Acts 2:38 Comparison: Evangelical vs. Oneness / Baptismal-Regeneration View

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That's because eis means "into". It doesn't mean "because of". In other words, be baptized into receiving forgiveness of sins, not be baptized because of forgiveness of sins.
So you believe a third person must be involved in your forgiveness of sin. You, God and the one dunking you under the water. In other words God could not save you by Himself.
 
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-"And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight."
Luke 3:3-4 NKJV

-"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. 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."" Acts 2:38-39 NKJV

-"Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’"
Acts 22:14-16 NKJV

-"Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection," Romans 6:3-5 NKJV
 
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Just pointing out the obvious here but Acts 2:38 you receive the Holy Ghost which means you are saved. Unless I don't understand the purpose of this thread but being Saved and receiving the Holy Ghost seems to be the sole objective for the Christian.
 
Just pointing out the obvious here but Acts 2:38 you receive the Holy Ghost which means you are saved. Unless I don't understand the purpose of this thread but being Saved and receiving the Holy Ghost seems to be the sole objective for the Christian.

Yes, and because it’s a command.
 
OBSERVATIONS ABOUT GINO JENNINGS ’ DEBATE STYLE
1. He likes to intimidate opponents.
2. He uses his church audience because he knows they will always support him.
3. He avoids answering questions that contradict or expose his errors.
4. He often interrupts and does not allow others to explain their point fully.
5. He prevents people from using the Bible to defend their argument when it challenges his teaching.
When a debate takes place in Gino Jennings’ church, it is not a true debate — it’s a controlled environment. Because he is the host, he can make and enforce his own rules, even ordering ushers to remove people if they speak against him.
WHAT MAKES A TRUE BIBLICAL DEBATE
A proper, fair debate should be organized outside of any church, in a neutral place where:
A timekeeper gives equal time for both sides to speak and explain.
No participant can change the rules or silence the other.
Both speakers are treated with respect and fairness.
BIBLICAL STANDARDS FOR DEBATE
1. The discussion must be based strictly on Scripture, as written:
> “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning.” — Romans 15:4
2. Every statement must be supported by chapter and verse, interpreted in proper context, not twisted or taken out of meaning.
ADDITIONAL PRINCIPLES FOR FAIR DEBATE
Neutral Location: No one should host a debate in their own church.
Equal Rules: Both sides must agree on the format and time.
Scriptural Proof: All teachings must be backed by the Word, not human opinion.
Judges: Neutral judges should confirm what is biblically correct.
Audience Participation: The audience may raise hands or submit questions, asking each speaker to defend their statements according to Scripture.
PURPOSE OF DEBATE
The purpose of debating the Word of God is not to win arguments, but to find truth according to the Bible. Every debate should be done in the spirit of humility, guided by 2 Timothy 2:24–25:
> “The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves.”
Gino Jennings does not truly win debates — he uses legalistic rules, his commanding voice, and the influence of his church to overpower others and prevent open discussion. In his debates, he makes himself both the rule-maker and the regulator, which destroys fairness and openness.
A genuine debate on Scripture should not be held in a church auditorium where one person holds authority, but in a neutral, open space where all Christian denominations can take part freely and equally.
RECENT EXAMPLE OF UNFAIRNESS
Recently, a young man challenged Gino Jennings to a debate. Instead of allowing the young man to speak and explain his points from Scripture, Gino intimidated him and repeatedly cut him off. The young man was not given equal time or a fair opportunity to present his understanding of the Bible.
This kind of behavior does not reflect true debate — it shows control and fear of opposition. When one side uses their position, voice, or crowd to silence another person, that is not truth being defended; that is man-made authority being enforced.
True fairness means giving everyone the same right to speak and explain their understanding, especially when discussing the Word of God.
Gino Jennings does not truly win debates — he uses legalistic rules, his commanding voice, and the influence of his church to overpower others and prevent open discussion. In his debates, he makes himself both the rule-maker and the regulator, which destroys fairness and openness.
A genuine debate on Scripture should not be held in a church auditorium where one person holds authority, but in a neutral, open space where all Christian denominations can take part freely and equally.
Gino Jernings He often interrupts and does not allow others to explain their point and He prevents people from using the Bible to defend their argument when it challenges his teaching.
When a debate takes place in Gino Jennings’ church, it is not a true debate — it’s a controlled environment. he can make and enforce his own rules, even ordering ushers to remove people if they speak against him.
A proper, fair debate should be organized outside of any church, in a neutral place where:
If Gino Jernings doesn't want to engage in debate our side his church and In neutral locations nobody should waste their time to debate him because he won't allow you to speak
 
