You are right. We are not under the Old Jewush jaw if that is what you mean. But Hebrews 7 says that God CHANGED the law. We still are under law—not the old law of the Jews—but the NEW law of Christ. Yes, Jesus nailed that old law to His cross. Col.2:14. The old law was a law of bondage according to Galations and Christ’s new law sets us free from that. If this is what you meant then we are in agreement. We may still disagree on baptism, if you believe it is not a commandment of Christ. I believe Mark 16:16 proves that it is. ( along with what Peter said in Acts 2:38 and 1 Peter 3:21)
Salvation, How do I find it?
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You are right. We are not under the Old Jewush jaw if that is what you mean. But Hebrews 7 says that God CHANGED the law. We still are under law—not the old law of the Jews—but the NEW law of Christ. Yes, Jesus nailed that old law to His cross. Col.2:14. The old law was a law of bondage according to Galations and Christ’s new law sets us free from that. If this is what you meant then we are in agreement. We may still disagree on baptism, if you believe it is not a commandment of Christ. I believe Mark 16:16 proves that it is. ( along with what Peter said in Acts 2:38 and 1 Peter 3:21)
yes, thank you and it is now a new being (Born again) when uphold the Law willing to do in love and mercy given us to be willing in it to do that between God and any person that believes God personally or not (free choice) above everything else, to me at least.
No more stress, actually much less stress, it is now rest for us the kids to rest in and be thankful daily, and begin to learn this new from Father in the Holy Spirit given us to do willingly, for me at least, where being freed has rested, resting me in it, every minute of every day, is the call I have been being taught as of Hebrews 4 to rest and quit saying to others they have do or else, attitude of the fist born flesh nature in caring that messes it up to me at least I see that now.
God took that away, the literal Law (Have to) for us to agree in thanksgiving and praise, then do it willingly and not for any self gain ever for me at least. God gives all our needs to see to act our wages and not our thoughts (taking all thought captive), at least for me thanks for the reply. As I still unfortunately to this day do not always do things correctly, being in unredeemed flesh that I reckon dead now, learning this daily. that is where my dependency relies on Father and Son as Won (One) for us all on that cross, first to be reconciled, then to get given the new life in his risen Life to lead us in love and mercy given us to all, and me to be available still in process, I am in process still, as I think we all are in different stages with not one person better than another ever. God sees no one better than the other one, no respect of persons, we are the same all of us as God even said in Genesis 5, he called female and male both Adam Equaled God sees us as new in risen Son forms to become in love and mercy to God above it all and then our neighbor as well. Yes to love even that enemy that stole from me even that spouse that went out on me yes All
Feed my Sheep he said to Peter three times after he said three times, Peter do you love me? Yes Lord you know I do, then feed my sheep
Feed them truth, feed them the food you do not eat humanly. As he had said priorly to them =], when they said to him as they were eating hey Jesus sit down and eat. He replied I have food you do not yet know of, he ate it was not physically it was spiritually above any human desire ever.
Wow is me as I see we all are still in a learning process, all of us
Hebrews 5:12-6:3
Thanks
No more stress, actually much less stress, it is now rest for us the kids to rest in and be thankful daily, and begin to learn this new from Father in the Holy Spirit given us to do willingly, for me at least, where being freed has rested, resting me in it, every minute of every day, is the call I have been being taught as of Hebrews 4 to rest and quit saying to others they have do or else, attitude of the fist born flesh nature in caring that messes it up to me at least I see that now.
God took that away, the literal Law (Have to) for us to agree in thanksgiving and praise, then do it willingly and not for any self gain ever for me at least. God gives all our needs to see to act our wages and not our thoughts (taking all thought captive), at least for me thanks for the reply. As I still unfortunately to this day do not always do things correctly, being in unredeemed flesh that I reckon dead now, learning this daily. that is where my dependency relies on Father and Son as Won (One) for us all on that cross, first to be reconciled, then to get given the new life in his risen Life to lead us in love and mercy given us to all, and me to be available still in process, I am in process still, as I think we all are in different stages with not one person better than another ever. God sees no one better than the other one, no respect of persons, we are the same all of us as God even said in Genesis 5, he called female and male both Adam Equaled God sees us as new in risen Son forms to become in love and mercy to God above it all and then our neighbor as well. Yes to love even that enemy that stole from me even that spouse that went out on me yes All
Feed my Sheep he said to Peter three times after he said three times, Peter do you love me? Yes Lord you know I do, then feed my sheep
Feed them truth, feed them the food you do not eat humanly. As he had said priorly to them =], when they said to him as they were eating hey Jesus sit down and eat. He replied I have food you do not yet know of, he ate it was not physically it was spiritually above any human desire ever.
