John 8:31-32 If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.
It is appearent that one is only truly saved and wins the crown after the race is run, and the course is finished. When the Master cometh, blessed is theservant found doing the will of his Lord and Master. Paul stated that one isn't crowned EXCEPT he strive lawfully. Meaning within the legal rules and guideline governing the running of the race, as set forth by the Master, Lord, Judge, or overseer. Let us glance at the rules again, lest we forget them.
Jesus taught his disciples to preach and teach the Gospel, and then baptize all who believed the preaching and teaching. All true believers of the Gospel preached were baptized. To forbid baptism is to reject Jesus Christ and his commandents. Therefore baptism is important enough to be done correctly and according to the bibilical pattern and example set forth in the Masters book of rules.
In the Book of Acts are found several examples and accounts of baptsmal services. Others no doubt were performed, but not recorded, but these were written for our admonition and knowledge so that we may not err from the rules set forth. All were performed under the direction of the Apostles who were taught at the feet of Jesus himself. Could there be any more credible group to set forth the desired pattern. The majority of the record deals with the establishing of churches. We are built upon the foundation of the Apostles. The remainder were baptisms of individuals. Lets look first at the churches.
THE CHURCH AT JERUSALEM--Acts 2:37-41 Peter commanded the believers to be baptised everyone of them "in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins". 3000 souls obeyed and were added unto the church that day.
THE CHURCH AT SAMARIA--Acts 8:12-17 The people who believed Phillips preaching concerning the Kingdom of God, and the Name of Jesus, were baptized both men and women. Where did Phillip get this message of baptism? From his home church in Jersalem, no doubt.
THE CHURCH IN CAESAREA--Acts 10:44-48 While Peter preached the Gospel, The Holy Ghost fell upon all that heard the word. A baptism service immediately followed and they were baptized in the name of Jesus.
We have seen that the Jews, Gentiles, & Samaritans, were all baptized and baptized in the same manner and example.
THE CHURCH AT PHILIPPI--Acts 16:14-15+25-34 The 1st European convert was Lydia. She believed and her and all her household were baptized. The Philippian jailer and all his household were baptized. How were these 1st converts baptized? It doesn'trecord the wording, but it standes to reason that since Paul was the one preaching, he would follow the same example as he didwhen he baptzed the Ephesians in Jesus name.
THE CHURCH AT CORINTH--Acts 18:1-11 Crispus and his household alone with the other believers were batized in the Name of Jesus, 1 Cor1:13, the name of the one crucified for them.
THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS--Acts 19:1-7 Here Paul finds believers already baptzed unto John. After proper instruction, all were rebaptized, received the Holy Ghost, spoke in tongues, and prophesied.
THE CHURCHES OF GALATIA AND COLOSSE--GAL 3-27 The Galations were baried with him in baptism. Col. 2:12 In the name of Jesus. No exception, or apology concerning any other formula.
PHILIP, THE ETHOPIAN AND BAPTISM--ACTS 8;34-39 It stands to reason that Philip would baptize the Ethopian in the same manner as those he baptized in Samaria.
PAUL'S PERSONAL BAPTISM--ACTS 9:15 Paul was told that he must bear the Name of Jesus unto the Gentiles. In Acts 22:16 Paul quoting Ananias commandment unto him; Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling upon the Name of The Lord. Ro 6:3 so asmany of us as have been baptized into Christ were baptized unto his death.
We have looked at every record of batism in the New Testament and found no confusion or division amoung the churches, rather as they continued in the Apostles doctrine, they had fellowship, one with another, and the blood of Jesus cleansed them from sins.
If there is another baptismal formula to be used, where is the example found in the scriptures?
Now that we are believers, What is next??
We have looked at every record of batism in the New Testament and found no confusion or division amoung the churches, rather as they continued in the Apostles doctrine, they had fellowship, one with another, and the blood of Jesus cleansed them from sins. If there is another baptismal formula to be used, where is the example found in the scriptures?
Now that we are believers, What is next??
Find every salvation record in the Bible, and see if the Baptism "formula" is followed.
Now are we saved. Isn't that because we have allowed the Grace of God that bringeth to teach us how to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this PRESENT world? Isn't it because we are continuing to run with patiencethe race SET BEFORE us? Are we not saved by obeying the Grace of God that bringeth salvation, which has brought us unto this point in time, and keeps us pressing toward the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus?
