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Biblical FoundationsBook #1

Chaplain Mark Stevens, ThDDr.mhstevens1959@yahoo.com

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New Jersey Institute of Theological Studies

NJITSNew Jersey Institute of Theological StudiesSuite 160440A Whitehorse Pike

Atco, NJ 08004CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOL OF BIBLICAL STUDIESACCELERATED BIBLICAL TRAINING SERIES

The Correspondence School of Ministry is a new spiritual, educational training track of the New Jersey Institute of Theological Studies. This condensed, correspondence format will allow many of the basic courses of NJITS to be offered in a time frame better suited to the demands and time constraints of busy adults; particularly many of whom are already actively involved in ministry.

COORESPONDANCE format

The Correspondence Manual is to be read and the test at the end of the lesson book is to be taken and mailed back to the School for grading. The test can be taken with an open Bible. Some answers to the questions are NOT found in the manual but require the taker to study the scriptures for the answer.Challenging studies

The goal of this course is to challenge the student to study the Word with intensity and diligence. There will be other study books coming out in the near future.Affordable and bible based

Practical, anointed, and insightful spiritual training at an extremely reasonable amount. The total cost for the manual and the certificate is $50.00 The material is packed with Bible based doctrine that will enable youre the student to be the man or woman of God you need to be. This is NOT a replacement for the training you SHOULD receive in your local church BUT it WILL enhance it greatly.The Dean of the New Jersey Institute of Theological StudiesScriptures from King James Version

New American Standard

And The NIV

Mark H. Stevens, ThDNew Jersey Institute of Theological Studies

Jan.2004

Suite 160440A Whitehorse Pike

Atco, NJ 08004

All right reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or copied in any form or otherwise by any means, except for brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews, without permission from the publisher of the author.

Cover: Theocentric Graphics

CHAPTER ONE Basic Biblical Theology (Page 5)CHAPTER TWO The Doctrines of Salvation and Baptism (Page 27)CHAPTER THREE Evangelism (Page 50)CHAPTER FOUR The Holy Spirit (Page 94)Chart Timeline of Old Testament History

Final examination

Chapter One

BASIC BIBLICAL THEOLOGY

Where did God come from? We can only partially comprehend the notion of God's existence. To do so, we must use human concepts to speak of God: "without beginning or end"; "eternal"; "infinite", etc. The Bible says that He has always existed: " . . . even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God" (Psalm 90:2). And, "Your throne is established from of old; Thou art from everlasting" (Psalm 93:2). Quite simply, God has no beginning and no end. So, where did God come from? He didn't. He always was. To us, the notion of time is linear. One second follows the next, one minute is after another. We get older, not younger and we cannot repeat the minutes that have passed us by. We have all seen the time lines on charts: early time is on the left and later time is on the right. We see nations, people's lives, and plans mapped out on straight lines from left to right. We see a beginning and an end. But God is "beyond the chart." He has no beginning or end. He simply has always been. Also, physics has shown that time is a property that is the result of the existence of matter. Time exists when matter exists. Time has even been called the fourth dimension. But God is not matter. In fact, God created matter. He created the universe. So, time began when God created the universe. Before that, God was simply existing and time had no meaning (except conceptually), no relation to Him. Therefore, to ask where God came from is to ask a question that cannot really be applied to God in the first place. Because time has no meaning with God in relation to who He is, eternity is also not something that can be absolutely related to God. God is even beyond eternity. Eternity is a term that we finite creatures use to express the concept of something that has no end -- and/or no beginning. Since God has no beginning or end, He has no beginning. This is because He is outside of time.

Who is God?1. God Is One - Deut. 6:4; 1 Cor. 8:4

2. God Is Truth -Psalm 117:2; Jer. 10:10

3. God is Light - 1John 1:5

4. God is Love - 1 John 4:8,16

5. God Is Infinite - Jer. 23:24; Psalm 147:5

6. God is All Knowing - 1 John 3:20

7. God is Everywhere - Psalm 139:7-128. God is All Powerful - Jer. 32:17,27

9. God is Unequaled - Isaiah 40:13-25

10. God Is Perfect - 1 Kings 8:27; Psalm 139

11. God Is A Most Pure Spirit - John 4:24

12. God Is Invisible - 1 Tim. 1:17

13. God Does Not Have A Human Body - Luke 24:39; Deut. 4:15-16

14. God Does Not Change - Num. 23:19; Mal. 3:6; James 1:17

15. God Is Without Limit - 1 Kings 8:27; Jer. 23:23-24

16. God Is Eternal - Psalm 90:2; 1 Tim. 1:17

17. God Is Incomprehensible - Rom. 11:33; Psalm 145:3

18. God Is The Almighty One - Rev. 1:8, 4:8

19. God Is Most Wise - Rom. 16:27; Jude 25

20. God Is Most Holy - Isaiah 6:3; Rev. 4:8

21. God Is Most Free - Psalm 115:3

22. God Is Most Absolute - Isaiah 44:6; Acts 17:24-25

23. God Works According To His Will - Eph. 1:11; Rom. 8:28

24. God Receives Glory - Rom. 8:36; Rev. 4:11

25. God Is Most Loving - 1 John 4:8-10

26. God Is Gracious - Exodus 33:19; 1 Pet. 2:3

27. God Is Merciful - Exodus 34:6; Psalm 67:1; James 5:11

28. God Is Long-suffering - Psalm 86:15; 2 Pet. 3:15

29. God Abounds In Goodness - Psalm 31:19; 52:1; Rom. 11:22

30. God Is Forgiving - Dan. 9:9; Eph. 1:7; Psalm 86:5

31. God Rewards Those Who Seek Him - Heb. 11:6

32. God Is Just In All His Judgments - Neh. 9:32-33; 2 Thess. 1:6

33. God Hates Sin - Psalm 5:5-6; Hab. 1:13

34. God Is the Creator - Isaiah 40:12,22,26

35. God Is Shepherd - Gen. 49:24

What is the Trinity? The word "trinity" is a term used to denote the Christian doctrine that God exists as a unity of three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each of the persons is distinct from the other, yet related in essence. Each is divine in nature, but each is not the totality of the Godhead. Each has a will, loves, and says "I", and "You" when speaking. The Father is not the same person as the Son who is not the same person as the Holy Spirit who is not the same person as the Father. Each is divine, yet there are not three gods, but one God. There are three persons individual subsistences, or persons. The word "subsistence" means something that has a real existence. The word "person" denotes individuality and self awareness. The Trinity is three of these, though the latter term has become the dominant one used to describe the individual aspects of God known as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Included in the doctrine of the Trinity is a strict monotheism which is the teaching that there exists in all the universe a single being known as God who is self-existent and unchangeable (Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8). Therefore, it is important to note that the doctrine of the trinity is not polytheistic as some of its critics proclaim. Trinitarianism is monotheistic by definition and those who claim it is polytheistic demonstrate a lack of understanding of what it really is. The Trinity

God is three persons Each person is divine There is only one God. Many theologians admit that the term "person" is not a perfect word to describe the three individual aspects/foci found in God. When we normally use the word person, we understand it to mean physical individuals who exist as separate beings from other individuals. But in God there are not three entities, nor three beings. God, is a trinity of persons consisting of one substance and one essence. God is numerically one. Yet, within the single divine essence are three individual subsistences that we call persons. Each of the three persons is completely divine in nature though each is not the totality of the Godhead.

Each of the three persons is not the other two persons.

Each of the three persons is related to the other two, but are distinct from them. The word "trinity" is not found in the Bible. But this does not mean that the concept is not taught there. The word "bible" is not found in the Bible either, but we use it anyway. Likewise, the words "omniscience," which means "all knowing," "omnipotence," which means "all powerful," and "omnipresence," which means "present everywhere," are not found in the Bible either. But we use these words to describe the attributes of God. So, to say that the Trinity isn't true because the word isn't in the Bible is an invalid argument.Is there subordination in the Trinity? There is, apparently, a subordination within the Trinity in regard to order but not substance or essence. We can see that the Father is first, the Son is second, and the Holy Spirit is third. The Father is not begotten, but the Son is (John 3:16). The Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father (John 5:26). The Father sent the Son (1 John 4:10). The Son and the Father send the Holy Spirit (John 14:26; 15:26). The Father creates (Isaiah 44:24), the Son redeems (Gal. 3:13), and the Holy Spirit sanctifies (Rom. 15:16). This subordination of order does not mean that each of the members of the Godhead are not equal or divine. For example, we see that the Father sent the Son. But this does not mean that the Son is not equal to the Father in essence and divine nature. A wife is to be subject to her husband but this does not negate her humanity, essence, or equality. By further analogy, a king and his servant both share human nature. Yet, the king sends the servant to do his will. Jesus said, "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me" (John 6:38). Does this mean that the one sent must, therefore, be of different nature than the one who sent him? Of course not. Critics of the Trinity will see this subordination as proof that the Trinity is false. They reason that if Jesus were truly God, then He would be completely equal to God the Father in all areas and would not, therefore, be subordinate to the Father in any way. But this objection is not logical. If we look at the analogy of the king and in the servant we certainly would not say that the servant was not human because he was sent. Being sent does not negate sameness in essence. Therefore, the fact that the Son is sent does not mean that He is not divine any more than when my wife sends me to get bread, I am not human.

