Quote:
Originally Posted by NorCal
The problem is, people only see what they want to see. That's is why I emphatically say you must take all scripture at equal value. The "Direct" words of Jesus are just as equal as any other scripture (As they are second hand writings anyways) for "All Scripture is given by inspiration."
Paul told us in Hebrews, why re-lay the foundation of what has already been established by Christ. Proclaimed by Peter. Preached by Paul.
1) Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
2) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
3) And this will we do, if God permit.
So according to Paul, there are 2 Baptisms. Water and Spirit. He preached what Christ preached. He preached what Peter preached.
The problem with non 3 steppers, is they are trying to find the minimum to be saved. Why would you do that? That is very dangerous territory.
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NoCal,
Your statement, "The problem with non 3 steppers, is they are trying to find the minimum to be saved..." makes assumptions about the motives of those that believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.
What, in your opinion, is the gospel? Look at every message in the book of Acts and tell me what the subject matter was...It WASN'T repentandbebaptizedeveryoneofyouinthenameofJesusCh ristfortheremissionofyoursinsandyoushallreceivethe giftoftheHolyGhost, etc.
This is the proper response TO the gospel, but the verse is not the gospel. If you will re-read Acts and especially look to Paul's final days where he recounts the sermon content that resulted in his arrest, you don't see the ABC plan of salvation anywhere. You DO see repentance preached for the forgiveness of sins. You DO see that the resurrection was preached through Jesus Christ. You DO see a judgement of the living and the dead.
If water baptism is a salvational requirement he would have mentioned it (he was a pretty good evangelist, btw).
After his arrest Paul informed the Roman Jews that the reason he was a prisoner was for the HOPE of ISRAEL. The Hope of water baptism? The Hope of the Holy Ghost? No, it was, like all of his preaching, about Christ and him crucified and the promise of a resurrection. While I don't see water baptism as a salvational REQUIREMENT, I DO see repentance for the "forgiveness of sins". You can't strain
Acts 2:38 into Paul's recounting of his sermon material from chapters 22 to 28.
You will have a hard time believing this, but I believe that water baptism is a sign, much like circumcision was in the old covenant, and should be done by every believer. But I also believe that faith prior to circumcision saved Abraham, just as it does Christians today.
Too many pastors have used
Mark 16:16 as a battering ram, as if they (the pastor) has the right (like a catholic priest in confession) to remit or retain sins! If a person believes, they will be baptized (because they have been taught to be baptized). If a person doesn't believe, then OBVIOUSLY they won't be baptized. They will be damned because of their unbelief, not because they were believers, since believing Christians are baptized (providing they are taught to be baptized). It has nothing to do with pastoral authority, or the baptizER.
The gospel is either in a verse,
Acts 2:38, or it's in the cross. Which is it?
I'm not looking for the "minimum" to be saved. If you REALLY feel that way, then you really haven't read and understand what I'm talking about.
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