Bible Questions Answered

[CoreyD]

Is Baptism a requirement?

1 Peter 3:18-22
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

By means of his blood, Christ cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:14
Baptism is a response to God from [for] a clean conscience / pledge of a clear conscience toward God / an appeal to God for a good conscience, effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We get baptized as a response ot appeal to God, for a good conscience, which is effective through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
It is therefore a public token or sign of our friendship, or relationship with, and commitment to God.

Those who made such a vow to God, are happy to make this public.
This pleases God and his son Jesus Christ. How do we know?
Jesus said, at Matthew 10:32, 33
32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

Is it required by God and his son Jesus Christ though? Is it necessary?
Jesus said, at Matthew 28:19
Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

Jesus commanded baptism.
Not only did Jesus command it, but he taught it to his disciple, and also set the example.
Matthew 3:13-17
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.
16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Jesus' baptism was not in repentance for forgiveness of sins.
God publicly declared, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Jesus baptized his disciples John 3:22, 26, and his disciples in turn baptized others John 4:1, 2.

This baptism was not like John's - for repentance of sins. It was a requirement for those who accepted, and devoted their life to God, and his Christ.
“To be baptized into the name of any one implies a professed dependance on him, and devoted subjection to him; to be baptized, therefore, into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, implies a professed dependance on these three divine persons, jointly and equally, and a devoting of ourselves to them as worshippers and servants.

Hence, persons who initially were John's disciples, or were baptized by John, now had to be baptized by followers of Jesus. Acts 18:24-19:7

The scriptures do show that baptism is a requirement from Jesus Christ.
It also shows that those who are friends of God, are happy to be baptized.

 

[Guojing]

Is Baptism a requirement?

1 Peter 3:18-22
18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. 21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.

By means of his blood, Christ cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:14
Baptism is a response to God from [for] a clean conscience / pledge of a clear conscience toward God / an appeal to God for a good conscience, effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

We get baptized as a response ot appeal to God, for a good conscience, which is effective through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
It is therefore a public token or sign of our friendship, or relationship with, and commitment to God.

Those who made such a vow to God, are happy to make this public.
This pleases God and his son Jesus Christ. How do we know?
Jesus said, at Matthew 10:32, 33
32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.

Is it required by God and his son Jesus Christ though? Is it necessary?
Jesus said, at Matthew 28:19
Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

Jesus commanded baptism.
Not only did Jesus command it, but he taught it to his disciple, and also set the example.
Matthew 3:13-17
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.
16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Jesus' baptism was not in repentance for forgiveness of sins.
God publicly declared, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Jesus baptized his disciples John 3:22, 26, and his disciples in turn baptized others John 4:1, 2.

This baptism was not like John's - for repentance of sins. It was a requirement for those who accepted, and devoted their life to God, and his Christ.
“To be baptized into the name of any one implies a professed dependance on him, and devoted subjection to him; to be baptized, therefore, into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, implies a professed dependance on these three divine persons, jointly and equally, and a devoting of ourselves to them as worshippers and servants.

Hence, persons who initially were John's disciples, or were baptized by John, now had to be baptized by followers of Jesus. Acts 18:24-19:7

The scriptures do show that baptism is a requirement from Jesus Christ.
It also shows that those who are friends of God, are happy to be baptized.

Did Paul command water baptism as well?

 

[CoreyD]

Did Paul command water baptism as well?

Did Paul agree with Jesus on water baptism?
Did you read the scripture I referenced above - Acts 18:24-19:7 ?
Also, you can read 1 Corinthians 1:14-17; Acts 18:8

 

[Guojing]

Did Paul agree with Jesus on water baptism?
Did you read the scripture I referenced above - Acts 18:24-19:7 ?
Also, you can read 1 Corinthians 1:14-17; Acts 18:8

None of those passages you provided had Paul commanded water baptism as requirement for salvation.

 

[CoreyD]

None of those passages you provided had Paul commanded water baptism as requirement for salvation.

