Taking this account in context, we see that it was a special situation, with a special purpose--to show that the Gentile could find favor in God's eyes as well as the Jew--verse 45. In verse 46, they spoke with tongues--dabowhunter, do you speak in tongues? In verse 48 Peter commanded them to be baptized--he didn't recommend it.
How can we know that this is a special situation? Because the Bible does not contradict itself, and numerous other accounts state that baptism, just like hearing, believing, repenting, and confessing come before salvation. It is obvious that when the Holy Ghost fell on these people, it was something that they could see, because the Jews in the audience were astonished when it happened (verse 45).
Have you actually seen the Holy Ghost fall on anyone, either before or after they were baptized?
This was a sign from God, not a command. Baptism is a command, period. It has to be water baptism that is commanded, becauseman cannot baptize with the Holy Spirit--so why would we be commanded to perform an impossible act?
Finally, the Bible does not say these men were saved, then baptized. That part must be added by man. The Bible says they believed, and the Holy Spirit came down upon them, and they were commanded to be baptized.
Once again, in order to believe that salvation comes before baptism you must disregard, ignore, or changethe following verses.
Galatians 3:27 "For as many of you as have
been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."
Mark 16:16 "He that believeth
and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."
Acts 2:38 "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."
Romans 6:3-5 "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." And it continues on through verse 11.
I Peter 3:21 "The like figure whereunto
even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, bu tthe answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:"
Colossians 3:12,13 "
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;"
John 3:5 "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kindom of God."
Acts 22:16 "And now why tarriest thou?
arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."
Not my words, not my opinion, just the plain and simple words of the Bible--words you have to throw out in order to cling to the false doctrine of man that states baptism has nothing to do with salvation.
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In 1 Cor. chapter 1 We hear from Paul who spent a year and a half in Corinth. Yet only baptized Crispus, Gaius and the household of Stephanas.
In vs. 17 he writes...For Christ sent me NOT TO BAPTIZE , but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words lest the CROSS SHOULD BE MADE OF NO EFFECT.
So in a year and a half Paul only Baptizes a handfull of believers? If baptism is a sacrament necessary for salvation why did Paul put the empahssis on the Cross and deemphasize baptism?
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By taking only select verses from I Corinthians chapter one, you can make your argument. However, if you take
ALL of it, that argument doesn't have a leg to stand on. Paul explains his position, which is not at all de-emphasizing baptism, in verses 11-15.
"For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thnk God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name."
Taking this passage in context, it's obvious to see the true message Paul is giving here. There were those that were putting more emphasis on who performed the act, rather than the act of baptism itself. Most anyone can take scripture out of context and "make" it way whatever they choose--a common method of deception. Unfortunately, it works very often, because so many people will listen to the words of man rather than believe the Bible.
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Why has it always been so important for mortal man to try and play a role inhis salvation by choosing works, and take away from the glory that is the LORDs.
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For my part, that is a blatently false implication--yet another means of decieving those that will listen to men instead of God. Will you say that hearing, believing, repenting, and confessing are also works? Why or why not? Are these also optional or not required for salvation, or things that come after salvation?
Why does mortal man so often defame and disgrace the Word of God by ignoring His commands and trying to change His Word to fit their own preferances? How can a command from God, even one so simple as baptism, be so easily brushed aside?
Chad
Can any man forbid water
