Have You Received the Holy Ghost Since You Believed?

[Wansvic]

'in jesus name '? baptism ? when you say cruicial what do you mean? The Ethiopian is the closest to the normative pattern we see described in Paul's letters.The Gospel is simply Believe .

Belief prompts action.

The Ethiopian was water baptized by Philip the Evangelist. (Acts 8)

Ananias told Paul to be baptized and wash away his sins calling on the name of the Lord after stating he was to be a witness to all men of what he had seen and heard. (Acts 22:15-16) Ananias instructions parallel Peter's words at Pentecost.

Paul knew baptism was to be in Jesus’ name. He instructs the born again Corinthians concerning the relevance of their water baptism in the name of Jesus. :
Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Cor 1:13

In 1 Corinthians, Paul mentions some of those he water baptized:
I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 1 Cor 1:14-16

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. Acts 18:5

The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 3 John 1-3

Paul stated that NOT all will OBEY the gospel. (Romans 10:16-17) How does one obey the gospel since it is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus? By dying to self through repentance, being buried with him by water baptism into death, and receiving the Holy Ghost.

Paul’s Epistles - Spirit and water baptism
(Rom 6:3-5, 1 Cor 1:15-16, 1 Cor 12:13, Gal 3:27, Eph 4:4-5, Col 2:12, Titus 3:5-6, Heb 4:1-2)


Rom 6:3-5 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:” THIS IS WATER BAPTISM. HOLY GHOST BAPTISM IS DONE BY GOD, AND IS NOT DONE INTO JESUS CHRIST.

1 Cor 1:15-16 “Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.” ALL WATER BAPTISMS WERE PERFORMED USING A NAME. (JESUS)

1 Cor 12:13 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” SPIRIT BAPTISM

Gal 3:2 “This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” SPIRIT BAPTISM After hearing about the need to receive the Holy Ghost one steps out in faith to receive the gift.

Gal 3:27 (Water Baptism) “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

Eph 4:4-5 (One Spirit, one water baptism) “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism,”

Col 2:12 (Water Baptism) “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”

Titus 3:5-6 (Water and Spirit Baptism) “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;”

 

[Wansvic]

With baptism of the Holy Spirit... which verses show this is about receiving eternal life?

The instances I see of the Holy Spirit baptism are of groups of believers being empowered..not individuals receiving eternal life.

Belief and obedience to Peter's instructions indicated an individual could expect to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38) After making that statement, Peter told them to save themselves from that corrupt generation. And that day 3000 people were added to the body of the church by obeying his word and getting baptized. Verse 42 states everyone continued in this teaching of the apostles. (Acts 2:40-42)
Verse 47 goes on to say that the Lord added to the church daily such as were to be saved. This verse makes it clear that Peter's God-inspired instructions were the way of salvation.

The indwelling of the Holy Ghost is the gift referenced by Peter on the Day of Pentecost. (Luke 11:13, Acts 2:33, 8:20, 10:45, 11:17, Heb. 6:4)

Paul's interaction with the disciples from Ephesus speak to this truth as well. They too obeyed the same instructions outlined by Paul and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 19:1-6) Paul then traveled with them and preached the truth to others in their congregation.

Acts 2:3-4 records how 120 people were individually filled with the Holy Ghost. Notice each of them had tongues of fire appear above them. (Below) Afterward Peter tells those gathered that what they saw and heard was the promised Holy Ghost sent by the Father.

"And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:3-4)


Rom 8:9-11
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.


2 Thess 2:13-15
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

 

[throughfaith]

Belief prompts action.

The Ethiopian was water baptized by Philip the Evangelist. (Acts 8)

Ananias told Paul to be baptized and wash away his sins calling on the name of the Lord after stating he was to be a witness to all men of what he had seen and heard. (Acts 22:15-16) Ananias instructions parallel Peter's words at Pentecost.

