"What must I do to be saved?"

  • 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.

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,251
1,106
113
Water baptism is an answer of a good conscience toward God, because of Christ remitting their sins on the cross (1 Pet 3:21)

Water baptism saves (delivers) a born again child of God from their guilty conscience.

Those Jews that Peter was accusing of crucifying Jesus, were already delivered (saved) eternally, evidenced by being "pricked" in their heart.

When a person is born again, God exchanges their heart of stone to a heart of flesh, that can be pricked. Notice the difference in the response of the heart of flesh, contrasted to the heart of stone in those in Acts 7, who heard Stephen preaching the same sermon as Peter on the day of Pentecost, and they were "cut to the heart" and gnashed on him with their teeth.
Peter would have said so if belief was all that was necessary for those at Pentecost who asked what was required of them. As you know, he did not. He said repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of the Lord Jesus for remission of sins... Those who believe the message and obey it are assured they will receive the Holy Ghost at some point as revealed in Acts 2, 8, 10, 19, 22.

1 Peter 3:20-21
...eight souls were saved by water.
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us..."
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,251
1,106
113
Water baptism is an answer of a good conscience toward God, because of Christ remitting their sins on the cross (1 Pet 3:21)

Water baptism saves (delivers) a born again child of God from their guilty conscience.

Those Jews that Peter was accusing of crucifying Jesus, were already delivered (saved) eternally, evidenced by being "pricked" in their heart.

When a person is born again, God exchanges their heart of stone to a heart of flesh, that can be pricked. Notice the difference in the response of the heart of flesh, contrasted to the heart of stone in those in Acts 7, who heard Stephen preaching the same sermon as Peter on the day of Pentecost, and they were "cut to the heart" and gnashed on him with their teeth.
Just curious. Have you been water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus?
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,251
1,106
113
Then when will you do this?

Your faith is in water baptism, and the persons who baptizes you, Not Christ.
I know you don't believe one's personal sins are remitted in baptism. Have you been water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus?
 

Everlasting-Grace

Well-known member
Dec 18, 2021
5,883
1,862
113
I believe many confuse acts of obedience in accordance with one's faith in God with the OT law.

Both God's command of OT Circumcision given to Abraham, and water baptism for those in the NT are not related at all with the OT Law. The law was established 430 years after the time of Abraham, see the following commentary:

The legal covenant of Sinai came in as a parenthesis (Rom 5:20) between the promise to Abraham and its fulfillment in his promised seed, Christ. "It was added because of the transgressions" (Gal 3:19), i.e. to bring them, and so man's great need, into clearer view (Rom 3:20; 4:15; 5:13; 7:7-9).(Fausset's Bible Dictionary)

The Bible is clear regarding what God expected of Abraham. In order to be in covenant with God, he was to believe God’s promise (have faith) and perform circumcision on members of his household (take action). This is evidenced by Genesis 17:13-14: He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.”

Just as in Abraham's time, those living in the New Testament are not under the law. In Galatians chapter 3, Paul asked the Galatians why they were trying to be made perfect by the flesh. Paul goes on to say, “Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till (until) the seed should come to whom the promise was made;…” What Paul is saying here is that the law was added until Jesus should come.

Consider that the New Testament mandate propels us back past the law to the promise given Abraham by God. The fulfillment of that promise was the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. Therefore, the New Testament believer is redeemed from the curse of the Old Testament laws through the blood of Lamb of God—Jesus.

As far as Abraham was concerned, he had to believe God’s message and respond to His command to enter into the covenant by circumcision. Remember that God changes not. So, in order to enter into the promise of the New Testament (Jesus) we must obey God's mandate and be water baptized in His name. (Rom. 6:3-6)

Mankind’s obedience to circumcision in the Old Testament and its correlation of water baptism in the New Testament is clearly seen in the book of Colossions:

In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened
(made alive) together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross;
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
Colossions 2:11


And again in Galatians:
"For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Gal 3:26-27
I believe your trying to replace the baptism of the spirit. with the baptism of discipleship.

Only God can baptize us into Christ.

Just like only God can spiritually circumcise us.

once again, Don't make the same mistake the jews made
 

Everlasting-Grace

Well-known member
Dec 18, 2021
5,883
1,862
113
I know you don't believe one's personal sins are remitted in baptism. Have you been water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus?
my sins were remitted the moment God baptized me into Christ, His death and his burial. not to mention his body.