OBSERVATIONS ABOUT GINO JENNINGS ’ DEBATE STYLE
1. He likes to intimidate opponents.
2. He uses his church audience because he knows they will always support him.
3. He avoids answering questions that contradict or expose his errors.
4. He often interrupts and does not allow others to explain their point fully.
5. He prevents people from using the Bible to defend their argument when it challenges his teaching.
When a debate takes place in Gino Jennings’ church, it is not a true debate — it’s a controlled environment. Because he is the host, he can make and enforce his own rules, even ordering ushers to remove people if they speak against him.
WHAT MAKES A TRUE BIBLICAL DEBATE
A proper, fair debate should be organized outside of any church, in a neutral place where:
A timekeeper gives equal time for both sides to speak and explain.
No participant can change the rules or silence the other.
Both speakers are treated with respect and fairness.
BIBLICAL STANDARDS FOR DEBATE
1. The discussion must be based strictly on Scripture, as written:
> “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning.” — Romans 15:4
2. Every statement must be supported by chapter and verse, interpreted in proper context, not twisted or taken out of meaning.
ADDITIONAL PRINCIPLES FOR FAIR DEBATE
Neutral Location: No one should host a debate in their own church.
Equal Rules: Both sides must agree on the format and time.
Scriptural Proof: All teachings must be backed by the Word, not human opinion.
Judges: Neutral judges should confirm what is biblically correct.
Audience Participation: The audience may raise hands or submit questions, asking each speaker to defend their statements according to Scripture.
PURPOSE OF DEBATE
The purpose of debating the Word of God is not to win arguments, but to find truth according to the Bible. Every debate should be done in the spirit of humility, guided by 2 Timothy 2:24–25:
> “The servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient; in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves.”
Gino Jennings does not truly win debates — he uses legalistic rules, his commanding voice, and the influence of his church to overpower others and prevent open discussion. In his debates, he makes himself both the rule-maker and the regulator, which destroys fairness and openness.
A genuine debate on Scripture should not be held in a church auditorium where one person holds authority, but in a neutral, open space where all Christian denominations can take part freely and equally.
RECENT EXAMPLE OF UNFAIRNESS
Recently, a young man challenged Gino Jennings to a debate. Instead of allowing the young man to speak and explain his points from Scripture, Gino intimidated him and repeatedly cut him off. The young man was not given equal time or a fair opportunity to present his understanding of the Bible.
This kind of behavior does not reflect true debate — it shows control and fear of opposition. When one side uses their position, voice, or crowd to silence another person, that is not truth being defended; that is man-made authority being enforced.
True fairness means giving everyone the same right to speak and explain their understanding, especially when discussing the Word of God.
Gino Jennings does not truly win debates — he uses legalistic rules, his commanding voice, and the influence of his church to overpower others and prevent open discussion. In his debates, he makes himself both the rule-maker and the regulator, which destroys fairness and openness.
A genuine debate on Scripture should not be held in a church auditorium where one person holds authority, but in a neutral, open space where all Christian denominations can take part freely and equally.
Gino Jernings He often interrupts and does not allow others to explain their point and He prevents people from using the Bible to defend their argument when it challenges his teaching.
When a debate takes place in Gino Jennings’ church, it is not a true debate — it’s a controlled environment. he can make and enforce his own rules, even ordering ushers to remove people if they speak against him.
A proper, fair debate should be organized outside of any church, in a neutral place where:
If Gino Jernings doesn't want to engage in debate our side his church and In neutral locations nobody should waste their time to debate him because he won't allow you to speak

Good post except for one contradictory point:

"Scriptural Proof: All teachings must be backed by the Word, not human opinion."
versus
"The young man was not given equal time or a fair opportunity to present his understanding of the Bible."

The second statement is true; all commentary on GW is human opinion/understanding.
We walk by faith (2Cor. 5:7).
 
