Comments on: Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation? An Introduction http://truthsaves.org/whatever/truthsaves/is-baptism-necessary-for-salvation-an-introduction/ Remember the mission . . . Wed, 09 May 2012 00:33:17 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Happy G http://truthsaves.org/whatever/truthsaves/is-baptism-necessary-for-salvation-an-introduction/#comment-110 Happy G Sat, 24 Sep 2011 16:25:02 +0000 http://truthsaves.org/whatever/?p=178#comment-110 Greetings from Australia. You helped me with my university assignment. Thank so much. Greetings from Australia. You helped me with my university assignment. Thank so much.

]]> By: Suzanne http://truthsaves.org/whatever/truthsaves/is-baptism-necessary-for-salvation-an-introduction/#comment-109 Suzanne Fri, 22 Oct 2010 02:36:45 +0000 http://truthsaves.org/whatever/?p=178#comment-109 This was an enormous amount to read, but I was committed because some dear friends of mine believe that baptism is necessary for salvation. Thankfully, they are not as vitriolic as those represented here who share their beliefs. Still, it is startling to understand that they probably regard me as "unsaved." Although I have been baptized by immersion as an adult, I did so out of a desire to be obedient and not to be saved--my salvation already being accomplished by accepting Jesus' undeserved death on the cross as payment for my own sins. According to what I've read here, people who represent the Churches of Christ perspective would have me believe that my baptism was just a bath and my conversion to knowledge of and faith in Christ only puts me on par with demons. I will study salvation, and I will study baptism, and I will pray for understanding and wisdom that comes from God. I will also pray that those dear friends of mine do the same, and that we treat each other with respect and love while we search for Biblical truths. I invite you to pray with and for me on this journey. If it turns out that my perspective on baptism is correct, only God will be able to change the hearts of my friends who are well-rehearsed in their beliefs. If it turns out that my friends' perspective on baptism is correct, then I guess for 25 years I have been serving a counterfeit god. This was an enormous amount to read, but I was committed because some dear friends of mine believe that baptism is necessary for salvation. Thankfully, they are not as vitriolic as those represented here who share their beliefs.

Still, it is startling to understand that they probably regard me as “unsaved.” Although I have been baptized by immersion as an adult, I did so out of a desire to be obedient and not to be saved–my salvation already being accomplished by accepting Jesus’ undeserved death on the cross as payment for my own sins.

According to what I’ve read here, people who represent the Churches of Christ perspective would have me believe that my baptism was just a bath and my conversion to knowledge of and faith in Christ only puts me on par with demons.

I will study salvation, and I will study baptism, and I will pray for understanding and wisdom that comes from God. I will also pray that those dear friends of mine do the same, and that we treat each other with respect and love while we search for Biblical truths.

I invite you to pray with and for me on this journey. If it turns out that my perspective on baptism is correct, only God will be able to change the hearts of my friends who are well-rehearsed in their beliefs. If it turns out that my friends’ perspective on baptism is correct, then I guess for 25 years I have been serving a counterfeit god.

]]> By: Gabriel http://truthsaves.org/whatever/truthsaves/is-baptism-necessary-for-salvation-an-introduction/#comment-108 Gabriel Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:41:57 +0000 http://truthsaves.org/whatever/?p=178#comment-108 Peter, I realise you may never come back to this website and read this, since you posted your question nearly a year ago. But I've just come across this post while doing some research for a paper I'm writing and saw your question. If you *are* a liar and adulterer, then clinging to the belief that one day you will partake of God's salvation when you go home is not really faith at all, but sheer presumption. Sorry, I don't know of any other way to say this, but a statement such as yours completely misses the amazing grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and ignores warnings such as Paul's in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 which if you are right in your testimony about yourself being "a liar and adulterer" then you should be trembling in your boots if you believe the Scriptures at all. Let me quote Paul: "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor ADULTERERS, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God." Yet note what Paul goes on to say: "And such *were* some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." You see, being saved is not just "putting my trust in Christ's righteousness so that when God judges the world he doesn't see my sin but sees Jesus instead, so I can be let into heaven." What a completely impotent gospel!!! Being "saved" is to be delivered from the power of sin, it is to have the old life "cut off" and be raised to a new life. A life where we are no longer "sinners" but saints of God! And so this brings me to your questions... "If I allow myself to be plunged into water and baptised, how will that assuage my lies and adultery, and cleanse my leprous soul? How does this outward symbolism make me any more acceptable to God than does Jesus Christ’s death on the Cross of Calvary?" No, baptism doesn't assuage or minimise anything. But the very purpose of baptism is to connect us with Jesus' death, that by baptism we might die with him (thus putting to death our lies and adultery and whatever other sin that has mastered us) in order that (i.e. for the purpose of) just as Christ rose from the dead, we too might walk in newness of life! This is what Paul testifies to in Romans 6. In Colossians 2 Paul clearly states that when we are baptised we experience the circumcision of Christ, in the cutting off of our sinful nature. So, baptism is far from being an "outward symbolism" and it has nothing to do with being "more acceptable to God than does Jesus Christ's death on the Cross of Calvary." Baptism's purpose is not to balance out our sin with a supreme act of righteousness. NO! Baptism's purpose is to unite us *with* Jesus' death on the cross and his glorious resurrection so that we can live together with him! So, how now? Be baptised into Christ and be free! Peter,

