Water Baptism-What is in a Name?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,221
1,584
113
68
Brighton, MI
#81
please repost Robert Bowman addresses the issues with this in the PDF document link. thanks
 

TheLearner

Well-known member
Jan 14, 2019
8,221
1,584
113
68
Brighton, MI
#82
https://spiritualwrestlings.com/2015/12/06/legalism-is-it-sinful-for-women-to-wear-pants/

Is Deuteronomy 22:5 translated properly?
Landon Davis
I was recently asked if Deuteronomy 22:5 was mistranslated in the KJV. Was it really intended to prohibit women from taking up warriors’ weapons or armor?

Maybe a more accurate translation would be something like this: “The woman shall not put on [the weapons/armor of a warrior], neither shall a [warrior] put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”
http://www.apostolicallyspeaking.com/is-deuteronomy-225-translated-properly
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
#83
Go back and read my words. Perhaps there is a language barrier. In essence, I said that water baptism is a command but it does NOT convey grace.

Evangelicals believe that justification is by faith alone and not by faith and sacraments. That’s a Roman Catholic teaching. Cults including Oneness Pentecostals also tend to teach baptismal regeneration.
It does not matter what a denomination teaches. What is important is being obedient to what is instructed in God's Word. That is what people will be judged on. Upon belief, repentance, water baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost are all necessary for salvation. This is clearly seen in the instructions given on the Day of Pentecost. Everyone must make their own choice.
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#84
Water baptism is a command. If you read Matt 28:18-20, the time domain extends from that point until Jesus bodily returns.

I have no issue with water baptism...the idea that it conveys grace or must be done in the name of Jesus Only is the thing I have issues with. I realize that regeneration is the reality that the baptism points to, but baptism was a confession that one has been united with Christ, and gives testimony to the church community, as well as granting confidence to the new believer.

I am aware that there are hyperdispensationalists who claim water baptism is no longer applicable. I don't agree with them on that. I'm not a big fan of "dispensationalism" in the classical sense, although I would find myself in agreement with them on some things. The major thing I dislike about them is their insistence that there are two distinct peoples of God, whereas Scripture teaches Jew and Gentile are now one man (Eph 2, Gal 3).
Like many I was baptized as a believer in a non-denominational church .Which is a denomination that wants to be recognized as Bible only. A good desire. But no such things as non denomination, as if the kingdom of God did come by looking at what the eyes see. .walking by sight.. Not understanding it fully its one of the doctrines, many take for granted , I revisited .I would offer.

No such thing as "sign gift" ( self edifying).

Yes a commandment like the commandment . . . believe on the Lord Jesus and a person will be saved having the new faith our first love or experience to make it possible to know Him. Like Jesus said in John6 when asked "what works could we do that would work to please God?" Jesus replied. . It is the work of God working in you to both will and do his good pleasure. . . . do so without murmuring.

We are baptized in a unseen power or authority. H20 has no power to give us a new spirit, new heart. Power to get wet yes but it evaporates like the dew on the grass. H20 can represent spirit but it never becomes a living source. .

The cerinimoinal washing when a new priest desired to go out into the world with the gospel .It is still applicable. But the water is not the name as the unseen power of God. H20 is used ceremonially to represent the unseen Spirit of faith .H20 does not produce grace. If it did then Aaron two sons missed the boat when they offered a person touch as false evidence they had some sort of special power as a oral tradition (sign gift) . They went up in smoke .The priestly ceremonial clothes. . . not a hint of smoke.

How it ever turned into a sign gift remines a mystery ? But it does destroy the foundation .Not a salvation issue but more of how can we hear God and not men?
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
#85
Partial quotes without a link to where the context can be checked are worthless, so here is this quote with greater context for all to read for themselves.