I'm sorry, I do not get into these kind of gymnastics.
Paul did water baptism in obedience to Jesus' command to baptize.
If you are looking for a commandment in the Bible from Paul, in order to obey Jesus, then perhaps you should also look for one where Paul commands to be no part of the world.

As I said though, I don't spend much time with special gymnast. I'm sorry.
If you disagree that Jesus commanded baptism, but have no scriptures to support that position, please feel free to do what pleases you. That's between you and Jesus. I have nothing more to say on that.

 

[Guojing]

I'm sorry, I do not get into these kind of gymnastics.
Paul did water baptism in obedience to Jesus' command to baptize.
If you are looking for a commandment in the Bible from Paul, in order to obey Jesus, then perhaps you should also look for one where Paul commands to be no part of the world.

As I said though, I don't spend much time with special gymnast. I'm sorry.
If you disagree that Jesus commanded baptism, but have no scriptures to support that position, please feel free to do what pleases you. That's between you and Jesus. I have nothing more to say on that.

I agree Jesus commanded baptism to the 12.

My question to you is, did Paul instructs us in the body of Christ likewise?

If there is no scripture indicating that, then the answer is no

 

[CoreyD]

I agree Jesus commanded baptism to the 12.

What do you mean Jesus commanded baptism to the twelve?
There were only eleven disciple present, when Jesus gave that command.
Those eleven were baptized already. Jesus commanded, "Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit".

Are you saying that people of all the nations were not to be baptized? Is that what you are saying?
Do you understand why I don't spend much time with gymnast? They fall down a lot, and they still keep at it.
It's time not worth spending.

My question to you is, did Paul instructs us in the body of Christ likewise?

If there is no scripture indicating that, then the answer is no

Wait a minute... "did Paul instructs us...? Did Paul instructs us?
So you think Jesus did not command us. He commanded only the twelve, but Paul did not command only the Christians living prior to 70 C.E., He commanded us.

My mind goes to Mark 7:6-8
6 Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.
7 They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’
8 Having neglected / disregarded the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men."

However, perhaps you can explain why.
Please return to Invalidating God's Word - Post #214.


Whatever you want the answer to be, that is what it will be, for you.
I can't change that, and I am not going to attempt to. My time on this question is up though.

 

[Guojing]

Wait a minute... "did Paul instructs us...? Did Paul instructs us?
So you think Jesus did not command us. He commanded only the twelve, but Paul did not command only the Christians living prior to 70 C.E., He commanded us.

My mind goes to Mark 7:6-8
6 Jesus answered them, “Isaiah prophesied correctly about you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.
7 They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men.’
8 Having neglected / disregarded the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men."

However, perhaps you can explain why.
Please return to Invalidating God's Word - Post #214.


Whatever you want the answer to be, that is what it will be, for you.
I can't change that, and I am not going to attempt to. My time on this question is up though.

How is whatever you are saying here related to my point?

 

[CoreyD]

How is whatever you are saying here related to my point?

You do not understand?

Your point, which is not at all cohesive, is that "Jesus commanded baptism to the 12, but Paul did not command baptism to us."
Is that correct?

Jesus did not command baptism to the twelve... I'm not sure what that is supposed to mean.
Jesus commanded the 11 to baptize people of the nations - making disciples of them. Matthew 28:19
These people of the nations were to be baptized until the end of the world. Matthew 28:20

It would be hypocritical of me to read this text, and claim that the command only applies to "the 12", then read passages from Paul's letters to the congregations existing prior to 70 A.D., and claim that what he wrote applies to us.
Would it not?

If Paul's words applies to us, why does Jesus' words not apply to us?
Is it because we do not want to obey Jesus' words, except in convenient times, so we claim that if we can't find a command from Paul, then we do not have to obey Jesus, because Paul is writing to us... but Jesus is not speaking to us?
Paul is writing to us, because we are 1st century Christians... or because we call ourselves Christians, and claim that Paul is speaking to us?

