[samuelofisrael]

It is through the faith of Jesus Christ that we are saved. We have faith that His life, death and resurrection destroys death and reconciled us to God. At the same time, Jesus plainly said that you must be born of water and Spirit in order to even see the kingdom of Heaven. the only way we can be born again is to follow Acts 2:38. Again, this isn't an opinion, this is the Word of God. Scripture clearly tells us that 'Let the Word of God be true, and every man a liar'. If its in the Bible, it should be followed

Yes, precisely the truth, that is, by FAITH.

Yes, precisely the truth, that is, by water AND the SPRIT.

Yes, precisely the truth, that is, one MUST be BORN AGAIN.


The New Birth PRECEEDS Acts 2:38. Immersion in water in the NAME of the Lord [in Apostolic days, the NAME J E S U S was unknown, that was much later as a result of translations, transliteration], thus the act of immersion without the New Birth is meaningless. The act of obedience to the Commandment brings inclusion into the fellowship of saints but never does it in itself procure the New Birth.

If it is by FAITH [and it is] then there is no act, devotion, ordinance, principle, work, humbling of oneself that can award the New Birth to a lost and dying sinner.

One begins at the beginning then entire valley of promises and training awaits him/her.

The Apostolic converts were NEVER baptised in the NAME of J E S U S. One could be immersed today in the NAME YESHUA and be obedient to the Command to be baptised in the NAME of the LORD.

But I undestand the principle. The greater point being immersion does not bring new life. A "work" can never ingratiate one to God in terms of eternal salvation otherwise it is NOT by FAITH ALONE but by FAITH AND WORKS. In fact, one will never follow, believe, obey [in truth] the LORD apart from the sovereign GRACE of God in election to LIFE. A mystic, a religionist or others who adopt apparent spiritual principles in life [philosophy] can never enter the Kingdom of God. True Apostolic Doctrine everywhere trumpets the teaching of GRACE, GRACE, GRACE. That being so, man is revealed in his true condition, lost and powerless to save himself, to believe, to please God, to enter the Kingdom.

Peter, no doubt somewhat frustrated declared, "who then can be saved?"

You know the answer, "With men this is IMPOSSIBLE but with GOD all things are possible."

The more "man" one is, the less GOD becomes in man's own imagination.

Who then can be saved? With you and me it is IMPOSSIBLE.


"But I was immersed in the NAME of J E S U S."

Apart from the New Birth all you accomplised was the need for a dry towel.

New Birth ---->>> Immersion --->>> Life of continuing sanctification and spiritual growth.