"
Other Arian sects, such as the Eunomians and Aetians, baptized "in the death of Christ". Converts from Sabellianism were ordered by the First Council of Constantinople (can. vii) to be rebaptized because the doctrine of Sabellius that there was but one person in the Trinity had infected their baptismal form. The two sects sprung from Paul of Samosata, who denied Christ's Divinity, likewise conferred invalid baptism. They were the Paulianists and Photinians. Pope Innocent I (Ad. Episc. Maced., vi) declares that these sectaries did not distinguish the Persons of the Trinity when baptizing. The Council of Nicæa (can. xix) ordered the rebaptism of Paulianists, and the Council of Aries (can. xvi and xvii) decreed the same for both Paulianists and Photinians.

There has been a theological controversy over the question as to whether baptism in the name of Christ only was ever held valid. Certain texts in the New Testament have given rise to this difficulty. Thus St. Paul (Acts, xix) commands some disciples at Ephesus to be baptized in Christ's name: "They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." In Acts 10, we read that St. Peter ordered others to be baptized "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ". Those who were converted by Philip. (Acts, viii) "were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ", and above all we have the explicit command of the Prince of the Apostles: "Be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins (Acts, ii).

Owing to these texts some theologians have held that the Apostles baptized in the name of Christ only. St. Thomas, St. Bonaventure, and Albertus Magnus are invoked as authorities for this opinion, they declaring that the Apostles so acted by special dispensation. Other writers, as Peter Lombard and Hugh of St. Victor, hold also that such baptism would be valid, but say nothing of a dispensation for the Apostles. The most probable opinion, however, seems to be that the terms "in the name of Jesus", "in the name of Christ", either refer to baptism in the faith taught by Christ, or are employed to distinguish Christian baptism from that of John the Precursor. It seems altogether unlikely that immediately after Christ had solemnly promulgated the trinitarian formula of baptism, the Apostles themselves would have substituted another. In fact, the words of St. Paul (Acts, xix) imply quite plainly that they did not. For, when some Christians at Ephesus declared that they had never heard of the Holy Ghost, the Apostle asks: "In whom then were you baptized?" This text certainly seems to declare that St. Paul took it for granted that the Ephesians must have heard the name of the Holy Ghost when the sacramental formula of baptism was pronounced over them." https://www.ecatholic2000.com/cathopedia/vol2/voltwo269.shtml
The encyclopedia references where provided as evidence that the original mandate as recorded in the bible was changed. Therefore, even unto today people are following a man-made tradition rather than being obedient to God.

Again, the bible gives clear evidence of how water baptism is to be administered. Please provide scripture where anyone was water baptized in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. You cannot, because none exist.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
#86
The choice is following your opinion or following the words of Jesus,

Jesus Talks to His Followers
16 The eleven followers went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus told them to go. 17 On the mountain the followers saw Jesus. They worshiped him. But some of the followers did not believe that it was really Jesus. 18 So he came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth is given to me. 19 So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach them to obey everything that I have told you to do. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time.”
Ask yourself, "What is the name?" Jesus followers did exactly what Jesus said. They baptized everyone in the NAME of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. This truth is seen in every recorded water baptism.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
#87
The Church Fathers

Triune Baptism

Didache,(.A.D. 70)

"And concerning baptism, thus baptize ye: Having first said all these things, BAPTIZE INTO THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, in living water. But if thou have not living water, baptize into other water; and if thou canst not in cold, in warm. But if thou have not either, pour out water thrice upon the head into THE NAME OF FATHER AND SON AND HOLY SPIRIT. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whatever others can; but thou shalt order the baptized to fast one or two days before."(7in ANF,VII:379)

Justin Martyr (A.D. 155)

