Acts 8

[donadams]

Your retort accomplishes nothing and is frankly silly and dismissive.

What authority do you have? None that I can tell since you embrace a false gospel.

What I am pointing out is your long and obtuse posts prove nothing other than getting lost in the land of non sequitur. You ramble on with them over and over again, and they are nothing less than cut and paste avoidances.

Secondly, what is this hang up with "authority from Christ" you have? As a believer in Christ I have all the authority I need being an adopted son to preach, teach and defend the truth via the Scriptures.

Only the apostles have authority!
Under Peter who has the keys of jurisdictional authority to represent Christ!
An apostle is one who is sent
I only obey scripture Jude 1:3 contend for the faith
I’m not even an apologist only the apostles can be a valid authorized teacher of the truths of Christ, and only man can be an apostle, ain’t you a little bothered by the ladies on this forum? Acts 1:31

 

[Eleanor]

That’s the problem with “faith alone” negates the word and renders baptism meaningless

The problem is not with Eph 2:8-9; i.e., faith alone, the problem is with your unbelief of it.

Nor is baptism any more meaningless than circumcision was meaningless.

Context of Jn 3:5 “born again”

John1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; (John prepared the way by baptism)

John 2:6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. (Old covenant prefiguring of baptism, purification from sin)(His disciples believed because the ever Virgin mother of God interceded Jn 2:11)

John3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (Baptism)

Jn 2:6 (Cana) occurred a week after Jn 1:26 (JTB).

Jn 3:5 occurred more than a week after Jn 2:26 (Cana), with the clearing of the Temple in between.

Jn 1:26, 2:6 are not the context of Jn 3:5.

The context of Jn 3:5 would be Jesus' clearing of the Tempe in Jn 2:12-24.

(Key verse! Actions speak louder than words: verse 22)
John 3:22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized.

That occurs after Jesus teaching Nicodemus about regeneration.
And according to Jn 4:2, it was not Jesus who baptized at the Jordan, but his disciples who baptized at his instruction to do so.

23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.(Baptism / water)

John 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John.

Born again means Baptismal regeneration!

According to Jesus, "born again" is a sovereign act of the Holy Spirit, as unaccountable as the wind (Jn 3:7-8), not governed by anything or anyone's choice.
In Jn 3:3-8, Jesus is not describing the choice of water baptism.

baptismal regeneration!
A new creation in Christ! 2 cor 5:17
Jn 1 JTB prepared the way by baptism!
Jn 2 the waters of purification are OT prefigurement of baptism! (See Mk 7:1-4)

The waters of purification (Mk 7:1-4) was a tradition of the elders, not a part of Mosaic law, and which tradition Jesus strongly rejected as the "tradition of men" (rules taught by men), Mk 7:7.
Likewise, the water of the "tradition of men," which Jesus strongly rejected (Mk 7:7), was not a prefigurement of baptism.

Jn 3:5 born again means baptism
Jn 3:22 they immediately went to the river! Not to preach “accept Christ as personal lord and savior”
But to BAPTIZE!!!

Born again does not mean baptism, it is a sovereign act of the Holy Spirit, as unaccountable as the wind (Jn 3:7-8), and not governed by any ordinance or choice of man.
And after this Jesus went with his disciples to the Jordan (Jn 3:27) where he spent some time with his disciples who were baptizing (Jn 4:2).
Jesus did not go to the river to baptize anyone.

 

[DJT_47]

How does the eunuch know about baptism?

Assuming that the apostles only taught “faith alone” as some say:

It's obvious that part of Philip's preaching of the gospel message included the need for baptism. When you link Acts 8, the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, with Acts 2:38, you get the complete picture of what's required to be saved. Belief, confession of belief, repentance, and water immersion for the forgiveness of sins. That's it in it's simplicity. God makes it easy to understand; man makes it hard.

 

[Carbon]

It's obvious that part of Philip's preaching of the gospel message included the need for baptism. When you link Acts 8, the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, with Acts 2:38, you get the complete picture of what's required to be saved. Belief, confession of belief, repentance, and water immersion for the forgiveness of sins. That's it in it's simplicity. God makes it easy to understand; man makes it hard.

Do you believe scripture teaches baptismal regeneration?

 

[DJT_47]

Do you believe scripture teaches baptismal regeneration?

Baptism is absolutely necessary for salvation. Without baptism you're still in sin and if in sin, you're not saved. Being saved means you're saved from your sins.

Titus 3:5-7

5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;​

6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life

 

[Carbon]

Baptism is absolutely necessary for salvation. Without baptism you're still in sin and if in sin, you're not saved. Being saved means you're saved from your sins.

