Faith is a work.

[PennEd]

You have probably cut and paste this in several posts, but this to me is a weak refutation of the meaning of Mark 16:16

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;
but he that believeth not shall be damned.

A compound sentence with two subjects, 1) salvation 2) condemnation

Salvation has two requirements: belief and baptism.
condemnation has just one requirement: unbelief.

The requirements for each subject are different and because one subject (condemnation) has just one requirement does not in anyway give the reader a right to remove a requirement from the other subject (salvation) thereby rewriting the verse by changing requirements.

The two requirement for salvation (belief and baptism) are joined by the conjunction 'and' making them (a) inseparable and (b) making both of equal importance and necessity. If one does not have to be baptized to be saved, then one would not have to believe either.

1 and 2 make 3. The "and" ties the 1 to the 2 making them both necessary to have 3. Therefore one cannot remove either the 1 or the 2 for one would no longer have the 3.

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;

Jesus gives a logical progression of steps where a step cannot be omitted or skipped. Before one to be saved he must be baptized, before one can be baptized he must first believe. Therefore the logical progression of steps makes it impossible for an unbeliever to be baptized. This means an unbeliever is an unbaptized person therefore when Jesus said "he that believeth not" we know this already excludes being baptized so it would be redundant, unnecessary for Christ to say "he that believeth not and is baptized not due to his unbelief shall be condemned.

Here is an analogy
a) He that eateth and digesteth his food shall live;
b) he that eateth not shall die.

Two requirements are necessary to live: 1) eateth AND 2) digesteth. A logical progression for one cannot live if he does not digest and one cannot digest what he has not eaten. So we logical know that the person who (b) "eateth not" has not digested for one cannot if he had not eaten.

The Baptism spoken of here by Jesus is the sealing of the Holy Spirit upon conversion, as said by John the Baptist.

Mark 1:8 New King James Version (NKJV)
8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

 

[Nehemiah6]

You have already quoted Acts 2:38 so that doctrine about water baptism is clearly not just based on Mark 16:16. 2 separate passages is enough for establishing doctrine 2 Corinthians 13:1

Why are you MISAPPLYING 2 Cor 13:1?

Why don't you ask yourself this question: "If water baptism was ESSENTIAL for salvation, would not the apostle Paul have included it in his Gospel preaching? But what does Paul say?

And [the jailer] brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:30,31)

Did Paul make a glaring mistake by failing to say "Believe and be baptized and thou shalt be saved"? Or did he say exactly what was taught by Christ? But before we go any further, Paul specifically stated that he was not sent to baptize but to preach the Gospel.

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (1 Cor 1:17)

Had baptism been essential for salvation, he would have said that he was sent to BOTH preach the Gospel and baptize. Instead, Paul said that his consistent message to both Jews and Gentiles was (1) repentance toward God and (2) faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. No mention of water baptism.

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:20,21)

So if you are going to continue promoting the false doctrine that baptism is essential for salvation (such as a few others around here as well as the Catholic Church) then you will be opposing God and Christ! Think about that.

 

[PS]

To say we are not saved by works is to say we are not saved by faith because the Bible says faith is a work. John 6:29.

To say we are not saved by works is misleading. There are at least 3 or 4 different kinds of works talked about in the Bible. Some works we are not saved by are the works of the Old Testament law of Moses. Galatians. To try to be justified by these you will fall from Grace. Another kind of work are the ones men boast about ( boastful works) these are works that come from men. That ORIGINATE with men. These are not works of God. Some that come to mind are “playing ball for Jesus” or selling chicken dinners to raise money for a good cause. Did Jesus tell you to do these things? Then they didn’t come from him. And we know they were boastful works because in the scene in the gospels when Jesus turns these people away they say “...but Lord we have Done many mighty works in your name. But he will say depart from me you who work lawlessness ( without law or authority from God.) there are other works mentioned in the Bible ( works of the flesh-Galatians) but the most important one you need to remember is that there are also works of God. These works are those that come from God not men and they are commanded by God and they are approved by God. Faith is this kind of wrk in John 6:29. In fact, the Holy Spirit says this is the work of God that you believe. So you are misleading people to say we are not saved by works at all. Plus you are contradicting yourself if you turn around and say we are saved by faith. Mark 12:24- “you do err not knowing the scriptures.”