" I will also relate the manner in which we dedicated ourselves to God when we had been made new through Christ; lest, if we omit this, we seem to be unfair in the explanation we are making. As many as are persuaded and believe that what we teach and say is true, and undertake to be able to live accordingly, are instructed to pray and to entreat God with fasting, for the remission of their sins that are past, we praying and fasting with them. Then they are brought by us where there is water, and are regenerated in the same manner in which we were ourselves regenerated. For, IN THE NAME OF GOD, THE FATHER AND LORD OF THE UNIVERSE, AND OF OUR SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, THEY THEN RECEIVE THE WASHING WITH WATER. For Christ also said, 'Except ye be born again, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.' Now, that it is impossible for those who have once been born to enter into their mothers' wombs, is manifest to all. And how those who have sinned and repent shall escape their sins, is declared by Esaias the prophet, as I wrote above; he thus speaks: 'Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from your souls; learn to do well; judge the fatherless, and plead for the widow: and come and let us reason together, saith the Lord. And though your sins be as scarlet, I will make them white like wool; and though they be as crimson, I will make them white as snow. But if ye refuse and rebel, the sword shall devour you: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.' And for this [rite] we have learned from the apostles this reason. Since at our birth we were born without our own knowledge or choice, by our parents coming together, and were brought up in bad habits and wicked training; in order that we may not remain the children of necessity and of ignorance, but may become the children of choice and knowledge, and may obtain in the water the remission of sins formerly committed, there is pronounced over him who chooses to be born again, and has repented of his sins, the name of God the Father and Lord of the universe; he who leads to the layer the person that is to be washed calling him by this name alone. For no one can utter the name of the ineffable God; and if any one dare to say that there is a name, he raves with a hopeless madness. And this washing is called illumination, because they who learn these things are illuminated in their understandings. And in the name of Jesus Christ, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and in the name of the Holy Ghost, who through the prophets foretold all things about Jesus, he who is illuminated is washed."(First Apology,61(A.D. 155),in ANF,I:183

Tatian the Syrian (A.D. 170)

"Go now into all the world, and preach my gospel in all the creation; and teach all the peoples, and baptize them in the NAME OF THE FATHER AND THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT; and teach them to keep all whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you all the days, unto the end of the world. For whosoever believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but whosoever believeth not shall be rejected."(The Diatessaron,55,in ANF,X:128)

Irenaeus (A.D. 190)

"We have received baptism...for the remission of sins in the NAME OF GOD THE FATHER, AND IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST THE SON OF GOD, WHO WAS INCARNATE AND DIED AND ROSE AGAIN, AND IN THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD."(Presentation of the Apostolic Preaching,41,in ECD,195)

Tertullian (A.D. 200)

"For the law of baptizing has been imposed, and the formula prescribed: 'Go,' He saith, 'teach the nations, baptizing them into the name of the FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.' The comparison with this law of that definition, 'Unless a man have been reborn of water and Spirit, he shall not enter into the kingdom of the heavens,' has tied faith to the necessity of baptism."(On Baptism,13,in ANF,III:676)

Tertullian (A.D. 211)

"To deal with this matter briefly, I shall begin with baptism. When we are going to enter the water, but a little before, in the presence of the congregation and under the hand of the president, we solemnly profess that we disown the devil, and his pomp, and his angels. Hereupon WE ARE THRICE IMMERSED, making a somewhat ampler pledge than the Lord has appointed in the Gospel. "The Crown,3,in ANF,III:94)

Tertullian (A.D. 216)

"After His resurrection He promises in a pledge to His disciples that He will send them the promise of His Father; and lastly, He commands them to baptize into THE FATHER AND THE SON AND THE HOLY GHOST, not into a unipersonal God. And indeed it is not once only, but three times, that we are immersed into the Three Persons, at each several mention of Their names."(Against Praxeas(Modalist/Oneness heretic),26,in ANF,III:623)

Hippolytus (A.D. 215)

