Saul of Tarsus was not saved on the road to Damascus.

  • 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.

hornetguy

Senior Member
Jan 18, 2016
7,181
1,802
113
Ok, the other poster doesn't wish to answer the question, I will ask you. If someone in the hospital is led to the Lord but pass away before they can be baptized, are they saved or going to hell?
and you keep asking hypothetical questions... and I cannot answer that.
I do not get to decide who goes to heaven or hell.... our loving Father in heaven is the one that makes that call.... and I fully trust my God to be good and just... only HE knows the heart of a person... if someone accepted the gift of salvation and died of a massive heart attack while climbing into a baptistry, I am confident that God knows what was in their heart, and will treat them accordingly...

All ANY of us can do it help guide unbelievers to the word... we are under an obligation to teach them what we can... as long as what we teach is fully backed in scripture..
 

hornetguy

Senior Member
Jan 18, 2016
7,181
1,802
113
i honestly wonder if this belief is still around
the belief that you are better than that? Absolutely.... both of us have been here long enough to know what we are about.... we agree about much, much more than we disagree on... and you nearly always present you thoughts in a logical, straightforward manner...
I'm still a work in progress... :)
 

hornetguy

Senior Member
Jan 18, 2016
7,181
1,802
113
so 100% i am going to tell everyone who believes to be baptized, and 100% i am not going to condemn anyone who believes but isn't yet baptized
between you and me.... what legitimate reason can you think of that would prevent a new believer from being baptized immediately following acceptance of salvation? Why would anyone not do it immediately.... leaving out all the hypotheticals, of course.
Typical John or Jane Doe accepts Jesus, why would they not immediately find a place to be baptized?
We've had two baptisms in our pool in the back yard, for example....
 

ThereRoseaLamb

Well-known member
Jan 17, 2023
4,835
2,088
113
and you keep asking hypothetical questions... and I cannot answer that.
I do not get to decide who goes to heaven or hell.... our loving Father in heaven is the one that makes that call.... and I fully trust my God to be good and just... only HE knows the heart of a person... if someone accepted the gift of salvation and died of a massive heart attack while climbing into a baptistry, I am confident that God knows what was in their heart, and will treat them accordingly...
So then we agree that baptism doesn't save you?

All ANY of us can do it help guide unbelievers to the word... we are under an obligation to teach them what we can... as long as what we teach is fully backed in scripture..
No issues there...
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,778
113
Taking all scripture together, the old "Church of Christ" teaching of the 5 items of being saved are actually accurate... we have to hear the word, believe the word, repent of our sins, confess that we want Jesus in our lives, and be baptized.... all of that is required.
Sorry brother, but this is COMPLETELY FALSE. Baptism is NOT essential for salvation. And here are three Scripture passages to refute your position: Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (Acts 16:29-31) Paul could never mislead someone who asked a direct question.

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

And the Lord Jesus Christ Himself is the FINAL AUTHORITY. He declared this emphatically: Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? (John 11"25,26)

I am quite surprised that you hold to this false doctrine about baptism in view of not only these Scriptures, but the entire Bible, particularly the NT. Naturally, you will also simply double down in your false belief.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
it fairly quickly, in a historical sense, became the pattern of the church to wait until a person's deathbed before they were baptized. Augustine was a famous example.

the idea spread that it was through baptism that sins were forgiven, and along with that idea was the idea that sins comitted after baptism were not forgiven.

not something i agree with, but that's the history of the church.

speaking of history, it's interesting that the scripture doesn't record any mention of any of the disciples being baptized, nor any the apostles, save Paul, and it does specifically say Jesus baptized no one ((with water)).
Even though there's no record of the apostles being baptized. Jesus did prophesy that repentance and remission of sin would be preached in His name beginning in Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47) Since Peter said everyone was to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus for remission of sin it is highly likely the apostles obeyed the command.
 

posthuman

Senior Member
Jul 31, 2013
37,957
13,615
113
between you and me.... what legitimate reason can you think of that would prevent a new believer from being baptized immediately following acceptance of salvation? Why would anyone not do it immediately.... leaving out all the hypotheticals, of course.
Typical John or Jane Doe accepts Jesus, why would they not immediately find a place to be baptized?
We've had two baptisms in our pool in the back yard, for example....
for me, a young boy at a camp who sat in his bunk thinking and praying all one summer night, it seemed very personal, and it also seemed like i knew just how i should go about things. so i did not say anything to anyone about what had happened in my heart, and waited until camp was over, and the next sunday that the pastor in my home church asked, at the end of service, as was his custom, if anyone wanted to come down to the front for special prayer or needs, i went and told him i needed to be baptized.

