CONTENT
25
WATER BAPTISM
Is it just an outward expression of our faith
or
will anyone without baptism end up in hell?
…………………………
Study 25. Baptism in the bible
(Answer to Question #5) Why does the bible say, baptism also saves us in 1 Peter 3:21?
Pastor X’s answer: 1 Peter 3:21 (NIV) “Baptism also now save us” does not mean that water baptism is essential to salvation, since it cannot wash away the filth of the flesh. Baptism shows the answer of a good conscious toward God. In other words, baptism is a conscious testimony to one’s faith to the resurrection of Christ because it symbolizes our resurrection with Him.
We need to verify what the Pastor said, for example, the NIV says, 1 Peter 3:21, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Christ,
Synonyms of pledge: a promise, vow, oath, guarantee, assurance.
In other words, the Pastor or bibles are saying: that water baptism symbolizes the “promise” of a clear conscience toward God.
But is that what the word of God really says?
The Greek word used in 1 Pet 3:21 is NOT “PLEDGE”.
The Greek Word used here is ἐπερώτημα.
Transliteration eperōtēma
Bible Usage = answer.
Thayers Definition
1. an enquiry, a question
2. a demand
3. earnestly seeking
a. craving, an intense desire
Origin From G1905
Very, very different word and meanings! The NIV has changed the word of God! The NASB, NCV, CEV, NLT also changes the word.
1 Peter 3:21 (KJV) 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 Christ:
But in reality, those who try and use 1 Peter 3:21 to say that baptism is only and outward expression of our faith, chose to ignore the verse prior to verse 21.
When you put those two verses together, the word of God is telling us that just the same way Noah and his family were saved by water, the same way we are also now saved by water during baptism.
1 Peter 3:20-21 (KJV) Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21 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 Christ:
(Answer to Question #6) John Doe asked. Why does the NIV and NLT do not have the word remission and instead change it to forgiveness? When in forgiveness: you forgive, but you still remember and in remission you forget and let go as it never happened!
To understand why other bibles, say something very different than the KJV, We recommend watching the following YouTube video:
You can also see it in our website, under the “Are you saved” tab. The 1st video called “Your bible is lying to you. Lies in the gospel. Dangers of a counterfeit bible. A common salvation?”
Water has always been used for purification of sins since the begining:
Num 19:7-9 (KJV) … “for a water of separation: it is a purification for sin.”
Exo 29:4-9 (KJV) ….“and shalt wash them with water.”
Exo 30:20(KJV)“they shall wash with water, that they die not;”
Exo 30:21 (KJV) “they shall WASH their hands and their feet, that they die not:”
Lev 22:6(KJV)“shall be unclean until even, unless he wash his flesh with water.”
Ezekiel 36:25-26 (KJV)“will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean:”
Some more scriptures about water and purification of sins.
Hebrews 10:22 (KJV) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Also found in Titus 3:5.
Buried with Christ in baptism!
Colossians 2:12 (KJV)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.
We are to be baptized with a clear conscience. Study #23.
Hebrews 10:22 (KJV) Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
And baptism is “THE ANSWER” to have a clear conscience!
1 Peter 3:21 (KJV) 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 Christ:
Confession and Baptism are together. Study #22.
Matt 3:6 (KJV) And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
John (the Baptist) baptized for the remission of sins. Study #24.
Luke 3:3 (KJV) And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
We are baptized for the remission of our past sins only, not present and future. Study #24.
Acts 2:38 (KJV) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Romans 3:25 (KJV) Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
This part is closely connected to the concept of a clear conscience.
When we receive the remission of our past sins, we experience the new birth — becoming new creatures in Christ, free from our PAST sins.
At that very moment, our conscience is clear, because sin, as a non-believer has been removed. Thus, a clear conscience is both the result and evidence of being made new through the remission we receive during baptism.
We are commanded to baptize all nations.
Matthew 28:19 (KJV) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
We are to baptize in the name of the Father, Son & of the Holy Ghost.
Matthew 28:19 (KJV) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Even though Paul refers to Peter speaking TWICE about baptizing in the name of Christ in Acts 2:38 andActs 8:12, we must understand that neither Paul nor Peter is suggesting that baptism should be done using only the name of Christ. After all, before ascending to heaven, Christ clearly commanded the apostles and disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matthew 28:19, KJV).
Even though Christ Himself has been used as the full expression of God. It’s obvious to include the name of the Father, the name of the Son, and the name of the Holy Ghost during baptism.
