FOR or BECAUSE OF the forgiveness of your sins, (Acts 2:38)

[CrowCross]

Acts 2:38...And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 2:38 the word "for" can be substituted with the words "because of".

Acts 2:38 can read like this....And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ because of the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Those that add water baptism as a requirement for salvation see the word "for" as meaning to get something, to achieve something...in this case forgiveness or remission of sins. Salvation.....Rather than "because of" what Christ Jesus did in the removal of our sins.

For example someone could say...
He took an aspirin for his headache...or...He took an aspirin because of his headache. Both uses of the words work and we understand they didn't take the aspirin in order to get or achieve the head ache.

In Matthew 5:35 we also see the use of "because" and "for" meaning the same thing. Check it out if you like.

This post should be of special interest to @BillyBob65

 

[BillyBob65]

Acts 2:38...And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 2:38 the word "for" can be substituted with the words "because of".

Acts 2:38 can read like this....And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ because of the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Those that add water baptism as a requirement for salvation see the word "for" as meaning to get something, to achieve something...in this case forgiveness or remission of sins. Salvation.....Rather than "because of" what Christ Jesus did in the removal of our sins.

For example someone could say...
He took an aspirin for his headache...or...He took an aspirin because of his headache. Both uses of the words work and we understand they didn't take the aspirin in order to get or achieve the head ache.

In Matthew 5:35 we also see the use of "because" and "for" meaning the same thing. Check it out if you like.

This post should be of special interest to @BillyBob65

That could maybe be so if other scriptures agreed, but we do not see any saying be baptized because your sins were remitted, rather In Acts 22:16 we see Paul saying he was baptized to wash away his sin, so to me the bible explains it is for the remission of sin just as Peter by the spirit said. We also see in Romans 6 that Paul says when we were baptized (Acts 2:38 for I do not see them teaching another) we were baptized into the death (cross) of Christ and goes on to explain that it was when God transformed us from dead in sin to alive in Christ.
Notice I did not change any wording but let scripture define what is was saying on its own.

I have heard this argument before but it does not stand up to scriptural support. I have to take scripture for its written word . It matters not what I want it to say, or would like it to say, I simply have to have faith in what it says.

Now I would like you to show me that it does not say that by using the scripture and not what it might could be saying but what it actually does say and show me if it backs itself in other passages or does it stand alone.

 

[CrowCross]

That could maybe be so if other scriptures agreed, but we do not see any saying be baptized because your sins were remitted, rather In Acts 22:16 we see Paul saying he was baptized to wash away his sin, so to me the bible explains it is for the remission of sin just as Peter by the spirit said. We also see in Romans 6 that Paul says when we were baptized (Acts 2:38 for I do not see them teaching another) we were baptized into the death (cross) of Christ and goes on to explain that it was when God transformed us from dead in sin to alive in Christ.
Notice I did not change any wording but let scripture define what is was saying on its own.

I have heard this argument before but it does not stand up to scriptural support. I have to take scripture for its written word . It matters not what I want it to say, or would like it to say, I simply have to have faith in what it says.

Now I would like you to show me that it does not say that by using the scripture and not what it might could be saying but what it actually does say and show me if it backs itself in other passages or does it stand alone.

I have already demonstrated that Peter told the crowd in Acts 2 that those who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. No baptism was mentioned.
Then I pointed out they were cut to the heart. Saved. They then asked, what's next Pete? The reply was get baptized because your sins have been forgiven.

Your other problem is there are several accounts in scripture where people were saved and not baptized. You know the list.
You have also been told the bible doesn't instruct us how to do a baptism...which would be very important if it was truly a requirement.
Not to mention the numerous verses that speak of salvation such as John 3:16 being the most popular...and baptism isn't even hinted at.

You have also been told it is the blood of Christ that washes away your sins...not water..then you jumped on the "water is the vessel"....what ever that means...and never supported it biblically.

 

[BillyBob65]

I have already demonstrated that Peter told the crowd in Acts 2 that those who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. No baptism was mentioned.
Then I pointed out they were cut to the heart. Saved. They then asked, what's next Pete? The reply was get baptized because your sins have been forgiven.