Paul knew baptism was to be in Jesus’ name. He instructs the born again Corinthians concerning the relevance of their water baptism in the name of Jesus. :
Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Cor 1:13

In 1 Corinthians, Paul mentions some of those he water baptized:
I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 1 Cor 1:14-16

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. Acts 18:5

The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. 3 John 1-3

Paul stated that NOT all will OBEY the gospel. (Romans 10:16-17) How does one obey the gospel since it is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus? By dying to self through repentance, being buried with him by water baptism into death, and receiving the Holy Ghost.

Paul’s Epistles - Spirit and water baptism
(Rom 6:3-5, 1 Cor 1:15-16, 1 Cor 12:13, Gal 3:27, Eph 4:4-5, Col 2:12, Titus 3:5-6, Heb 4:1-2)


Rom 6:3-5 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:” THIS IS WATER BAPTISM. HOLY GHOST BAPTISM IS DONE BY GOD, AND IS NOT DONE INTO JESUS CHRIST.

1 Cor 1:15-16 “Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.” ALL WATER BAPTISMS WERE PERFORMED USING A NAME. (JESUS)

1 Cor 12:13 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” SPIRIT BAPTISM

Gal 3:2 “This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” SPIRIT BAPTISM After hearing about the need to receive the Holy Ghost one steps out in faith to receive the gift.

Gal 3:27 (Water Baptism) “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

Eph 4:4-5 (One Spirit, one water baptism) “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism,”

Col 2:12 (Water Baptism) “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”

Titus 3:5-6 (Water and Spirit Baptism) “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;”

5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
no water baptism here ????

 

[Guojing]

Paul's comments in 1 Cor. 15 do not contradict the truth of the birth of the NT church as recorded in Acts 2. Paul mentions that the gospel that he shared with the Corinthians, that saves them, is the same that he received. (1 Cor. 15:3) Acts 9:17-18 and 22:16 record what Paul received from Ananias. First, Ananias states he was sent by Jesus in order for him to receive his sight and the Holy Ghost, and instructs him to be water baptized calling on the name of the Lord. Paul's experience parallels the message given at Pentecost.

Peter's message at Pentecost encompassed believing both issues. (Acts 2:23-36) After referencing Jesus' death and resurrection as prophesied by King David in the OT, Peter then gave the salvation message all must obey. (Acts 2:38)

Philip also shared the word of God with the Samaritans. (Acts 8:12, 14-17) What do you suppose the word entailed? Well since the people believed in the name of Jesus, submitted to water baptism, and Peter and John came later for them to receive the Holy Ghost it is obvious. The word of God they heard was the same message and instructions first given to the Jews.

Again this truth is seen in Peter's comments to the Gentiles. (Acts 10:39-43)

Do you think there is a notable difference between preaching

• In wickedness, you have killed your Messiah but God raised him from the dead as a sign that he is truly the Son of God, so repent of that wicked deed and be water baptized, and you will be saved from your sins in the future. (Acts 2:36 Acts 3:14-21 Acts 5:30 Acts 7:52 )

versus

• Christ has died for your sins and rose again on the 3rd day for your justification. (1 Cor 15:1-4)

As for Phillip, Acts 8:37 tells you what he was preaching to the eunuch

“If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The eunuch answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

which is the first bullet point.

Note he did not say, I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose again on the 3rd day for my justification.

 

[Wansvic]

5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
no water baptism here ????

One's works of righteousness, or being "good" is not what led God to make a way for people to be reborn spiritually. Unless a man is born of water and of Spirit he remains lost. (John 3:5) Partaking of the spiritual rebirth requires obedience to the God-given instructions given by Peter on the Day of Pentecost. The spiritual rebirth that brings mankind back into right standing with God was only made available because of Jesus' willing sacrifice.

 

[throughfaith]

Belief and obedience to Peter's instructions indicated an individual could expect to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38) After making that statement, Peter told them to save themselves from that corrupt generation. And that day 3000 people were added to the body of the church by obeying his word and getting baptized. Verse 42 states everyone continued in this teaching of the apostles. (Acts 2:40-42)
Verse 47 goes on to say that the Lord added to the church daily such as were to be saved. This verse makes it clear that Peter's God-inspired instructions were the way of salvation.