The gospel teaches that Christ came not in His own authority, but in the authority of the Father (John 5:43), and that the Holy Spirit was sent by both the Father and the Son (John 14:26; 15:26).
So when Paul or Peter call on the name of Christ, they’re not separating Him from the Father or the Holy Ghost — they're acknowledging the importance and the POWER the real name of Christ has.
Once again, so not to forget, Christ specifically commanded in Matthew 28:19 to baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost — all in the same sentence. All together. It does not state to baptize either in the name of the Father OR the Son OR the Holy Ghost.
Baptizing in the name of all three as Christ commanded shows that the three are united as one, not divided. And it is understood that this includes the fullness of what Christ taught in Matt 28:19.
Therefore, when Paul or others mention baptizing "in the name of Christ," they are invoking all the authority, power, and unity of the Trinity — just using the name of whom God sent to save this world, John 3:16.
Think of it also like this: we all know that a basic pizza is made of dough, sauce, and cheese. When you go to a restaurant, you don’t ask for "dough, sauce, and cheese" — you simply order a pizza, knowing that all three ingredients are included. So, when someone does not know what a pizza is, you will explain and only after will you use the main name “pizza” in your conversations. But when you work on an actual pizza you use all the ingredients with their individual names, you don’t say, I’m using pizza and pizza and pizza.
Here are a couple more examples just for fun.
Coffee (at a café) You order a "coffee," but you’re getting coffee beans, water, a cup, a lid, maybe cream or sugar — all included in that one name.
A salad — You just ask for a salad, but it usually includes lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, dressing, and maybe even cheese or croutons. all included in that one name.
A burger — Same idea. You order a "burger," and you're getting a bun, patty, lettuce, tomato, pickles, condiments — not listing them all individually. all included in that one name.
A car — When you buy or rent a car, you're getting an engine, tires, seats, brakes, lights, mirrors, and so much more. You don't list all the pieces—you just say, " that one name."
Baptism comes after believing.
Acts 16:33 (KJV) And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
Acts 16:31-33 (KJV) And they said, Believe on the Lord Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. 32And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
John (the Baptist) Baptized with water.
Matt 3:6 (KJV) And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
The disciples baptized with water.
Acts 8:36-38 (KJV) And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Christ is the Son of God. 38 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.
Acts 22:16 (KJV) And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
In case you anyone asks, how many different baptisms are there, and which one do we use! One baptism with everything attached to it!
Eph 4:5 (KJV) One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Baptism saves.
1 Peter 3:21 (KJV) 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 Christ:
Mark 16:16 (KJV) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Also found in Titus 3:5,
Except we are born again (water baptized) we cannot enter the kingdom of God.
John 3:5 (KJV) Christ 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.
Mark 1:4 (KJV)John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Also found in Matt 3:6
Keeping the above statement in mind, we have a story that show the importance of performing the baptism in the correct way.
Here we have a story on when some of the apostles where baptizing only for the remission of sins and not for the indwelling of the Holy Ghost, Peter and John were sent immediately to correct and make sure that those that had already been baptized only for the remission of sins received the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:12 (KJV) But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Christ.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
After baptism we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:38 (KJV)Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
We have also already gone through this and have verified that Salvation is not by water baptism alone, there are other things God requires of us.
Believing, study #17: Acts 8:36-38 (KJV) And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Christ is the Son of
God. 38 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.
Calling the name of the Lord out loud, study #18: Acts 22:16 (KJV) And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Repentance, study #19: Acts 2:38 (KJV) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Also found in Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3,
Faith, study #20: Col 2:12 (KJV) 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.
Confession of Christ and sins, study #22: Matt 3:6 (KJV) And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
Water: Num 19:7-9 (KJV) … “for a water of separation: it is a purification for sin.”
Now think about this verse Again: Luke 13:23-24 (KJV)Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
“Many will seek and shall not be able”.
This is mostly due to blindness and lack of knowledge in the word of God. It is due to lies and indoctrination. It is brought by Satan through unbiblical teachings by our family members, friends, pastors, ancestors, and their customs.
We need to put everything aside (just like the Bereans), especially pride and question every teaching and accept ONLY the truth that Christ has for us.
We need to turn away from the infinity of lies Satan has for us.
Hosea 4:6 (KJV) My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.
IMPORTANT POINT HERE!
The least case scenario is that waiting to get baptized only makes a person disobedient until they get baptized. Remember in Matthew 28:19 (KJV) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them ……. Well; this is a commandment directly from Christ, NOT to be taken lightly!