A Christian is a follower of Christ. Not a follower of Paul.
A Christian follows Jesus example and teachings as conveyed by the Gospels, and the letters of the apostles, and disciples.
Hence a Christian obeys Jesus.

Why are you looking for a command to be given that was already given, unless you do not want to obey that command, and is therefore looking for an excuse not to? 2 Timothy 3:16, 17

 

[Guojing]

If Paul's words applies to us, why does Jesus' words not apply to us?
Is it because we do not want to obey Jesus' words, except in convenient times, so we claim that if we can't find a command from Paul, then we do not have to obey Jesus, because Paul is writing to us... but Jesus is not speaking to us?

But you don't follow what Jesus commanded to sell that you have and give alms in Luke 12:32-33 anyway.

So, as you said yourself, why do you follow water baptism when its convenient, and not Luke 12:33?

 

[CoreyD]

But you don't follow what Jesus commanded to sell that you have and give alms in Luke 12:32-33 anyway.

So, as you said yourself, why do you follow water baptism when its convenient, and not Luke 12:33?

I do follow that command.
I accept and follow the teaching at Luke 12:32, 33 and every other command of Jesus in conjunction with 2 Timothy 3:16, 17
Verse 21, is in conjunction with verse 33. Are you saying you do not follow verse 21?
What about Matthew 6:20, which is also in conjunction... do you not obey that?

If we do not appreciate 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, more likely than not, we will pick and choose what we will do, and what we will not do, based on how we feel, rather than based on what scripture instructs us.
For example, in Luke 5:3-5, we read...

3 Then He got into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.​

4 When He had stopped speaking, He said [commanded (see footnote)] to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”​

5 But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.”​

Spoiler: footnote

He said
εἶπεν (eipen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

When Jesus gave the command, it was clear from the scriptures whom he was giving the command to.
Likewise, at Matthew 28:19, 20, it is clear whom he gives the command to. It refers to the same work prophesied at Matthew 24:14

Who were to be baptized, according to Jesus command?
Do you consider yourself to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, and if so, how did you become such?

 

[Guojing]

I do follow that command.

The fact that you are posting on Internet forums indicate otherwise. You still have some possessions you have not sold.

 

[CoreyD]

The fact that you are posting on Internet forums indicate otherwise. You still have some possessions you have not sold.

Please do not derail the thread.
Who were to be baptized, according to Jesus command?
Do you consider yourself to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, and if so, how did you become such?

 

[Guojing]

Please do not derail the thread.
Who were to be baptized, according to Jesus command?
Do you consider yourself to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, and if so, how did you become such?

I am merely saying, you cannot follow everything Jesus commanded in the 4 gospels.

And there is nothing embarrassing in admitting that.

Aren't you now glad that Paul never commanded us in the Body of Christ to follow Luke 12:33?

 

[CoreyD]

I am merely saying, you cannot follow everything Jesus commanded in the 4 gospels.

I already addressed that.
However, you are doing more than that. You are trying to draw me into foolish arguments.
I'm trying to apply 2 Timothy 2:25, but now I will apply 2 Timothy 2:23

So this will be my last post to you... unless you drop these foolish arguments, and actually answer the questions I asked, which are related to the subject.

To be fair, I addressed all your questions.

And there is nothing embarrassing in admitting that.

You may not want to follow Jesus' commands, and you have shown, that you do not feel any shame, true, but I already told you, you are free to do what you want... including ignoring Jesus command to all who would be his disciple.

I would not only be embarrassed to admit that I am not a disciple of Jesus, because I refuse to obey his command to be baptized, but I would feel like a hypocrite, calling myself a Christian, if I took such a position.

Aren't you now glad that Paul never commanded us in the Body of Christ to follow Luke 12:33?

The apostles, and disciples all had clothing, and houses, and I am quite sure they had utensils, so is it the case you don't understand anything Jesus said, and you need help understanding the Bible?
Or, you aren't too particular about understanding it?

