Hi Benji, I'd like to challenge your OSAS belief with what Jesus himself said in John 14:15. Do you think Jesus was being bad and legalistic by saying to keep his commandments? If a Christian is already saved and doesn't have to keep his commandments then what incentive is there to? Is there any negative consequence whatsoever if a Christian mass murders people or worships satan or does any number of despicable things? If you claim he's not a real Christian, no, he is. I know people who are 100% absolutely Christians and some turn to denounce Jesus and do horrible things. They were Christians. If all you do is believe to be saved, do you believe Hitler and most people on earth are saved?
Neighbor, I'll answer your questions but after that we must cease this communication because God commands me to. First with all due respect being born of water does not mean our fleshly birth that's not in the bible and that phrase has never referred to our fleshly birth. We also cannot do anything to make ourselves born again just like there was nothing we can do to be born naturally. We are born not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible and that incorruptible seed is the word of God. Lastly, people are damned if they are not baptized because they have not believed in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Lord will take vengeance on those that obey not the gospel. I will pray for you Benji.
When I was younger I was involved in street ministry. I too thought Catholics were derailed until I ran into 3 Catholic teens who had just had someone tell them they were going to hell for praying to Mary, mother of Jesus. I asked them WHAT they believed about Jesus. Do you believe Jesus is the son of God? Do you believe He lived a perfect sinless life? That he was crucified on the Cross for your sins? That He died and 3 days later was resurrected to life. They all said yes to each question. I hugged them and prayed for their pain of being accused. Luke ch. 1:48 prophesies: ALL GENERATIONS shall call Mary BLESSED. Catholics do this. Do not Judge them.
Let's talk about the verses quoted. First, Born of Water does not mean Water Baptism. "Water" is the flesh birth from your Mom, How do we know? Jesus says in the next verse: "That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit". We are born sinners(1st birth) then we are born again(2nd Birth). Next Question: How do I get born again 1 John 5: Whosoever BELIEVETH that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. You aren't born again when you're Baptized. Also, read the rest of Mark 16:16: but he that BELIEVETH not shall be damned. So are people damned because they didn't get baptized? No. It is clear that the only reason someone is damned because they did not believe.
Benji, the letter to the Ephesians was written to the church in Ephesus. Acts 19 talks of how that church came to be and in verse 5 they were baptized. They were saved by grace through the faith they had by believing and obeying the gospel of Jesus Christ. Also, the Gospel according to Mark and the story of the thief on the cross took place during the time of the Old Testament when all the Jews simply had to believe in their Messiah to be saved. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, "Except a man be born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom Of God," and, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Peace be unto you in Jesus' name.
I think you're confusing our Christian walk with Salvation. like I said to Waunda: " Baptism, AFTER we are saved, is good, and if if you can be baptized then go ahead. But NOT to be saved.".So I'm not saying don't be Baptised. I'm saying you don't have to be baptized, to be saved. You said it was a requirement for Salvation. That's a problem. And on top of that, you said you have to earn it (Salvation) another problem. Because Salvation is the GIFT of God and that not of ourselves (See Ephesians 2:8-9). And let me emphasize John 3:36 again: He that believeth on the Son HATH everlasting life. Meaning the moment you believe you HAVE it. You don't earn it. That's works Salvation.
My brother, please reconsider your views on this. Jesus is our role model. We must study the life of Christ and how he walked this earth. Jesus taught us that we must love as he did. Pray as he did. Help as he did. Jesus himself was baptized Matthew 3:16 - Matt 20:22&23. As you mentioned, we must believe Jesus is the way. You must also understand that Baptism is necessary for the Christian that once you believe on Jesus and accept him, baptism is a symbolic act of you dying to the world(self)of sin, and resurrecting in the new life of Jesus. 2 Corinth 5:17 Says if you are in Christ you are a new creature. Baptism symbolizes that newness. Grace gives you a right to salvation, have to earn it.
Spreading love and positivity across the Nation, World, and Universe! Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty! He who was, is, and is to come! Glory be to the Lord God Almighty! I praise you Lord! I bless you Lord! I humble myself! I rebuke satan and I repent! I worship thee! I exalt thee! I bow down to thee!