It is NOT a suggestion!
The comment most people will say is “the thief on the cross was not baptized, therefore baptism is not necessary for salvation!”
Luke 23:43 (KJV) And Christ said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, to day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
The biblical answer is:
Well, they were saved directly by Christ! HE DOES NOT HAVE TO BAPTIZE ANYONE; HE IS THE SON OF GOD! If He says you are saved, then you are saved. PERIOD!
And if that is not enough common sense, well, the gospel is very clear and tells us that Christ DID NOT baptize at all! John 4:2 (KJV) (Though Christ himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
Second, The Holy Spirit was sent after Christ was glorified, so the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins (Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3) started with John the Baptist and continued with the apostles (Acts 2:38). But the baptism for the indwelling of the Holy ghost was after and not before or during Christ’s ministry on earth (Acts 1:5, Mark 1:8, Acts 2:38)!
So, if Christ would not have been there, then the apostles would have had to bring the thief down from the cross and baptized him in order for him to have received remission for his sins!
John 7:39 (KJV) (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Christ was not yet glorified.)
John 14:16 (KJV) And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
John 15:26 (KJV) But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: also, John 16:7
(Answer to Question #7) Is baptism an outward expression of an inward change? Is it a public declaration of how Christ changed your life? According to Pastor X, being baptized only shows others that you have decided to follow Christ, and allows them to celebrate this decision with you, they quote (Acts 16:31-34).
Most preachers dare to say that baptism does not save a person; they say it’s only a symbol and celebration of our faith and or salvation, and they quote (1 Peter 3:21).
1 Peter 3:21 (KJV), "The like figure whereunto even baptism does also now save us."
The Gospel says that "baptism does now also save us," but men turn their blind eye and say that "baptism does not save us."
This is all very similar to the situation of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
God in Genesis 2:17 told Adam and Eve not to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, "For in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." But Satan told Eve in Genesis 3:4, "Then the serpent said to the woman, you will not surely die." Satan only added the one word "not" to what God had said and completely changed the meaning of God’s commandment!
That is exactly what men are doing to God's commands today. Who are you going to accept, the word of men or the Word of God?
We are told in Acts 5:29, "We ought to obey God rather than men."
On the Day of Judgment, the Bible will still say that "baptism does ALSO now save us."
Baptism is in fact 1 Peter 3:21 “the answer of a good conscience towards God.”
Christ himself also tells us that we hold our faith in a pure conscience: 1 Tim 3:9 (KJV) Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
Our Conscience bears witness in the Holy Ghost. Rom 9:1 (KJV) I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
Our Conscience bears witness of the work we do. Rom 2:15 (KJV) Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
We should thank God whom we serve with a clear conscience 2 Tim 1:3 (KJV) I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
You see, this is all connected to water baptism!
1 Peter 3:21 (KJV) 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 Christ:
Are you starting to see the whole picture? Can you see now that there is more to salvation than by believing alone or by faith alone?
(Answer to Question #8) Baptism becomes the answer of a good conscience toward God, because the remission of our sins happens through baptism! Acts 2:38 (KJV) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
So, we receive two things during water baptism. We receive remission for our sins, and we receive the Holy Ghost (indwelling of the Holy Ghost).
Yeshua’s sacrifice on the cross was for the remission of our sins. Mat 26:28. For sins that are past (not future) through the forbearance of God. Rom 3:25.
Salvation is a gift from God. But even though salvation is a gift from God, He has laid down certain conditions upon which he will give it. There is nothing that we can do to merit salvation. Whether it be believing in Christ, doing the works of God, or being baptized, we can never "earn our salvation". The only way we can show our faith in Christ is if we are willing to accept and obey what He says. But it is after all the requirements are met, that God has chosen to impart his wonderful grace of salvation to us as a willing believer.
Just in case the main point was missed! Let us try to answer one of the most important questions to anyone’s salvation; Is water baptism so important and essential to salvation, that anyone that DOES NOT get water baptized will end up in hell?
Try and answer all the questions by yourself, giving the proper scripture to back up your answers! Do not flip the page until you have all of the answers!