"And when he who is to be baptised goes down to the water, let him who baptised lay hand on him saying thus: Dost thou believe in GOD ALMIGHTY? AND HE WHO IS BEING BAPTISED SHALL SAY: I BELIEVE. LET HIM FORTHWITH BAPTISE HIM ONCE ... DOST THOU BELIEVE IN CHRIST JESUS, THE SON OF GOD ... AND WHEN HE SAYS: I BELIEVE, LET HIM BAPTISE HIM THE SECOND TIME ... DOST THOU BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE HOLY CHURCH ... AND HE WHO IS BEING BAPTISED SHALL SAY: I BELIEVE. AND SO LET HIM BAPTISE HIM THE THIRD TIME."(Apostolic Tradition,21,in AT,36-37)

Origen (A.D. 244)

"[W]hy, when the Lord Himself told His disciples that they should baptize all peoples in the name of the FATHER AND OF THE SON AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, does this Apostle employ the name of Christ alone in Baptism, saying, 'We who have been baptized in Christ;' for indeed, LEGITIMATE BAPTISM IS HAD ONLY IN THE NAME OF THE TRINITY."(Commentary on Romans,5:8,in JUR,I:209)

Xanthippe and Polyxena (A.D. 250)

"Then Probus arising from the ground fell again upon the couch, and arising early he came to Paul, and finding him baptising MANY IN THE NAME OF THE LIFE-GIVING TRINITY, he said, My lord Paul, if only I were worthy to receive baptism, behold the hour. Paul said to him, Son, behold the water is ready for the cleansing of those that come to Christ. Therefore immediately taking, off his garments, and Paul laying hold of him, he leapt into the water, saying, Jesus Christ, son of God, and everlasting God, let all my sins be taken away by this water. And Paul said, We baptise THEE IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND SON AND HOLY GHOST."(The Acts of Xanthippe and Polyxena,21 25,in ANF,X:211)

Eusebius of Caesarea (A.D. 323)

"We believe . . . each of these to be and to exist: the Father, truly Father, and the Son, truly Son, and the Holy Ghost, truly Holy Ghost, as also our Lord, sending forth His disciples for the preaching, said, "Go teach all nations, baptizing them in the NAME OF THE FATHER AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST ." Concerning Whom we confidently affirm that so we hold, and so we think, and so we have held aforetime, and we maintain this faith unto the death, anathematizing every godless heresy" (Letter to the People of His Diocese 3 ).
Personally I don't give a hoot what the church fathers had to say. The Word of God is the final authority.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
#88
https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-amvyt-6895743
https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-vc6g3-6895742
https://www.podbean.com/ew/dir-aqcmp-69c239c

Here are some links to messages on Oneness Pentecostalism. Particularly, they are relevant to United Pentecostal Churches International. Oneness Pentecostals broke off from UPCI mainly due to strict dress codes and other "holiness standards" like this. However, they all share the same "Jesus Only" baptism, etcetera.
It is sad that people get so hung up on denominational issues that they miss the forest for the trees.
Please provide any record of water baptism being done in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Jesus is the name above all names!
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
3,739
1,928
113
#89
It does not matter what a denomination teaches. What is important is being obedient to what is instructed in God's Word. That is what people will be judged on. Upon belief, repentance, water baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost are all necessary for salvation. This is clearly seen in the instructions given on the Day of Pentecost. Everyone must make their own choice.
Fundamentally, we would disagree as evangelical Christians.

We believe that one is justified, or brought into a right relationship with God, by faith alone.

Baptism is a command, but it is a work that follows salvation.

The order of salvation is something like this:

Preaching of Gospel => Conviction => Faith and Repentance => Confession => Works (including baptism)

The order is important. Works are a fruit of salvation, not a cause of salvation.

Baptism does not convey salvation. It is an event that reflects the fact that regeneration, or being born again, has already occurred.

And, those who claim tongues must evidence salvation are heretics. They are claiming that something unique to Pentecost must occur for every believer. Additionally, the gift of "tongues", however you define them and whether they are applicable today, is not possessed by every believer.

I would invite anyone reading this to look at the pdf document that I posted, as the teachings presented here are classic Oneness Pentecostalism.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
#90
Water baptism is a command. If you read Matt 28:18-20, the time domain extends from that point until Jesus bodily returns.