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Many of the oldest manuscripts have eis in them. The oldest we have is P75. P75 has eis in it. So, it would be incorrect to say that scripture does not say repentance for forgiveness of sins.
The point is we are commanded to do both things; repent AND to be baptized in the name of Jesus for remission of sin. Forgiveness of sins becomes a reality for those who believe and obey God's command of water baptism. God brings about what He promises when we obey Him. I'm reminded of the walls of Jericho coming down, and Naaman healed of leprosy/sin. (Josh. 6:1-5, 20; Heb. 11:30; 2 Kings 5:14, Luke 4:27)

"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, 42)

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


Again, notice Peter revealed submitting to water baptism in the name of Jesus brings about remission of sin:
"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." Acts 10:43

"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 10:47-48
 
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It would say repentance for/into forgiveness of sins. Not Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
"...and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,..." Acts 2:38

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine..." Acts 2:41-42
 
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My view is that our immersion into Christ/forgiveness of sins happens automatically upon a change of mind or belief/repentance. Upon repentance we are immersed into Christ which results in forgiveness of sins.

To paraphrase my view on Acts 2:38: repent and be immersed into/for forgiveness of sins
Where be immersed is something done to you by the Holy Spirit, as opposed to something you do.

Viewing eis as into/for works in either verse as long as you understand that the immersion mentioned is into Christ/ forgiveness of sins and not water.

When Romans 6, Galatians 3, and Colossians 2 say baptized into Christ they mean what they say. Immersed into Christ. Not immersed into water into Christ.
"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." Acts 10:47-48
 
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Just pointing out the obvious here but Acts 2:38 you receive the Holy Ghost which means you are saved. Unless I don't understand the purpose of this thread but being Saved and receiving the Holy Ghost seems to be the sole objective for the Christian.

And doing those things which He commands us to do, and living a life in Christ…..
 
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JBTN said:
It would say repentance for/into forgiveness of sins. Not Baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
"...and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,..." Acts 2:38

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine..." Acts 2:41-42
JBTN is emphasizing that repentance (not baptism) is tied to forgiveness, and Wansvic is quoting Acts 2:38–42 KJV without context to reassert baptism as the means.

Brother, notice the order in Acts 2 itself — they gladly received his word first, then were baptized (Acts 2:41 KJV). Peter’s call to repent and be baptized points to two realities: repentance brings forgiveness, baptism confesses it publicly.

If baptism itself were the channel of forgiveness, Peter wouldn’t later say,

“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”Acts 10:43 KJV

That’s the same apostle explaining the same gospel. Repentance and faith in Christ’s name bring remission; baptism is the obedient response of those who have already believed.

Grace and peace — always in His Word.
 
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The point is we are commanded to do both things; repent AND to be baptized in the name of Jesus for remission of sin. Forgiveness of sins becomes a reality for those who believe and obey God's command of water baptism. God brings about what He promises when we obey Him. I'm reminded of the walls of Jericho coming down, and Naaman healed of leprosy/sin. (Josh. 6:1-5, 20; Heb. 11:30; 2 Kings 5:14, Luke 4:27)

"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, 42)

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


Again, notice Peter revealed submitting to water baptism in the name of Jesus brings about remission of sin:
"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins." Acts 10:43

"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 10:47-48

Brother, I agree baptism is commanded — the issue is what causes remission. You quoted Acts 10:43 yourself:

“Whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”
That’s Peter’s own interpretation of what he preached in Acts 2. Belief brings remission; baptism follows.​

Even in Acts 2:38, the word “for” (Greek: eis) can mean “because of” or “in view of.” The same word appears in Matthew 12:41 — “They repented at (eis) the preaching of Jonah.” They didn’t repent to get Jonah’s message, but because of it.

Peter later saw the Spirit fall on Gentiles before baptism (Acts 10:44–47) and explained in Acts 15:8–9 that God “purified their hearts by faith.” That’s the apostle interpreting himself.

Naaman and Jericho were acts of obedience after faith in God’s word — not conditions that earned God’s favor. In the same way, baptism testifies to the grace already received, not the act that secures it.

Grace and peace — always in His Word.
 
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If baptism itself were the channel of forgiveness, Peter wouldn’t later say,

“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”Acts 10:43 KJV

Peter was just conveying the overall concept and starting point. No one expresses every little detail about everything when they speak. It's just not the way humans communicate. You're reasoning is flawed and unrealistic
 
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Peter was just conveying the overall concept and starting point. No one expresses every little detail about everything when they speak. It's just not the way humans communicate. You're reasoning is flawed and unrealistic
That’s a familiar move — when the text doesn’t fit his doctrine, he falls back on “they just didn’t include every detail.”