If I fell down that many times, I would give up, but special gymnast tend to get right back up, even after doing backflips and landing on their face.

It's not because I don't love you, but I don't want to totally ruin this thread with foolish argument that will go nowhere, because of it not involving reasonable conversation.

If you answer my questions, I might consider changing my mind.
Apart from that, this is my final post to you.

Who were to be baptized, according to Jesus command at Matthew 28:19?
Do you consider yourself to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, and if so, how did you become such?

 

[Guojing]

The apostles, and disciples all had clothing, and houses, and I am quite sure they had utensils, so is it the case you don't understand anything Jesus said, and you need help understanding the Bible?
Or, you aren't too particular about understanding it?

​

Matthew 19:27​

You just need to read that verse literally to understand why you are incorrect.

 

[CoreyD]

Did the disciples give up everything they had to follow Jesus, or did the sacrifice the things that could hinder their giving Jesus' ministry priority?

Matthew 19:27

Then Peter responded and said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?”

First. Consider the context.
What promted Peter's response?
A rich man had asked Jesus what good thing he must do to get eternal life.
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
The disciples thought it was not possible for anyone to be saved, if such a sacrifice was required.
Matthew 19:16-26

This prompted Peter's response. "We have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?”
Did Peter mean that they had given up everything?

At Matthew 8:14, we read...
When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law sick in bed with a fever.
From the scriptures, we learn that Peter, James, John, and Andrew, had a house. They likely shared Peter's house, who lived with his wife. Mark 1:29, 30; Luke 4:38, 39; 1 Corinthians 9:5

The scriptures do not tell us whether or not Peter sold his house, and moved to another area.
However, we have Jesus' words at Mark 10:29-31, saying...

29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel 30 will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”​

Consider other scriptural references.
Then, years later, we find Jesus telling his followers this:
Matthew 24:15-18

15 “Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place—let the reader understand— 16 then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. 17 Whoever is on the housetop must not go down to get things out of his house. 18 And whoever is in the field must not turn back to get his cloak.​

Further proof that the disciples still had houses, is found at John 16:31, 32.
There, we read...

31 “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. 32 “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.​

What about the other disciples?
Also, after Jesus' resurrection, we find Peter, "staying as a guest with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” Acts 10:6

The disciples had houses - homes, which they also used for Christian gatherings, and association.
Acts 17:5; Acts 18:7; Acts 21:8-11; 1 Corinthians 1:11; Philemon 2

The disciples did not take Jesus' words to mean, that they not possess anything, including homes.
So, what did they understand Jesus to mean?
we find the answer at Matthew 6:19-34
19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

What did the disciples understand by Jesus words at Matthew 19:27?
In a nutshell, Jesus was telling his disciples to make material sacrifices for the kingdom.
So, if that means giving up things that would hold one back from extending themselves, or distract one Matthew 6:22-24 from the main priority - the kingdom Matthew 6:33, then give it up. These thing will not last, anyway. Matthew 6:19-21

This is made clear by the disciples being willing to give up the fishing business, to fish for men, and Simon got the point when Jesus asked him three times, "Do you love me more than these [fish]? John 21:15-17

 

[Guojing]

The disciples did not take Jesus' words to mean, that they not possess anything, including homes.

So you are basically saying, in Matthew 19:27, they did not mean it when they say they left everything, they still kept something back.

And Jesus played along and knew that was what they actually meant.

Alright, we have a different idea of what a literal interpretation of scripture means.

 

[Dead Eye]

To be born again is to
have God''s divine eternal life, which Adam lost in the fall, reimparted to your immortal human spirit, and
the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

What do you think of John 3:1-5 about being born again

 

[Clare73]

What do you think of John 3:1-5 about being born again

Spiritual rebirth is by sovereign choice of the Holy Spirit (Jn 3:3-5), who is as unaccountable as the wind (Jn 3:6-8).
Man has nothing to do with his spiritual rebirth, just as he had nothing to do with his natural birth.