Wow is me as I see we all are still in a learning process, all of us
Hebrews 5:12-6:3
Thanks
The command of true Love of Father 1 Cor 13:4-7
But under having to do that I see I can't
Trust me God replied I will do that through you once you decide to believe me
Matthew 19:26
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
I honestly think Jesus was speaking of his going to that cross to reconcile us all as forgiven. Death frist, for that to be done, under Law
then the resurrection where new life resides for us all to get given that free of charge, thank you Father
So be it
But under having to do that I see I can't
Trust me God replied I will do that through you once you decide to believe me
Matthew 19:26
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
I honestly think Jesus was speaking of his going to that cross to reconcile us all as forgiven. Death frist, for that to be done, under Law
then the resurrection where new life resides for us all to get given that free of charge, thank you Father
So be it
Salvation and how do I find it. Well I didn't no one did. He found us.
"Believing in Jesus Christ is essential, but as we see with the demons, just believing is not enough"
That is not what James said. "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!"
Context... pffft... These people were orthodox in doctrine. They believed there is one God as opposed to the polytheism of pagans. Orthodox Jewish readers of this epistle (guessing) had very likely reaffirmed Deuteronomy 6:4 every morning and evening. Gentiles among the reads could have been influenced by their Jewish friends. James here did not criticize the belief in monotheism he commended the readers for it when he said "you do well". What James criticized was the mear intellectual assent.. as in mind only without a commensurate change of life style.
So the demons also believe and tremble this illustrates the tragic result of correct belief with out a proper alignment of life with that belief. Hmm the demons have a correct belief about God but do not change their conduct. They recognized Jesus as the holy one of God but trembled "have you come to torment us before our time". Though this was not about salvation since that is only for man.
What did James say before this and after? Faith without works is dead. My faith and salvation, is not determined by the beliefs of others, but rather by my own relationship with Christ. Fact anyone that just calls on the name of the lord shall be saved.
"Believing in Jesus Christ is essential, but as we see with the demons, just believing is not enough"
That is not what James said. "You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!"
Context... pffft... These people were orthodox in doctrine. They believed there is one God as opposed to the polytheism of pagans. Orthodox Jewish readers of this epistle (guessing) had very likely reaffirmed Deuteronomy 6:4 every morning and evening. Gentiles among the reads could have been influenced by their Jewish friends. James here did not criticize the belief in monotheism he commended the readers for it when he said "you do well". What James criticized was the mear intellectual assent.. as in mind only without a commensurate change of life style.
So the demons also believe and tremble this illustrates the tragic result of correct belief with out a proper alignment of life with that belief. Hmm the demons have a correct belief about God but do not change their conduct. They recognized Jesus as the holy one of God but trembled "have you come to torment us before our time". Though this was not about salvation since that is only for man.
What did James say before this and after? Faith without works is dead. My faith and salvation, is not determined by the beliefs of others, but rather by my own relationship with Christ. Fact anyone that just calls on the name of the lord shall be saved.
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A “change of lifestyle” and a “change of conduct” is REPENTANCE. Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology uses these words, “ Turning away from sin”, and “Both motive and CONDUCT are to be radically CHANGED.” So you are saying the thing that makes the faith of the demons in James 2 not acceptable is because they have not REPENTED, “changed their lifestyle or conduct.” But that only proves that faith only will not save you. Yes, repentance is necessary to be saved, I agree wholeheartedly with you on that, but that denies and disproves your last statement that “anyone who just calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” That’s faith without repentance. that is what James is saying—-faith only, without repentance will not save; and if it’s faith WITH REPENTANCE then it’s not “faith only.” The demons have faith but not repentance. If you believe in “faith alone”. That means NOTHING ELSE saves you—only faith alone— then you have the same kind of faith as the demons. You can’t have it both ways. Faith and repentance are two entirely different things. They are not the same thing. So you can believe but refuse to repent. Just because you believe does not necessarily mean you have repented.