I have no issue with water baptism...the idea that it conveys grace or must be done in the name of Jesus Only is the thing I have issues with.
Why all the commotion about using the name of Jesus? Because there is power in the name of Jesus and the devil knows it.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
#91
Fundamentally, we would disagree as evangelical Christians.

We believe that one is justified, or brought into a right relationship with God, by faith alone.

Baptism is a command, but it is a work that follows salvation.

The order of salvation is something like this:

Preaching of Gospel => Conviction => Faith and Repentance => Confession => Works (including baptism)

The order is important. Works are a fruit of salvation, not a cause of salvation.

Baptism does not convey salvation. It is an event that reflects the fact that regeneration, or being born again, has already occurred.

And, those who claim tongues must evidence salvation are heretics. They are claiming that something unique to Pentecost must occur for every believer. Additionally, the gift of "tongues", however you define them and whether they are applicable today, is not possessed by every believer.

I would invite anyone reading this to look at the pdf document that I posted, as the teachings presented here are classic Oneness Pentecostalism.
Respectfully the bible says otherwise.
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
3,739
1,928
113
#92
Like many I was baptized as a believer in a non-denominational church .Which is a denomination that wants to be recognized as Bible only. A good desire. But no such things as non denomination, as if the kingdom of God did come by looking at what the eyes see. .walking by sight.. Not understanding it fully its one of the doctrines, many take for granted , I revisited .I would offer.

No such thing as "sign gift" ( self edifying).

Yes a commandment like the commandment . . . believe on the Lord Jesus and a person will be saved having the new faith our first love or experience to make it possible to know Him. Like Jesus said in John6 when asked "what works could we do that would work to please God?" Jesus replied. . It is the work of God working in you to both will and do his good pleasure. . . . do so without murmuring.

We are baptized in a unseen power or authority. H20 has no power to give us a new spirit, new heart. Power to get wet yes but it evaporates like the dew on the grass. H20 can represent spirit but it never becomes a living source. .

The cerinimoinal washing when a new priest desired to go out into the world with the gospel .It is still applicable. But the water is not the name as the unseen power of God. H20 is used ceremonially to represent the unseen Spirit of faith .H20 does not produce grace. If it did then Aaron two sons missed the boat when they offered a person touch as false evidence they had some sort of special power as a oral tradition (sign gift) . They went up in smoke .The priestly ceremonial clothes. . . not a hint of smoke.

How it ever turned into a sign gift remines a mystery ? But it does destroy the foundation .Not a salvation issue but more of how can we hear God and not men?

John 6:28-30 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30
(ESV Strong's)

Is this what you're referring to? It basically says that the work we must do is believe. It doesn't mention anything else. That is why evangelicals believe in justification by faith alone. However, good works are produced as a fruit of salvation. If one wants to say baptism is a good work that issues as a fruit of salvation, I'm ok with that, and in fact that's my position. Defining it as a condition of salvation isn't correct theologically.
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
3,739
1,928
113
#93
Respectfully the bible says otherwise.
I suggest you form your doctrine based on the abundance of clear passages, and then interpret the less clear passages in light of the clear passages.

I referred to Acts 10 earlier....the Gentiles heard, believed, and spoke in tongues. THEN they were baptized. If your theology claims that tongues follow salvation, then baptism followed salvation by necessity.

Notice that I am using your worldview. The order of salvation was presented in an earlier post.
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#94
https://spiritualwrestlings.com/2015/12/06/legalism-is-it-sinful-for-women-to-wear-pants/

Is Deuteronomy 22:5 translated properly?
Landon Davis
I was recently asked if Deuteronomy 22:5 was mistranslated in the KJV. Was it really intended to prohibit women from taking up warriors’ weapons or armor?

