Cut & Paste, Part 4

Peter likewise describes physical baptism as a symbol (antitype, NKJV) and that the act itself does not save, 1st Peter 3:21. He explains that the act of removing the filth of the flesh avails nothing; but rather the answer of a good conscience in God’s sight that consents to be baptized, as is our Lord’s first command for new believers, Matthew 28:19.

Cut & Paste, Part 3

A second doctrine commonly taught by many Christian sects and accepted as the norm is strongly linked to works salvation: baptismal regeneration. I have posted numerous Scriptural arguments against this doctrine but will go on here to demonstrate how error begets error; in other words, if you begin with a wrong premise (salvation is by works and not solely grace) then you reach wrong conclusions (water baptism effects new life, even in infants.)

Cut & Paste, Part 2

But James writes that faith without works is dead, and that a man is justified by his works and not merely by faith. Taken from James chapter 2 and taken out of context, this does appear to be a valid argument for works salvation and is a favorite passage for Catholic apologists. But the key to understanding James chapter 2 comes with James 2:18: “Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.” The emphasis here is on men seeing whether or not our faith is valid and producing spiritual fruit as Jesus promised it would. It is justification in the sight of men; not in the sight of God.

Cut & Paste, Part 1

Where do Biblical exegetes go so wrong in dividing God’s word? This is a serious question that has haunted godly men and women through the centuries, and one that no commentator of Scripture can rightly escape, since everyone one of us is at some point guilty of error. There are innumerable doctrinal errors the writer can bring into Scripture through ignorance, bias, misinformation, poor study, lack of prayer, preconceived ideas, etc.

First John Chapter Two, Part Thirteen

2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. A little while later in this epistle the topic of having confidence before God comes up again. “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight,” 1st John 3:20-22.

First John Chapter Two, Part Twelve

2:25-26 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. This is one of the exceeding great and precious promises Peter mentioned, 2nd Peter 1:4. God made this promise before He created and began time, 2nd Timothy 1:9; Titus 1:2. Christ is the Lamb slain since the foundation of the world, Revelation 13:8. From eternity past the unchanging plan of salvation had its foundation; God determined of His own will that He would offer salvation to mankind by the sacrifice of Himself on the cross, Ephesians 1:7, 11. God’s promise of eternal life is conditional; it hinges upon the hearer’s response to the message of the gospel, Romans 1:16-17; 10:17. If one hears and believes the gospel the result is the immediate reception of the indwelling Holy Spirit and eternal life, 1st Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13-14.

First John Chapter Two, Part Eleven

2:24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. Before we go too deeply into this passage let us hear a couple of similar statements made by our Lord and the Apostle Peter.