Paul, with hid great experience with God, his calling, his anointing, his revelations, visions, ect. said that he didn't claim to have appertained, but rather pressed toward the mark.
I was save 40+ years ago, but a 40 year old experience doesn't save me today. I must continue to be taught of God, lead of his Spirit, maintain a continueing relationship that requires much more now that it did back then. To whom much is given, much is required. God has been giving to me for over 40 years, If I have not done anything with those talents that God has given, and continues to give, Will not that which I have been given be taken and given unto another? Will I not hear God say, "depart from me you unprofitable servant"?
When we have done all to stand, have we done anything that was and is not our duty? Are we not still unprofitable servants?
When was Israel delivered from Pharoah and the bondange of sinful Egypt? When they selected the lamb? When they killed the lamb? When they applied the Blood?, when they ate the lamb? Were they free at anytime from the threats of Pharoah until they had crossed the sea, and watched as God drowned Pharoah and his army in the sea? Were they saved before they were baptized unto Christ in the Cloud and the Sea?
Would any have been saved if they had rebelled against Gods guidance at any point along the way? Yet they were saved at every step because they were summitted unto the instruction as they were delievered by Gods servant. Rebellion would have cut them off at any point or time that they had stopped following God.
Isn't that true?
Right. Moses died before Israel crossed Jordan into the promised land. However none entered into the promise land unless they had first excaped Egypts bondage. Did any excape without obeying what, and when,they were instructed of God?
Jude:5 The Lord SAVED the people out of Egypt, THEN afterwards, destroyed them which believed not. Doesn't this show that it isn't to the one who starts the race, but rather to him that endures unto the end, that will be saved?
Snooky said: Will I not hear God say, "depart from me you unprofitable servant"? No, not if you are saved by believing the Gospel of Grace.
Jude:5 The Lord SAVED the people out of Egypt, THEN afterwards, destroyed them which believed not. Doesn't this show that it isn't to the one who starts the race, but rather to him that endures unto the end, that will be saved? No again.
(KJV) Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. This verse is pretty simple and puts it plain as can be.
Have you sinned since you were saved 40 years ago?
We are to grow in grace and not stay a babe in Christ, but we will still sin everyday.
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It's a mixture of election, grace and a faith that worketh..."and that not of yourselves..it's a gift of God lest any man should boast."
Now there is a statement that I want argue too much with.
If it is election alone, there is no need at all for grace, or faith.
If it is grace alone, election and faith are meaningless.
If it is faith alone, where is the election? Where is Gods grace?
Can we delete anything from the scriptures and still have Gods Gospel?? Can we add to, or take away from and excape the curse?
If we change just one word of the scriptures, have we not perverted the Gospel.
As for the sin VS perfection question. Is between God and man an automatic, instantanious, unconditional, blotting out, remission of sin? John said, I write these things unto you that you sin not. Does that mean, God wants and expects the redeemed, blood bought, heirs with Jesus, who are no longer the servants of sin, to be sinners still? Did Jesus come to save sinners? Did Jesus save his people from their sins? Calvary wasn't a dismal failure. Satin didn't triumph over Gods Lamb. You fellows mean well, but fail to comprehend the meaning of the biblical term, "perfect". Perfect simply means complete. We are "complete" in him, who is the head of all principilities and powers. If one falls short and trangresses against God, he has sinned. If he then looks unto the advocate, he acknowledges the advocate by faith. Faith in the grace of God that provided the advocate. Looking unto the advocate, having faith or trust in the advocate, is something that must be done by the repentant sinner. That my friend is works.
Faith without works is dead, being ALONE. Alone being the key word. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith ALONE.
James 1:21-22 +25-27 notice some of the terms used here. Receive with meekness the engrafted word. That is a commandment to do something other that just hear. Which is ABLE TO SAVE your souls. No mention of grace, or faith. But be ye DOERS of the word. a doer is obedient with works. Deceiveth his own heart, his religion is vain. Keep himself unspotted from the world.
Man shall not live by bread alone, but by EVERY word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
There is no gospel in a nutshell. There is no one scripture that contains all the will of God. There was no single sacrifice that took care of all mans problems.
Someone please quote the scripture that names the animal whose blood was spilled on the day of atonement for the atonement of sins. It was not a lamb! A lamb was slain at Passover, but not on the Day of Atonement.
Chuck is correct in that it is all the scriptures working together that results in the exceptance into eternal bliss.
When is it complete?
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