Is this confusing? Another important point about the Trinity is that it can be a difficult concept to grasp. But this does not necessitate an argument against its validity. On the contrary, the fact that it is difficult is an argument for its truth. The Bible is the self revelation of an infinite God. Therefore, we are bound to encounter concepts which are difficult to understand -- especially when dealing with an incomprehensible God who exists in all places at all times. So, when we view descriptions and attributes of God manifested in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we discover that a completely comprehensible and understandable explanation of God's essence and nature is not possible. What we have, however, done is derive from the Scripture the truths that we can grasp and combine them into the doctrine we call The Trinity. The Trinity is, to a large extent, a mystery. After all, we are dealing with God Himself. It is the way of the cults to reduce biblical truth to make God comprehensible and understandable by their minds. To this end, they subject God's word to their own reasoning and end in error. The following verses are often used to demonstrate that in the doctrine of the Trinity is indeed biblical.

Matt. 28:18, Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 1 Cor. 12:4-6, Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. 6And there are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. 2 Cor. 13:14, The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Eph. 4:4-7, There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. 7But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christs gift. 1 Pet. 1:2, "according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace be yours in fullest measure." Jude 20-21, "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith; praying in the Holy Spirit; 21keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life." The doctrine of the Trinity has often caused confusion among Christians. Some people have mistakenly seen the Trinity as a Triad. What is the difference? The Trinity is the teaching that there exists only one God in all the universe, none before and none after Him (Isaiah 44:6,8) and that God consists of three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father is not the same person as the Son who is not the same person as the Father, who is not the same person as the Holy Spirit. Yet, there are not three gods, but one. In contrast to the trinity, a Triad is three separate gods. Each is a god. Therefore, in the doctrine of the triad, the Father is a god, the Son is a god, and the Holy Spirit is a god. This is not the doctrine of the Trinity and it is not biblical. Mormonism holds to the doctrine of a Triad, not a Trinity. Even though it claims the word Trinity as its teaching, it does not hold to the doctrine of the Trinity. In Mormonism, the Father has a body of flesh and bones and used to be a man on another world who became a god and came to this world. Jesus is the first-born between god and his goddess wife. Jesus has become a god. And, the Holy Ghost is a god as well. Note: In Mormonism, the Holy Spirit is god's emanating presence by which he is able to be omnipresent. This is not a Trinity. This is a Triad. They are not the same. The Jehovah's Witness organization very often misrepresents the Trinity doctrine by replacing it with the Triad teaching. They often are taught that Trinitarians believe in three gods. This is not true.

An Illustration Basically, the universe consists of three elements: Time, Space, and Matter. Each of these is comprised of three 'components.'TimePastPresentFuture

SpaceHeightWidthDepth

MatterSolidLiquidGas

As the Trinity doctrine maintains, each of the persons of the Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is distinct, yet they are all each, by nature, God. With time, for example, the past is distinct from the present, which is distinct from the future. Each is simultaneous. Yet, they are not three 'times,' but one. That is, they all share the same nature: time With space, height is distinct from width, which is distinct from depth, which is distinct from height. Yet, they are not three 'spaces,' but one. That is, they all share the same nature: space. With matter, solid is not the same as liquid, which is not the same as gas, which is not the same as solid. Yet, they are not three 'matters,' but one. That is, they all share the same nature: matter. Note that there are three sets of threes. In other words, there is a trinity of trinities. If we were to look at the universe and notice these qualities within it, is it fair to say that these are the fingerprints of God upon His creation? I think so. Not only is this simply an observation, but it is also a good source for an analogy of the Trinity.Is God's nature changed by Jesus being divine and human? The Christian doctrine concerning Jesus' two natures is called the hypostatic union. It is the teaching that the Divine Word of God (John 1:1) "became flesh and dwelt among us," (John 1:14). Therefore, Jesus is both divine and human in one person (Col. 2:9); He has two natures: human and divine. But some who oppose the Trinity and Jesus' incarnation (the Divine Word becoming a man), say that if Jesus is God in flesh this must mean that God's nature changed because God added a human nature to His divine nature. This would violate Malachi 3:6 which says that God does not change. But, the union of the two natures of Jesus in one person does not constitute a change in the nature of God. Since the hypostatic union teaches that in the one person of Jesus there are two natures, the divine nature of Jesus is not affected by union with the human nature because there is no fusion of the two natures. That is, the divine nature is not combined with the human nature to make a third thing. This would be the error known as monophysitism. Jesus is not a new third thing with a fused-together new nature. Instead, it is a union. An example of a union is marriage between a man and a woman. Each is separate, but in marriage "...they shall become one flesh," (Gen. 2:24), yet they remain two distinct individuals. They are not blended into a new third thing. Fusion, on the other hand, can be illustrated by the combining copper and Zinc that can be fused together to form a new third thing called brass. In this case, the two elements loose their identity and are merged together into something new. But in a union, the elements do not loose their identity or nature. The hypostatic unionis not a hypostatic fusion and the two natures of Jesus do not lose their distinction and they are not altered. Furthermore, within the union of the two natures in the one person of Christ, the divine nature is still divine and the human nature is still human. One is not altered by the presence of the other anymore than my spirit in me is altered in nature by its indwelling a physical body. Likewise, the divine Word is not altered by indwelling human flesh. Finally, the doctrine of the Trinity is that God is three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This does not mean three gods. There is only one God. The Trinitarian nature of God is not altered by the union of the Word with humanity since it was the divine Word that humbled Himself to become a man (John 1:1,14; Phil. 2:5-8), not the Father or the Holy Spirit. Therefore, by definition the Trinity is unaffected by the union of the Word with humanity in the incarnation of Jesus. Three Gods or One? By definition the Trinity doctrine teaches that there is only one God. Nevertheless, there are those who assert that the Trinity is really teaching three separate gods. They claim it is either impossible for God to exist in three persons and/or that the Trinity is really borrowed from pagan three-god figures. Many add that a person is by necessity an individual being. Therefore, they conclude, that the Trinity really teaches three gods. The problem with this criticism is that it denies the very nature of the doctrine. First of all, Trinitarianism by definition denies that there is more than one God. It is clearly monotheistic in spite of what the critics want to claim. Second, there is a word used to describe a unity of three separate gods. It is the word "triad." A triad is not a trinity. A triad is three separate gods -- as in Mormonism. A Trinity is one God in three persons. A triad is polytheistic. A trinity is monotheistic. Third, there is no logical reason to deny the possibility that three persons can exist in one God. Critics may not like it, but it is not a logical impossibility. God is infinitely complex and we cannot understand His vastness nor simply claim He can't exist in three persons. Instead, we should look at the Bible to see what it says about God and see if the Trinity is taught. But, that is another subject. Theologians admit that the word "person" is not the perfect word to use because it carries with it the idea of individuals who are different beings. This is what we are familiar with and this is one of the problems with using the term "person" when describing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. But this is what we must use when we see that when the Bible speaks of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, each are called God, each speak, and each have a will. They exhibit attributes of personhood. In describing what we observe, we are forced to use words that we are familiar with. "Person" is just such a word. But it does not necessitate here that each person is an individual being. And fourth, trinities are known and accepted by people as observed in nature. By analogy we see that creation itself is Trinitarian. Time is past, present, and future. There are not three times. Each part of the whole of time is by nature time yet there are not three times but one. Likewise, space is height, width, and depth. Matter is solid, liquid, and gas.The Bible says that God's invisible attributes are made known in creationRom. 1:20: "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made." When the critics of Trinitarianism say it really teaches three gods, they demonstrate their lack of understanding of the doctrine and they either purposefully or mistakenly confuse it with something it is not. Trinitarianism denies and opposes the idea that there is more than one God. It is by definition, monotheistic.The word Trinity is not in the Bible Some critics of the Trinity doctrine claim that since the word "trinity" is not found in the Bible, it isn't true. Furthermore, some assert that if God wanted us to believe in the Trinity He would have stated the doctrine clearly. First of all, it is illogical to claim that since the word "Trinity" is not found in the Bible that its concept is not taught therein. This kind of objection usually demonstrates a prejudice against the teaching of the Trinity. Instead, the person should look to God's word to see if it is taught or not. Second, there are many biblical concepts that people believe in that are not found in the Bible. For example, the word "bible" is not found in the Bible, but we use it anyway. Likewise, the words "omniscience," which means "all knowing," "omnipotence," which means "all powerful," and "omnipresence," which means "present everywhere," are not found in the Bible either. But we use these words to describe the attributes of God. Following are other words that the Bible does not use but the concepts are mentioned.Atheism is the teaching that there is no God. "The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God" (Psalm 14:1).

Divinity which means divine quality or godlike character. Yet, we speak of the godlike quality of the Lord God. See Psalm 139.

Incarnation which means the word (God) who became flesh. Yet, this is definitely taught in the Bible (John 1:1,14).

Monotheism is the teaching that there is only one God (Isaiah 43:10; 44:8).

