THE REAL BAPTISM
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As you said, it is your thought.
Btw, Acts 2, 8, 10 and 19 nowwhere said that the believer has to ask for to speak in tongues. And they dont had a joice to reject it. It came up to them.
Pentecostal/Charismatic doctrine refers to Acts 2,8,10 and 19. But Acts says different to their teaching.
If they would be right then every believer would have the gift of speaking in tongues.
Without denomination difference, without asking for. Without possibility to reject it.
They had this gift simply. It would be normal for every believer.
But this is not the case. Why because this doctrine is man made.
Btw, Acts 2, 8, 10 and 19 nowwhere said that the believer has to ask for to speak in tongues. And they dont had a joice to reject it. It came up to them.
Pentecostal/Charismatic doctrine refers to Acts 2,8,10 and 19. But Acts says different to their teaching.
If they would be right then every believer would have the gift of speaking in tongues.
Without denomination difference, without asking for. Without possibility to reject it.
They had this gift simply. It would be normal for every believer.
But this is not the case. Why because this doctrine is man made.
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No, I said tongues are definitely for me!
Everyone that receives the infilling of the Holy Spirit should be praying in tongues in their private prayer life.
But, the devil had done a good job of teaching falsely concerning this gift to get many to believe it's not for them and so - it's not for them.
The devil has done this with many things the Lord has provided for His people and if we allow the devil to trick us out of receiving something the Lord desires for us to have causing us to sincerely believe it's not for us, then we don't get it.
Some people do this with salvation, and just like salvation itself, God's gifts are not automatic as He does not force anyone to walk in any of the gifts.
We have to believe what God's promises say and cooperate with the Lord walking in agreement with Him, being co laborers with the Lord.
This may irritate calvinist sensibilities but nobody should be paying any attention to the false doctrines of those guys anyhow
Baptism is for repentance and remission of sins
“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judæa, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.”
Mark 1:4-5 KJV
“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.”
Acts 2:38-39 KJV
did they who were filled with the Holy Ghost baptize in water? Yeah John was filled with the Holy Ghost so was Peter so we’re they all so was Philip
this is what Jesus said for them to do for salvstion
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
Mark 16:15-16 KJV
this is what they did
“Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. ( preach the gospel to all people )
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.( whoever believes )
And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.( and is baptized shall be saved )
And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”
Acts 8:35-39
At what point do we just accept what baptism is and start telling people what it means ?
“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: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”
Romans 6:3-6 KJV
Remission of sins
“in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 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. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;”
Colossians 2:11-13 KJV
baptism is basic doctrine Jesus pouting out his spirit at pentocost doesnt replace baptism it completes it baptism has never changed it was just completed
this is true baptism and why we get baptized into Christ
“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Mark 1:9-11 KJV
Simply removing baptism and saying it’s spiritual now isn’t supported by scripture believers believing Jesus does for thier sins and rose again and getting baptized into his name because of that belief is what’s there
belief
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;”
1 Corinthians 15:3 KJV
The right information
“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.”
Acts 2:38 KJV
why was I buried under water and then raised up from it in Jesus name ?
“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.”
Romans 6:3-4 KJV
Does it affect my identity ?
“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
Galatians 3:26-29 KJV
Baptism was something Jesus commanded his disciples to do for all nations that’s what they did it didn’t matter if someone receives the spirit first they still needed remission of sins through baptism in Jesus name who died for thier sins
“For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 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 10:46-48
at he bibles really clear baptism is for repentance and remission of sins it’s done in Jesus name because he died to remit our sins we want to be joined together with what he’s done for us it’s not something we should obscure but should share the i formation that’s actually there in scripture about baptism it’s a beautiful gift given by the lord and isn’t a difficult thing for us to do it’s simple and based on faith if we hear the truth about baptism we’re going to run to it and be thankful
“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judæa, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.”
Mark 1:4-5 KJV
“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.”
Acts 2:38-39 KJV
did they who were filled with the Holy Ghost baptize in water? Yeah John was filled with the Holy Ghost so was Peter so we’re they all so was Philip
this is what Jesus said for them to do for salvstion
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
Mark 16:15-16 KJV
this is what they did
“Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. ( preach the gospel to all people )
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.( whoever believes )
And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.( and is baptized shall be saved )
And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.”