Titus 3:5-7

It's sad you believe this. One way to tell a false teacher? Anonone why believe we are saved by Jesus + something else.

So you should repent.

 

[DJT_47]

It's sad you believe this. One way to tell a false teacher? Anonone why believe we are saved by Jesus + something else.

So you should repent.

Mark 16:15-16

15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

pretty clear in Jesus own words

belief + baptism = salvation

 

[Carbon]

Mark 16:15-16

15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

pretty clear in Jesus own words

belief + baptism = salvation

If it were clear as you say it would be written like this: "but he that believeth not and is "not baptized" shall be damned.

 

[Carbon]

If it were clear as you say it would be written like this: "but he that believeth not and is "not baptized" shall be damned.

@DJT_47

It's not my fault you don't pay attention.

 

[DJT_47]

If it were clear as you say it would be written like this: "but he that believeth not and is "not baptized" shall be damned.

Makes no sense. If you believe, you'll be obedient. If you don't believe, you won't be, so saying "and is not baptized" is a moot point and meaningless.

 

[Carbon]

Makes no sense. If you believe, you'll be obedient. If you don't believe, you won't be, so saying "and is not baptized" is a moot point and meaningless.

As long as that works for you.

 

[mailmandan]

That’s the problem with “faith alone” negates the word and renders baptism meaningless

The Bible clearly states in many passages of scripture that we are saved through belief/faith "apart from additions or modifications." (Luke 7:50; 8:12; John 1:12; 3:15,16,18,36; 6:40,47; 11:25,26; Acts 4:4; 10:43; 11:17; 13:39; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18; Romans 1:16; 3:24-28; 4:5; 5:1; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:21; Galatians 2:16; 3:6-9, 26; Ephesians 2:8; Philippians 3:9; 2 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 10:39; 1 John 5:13 etc..).

Now you don't need to add the word "alone" next to "belief/faith" in each of these passages of scripture in order to figure out that the words, "belief/faith" stand alone in connection with receiving eternal life/salvation. Hence, FAITH ALONE. Do these many passages of scripture say belief/faith "plus something else?" Plus, baptism? Plus, works? NO. *So, then it's faith (rightly understood) in Jesus Christ alone.

Not to be confused with an empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains "alone" - barren of works. (James 2:14-24)

Context of Jn 3:5 “born again”

John1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; (John prepared the way by baptism)

John 2:6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. (Old covenant prefiguring of baptism, purification from sin) (His disciples believed because the ever Virgin mother of God interceded Jn 2:11)

John3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (Baptism)

Neither John 1:26 nor John 2:6 prove that Jesus was talking about water baptism in John 3:5. In context, what do we read in John 3:15,16,18? What happened to baptism there? In John 3:5, Jesus said born of water and the Spirit. He did not say born of baptism and the Spirit and He also did not say unless one is water baptized, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. In the very next chapter, Jesus mentions "living water" in John 4:10, 14 and and He connects living water with eternal life in John 4:14. Also, in John 7:38-39, we read - "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke concerning the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the source of living water (which reaches the heart) and spiritual cleansing.

If "water" is arbitrarily defined as baptism, then we could just as justifiably say, "Out of his heart will flow rivers of living baptism" in John 7:38. If this sounds ridiculous, it is no more so than the idea that water baptism is the source or the means of becoming born again.

Also "water" is used in the Bible as an emblem of the word of God, and in such uses it is associated with cleansing or washing. (John 15:3; Ephesians 5:26) When we are born again, the Holy Spirit begets new life, so that we are said to become "partakers of the divine nature." (2 Peter 1:4) The new birth is brought to pass through "incorruptible seed, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever" (I Peter 1:23) and the Holy Spirit accomplishes the miracle of regeneration. (Titus 3:5)

So, to automatically read "baptism" into John 3:5 simply because it mentions "water" is unwarranted.

(Key verse! Actions speak louder than words: verse 22)

John 3:22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. 23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.(Baptism / water)

John 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John.

Born again means Baptismal regeneration!

baptismal regeneration!
A new creation in Christ! 2 cor 5:17
Jn 1 JTB prepared the way by baptism!
Jn 2 the waters of purification are OT prefigurement of baptism!
Jn 3:5 born again means baptism
Jn 3:22 they immediately went to the river! Not to preach “accept Christ as personal lord and savior”
But to BAPTIZE!!!

In regard to water baptism in John 3:22, by this time Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus is over with and He has moved on. John 3:22 - After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He was spending time with them and baptizing... You are leaving the context. What still is more in context with verse 5 is verses 14-18. John 3:18 - He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who (is not water baptized? - NO) does not believe is condemned already, because he has not (been water baptized? - NO) because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. Baptismal regeneration is a false doctrine.