Rapture is the teaching that the Christians who are alive when Jesus returns will be caught up to meet Him in the air (1 Thess. 4:16-18).

So, to say that the Trinity isn't true because the word isn't in the Bible is an invalid argument. Furthermore, to say that if God wanted us to believe in the Trinity He would have clearly taught it in scripture, is also an invalid argument. Something does not have to be clearly formulated in the Bible to be valid. Not all things taught in the Bible are perfectly clear. Take a look at the book of Revelation. It contains many things that are cryptic that must be interpreted after examining all of the Bible. Even then, there are disagreements as to what some things mean. Yet, we know that the truths there are true whether or not we discover them. Nevertheless, there are scriptures that demonstrate a Trinitarian aspect. Matt. 28:18, Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 2 Cor. 13:14, The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Eph. 4:4-7, There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all. 7But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christs gift. Jude 20-21, "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith; praying in the Holy Spirit; 21keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life."If Jesus is God, then who did He pray to? This is a very common question and the answer is found in understanding the Trinity and the incarnation of Jesus. The Trinity is the doctrine that there is only one God in all existence. This one God exists as three persons: The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are not three gods, but one God. Each is a separate person, yet each of them is, in essence, divine in nature. A close analogy of the Trinity can be found by looking at the concept of time. Time is past, present, and future. There are three "aspects" or "parts" of time. This does not mean that there are three "times," but only one. Each is separate, in a sense, yet each shares the same nature, or essence. In a similar way, the Trinity is three separate persons who share the same nature.The Incarnation The doctrine of the incarnation in Christian teaching is that Jesus, who is the second person of the Trinity, added to himself human nature and became a man. The Bible says that Jesus is God in flesh, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.....and the word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:1, 14); and, "For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form" (Col. 2:9). Jesus, therefore, has two natures. He is both God and man. Jesus is completely human, but He also has a divine nature.GODMAN

He is worshiped (Matt. 2:2,11; 14:33; 28:9)He is prayed to (Acts 7:59; 1 Cor. 1:2)He was called God (John 20:28; Heb. 1:8)He was called Son of God (Mark 1:1)He is sinless (1 Pet. 2:22; Heb. 4:15)He knew all things (John 21:17)He gives eternal life (John 20:28)The fullness of deity dwells in Him (Col. 2:9)He worshiped the Father (John 17)He prayed to the Father (John 17:1)He was called man (Mark 15:39; John 19:5).He was called Son of Man (John 19:35-37)He was tempted (Matt. 4:1)He grew in wisdom (Luke 2:52)He died (Rom. 5:8)He has a body of flesh and bones (Luke 24:39)

As a man, Jesus needed to pray. When He was praying he was not praying to Himself, but to God the Father.Is Jesus the same person as the Father?

No, Jesus is not the same person as the Father. In the doctrine of the Trinity there are three persons in the Godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We use the term "person" to describe each of the three because each displays attributes of personhood. Each has a will, speaks, loves, is self aware, and is aware of others. Yet, the Bible teaches that there is only one God (Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8; 45:5,14,18,21,22). Therefore, the person of the Son is not the same person as the Father. They speak to each other and have their own wills. Matt. 3:17, "and behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.' Luke 22:42, "Father, if Thou art willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Thine be done. There are, however, Oneness Pentecostal groups who claim that there is only one person in the Godhead: Jesus. They erringly state that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all the same person, only different in manifestation. This is an error. The correct doctrine is that there is only one God who is three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each is not the same person as the other. Yet, there are not three gods, only one.What did Jesus come to do?1. To reveal the Father (Matt. 11:27) "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." To be a ransom for many (Matt. 20:28) "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." To serve (Matt. 20:28) "just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." To save the world (John 3:17; Luke 19:10) "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." To preach the good news of the kingdom of God (Luke 4:43) "But he said, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." To bring division (Luke 12:51) "Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division." To do the will of the Father (John 6:38) "For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me." To give the Father's words (John 17:8) "For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me." To testify to the truth (John 18:37) "You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." To die and destroy Satan's power (Heb. 2:14) "Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death -- that is, the devil." To destroy the devil's works (1 John 3:8) "He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." To fulfill the Law and the Prophets (Matt. 5:17) "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." To give life (John 10:10,28) "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full...I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." To taste death for everyone (Heb. 2:9) "But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone." To become a high priest (Heb. 2:17) "For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people." To atone for sin (Heb. 2:17) "For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people." To proclaim freedom for believers (Luke 4:18) "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed." To proclaim the year of the Lord's favor (Luke 4:19) "to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." To bring judgment (John 9:39) "Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind." To take away sin (1 John 3:5) "But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin." To preach(Mark 1:38) "Jesus replied, 'Let us go somewhere else -- to the nearby villages -- so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.'" To call sinners(Mark 2:17) "On hearing this, Jesus said to them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" To know who is true(1 John 5:20) "We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true -- even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life."Essential Doctrines of Christianity The Bible itself reveals those doctrines that are essential to the Christian faith. They are 1) the Deity of Christ, 2) Salvation by Grace, and 3) Resurrection of Christ, and 4) the gospel. These are the doctrines the Bible says are necessary. Though there are many other important doctrines, these four are the only ones that are declared by Scripture to be essential. A non-regenerate person, or a cultist (i.e., Mormon or Jehovah's Witness), will deny one or more of these essential doctrines. Please note that there are other derivative doctrines of scripture that become necessary also, the Trinity being one.1. The Deity of Christ

A. Jesus is God in flesh (John 8:58 with Exodus 3:14). See also John 1:1,14; 10:30-33; 20:28; Col. 2:9; Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 1:8

i. 1 John 4:2-3: "This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world."

a. The above verse needs to be cross referenced with John 1:1,14 (also written by John) where he states that the Word was God and the Word became flesh.

b. 1 John 4:2-3 is saying that if you deny that Jesus is God in flesh then you are of the spirit of Antichrist.

ii. John 8:24, "I said, therefore, to you, that you will die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I am, you will die in your sins."iii. Jesus said here that if you do not believe "that I am" you will die in your sins. In Greek I am is 'ego eimi,' which means I am.' These are the same words used in John 8:58 where Jesus says "...before Abraham was, I am." He was claiming the divine title by quoting Exodus 3:14 in the Greek Septuagint. (The Septuagint was the Hebrew Old Testament translated into Greek.)

B. Jesus is the proper object of faith

i. It is not simply enough to have faith. Faith is only as valid as what it is put in. You must put your faith in the proper object. Cults have false objects of faith; therefore, their faith is useless--no matter how sincere they are.

ii. If you put your faith in a vacuum cleaner, then you will be in a lot of trouble on the day of judgment. You might have great faith, but so what? It is in something that can't save you.

C. The Doctrine of the deity of Christ includes:

i. The Trinity - There is one God who exists in three persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are all coeternal, and of the same nature.

ii. Monotheism - There is only one God in all existence (Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8; 45:5,14,18,21,22; 46:9; 47:8). Mormons believe that many gods exist though they serve and worship only one. Therefore, they are polytheists which excludes them from the camp of Christianity.

D. The Hypostatic Union - That Jesus is both God and man.

i. The sufficiency of the sacrifice of Christ - The sacrifice of Christ is completely sufficient to pay for the sins of the world

ii. As God - Jesus must be God to be able to offer a sacrifice of value greater than that of a mere man.

. He had to die for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). Only God could do that.

a. As man - Jesus must be man to be able to be a sacrifice for man.

. As a man He can be the mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5).

a. Salvation by Grace

a. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast" (Eph. 2:8-9, NIV).

a. "You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace" (Gal. 5:4).

a. This verse and its context plainly teach that if you believe that you are saved by faith and works then you are not saved at all. This is a common error in the cults. Because they have a false Jesus, they have a false doctrine of salvation. (Read Rom. 3-5 and Gal. 3-5).

a. you cannot add to the work of God. Gal. 2:21 says, "I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" (NIV)

a. "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin" (Rom. 3:20).

a. "However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness" (Rom. 4:5).

a. "Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law" (Gal. 3:21).

a. The Resurrection of Christ

a. "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith" (1 Cor. 15:14). "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins" (1 Cor. 15:17).

a. To deny the physical resurrection is to deny Jesus' work, sacrifice, and our resurrection.

a. These verses clearly state that if you say that Jesus did not rise from the dead (in the same body He died in -- John 2:19-21), then your faith is useless.

a. The Gospel

a. "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let him be eternally condemned!" (Gal. 1:8-9, NIV).

Verses 8 and 9 here in Galatians are a self declarative statement that you must believe the gospel. The gospel message which in its entirety is that Jesus is God in flesh, who died for sins, rose from the dead, and freely gives the gift of eternal life to those who believe.

. Furthermore, it would not be possible to present the gospel properly without declaring that Jesus is God in flesh per John 1:1,14; 10:30-33; 20:28; Col. 2:9; Phil. 2:5-8; Heb. 1:8.

