How do you become a child of God?

[mailmandan]

I would advise you to do the same thing.....when you read the Book Of Acts, you need to go beyond Acts2:38.... read about the transition of obtaining the Holy Spirit by water baptism , preached by Peter and see how later, Paul showed that it could be obtained by simply Believing.....Peter came to agree with Oaul on the matter....and Not the other way around.Goodbye.

Amen! We need to compare the fact that these Gentiles in Acts 10:45 received the gift of the Holy Spirit (compare with Acts 2:38 - the gift of the Holy Spirit) and this was BEFORE water baptism. (Acts 10:47)

In Acts 10:43 we read ..whoever believes in Him receives remission of sins. Again, these Gentiles received the gift of the Holy Spirit - Acts 10:45 - when they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ - Acts 11:17 - (compare with Acts 16:31 - Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved) BEFORE water baptism - Acts 10:47. This is referred to as repentance unto life - Acts 11:18.

*So the only logical conclusion when properly harmonizing scripture with scripture is that faith in Jesus Christ "implied in genuine repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 15:8,9; 16:31; 26:18). *Perfect Harmony*

It's critical that we properly hamonize scripture with scripture before reaching our conclusion on doctrine. Those who teach salvation by "water and works" end up having to distort and pervert passages of scripture in an effort to "patch together" their so called gospel plan.

 

[DJT_47]

I would advise you to do the same thing.....when you read the Book Of Acts, you need to go beyond Acts2:38.... read about the transition of obtaining the Holy Spirit by water baptism , preached by Peter and see how later, Paul showed that it could be obtained by simply Believing.....Peter came to agree with Oaul on the matter....and Not the other way around.Goodbye.

Not so. What scriptures say or infer that? There are none! And read the letters that Paul wrote.

 

[DJT_47]

Amen! We need to compare the fact that these Gentiles in Acts 10:45 received the gift of the Holy Spirit (compare with Acts 2:38 - the gift of the Holy Spirit) and this was BEFORE water baptism. (Acts 10:47)

In Acts 10:43 we read ..whoever believes in Him receives remission of sins. Again, these Gentiles received the gift of the Holy Spirit - Acts 10:45 - when they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ - Acts 11:17 - (compare with Acts 16:31 - Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved) BEFORE water baptism - Acts 10:47. This is referred to as repentance unto life - Acts 11:18.

*So the only logical conclusion when properly harmonizing scripture with scripture is that faith in Jesus Christ "implied in genuine repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 15:8,9; 16:31; 26:18). *Perfect Harmony*

It's critical that we properly hamonize scripture with scripture before reaching our conclusion on doctrine. Those who teach salvation by "water and works" end up having to distort and pervert passages of scripture in an effort to "patch together" their so called gospel plan.

You are not understanding Acts 10 nor are you understanding Acts 2:38.
The gift (singular, not gifts) of the Holy Ghost in Acts 2:38, is the Holy Ghost or Spirit itself which everyone receives upon baptism, and NOT the gifts obtained by or through the Spirit, those listed in 1 Cor 12:8-10, that were miraculously manifested upon the laying on of the apostle's hands such as was done in Acts 19 after the Ephesians were re-baptized into Christ after which Paul laid his hands on them in order for them to receive the gifts, plural (not the gift of the Holy Ghost). After doing so, they spoke in other tongues and prophesied.

The miraculous nature of the falling of the Holy Ghost in Acts 2 and 10 was unique and not the norm, as a sign to the Jews in 2 and a sign to Peter and his company in Acts 10, for the purpose of heavenly validation in order to justify what was occurring. In both instances the church got it's start, 1st in Jerusalem amongst the Jews as noted in Acts 2, and in Caesarea amongst the Gentiles as noted in Acts 10. These are the only 2 instances noted in the bible where the Spirit fell this way enabling the gifts prior to the laying on of the apostle's hands.

I suggest YOU study this carefully.

