to share what the Word states about water baptism is somehow forcing people to comply. I do not. It is the sharing of God's word that has the ability to shatter the darkness.

Sharing God's word is what God expects of each and every one of us. Whether a person accepts or rejects what is shared is between them and God. If they do accept the truth it is solely because of the Word of God; as such, man has nothing to boast about. "So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase." 1 Cor. 3:7-7
that is the whole truth, thank you for having the correct motive as those that do not will not get according to James
James 4:3
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

thank you fro sharing the correct motive friend in the risen Son Jesus for su to be saved in from Father to us all, thank you