I was baptized in water as my confession of faith a year later.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,251
1,106
113
my sins were remitted the moment God baptized me into Christ, His death and his burial. not to mention his body.

I was baptized in water as my confession of faith a year later.
Scripture reveals that being baptized into Christ involves being buried with Him and occurs during water baptism in His name. (Romans 6:3-6) And receiving the Holy Ghost is when He comes to dwell inside one's body. (Acts 2:2-4, 8:12-17, 10:43-49, 19:1-6)

Acts 2:2-4
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 8:12-17 (Samaritans)
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 10:43-48 (Gentiles)
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.


Acts 19:2-6 (Disciples who were baptized by John the Baptist did not realize they had to water baptized in Jesus name. After being told they were re-baptized in water and afterward received the Holy Ghost)

He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
 

fredoheaven

Senior Member
Nov 17, 2015
4,110
960
113
Actually I did place my trust in Jesus. I believed what He said. So I repented, and received the Holy Ghost with evidence of speaking in tongues, and was buried with Him, through water baptism in His name where my sins were destroyed in accordance with His sacrifice. You can call it what you want. But the fact is that is God's word. I encourage people to follow Jesus not the traditions of men. Believe and obey.

"The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:" Acts 1:1-3
When you said you "believed or trusted Christ for what? According to the scripture "thou shalt be saved". Obeying is another thing, that is the result of your believing or trusting in Christ and water baptism comes in. It is obeying Christ is a fruit and not the root.
 

montana123

Well-known member
Oct 9, 2021
854
286
63
"What must I do to be saved?"
This was the question posed by the Philippian Jailor after witnessing prison doors miraculously opened and prisoners miraculously set free from there bonds.

Jesus' death on the cross made possible the opening of spiritual prison doors and release from the bonds of sin for every man, women, and child ever born. The answer of Paul and Silas to the Philippian Jailor makes this abundantly clear...
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31).

The Gospel of Salvation is clear, simple, and elementary. Stand firm and do not be swayed from the glorious truth of such great salvation bountiful and free!

Isaiah 55
1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.
3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.
2Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

That is good and true but many people do not abide by this which we see many hypocrites that hold on to sin, and believe they are saved.

Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.

We might sin after we are saved but we have to turn away from the sin and not want it and be led of the Spirit.

If we hold on to sin then the blood of Christ cannot wash it away for God will not take away a sin we hold on to.

2Ti 3:4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Which some people hold on to sin not allowing the Spirit to lead them, and believe they are saved.

Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Which there is no excuse why we cannot abstain from sin so it will be required of us, which some people make excuses like we are only human, we are not perfect, and they live in sin believing they cannot beat sin.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
Peter would have said so if belief was all that was necessary for those at Pentecost who asked what was required of them. As you know, he did not. He said repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of the Lord Jesus for remission of sins... Those who believe the message and obey it are assured they will receive the Holy Ghost at some point as revealed in Acts 2, 8, 10, 19, 22.

1 Peter 3:20-21
...eight souls were saved by water.
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us..."

Save=deliver. Baptism delivers the child of God from their guilty conscience, But have it your way, and keep believing that the scriptures tell you that you are eternally delivered, by your works. The scriptures will not harmonize with your belief.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
Peter would have said so if belief was all that was necessary for those at Pentecost who asked what was required of them. As you know, he did not. He said repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of the Lord Jesus for remission of sins... Those who believe the message and obey it are assured they will receive the Holy Ghost at some point as revealed in Acts 2, 8, 10, 19, 22.

1 Peter 3:20-21
...eight souls were saved by water.
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us..."

Only the born again spiritually, who have had their heart changed from stone to flesh,will repent of breaking one of God's spiritual laws, not the natural man, who cannot discern them, and thinks them to be foolishness.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
Just curious. Have you been water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus?

Yes I have, but it was not for the remission of my sins. Jesus took care of that on the cross. It was for=because of the remission of my sins.
 