It is OUR faith in God that saves us, the same as a rock climbers faith in the safety rope he is attached to, saves him. It is God himself who saves us, the same as the rope attached to the climber saves him. DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE ROPE HAS NO FAITH AT ALL.

SO, GOD SAVES THE SINNER, THE ROPE SAVES THE FALLING CLIMBER, AND NEITHER OF THEM HAVE ANY WORK TO DO AT ALL.

 

[cv5]

To say we are not saved by works is to say we are not saved by faith because the Bible says faith is a work. John 6:29.

To say we are not saved by works is misleading. There are at least 3 or 4 different kinds of works talked about in the Bible. Some works we are not saved by are the works of the Old Testament law of Moses. Galatians. To try to be justified by these you will fall from Grace. Another kind of work are the ones men boast about ( boastful works) these are works that come from men. That ORIGINATE with men. These are not works of God. Some that come to mind are “playing ball for Jesus” or selling chicken dinners to raise money for a good cause. Did Jesus tell you to do these things? Then they didn’t come from him. And we know they were boastful works because in the scene in the gospels when Jesus turns these people away they say “...but Lord we have Done many mighty works in your name. But he will say depart from me you who work lawlessness ( without law or authority from God.) there are other works mentioned in the Bible ( works of the flesh-Galatians) but the most important one you need to remember is that there are also works of God. These works are those that come from God not men and they are commanded by God and they are approved by God. Faith is this kind of wrk in John 6:29. In fact, the Holy Spirit says this is the work of God that you believe. So you are misleading people to say we are not saved by works at all. Plus you are contradicting yourself if you turn around and say we are saved by faith. Mark 12:24- “you do err not knowing the scriptures.”

All we want to know is exactly which works and exactly how many.

 

[preston39]

Am I to assume then that you do not believe the Holy Spurit in John 6:29 when he said faith is a work? It doesn’t look like to me that that verse is saying “abandon all works”. Where is that in the verse? That is YOUR INTERPRETATION of the verse but that is not what the verse says. If you don’t recognize that there are different kinds of works in the Bible- some good and some bad then you have some problems reconciling Ephesians 2:9 and James 2:24 and many other verses. God’s word is always right and true whether You or I agree or not.


My lifting that quote of Jesus and applying it to another misunderstanding of scripture does no harm to what Jesus was talking about in Mark.


I can only tell you what the Bible says. If you choose to deny it or not believe what it says then that is your choice. The problem is that you have been taught salvation by faith alone so that you cannot read a verse about faith and not add the word alone or only, at least in your mind. There are other things in the Bible that are necessary to salvation but you will never see them as such as long as you believe the false doctrine of faith only. James 2:24 says specificlly, NOT BY FAITH ONLY. But that is another passage you will have to reject if you believe in faith only. Other verses you will not believe will be ones like Romans 10:10 confession is made unto salvation; Nark 16:16 Belief AND BAPTISM equals salvation; 1peter 3:21 “...baptism now SAVES us...”; Luke 13:3,5 I tell you nay except you repent you will perish; and I could go on and on with at least that many more. None of these passages can be true lf according to you, salvation is by faith only. Why not forget that doctrine, it’s a doctrine of men and a lie that Satan wants people to believe just so they will not believe wha God has plainly said in the Bible. As long as you believe this you will not do what God wants you to do. Why not just take the Bible for what it says?

Your point is accurately made. Faith only ...is a new age religion interpretation of scripture as, baptism not required, OSAS, repentance not necessary...Christ did it for us, super grace, etc. all new since the 1960's.
All of them Not scriptural.