1. What is remission of sins and what is it for?
2. When and how do we attain the remission of our sins?
3. How many times can remission of sins happen in our life?
4. Give an example of what to do to receive remission of sins?
5. What is forgiveness of sins and what is it for?
6. When and how do we attain forgiveness of our sins?
7. How many times can we receive forgiveness of sins?
8. Give an example of what to do to receive forgiveness of sins!
9. Is there a difference between remission and forgiveness? Yes, or No? Please explain!
10. What does Water baptism do for a person?
11. Can a person that has not received remission of sins enter into the kingdom of heaven?
12. Can a person without water baptism enter into the kingdom of heaven?
Here are the answers:
1. What is remission of sins and what is it for?
Strongs Number: G859. Strongs Definition: freedom; (figuratively) Pardon.
A pardon as it never happened. Remission is the cancellation of a debt, charge, or penalty.
God gives us the remission of our sins to completely pardon or erase our PAST sins! Romans 3:25. Hebrews 10:17-18. Past sins ONLY!
When we receive remission of sins it means God let’s go as if it NEVER happened! (He will NOT count that against us!), in other words, when we come to accept Christ as Lord and Savior, we start fresh right after baptism as part of His family, just like newborn children.
2. When and how do we attain the remission of our sins?
It is ONLY attained during water baptism Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, John 3:5,
3. How many times can remission of sins happen in our life?
Only once and during water baptism Romans 3:25. Hebrews 10:17-18.
4. Give an example of what to do to receive remission of sins?
You have to do all that God requires as a big package:
You believe the Gospel! Mark 1:15
You believe that Christ is the only begotten son of God! John 3:18, Acts 8:37.
You believe in the Father and the Son! John 5:24, John 6:47.
You believe God the Father raised Christ from the dead! Rom 10:9, 1 Thes 4:14.
You repent of your sins! Mark 16:16, Luke 13:13, Acts 17:30.
You confess you are a sinner! Matt 3:6, Mark 1:5.
You call upon the Lord (audible)? Romans 10:9-13, Acts 2:21.
You get water baptized Acts 2:38, Mark 1:4,
5. What is forgiveness of sins and what is it for?
Strongs Number: G859. Strongs Definition: freedom; (figuratively) Pardon.
It is what God gives a person every time after they have repented and asked for forgiveness after they have sinned.
6. When and how do we attain forgiveness of our sins?
Every time you sin, repent, ask for forgiveness and do works meet for repentance! Acts 26:20.
7. How many times can we receive forgiveness of sins?
Only once and during baptism. As long as it is done the way God requires!
8. Give an example of what to do to receive forgiveness of sins!
Open your eyes and turn from darkness Acts 26:18.
Repent and turn to God and do works meet for repentance Acts 26:20.
Forgive men their trespasses Matthew 6:14, Matt 18:35, Mark 11:25, Luke 6:37, Luke 11:4.
9. Is there a difference between remission and forgiveness? Please explain!
Yes!
*Even though most new age bibles have replaced the word remission with forgiveness, there is a huge difference between both words. Everyone that receives remission for their sins also receives forgiveness, but when a person receives only forgiveness for their sins, they will not receive remission. Remission is like having your criminal record expunged so that no one can see or will know you had committed a crime!
The difference is not so much clearly seen on the definition, but how the word of God tells us it is used for!
And for this, you have to go and read the verses that have the word remission to understand that it is more than just being forgiven!
10. What does Water baptism do for a person?
It is the only way we receive the INDWELLING of the Holy Ghost.Acts 8:16.
Physical water, through baptism is the physical means God chose to use to purify spiritual sin! Num 19:7-9, Acts 22:16, Exo 29:4-9, Exo 30:20, Exo 30:21, Lev 22:6, Ezekiel 36:25-26,
It is the only action we take on where we receive the remission of our sins Acts 2:38.
It also saves us (1 Peter 3:21). It also saves us because that is not the only requirement for salvation. Believing in Christ also saves us, and like Repenting also saves us. It’s a package deal and all the requirements have to be met for God to give us His promised salvation!
During water baptism our sins are remitted, and because of this our conscience is now clear, thus becoming the answer of a good conscience toward God 1 Peter 3:21, Titus 3:5, Hebrews 10:22,
Through water baptism a person is reborn again. John 3:5,
11. Can a person that has not received remission of sins enter into the kingdom of heaven?
No! Without remission of sins, you are still a sinner!
John 20:23 (KJV) Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Without remission of sins, you cannot receive the indwelling of the Holy Ghost! Acts 2:38 (KJV) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
If you answered Yes, please tell us why and back it up with scriptures!
12. Can a person that has NOT been water baptized enter into the kingdom of heaven?
No! John 3:5 (KJV) Christ 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.
If you answered Yes, please tell us why and back it up with scriptures!
How does God fix the many baptisms?