Maybe a more accurate translation would be something like this: “The woman shall not put on [the weapons/armor of a warrior], neither shall a [warrior] put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”
http://www.apostolicallyspeaking.com/is-deuteronomy-225-translated-properly

Acts 2:15-17 King James Version (KJV)
For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: (not jewish flesh alone)and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

Its one of those duo things. The Holy Spirit of Christ signified as the husband of the bride desires recognition for the spirit of the matter. A picture of the gospel to the world. Husbands love your wives as Christ love his bride the church.

The bride women in a sense suffered during the time period of Kings (a pagan foundation). The woman was separated from the man just as the gentiles, another separation. Separated by high walls (15 feet). They were not allowed to participate in the ceremonies used as a picture to the unbelieving world. They as a sign in all of those kind of laws that governed ceremonies " a show" pointed ahead to the suffering of Christ beforehand and the glory that followed.( 1 Peter 1:11) .

When the reformation came and Jesus said it is finished the walls lost they pagan value. The way to the holiest was open the believers became the new temple/. Setting up one new ceremonial law made up of two parts . One part using the head of man and hair of a woman alone with the braking of bread drinking of the blood of grapes as one reflected glory of the unseen wedding supper on the last day . Much has been lost in that way. The picture to the world would seem to be diminishing because of singular things.

Male and female used to indicate abiding in the promised restored form of government . Promised in Joel men and woman from all the nations all tongue as a sign to the world .

Woman prophetess like Deborah (the Bee) Did put on the Armor of God and did participate to show our God who is not served by human hands puts no difference between men and women or this nation and that . When the men were to weak to go alone Christ send the dynamic duel .The two become one ministry.

Judges 4 King James Version (KJV) And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord, when Ehud was dead. And the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose host was Sisera, which dwelt in Harosheth of the Gentiles.And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord: for he had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years he mightily oppressed the children of Israel. And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, she judged Israel at that time. And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in mount Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedeshnaphtali, and said unto him, Hath not the Lord God of Israel commanded, saying, Go and draw toward mount Tabor, and take with thee ten thousand men of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun? And I will draw unto thee to the river Kishon Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with his chariots and his multitude; and I will deliver him into thine hand. And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#95
John 6:28-30 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30
(ESV Strong's)

Is this what you're referring to? It basically says that the work we must do is believe. It doesn't mention anything else. That is why evangelicals believe in justification by faith alone. However, good works are produced as a fruit of salvation. If one wants to say baptism is a good work that issues as a fruit of salvation, I'm ok with that, and in fact that's my position. Defining it as a condition of salvation isn't correct theologically.
Thanks for the reply. I would offer.

Justification by faith alone is not without the work of Christ's labor of love called a work of faith .Can't separate the faith or plan of God from the work of executing it.

I think in the way the good works that we do is only because we are yoked with him. As always he must do the first work working in us to both will and do his good pleasure .(imputed righteousness) It is from that stand point that when we do fall we are reminded to do the first works of Him working in us . . . . believing him not seen the eternal our first experience, wonderment.

If any man has not that Spirit of Christ the Holy Spirit .Then it would seem they do it according to their own good pleasure like the example of those in Mathew 7 .he performed to works according to his own good pleasure. Jesus said ...I never knew you . He did not say the works were not performed. He is not served by human hands as a will .He moves us not us Him.

Some it would seem forget he give a us the desire to walk by faith. In that way God name is jealous, he reminds us of the better things in Hebrews 6, things that company salvation. . . . he will not forget the good works we offer towards his name strengthening us to finish it. (the kind of food the disciples at first knew not of..

John 4:34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

I would offer yes it is the work of God working in us that we can believe.
 

UnitedWithChrist

Well-known member
Aug 12, 2019
3,739
1,928
113
#96
Thanks for the reply. I would offer.

Justification by faith alone is not without the work of Christ's labor of love called a work of faith .Can't separate the faith or plan of God from the work of executing it.