it was a couple of weeks, that had passed, and then another week before the ceremony. and i don't have any doubt about whether i was saved in the time in-between - - what i wonder about, sometimes, is whether it isn't true that i was already saved even long before that. some of my earliest memories are dreams about Christ - not sure i remember a time i didn't believe, only times that i didn't do anything about that belief.
 

posthuman

Senior Member
Jul 31, 2013
37,957
13,615
113
Even though there's no record of the apostles being baptized. Jesus did prophesy that repentance and remission of sin would be preached in His name beginning in Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47) Since Peter said everyone was to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus for remission of sin it is highly likely the apostles obeyed the command.
baptized by John?

but then there is in Acts, a record of people who are called believers, who had received John's baptism and didn't know anything about the Spirit being given through another baptism.

there is a record of Christ breathing on each of them saying, receive the Spirit - and breath is moist air!

the weird part is that God deemed it right not to mention their baptisms or lack of baptism whatsoever. as though it's not a thing necessary for us to know whether thee belong to Him or not
 
Sep 15, 2019
9,989
5,540
113
This is clearly a descriptive passage.

When Peter sees what is happening to the gentiles he refers to his prescriptive statement:

Peter answered them, “All of you must turn to God and change the way you think and act, and each of you must be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins will be forgiven. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit as a gift. (Acts 2:38)

Moses_Young, it's not that hard.
If this be correct, Peter's description defies his prescription, unless you accept that consistent with other scripture and the key gospel message that salvation is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, it is the repenting in Jesus' name that is saves, and baptism the commandment given once one has so been saved.

You're right, it's not that difficult, but like the Judaisers in Paul's day, your insistence to make it harder than it is perverts the gospel message into a damnable heresy. Repent therefore.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,778
113
You're right, it's not that difficult, but like the Judaisers in Paul's day, your insistence to make it harder than it is perverts the gospel message into a damnable heresy. Repent therefore.
It is quite amazing how people will double down in their false beliefs in the face of all the Scriptures. The only explanation is the absence of Christian humility, in order to abandon all false beliefs and doctrines.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,661
5,908
113
baptism therefore proves nothing about salvation, but faith in the true gospel is greater.

unbelief certainly condemns. lack of baptism is uncertain - and no one knows a man's heart but God alone
yeah I don’t think it “ proves “ anything lol I just think it is for the purpose the Bible teaches it’s for bieng remission of sins in Jesus name only someone who hears about Jesus dying for thier sins and believed would ever get baptized into his name and death for thier sins

it is a simple act of faith based on Gods word it’s the equivalent of this.

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.

And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭10:21-22‬ ‭KJV‬‬

It’s believing what Gods word says even if he says” lift your hand “ and I’ll do this greater thing . Now baptism

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, ( very few people will acknolwedge baptism has a purpose )


and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

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.

….Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:38-39, 41‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Those who hears the promise of remission of sins in Jesus name gladly partook of baptism in Jesus name for remission of thier sins , those who didn’t believe what Peter said im sure didn’t partake of it because it wouldn’t be an act of faith they don’t believe what they heard about baptism in his name for remission of sins they would t bother getting baptized because they don’t believe it matters or means what Peter said

those who believed his sermon all got baptized in Jesus name for remission of sins peters preaching reached thier hearts and they believed and were saved in the early days of the church

“praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:47‬ ‭

The thing is baptism has a clear meaning to God he designed it around faith in this belief

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

and that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:3-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

That’s why we do this and how our sins are remitted in his name who died for them

Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death:

that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:2-5, 11‬ ‭

“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 together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2:11-13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

There’s far too much doctrine regarding baptism and the removal and cessation
Of our sins to dismiss it it’s throughout the nt not only does it tell us baptisms purpose is repentance and the remission of sin

Nt Scripture thoroughly explains the faith regarding what it means to those who partake of it . I’ve never believed anyone’s going to be excluded based on them not able to get baptized , but also never understood those who ignore what scripture teaches about it ( I’m not saying you brother , but many people refuse to acknolwedge just simplicities about baptism like

1 baptism is for the remission of sins in Jesus name

2 baptism in Jesus name was something the disciples both Jew Acts 2 and gentile acts 10 were commanded to do and it did involve water

“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. …….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 ‭10:44, 46-48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

several but lol I’m just a ranting old feller at this point

im just saying I’ve never understood why there is a single opponent to baptism in Jesus name for remission of sins because it’s so thoroughly taught in the New Testament it’s perplexing also communion again it doesn’t “ prove “ something but it has an effective meaning to a believer according to faith

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

same with baptism if we believe what Gods word really said about baptism anyone will be come an advocate
 

ThereRoseaLamb

Well-known member
Jan 17, 2023
4,835
2,088
113
Jesus' work on the cross is what saves us....