The indwelling of the Holy Ghost is the gift referenced by Peter on the Day of Pentecost. (Luke 11:13, Acts 2:33, 8:20, 10:45, 11:17, Heb. 6:4)

Paul's interaction with the disciples from Ephesus speak to this truth as well. They too obeyed the same instructions outlined by Paul and received the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 19:1-6) Paul then traveled with them and preached the truth to others in their congregation.

Acts 2:3-4 records how 120 people were individually filled with the Holy Ghost. Notice each of them had tongues of fire appear above them. (Below) Afterward Peter tells those gathered that what they saw and heard was the promised Holy Ghost sent by the Father.

"And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:3-4)


Rom 8:9-11
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.


2 Thess 2:13-15
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

Whos Peter talking to in Acts 2 .38 . Israel who killed their messiah or Western gentile europeans in 2020?

One's works of righteousness, or being "good" is not what led God to make a way for people to be reborn spiritually. Unless a man is born of water and of Spirit he remains lost. (John 3:5) Partaking of the spiritual rebirth requires obedience to the God-given instructions given by Peter on the Day of Pentecost. The spiritual rebirth that brings mankind back into right standing with God was only made available because of Jesus' willing sacrifice.

Is baptism essential for salvation ?

 

[Wansvic]

Do you think there is a notable difference between preaching

• In wickedness, you have killed your Messiah but God raised him from the dead as a sign that he is truly the Son of God, so repent of that wicked deed and be water baptized, and you will be saved from your sins in the future. (Acts 2:36 Acts 3:14-21 Acts 5:30 Acts 7:52 )

versus

• Christ has died for your sins and rose again on the 3rd day for your justification. (1 Cor 15:1-4)

As for Phillip, Acts 8:37 tells you what he was preaching to the eunuch

“If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The eunuch answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

which is the first bullet point.

Note he did not say, I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose again on the 3rd day for my justification.

Jesus said he who believes and is baptized shall be saved. (Mark 16:16) He goes on to say, he who doesn't believe is damned already. Belief of the entire message is essential for one to acquire the spiritual rebirth.

Philip undoubtedly preached the same Pentecost message to the Ethiopian. His immediate action proves he accepted the Evangelist's instruction that water baptism was required.

In every case recorded, the instruction of one's need to be water baptized was responded to immediately. This indicates they understood it was to be done for more than just a public display. This principle is seen in the jailer and his family being water baptized at midnight. No public around to see that display.

It is sad that the enemy has used "church leaders" throughout generations to distort and/or dismantle the components associated with God's salvation plan. It took a relatively short time for them to remove the name that is above all names, the Lord Jesus Christ from the ordinance of water baptism. (325 A.D.) Something that should give people pause is what the bible says about the name of Jesus. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) This is so significant when one realizes that without being buried into Jesus' death through water baptism in His name a person remains in their original lost state. Also, any sincere scripture study concerning water baptism points to the truth that upon one's obedience their sins are washed away. (Matt. 21:25, 32; Mark 1:2-4; Luke 1:76-77, 3:3, 24:47; Acts 2:38, 10:43, 22:16)

Jesus' sacrifice paid the penalty and provided forgiveness for all mankind's sin. Each person must accept that fact and be buried into Jesus' death through water baptism in order for their personal sin to be washed away. Also required is the infilling of the Holy Ghost. This truth lines up with Jesus' statement that everyone is required to be born of water and of Spirit. (John 3:5)

 

[Wansvic]

Whos Peter talking to in Acts 2 .38 . Israel who killed their messiah or Western gentile europeans in 2020?
Is baptism essential for salvation ?

Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 16:19) Note, keys! Not a single key. This exchange points to the fact that without the use of the keys Peter provided at Pentecost, people were not going to gain entrance into heaven. Since all of humanity is still being given the opportunity to enter heaven this mandate is still relevant.

Peter presented the message/instructions to the Jewish population first. (Acts 2:38) However, in the very next verse he states the promise is for them, their children, all in the future, and EVEN as many as the Lord shall call. (Act 2:39) Jesus is still calling people and will continue to do so until He returns at Armageddon.