A. 1 Cor. 15:1-4 defines what the gospel is: "Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" (NIV).

Within these verses are the essentials: Christ is God in flesh (John 1:1,14; 10:30-33; 20:28; Col. 2:9); Salvation is received by faith (John 1:12; Rom. 10:9-10), therefore it is by grace; and the resurrection is mentioned in verse 4. Therefore, this gospel message automatically includes the essentials.

Christian Doctrine The following is an outline of basic Christian Doctrine. It's brief, accurate, and informative. As with any venture into learning you must first begin with the basics. The basics are the foundation of your Christian life. If you learn what is here, you will be well informed and knowledgeable. All you need to do is get grounded in the fundamentals and from there cultivate your Christian walk: "Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity" (Heb. 6:1). A building is only as strong as its foundation.1. The Bible

A. The Bible consists of 66 books: 39 in the OT and 27 in the new. (Note: 3 x 9 = 27).

. The OT has 23,214 verses. The NT has 7,959 verses.

i. The Bible took about 1600 years to write.

. It was written in three languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) by about 40 authors and is internally consistent throughout.

i. It was written on three continents: Africa, Asia, and Europe.

ii. It was written by a variety of people: prophets, priest, cupbearer, a king, judges, fishermen, etc.

i. The first translation of the English Bible was initiated by John Wycliffe and completed by John Purvey in A.D. 1388.

i. The first American edition of the Bible was perhaps published some time before A.D. 1752.

. The Bible has been translated in part or in whole as of 1964 in over 1,200 different languages or dialects.

i. The Bible was divided into chapters by Stephen Langton about A.D. 1228.

. The Old Testament was divided into verses by R. Nathan in A.D. 1448 and the New Testament by Robert Stephanus in A.D. 1551.

i. Old Testament -- a total of 39 books and has 5 main divisions:

. Pentateuch (Genesis to Deuteronomy), Historical (Joshua to Esther), Poetic (Job to Song of Solomon), Major Prophets (Isaiah to Daniel), Minor Prophets (Hosea to Malachi).

i. New Testament -- a total of 27 books and has 4 main divisions

. Gospels (Matthew to John), History (Acts), Epistles (Romans to Jude), Prophetic (Revelation).

i. Reliability of the biblical documents.

. The Bible is 98 percent textually pure. This means that through all the copying of the Biblical manuscripts of the entire Bible, only 1% has any question about it. Nothing in all of the ancient writings of the entire world even approaches the accuracy of transmission found in the biblical documents.

i. The 1 percent that is in question does not affect doctrine. The areas of interest are called variants and they consist mainly in variations of wording and spelling.

ii. The OT does not have as many supporting manuscripts as the NT but it is, nevertheless, remarkably reliable.

ii. The Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew OT done around 250 B.C., attests to the reliability and consistency of the OT when it is compared to existing Hebrew manuscripts.

ii. The Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in 1947 also verify the reliability of the OT manuscripts.

ii. The Dead Sea Scrolls were ancient documents that were hidden in a cave in Israel about 2000 years ago. The scrolls contained many OT books, one of them being Isaiah.

ii. Before the Dead Sea scrolls, the earliest existing manuscript of the OT was dated around 900 A.D. called the Masoretic Text. The Scrolls contained OT documents 1000 years earlier. A comparison between the manuscripts revealed an incredible accuracy of transmission through copying, so much so that critics were silenced.

iii. The NT has over 5000 supporting Greek manuscripts existing today with another 20,000 manuscripts in other languages. Some of the manuscript evidence dates to within 100 years of the original writing. There is less than a 1% textual variation in the NT manuscripts.

iv. Estimated time of writing of the NT documents

iv. Paul's Letters, 50-66 A.D.

iv. Matthew, 70-80 A.D.

iv. Mark, 50-65 A.D.

iv. Luke, early 60's

iv. John, 80-100 A.D.

iv. Revelation 96 A.D.

v. Some of the supporting manuscripts of the NT are:

v. John Rylands MS written around 130 A.D., the oldest existing fragment of the NT

v. Bodmer Papyrus II (150-200 A.D.)

v. Chester Beatty Papyri (200 A.D.), contains major portions of the NT

v. Codex Vaticanus (325-350 A.D.), contains nearly all the Bible.

v. Codex Sinaiticus (350 A.D.), contains almost all the NT and over half of the OT

v. No other ancient writing can boast of having copies so close to the original time of writing. With the Bible, the difference is about 50 years. With Plato and Aristotle, for example, the difference is measure in hundreds of years.

i. Prophecy and mathematical odds of fulfillment.

. The odds of Jesus fulfilling 48 of the 61 major prophecies concerning Him are 1 in 10157; that is a one with 157 zeros behind it.

i. By comparison, the estimated number of electrons in the entire known universe is about 1079; that is a one with 79 zeros behind it.

i. Inspiration and Inerrancy - The Bible is inspired by God. Inspiration means that God, through the Holy Spirit, caused the writers of the Bible to write the accurate and authoritative revelation of God. It is God breathed (2 Tim. 3:16) through the instrumentation of the apostles and prophets (2 Pet. 1:21).

. It is without error in the original manuscripts and absolutely reliable and true in all areas it addresses.

i. Every true Christian accepts the inspiration and authority of the Bible.

i. Scientific Accuracies in the Bible.

. The spherical shape of the earth (Isaiah 40:22).

i. The earth is suspended in nothing (Job. 26:7).

ii. The stars are innumerable (Gen. 15:5).

iii. The existence of valleys in the seas (2 Sam. 22:16).

iv. The existence of springs and fountains in the sea (Gen. 7:11; 8:2; Prov. 8:28).

v. The existence of water paths (ocean currents) in the seas (Psalm 8:8).

vi. The water cycle (Job. 26:8; 36:27-28; 37:16; 38:25-27; Psalm 135:7; Ecc. 1:6-7).

vii. The fact that all living things reproduce after their own kind (Gen. 1:21; 6:19).

viii. The nature of health, sanitation, and sickness (Gen. 17:9-14; Lev. 12-14).

ix. The concept of entropy, that energy is running down (Psalm 102:26).

i. God

i. God is the only Supreme Being. He is Holy (Rev. 4:8), Eternal (Isaiah 57:15), Omnipotent (Jer. 32:17,27), Omnipresent (Psalm 119:7-12), Omniscient (1 John 3:20); etc.

i. He is Love (1 John 4:8,16); Light (1John 1:5); Spirit (John 4:24); Truth (Psalm 117:2); Creator (Isaiah 40:12,22,26), etc.

i. He is to be worshiped (Gen. 24:26; Exodus 4:31; 2 Chron. 29:28; 1 Cor. 14:25; Rev. 7:11).

i. He is to be served (Matt. 4:10; 1 Cor. 6:19; Phil. 3:7; 1 Thess. 1:9; Heb. 9:14).

i. He is to be proclaimed (Matt. 28:19f.; John 14:15f.; Acts 1:8)

. "To worship God is to serve and proclaim Him; to serve God is to proclaim and worship Him; to proclaim God is to worship and serve Him."

i. The name of God is Jehovah, or Yahweh. It is comprised of the four Hebrew consonants . The precise pronunciation of God's name has been lost. In Exodus 3:14 God proclaims His name to be "I AM." "God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.'" (NIV)

i. God is a Trinity - One God who exists simultaneously in three persons. Each is coequal, copowerful, and coeternal with the other. Each person, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is not the other. Without either there is no God; all comprise the one God.

. The Doctrine of the Trinity is opposed to:

. Modal Monarchianism, also known as Jesus Only - There is one person in the Godhead who took three consecutive forms or modes. First there was the Father who then became the Son who then became the Holy Spirit.

Present groups are the United Pentecostal and United Apostolic churches. This doctrine is incorrect. It denies the true doctrine of the Trinity.

Dynamic Monarchianism - Only one person in the Godhead, the Father. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not God.

Present groups are the Jehovah's Witnesses, World Wide Church of God, Christadelphianism, and The Way International. This doctrine is incorrect. It denies the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and the deity of the Holy Spirit.

Tritheism the teaching that the godhead is three separate gods: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Christianity is monotheistic - Only one God in existence, anywhere, anytime. See Isaiah Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8; 45:5,14,18,21,22; 46:9; 47:8; John 17:3; 1 Cor. 8:5-6; Gal. 4:8-9 for verses that teach monotheism.

Christianity is opposed to:

Polytheism - Belief in many Gods.

. Monolatry - Belief in more than one God but serve and worship only one, i.e. Mormonism.

. Henotheism - Belief in one God without denying the existence of others.

i. Pantheism - This is an identification of the universe with God. God is the universe. God is creation.

ii. Panentheism - The belief that God is in the universe. It differs with pantheism which states that God is the universe and all that it comprises.

iii. Deism - God exists, but is not involved in the world.

iv. Theism - God exists, and is involved in the world.

i. Creation

i. God created the physical and spiritual universe out of nothing (Gen. 1:1f; Psalm 33:6; John 1:3; Rom. 4:17; 1 Cor. 1:28).