 

[preston39]

That's a great way to misunderstand that verse.

So what was Jesus really saying? To paraphrase, what He was saying is that if you really want to do God's will, then you have to ABANDON all works to be justified by grace. You must simply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

This corresponds to Romans 4:4,5: Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

And that is why we read this in Titus 3:5: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy [grace] he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

What do you consider works;.... Repentance?....Baptism?....Having Faith?...living righteously?.
No one can earn their way into eternal salvation. But, what is following G-d's commandments referred too as?

 

[posthuman]

Your point is accurately made. Faith only ...is a new age religion interpretation of scripture as, baptism not required, OSAS, repentance not necessary...Christ did it for us, super grace, etc. all new since the 1960's.
All of them Not scriptural.

But to him that worketh not, but believeth in Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness, even as David declareth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, saying:​

Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.​

Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth not sin.​

(Romans 4:5-8)​

​

For it is God which worketh in you both the will and the deed, even of His good pleasure. ​

(Philippians 2:13) ​

​

Faithful is He which calleth you, which will also do it.​

(1 Thessalonians 5:24)​

​

And this is the Father’s will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day, and this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every man which seeth the Son, and believeth in Him, should have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.​

(John 6:39-40) ​

Preston,
these things have been written in this book the whole time.

 

[garee]

What do you consider works;.... Repentance?....Baptism?....Having Faith?...living righteously?.
No one can earn their way into eternal salvation. But, what is following G-d's commandments referred too as?

It is referred to the work of Christ's faith as a labor of His love that woks in yoked with the believer to both will (the commandment) and do (the power) to please God not seen

As in all cases the Faithful and True Creator must do the first works, the experience of our first love Christ in us the hope needed to his will to the end ..

If he does not first repent (comfort himself) and give us the power to turn. No man could repent .He must turn us toward his voice not hearing it previously as those dead in their trespasses and sin without the voice of God. .We live because of a imputed righteousness .It could never be in respect to the corrupted flesh of man kind.

Jeremiah 31:18 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God.

A cry for help turn thou me...And later on in the afternoon or seconds later after that his ear was tuned to the right direction.... then he had the power to turn and feel shameful for not putting away childish things and could forgive myself . or comfort, The comforting work of the Holy Spirit. . a form of repenting.

Two kinds of after that's. One turn me . . . Surely after that I "was turned, confirmed the request

Jeremiah 31:19 Surely after that I "was turned," I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.

 

[mailmandan]

You have already quoted Acts 2:38 so that doctrine about water baptism is clearly not just based on Mark 16:16. 2 separate passages is enough for establishing doctrine 2 Corinthians 13:1

In Acts 2:38, "for the remission of sins" does not refer back to both clauses, "you all repent" and "each one of you be baptized," but refers only to the first. Peter is saying "repent unto the remission of your sins," the same as in Acts 3:19. The clause "each one of you be baptized" is parenthetical. This is exactly what Acts 3:19 teaches except that Peter omits the parenthesis.

*Also compare the fact that these Gentiles in Acts 10:45 received the gift of the Holy Spirit (compare with Acts 2:38 - the gift of the Holy Spirit) and this was BEFORE water baptism (Acts 10:47).

In Acts 10:43 we read ..whoever believes in Him receives remission of sins. Again, these Gentiles received the gift of the Holy Spirit - Acts 10:45 - when they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ - Acts 11:17 - (compare with Acts 16:31 - Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved) BEFORE water baptism - Acts 10:47. This is referred to as repentance unto life - Acts 11:18.

*So the only logical conclusion when properly harmonizing scripture with scripture is that faith in Jesus Christ "implied in genuine repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 15:8,9; 16:31; 26:18). *Perfect Harmony*

 

[cv5]

Your point is accurately made. Faith only ...is a new age religion interpretation of scripture as, baptism not required, OSAS, repentance not necessary...Christ did it for us, super grace, etc. all new since the 1960's.
All of them Not scriptural.