 

[mailmandan]

You are not understanding Acts 10 nor are you understanding Acts 2:38.
The gift (singular, not gifts) of the Holy Ghost in Acts 2:38, is the Holy Ghost or Spirit itself which everyone receives upon baptism, and NOT the gifts obtained by or through the Spirit, those listed in 1 Cor 12:8-10, that were miraculously manifested upon the laying on of the apostle's hands such as was done in Acts 19 after the Ephesians were re-baptized into Christ after which Paul laid his hands on them in order for them to receive the gifts, plural (not the gift of the Holy Ghost). After doing so, they spoke in other tongues and prophesied.

The miraculous nature of the falling of the Holy Ghost in Acts 2 and 10 was unique and not the norm, as a sign to the Jews in 2 and a sign to Peter and his company in Acts 10, for the purpose of heavenly validation in order to justify what was occurring. In both instances the church got it's start, 1st in Jerusalem amongst the Jews as noted in Acts 2, and in Caesarea amongst the Gentiles as noted in Acts 10. These are the only 2 instances noted in the bible where the Spirit fell this way enabling the gifts prior to the laying on of the apostle's hands.

I suggest YOU study this carefully.

In Acts 2:38, "for the remission of sins" does not refer back to both clauses, "you all repent" and "each one of you be baptized," but refers only to the first. Peter is saying "repent unto the remission of your sins," the same as in Acts 3:19. The clause "each one of you be baptized" is parenthetical. This is exactly what Acts 3:19 teaches except that Peter omits the parenthesis.

These Gentiles in Acts 10:43-47 had already believed, received the gift of the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues (spiritual gift which is only for the body of Christ - 1 Corinthians 12) BEFORE they were water baptized in verse 48.

In Acts 19:2, Paul asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed and their answer in verse 3 reveals that had not yet believed in Jesus unto salvation. They had received the baptism of John but did not realize that Jesus Christ was the One to whom John's baptism pointed. Paul gave them instructions about Jesus and after they believed Paul's presentation of the gospel and came to saving faith in Christ, they were then baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Paul laid hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit (which was not the case in Acts 2 and Acts 10, exception not the rule).

Although the miraculous sign gifts that occurred in Acts 10 did validate to the Jews that God has accepted the Gentiles, this still does not change the fact that these Gentiles, believed, received the gift of the Holy Spirit, spoke in tongues and were saved BEFORE receiving water baptism. I have already studied this carefully.

So the evidence is overwhelming that these Gentles believed, received the gift of the Holy Spirit, spoke in tongues, magnified God, and were saved and a part of the body of Christ before they were water baptized. Certain Jews may have wanted to forbid them from being baptized because of their unacceptance of the Gentiles, but Peter clearly states that SURELY NO ONE CAN REFUSE. These Gentiles were clearly SAVED BEFORE WATER BAPTISM and the Holy Spirit was proof of this.

Romans 8:9 - But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. If one has received the Holy Spirit they "belong" to Christ. To belong to Christ does not describe the condition of a lost unbeliever but a saved believer - such was the case of these Gentiles before they were water baptized.

1 John 4:13 - By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. Because they received the Holy Spirit, these Gentiles abided in God and God abided in them. To abide in God and to have God abide in you does not describe the condition of a lost unbeliever but a saved believer - such was the case of these Gentiles before they were water baptized.

We do not receive the gift of tongues, which is only for the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-12), without first receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (indwelling, regenerating presence of the Holy Spirit). We don't receive "a" gift of the Holy Spirit until we first receive "the gift of the Holy Spirit" and these Gentiles clearly received the gift of the Holy Spirit before they were water baptized.

 

[ElieG12]

Hold on.. 'faith without works is dead'.. this verse doesn't stand alone.

What are the examples James gives of people?

Abraham.. offering his son Isaac up.. Abraham believed and was converted before doing this. He already had faith. If he didn't do the act.. his faith would be unused.. dormant.. useless.. dead as in lifeless.. but not lost or never had it.

Rahab-- example of someone who already has faith.. who used it to shelter people. They weren't saved eternally by their work.. but showed they already had it. If they didn't do it.. their faith would be unused..dormant.. useless.. dead as in lifeless. But not lost or never had it.