I realise you may never come back to this website and read this, since you posted your question nearly a year ago. But I’ve just come across this post while doing some research for a paper I’m writing and saw your question.

If you *are* a liar and adulterer, then clinging to the belief that one day you will partake of God’s salvation when you go home is not really faith at all, but sheer presumption. Sorry, I don’t know of any other way to say this, but a statement such as yours completely misses the amazing grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and ignores warnings such as Paul’s in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 which if you are right in your testimony about yourself being “a liar and adulterer” then you should be trembling in your boots if you believe the Scriptures at all. Let me quote Paul:

“Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor ADULTERERS, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Yet note what Paul goes on to say:

“And such *were* some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

You see, being saved is not just “putting my trust in Christ’s righteousness so that when God judges the world he doesn’t see my sin but sees Jesus instead, so I can be let into heaven.” What a completely impotent gospel!!! Being “saved” is to be delivered from the power of sin, it is to have the old life “cut off” and be raised to a new life. A life where we are no longer “sinners” but saints of God!

And so this brings me to your questions…

“If I allow myself to be plunged into water and baptised, how will that assuage my lies and adultery, and cleanse my leprous soul? How does this outward symbolism make me any more acceptable to God than does Jesus Christ’s death on the Cross of Calvary?”

No, baptism doesn’t assuage or minimise anything. But the very purpose of baptism is to connect us with Jesus’ death, that by baptism we might die with him (thus putting to death our lies and adultery and whatever other sin that has mastered us) in order that (i.e. for the purpose of) just as Christ rose from the dead, we too might walk in newness of life! This is what Paul testifies to in Romans 6. In Colossians 2 Paul clearly states that when we are baptised we experience the circumcision of Christ, in the cutting off of our sinful nature. So, baptism is far from being an “outward symbolism” and it has nothing to do with being “more acceptable to God than does Jesus Christ’s death on the Cross of Calvary.” Baptism’s purpose is not to balance out our sin with a supreme act of righteousness. NO! Baptism’s purpose is to unite us *with* Jesus’ death on the cross and his glorious resurrection so that we can live together with him!

So, how now? Be baptised into Christ and be free!

]]> By: Peter http://truthsaves.org/whatever/truthsaves/is-baptism-necessary-for-salvation-an-introduction/#comment-107 Peter Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:21:37 +0000 http://truthsaves.org/whatever/?p=178#comment-107 Gentlemen I am a liar and adulterer. I am a leprous soul. I cling to the faith that I have in Jesus Christ, my Saviour, that I shall partake of God's salvation one day when I go Home. I have an unshakeable belief in the justification I have in Jesus Christ; and flowing therefrom, I hope on a righteous relationship with God. However, I am not baptised by immersion. As a result of this, Tom judges me as unsaved and unsaveable. That makes me sad and contradicts my christian doctrine. My hope is in Christ; hoping that God accepts the price that Jesus paid for my soul. If I allow myself to be plunged into water and baptised, how will that assuage my lies and adultery, and cleanse my leprous soul? How does this outward symbolism make me any more acceptable to God than does Jesus Christ's death on the Cross of Calvary? I do good works here, but only to show thankfulness for what our Lord and Master did for me. These do not gain heavenly entrance for me. So, my Brothers, How Now? Gentlemen

I am a liar and adulterer. I am a leprous soul. I cling to the faith that I have in Jesus Christ, my Saviour, that I shall partake of God’s salvation one day when I go Home. I have an unshakeable belief in the justification I have in Jesus Christ; and flowing therefrom, I hope on a righteous relationship with God.

However, I am not baptised by immersion. As a result of this, Tom judges me as unsaved and unsaveable. That makes me sad and contradicts my christian doctrine. My hope is in Christ; hoping that God accepts the price that Jesus paid for my soul.

If I allow myself to be plunged into water and baptised, how will that assuage my lies and adultery, and cleanse my leprous soul? How does this outward symbolism make me any more acceptable to God than does Jesus Christ’s death on the Cross of Calvary?

I do good works here, but only to show thankfulness for what our Lord and Master did for me. These do not gain heavenly entrance for me.