Nope. Its as old as the thief on the cross.

 

[Guojing]

Why are you MISAPPLYING 2 Cor 13:1?

Why don't you ask yourself this question: "If water baptism was ESSENTIAL for salvation, would not the apostle Paul have included it in his Gospel preaching? But what does Paul say?

And [the jailer] brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:30,31)

Did Paul make a glaring mistake by failing to say "Believe and be baptized and thou shalt be saved"? Or did he say exactly what was taught by Christ? But before we go any further, Paul specifically stated that he was not sent to baptize but to preach the Gospel.

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (1 Cor 1:17)

Had baptism been essential for salvation, he would have said that he was sent to BOTH preach the Gospel and baptize. Instead, Paul said that his consistent message to both Jews and Gentiles was (1) repentance toward God and (2) faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. No mention of water baptism.

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 20:20,21)

So if you are going to continue promoting the false doctrine that baptism is essential for salvation (such as a few others around here as well as the Catholic Church) then you will be opposing God and Christ! Think about that.

There was a change in dispensations after Stephen was stoned.

Now under the gospel of grace, water baptism is no longer required for salvation.

But mark 16:16 and acts 2 38 was under the gospel of kingdom to jews only.

Under that gospel, which is now obsolete, water baptism was required.

 

[dcontroversal]

In Matthew 22:37-40, we read: Jesus said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. Please tell me, which good works could a Christian perform that are "completely detached" from these two great commandments which are found in the law of Moses? (Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18). Are there any good works that Christians do which fall outside of loving God and our neighbor as ourself? *When it comes to the moral aspect of the law, you cannot dissect good works from the law, so the not saved by "these" works (works of the law) but saved by "those" works (good works) argument is bogus.

In Matthew 3:13-15, we read - Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. Baptism is a work or righteousness and we are not saved by works of righteousness which we have done.. (Titus 3:5)

In James 2:20, "faith without works is dead" does not mean that faith is dead until it produces works and then it becomes a living faith (which is like saying that a tree is dead until it produces fruit and then it becomes a living tree) or that works are the source of life in faith or that we are saved by works. James is simply saying faith that is not accompanied by evidential works is dead. If someone merely says-claims to have faith but they lack resulting evidential works, (James 2:14) then they have an empty profession of faith/dead faith and not authentic faith. Simple!

In James 2:21, notice closely that James does not say that Abraham's work of offering up Isaac resulted in God's accounting Abraham as righteous. The accounting of Abraham's faith as righteousness was made in Genesis 15:6, many years before his work of offering up Isaac recorded in Genesis 22. The work of Abraham did not have some kind of intrinsic merit to account him as righteous, but it showed or manifested the genuineness of his faith. This is the "sense" in which Abraham was "justified by works." He was shown to be righteous.

In James 2:22, faith made perfect or complete by works means bring to maturity, carry to the end, to complete like love in 1 John 4:18. It does not mean that Abraham was finally saved based on merits of his works after he offered up Isaac on the altar in Genesis 22. When Abraham performed the good work in Genesis 22; he fulfilled the expectations created by the pronouncement of his faith in Genesis 15:6.

In James 2:23, the scripture was fulfilled in vindicating or demonstrating that Abraham believed God and was accounted as righteous. Abraham was accounted as righteous based on his faith (Genesis 15:6) not his works (Romans 4:2-3) long before he offered up Isaac on the altar in Genesis 22.

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

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

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

In Matthew 12:37, we read - "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." This is because our words (and our works) reveal the condition of our hearts. Words/works will be evidences for, or against a man being in a state of righteousness.