Please take notice that after the Jews were given the specific instructions so were the Samaritans, Gentiles, Paul, 12 disciples from Ephesus. When one realizes they are a descendant of one of these groups of people it is clear the instructions pertain to every person throughout history as well.

The bible clearly expresses that water baptism is essential for salvation. Jesus told the Pharisees that publicans and harlots would enter the kingdom of Heaven before them because they believed John the Baptist. John came in the way of righteousness and the religious leaders did not believe him. (Matt 21:25, 31-32) Not accepting the soon coming arrival of the messiah and the need for water baptism as a means of remitting sins was to reject the counsel of God. (Luke 7:30) Also, Jesus commanded water baptism in Matt 29:18 and Mark 16:16.

The washing away of one's sins is an essential part of the spiritual rebirth experience. We die to self in repentance, we are then buried into Jesus' death upon being immersed under the water in the name of the Lord Jesus. Also required is the indwelling of the Holy Ghost into our physical body. These individual components are what is outlined in Peter instructions given at Pentecost.

 

[throughfaith]

Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 16:19) Note, keys! Not a single key. This exchange points to the fact that without the use of the keys Peter provided at Pentecost, people were not going to gain entrance into heaven. Since all of humanity is still being given the opportunity to enter heaven this mandate is still relevant.

Peter presented the message/instructions to the Jewish population first. (Acts 2:38) However, in the very next verse he states the promise is for them, their children, all in the future, and EVEN as many as the Lord shall call. (Act 2:39) Jesus is still calling people and will continue to do so until He returns at Armageddon.

Please take notice that after the Jews were given the specific instructions so were the Samaritans, Gentiles, Paul, 12 disciples from Ephesus. When one realizes they are a descendant of one of these groups of people it is clear the instructions pertain to every person throughout history as well.

The bible clearly expresses that water baptism is essential for salvation. Jesus told the Pharisees that publicans and harlots would enter the kingdom of Heaven before them because they believed John the Baptist. John came in the way of righteousness and the religious leaders did not believe him. (Matt 21:25, 31-32) Not accepting the soon coming arrival of the messiah and the need for water baptism as a means of remitting sins was to reject the counsel of God. (Luke 7:30) Also, Jesus commanded water baptism in Matt 29:18 and Mark 16:16.

The washing away of one's sins is an essential part of the spiritual rebirth experience. We die to self in repentance, we are then buried into Jesus' death upon being immersed under the water in the name of the Lord Jesus. Also required is the indwelling of the Holy Ghost into our physical body. These individual components are what is outlined in Peter instructions given at Pentecost.

ok it seems like you have a unusual theology which I'm trying to understand . Are you a Christian ? It sounds like your still under the old testament still ?

 

[throughfaith]

Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 16:19) Note, keys! Not a single key. This exchange points to the fact that without the use of the keys Peter provided at Pentecost, people were not going to gain entrance into heaven. Since all of humanity is still being given the opportunity to enter heaven this mandate is still relevant.

Peter presented the message/instructions to the Jewish population first. (Acts 2:38) However, in the very next verse he states the promise is for them, their children, all in the future, and EVEN as many as the Lord shall call. (Act 2:39) Jesus is still calling people and will continue to do so until He returns at Armageddon.

Please take notice that after the Jews were given the specific instructions so were the Samaritans, Gentiles, Paul, 12 disciples from Ephesus. When one realizes they are a descendant of one of these groups of people it is clear the instructions pertain to every person throughout history as well.

The bible clearly expresses that water baptism is essential for salvation. Jesus told the Pharisees that publicans and harlots would enter the kingdom of Heaven before them because they believed John the Baptist. John came in the way of righteousness and the religious leaders did not believe him. (Matt 21:25, 31-32) Not accepting the soon coming arrival of the messiah and the need for water baptism as a means of remitting sins was to reject the counsel of God. (Luke 7:30) Also, Jesus commanded water baptism in Matt 29:18 and Mark 16:16.