No Baptism is not a requirement to be saved. We are told again and again in the Bible that the man who trusts in Christ has everlasting life immediately. John 3:36 says:
"He that believeth on the Son HATH everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." Same in John 5:24 and John 6:47. We are saved by grace well before we even touch the water.
And since grace means a free undeserved gift, any act or commitment intended to merit salvation is necessarily excluded ( Rom. 11:6). Understand all men are saved the same way, by believing on Jesus. That's why the thief on the cross could go to Heaven despite not being baptized.
Well first, a saved Christian isn't sinless. No one's sinless. That's why you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ because only his righteousness can get you to heaven. And James's listeners were Christians ( James 2:1) "My brethren, do not hold the faith of OUR Lord Jesus Christ, etc." This sort of statement can only be made to Jewish believers
Also, I never said no faith will save you. But aside from that let me talk about "faith without works is dead". When something is dead does that mean it's non-exsistant? No. In context, it means it's unprofitable or inactive. The presence of faith is not in question, remember these are believers. Salvation is done with. Now he's talking about service.
Thanks for your opinion. I believe James 2 is talking about how to be saved, because in verse 5 it says "God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom". He's talking about who is able to go to heaven. And verse 13 he talks about judgment. If he was talking to 'saved' Christians then why would James be warning them about judgment and avoiding sin with good works? If they were 'saved' Christians and sinless then why in verses 9-11 does he warn them to not sin? It clearly says in verse 26 that faith without works is dead, but you're saying people with dead or no faith can still enter heaven? That contradicts the whole point of this chapter. This chapter is a warning.
Waunda, There are many verses throughout the Bible that say again and again that we are saved apart from works/acts of righteousness. This includes Baptism (water) which is an act of righteousness/work. Baptism, AFTER we are saved, is good, and if if you can be baptized then go ahead. But NOT to be saved. To be saved will always be "Whosoever Believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life" John 3:16. You have God's word that child-like Faith in Jesus's finished work alone is sufficient. It's all Grace, 0 works. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God;" Eph. 2:8-9
Adam, I'll try to answer as best I can but I have limited Characters so my answers won't be as detailed as I want them to be. First, James isn't talking about how to be saved.You'll notice James calls his audience "brethren". He was talking to already saved people about rewards/Helping a brother in need/being justified in mans eyes/maturing your faith etc. And the demons believe "there is one God" (see James 2:19) not they believe the Gospel(which is 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 the truth that saves us). And if you've believed the Gospel. You've repented. You've changed your mind. You went from trusting in personal goodness/works/religion to Jesus alone. And will go to heaven when you die.
Hi Benji, have you read James 2? It says faith without works is dead (17), and even demons believe and have faith (19), so is satan and his demons going to heaven then? Also, if faith was all that is needed for salvation, why did Jesus say otherwise? Jesus said Luke 5:32 He called sinners to repentance. Do you claim that repentance isn't necessary? If so, are we to believe you over Jesus himself? This is reinforced in other scripture too: 1 John 1:9 (says to confess), and Acts 2:38. So, I'm interested in your interpretation of these other powerful verses and why you feel repentance and confession isn't needed to become a Christian? Link
David, Baptism is not a requirement to be saved, the only requirement to be saved is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone for Salvation, remember Ephesians 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. Baptism (Water) is a work. We put our Faith in Jesus alone(As instructed), not Jesus + Our Baptism. It's even clear that a man can be saved without being Baptized (Water). remember the thief on the cross who was never baptized but Jesus said " To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." I'm am not against Baptism by no means. But I'm convinced Faith alone in Jesus is enough to be saved.
Hi Benji. I am giving you this message not to cause contention but as a message of love because you have erred. Baptism in the name of Jesus is essential for salvation because it is for the remission of sins. Jesus said that unless a man is born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God and he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. I pray that you receive this message of love. Amen.
Sonti, you should abide in God's word on a daily basis not only in bad circumstances. Jesus said if you continue in his word then you will know the truth and the truth will make you free. Like Benji said you should ask God for understanding as you read and he will reveal to you answers in due time. However, contrary to what a few others have shared you need to be baptized to be saved. It is for the remission of your sins. Jesus said, "except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God," and he also said, "he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." One more thing, make sure you're baptized in Jesus' name and not the titles Father, Son, Holy Ghost.