Same goes for the other cases.

People who already have faith.. that if they didn't do what they did.. it would have been unfruitful and lifeless. Not lost.. or never had it.

Faith without works.. is only saving faith. Faith with works.. is an active everyday faith.

Those are just cliches. James said what he said.

... and the words of Paul that are quoted by those who do not wish to abandon their life of sins, refer only to the works that are done to fulfill the law of Moses. Christians are not under that law (they are not required to abide by the statutes of the law of Moses), but they are under the law of the Christ, which includes works of devotion to God and giving up sinful practices.

It is not for nothing that the Bible says "unrighteous persons will not inherit God’s kingdom"... "Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men, nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners" (1 Cor.6:8-10).

If you think Christians don't need works to inherit God's kingdom, then you are contradicting what the Scriptures say ... or need to practice language comprehension.

 

[DJT_47]

In Acts 2:38, "for the remission of sins" does not refer back to both clauses, "you all repent" and "each one of you be baptized," but refers only to the first. Peter is saying "repent unto the remission of your sins," the same as in Acts 3:19. The clause "each one of you be baptized" is parenthetical. This is exactly what Acts 3:19 teaches except that Peter omits the parenthesis.

These Gentiles in Acts 10:43-47 had already believed, received the gift of the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues (spiritual gift which is only for the body of Christ - 1 Corinthians 12) BEFORE they were water baptized in verse 48.

In Acts 19:2, Paul asked them if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed and their answer in verse 3 reveals that had not yet believed in Jesus unto salvation. They had received the baptism of John but did not realize that Jesus Christ was the One to whom John's baptism pointed. Paul gave them instructions about Jesus and after they believed Paul's presentation of the gospel and came to saving faith in Christ, they were then baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Paul laid hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit (which was not the case in Acts 2 and Acts 10, exception not the rule).

Although the miraculous sign gifts that occurred in Acts 10 did validate to the Jews that God has accepted the Gentiles, this still does not change the fact that these Gentiles, believed, received the gift of the Holy Spirit, spoke in tongues and were saved BEFORE receiving water baptism. I have already studied this carefully.

So the evidence is overwhelming that these Gentles believed, received the gift of the Holy Spirit, spoke in tongues, magnified God, and were saved and a part of the body of Christ before they were water baptized. Certain Jews may have wanted to forbid them from being baptized because of their unacceptance of the Gentiles, but Peter clearly states that SURELY NO ONE CAN REFUSE. These Gentiles were clearly SAVED BEFORE WATER BAPTISM and the Holy Spirit was proof of this.

Romans 8:9 - But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. If one has received the Holy Spirit they "belong" to Christ. To belong to Christ does not describe the condition of a lost unbeliever but a saved believer - such was the case of these Gentiles before they were water baptized.

1 John 4:13 - By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. Because they received the Holy Spirit, these Gentiles abided in God and God abided in them. To abide in God and to have God abide in you does not describe the condition of a lost unbeliever but a saved believer - such was the case of these Gentiles before they were water baptized.

We do not receive the gift of tongues, which is only for the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:4-12), without first receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (indwelling, regenerating presence of the Holy Spirit). We don't receive "a" gift of the Holy Spirit until we first receive "the gift of the Holy Spirit" and these Gentiles clearly received the gift of the Holy Spirit before they were water baptized.

The only way the miraculous gifts were manifested other than Acts 10, which was not the norm and unique as a sign the Gentiles could be brought into the church, was by the laying on of the apostle's hands as shown by Acts 19 with Paul. The Gentiles did not have the indwelling of the Spirit nor were their sins remitted nor saved, nor were they yet a part of the Lord's body, which was why they still required baptism. The Spirit fell uniquely only twice. Once on the apostles in Acts 2 and once on the Gentiles in Acts 10. All other times for the miraculous gifts to be manifested required the laying on of the apostle's hands. Acts 2 and 10 are unique and by no means nullifies the need for baptism as a requirement to be saved, become part of the body of Christ, or receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

 

[360watt]

Those are just cliches. James said what he said.