Acts 8:35-39
At what point do we just accept what baptism is and start telling people what it means ?
“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: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”
Romans 6:3-6 KJV
Remission of sins
“in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 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. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;”
Colossians 2:11-13 KJV
baptism is basic doctrine Jesus pouting out his spirit at pentocost doesnt replace baptism it completes it baptism has never changed it was just completed
this is true baptism and why we get baptized into Christ
“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:
and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Mark 1:9-11 KJV
Simply removing baptism and saying it’s spiritual now isn’t supported by scripture believers believing Jesus does for thier sins and rose again and getting baptized into his name because of that belief is what’s there
belief
“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;”
1 Corinthians 15:3 KJV
The right information
“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.”
Acts 2:38 KJV
why was I buried under water and then raised up from it in Jesus name ?
“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.”
Romans 6:3-4 KJV
Does it affect my identity ?
“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
Galatians 3:26-29 KJV
Baptism was something Jesus commanded his disciples to do for all nations that’s what they did it didn’t matter if someone receives the spirit first they still needed remission of sins through baptism in Jesus name who died for thier sins
“For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 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 10:46-48
at he bibles really clear baptism is for repentance and remission of sins it’s done in Jesus name because he died to remit our sins we want to be joined together with what he’s done for us it’s not something we should obscure but should share the i formation that’s actually there in scripture about baptism it’s a beautiful gift given by the lord and isn’t a difficult thing for us to do it’s simple and based on faith if we hear the truth about baptism we’re going to run to it and be thankful
Again, according Acts 2,8,10 and 19 the speaking in tongues came not for Private prayers, but to show the jews that the gospel is for all. There is no different anymore. But this verses are used from pentecostal snd charismatic movments for to claim that everyone who receives the Holy Spirit get the gift of speaking in tongues.
While 1. Cor 12, 29-30 clear says that not everyone get this gift.
While 1. Cor 12, 29-30 clear says that not everyone get this gift.
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LOL, rip out what the Prophet Joel said and Peter quoted. acts 2:16-38
16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God,
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.
18 And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy.
19 I will show wonders in heaven above
And signs in the earth beneath:
Blood and fire and vapor of smoke.
20 The sun shall be turned into darkness,
And the moon into blood,
Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.
21 And it shall come to pass
That whoever calls on the name of the LORD
Shall be saved.’
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—
23 Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; 24 whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. 25 For David says concerning Him:
‘I foresaw the LORD always before my face,
For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad;
Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope.
27 For You will not leave my soul in Hades,
Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
28 You have made known to me the ways of life;
You will make me full of joy in Your presence.’
29 “Men and brethren, let me speak freely to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 31 he, foreseeing this, spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear.
34 “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself:
‘The LORD said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
35 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” ’
36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
Those afaroff are the Gentlies it is me and you. You do not fully understand the power of God and how far HIS Spirit reaches all men and women.
Too bad you did not read all the things the Lord said about this gift through out the New Testament. (and in Joel)
There are diverse tongues (different types) and what happened on the Day of Pentecost was just one of numerous ways this gift can be manifested.
But, I get it. Tongues are not for you, but they certainly are for me!
1 Corinthians 14:39
forbid not to speak with tongues.
Then you should read Joel 2, 23 -28.
What Peter mentioned was a partly fulfilling.
23.Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God; for He hath given you the early rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the early rain and the latter rain in the first month.
24 And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
25 “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm and the caterpillar and the palmer worm, My great army which I sent among you.
26 And ye shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God that hath dealt wondrously with you; and My people shall never be ashamed.
27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else; and My people shall never be ashamed.
28 “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.
The circumstances to Israel were in Peters time not those which are mentioned in Joel 2.
What Peter mentioned was a partly fulfilling.
23.Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God; for He hath given you the early rain moderately, and He will cause to come down for you the rain, the early rain and the latter rain in the first month.
24 And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
25 “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm and the caterpillar and the palmer worm, My great army which I sent among you.
26 And ye shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God that hath dealt wondrously with you; and My people shall never be ashamed.
27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God, and none else; and My people shall never be ashamed.
28 “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.
The circumstances to Israel were in Peters time not those which are mentioned in Joel 2.
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you sure do like to allegorize. Prophecy is to foretell and forth tell.