Eph 4:5 (KJV) One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
For Example, Baptism for the remission of sins and the baptism for the indwelling of the Holy Ghost is done during the one baptism!
Acts 2:38 (KJV) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Mark 1:8 (KJV) I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 19:3-6 (KJV) And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Christ.
6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Let’s now compare it to John Doe and see how his salvation looks!
All we are looking for is to see whether he is going to be short of salvation or not. This is what we have so far for John Doe: Check mark only the ones that you can verify with scriptures as we go. And add any that he might have missed. Bring your check marks over from prior studies.
ü He believes Christ is the Son of God.
ü He believes Christ died for all our past sins.
ü He believes Christ resurrected 3 days later.
ü He believes that Christ is sitting on the right-hand side of the Father interceding for us!
ü He confessed Christ as Lord and Savior (Through sinner’s prayer).
ü He confessed himself as a sinner (Through sinner’s prayer).
ü He repented of his sins. (Let us just say he truly repented when he believed!)
ü He asked for forgiveness (Through sinner’s prayer).
ü He called upon the Lord into his life (Through sinner’s prayer).
ü He was baptized as a baby, by sprinkle! (We can now cancel this one, because we must be old enough to believe, to confess, and to repent)
ü No Faith (The end of faith is the salvation of the soul). 1 Peter 1:9
X Baptism is needed to get the full assurance of faith. Heb 10:22
ü No Sanctification, because we are sanctified by faith, Acts 26:18
X Did not complete faith because he was not baptized. Heb 10:22
ü NO confession counted toward him. Even though JD confessed his sins through the sinner’s prayer. The gospel tells us that we are to confess our sins while we are being baptized! Matt 3:6, Mark 1:5.
ü A pure conscience: We must hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 1 Tim 3:9
o Baptism is the mystery of the faith to having a good conscience toward God. 1 Peter 3:21.
ü Remission of sins comes after believing. Acts 10:43
ü Remission of sins is received through baptism. Acts 2:38.
ü We need to receive remission of our past sins, and not future and not to be confused with forgiveness of sins. Rom 3:25
ü Once remission of sins is given, God will not remember them anymore. Heb 10:17-18
ü No remission of sins. Because JD was not baptized. Water baptism is done in order to receive remission of sins. Acts 2:38.
ü We are buried with Christ in baptism. Col 2:12
ü Baptisms are performed with water. Acts 8:36-38, Acts 22:16, Matt 3:6, Col 2:12.
ü Physical water has always been used for the purification of sins. Num 19:7-9
ü Confession and Baptism go together Matt 3:6
ü Baptism saves us. Mark 16:16, 1 Peter 3:21
ü Except we are born again (water baptized) we cannot enter the kingdom , Titus 3:5
ü After baptism we receive the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38
ü We are to baptize in the name of the Father, Son & of the Holy Ghost Matt 28:19
These are the things that are questionable in John Doe’s walk, so you must decide whether he has covered that area or not.
o He must believe that Christ is the “only begotten” Son of God. John 3:18, Acts 8:37.
o He must believe in the Son and the Father. John 5:24, John 6:47.
o He must believe that God the Father raised Christ from the dead. Rom 10:9, 1 Thes 4:14.
o We have learned that the scriptures actually tell us that our salvation is nearer the moment we believe, and because we believe that Christ Christ is the only begotten Son of God and believe in the name of the son of God, and believe in the Father as well as the Son, we become sealed with God’s promise of salvation until the day we are saved!
o We also see that Baptism may be as important as believing Mark 16:16.
This opens more questions.
Is baptism Necessary for salvation? YES 1 Peter 3:21, Mark 16:16
Is repentance the same as a change of mind, or something deeper?
If we need to be baptized, does it have to be with water? YES Acts 8:36-38
Does Baptism have a purpose and a meaning or is it really just an outward expression of faith?
o Yes, baptism is done for the remission of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38.
Do we have to be baptized in the correct way? YES Acts 22:16, Matt 3:6, etc
Are works needed to show repentance?
Are works needed for salvation?
We must repent to be converted. Acts 3:19, what is conversion?
Notes: Bring your check marks over from prior studies.
¨ By believing, John Doe is not saved ONLY NEARER to salvation and has been sealed with God’s promise of salvation until all of God’s conditions are met! Rom 13:11, Eph 1:30, Eph 4:30.