. He did not make the world out of part of Himself.

i. He did not make the world out of a substance called "nothing."

i. Specifically it was Jesus, the firstborn (Col. 1:15), second person of the Trinity, who created all things (Col. 1:16-17; Isaiah 44:24).

i. Because God created all things, He is before all things and beyond all things. Therefore, the entire universe is under His control.

i. Because God created all things, He is able to provide for His creation through the means of His creation, i.e. weather, rain, plants, animals, sunshine, etc.

i. Opinions on the duration of creation differ. Some say six days; others say six long periods.

i. Mani. Creation of man

. Man is not only the crown of creation, but also the object of God's special care.

i. Man was originally made pure, without sin.

ii. "Then God said, Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them" (Gen. 1:26-27; see also, 2:7,21-23).

"Let us make man..." is a disclosure of the divine counsel before the creation of man, "us" being the Trinitarian counsel. See also Gen. 11:7.

ii. Man was created different than the animals. He had the breath of life breathed into him from God (Gen. 2:7). The animals did not. Also Man was given dominion over the animals. Man can know God, worship Him, and love Him. Animals cannot.

iii. Is Man made of two or three "parts"?

iii. Dichotomy is a term which signifies a division into 2 parts: Body and Soul. The words "spirit" and "soul" are often used interchangeably.

iii. "Mary said: My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,'" (Luke 1:46-47).

iii. "My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you...," (Isaiah 26:9).

iii. For the term "Body and Soul" see Matt. 6:25; 10:28.

iii. For the term "Body and Spirit" see 1 Cor. 5:3,51.

iii. Trichotomy is a term which signifies a division into 3 parts: Body, Soul, and Spirit.

iii. "May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thess. 5:23).

iii. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart," (Heb. 4:12).

iii. There is no official orthodox position on the number of parts of man.

iv. The Origin of the soul

Traducianism: "The souls of men are propagated along with the bodies by generation, and are therefore transmitted to the children by the parents." (Berkhoff, Systematic Theology. p. 197.)

Creationism: "The soul is a creation of God, owing its origin to a direct creative act." (Berkhoff, p. 199).

Except for Adam, the Bible makes no clear remark regarding the origin of the soul.

Man was created in the image of God.

iv. This means that Man has moral and intellectual abilities similar to God though not as perfect and vast.

iv. "God said, Let us make man in our image, in our likeness...'" (Gen. 1:26).

iv. "...and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator" (Col. 3:10).

iv. Man is above the animals in "rational ability, moral awareness, pursuit of beauty, use of language, and spiritual awareness."

i. Man before the Fall.

. The Law of God was written in their hearts. Adam and Eve were without sin and "endued with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness after God's own image, with the ability to keep the Law of God." (Westminster Confession of Faith, 4:2.)

i. In this state man had free and unhindered access to God. This is exemplified in the account in Gen. 3:8 where God was walking in the Garden.

i. Man, the Fall, and its effects

. Adam and Eve rebelled against God and sinned by eating the forbidden fruit.

. "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned" (Rom. 5:12, NIV).

i. What was their sin?

They listened to Satan and ate of the fruit that was forbidden by God (Gen. 3:1-13).

What was the consequence of their sin?

i. Death (Rom. 6:23) and separation from God's presence (Isaiah 59:2)

i. Transmission of the sin nature to their (and our) children (Psalm 51:5).

i. Creation also fell (Gen. 3:17; Rom. 8:22).

ii. How did their sin affect God?

ii. They became unfit for the presence of God (Isaiah 59:2).

ii. They became unable to do God's will (Rom. 6:16; 7:14).

ii. They became subject to the curse of the Law and death (Deut. 27:26; Rom. 6:23).

iii. Original Sin - The doctrine that we inherit our sin natures from Adam (Rom. 5:12-21).

Adam was the Federal Head of all humanity; that is, he represented all people in the Garden of Eden.

"For as in Adam all die..." (1 Cor. 15:22).

The phrase "in Adam" indicates our relation to Adam, that he represented us in the garden. In the same way, our being "in Christ" indicates our relation to Jesus, that He represent us on the cross (Rom. 5:18; 6:11; 8:1; 1 Cor. 1:2; 15:22; 2 Cor. 5:19).

Our sin with Adam: "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned" (Rom. 5:12). See also Rom. 5:18; 1 Cor. 15:22.

Man after Death and before the resurrection.

iv. The intermediate state

This is the condition of the soul between the death of the body and the resurrection.

iv. There is little spoken of it in the Bible, but it is a state of consciousness (2 Cor. 5:5-8; Luke 16:19-31).

iv. We are self aware and, apparently, with the Lord (Phil. 1:21-23).

iv. For the righteous this is a time of blessedness and joy (Luke 16:19-31).

iv. For the unrighteous this is a time of suffering (Luke 16:19-31) as is exemplified in the account of Lazarus and the rich man.

Chapter Two

THE DOCTRINE OF BAPTISM

1-INTRODUCTION

The word "baptize" appears in the Bible 9 times.The word "baptized" appears in the Bible 61 times.The word "baptizest" appears in the Bible 1 time.The word "baptizeth" appears in the Bible 2 times.The word "baptizing" appears in the Bible 4 times.This totals 77 times.In addition, there are many other verses related to being baptized in which these actual words do not appear.

2-CONFUSION REGARDING BAPTISM

Some churches today believe a person does not have to be baptized, while others believe it is required for salvation. Some baptize by total immersion, and others believe this is not necessary. The answer lies not in a denomination, not in the traditions of men, but in Gods Word only. Jesus warned us that the traditions of men make Gods Word of none effect. In other words, Jesus was saying, the traditions that you are doing are not from Gods Word, but are only of men; and being only of men, you are sending people to hell by your traditions.

3-THE AUTHORITY MUST BE GODS WORD

The authority we stand on MUST always be the Bible. The authority we stand on must not be made up of stories we create from events of the Bible, but solely upon the Bible itself. It is only by the Word that we shall be judged; not by mans opinion of what they think the Word indicates because of this or that event. Satan is the originator of causing people to say that Gods Word does not mean exactly what it says. Eve believed Satans word over Gods, and fell into sin. God had said she would surely die if she ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Satan first caused doubt in her mind, and then told her directly she would not surely die by eating of the fruit. Then Satan put her in a position that her own emotions prompted her to eat of the fruit of the tree. She sinned by disobeying Gods Word.There are many excellent preachers today that have fallen into the traditions of men and unknowingly have not been teaching Gods Word exactly as Jesus and the apostles taught.There are even some that speak or fight against water baptism or water baptism by immersion. There are some that speak against being baptized a second time, yet they themselves, if they would travel to Israel and have the chance to be baptized in the Jordan River, may run to be baptized a second or even a third time.

4-THERE IS NO GRACE WITHOUT BELIEVING ON JESUS THERE IS NO GRACE WITHOUT REPENTANCE

Is there grace without baptism?

5-FAITH DOES NOT SAVE, IF TRUE REPENTANCE DOES NOT TAKE PLACE

In Eph 2:8 we are told, FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD.Gal 3:2-RECEIVED YE THE SPIRIT BY THE WORKS OF THE LAW, OR BY THE HEARING OF FAITH?Gal 3:14-THAT THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM MIGHT COME ON THE GENTILES THROUGH JESUS CHRIST; THAT WE MIGHT RECEIVE THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT THROUGH FAITH.Eph 3:17-THAT CHRIST MAY DWELL IN YOUR HEARTS BY FAITH.We are saved by faith. Does this mean we are saved by faith without repentance? Not at all. We must repent of our sins, or there is no salvation. For it is written, EXCEPT YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH-Lk 13:3. Does this mean that we are saved by grace through faith only, and we never need to confess Jesus publicly? Not at all, we should confess that Jesus is (the only Hope) of our salvation to everyone that asks us. If we are ashamed of Jesus, He will be ashamed of us at the judgment. So we may ask, "What about baptism?"

6-BAPTISM IS BY FULL IMMERSION

The word baptism in the New Testament is bap-tid-zo and bap-tis-mos. These words mean "fully wet;" technique of the ordinance of Christ; to wash away; to immerse or dip under water. Jesus was baptized fully wet. The disciples were baptized fully wet. It is safe to say, if you have not been baptized by full immersion, you have not been baptized by the technique of the ordinance of Christ. In baptism, we are identifying with Christs death and resurrection.Note the words in Ro 6:4-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.Note the words: "BURIED WITH HIM BY BAPTISM," or "BURIEDBY BAPTISM." Most preachers would agree that baptism and water go hand in hand. The word "water" may also be correctly substituted in place of the word "baptism." Note the meaning that comes forth when read this way: "buriedby water." The word "by" indicates the method whereby we identify with Christ. How? - by baptism.Col 2:12 gives us an almost identical wording. 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.Note the words: "BURIEDIN BAPTISM" or "buriedin water." Biblical baptism is by being buried in the water. In other words, baptism is by going into the water and then being immersed. The word "in" distinguishes the point in time that we are identifying with Christ. When?in baptism.Sprinkling baptism is no baptism at all. It is Satans counterfeit. Every time water baptism was done in the New Testament, it was done by immersion. There is no other way.