FYI, Joel is also speaking of the restoration of Isreal as a Nation, Which did not happen until 1948, many centuries after Pentacost.
The demonic work of the Third Reich did not stop the word of GOD.
The reason why Peter only mentioned part was to address the event that just happened because Scoffers were saying they were drunk.
FYI, Joel is also speaking of the restoration of Isreal as a Nation, Which did not happen until 1948, many centuries after Pentacost.
The demonic work of the Third Reich did not stop the word of GOD.
The reason why Peter only mentioned part was to address the event that just happened because Scoffers were saying they were drunk.
I did nothing allegorize. There is written that Israel first will live in peace and richnes. Then
Vers 28 ff will take place.
In the whole history Israel had not a time of live in richnes and peace. My understanding is this will be in the beginning of the Millennium.
The OT prophets had no knowledge about the church.
Vers 28 ff will take place.
In the whole history Israel had not a time of live in richnes and peace. My understanding is this will be in the beginning of the Millennium.
The OT prophets had no knowledge about the church.
Let me lay some simple TRUTH upon those that have ears to hear. If ANYONE says:
"1 Cor 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?"
means that not everyone who is baptized in the Holy Ghost will speak in tongues as a sign of being baptized, makes Acts 2:1-4 a direct contradiction to this verse. Acts 2:1-4 Says ALL who were baptized spoke in tongues.
Now we ALL know that Scripture never contradicts itself. So the contradiction is in people's interpretation of 1 Cor. 12:28-30.
1 Cor. 12:30 fits better within the context of Public speaking in tongues which require interpretation. Which NOT everyone has hints 1 Cor 12:30
My Signature------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noone on Earth brings new revelation, that isn't already revealed through the Word of God (Jesus Christ), which is fullest revelation given to man. Through the moving and operation of the Holy Ghost, I Pray what we say here brings the truth of these Revelations, truth by truth, or precept upon precept, to the heart of the hearer. Lay what we say before the feet of Jesus (Word of God) and compare, the Bible is Always truth, so if they don't match, we need to reevaluate our stance. What we say or do here will have lasting impact upon the believer and sinner alike. We most certainly have freedom of speech, but any true christian will weigh what they say against the Word of God and if they don't agree God is not in error, and we need to pray for understanding. Those that have more meat of the Word can help those who are struggling, if done with humility, peace and love. I don't mind a peaceful debate, but when we start to argue amongst each other that is not the Spirit of God. God Bless and Peace to you all. (This signature is in general and not pointing fingers at anyone at anytime. God Bless.)
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"1 Cor 12:30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?"
means that not everyone who is baptized in the Holy Ghost will speak in tongues as a sign of being baptized, makes Acts 2:1-4 a direct contradiction to this verse. Acts 2:1-4 Says ALL who were baptized spoke in tongues.
Now we ALL know that Scripture never contradicts itself. So the contradiction is in people's interpretation of 1 Cor. 12:28-30.
1 Cor. 12:30 fits better within the context of Public speaking in tongues which require interpretation. Which NOT everyone has hints 1 Cor 12:30
My Signature------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noone on Earth brings new revelation, that isn't already revealed through the Word of God (Jesus Christ), which is fullest revelation given to man. Through the moving and operation of the Holy Ghost, I Pray what we say here brings the truth of these Revelations, truth by truth, or precept upon precept, to the heart of the hearer. Lay what we say before the feet of Jesus (Word of God) and compare, the Bible is Always truth, so if they don't match, we need to reevaluate our stance. What we say or do here will have lasting impact upon the believer and sinner alike. We most certainly have freedom of speech, but any true christian will weigh what they say against the Word of God and if they don't agree God is not in error, and we need to pray for understanding. Those that have more meat of the Word can help those who are struggling, if done with humility, peace and love. I don't mind a peaceful debate, but when we start to argue amongst each other that is not the Spirit of God. God Bless and Peace to you all. (This signature is in general and not pointing fingers at anyone at anytime. God Bless.)
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------------For the General Audience. We have so much error rampant through this forum. Hopefully every believer listens.------------
Believers have a responsibility to point out error and guide others towards truth as part of their commitment to love, truth, and the spiritual well-being of the community. This responsibility is rooted in the broader biblical commands to love one's neighbor, to pursue righteousness, and to be agents of reconciliation and truth in the world. Several passages throughout the New Testament underscore this aspect of Christian duty: (We are called to love one another even when we disagree. Perhaps we can take a step back and approach ALL conversation with a spirit of humility and respect. While we may have different interpretations (The Word of God is the only true Interpretation), it's important to remember that God calls us to unity and love. Let's focus on those shared values in ALL discussions.)