... and the words of Paul that are quoted by those who do not wish to abandon their life of sins, refer only to the works that are done to fulfill the law of Moses. Christians are not under that law (they are not required to abide by the statutes of the law of Moses), but they are under the law of the Christ, which includes works of devotion to God and giving up sinful practices.

It is not for nothing that the Bible says "unrighteous persons will not inherit God’s kingdom"... "Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men, nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners" (1 Cor.6:8-10).

If you think Christians don't need works to inherit God's kingdom, then you are contradicting what the Scriptures say ... or need to practice language comprehension.

Well, when a believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, they have been given eternal life. John 3:16, 5:24, 3:36

From this.. because the Holy Spirit is indwelling them.. when they sin.. they get convicted to flee from it. So it is unlikely that a believer will persist in deliberate sin. There will be fruit from being saved.

But this doesn't mean works are needed to get entrance to heaven. There are extra rewards in heaven for those who are faithful, but Jesus doesn't undo His gift given when believers struggle with sin.

The reality is that a significant number of posters -- who are believers -- on this site will probably have problems with looking at adult content on the internet. Have they all lost salvation? Were they all never saved in the first place?

NO!

Why? Think about the sin that famous people like David committed. And Solomon.

This isn't an excuse to go on sinning.. but it's thinking about Jesus' mercy and grace in saving someone at giving them eternal life.

Also-- inheritance in the kingdom.. this is about rewards.. not entrance. Getting a crown for a life of service to God.. then a believer gets a greater inheritance. Being saved.. but then not going on with their faith.. they lose rewards.. have little to no inheritance.

Or the other way to look at it is if someone is characterised by those terms such as an adulterer.. that's not really describing someone who was saved in the first place. A person who is characterised as an adulterer.. extortioner.. murderer all their life.. that isn't describing a believer.

 

[DJT_47]

A baptized believer is indwelt with the Holy Spirit not simply a believer.

 

[GRACE ambassador]

A baptized believer is indwelt with the Holy Spirit not simply a believer.

Depends, since UNbelievers can be baptized, and NOT "indwelt by the Spirit" - ie:

Three Bible Baptisms:​

God's Context Of Prophecy/Law for ISRAEL:

►►► The Twelve Were Sent to {water} baptize! ◄◄◄

The TWO Main (of 12) baptismS =
A) water, For remission of sins/induction into Israeli "priesthood!":
(Matthew_3:5-6; Mark_1:4; Luke_3:3; John_1:31; Luke_7:29-30; Acts_10:37)
(Matthew_28:19; Mark_16:16; Acts_2:38, 22:16; Ezekiel_36:25; Isaiah 52:15)
+
B) WITH The Holy Spirit, Poured Out By CHRIST, for power, signs And wonders!
(Isaiah_44:3; Matthew_3:11; Mark_1:8, 16:17-18;
Luke_24:49; Acts_2:17-18, 38, 8:15-17, 11:16)
God’s Context Of Prophecy/Law for ISRAEL!

Rightly Divided (2 Timothy 2:15) From “Things That Differ” (online)

God's Other Context Of Mystery/GRACE! =
our "apostle to the Gentiles" for The Body Of CHRIST:

►►► Paul Was Not Sent to {water} baptize! Why Not?: ◄◄◄

Today:

Only ONE Baptism = "BY" The ONE Spirit = God's OPERATION {#13},
Spiritually Identifying members In (The ONE Body Of) CHRIST!!
(Ephesians_4:5; Colossians_2:12; Galatians_3:27;
Romans_6:3-4; 1_Corinthians_12:13 KJB!)

Conclusion:

1) Today, Under Grace, believers, Baptized By The ONE Baptism Of The
Spirit, Into The Body Of Christ, Are Indwelt With The One Spirit, By
"Grace Through faith!" (God's OPERATION, Since "He Knows the heart!")

2) God's ONE Baptism Today? = ONE

or Equals two? = water problem with God's Math! Correct?

----------------------------------

These have also been Very Helpful:

Bible Answer To Confusing church Bewilderment!
and:
Water That Divides!!