7-BAPTISM IS TO BE DONE IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST

Not only are you under commandment to be baptized, but Jesus said these words as He was about to go to be with His Father. Mt 28:19,20-GO YE THEREFORE, AND TEACH ALL NATIONS, BAPTIZING THEM IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY GHOST: TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE (obey) ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED YOU.By this commandment from Jesus to be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, the believer is identifying with the Triune God. FOR THERE ARE THREE THAT BEAR RECORD IN HEAVEN, THE FATHER, THE WORD (Jesus), AND THE HOLY GHOST: AND THESE THREE ARE ONE (or united in one accord)-1 Jn 5:7.In these last days, many new doctrines have come along. One of them is the false doctrine that there is no Trinity. This false doctrine proclaims there are not three Persons of the Trinity. This cult can sometimes be identified in that they baptize in the name of Jesus only. Beware. Do not be led away with the error of these new doctrines that are springing up in this blind, Laodicean church age. More information regarding this false doctrine and the Trinity is available in the message "the Trinity."

8-BAPTISM IS A COMMANDMENT FOR THOSE WHO BELIEVE

In Acts 22:16 we read-AND NOW WHY TARRIEST THOU? ARISE, AND BE BAPTIZED, AND WASH AWAY THY SINS, CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD. Here it is clear, that water baptism after believing on Jesus is a commandment.Jesus began His earthly ministry by being baptized. Mt 3:13-15-THEN COMETH JESUS FROM GALILEE TO JORDAN UNTO JOHN, TO BE BAPTIZED OF HIM. BUT JOHN FORBADE HIM, SAYING, I HAVE NEED TO BE BAPTIZED OF THEE, AND COMEST THOU TO ME? AND JESUS ANSWERING SAID UNTO HIM, SUFFER IT TO BE SO NOW: FOR THUS IT BECOMETH US TO FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS. Note, John the Baptist made the statement, "I HAVE NEED TO BE BAPTIZED." All who believe on Jesus have a need to be baptized by full immersion in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.We see in Acts 16:30-33 that as soon as they believed, HE TOOK THEM THE SAME HOUR OF THE NIGHT... AND WAS BAPTIZED. You are not to be baptized unless you believe on Jesus and repent; but as soon as you do, you are to be baptized.The Bible tells us of Saul (also known as Paul) in Acts 9:18-HE RECEIVED SIGHT FORTHWITH, AND AROSE, AND WAS BAPTIZED. He did not delay, but got baptized as soon as he was able.We see a great baptism in Acts 2:41 as-THEY THAT GLADLY RECEIVED HIS WORD WERE BAPTIZED: AND THE SAME DAY THERE WERE ADDED UNTO THEM ABOUT THREE THOUSAND SOULS. Again, we note there was no delay. Once they believed, they got baptized.

Gods Word gives us the example of Philip and the eunuch. Philip would only baptize him if he confessed he believed on Jesus with all his heart. Some people believe on Jesus with a head knowledge, but faith or trust is not present. Believing with all your heart is necessary before water baptism means anything.Acts 8:35-38-THEN PHILIP OPENED HIS MOUTH, AND BEGAN AT THE SAME SCRIPTURE, AND PREACHED UNTO HIM JESUS.AND AS THEY WENT ON THEIR WAY, THEY CAME UNTO A CERTAIN WATER: AND THE EUNUCH SAID, SEE, HERE IS WATER; WHAT DOTH HINDER (or prevents) ME TO BE BAPTIZED? He was asking, what was preventing him from being baptized.AND PHILIP SAID, IF THOU BELIEVEST WITH ALL THINE HEART, THOU MAYEST. Philip shows clearly, believing with all his heart was an absolute necessity before he would allow him to be baptized. AND HE ANSWERED AND SAID, I BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD.AND HE COMMANDED THE CHARIOT TO STAND STILL: AND THEY WENT DOWN BOTH INTO THE WATER, BOTH PHILIP AND THE EUNUCH; AND HE BAPTIZED HIM. AND WHEN THEY WERE COME UP OUT OF THE WATERHE WENT ON HIS WAY REJOICING. We see the words WENT DOWN BOTH INTO THE WATER, and COME UP OUT, clearly depict immersion baptism. Again, it may be noted there was no delay. The eunuch believed and immediately baptism followed.Many people go to be baptized, but they have so little knowledge of the Bible and of Jesus that they cannot understand or believe on Jesus with all their heart. In some countries, people may gather in great numbers to be baptized; yet when each one is questioned, "Who is Jesus?", many do not know Who He really is. To many, He is nothing more than a name and a person they sing about. They have no saving knowledge or faith. They are not ready for baptism.Mk 16:16-HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED. Note, "BELIEVING" must be in place before water baptism is done; and "believing" is to be WITH ALL THINE HEART. A person cannot believe on or be baptized into One in whom they know nothing about. Many preachers and elders wrongly baptize these people without ever discerning if they believe on Jesus and understand who He is, and what He did.

9-WE ARE COMMANDED TO BE BAPTIZED, BUT REPENTANCE MUST COME FIRST Gods Word tells us we are saved by grace through faith, yet we are under commandment to be baptized; as we read Peters words in Acts 2:38-REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU. This verse is addressing people who after having heard Gods Word, believe on Jesus, and are under conviction for their sins. They now want to know what to do. The people are told first to repent. Then following repentance, baptism is to take place. Also note the verse tells us that EVERY ONE is to do this.John the Baptist was baptizing by full immersion in the water. The disciples of Jesus baptized when they were with Him. After Jesus went to be with His Father, they continued to baptize believers. As we should see from Gods Word, a person was not considered a follower of Christ, if they would not get baptized after believing.True faith in Jesus and true repentance should lead to being baptized in accordance with the Scriptures. A wrong attitude may lead a person to argue and contend with the Scriptures.

10-INFANT BAPTISM FORBIDDEN

The Bible commands that all men should repent. The baptism of John is called the baptism of repentance in Acts 13:24,and 19:4.The Scripture tells us in Mt 3:6-AND WERE BAPTIZED OF HIM IN JORDAN, CONFESSING THEIR SINS. Verse 8-BRING FORTH THEREFORE FRUITS MEET FOR REPENTANCE. Infant or baby baptism, or any baptism that is done prior to the person believing on Jesus and repenting, is contrary to Gods Word and of no meaning. A baby or a very young child cannot be baptized according to Gods Word, as we read, Acts 8:36,37-WHAT DOTH HINDER (or prevents) ME TO BE BAPTIZED? Philip had preached unto him Jesus and it appears also about baptism. The eunuch wanted to be baptized, but Philip refused unless one condition was met. Look at Philips reply. AND PHILIP SAID, IF THOU BELIEVEST WITH ALL THINE HEART, THOU MAYEST. The eunuch then said in verse 37-I BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD. The Scriptures are clear.A baby cannot repent. A baby cannot believe. A baby is not to be baptized. Baby baptism means nothing. It is a deception created by the adversary.

11-JESUS PLACED GREAT IMPORTANCE ON WATER BAPTISM

We seem to have a picture that the disciples of Jesus spent much time baptizing, as we read in Jn 4:1,2-WHEN THEREFORE THE LORD KNEW HOW THE PHARISEES HAD HEARD THAT JESUS MADE AND BAPTIZED MORE DISCIPLES THAN JOHN, (THOUGH JESUS HIMSELF BAPTIZED NOT, BUT HIS DISCIPLES). This shows the importance Jesus placed on baptism.

12-WATER BAPTISM IS A COMMANDMENT ALSO FOR THOSE THAT HAVE RECEIVED THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY GHOST

Baptism is a command for every person. Those in Acts 10:45-48, that had received the gift of speaking in tongues were also commanded to be baptized in water; as we read-AND HE COMMANDED THEM TO BE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD. Note the word "commanded." In Acts 2:38, we are told, REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU. Will you receive Gods Word with a good and honest heart?

13-CONFUSION IS NOT FROM GOD

It is written, GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION-1 Cor 14:33.There are many religions and traditions that contradict Gods Word. It was the same in the days of Jesus. Do not place your hope in a religion, but place it in the Bible. Do not follow stories that some people tell, which may cause you to err from the truth.Some say that you do not have to be baptized, because the prisoner that hung on the cross next to Jesus was not baptized. We note the command to be baptized, given in Mk 16:16 and Acts 2:38 and others, came after Jesus rose from the dead. The prisoner died before Jesus rose from the grave. How could he have been baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus, when Jesus had not yet been buried or risen from the dead? He also died before the Holy Ghost was given. It is written: THE HOLY GHOST WAS NOT YET GIVEN-Jn 7:39; ref 20:22.Some say that Paul was not sent to baptize, and this is true; but his followers did the baptizing. Some might say because Mk 16:16 does not repeat the word baptize in the second part of the verse that it means it is not mandatory. Lets read Mk 16:16-HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED. Some have asked why Jesus did not say, "He that believeth not and is baptized not?" The answer is, because we are baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus. You cannot be baptized into One in whom you do not believe. Thus, to say HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT, "and is baptized not" would be incorrect. For if you do not believe on Jesus, it is not possible to be baptized into His death and resurrection. Therefore, if a person does not believe, no biblical baptism exists.Some churches, such as the Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopal, and others, traditionally say that sprinkling baptism is OK. The Scriptures very clearly show their understanding of the Bible is wrong, and what they do is wrong.Some would say that water baptism is symbolic only; thus, it is not necessary. It is far more than symbolic as the Scriptures are showing us. This is why Satan fights so hard against baptism. This is why Satan tries to cause so much confusion about water baptism and is succeeding.Some say that water baptism is not necessary as it is a form of works. The next heading should cover this topic.Satan is a liar. Do not let him deceive you. Obey Gods Word.