Your other problem is there are several accounts in scripture where people were saved and not baptized. You know the list.
You have also been told the bible doesn't instruct us how to do a baptism...which would be very important if it was truly a requirement.
Not to mention the numerous verses that speak of salvation such as John 3:16 being the most popular...and baptism isn't even hinted at.

You have also been told it is the blood of Christ that washes away your sins...not water..then you jumped on the "water is the vessel"....what ever that means...and never supported it biblically.

I tried to avoid this question " how to do a baptism." because the bible is very clear on this. I assume this is not a serious question because anyone reading the bible can clearly see the answer to this on their own. I have answered this over and over in several threads so either you are not reading my post and are not reading the bible or you are playing games with me.

I

have already demonstrated that Peter told the crowd in Acts 2 that those who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved. No baptism was mentioned.
Then I pointed out they were cut to the heart. Saved. They then asked, what's next Pete? The reply was get baptized because your sins have been forgiven.

You are missing the complete message here as it was recorded and again I can not understand how so again you must e messing with me for I have dealt with this over and over in different places in this board as well as in the thread so you are not reading my post or just messing with me.

Peter does most certainly tell them they need to be baptized you are just trying to rewrite the reason why and it will be to your own demise. If you want me to explain it just reread my post on it for I have not got the time to repost it all.

You said "Your other problem is there are several accounts in scripture where people were saved and not baptized. " Please show the scriptures book chapter and verse.

You have also been told the bible doesn't instruct us how to do a baptism...which would be very important if it was truly a requirement.
Not to mention the numerous verses that speak of salvation such as John 3:16 being the most popular...and baptism isn't even hinted at.

That is not the case it was you just don't accept it. Remember John and Jesus are both baptizing in the area which caused Nicodemus to come to Jesus and Jesus told him He must be born again. Now fast forward to Romans 6 and Paul tells how one is born again. I know you will not see this but it is recorded.

You have also been told it is the blood of Christ that washes away your sins...not water..then you jumped on the "water is the vessel"....what ever that means...and never supported it biblically.

Again already covered this go back and the post I have dealt with this cause you are not hearing me or just messing with me for I have answered this many a time.

 

[BillyBob65]

I am sorry I did not realize this is a new thread forgive me and I will try to go over all this again with you if you have not been following my posting.

 

[CrowCross]

I tried to avoid this question " how to do a baptism." because the bible is very clear on this. I assume this is not a serious question because anyone reading the bible can clearly see the answer to this on their own. I have answered this over and over in several threads so either you are not reading my post and are not reading the bible or you are playing games with me.

No, It's a serious question....why doesn't the bible provide instruction on baptism if it is this requirement of yours?
I would suggest you try to answer the question than avoid it.
As you have said...you tried to answer it over several threads....why this piece meal bible? According to what you teach someone has to be somewhat of a biblical scholar in order to understand how to baptize.
The funny part is....you don't even know the "rules" of baptism.

I You are missing the complete message here as it was recorded and again I can not understand how so again you must e messing with me for I have dealt with this over and over in different places in this board as well as in the thread so you are not reading my post or just messing with me.

No, I'm not messing with you....just trying to present you with the truth and hope you'll see the errors of your sects translation.

Peter does most certainly tell them they need to be baptized you are just trying to rewrite the reason why and it will be to your own demise. If you want me to explain it just reread my post on it for I have not got the time to repost it all.

Well you didn't do a good job at explaining....as your response was easily refuted.

You said "Your other problem is there are several accounts in scripture where people were saved and not baptized. " Please show the scriptures book chapter and verse.

The thief on the cross.
Cornelius and his household. Acts 10
Paul in Acts 9
Those being preached to in Acts 2

That is not the case it was you just don't accept it. Remember John and Jesus are both baptizing in the area which caused Nicodemus to come to Jesus and Jesus told him He must be born again. Now fast forward to Romans 6 and Paul tells how one is born again. I know you will not see this but it is recorded.

I didn't know Jesus baptized anyone. When did Jesus baptize people?