 

[mailmandan]

Mark 16:15-16

15And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

pretty clear in Jesus own words

belief + baptism = salvation

Pretty clear indeed. The second clause clarifies the first...but he that believeth not shall be damned. If he who believes shall be saved (John 3:15,16,18,36; 5:24; 6:40,47; 11:25,26) then he who believes and is baptized shall be saved as well, but who did Jesus say would be condemned? Whoever is not baptized? NO. Whoever does not believe. (Mark 16:16(b); John 3:18)

Mark 16:16 - He who believes and is baptized will be saved (general cases without making a qualification for the unusual case of someone who believes but is not baptized) but he who does not believe will be condemned. If water baptism is absolutely required for salvation, then why did Jesus not mention it in the following verses? (3:15,16,18; 5:24; 6:29,40,47; 11:25,26). What is the ONE requirement that Jesus mentions nine different times in each of these complete statements? *BELIEVES. *What happened to baptism? *Hermeneutics

John 3:18 - He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who (is not water baptized? - NO) does not believe is condemned already, because he has not (been water baptized? - NO) because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

 

[Eleanor]

The Bible clearly states in many passages of scripture that we are saved through belief/faith "apart from additions or modifications." (Luke 7:50; 8:12; John 1:12; 3:15,16,18,36; 6:40,47; 11:25,26; Acts 4:4; 10:43; 11:17; 13:39; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18; Romans 1:16; 3:24-28; 4:5; 5:1; 10:4; 1 Corinthians 1:21; Galatians 2:16; 3:6-9, 26; Ephesians 2:8; Philippians 3:9; 2 Timothy 3:15; Hebrews 10:39; 1 John 5:13 etc..).

Now you don't need to add the word "alone" next to "belief/faith" in each of these passages of scripture in order to figure out that the words, "belief/faith" stand alone in connection with receiving eternal life/salvation. Hence, FAITH ALONE. Do these many passages of scripture say belief/faith "plus something else?" Plus, baptism? Plus, works? NO. *So, then it's faith (rightly understood) in Jesus Christ alone.

Not to be confused with an empty profession of faith/dead faith that remains "alone" - barren of works. (James 2:14-24)

Neither John 1:26 nor John 2:6 prove that Jesus was talking about water baptism in John 3:5. In context, what do we read in John 3:15,16,18? What happened to baptism there? In John 3:5, Jesus said born of water and the Spirit. He did not say born of baptism and the Spirit and He also did not say unless one is water baptized, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. In the very next chapter, Jesus mentions "living water" in John 4:10, 14 and and He connects living water with eternal life in John 4:14. Also, in John 7:38-39, we read - "He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. But this He spoke concerning the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the source of living water (which reaches the heart) and spiritual cleansing.

If "water" is arbitrarily defined as baptism, then we could just as justifiably say, "Out of his heart will flow rivers of living baptism" in John 7:38. If this sounds ridiculous, it is no more so than the idea that water baptism is the source or the means of becoming born again.

Also "water" is used in the Bible as an emblem of the word of God, and in such uses it is associated with cleansing or washing. (John 15:3; Ephesians 5:26) When we are born again, the Holy Spirit begets new life, so that we are said to become "partakers of the divine nature." (2 Peter 1:4) The new birth is brought to pass through "incorruptible seed, by the word of God, which lives and abides forever" (I Peter 1:23) and the Holy Spirit accomplishes the miracle of regeneration. (Titus 3:5)

So, to automatically read "baptism" into John 3:5 simply because it mentions "water" is unwarranted.

In regard to water baptism in John 3:22, by this time Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus is over with and He has moved on. John 3:22 - After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He was spending time with them and baptizing... You are leaving the context. What still is more in context with verse 5 is verses 14-18. John 3:18 - He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who (is not water baptized? - NO) does not believe is condemned already, because he has not (been water baptized? - NO) because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. Baptismal regeneration is a false doctrine.

Baptism is a work (human performance). We are not saved by works (Eph 2:8-9).

 

[Fred]

Baptism is absolutely necessary for salvation. Without baptism you're still in sin and if in sin, you're not saved. Being saved means you're saved from your sins.

Titus 3:5-7

The above refers to the baptism with the Holy Spirit.

Titus 3:5-7
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration even renewing of the Holy Spirit;
6 Whom He abundantly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior;
7 That being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Paul uses liquid imagery (washing and pouring) to describe what the Holy Spirit does to a person.

To have the Holy Spirit poured out on a person is the same thing as that person being baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Acts 10:45
All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.
Acts 11:16
And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.