God is said to have been justified by those who were baptized by John the Baptist (Luke 7:29). This act pronounced or declared God to be righteous. It did not make him righteous. The basis or ground for the pronouncement was the fact that God IS righteous. Notice that the NIV reads, "acknowledged that God's way was right.." The ESV reads, "they declared God just.." This is the "sense" in which God was justified shown to be righteous.

Matthew 11:19 "The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax-gatherers and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified/vindicated/shown to be right by her deeds."

I explained John 6:29 to you in post #85, but apparently you just don't have eyes to see or ears to hear. Once again, Jesus was not stating that faith is just another work in a series of works in a quest to receive salvation by works, as you teach. Nobody is throwing away anything and baptism simply needs to be put in it's proper place -- subsequent to obtaining salvation through faith. Faith is the ROOT of salvation and good works which "follow" (including water baptism) is the FRUIT. *You error by teaching that BOTH faith AND works are the root of salvation.

If Mark 16:16 gives equal importance to faith and baptism, then why didn't Jesus say that whoever is not baptized will be condemned? hmm.. Also, if water baptism is absolutely necessary for salvation, then why didn't Jesus mention this in John 3:15,16,18; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26? What is the ONE requirement that Jesus mentioned in these 9 verses? *BELIEVES. *What happened to baptism? *Hermeneutics. The Bible clearly states in many passages of scripture that we are saved through belief/faith "apart from additions or modifications." (John 1:12; 3:15,16,18,36; 6:40,47; 11:25,26; Acts 10:43; 13:39; 16:31; 26:18; Romans 1:16; 3:22-28; 4:5; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:21; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8; Philippians 3:9; 1 John 5:13 etc..). *Why not just believe what the Bible says?

Amen............because religion blinds the eyes of men to the truth......

 

[Guojing]

In Acts 2:38, "for the remission of sins" does not refer back to both clauses, "you all repent" and "each one of you be baptized," but refers only to the first. Peter is saying "repent unto the remission of your sins," the same as in Acts 3:19. The clause "each one of you be baptized" is parenthetical. This is exactly what Acts 3:19 teaches except that Peter omits the parenthesis.

*Also compare the fact that these Gentiles in Acts 10:45 received the gift of the Holy Spirit (compare with Acts 2:38 - the gift of the Holy Spirit) and this was BEFORE water baptism (Acts 10:47).

In Acts 10:43 we read ..whoever believes in Him receives remission of sins. Again, these Gentiles received the gift of the Holy Spirit - Acts 10:45 - when they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ - Acts 11:17 - (compare with Acts 16:31 - Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved) BEFORE water baptism - Acts 10:47. This is referred to as repentance unto life - Acts 11:18.

*So the only logical conclusion when properly harmonizing scripture with scripture is that faith in Jesus Christ "implied in genuine repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 15:8,9; 16:31; 26:18). *Perfect Harmony*

What you are doing above, as well as your other replies, is basically "arguing from silence". Instead of addressing Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38 directly, you are using the point that, since baptism was not found in other passages about salvation, thus baptism cannot be required in those 2 original passages.

Its a logical fallacy to do that. You cannot interpret silence as either agreement or disagreement. The following link explains this in more detail.

https://radicallychristian.com/why-is-it-a-logical-fallacy-to-make-an-argument-from-silence

I actually agree with you that water baptism is no longer required now for salvation. But it does not mean that water baptism was never required for Jews in the past. It was, and passages like Mark 16 16 and Acts 2 38 should be interpreted literally.

 

[jaybird88]

faith / works, you cant have one without the other.

Matt 9:28
And when he had come into the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, Have you faith that I am able to do this? They said to him, Yes, Lord.

Matt 13:58
And He did not do many works of power there, because of their unbelief (their lack of faith in the divine mission of Jesus).

Matt 14:31
And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

so many times when faith is mentioned by Jesus it is always in context to an action. its always been faith plus works, faith only is looking for an easy way out, faith only is the religion of the pharisees, all bark and no bite. if all you got to do is proclaim your faith then there was no point in Jesus coming down here being as the pharisees were already doing that. and didnt work then , the masses didnt care for the hypocrisy of the pharisees, and it dont work now as the faith keeps dividing and fighting over words when we should be out doing something.