I think in the way the good works that we do is only because we are yoked with him. As always he must do the first work working in us to both will and do his good pleasure .(imputed righteousness) It is from that stand point that when we do fall we are reminded to do the first works of Him working in us . . . . believing him not seen the eternal our first experience, wonderment.

If any man has not that Spirit of Christ the Holy Spirit .Then it would seem they do it according to their own good pleasure like the example of those in Mathew 7 .he performed to works according to his own good pleasure. Jesus said ...I never knew you . He did not say the works were not performed. He is not served by human hands as a will .He moves us not us Him.

Some it would seem forget he give a us the desire to walk by faith. In that way God name is jealous, he reminds us of the better things in Hebrews 6, things that company salvation. . . . he will not forget the good works we offer towards his name strengthening us to finish it. (the kind of food the disciples at first knew not of..

John 4:34Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

I would offer yes it is the work of God working in us that we can believe.

I think I agree if I understand you correctly.

The sinful man is justified by faith, and not by works of any type. However, works flow from a genuine faith, because the saved person has been united with Christ. Due to his union with Christ, he produces good fruit to glorify God.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
#98
I suggest you form your doctrine based on the abundance of clear passages, and then interpret the less clear passages in light of the clear passages.

I referred to Acts 10 earlier....the Gentiles heard, believed, and spoke in tongues. THEN they were baptized. If your theology claims that tongues follow salvation, then baptism followed salvation by necessity.

Notice that I am using your worldview. The order of salvation was presented in an earlier post.
When evaluating all scripture depicting salvation experiences all three components are clearly seen regardless of sequence. Surely God knew Cornelius and those with him would submit to water baptism when informed it was necessary.

Consider a few things associated with the record of the Gentiles repentance unto life outlined in Acts 10:

Acts 10:47 - Peter asked the other Jews present if they thought it proper to forbid to administer water baptism to those who had received God's Spirit. Why question if it was ok to water baptize someone if water baptism is nothing more than a public display? In answer, God's designed water baptism is much more, it is a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins that opens the door to eternal life. (Mark 1:4)

Acts 11:16-18 - After the events noted in Acts 10, Peter explains to the Jewish leaders that he was not going to withstand God after seeing that God filled them with His Holy Spirit the same way He had them on the Day of Pentecost. What did Peter do in order not to withstand God? He administered water baptism to the Gentiles in the name of the Lord.

"When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." Acts 11:18

In each record of those who followed Peter's instructions all incorporate everything he said. Believe, repent, get water baptized in Jesus' name and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 8:12-18, 10:44-48, 19:1-6) If any one of the components was not necessary we would expect to see a record excluding one of the three.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
#99
Water baptism is a command. If you read Matt 28:18-20, the time domain extends from that point until Jesus bodily returns.

I have no issue with water baptism...the idea that it conveys grace or must be done in the name of Jesus Only is the thing I have issues with. I realize that regeneration is the reality that the baptism points to, but baptism was a confession that one has been united with Christ, and gives testimony to the church community, as well as granting confidence to the new believer.

I am aware that there are hyperdispensationalists who claim water baptism is no longer applicable. I don't agree with them on that. I'm not a big fan of "dispensationalism" in the classical sense, although I would find myself in agreement with them on some things. The major thing I dislike about them is their insistence that there are two distinct peoples of God, whereas Scripture teaches Jew and Gentile are now one man (Eph 2, Gal 3).
Please share your thoughts concerning the following comment from post 90:
Why all the commotion about using the name of Jesus? Because there is power in the name of Jesus and the devil knows it.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
John 6:28-30 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30
(ESV Strong's)

Is this what you're referring to? It basically says that the work we must do is believe. It doesn't mention anything else. That is why evangelicals believe in justification by faith alone. However, good works are produced as a fruit of salvation. If one wants to say baptism is a good work that issues as a fruit of salvation, I'm ok with that, and in fact that's my position. Defining it as a condition of salvation isn't correct theologically.
Those depicted below certainly believed in Jesus. Yet something was missing.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matt 7:21-23