Grace, Peace, And JOY!...

 

[Philip James]

It’s really amazing that all one has to do is believe, and when the receive what is promised being the Holy Spirit to be sent to dwell in the heart of a person, that person can have full and complete trust that they have been made right with God because of what Jesus did.

The Spirit and the bride say, "Come." Let the hearer say, "Come." Let the one who thirsts come forward, and the one who wants it receive the gift of life-giving water.

Pax et Bonum

 

[360watt]

Luk_18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.

(Romans 10:8) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
(Romans 10:9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
(Romans 10:10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
(Romans 10:11) For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

There it is!

 

[DJT_47]

Depends, since UNbelievers can be baptized, and NOT "indwelt by the Spirit" - ie:

Three Bible Baptisms:​

God's Context Of Prophecy/Law for ISRAEL:

►►► The Twelve Were Sent to {water} baptize! ◄◄◄

The TWO Main (of 12) baptismS =
A) water, For remission of sins/induction into Israeli "priesthood!":
(Matthew_3:5-6; Mark_1:4; Luke_3:3; John_1:31; Luke_7:29-30; Acts_10:37)
(Matthew_28:19; Mark_16:16; Acts_2:38, 22:16; Ezekiel_36:25; Isaiah 52:15)
+
B) WITH The Holy Spirit, Poured Out By CHRIST, for power, signs And wonders!
(Isaiah_44:3; Matthew_3:11; Mark_1:8, 16:17-18;
Luke_24:49; Acts_2:17-18, 38, 8:15-17, 11:16)
God’s Context Of Prophecy/Law for ISRAEL!

Rightly Divided (2 Timothy 2:15) From “Things That Differ” (online)

God's Other Context Of Mystery/GRACE! =
our "apostle to the Gentiles" for The Body Of CHRIST:

►►► Paul Was Not Sent to {water} baptize! Why Not?: ◄◄◄

Today:

Only ONE Baptism = "BY" The ONE Spirit = God's OPERATION {#13},
Spiritually Identifying members In (The ONE Body Of) CHRIST!!
(Ephesians_4:5; Colossians_2:12; Galatians_3:27;
Romans_6:3-4; 1_Corinthians_12:13 KJB!)

Conclusion:

1) Today, Under Grace, believers, Baptized By The ONE Baptism Of The
Spirit, Into The Body Of Christ, Are Indwelt With The One Spirit, By
"Grace Through faith!" (God's OPERATION, Since "He Knows the heart!")

2) God's ONE Baptism Today? = ONE

or Equals two? = water problem with God's Math! Correct?

----------------------------------

These have also been Very Helpful:

Bible Answer To Confusing church Bewilderment!
and:
Water That Divides!!

Grace, Peace, And JOY!...

I did say a baptized believer. Also, that's another reason infant baptism makes zero sense: they haven't believed. And regarding Paul, you have to read a bit further in that letter regarding. Paul planted and Apollos watered 1 Cor 3:6

 

[mailmandan]

The only way the miraculous gifts were manifested other than Acts 10, which was not the norm and unique as a sign the Gentiles could be brought into the church, was by the laying on of the apostle's hands as shown by Acts 19 with Paul.

The laying on of the apostles hands before receiving the Holy Spirit in Acts 19 was the exception, not the rule. The same can be said of these Samaritan believers in this unique situation in Acts 8. The Jews were hostile towards the Samaritans and the laying on of hands by the apostles would authenticate God's purpose to include them in the body of Christ and bring church unity.