 

[Guojing]

The Baptism spoken of here by Jesus is the sealing of the Holy Spirit upon conversion, as said by John the Baptist.

Mark 1:8 New King James Version (NKJV)
8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 2:38 explained that water baptism, together with repentance, was required in order to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

Of course it is not required now for us Gentiles under the gospel of grace, we receive the Holy Spirit baptism by faith. (Ephesians 4:5)

 

[preston39]

But to him that worketh not, but believeth in Him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness, even as David declareth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, saying:​

Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.​

Blessed is the man to whom the Lord imputeth not sin.​

(Romans 4:5-8)​

​

For it is God which worketh in you both the will and the deed, even of His good pleasure. ​

(Philippians 2:13) ​

​

Faithful is He which calleth you, which will also do it.​

(1 Thessalonians 5:24)​

​

And this is the Father’s will which hath sent Me, that of all which He hath given Me, I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day, and this is the will of Him that sent Me, that every man which seeth the Son, and believeth in Him, should have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.​

(John 6:39-40) ​

Preston,
these things have been written in this book the whole time.

What book?
You didn't answer the question though.

 

[Magenta]

What book?

You do not recognize Scripture as Scripture when it is given?

 

[preston39]

In Acts 2:38, "for the remission of sins" does not refer back to both clauses, "you all repent" and "each one of you be baptized," but refers only to the first. Peter is saying "repent unto the remission of your sins," the same as in Acts 3:19. The clause "each one of you be baptized" is parenthetical. This is exactly what Acts 3:19 teaches except that Peter omits the parenthesis.

*Also compare the fact that these Gentiles in Acts 10:45 received the gift of the Holy Spirit (compare with Acts 2:38 - the gift of the Holy Spirit) and this was BEFORE water baptism (Acts 10:47).

In Acts 10:43 we read ..whoever believes in Him receives remission of sins. Again, these Gentiles received the gift of the Holy Spirit - Acts 10:45 - when they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ - Acts 11:17 - (compare with Acts 16:31 - Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved) BEFORE water baptism - Acts 10:47. This is referred to as repentance unto life - Acts 11:18.

*So the only logical conclusion when properly harmonizing scripture with scripture is that faith in Jesus Christ "implied in genuine repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 15:8,9; 16:31; 26:18). *Perfect Harmony*

You can't cut and dissect scripture. Specific messages first;

Mark 1:4 tells us that baptism is for the remission of sins....."John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."

Acts 2; 38-40.... 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....."save yourself".

Acts 22;16..... (Saul required to be baptized...by Christ)...."And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."

Matt 3;14,15... But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fullfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him.


Matt., 28: 18-20... And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Mark 16;16... He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

I 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:

John 3:5.... Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Gal 3;26-27..... For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ

Acts 2: 38-40.... Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the [a]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.”
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this [b]perverse generation

Acts 9; 14,15,16,18..... And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Acts 8:12...... But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 19:5-6..... When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Acts 22;16... And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Rom. 6;3,4...know ye not,that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 ....Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: like Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Col 2:12 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.

There are more.
But, if you don't accept these of G-d's word no others will help you, probably.

Example; ....Mark 16:16...lends itself to the subject of Repentance even though it mentions baptism.
Acts 38;40 addresses both repentance and baptism whereas John 3;5...addresses baptism ...only with no mention of repentance, same with I Peter 3;21..

 

[preston39]

You do not recognize Scripture as Scripture when it is given?

I don't know the Bible as...this book. The Bible consists of 66 books and is referred to as the Bible.

 

[Magenta]

I don't know the Bible as...this book. The Bible consists of 66 books and is referred to as the Bible.

It is also referred to as a book... and the Good Book. Did you really not know this?