Taking a beat to wish all fathers a Happy Fathers Day!! Thank you for your Godly influence, how we need it today. And if you have no children, there are so many today that could use the influence and wisdom of a Godly man. I hope you will allow God to use you in this world of lost souls. Each of us has a ministry to do just outside our doors. May each father here be blessed in a special way today. Words cannot express the thanks we have for Dads and men of Godly influence.
 

hornetguy

Senior Member
Jan 18, 2016
7,181
1,802
113
it was a couple of weeks, that had passed, and then another week before the ceremony. and i don't have any doubt about whether i was saved in the time in-between
I would agree with you... but what I don't like is a church waiting a week after being told that someone wanted to be baptized.... I think it should be done immediately upon request in that situation... otherwise, why not wait a year or two, until it's "convenient"....
Look at Philip and the eunuch.... the eunuch asked, and they went immediately down into the water, and he was baptized... there should be a sense of urgency in it... and that's what bothers me about a lot of folks on here... it just isn't important to them.. sort of a "meh" kind of thing. My understanding of scripture indicates it is much more important than that.
 

ThereRoseaLamb

Well-known member
Jan 17, 2023
4,835
2,088
113
I would agree with you... but what I don't like is a church waiting a week after being told that someone wanted to be baptized.... I think it should be done immediately upon request in that situation... otherwise, why not wait a year or two, until it's "convenient"....
Look at Philip and the eunuch.... the eunuch asked, and they went immediately down into the water, and he was baptized... there should be a sense of urgency in it... and that's what bothers me about a lot of folks on here... it just isn't important to them.. sort of a "meh" kind of thing. My understanding of scripture indicates it is much more important than that.
That is something I must say about my pastor. He will find a place to baptize, even if it's a swimming pool. If one or two people ask, they have the water running for the Sunday morning service. But my pastor isn't a young pastor, perhaps the difference? Though I have seen young people being baptized near the ocean or lakes on Facebook lately.
 

Sipsey

Well-known member
Sep 27, 2018
1,502
713
113
I see all the talk about baptizing, but no one talks about the details of a proper baptism. I think the Jews believed that the water one was dipped in must be “Living Water.” Water that occured in nature that moved with a current. They built their mikvah’s into two parts with a plug in between so that when it was removed the water from one flowed into the other. So, I guess the question or questions are, will a mud puddle suffice? A bathtub, a swimming pool, a stagnent pond, or like the Jews insisted, should it be a river or stream with a current? Also, who has the authority to baptize another?
 

hornetguy

Senior Member
Jan 18, 2016
7,181
1,802
113
Any body of water will do. Nobody in particular is given "authority" to baptize.... my own personal belief is that any believer can baptize....
baptism.jpeg
 

Burn1986

Active member
Mar 4, 2024
918
212
43
I see all the talk about baptizing, but no one talks about the details of a proper baptism. I think the Jews believed that the water one was dipped in must be “Living Water.” Water that occured in nature that moved with a current. They built their mikvah’s into two parts with a plug in between so that when it was removed the water from one flowed into the other. So, I guess the question or questions are, will a mud puddle suffice? A bathtub, a swimming pool, a stagnent pond, or like the Jews insisted, should it be a river or stream with a current? Also, who has the authority to baptize another?
Yeah because there’s not a scripture for it because God didn’t want us to get fixated on it.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
yes, the text says the reason Paul went to Ananias was to receive his sight, not his salvation.
and Ananias also told him to be baptized, washing his sins away. so this is related to sight, as God defines "sight"

can the blind be saved?
or must they first see?

careful. we see now only dimly, like through a glass.
Unless a man is born again He cannot SEE or ENTER the kingdom. John 3:3-5
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
baptized by John?

but then there is in Acts, a record of people who are called believers, who had received John's baptism and didn't know anything about the Spirit being given through another baptism.

there is a record of Christ breathing on each of them saying, receive the Spirit - and breath is moist air!

the weird part is that God deemed it right not to mention their baptisms or lack of baptism whatsoever. as though it's not a thing necessary for us to know whether thee belong to Him or not
No. Not John's. It was a reference to the NT water baptism in the name of Jesus for remission of sin instituted and required of all after Jesus' sacrifice. (Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38, etc.)

The Acts 19 account indicates the 12 were rebaptized in water in the name of Jesus. We know it was water baptism because the record specifically mentions that afterward Paul laid hands on them and at that point they received the Holy Ghost. Also, other scriptures reveal that baptism in the name of Jesus is water baptism. (Acts 2:38-41, 8:12-18, 10:43-48, 22:16)