Hello Sonti, I applaud you for wanting to read and understand the Bible. It can at times seem difficult, but really it's the perfect book, because it interprets itself. Isaiah 28:10 says you need to read more in depth.
1. Open your bible randomly, and pick ANY verse and read it.
2. Now go to the beginning of that chapter and read all the way down to that original verse -- does it give more meaning?
3. Each verse in the bible will have another verse that corresponds. If you look in the middle of your bible page, you will see the verse that you originally read, and it will have verses from other books to reference, they will provide even more clarity.
4. Pray for understanding ask God to help
Baptism is a "Requirement" for salvation. If that were not true, why did Jesus get baptized? Luke 3:21-22. Several scriptures that mention baptism and the need for it. John 3:5; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 2:41; This is just a few, but the baptism is a representation of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins, which were buried with him in the grave, but he rose again and left our sins in the grave. Thus when we are baptized we are to become new creatures in Christ and the sinful person is dead 2 Corinthians 5:17...You cannot enter into the Kingdom of heaven as you currently are. We are born of a sinful nature, and unless we bury that in the blood of Christ, we will not enter heaven.
Hello Sonti, I know the feeling. There are some things in scripture that are harder to understand than others. But I think James 1:5 has the answer you're looking for
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5 KJV
Also no you DON't have to be baptized. Particularly in regards to Salvation. Salvation is simply believing on the Lord Jesus Christ and his finished work. No works, no religious ceremonies no nothing.
Which I would say in case you haven't gotten saved yet that that should be first before you ask for wisdom. Alrighty, take care.
Please help me, I read bible mostly when I am sad and most cases I dont know which chapter should I open and will just open any chapter BUT, Here is the problem, I will read but at the end I will not undersand and unable to interpret, WHAT CAN I DO TO READ THE BIBLE WITH UNDRSTADING.
The phrase " turn from idols to serve the living God" arrested my attention. In it, the whole discussion of redemption was intuited along with the benefits of what that can bring. By implication what held the attention of the Thessolonians must have been dead though they were intensely devoted to it or them. Now, they were honoring one that was living and by extension could life them. What a praise! Further, their transformation was so far reaching, so life altering that they could not keep the " good news" to themselves. They moved out to speak and share of this living God that they had come to know. Powerful!
Rosemary Gumede, bless you for reading God's word, you are really not reading the bible, but actually the bible is reading you. I have heard pastors say this, and it is true. Please go to You tube and type in pastor Reg Kelly Table In The Wilderness and find his message Face In The Book , he gives a plan on how to read through the KJV Bible. It is a very good plan that he outlines here.
This book challenges me as a believer. It speaks to me about the importance of believing and being steadfast in Christ, in His Word and in deed. I love this book. So far here, I have just read the 1st chapter online and will continue to read. It is making me reflect on my own Christian walk. Back to reading studying.
John 3:36 says:
"He that believeth on the Son HATH everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." Same in John 5:24 and John 6:47. We are saved by grace well before we even touch the water.
And since grace means a free undeserved gift, any act or commitment intended to merit salvation is necessarily excluded ( Rom. 11:6). Understand all men are saved the same way, by believing on Jesus. That's why the thief on the cross could go to Heaven despite not being baptized.
Also, I never said no faith will save you. But aside from that let me talk about "faith without works is dead". When something is dead does that mean it's non-exsistant? No. In context, it means it's unprofitable or inactive. The presence of faith is not in question, remember these are believers. Salvation is done with. Now he's talking about service.
1. Open your bible randomly, and pick ANY verse and read it.
2. Now go to the beginning of that chapter and read all the way down to that original verse -- does it give more meaning?
3. Each verse in the bible will have another verse that corresponds. If you look in the middle of your bible page, you will see the verse that you originally read, and it will have verses from other books to reference, they will provide even more clarity.
4. Pray for understanding ask God to help
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5 KJV
Also no you DON't have to be baptized. Particularly in regards to Salvation. Salvation is simply believing on the Lord Jesus Christ and his finished work. No works, no religious ceremonies no nothing.
Which I would say in case you haven't gotten saved yet that that should be first before you ask for wisdom. Alrighty, take care.
IF I HAVE TO BE BIBPTISED, I WILL DO SO.