Galatians 6:1 (NKJV): "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." This verse emphasizes the responsibility of believers to help restore those who have fallen into sin. The approach should be characterized by gentleness and self-awareness, highlighting the importance of humility and care in correcting others.
Matthew 18:15-17 (NKJV): "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector." Here, Jesus provides a process for addressing sin within the community, emphasizing the importance of private correction and the goal of reconciliation. It shows a structured approach to pointing out error, with the ultimate aim of restoration.
2 Timothy 4:2 (NKJV): "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." Paul instructs Timothy—and by extension, all believers—to be diligent in teaching the truth of God's Word, which includes correcting errors and encouraging right living. This exhortation underscores the role of Scripture in guiding the process of correction and the need for patience and dedication in this task.
James 5:19-20 (NKJV): "Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins." James highlights the life-saving impact of correcting error and guiding someone back to the truth. It presents the act of pointing out error as an expression of care and concern for the spiritual state of others.
with meekness and fear: The manner in which believers are to defend their faith is critically important. "Meekness" suggests gentleness and humility, indicating that our defense should not be aggressive or confrontational but characterized by the humility that comes from understanding that our faith is a gift from God. "Fear" in this context refers to a deep respect or reverence for God, reminding believers that their ultimate accountability is to Him. This respectful approach ensures that the conversation about faith honors God and respects the dignity of the person asking.
These passages collectively illustrate that believers are indeed called to lovingly and carefully address error within the community, always aiming for the restoration and spiritual health of the individual. This responsibility is carried out within the context of a commitment to truth, love, humility, and the ultimate goal of salvation. It's important that such correction is done in a spirit of gentleness, respect, and love, reflecting the character of Christ.
Believers have a responsibility to point out error and guide others towards truth as part of their commitment to love, truth, and the spiritual well-being of the community. This responsibility is rooted in the broader biblical commands to love one's neighbor, to pursue righteousness, and to be agents of reconciliation and truth in the world. Several passages throughout the New Testament underscore this aspect of Christian duty: (We are called to love one another even when we disagree. Perhaps we can take a step back and approach ALL conversation with a spirit of humility and respect. While we may have different interpretations (The Word of God is the only true Interpretation), it's important to remember that God calls us to unity and love. Let's focus on those shared values in ALL discussions.)
Galatians 6:1 (NKJV): "Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted." This verse emphasizes the responsibility of believers to help restore those who have fallen into sin. The approach should be characterized by gentleness and self-awareness, highlighting the importance of humility and care in correcting others.
Matthew 18:15-17 (NKJV): "Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector." Here, Jesus provides a process for addressing sin within the community, emphasizing the importance of private correction and the goal of reconciliation. It shows a structured approach to pointing out error, with the ultimate aim of restoration.
2 Timothy 4:2 (NKJV): "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." Paul instructs Timothy—and by extension, all believers—to be diligent in teaching the truth of God's Word, which includes correcting errors and encouraging right living. This exhortation underscores the role of Scripture in guiding the process of correction and the need for patience and dedication in this task.
James 5:19-20 (NKJV): "Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins." James highlights the life-saving impact of correcting error and guiding someone back to the truth. It presents the act of pointing out error as an expression of care and concern for the spiritual state of others.
with meekness and fear: The manner in which believers are to defend their faith is critically important. "Meekness" suggests gentleness and humility, indicating that our defense should not be aggressive or confrontational but characterized by the humility that comes from understanding that our faith is a gift from God. "Fear" in this context refers to a deep respect or reverence for God, reminding believers that their ultimate accountability is to Him. This respectful approach ensures that the conversation about faith honors God and respects the dignity of the person asking.
These passages collectively illustrate that believers are indeed called to lovingly and carefully address error within the community, always aiming for the restoration and spiritual health of the individual. This responsibility is carried out within the context of a commitment to truth, love, humility, and the ultimate goal of salvation. It's important that such correction is done in a spirit of gentleness, respect, and love, reflecting the character of Christ.