Again already covered this go back and the post I have dealt with this cause you are not hearing me or just messing with me for I have answered this many a time.

No you haven't. You have not explained how the water is a "vessel".

 

[BillyBob65]

No, It's a serious question....why doesn't the bible provide instruction on baptism if it is this requirement of yours?
I would suggest you try to answer the question than avoid it.
As you have said...you tried to answer it over several threads....why this piece meal bible? According to what you teach someone has to be somewhat of a biblical scholar in order to understand how to baptize.
The funny part is....you don't even know the "rules" of baptism.

No, I'm not messing with you....just trying to present you with the truth and hope you'll see the errors of your sects translation.

Well you didn't do a good job at explaining....as your response was easily refuted.

The thief on the cross.
Cornelius and his household. Acts 10
Paul in Acts 9
Those being preached to in Acts 2

I didn't know Jesus baptized anyone. When did Jesus baptize people?

No you haven't. You have not explained how the water is a "vessel".

See I have explained it to you even the TV shows how baptism is done . The bible is clear on the reason Christ commanded baptism but you reject if for not understanding how to properly dived the word of truth. I have answered why the thief did not need to be baptize into Christ. I have shown that Yes Cornelius Paul in Act 9&22 and those of Acts 2 were saved when they submitted to baptism. Your refusal to understand the scripture due to your bias is nothing I can change but I have with scripture rebutted your false claims.

You say you "didn't know Jesus baptized anyone. When did Jesus baptize people?"
John 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

Jesus is credited as baptizing more than John because he taught that it is required this is biblical facts as recorded so even though Jesus did not do the actual dipping in water he had his Apostles to do it thus he baptized. While we are here this also debunks the understand that Paul was not sent to baptize but preach the gospel see preaching the baptism is included in the message.

I am not going to post all the scriptures that you should be familiar with but study 2 Kings % the story of Naaman with leprosy as to how God healed him. It wasn't the water of the Jordan river that done the healing but God using the water as a vessel to do the healing.
Now go back to Romans 6 ans see how God used the baptism in the name Of Jesus Christ to do the transforming work of changing dead in sin to alive in Christ. I know you will reject it but I have on many occasions shown with scripture the answer to all these questions.
Mod Hat:
You are not going to do an end run around the locked thread and come here and repeat your false teaching ad nauseum and avoid ever engaging with the positional support of the opposition.

 

[CrowCross]

You say you "didn't know Jesus baptized anyone. When did Jesus baptize people?"
John 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

(although it was not Jesus who baptized, but His disciples),

Jesus didn't baptize anyone.

 

[CrowCross]

I am not going to post all the scriptures that you should be familiar with but study 2 Kings % the story of Naaman with leprosy as to how God healed him. It wasn't the water of the Jordan river that done the healing but God using the water as a vessel to do the healing.

Many people in the bible were healed with out "water".

According to you it now sounds like if Jesus spits into the dirt then rubs it on you....you get eternal life.

Heck...if you reach out and touch His robe you get eternal life.

Please stop being so "wishey washey". Pun intended on the words wish and wash.

 

[BillyBob65]

I responded to post # 9 but can not find it maybe I neglected to his the post button and lost it but I thought I had fit the post button does anyone know how I lost the response to # 9

 

[Hazelelponi]

That could maybe be so if other scriptures agreed, but we do not see any saying be baptized because your sins were remitted, rather In Acts 22:16 we see Paul saying he was baptized to wash away his sin, s

Acts 2:38 is not teaching baptismal regeneration. The issue is not English grammar but biblical theology. The Greek phrase εἰς ἄφεσιν τῶν ἁμαρτιῶν (“for/unto the forgiveness of sins”) does not teach that baptism causes forgiveness.

Peter had already declared in the same sermon:

“Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21)

When the crowd is “cut to the heart,” they are responding to conviction produced by the Word. Their question, “What shall we do?”, is not asking how to earn forgiveness, but what obedience now follows repentance and faith.

Baptism is the commanded response here to the forgiveness already received—not the means by which forgiveness is obtained.