14-IS WATER BAPTISM NECESSARY? WHAT IS WATER BAPTISMS RELATIONSHIP TO SALVATION, IF ANY?

We have already seen that believing on Jesus is an absolute essential for salvation.We have already seen that repentance is an absolute essential for salvation.Now the question, "What about water baptism?"There is much debate on this subject.One of the main subjects to be considered in this discussion is that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ apart from all works. This statement is absolutely true.It is written, Eph 2:8,9-FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH; AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES: IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD: NOT OF WORKS, LEST ANY MAN SHOULD BOAST.Now the questions arise: "Is calling on the name of the Lord classified as works?" "Is repentance classified as works?" "Is water baptism classified as works?"The answer to all three of these questions is no. No where in the Bible is calling on Jesus, repentance, water baptism, or reading the Bible classified as a form of works. Those that relate these things to works or the works of the Law appear to be greatly misled.One might say that repentance can certainly be very hard work, or very difficult. There are certain things or areas in each of our lives where the flesh does not want to repent, but never does the Bible classify repentance as works.It is the same for baptism. Water baptism is a command for all that repent and believe. It is not classified as "works."Hearing or reading the Bible might be considered as work or a chore by some, yet it is never classified as "works" in relation to working or earning your way into heaven. We need to hear and read Gods Word to learn more about God. Faith comes by hearing Gods Word.However, it needs to be emphasized againwater baptism prior to repenting and believing on Jesus means absolutely nothing at all.15-DOES THE BIBLE SAYBY REJECTING WATER BAPTISM, WE HAVE REJECTED JESUS?

One might ask the question, "Does the Bible actually say we have rejected Jesus by refusing to be baptized by water?" The answer to this question is YES.It is written, Lk 7:29,30-AND ALL THE PEOPLE THAT HEARD HIM, AND THE PUBLICANS, JUSTIFIED GOD (or acknowledged Gods justice, or Gods way was right), BEING BAPTIZED WITH THE BAPTISM OF JOHN. BUT THE PHARISEES AND LAWYERS REJECTED THE COUNSEL OF GOD (or Gods purpose or Gods plan) AGAINST THEMSELVES, BEING NOT BAPTIZED OF HIM (or by not letting themselves be immersed by him-JNT).Let us look at this verse more closely.The first part clearly states that ALL THE PEOPLE ACKNOWLEDGEDGODS WAY WAS RIGHT (NIV) BEING BAPTIZED WITH THE BAPTISM OF JOHN-KJV.The second part clearly states, THE PHARISEES AND LAWYERS REJECTED THE COUNSEL OF GOD. What is the "counsel of God?" It is the Word. It is Gods Word. It is the Bible. What is Gods Word? The Bible clearly tells us in Jn 1:1 and 1:14 that Jesus is the Word.Thus, the verse very clearly states, that the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the Word, which is Jesus. They rejected God.The next question arises, "How did they reject Jesus?" The verse clearly states, by BEING NOT BAPTIZED.Note carefullyJUSTIFIED GOD (or acknowledged Gods way was right), BEING BAPTIZED. REJECTEDJesusBEING NOT BAPTIZED.By their refusal to be baptized by going into the water, they rejected Jesus. They rejected God. They REJECTED Gods WordBEING NOT BAPTIZED.

Lk 18:17-VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, WHOSOEVER SHALL NOT RECEIVE THE KINGDOM OF GOD (or we might say, Gods Word) AS A LITTLE CHILD SHALL IN NO WISE ENTER THEREIN.

This would definitely appear to make it necessary to be baptized, by being immersed in the water, after repentance and believing on Jesus.

16-WHY ARE WE TO GET BAPTIZED?

We read in Ro 6:3-6,8-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 (born-again). FOR IF (please note the word "if") WE HAVE BEEN PLANTED TOGETHER IN THE LIKENESS OF HIS DEATH, WE SHALL BE ALSO IN THE LIKENESS OF HIS RESURRECTION. Note the words, IFPLANTED TOGETHER. How are we planted together with Him? It says, BURIED WITH HIM BY BAPTISM. If we have not been buried with Him through baptism, how can we expect to be in the likeness of His resurrection? KNOWING THIS, THAT OUR OLD MAN IS CRUCIFIED WITH HIM (as Jesus went into the grave, we go into the water), THAT THE BODY OF SIN MIGHT BE DESTROYED....NOW IF WE BE DEAD WITH CHRIST (this is through being buried with Him in baptism, by going into the water), WE BELIEVE THAT WE SHALL ALSO LIVE WITH HIM.Please note Acts 2:38 againREPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE. Note, the word repent precedes baptism. The verse goes on, IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST. We are baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus; thus, we must believe first. The verse goes on, FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS (Jesus took our sins upon Him); AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST. The Holy Ghost descended and lighted upon Jesus like a dove as He went up out of the water.Ro 6:9-11-KNOWING THAT CHRIST BEING RAISED FROM THE DEAD DIETH NO MORE; DEATH HATH NO MORE DOMINION OVER HIM.FOR IN THAT HE DIED, HE DIED UNTO SIN ONCE: BUT IN THAT HE LIVETH, HE LIVETH UNTO GOD.LIKEWISE RECKON YE ALSO YOURSELVES TO BE DEAD INDEED UNTO SIN, BUT ALIVE UNTO GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.

What might be a good definition of being "born-again?" It might be said that being born-again involves putting off the old man, and putting on the new man: our "old man is crucified;" we "are dead with Christ;" and we begin to walk in the newness of life.

These things are exactly what Romans 6:3-11 has told us occurs in relation to being baptized.Note the following items from Romans chapter six and other verses.

17-WERE BAPTIZED INTO JESUS CHRIST (Ro 6:3)

WERE BAPTIZED INTO HIS DEATH-Ro 6:3

ARE BURIED WITH HIM BY BAPTISM-Ro 6:4

IF WE HAVE BEEN PLANTED TOGETHER IN THE LIKENESS OF HIS DEATH-Ro 6:5

OUR OLD MAN IS CRUCIFIED-Ro 6:6

THE BODY OF SIN MIGHT BE DESTROYED-Ro 6:6

IF WE BE DEAD WITH CHRIST-Ro 6:8

DIED UNTO SIN-Ro 6:10

WASH AWAY THY SINS-Acts 22:16

TO FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS-Mt 3:15

THE BAPTISM OF (or as a result of) REPENTANCE-Mk 1:4All of these above things are related to water baptism, but they also relate to being born-again.

18-THE RESULTS AFTER WATER BAPTISM SHOULD BE: (IF WE BELIEVE ON JESUS AND HAVE REPENTED)

WE...SHOULD WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE-Ro 6:4

WE SHALL BEIN THE LIKENESS OF HIS RESURRECTION-Ro 6:5

HENCEFORTH WE SHOULD NOT SERVE SIN-Ro 6:6

IS FREED FROM SIN-Ro 6:7 (under grace, sin no longer has authority over us unless we yield to it)

WE BELIEVE THAT WE SHALL ALSO LIVE WITH HIM-Ro 6:8

DEATH HATH NO MORE DOMINION OVER HIM-Ro 6:9

LIVETH UNTO GOD-Ro 6:10

RECKON (or consider)YOURSELVES TO BE DEADUNTO SIN-Ro 6:11

We are ALIVE UNTO GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD-Ro 6:11

EVEN BAPTISM DOTH ALSO NOW SAVE US (NOT THE PUTTING AWAY OF THE FILTH OF THE FLESH, BUT THE ANSWER OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE TOWARD GOD,) BY THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST-1 Pe 3:21

Very clearly, these Scriptures are showing us the relationship of baptism to being born-again. Once again, it must be emphasized that water baptism means absolutely nothing if a person does not have faith in Jesus Christ and has not repented of their sins.Twice the word "if" appears in these verses (Ro 6:5,8). In other words, "if" a person has not been baptized then none of these things are in place.He has not been planted together in the likeness of the death of Jesus. The old man has not been crucified, neither is reckoned to be dead unto to sin.If a person has not been baptized after believing and repenting, then he is not walking in the newness of life after baptism as stated in Ro 6:4.Jesus paid our sin debt in full at Calvary.Our salvation was completely and totally accomplished at the cross and by His resurrection. Without Jesus, there is absolutely no salvation. Apart from Jesus, we are dead in our sins.Jesus sacrificed Himself to put away our sins-ref Heb 9:26.Jesus was offered to bear the sins of many-ref Heb 9:28.Jesus bore our sins in His body-ref 1 Pe 2:24.He died for our sins-ref 1 Cor 15:3.His blood was shed for the remission of sins-ref Mt 26:28.We are washed from our sins in His blood-ref Rev 1:5.We are cleansed from all sin by the blood-ref 1 Jn 1:7.We are saved by His life-Ro 5:10; and saved through Him-ref Ro 5:9.As a result of what Jesus did, we having believed on Jesus as our only possible hope of salvation; and having by faith responded to His call by repenting of our sins, we are then to obey God by being baptized afterward as He commanded. Once we come out of the water we should be dead unto sin and alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Henceforth, we should not serve sin. We should walk in newness of life by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.In Acts 22:16 we read-AND NOW WHY TARRIEST THOU? ARISE, AND BE BAPTIZED, AND WASH AWAY THY SINS, CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD.Thus, now the two questions are answered, 1. "When are our sins washed away?" What conclusion do you draw from the Scriptures? 2. "What washes away our sins?" The answer is faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ.When are we born again? How do you understand the Scriptures? If both faith in Jesus Christ (we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith-Gal 3:14) and repenting of our sins have taken place, could it be when we come out of the water of baptism? Could it be as Acts 2:38 tells us: REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOUAND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST?