Your last statement, anyone that “just calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” is denied by Jesus Himself in Matthew 7 when He SAYS, “NOT EVERYONE WHO SAYS TO ME LORD, LORD SHALL ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. That says, that NOT everyone who just calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Jesus says that statement is NOT TRUE. Do you know why it is not true? Because that is “faith only” and it leaves out repentance and confession Roman’s 10:10 which God says is also necessary to salvation as well as baptism which Peter says saves us 1 Peter 3:21 and Jesus said the same thing in Mark 16:16. All of these scriptures including Matthew 7:21 are in harmony with what James says in James 2:24. Faith only does not save anyone.
Jesus tells you what saves a person in verse 21 of Matthew7– “HE WHO DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER IN HEAVEN. All you have to do to be saved is obey what God tells you to do. That’s “doing His will.” It’s not hard and it’s simple. The “Sinner’s prayer” is not in His will—ANYWHERE!! He has not told anyone to pray a prayer to be saved. Read your Bible! What has God told us in His “will” to do to be saved? Well, here are some verses—-
“HE THAT BELIEVES AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED.” Mark 16:16. That’s something He has told us in His will. Do you believe what Jesus said?
“REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED …for the forgiveness of sins…..” Acts 2:38. That’s what He has told us to do in His will. Do you believe this?
“WITH THE MOUTH CONFESSION IS MADE UNTO SALVATION.” Romans 10:10. That’s what He tells us to do in His will. Do you believe this?
I know you believe in faith, but if you believe what God says in His Will about repentance, confession, and baptism then you can’t possibly believe that faith alone saves anyone. And, contrary, if you believe that faith alone, or faith only saves a person, then you don’t believe what God says in his Will about repentance, confession, and baptism. You then become an “unbeliever” in God’s word; your faith us like the demons in James 2, and God says you will not enter the kingdom of heaven Matthew 7:21..
Shall be baptized by God Father in Spirit and Truth Daddy Holy Spirit given you to see to do it by Faith that produces the done work of God through Son that is risen through you, for you.
God does it, did it and carries it on in us all that do believe God between God and them everything else is a distraction from the truth
Philippians 1:6
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
So be thankful and continue in trust of Col. 1:21-23 thank you. It is not of human flesh to do the work it is of God Father's done work of Son that is risen as proof, the way, the truth the new life thank you
God does it, did it and carries it on in us all that do believe God between God and them everything else is a distraction from the truth
Philippians 1:6
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
So be thankful and continue in trust of Col. 1:21-23 thank you. It is not of human flesh to do the work it is of God Father's done work of Son that is risen as proof, the way, the truth the new life thank you
You basically define repentance as moral self-reformation/behavior modification. Now the Greek word for "repent" is "metanoia" (noun) and "matanoeo" (verb) you see as defined in the Strongs #3340, 3341: to think differently or afterwards, reconsider. To change one's mind.
https://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Lexicon.show/ID/G3340/metanoeo.htm#:~:text=Strong's #3340: metanoeo (pronounced met-an-o-eh'-o) from 3326 and,i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction):--repent. Thayer's Greek Lexicon:
Repentance basically means a "change of mind" and the context must determine what is involved in this change of mind. Where salvation is in view, repentance actually precedes saving faith in Christ and is not a totally separate act from faith. It is actually the same coin with two sides. Repentance is on one side (what you change your mind about) and faith in Christ is on the positive side, the new direction of this change of mind. Repentance and faith are two sides of the same experience of receiving Christ. (Acts 20:21)
Certain people misunderstand the term "repentance" to mean "turning from sin" to the extreme which implies that from the moment we repent, we go on to live a sinless, without fault or defect, flawless, absolute perfect life, 100% of the time, yet repent does not mean sinless perfection. The word "repent" basically means to "change your mind."