This is confirmed consistently throughout Acts and the epistles:

• Acts 10:43 – “Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”
• Acts 15:9 – “He cleansed their hearts by faith.”
• Romans 3:28 – “One is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”
• Ephesians 2:8–9 – Salvation is by grace through faith, not by any work.

Appeals to Acts 22:16 do not change this. The verse says:

“Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.”

The washing is grammatically and theologically tied to calling on His name, not to the water itself—just as Romans 10:13 teaches.

Likewise, Romans 6 does not explain how justification occurs; it explains what union with Christ looks like for those already justified. Paul assumes justification in Romans 5 before ever discussing baptismal imagery.

If baptism were the instrument of forgiveness, Scripture would contradict itself repeatedly:

• Cornelius receives the Holy Spirit before baptism (Acts 10)
• Paul says he was sent to preach the gospel, not to baptize (1 Cor 1:17)
• The thief on the cross is saved without baptism

Scripture does not present baptism as optional—but neither does it present baptism as salvific. Ibaptism is joined to repentance because it is the covenant sign and seal of the promise of forgiveness, not the means by which forgiveness is obtained.

The biblical order is clear:

• Repentance and faith → forgiveness and the Spirit
• Baptism → public confession, covenantal sign, and obedience

Baptism points to salvation; it does not produce it.

So Acts 2:38 does not teach “be baptized in order to be forgiven”, nor does it require rewriting the text. It teaches that those who repent and believe are to be baptized with reference to the forgiveness they have received in Christ.

That preserves the authority of the text and the consistency of the gospel.

 

[Arial]

I responded to post # 9 but can not find it maybe I neglected to his the post button and lost it but I thought I had fit the post button does anyone know how I lost the response to # 9

It was deleted for violation of rules 2,1 and 2.2.



2.1. All members must engage in discussions with humility, respect, and peace (Eph 4:2; Rom 12:18; Matt 7:12; 1 Cor 13:1-13). Discussions should be constructive, seeking to edify rather than tear down. Approach discussions with a willingness to listen, a readiness to learn, and a heart that seeks to edify fellow believers in unity with Christ Jesus.

2.2. Address the issue, topic, or argument, not the person. Such things as inflammatory or marginalizing language, divisiveness, misquoting, misrepresenting, trolling, and personal attacks (including belittling, insulting, falsely accusing, or making assumptions about the character, motives, or faith of other members) are strictly prohibited. It only serves to derail meaningful theological discussion. Avoid speech that incites needless conflict, fosters resentment, seeks to stir up strife among believers, or exaggerates or distorts another member's words in order to discredit them or to win an argument. When quoting or summarizing another member’s position, do so honestly, in context, and preferably with a citation to ensure that their views are represented accurately and fairly. Aim to promote unity in Christ while allowing for meaningful debate, speaking the truth in love and humility, recognizing that all wisdom and understanding comes from God (cf. Rule 2.1).

 

[CrowCross]

I found this concerning Acts 2:38

An elderly woman had just returned to her home from an evening church service when she was startled by an intruder. She caught the burglar red-handed, and yelled, "Stop! Acts 2:38 (meaning, repent and be baptized...)!"
The burglar stopped dead in his tracks. The woman then calmly called the police and explained what she had done.

As the officer cuffed the burglar, he asked, "Why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture to you."

"Scripture?" replied the burglar, "I thought she said she had an axe and two 38's!"

 

[Arial]

I found this concerning Acts 2:38

An elderly woman had just returned to her home from an evening church service when she was startled by an intruder. She caught the burglar red-handed, and yelled, "Stop! Acts 2:38 (meaning, repent and be baptized...)!"
The burglar stopped dead in his tracks. The woman then calmly called the police and explained what she had done.

As the officer cuffed the burglar, he asked, "Why did you just stand there? All the old lady did was yell a scripture to you."

"Scripture?" replied the burglar, "I thought she said she had an axe and two 38's!"

I really mean . I am still laughing! Good one.

 

[BillyBob65]

I have been told I can no longer discuss how baptism is part of the gospel any longer on this board. My posting are now being deleted by the mods.