The washing away of one's sins is an essential part of the spiritual rebirth experience. We die to self in repentance, we are then buried into Jesus' death upon being immersed under the water in the name of the Lord Jesus. Also required is the indwelling of the Holy Ghost into our physical body. These individual components are what is outlined in Peter instructions given at Pentecost.

Would you say that your saved ?

 

[Just_Jo]

@Wansvic , would you say that to get to heaven all believers MUST have the baptism of the Holy Ghost?

I am baptized as in Acts and it is empowering to study,pray and talk about Jesus to others with Him.

I do not understand if it's lack of teaching,lack of openness or what that doesn't make the offer real to all.

I cannot say those who are not baptized with the Comforter are not heaven bound.

 

[Wansvic]

ok it seems like you have a unusual theology which I'm trying to understand . Are you a Christian ? It sounds like your still under the old testament still ?

Yes, I am a Christian. Everything I am referring to is found in the NT and pertains to the spiritual rebirth experience. Being reborn spiritually was not available to those in the OT dispensation.

 

[Wansvic]

Would you say that your saved ?

Yes.

Notice that the Jews asked what they must do. (Acts 2:37) Consider when one calls upon the name of Jesus as seen in Peter's response to the group. (Acts 2:38) And, Cornelius said an angel appeared to him and said to get Peter who would tell him how to be saved. (Acts 11:13-14)

 

[Wansvic]

@Wansvic , would you say that to get to heaven all believers MUST have the baptism of the Holy Ghost?

I am baptized as in Acts and it is empowering to study,pray and talk about Jesus to others with Him.

I do not understand if it's lack of teaching,lack of openness or what that doesn't make the offer real to all.

I cannot say those who are not baptized with the Comforter are not heaven bound.

Yes, all believers must receive the baptism of the Holy Ghost. I can say this with confidence since God always establishes His truth at least twice in the written word. (2 Cor 13:1, Deut 19:15, Matt 18:16) We see this truth since all those depicted in the following received the baptism of the Holy Ghost. These examples establish God's truth concerning how one becomes born again. (John 3:3-5)

1. There is evidence of the NT church being birthed after people obeyed Peter's instruction on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:38-41)
2. The Samaritans received and obeyed the same instructions. (Acts 8:12-17)
3. The Gentiles did the same. (Acts 10:44-48)
4. Twelve disciples received and obeyed Paul's command to do the same. (Acts 19:2-6)

Sadly, religious leaders have distorted the message throughout generations. I am not saying they did it purposely. However, because of the distortion many today refuse to accept what is clearly in the word. The word itself addresses where one can find the common salvation. It can be found by earnestly seeking the faith that was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 3) We know from the written word that Peter (disciple/saint) delivered the message to the Jewish people first. Philip the evangelist (disciple/saint) delivered the message to the Samaritans, and Peter and John (disciples/saints) came afterward to impart the gift of the Holy Ghost. Etc., etc. etc.

Don't give up sharing the truth with others. It is not our job to convince anyone. Ours is a journey of planting and/or watering seeds of truth. It is God who gives the increase/enlightenment. (1 Cor 3:7)

Continue to be Blessed!

 

[throughfaith]

Yes, I am a Christian. Everything I am referring to is found in the NT and pertains to the spiritual rebirth experience. Being reborn spiritually was not available to those in the OT dispensation.

I agree with what you said here .

 

[throughfaith]

Yes.

Notice that the Jews asked what they must do. (Acts 2:37) Consider when one calls upon the name of Jesus as seen in Peter's response to the group. (Acts 2:38) And, Cornelius said an angel appeared to him and said to get Peter who would tell him how to be saved. (Acts 11:13-14)

They say 'what must we do " not what must I do to be saved " . Things different are not the same .

 

[throughfaith]

Yes.

Notice that the Jews asked what they must do. (Acts 2:37) Consider when one calls upon the name of Jesus as seen in Peter's response to the group. (Acts 2:38) And, Cornelius said an angel appeared to him and said to get Peter who would tell him how to be saved. (Acts 11:13-14)

Yes angels are also not the normative experience for church age salvation either . Thats why The Acts OF The Apostles is not the book to look for how we are saved today.