The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions. Acts 26:20 declares, "I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds." This is the fruit of repentance (Matthew 3:8), not the essence of repentance (change of mind). I have heard certain people say, "if you want to be saved, repent of your sins, turn from your sins." If turning from your sins means to completely stop sinning, then people can only be saved if they completely stop sinning and, in that case, none of us will be saved because none of us are sinless, without fault or defect, flawless, 100% of the time. (1 John 1:8-10)
https://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Lexicon.show/ID/G3340/metanoeo.htm#:~:text=Strong's #3340: metanoeo (pronounced met-an-o-eh'-o) from 3326 and,i.e. reconsider (morally, feel compunction):--repent. Thayer's Greek Lexicon:
Repentance basically means a "change of mind" and the context must determine what is involved in this change of mind. Where salvation is in view, repentance actually precedes saving faith in Christ and is not a totally separate act from faith. It is actually the same coin with two sides. Repentance is on one side (what you change your mind about) and faith in Christ is on the positive side, the new direction of this change of mind. Repentance and faith are two sides of the same experience of receiving Christ. (Acts 20:21)
Certain people misunderstand the term "repentance" to mean "turning from sin" to the extreme which implies that from the moment we repent, we go on to live a sinless, without fault or defect, flawless, absolute perfect life, 100% of the time, yet repent does not mean sinless perfection. The word "repent" basically means to "change your mind."
The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions. Acts 26:20 declares, "I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds." This is the fruit of repentance (Matthew 3:8), not the essence of repentance (change of mind). I have heard certain people say, "if you want to be saved, repent of your sins, turn from your sins." If turning from your sins means to completely stop sinning, then people can only be saved if they completely stop sinning and, in that case, none of us will be saved because none of us are sinless, without fault or defect, flawless, 100% of the time. (1 John 1:8-10)
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In James 2:19, we read that the demons believe "mental assent" that "there is one God," but they do not believe in/have faith in/trust in/reliance in Jesus Christ for salvation. In other words, they do not believe in/on the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31) and are not saved. Big difference! Their trust and reliance are in Satan as demonstrated by their rebellion in heaven and continuous evil works. A change of lifestyle or conduct comes as a result of having been saved through faith and becoming a new creation in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17) We show our faith by our works. (James 2:18)
Don't confuse "faith only" per James 2:24 (empty profession of faith/dead faith) that remains alone - "barren of works" which is not genuine faith but a bare profession of faith (James 2:14) with faith that trusts in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9)
A change of mind in repentance that results in the new direction of faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation is necessary to be saved. We call on the name of the Lord in faith to be saved upon conversion. Faith without repentance is an oxymoron. Where you have one you must have the other. Two sides to the same coin in receiving salvation.
James is talking about an empty profession of faith/dead faith. Faith without repentance is not authentic faith. Works are the evidence of authentic faith (James 2:18) and the fruit of repentance. (Matthew 3:8)
What kind of faith do the demons have? They may believe "mental assent" that there is one God (James 2:19) but they do not believe in/on the Lord Jesus Christ and are not saved. They do not have this kind of faith described in Romans 5:1 and Ephesians 2:8.
Faith that remains "alone" (barren of works) is not the same thing as faith that trusts in Jesus Christ "alone" for salvation and results in producing good works. You cannot seem to grasp this deeper faith that trusts in Jesus Christ alone for salvation because you embrace salvation by faith and works.
Either we are saved by faith and works or else we are saved through faith, not works. (Ephesians 2:8,9) You can't have it both ways.
They are not the same thing but they are two sides to the same coin. (Matthew 21:32; Mark 1:15; Acts 11:17,18; 20:21)
Believe what? You can believe a lot of things but refuse to repent. But you cannot believe on the Lord Jesus Christ/believe the gospel and become saved unless you first repent.
Don't confuse "faith only" per James 2:24 (empty profession of faith/dead faith) that remains alone - "barren of works" which is not genuine faith but a bare profession of faith (James 2:14) with faith that trusts in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9)
A change of mind in repentance that results in the new direction of faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation is necessary to be saved. We call on the name of the Lord in faith to be saved upon conversion. Faith without repentance is an oxymoron. Where you have one you must have the other. Two sides to the same coin in receiving salvation.
James is talking about an empty profession of faith/dead faith. Faith without repentance is not authentic faith. Works are the evidence of authentic faith (James 2:18) and the fruit of repentance. (Matthew 3:8)
What kind of faith do the demons have? They may believe "mental assent" that there is one God (James 2:19) but they do not believe in/on the Lord Jesus Christ and are not saved. They do not have this kind of faith described in Romans 5:1 and Ephesians 2:8.