It is written, FOR THUS IT BECOMETH US TO FULFILL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS-Mt 3:15.

We note the words for Johns baptism (being baptized by water) was the "baptism of repentance" or baptism as a result of repentance. True water baptism is a result of believing on Jesus. True baptism is a result of repentance.

It is written, Mk 1:4-JOHN DID BAPTIZE IN THE WILDERNESS, AND PREACH THE BAPTISM OF (or as a result of) REPENTANCE FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS.Lk 3:3-AND HE CAME INTO ALL THE COUNTRY ABOUT JORDAN, PREACHING THE BAPTISM OF (or as a result of) REPENTANCE FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS.Acts 13:24-WHEN JOHN HAD FIRST PREACHED BEFORE HIS COMING THE BAPTISM OF (or as a result of) REPENTANCE TO ALL THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL.Acts 19:4-THEN SAID PAUL, JOHN VERILY BAPTIZED WITH THE BAPTISM OF (or as a result of) REPENTANCE.

Once we say a sinners prayer, we may appear to be saved, but are we?Once we believe on Jesus, we may appear to be saved, but are we?Once we have repented, we may appear to be saved, but are we?Many preachers throughout the world would answer yes to these questions.There are Scriptures that could lead a person to believe that only saying a prayer will save us.There are Scriptures that could lead a person to believe that only believing will save us.There are Scriptures that could lead a person to believe that only repenting will save us.There are Scriptures that could lead a person to believe that only being baptized will save us.There is even a Scripture that could lead us to believe that only hoping will save us. It is written, Ro 8:24-WE ARE SAVED BY HOPE.Yet do the Scriptures show us that a person may be biblically born-again at the time of coming out of the water of water baptism by immersion, but only IF a person has repented and only IF a person has put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ of the Bible?This needs to be stressed, for many cults believe and attempt to portray that Jesus is not the Messiah come in the flesh. They believe that He is not Deity. They say and believe that Jesus is something that is not in accordance with Gods Word.Jesus Christ is THE WORD. JESUS CHRIST IS COME IN THE FLESH. Jesus Christ is LORD. FOR BY HIM (and for Him) WERE ALL THINGS CREATED. Jesus Christ is KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

19-THE EVIDENCE OF SALVATION IS FRUIT

But even then, whether or not a person is truly converted cannot be determined until the evidence of his fruit comes forth. For it is written, WHEREFORE BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM-Mt 7:20.Nevertheless, be not deceived. Satans ministers look like the ministers of righteousness-ref 2 Cor 11:15 and deceive many. They look like they are of God, but they are not. Many Pharisees and religious leaders in the days of Jesus looked like they were of God, and many people thought they were; but Jesus clearly showed they were not saved.Yes, a person may believe on Jesus. He may repent. He may call on the name of the Lord. He may thereafter go forth and witness, and through the WORD, others may come to Jesus. Yet, the Scriptures have shown us, if believing, repentance, and faith are in place, that at the time of coming out of the water, we should be born-again. The Scriptures have also shown us clearly that by rejecting water baptism, we reject Gods Word which is Jesus.

20-WHEN DOES A PERSON RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT?

Mt 3:16,17-AND JESUS, WHEN HE WAS BAPTIZED, WENT UP STRAIGHTWAY OUT OF THE WATER: AND, LO, THE HEAVENS WERE OPENED UNTO HIM, AND HE SAW THE SPIRIT OF GOD DESCENDING LIKE A DOVE, AND LIGHTING UPON HIM: AND LO A VOICE FROM HEAVEN, SAYING, THIS IS MY BELOVED SON, IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED. The Holy Ghost descended upon Jesus in bodily form like a dove, when He came up out of the water after baptism. The Lord chose this event, water baptism, to illustrate when the Holy Ghost is given.This is in harmony with Acts 2:38. REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOUAND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST. Note what it did not say. It did not say one would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost upon repenting. Rather, two things are mentioned together. First repenting, and then baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost would be received.In Gal 3:2 we read-RECEIVED YE THE SPIRIT BY...FAITH? The Holy Spirit is received and dwells in us by faith. Thus, "when" we are baptized, if we do not have faith in Jesus Christ, water baptism means absolutely nothing. The Holy Spirit cannot be received, if faith is not present. We cannot be baptized into Jesus Christ, if we do not believe in Jesus Christ.When does Acts 2:38 say we receive the Holy Spirit? It is when we repent and are baptized. When does Mk 16:16 say we are saved? It is written, HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED.The Scriptures seem clear that, biblically, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost at the time we come out of the water from being baptized.We are biblically born-again when we come out of the water. Our sins are washed away at the time we come out of the water.In 2 Kings chapter 5, when Naaman the leper was told by the prophet Elisha to dip in the Jordan River seven times and he would be healed of his leprosy; there was no special power in the water to heal. Rather, it was his obedience to what the Lord had said to do. And so it is with water baptism. There is no power in the water or in the act by itself; but we receive the Holy Spirit at baptism by our faith (trust-grounded obedience) in the operation (or working) of God.21-SAVED BY WATER: BAPTISM DOTH ALSO NOW SAVE US

Now that the Bible has shown us both how to be baptized and why, the following Scriptures should be more easily understood.The Bible tells us in 1 Pe 3:20,21-THE LONG-SUFFERING OF GOD WAITED IN THE DAYS OF NOAH, WHILE THE ARK WAS A PREPARING, WHEREIN FEW, THAT IS, EIGHT SOULS WERE SAVED BY WATER. THE LIKE FIGURE WHEREUNTO EVEN BAPTISM DOTH ALSO NOW SAVE US (NOT THE PUTTING AWAY OF THE FILTH OF THE FLESH, BUT THE ANSWER OF A GOOD CONSCIENCE TOWARD GOD,) BY THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST. Some people might tell you this verse does not mean quite what it says. The Bible warns us about being led astray through peoples error. Let us take Gods Word exactly as it is written, and believe it. Beware. Remember, baptism apart from first believing on Jesus and repentance means absolutely nothing.It is written, 1 Jn 5:8-AND THERE ARE THREE THAT BEAR WITNESS IN EARTH, THE SPIRIT, AND THE WATER, AND THE BLOOD: AND THESE THREE AGREE IN ONE. The Spirit is that which God gives. You must have His Spirit, or you are none of His. The water is the water of baptism that you are under commandment to do after you believe on the name of Jesus. The blood is that which Jesus shed for you at Calvary, which redeems you through your faith. These three bear witness as a testimony in earth. There are also other opinions as to what the water represents among some institutions.

22-CAN OR SHOULD A PERSON BE BAPTIZED A SECOND TIME?

There are some that speak in hostility against being baptized a second time, yet they themselves, if they travel to Israel and have the chance to be baptized in the Jordan River may run to be baptized a second time or even a third time.If a person was baptized by sprinkling, he was never baptized according to Gods Word. Yes, he needs to get baptized Gods way.If a person was baptized before repentance, then he was not baptized according to Gods Word. Yes, he needs to get baptized Gods way.If a person was baptized as a baby, then he was not baptized according to Gods Word. Yes, he needs to get baptized Gods way.If a person was baptized before believing on Jesus, he was not baptized according to Gods Word. Yes, he needs to get baptized Gods way.If a person was baptized

by a cult,

or by any church or organization that does not believe that Jesus Christ is the Word, Who became flesh,

or by any that does not believe in the three Persons of the Trinity,

or by any who believe that salvation is by works rather than by grace through faith alone; yes, that person needs to get baptized Gods way.

If a person was baptized correctly, however, afterward loses his faith in Jesus; if he later repents and returns to Jesus, he needs to again be baptized correctly. It is written, BY FAITH YE STAND-2 Cor 1:24. Should our faith be overthrown, and we depart from the faith, then we are no longer standing by faith. In such cases, yes, we have need to be baptized, if we repent and return to faith in Jesus.If a person was baptized correctly, but he went back into intentional, willful wickedn