—Jeremiah 31:3
As I read the Bible, I find love to be the supreme and dominant attribute of God. The promises of God’s love and forgiveness are as real, as sure, as positive, as human words can make them. But the total beauty of the ocean cannot be understood until it is seen, and it is the same with God’s love. Until you actually experience it, until you actually possess it, no one can describe its wonders to you.
Never question God’s great love, for it is as unchangeable a part of God as His holiness. Were it not for the love of God, none of us would ever have a chance in the future life. But God is love! And His love for us is everlasting.
THE BAPTISM OF JOHN VERSUS CHRISTIAN BAPTISM BY STEVE FINNELL
ReplyDeletePOINT: Those who reject the Scriptures concerning the purpose of Christian baptism, readily accepts the Biblical account as to the purpose of water baptism performed by John the Baptist.
Christian Baptism: Men are told to believe in Jesus Christ, repent, and be baptized in water for the forgiveness of their sins and they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Mark 16:16 He who has believed and who has been baptized shall be saved..
Acts 2:38..."Repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins;and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
In Christian baptism men are clothed with Christ.
Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
John's Baptism: Men are told to repent and be baptized in water for the forgiveness of their sins and to believe in Jesus who was to come. (The Holy Spirit had yet been given).
Luke 3:3 And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
Acts 19:4 Paul said, "John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus."
Christian baptism follows believing in Jesus, and repentance, (repentance means to make the commitment to turn away from sin and turn toward God).
The baptism of John followed repentance, (resolving to sin no more).
Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God's purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John.
If the Pharisees and lawyers rejected God's purpose by failing to be baptized by John the Baptist; what will be the consequences for those who reject the baptism commanded by Jesus?
Did you ever notice that the proponents of the "faith only" doctrine no not say that "for" in Luke 3:3 means "because of"?
John's baptism was not because their sin were already forgiven. Christian baptism preached on the Day of Pentecost was not because their sins were already forgiven. (Acts 2:38)
Luke 3:7 So he began saying to the crowds who were going to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come.
John's baptism in water was essential to spare them of the wrath to come.
Christian baptism in water is essential to spare us all, of the wrath to come.(Mark 16:16...baptized shall be saved....)
The baptism of John became obsolete on the Day of Pentecost.
CHRISTIAN BAPTISM IS AVAILABLE UNTIL JESUS RETURNS.
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