Faith that remains "alone" (barren of works) is not the same thing as faith that trusts in Jesus Christ "alone" for salvation and results in producing good works. You cannot seem to grasp this deeper faith that trusts in Jesus Christ alone for salvation because you embrace salvation by faith and works.
Either we are saved by faith and works or else we are saved through faith, not works. (Ephesians 2:8,9) You can't have it both ways.
They are not the same thing but they are two sides to the same coin. (Matthew 21:32; Mark 1:15; Acts 11:17,18; 20:21)
Believe what? You can believe a lot of things but refuse to repent. But you cannot believe on the Lord Jesus Christ/believe the gospel and become saved unless you first repent.
In Matthew 7, this was mere "lip service" confession when calling Jesus Lord. Jesus never knew these many people in Matthew 7:22-23 which means they were never saved. There is divine influence or direct operation of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a person when confessing Jesus as Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:3) This confession is not just a simple acknowledgment that Jesus is the Lord (even the demons believe that), but is a deep, personal conviction from the heart that Jesus is that person's Lord and Savior.
Simply believing in our head (and not in our heart) that God raised Him from the dead does not result in righteousness and simply giving "lip service" to the words "Jesus is Lord" not by the Holy Spirit is not unto salvation.
You remain confused over "faith only" as if James was teaching that we are saved by faith and works. 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) How about a little context.
In James 2:14, we read of one who SAYS/CLAIMS he has faith but has no works (to evidence his claim). That is not genuine faith, but a bare profession of faith. So, when James asks, "Can that faith save him?" he is saying nothing against genuine faith, but only against an empty profession of faith/dead faith. So, James does not teach that we are saved "by" works. His concern is to show the reality of the faith professed by the individual (James 2:18) and demonstrate that the faith claimed (James 2:14) by the individual is genuine. Simple!
I've heard certain folks (especially those who attend the church of Christ) misinterpret Romans 10:9-10 in such a way that means we can believe unto righteousness today, but are still lost until we confess Christ, which may be next week and then we are finally saved next week, but that is not what Paul is talking about here. Confession is not a work for salvation that comes after we believe unto righteousness. (see Romans 4:5-6) Also, someone who is moot (unable to speak) would remain lost according to that erroneous interpretation of Romans 10:9,10 for failing to "verbally confess with their mouth."
Confessing with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in our heart that God raised Him from the dead are not two separate steps to salvation but are chronologically together. Romans 10:8 - But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, in your mouth and in your heart" (TOGETHER) that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, (notice the reverse order from verse 9-10) - that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Confess/believe; believe/confess.
So simply believing in our head (and not in our heart) that God raised Him from the dead does not result in righteousness and simply giving "lip service" to the words "Jesus is Lord" (reciting those words) not by the Holy Spirit is not unto salvation.
I already covered 1 Peter 3:21 and Mark 16:16 with you in post #177 from the linke below:
James 2:14-26, A verse by verse study - Christian Chat Rooms & Forums
It certainly is not hard. John 6:40 - For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. This is not hard to understand. It's just hard for you to ACCEPT.
The sinner's prayer may be used to call on the name of the Lord but is useless if we are simply reciting a set of words as if they are a magic formula for being saved apart from repentance and faith.
Simply believing in our head (and not in our heart) that God raised Him from the dead does not result in righteousness and simply giving "lip service" to the words "Jesus is Lord" not by the Holy Spirit is not unto salvation.
You remain confused over "faith only" as if James was teaching that we are saved by faith and works. 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) How about a little context.
In James 2:14, we read of one who SAYS/CLAIMS he has faith but has no works (to evidence his claim). That is not genuine faith, but a bare profession of faith. So, when James asks, "Can that faith save him?" he is saying nothing against genuine faith, but only against an empty profession of faith/dead faith. So, James does not teach that we are saved "by" works. His concern is to show the reality of the faith professed by the individual (James 2:18) and demonstrate that the faith claimed (James 2:14) by the individual is genuine. Simple!
I've heard certain folks (especially those who attend the church of Christ) misinterpret Romans 10:9-10 in such a way that means we can believe unto righteousness today, but are still lost until we confess Christ, which may be next week and then we are finally saved next week, but that is not what Paul is talking about here. Confession is not a work for salvation that comes after we believe unto righteousness. (see Romans 4:5-6) Also, someone who is moot (unable to speak) would remain lost according to that erroneous interpretation of Romans 10:9,10 for failing to "verbally confess with their mouth."