Everlasting-Grace

Well-known member
Dec 18, 2021
5,883
1,862
113
Scripture reveals that being baptized into Christ involves being buried with Him and occurs during water baptism in His name. (Romans 6:3-6) And receiving the Holy Ghost is when He comes to dwell inside one's body. (Acts 2:2-4, 8:12-17, 10:43-49, 19:1-6)

Acts 2:2-4
And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 8:12-17 (Samaritans)
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 10:43-48 (Gentiles)
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.


Acts 19:2-6 (Disciples who were baptized by John the Baptist did not realize they had to water baptized in Jesus name. After being told they were re-baptized in water and afterward received the Holy Ghost)

He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Your stuck on water

Only God can baptize you into Christ.

If you want ot have faith in water. Feel free.

I will trust in God..
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,251
1,106
113
Your stuck on water

Only God can baptize you into Christ.

If you want ot have faith in water. Feel free.

I will trust in God..
It's not about the water, it's about belief and obedience to what God established.
 

Everlasting-Grace

Well-known member
Dec 18, 2021
5,883
1,862
113
It's not about the water, it's about belief and obedience to what God established.
Its all about water

And the rejection that God is the one who baptizes us spiritually into Christ. Not some pastor in water. which represents that spiritual baptism of God
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
25,471
13,414
113
58
Scripture means what it says:
"Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. James 2:24
You erroneously interpret James 2:24 to mean that a man is justified (accounted as righteous) by faith AND works in contradiction to Romans 4:2-6 - What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified (accounted as righteous) by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it (faith, not works) was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works.

Once again, 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) Go back and read post #270 again.

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

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

As to 1 Corinthians 15, resurrection is what is being addressed. Paul specifically states in verse 3 that he delivered to them FIRST OF ALL, how Christ died, was buried and rose again. His statement FIRST OF ALL indicates there was more relative to the gospel message.

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you FIRST OF ALL that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
12 Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?"

In verse 29 Paul does ask why people are being baptized for the dead (unbiblical practice) if they don't believe in the reality of resurrection.
The gospel is the "good news" of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:1-4) and is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that BELIEVES.. (Romans 1:16) To "believe" the gospel is to trust in the death, burial and resurrection as the ALL-SUFFICIENT means of our salvation.

1 Corinthians 1:21 - For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who BELIEVE. When will you believe?
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
25,471
13,414
113
58
It's not about the water, it's about belief and obedience to what God established.
It's about faith in the work of being water baptized. You trust in water baptism for salvation and NOT IN CHRIST ALONE.
 

mailmandan

Senior Member
Apr 7, 2014
25,471
13,414
113
58
Peter would have said so if belief was all that was necessary for those at Pentecost who asked what was required of them. As you know, he did not. He said repent, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of the Lord Jesus for remission of sins... Those who believe the message and obey it are assured they will receive the Holy Ghost at some point as revealed in Acts 2, 8, 10, 19, 22.
You would walk around mountains of grace in order to find water. This sounds like you are the victim of church indoctrination. In Acts 2:38, "for the remission of sins" does not refer back to both clauses, "you all repent" and "each one of you be baptized," but refers only to the first. Peter is saying "repent unto the remission of your sins," the same as in Acts 3:19. The clause "each one of you be baptized" is parenthetical. This is exactly what Acts 3:19 teaches except that Peter omits the parenthesis.

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

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

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

1 Peter 3:20-21
...eight souls were saved by water.
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us..."
In 1 Peter 3:21, Peter tells us that baptism now saves you, yet when Peter uses this phrase he continues in the same sentence to explain exactly what he means by it. He said that baptism now saves you-not the removal of dirt from the flesh (that is, not as an outward, physical act which washes dirt from the body--that is not what saves you), "but an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (that is, as an inward, spiritual transaction between God and the individual, a transaction that is symbolized by the outward ceremony of water baptism).

Just as the eight people in the ark were "saved THROUGH water" as they were IN THE ARK. They were not literally saved "by" the water. Hebrews 11:7 is clear on this point (..built an ARK for the SAVING of his household). *NOTE: The context reveals that ONLY the righteous (Noah and his family) were DRY and therefore SAFE. In contrast, ONLY the wicked in Noah's day came in contact with the water and they all perished.
 

Underwhosewings

Well-known member
Jan 19, 2023
1,318
670
113
Australia
Mark 1:15 KJV
And (Jesus) saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand:

repent ye, and believe the gospel.

(I hope we all have repented)