The Gentiles did not have the indwelling of the Spirit nor were their sins remitted nor saved, nor were they yet a part of the Lord's body, which was why they still required baptism. The Spirit fell uniquely only twice. Once on the apostles in Acts 2 and once on the Gentiles in Acts 10. All other times for the miraculous gifts to be manifested required the laying on of the apostle's hands. Acts 2 and 10 are unique and by no means nullifies the need for baptism as a requirement to be saved, become part of the body of Christ, or receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

The Gentiles DID have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, were saved and part of the Lord's body when they BELIEVED in Acts 10:43 PRIOR to receiving water baptism. Again, you need to compare the fact that these Gentiles in Acts 10:45 received the gift of the Holy Spirit (compare with Acts 2:38 - the gift of the Holy Spirit) and this was BEFORE water baptism. (Acts 10:47)

In Acts 10:43 we read ..whoever believes in Him receives remission of sins. Again, these Gentiles received the gift of the Holy Spirit - Acts 10:45 - when they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ - Acts 11:17 - (compare with Acts 16:31 - Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved) BEFORE water baptism - Acts 10:47. This is referred to as repentance unto life - Acts 11:18.

Acts 10:43-47 absolutely nullifies water baptism as a requirement to be saved and if we are honest, the only logical conclusion when properly harmonizing scripture with scripture is that faith in Jesus Christ "implied in genuine repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 15:8,9; 16:31; 26:18). *Perfect Harmony*

 

[mailmandan]

A baptized believer is indwelt with the Holy Spirit not simply a believer.

Ephesians 1:13 - In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, (what happened to baptism?) 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

 

[DJT_47]

Ephesians 1:13 - In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, (what happened to baptism?) 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.

You cherrypick scripture and do not consider all relevant scriptures. And yes, it is the gospel of salvation if you believe, but it also requires your obedience. Belief will not save your soul. Belief doesn't remit sins. Belief doesn't add you to the church. Keep dreaming.

 

[mailmandan]

You cherrypick scripture and do not consider all relevant scriptures. And yes, it is the gospel of salvation if you believe, but it also requires your obedience. Belief will not save your soul. Belief doesn't remit sins. Belief doesn't add you to the church. Keep dreaming.

I properly harmonize scripture with scripture. You "add" works to believing the gospel. Acts 10:43 - Whoever believes in Him (apart from additions or modifications) receives remission of sins. Belief does add you to the church. (Acts 4:4; 5:14) I don't need to dream. Christ's finished work of redemption is sufficient and complete to save believers. (Romans 3:24-28) No supplements needed.

 

[DJT_47]

The laying on of the apostles hands before receiving the Holy Spirit in Acts 19 was the exception, not the rule. The same can be said of these Samaritan believers in this unique situation in Acts 8. The Jews were hostile towards the Samaritans and the laying on of hands by the apostles would authenticate God's purpose to include them in the body of Christ and bring church unity.

The Gentiles DID have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, were saved and part of the Lord's body when they BELIEVED in Acts 10:43 PRIOR to receiving water baptism. Again, you need to compare the fact that these Gentiles in Acts 10:45 received the gift of the Holy Spirit (compare with Acts 2:38 - the gift of the Holy Spirit) and this was BEFORE water baptism. (Acts 10:47)

In Acts 10:43 we read ..whoever believes in Him receives remission of sins. Again, these Gentiles received the gift of the Holy Spirit - Acts 10:45 - when they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ - Acts 11:17 - (compare with Acts 16:31 - Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved) BEFORE water baptism - Acts 10:47. This is referred to as repentance unto life - Acts 11:18.

Acts 10:43-47 absolutely nullifies water baptism as a requirement to be saved and if we are honest, the only logical conclusion when properly harmonizing scripture with scripture is that faith in Jesus Christ "implied in genuine repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 15:8,9; 16:31; 26:18). *Perfect Harmony*

You have it backwards. Acts 19 was the rule or the exception. Read the account of Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8:8

18And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

I properly harmonize scripture with scripture. You "add" works to believing the gospel. Acts 10:43 - Whoever believes in Him (apart from additions or modifications) receives remission of sins. Belief does add you to the church. (Acts 4:4; 5:14) I don't need to dream. Christ's finished work of redemption is sufficient and complete to save believers. (Romans 3:24-28) No supplements needed.

For Acts 10:43 to be all that's necessary, you have to throw out and disregard many other scriptures that clearly say other things are also required. Scripture doesn't contradict itself. And belief doesn't add you to the church; the Lord does per Acts 2:47. You can't be added to the body while being in sin and baptism remits sin. Keep dreaming.