So, my Brothers, How Now?

]]> By: Tom http://truthsaves.org/whatever/truthsaves/is-baptism-necessary-for-salvation-an-introduction/#comment-106 Tom Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:19:40 +0000 http://truthsaves.org/whatever/?p=178#comment-106 Just because there are many people in Christendom who subscribe to this false concept of salvation, it is not THEIR opinion or MINE that counts. On Judgment Day we will be judged by how we measure up to the word of God. (John 12:48; Revelation 20:11-13). Now if Jesus is going to be the judge and his words are going to be the standard or rule by which we are judged, it becomes very important that we learn what his words are. In the great Sermon on the Mount he said, "Not everyone who 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 cast out devils and in thy name done more wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you. Depart from me you that work iniquity" Matthew 7:21-23. Those who do his will, will not receive this condemnation and punishment. And what is HIS WILL? Jesus said: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” ! (Mark 16:16) Just because there are many people in Christendom who subscribe to this false concept of salvation, it is not THEIR opinion or MINE that counts.

On Judgment Day we will be judged by how we measure up to the word of God. (John 12:48; Revelation 20:11-13).

Now if Jesus is going to be the judge and his words are going to be the standard or rule by which we are judged, it becomes very important that we learn what his words are. In the great Sermon on the Mount he said, “Not everyone who 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 cast out devils and in thy name done more wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you. Depart from me you that work iniquity” Matthew 7:21-23. Those who do his will, will not receive this condemnation and punishment.

And what is HIS WILL?

Jesus said: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” ! (Mark 16:16)

]]> By: Tom http://truthsaves.org/whatever/truthsaves/is-baptism-necessary-for-salvation-an-introduction/#comment-105 Tom Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:17:50 +0000 http://truthsaves.org/whatever/?p=178#comment-105 Mr. E’s claim at the top of the page, just above the Responses, “belief in the Jesus of the Bible opens heaven’s doors for us; baptism doesn’t” is based solely on a tradition started by one man, Zwingli, in the 1500s! Contrary to Mr. E’s assertions, the Bible, God’s Word, in 1 Peter 3:21 says: “….. baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ……” By using the traditions of men you are rebelling against the Word of God. Note the following, Matthew 15: 8 ‘THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. 9 ‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’” Mr. E’s claim at the top of the page, just above the Responses, “belief in the Jesus of the Bible opens heaven’s doors for us; baptism doesn’t” is based solely on a tradition started by one man, Zwingli, in the 1500s! Contrary to Mr. E’s assertions, the Bible, God’s Word, in 1 Peter 3:21 says: “….. baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ……” By using the traditions of men you are rebelling against the Word of God.

Note the following, Matthew 15:

8 ‘THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS,
BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME.
9 ‘BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME,
TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.’”

]]> By: Tom http://truthsaves.org/whatever/truthsaves/is-baptism-necessary-for-salvation-an-introduction/#comment-104 Tom Sun, 21 Sep 2008 21:16:19 +0000 http://truthsaves.org/whatever/?p=178#comment-104 tim wrote: "Baptism is important as a Christian, not to become a Christian." tim, you are teaching error, contradicting the plain teaching of the Bible. Not a single translation of Acts 2: 38 (as shown here http://biblecc.com/acts/2-38.htm ) says you are a Christian BEFORE being baptized. It is a grave matter to incorrectly teach the Word of God. May God help you in your study. tim wrote: “Baptism is important as a Christian, not to become a Christian.”

tim, you are teaching error, contradicting the plain teaching of the Bible. Not a single translation of Acts 2: 38 (as shown here http://biblecc.com/acts/2-38.htm ) says you are a Christian BEFORE being baptized.

It is a grave matter to incorrectly teach the Word of God. May God help you in your study.

]]> By: Tom http://truthsaves.org/whatever/truthsaves/is-baptism-necessary-for-salvation-an-introduction/#comment-103 Tom Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:42:00 +0000 http://truthsaves.org/whatever/?p=178#comment-103 http://www.biblical-baptism.org/ http://www.biblical-baptism.org/

]]> By: Tom http://truthsaves.org/whatever/truthsaves/is-baptism-necessary-for-salvation-an-introduction/#comment-102 Tom Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:40:54 +0000 http://truthsaves.org/whatever/?p=178#comment-102 There has been no more error taught in the supposed name of Christianity, than error concerning baptism. This is one subject that the Devil has worked to his own ends more than any other, for it is through baptism that a person is saved and added to the church of Christ. It has been said that "Baptism has become the Devil's workshop" and that saying is well justified! This Web Site exists to refute these manmade errors and teach what the Bible teaches without addition or subtraction - just the plain truth! There has been no more error taught in the supposed name of Christianity, than error concerning baptism. This is one subject that the Devil has worked to his own ends more than any other, for it is through baptism that a person is saved and added to the church of Christ. It has been said that “Baptism has become the Devil’s workshop” and that saying is well justified! This Web Site exists to refute these manmade errors and teach what the Bible teaches without addition or subtraction – just the plain truth!