 

[Arial]

I have been told I can no longer discuss how baptism is part of the gospel any longer on this board. My posting are now being deleted by the mods.

Your postings that are deleted are deleted because of rules violations not because of beliefs. You were not told you could no longer discuss how baptism is part of the gospel. That iis a blatant misrepresentation of what you were told. You were told, in fact, that since the couple of scriptures you quote to support your position when not put into any kind of context, as is done, sound like they are saying exactly what you are promoting. The problem is that while those who disagree are trying to have such a discussion, you are not discussing anything but your position. You are not engaging with the material in their posts.

That is not a discussion. It is simply promoting a view. Moderation is being done as per the rules.

Biblical and Theological Integrity​

3.1. Use scripture as the foundation for discussion. Support theological claims with relevant scripture passages whenever applicable. Interpret scripture carefully, considering context, historical background, and sound hermeneutical principles. Thoughtful engagement with biblical texts is encouraged over proof-texting or out-of-context citations.

3.2. Avoid promoting heretical views (e.g., denying core Christian doctrines like the Trinity). These forums uphold essential Christian beliefs, including the deity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, and the authority of Scripture. While discussions on various theological perspectives are welcome, any post challenging core Christian doctrines must include biblical and expositional support. Additionally, those presenting opposing views must substantively engage with rebuttals rather than merely repeating assertions. Posts failing to meet this standard may be removed.

 

[JesusFan]

That could maybe be so if other scriptures agreed, but we do not see any saying be baptized because your sins were remitted, rather In Acts 22:16 we see Paul saying he was baptized to wash away his sin, so to me the bible explains it is for the remission of sin just as Peter by the spirit said. We also see in Romans 6 that Paul says when we were baptized (Acts 2:38 for I do not see them teaching another) we were baptized into the death (cross) of Christ and goes on to explain that it was when God transformed us from dead in sin to alive in Christ.
Notice I did not change any wording but let scripture define what is was saying on its own.

I have heard this argument before but it does not stand up to scriptural support. I have to take scripture for its written word . It matters not what I want it to say, or would like it to say, I simply have to have faith in what it says.

Now I would like you to show me that it does not say that by using the scripture and not what it might could be saying but what it actually does say and show me if it backs itself in other passages or does it stand alone.

The Greek text cannot support the heresy of Baptismal regeneration, as it states plainly because and due to Jesus being the remission of your sins, now be baptized in his name

 

[JesusFan]

I have been told I can no longer discuss how baptism is part of the gospel any longer on this board. My posting are now being deleted by the mods.

Please address the Greek text disproving your belief

 

[makesends]

Acts 2:38...And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

In Acts 2:38 the word "for" can be substituted with the words "because of".

Acts 2:38 can read like this....And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ because of the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Those that add water baptism as a requirement for salvation see the word "for" as meaning to get something, to achieve something...in this case forgiveness or remission of sins. Salvation.....Rather than "because of" what Christ Jesus did in the removal of our sins.

For example someone could say...
He took an aspirin for his headache...or...He took an aspirin because of his headache. Both uses of the words work and we understand they didn't take the aspirin in order to get or achieve the head ache.

In Matthew 5:35 we also see the use of "because" and "for" meaning the same thing. Check it out if you like.

This post should be of special interest to @BillyBob65

The Greek εἰς translated "for", can mean many things. (Actually, the word, "for", in English can mean many things.)

It can mean, "toward", "[directed] at", "concerning", "of" and even, "in keeping with".

 

[David Lamb]

The Greek εἰς translated "for", can mean many things. (Actually, the word, "for", in English can mean many things.)

It can mean, "toward", "[directed] at", "concerning", "of" and even, "in keeping with".

I agree. I came across this in a concordance:

""For" (as used in Ac 2:38 "for the forgiveness ") could have two meanings. If you saw a poster saying "Jesse James wanted for robbery," "for" could mean Jesse is wanted so he can commit a robbery, or is wanted because he has committed a robbery. The later sense is the correct one. So too in this passage, the word "for" signifies an action in the past. Otherwise, it would violate the entire tenor of the NT teaching on salvation by grace and not by works."