 

[Guojing]

Jesus said he who believes and is baptized shall be saved. (Mark 16:16) He goes on to say, he who doesn't believe is damned already. Belief of the entire message is essential for one to acquire the spiritual rebirth.

Philip undoubtedly preached the same Pentecost message to the Ethiopian. His immediate action proves he accepted the Evangelist's instruction that water baptism was required.

In every case recorded, the instruction of one's need to be water baptized was responded to immediately. This indicates they understood it was to be done for more than just a public display. This principle is seen in the jailer and his family being water baptized at midnight. No public around to see that display.

It is sad that the enemy has used "church leaders" throughout generations to distort and/or dismantle the components associated with God's salvation plan. It took a relatively short time for them to remove the name that is above all names, the Lord Jesus Christ from the ordinance of water baptism. (325 A.D.) Something that should give people pause is what the bible says about the name of Jesus. "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Acts 4:12) This is so significant when one realizes that without being buried into Jesus' death through water baptism in His name a person remains in their original lost state. Also, any sincere scripture study concerning water baptism points to the truth that upon one's obedience their sins are washed away. (Matt. 21:25, 32; Mark 1:2-4; Luke 1:76-77, 3:3, 24:47; Acts 2:38, 10:43, 22:16)

Jesus' sacrifice paid the penalty and provided forgiveness for all mankind's sin. Each person must accept that fact and be buried into Jesus' death through water baptism in order for their personal sin to be washed away. Also required is the infilling of the Holy Ghost. This truth lines up with Jesus' statement that everyone is required to be born of water and of Spirit. (John 3:5)

So back to the topic, in mark 16:16, what do the Jews have to believe about Jesus?

Early acts indicated they had to believe he is the son of God

Do you agree with that?

 

[garee]

Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 16:19) Note, keys! Not a single key. This exchange points to the fact that without the use of the keys Peter provided at Pentecost, people were not going to gain entrance into heaven. Since all of humanity is still being given the opportunity to enter heaven this mandate is still relevant.

Peter presented the message/instructions to the Jewish population first. (Acts 2:38) However, in the very next verse he states the promise is for them, their children, all in the future, and EVEN as many as the Lord shall call. (Act 2:39) Jesus is still calling people and will continue to do so until He returns at Armageddon.

Please take notice that after the Jews were given the specific instructions so were the Samaritans, Gentiles, Paul, 12 disciples from Ephesus. When one realizes they are a descendant of one of these groups of people it is clear the instructions pertain to every person throughout history as well.

The bible clearly expresses that water baptism is essential for salvation. Jesus told the Pharisees that publicans and harlots would enter the kingdom of Heaven before them because they believed John the Baptist. John came in the way of righteousness and the religious leaders did not believe him. (Matt 21:25, 31-32) Not accepting the soon coming arrival of the messiah and the need for water baptism as a means of remitting sins was to reject the counsel of God. (Luke 7:30) Also, Jesus commanded water baptism in Matt 29:18 and Mark 16:16.

The washing away of one's sins is an essential part of the spiritual rebirth experience. We die to self in repentance, we are then buried into Jesus' death upon being immersed under the water in the name of the Lord Jesus. Also required is the indwelling of the Holy Ghost into our physical body. These individual components are what is outlined in Peter instructions given at Pentecost.

It would seem you are approaching the idea of Peter as those who lord it over other faith . Salvation has nothing to do with Peter or the word apostle. Sola scriptura makes those who lord it over the faith of others without effect.

 

[garee]

@Wansvic , would you say that to get to heaven all believers MUST have the baptism of the Holy Ghost?

I am baptized as in Acts and it is empowering to study,pray and talk about Jesus to others with Him.

I do not understand if it's lack of teaching,lack of openness or what that doesn't make the offer real to all.

I cannot say those who are not baptized with the Comforter are not heaven bound.

We are not saved by the things seen the temporal. No sign gifts.



God purifies our new hearts by a work of His faith , it woks in us to both will and do His good pleasure.