]]> By: Tom http://truthsaves.org/whatever/truthsaves/is-baptism-necessary-for-salvation-an-introduction/#comment-101 Tom Sun, 31 Aug 2008 13:35:14 +0000 http://truthsaves.org/whatever/?p=178#comment-101 Acts 2:38 in Various Translations Please note that NONE of these translations use the words “because of the forgiveness of sins” as claimed by denominationalists such as Mr. E. and tim. Every single translation listed below (as well as the NIV) say essentially, “Repent and be baptized so your sins will be forgiven.” Dear Reader: Read what is on the Bible page. God is not the author of confusion (I Cor 14:33). Hebrews 6:17 says “it is impossible for God to lie,” so those who challenge the clear message of Acts 2:38 are rebelling against God. <> ................................................................................ Peter answered them, "Every one of you must repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit as a gift. ................................................................................ ................................................................................ Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ................................................................................ ................................................................................ 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. ................................................................................ ................................................................................ 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. ................................................................................ ................................................................................ Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ................................................................................ ................................................................................ And Peter'said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ................................................................................ ................................................................................ And Peter said, Let your hearts be changed, every one of you, and have baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will have the Holy Spirit given to you. ................................................................................ ................................................................................ But Peter said to them: Do penance, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins: and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ................................................................................ ................................................................................ And Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptised, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for remission of sins, and ye will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ................................................................................ ................................................................................ And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. ................................................................................ ................................................................................ Then Peter said to 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 Spirit. ................................................................................ ................................................................................ "Repent," replied Peter, "and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, with a view to the remission of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ................................................................................ ................................................................................ Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ................................................................................ ................................................................................ and Peter said unto them, 'Reform, and be baptized each of you on the name of Jesus Christ, to remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, ................................................................................ Acts 2:38 http://biblecc.com/acts/2-38.htm Please note that NONE of these translations use the words “because of the forgiveness of sins” as claimed by denominationalists such as Mr. E. and tim. Every single translation listed above (as well as the NIV) say essentially, “Repent and be baptized so your sins will be forgiven.” You are NOT saved until you follow the steps I have listed above: Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, Be Baptized and then lead a faithful life of service to God. Dear Reader: Read what is on the Bible page. God is not the author of confusion (I Cor 14:33). Hebrews 6:17 says “it is impossible for God to lie,” so those who challenge the clear message of Acts 2:38 are rebelling against God. Acts 2:38 in Various Translations

Please note that NONE of these translations use the words “because of the forgiveness of sins” as claimed by denominationalists such as Mr. E. and tim. Every single translation listed below (as well as the NIV) say essentially, “Repent and be baptized so your sins will be forgiven.”

Dear Reader: Read what is on the Bible page. God is not the author of confusion (I Cor 14:33). Hebrews 6:17 says “it is impossible for God to lie,” so those who challenge the clear message of Acts 2:38 are rebelling against God.

<>

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Peter answered them, “Every one of you must repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the Holy Spirit as a gift.
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Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
……………………………………………………………………..
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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.
……………………………………………………………………..
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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.
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Then Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
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And Peter’said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
……………………………………………………………………..
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And Peter said, Let your hearts be changed, every one of you, and have baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will have the Holy Spirit given to you.
……………………………………………………………………..
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But Peter said to them: Do penance, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins: and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
……………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………..
And Peter said to them, Repent, and be baptised, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for remission of sins, and ye will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
……………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………..
And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
……………………………………………………………………..
……………………………………………………………………..
Then Peter said to 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 Spirit.
……………………………………………………………………..
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“Repent,” replied Peter, “and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, with a view to the remission of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
……………………………………………………………………..
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Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
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and Peter said unto them, ‘Reform, and be baptized each of you on the name of Jesus Christ, to remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,
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Acts 2:38

http://biblecc.com/acts/2-38.htm

Please note that NONE of these translations use the words “because of the forgiveness of sins” as claimed by denominationalists such as Mr. E. and tim. Every single translation listed above (as well as the NIV) say essentially, “Repent and be baptized so your sins will be forgiven.” You are NOT saved until you follow the steps I have listed above: Hear, Believe, Repent, Confess, Be Baptized and then lead a faithful life of service to God.

Dear Reader: Read what is on the Bible page. God is not the author of confusion (I Cor 14:33). Hebrews 6:17 says “it is impossible for God to lie,” so those who challenge the clear message of Acts 2:38 are rebelling against God.

]]>