Confessing with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believing in our heart that God raised Him from the dead are not two separate steps to salvation but are chronologically together. Romans 10:8 - But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, in your mouth and in your heart" (TOGETHER) that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, (notice the reverse order from verse 9-10) - that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Confess/believe; believe/confess.
So simply believing in our head (and not in our heart) that God raised Him from the dead does not result in righteousness and simply giving "lip service" to the words "Jesus is Lord" (reciting those words) not by the Holy Spirit is not unto salvation.
I already covered 1 Peter 3:21 and Mark 16:16 with you in post #177 from the linke below:
James 2:14-26, A verse by verse study - Christian Chat Rooms & Forums
It certainly is not hard. John 6:40 - For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. This is not hard to understand. It's just hard for you to ACCEPT.
The sinner's prayer may be used to call on the name of the Lord but is useless if we are simply reciting a set of words as if they are a magic formula for being saved apart from repentance and faith.
Mark 16:16 - He who believes and is baptized will be saved (general cases without making a qualification for the unusual case of someone who believes but is not baptized) but he who does not believe will be condemned. The omission of baptized with "does not believe" shows that Jesus does not make baptism absolutely necessary for salvation. Condemnation rests on unbelief and not on a lack of baptism. *NOWHERE does the Bible say, "baptized or condemned."
If water baptism is absolutely required for salvation, then we would expect Jesus to mention it in the following verses. (3:15,16,18; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26) Yet what is the 1 requirement that Jesus mentions 9 different times in each of these complete statements *BELIEVES. *What happened to baptism? *Hermeneutics.
John 3:18 - He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who (is not water baptized? - NO) does not believe is condemned already, because he has not (been water baptized? - NO) because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
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; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18). *Perfect Harmony*
Confession is made unto salvation because the word of faith is in our mouth and in our heart TOGETHER. (Romans 10:8-10) Confession is a confirmation of faith and not a work for salvation that comes after having been saved through faith.
Your flawed 4-step plan of salvation is the results of bad semantics and flawed hermeneutics.
Repentance is a change of mind which precedes faith and faith and confession are not two separate steps to salvation but are chronologically together and water baptism follows salvation through faith. Your misunderstanding about faith alone/faith only per James 2:24 and faith (rightly understood) in Christ alone for salvation per Paul (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9) remains your Achilles heel and keeps you from placing your faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
Those who fail to do the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21) by looking to the Son and believing in Him for salvation (John 6:40) are unbelievers.
If water baptism is absolutely required for salvation, then we would expect Jesus to mention it in the following verses. (3:15,16,18; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26) Yet what is the 1 requirement that Jesus mentions 9 different times in each of these complete statements *BELIEVES. *What happened to baptism? *Hermeneutics.
John 3:18 - He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who (is not water baptized? - NO) does not believe is condemned already, because he has not (been water baptized? - NO) because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
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; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18). *Perfect Harmony*
Confession is made unto salvation because the word of faith is in our mouth and in our heart TOGETHER. (Romans 10:8-10) Confession is a confirmation of faith and not a work for salvation that comes after having been saved through faith.
Your flawed 4-step plan of salvation is the results of bad semantics and flawed hermeneutics.
Repentance is a change of mind which precedes faith and faith and confession are not two separate steps to salvation but are chronologically together and water baptism follows salvation through faith. Your misunderstanding about faith alone/faith only per James 2:24 and faith (rightly understood) in Christ alone for salvation per Paul (Romans 4:5-6; Ephesians 2:8,9) remains your Achilles heel and keeps you from placing your faith in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
Those who fail to do the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21) by looking to the Son and believing in Him for salvation (John 6:40) are unbelievers.
Actually, Scripture DOES say in MT 7:7 (cf. HB 11:6) that those who seek will find, but you should find that this exchange illustrates the importance of seeking to harmonize everything that is found in GW rather than merely prooftext.
We see Jesus exemplifying this truth when he harmonized Scripture by telling Satan (who had cited PS 91:11-12), "It is ALSO written..." (MT 4:6-7).
We see Jesus exemplifying this truth when he harmonized Scripture by telling Satan (who had cited PS 91:11-12), "It is ALSO written..." (MT 4:6-7).