 

[mailmandan]

You have it backwards. Acts 19 was the rule or the exception. Read the account of Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8:8

18And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

For Acts 10:43 to be all that's necessary, you have to throw out and disregard many other scriptures that clearly say other things are also required. Scripture doesn't contradict itself. And belief doesn't add you to the church; the Lord does per Acts 2:47. You can't be added to the body while being in sin and baptism remits sin. Keep dreaming.

Simon the sorcerer in Samaria is said to have “believed and was baptized” at the preaching of Philip (Acts 8:13) but later, when Simon offers the apostles money to have their ability to impart the Holy Spirit (verses 18–19), he is rebuked by Peter. Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. (verses 20-21) Even though we read that Simon "believed," the remainder of the verse hints at the true object of his belief: "the miracles and signs which were done." No saving belief in Christ.

In Acts 19:2, Paul asked these disciples of John if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed and their answer in verses 2-3 reveals that they had not yet believed in Christ unto salvation. They had not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit and they received the baptism of John, but did not realize that Jesus Christ was the One to whom John's baptism pointed. Paul gave them instructions about Jesus and after they believed Paul's presentation of the gospel and came to saving belief in Christ, they were then baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Paul laid hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit which again, is the exception, not the rule.

I know multiple people who had been water baptized in various false religions and cults, including Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, Campbellism etc... but were not saved at the time they first received water baptism because they did not truly believe the gospel. I used to be one of them. Upon later coming to believe the gospel and joining a Christian church, such people were re-baptized and this time it was "believers" baptism. If you can believe that every single "professing" Christian who has ever lived truly believed the gospel when they received water baptism, then you can believe anything and are extremely naive.

In Acts 2:47, the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. How are we saved? By grace through faith and not by works. (Ephesians 2:8,9) How were they added to the church in Acts 4:4 and Acts 5:14? By believing. Let's be consistent. Acts 10:43 is not in contradiction to numerous passages of scripture and if other requirements were also necessary for salvation "after" one believes, then we would have a contradiction. I will keep believing and you can keep dreaming.

 

[DJT_47]

Simon the sorcerer in Samaria is said to have “believed and was baptized” at the preaching of Philip (Acts 8:13) but later, when Simon offers the apostles money to have their ability to impart the Holy Spirit (verses 18–19), he is rebuked by Peter. Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. (verses 20-21) Even though we read that Simon "believed," the remainder of the verse hints at the true object of his belief: "the miracles and signs which were done." No saving belief in Christ.

In Acts 19:2, Paul asked these disciples of John if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed and their answer in verses 2-3 reveals that they had not yet believed in Christ unto salvation. They had not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit and they received the baptism of John, but did not realize that Jesus Christ was the One to whom John's baptism pointed. Paul gave them instructions about Jesus and after they believed Paul's presentation of the gospel and came to saving belief in Christ, they were then baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Paul laid hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit which again, is the exception, not the rule.

I know multiple people who had been water baptized in various false religions and cults, including Roman Catholicism, Mormonism, Campbellism etc... but were not saved at the time they first received water baptism because they did not truly believe the gospel. I used to be one of them. Upon later coming to believe the gospel and joining a Christian church, such people were re-baptized and this time it was "believers" baptism. If you can believe that every single "professing" Christian who has ever lived truly believed the gospel when they received water baptism, then you can believe anything and are extremely naive.

In Acts 2:47, the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. How are we saved? By grace through faith and not by works. (Ephesians 2:8,9) How were they added to the church in Acts 4:4 and Acts 5:14? By believing. Let's be consistent. Acts 10:43 is not in contradiction to numerous passages of scripture and if other requirements were also necessary for salvation "after" one believes, then we would have a contradiction. I will keep believing and you can keep dreaming.

Believe what you like. You don't know what you're talking about. Goodbye

 

[mailmandan]

Believe what you like. You don't know what you're talking about. Goodbye

I know exactly what I am talking about and I certainly will continue to believe in the name of the Son of God and know that I have eternal life. (1 John 5:13) Praise God!