Brother, I understand your point — but when the same apostle explicitly says “whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins,” that’s not leaving out details; that’s defining the foundation.

If baptism were an essential condition for remission, Peter’s words in Acts 10:43 KJV would be incomplete and misleading — yet the Holy Spirit inspired them exactly as they stand. The passage doesn’t say “whosoever believeth and is baptized,” but “whosoever believeth.”

Peter was consistent: in Acts 10 he watched Gentiles believe and receive the Spirit before baptism (v. 44–47), proving that remission and the Spirit come by faith, not ritual. That’s not unrealistic reasoning — that’s letting Scripture interpret itself.

Grace and peace — always in His Word.
 
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@ChristRoseFromTheDead

Brother, it might be good to take a pause and carefully go back through the Scriptures themselves, without rushing to defend a position. Sometimes stepping back lets the Word speak more clearly than debate ever can.

We both want truth, not just to win points — and truth comes from patient, humble study of what’s written. Let’s let the Bible, not our assumptions, have the final word.

Grace and peace — always in His Word.
 
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Brother, with respect, Scripture nowhere teaches that the act of water baptism itself is what joins us to Christ or makes us part of His body. That’s an addition men made, not a truth the apostles preached.

The Bible is consistent that faith — not ritual — is what unites us to Christ:

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”Galatians 3:26 (KJV)

The very next verse says we are “baptized into Christ” — but Paul is speaking spiritually, not physically. He’s describing the inward work of the Holy Spirit, not the outward act of water immersion. Compare it with:

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body.”1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV)

That’s the true baptism — the Spirit placing us into Christ the moment we believe.
Water baptism follows that as obedience and testimony, but it’s not the means of salvation.

Circumcision was a sign of the covenant with Abraham, not the source of righteousness (Romans 4:10–11 KJV). Likewise, baptism is a sign of the new covenant we already have through faith in Christ’s blood.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us.”Titus 3:5 (KJV)

Grace and peace — always in His Word.
It is one's trust/faith in Jesus that prompts belief and obedience to God's command of water baptism in the name of Jesus for remission of sin.

The Spirit is not automatially received the moment a person believes as indicated in detailed conversion accounts:
Acts 2- Believers at Pentecost did not automatically receive the Holy Ghost upon belief.
Acts 8- Believers submitted to water baptism in the name of Jesus and received the Holy Ghost days later.
Acts 9- Paul did not receive the Holy Ghost until days after he believed in Jesus.
Acts 10 - While Peter was speaking those who believed received the Holy Ghost and obeyed the water baptism command afterward.
Acts 19 - Paul questioned, Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? His question indicates the Holy Ghost is not received automatically upon belief.

Circumcision was more than just a sign for those living in the OT. Those who were not circumcised were cut off from their God for breaking His covenant. Just as circumcision was required of those in the OT, water baptism in the name of Jesus is required of everyone living in the NT era as seen in Acts 2:4-41, 8:12-18, 9:17-18, 10:43-48, 19:1-7, 22:16.

If the aforementioned scriptures are not enough to prove the point, Jesus Himself said, "...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



Obedience to the OT command of circumcision was not a work of righteousness, nor is water baptism in the name of Jesus. The reality associated with water baptism is being buried with Jesus into His death.
 
JBTN is emphasizing that repentance (not baptism) is tied to forgiveness, and Wansvic is quoting Acts 2:38–42 KJV without context to reassert baptism as the means.

Brother, notice the order in Acts 2 itself — they gladly received his word first, then were baptized (Acts 2:41 KJV). Peter’s call to repent and be baptized points to two realities: repentance brings forgiveness, baptism confesses it publicly.

If baptism itself were the channel of forgiveness, Peter wouldn’t later say,

“To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”Acts 10:43 KJV

That’s the same apostle explaining the same gospel. Repentance and faith in Christ’s name bring remission; baptism is the obedient response of those who have already believed.

Grace and peace — always in His Word.
The individuals in the account believed in Jesus as recorded in Acts 2:37. Afterward Peter told them what they must do. And they believed his words and submitted to being baptized:

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

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 THEN Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

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

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

42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine..."
Acts 2:36-42