¨ By repenting, JD is being obedient to God. Mark 1:15, Acts 2:38
¨ If we don’t repent, we will not receive salvation. Luke 13:3, Luke 13:5, Revelation 2:16, Rev 2:22, Rev 3:3
¨ No Faith (The end of faith is the salvation of the soul). 1 Peter 1:9
X Baptism is needed to get the full assurance of faith. Heb 10:22
¨ No Sanctification, because we are sanctified by faith, Acts 26:18
¨ X Did not complete faith because he was not baptized. Heb 10:22
¨ JD is not sanctified, because we are sanctified by faith, and he is short of faith, because baptism is needed to get the full assurance of faith! Acts 26:18, Heb 10:22.
¨ No saving grace, because we are saved by grace through faith, Eph 2:8
(Questionable) Because of his lack of faith/obedience, JD did not get baptized. Being disobedient to God by not being baptized. Questionable only because he was already baptized but as a baby.
o No confession, because confessing being a sinner and baptism go together, and JD was not baptized as an adult. Also, because JD was too small to even know what confessing or sin is. Matt 3:6, Mark 1:5.
o No clear consciencetoward God. Because Baptism is the answer of a good conscience toward God. 1 Peter 3:21
o No remission of sins. Because JD was not baptized. Water baptism is done in order to receive remission of sins. Acts 2:38.
o No Faith (The end of faith is the salvation of the soul). 1 Peter 1:9
X Baptism is needed to get the full assurance of faith. Heb 10:22
o No baptism, No remission of his past sins, No clear conscience. 1 Peter 3:21,
o JD died a sinner in the eyes of God.
o John Doe Did not make it into Heaven!
Do you agree, yes or no?
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Making a final point or reminder on Baptism.
What do we know about disobedience or what can we learn?
Obedience is the practical acceptance of the authority and will of God. It includes submitting to Him and then expressing that submission in actions, words, and thoughts. To be obedient is to be in agreement with God. To be in agreement and obedient to God and His commandments is to love God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.
The only way to keep the first commandment is to love God, and the only way to love God is by being obedient to His commandments. There is no other way around it. It is a plain and simple circle. You will learn this in study #35.
The biblical truth is that if you wait to be baptized and die before you get baptized apart from being disobedient for whatever time you waited, you will end up not saved or nicely put “in hell”.
Because during water baptism is where you receive remission of sins, and JD did not get to it; it just means He died a sinner. NOT SAVED!
In the book of Acts, we have the account of the conversion of the Apostle Paul. In Acts chapter 9, Paul is traveling on the road up to Damascus to persecute Christians. The Lord appears to Paul on the road and strikes him blind. In verse 5 He tells Paul, "I am Christ whom you are persecuting." In verse 6 Paul asks, "Lord what do you want me to do? Then the Lord said to Paul, arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." The Lord did not tell Paul what he must do, but that someone in the city would tell him what he must do.
In Acts 9:9, after Paul went into the city, "And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. He had just found out that all the years in his zeal while persecuting the Lord's church, he had actually been persecuting the Lord. Paul was most likely overwhelmed and broken-hearted in finding out that he had been wrong all these years.
Let's see now what Paul was told to what he must do. In Acts chapter 22, a man named Ananias, who was sent by the Lord, came to Paul, and miraculously restored Paul's eyesight. Notice what Paul was told by Ananias what he must do. Acts 22:16, "And now why are you waiting? Arise, and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord."
Paul’s sins had not been remitted three days earlier while on the road to Damascus, as Satan would like for us to believe. Paul up to this point was still lost, because he still had all his sins that needed to be washed away. Paul still had a sin problem.
Obedience to the Lord's command to be baptized was necessary to wash away Paul's sins. At the point of water baptism every sin that we have ever committed will be taken away (remitted, erased), BUT it must be done for that purpose.
Again, have you been baptized for the purpose of having your sins completely erased/washed away? If you have not, then you still have a sin problem and therefore you are still lost, and the Holy Spirit is not indwelling within you!
Paul was not told "to pray the sinner’s prayer and ask Christ to come into his heart in order to be saved." This is foreign to the scripture. You cannot find anywhere in the Bible where anyone was ever told to do this. Since God in the Bible has never told anyone "To pray and ask Christ to come into your heart in order to be saved", who else but Satan could have come up with such an idea?
Remission of your sins occurs in the mind of God and not based on man's feeling in his heart.
Only when we have done what God has said that we must do, will God remit our sins. We cannot devise our own plan as to how our sins are to be remitted. Paul believed as soon as our Lord confronted him, but he was not saved at that moment.