40,965 DENOMINATIONS FOLLOW JESUS
72CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST
On the day of Pentecost, the apostles filled with the Holy Spirit spoke with diverse tongues and mystified the crowd. The church of Jesus Christ was established on Pentecost. The prophecy spoken by the prophet Joel in the Old Testament was fulfilled. Peter spoke to the crowd that gathered that "whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2:21). The same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls (Acts 2:41).
Jesus founded His church about 2,000 years ago, but now the church has split up into 40,695 denominations around the world. How did this happen? What is the meaning of a church denomination?
The terminology "denomination is not found in the bible but is used today to denote any religious group that has its own particular form of worship, doctrines, practices, rituals or sacraments, system of organization and administration.
WIKIPEDIA
"Christian denomination is an identifiable religious body under a common name, structure, and doctrine within Christianity.
Worldwide, Christians are divided, often along ethnic and linguistic lines, into separate churches and traditions. Technically, divisions between one group and another are defined by doctrine and church authority. Issues such as the nature of Jesus, the authority of apostolic succession, and papal primacy separate one denomination from another."
DIVISIONS IN CORINTH CHURCH
During Paul's ministry, he discovered the church in Corinth that he planted already had divisions and he was displeased with his discovery. He wrote to them in 1 Corinthians 1:10-13. This shows that during the 1st century. There were already divisions among the church in Corinth.
10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now I say this, that each of you says, ‘I am of Paul,’ or ‘I am of Apollos,’ or ‘I am of Cephas,’ or ‘I am of Christ.’
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
The division within the Corinthian Church was caused by members forming various groups that followed different ministers. Today's divisions within Christianity are also formed by Christians who follow different ministers that teach diverse theologies and doctrines, not abiding by the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
PROPHECIES CONCERNING CHURCHES
In the Old Testament, Isaiah 4:1 prophesies that seven women (churches) will take hold of one man (Jesus) saying. We will eat our own bread (words of God), and wear our own apparel (Rev. 3:5; Job 29:14 - righteousness) only be called by thy name (Christian).
These seven women denoting complete number of churches will be called "churches of Jesus" in name only. They only want the name of Jesus, but will preach their own doctrines. Jesus is the "bread of life" but they prefer their own "bread". Wear their "own apparel" means to put on their own interpretation of "righteousness".
Job 29:14
- I put on righteous and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem.
Psalms 132:9
- Let thy priests be clothed with righteousness.
Revelation chapters 2 and 3 describe the seven (complete number) churches differ from each other. Seven different churches differ in their emphasis on worship, rituals, works and organizations.
MAJOR CHRISTIAN DENOMINATIONS
1. ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
History of the Roman Catholic Church - Key Dates.313:AD The Edict of Milan declares the Roman Empire neutral towards religious views, in effect ending the persecution of Christians. 321 AD.
Before the Edict of Milan 313 AD, the Romans were persecuting the Christians and they were in power during the time when Jesus was born and died. After this period, the Roman Catholics laid claims that Peter the apostle was given the power on earth to represent Jesus on earth to forgive sins.
The Catholic Church also claimed that the pope, being the head of the church founded by Peter was the rightful successor to Jesus on earth. Throughout the century, authorty was passed from pope to pope.
In 1054 AD a great schism occurred between the Western Church and the Eastern Church. Thereafter, the Church in the West became known as the Catholic Church and the East was known as the Orthodox Church.
The Catholic has 1.1 billion followers in the world which is about half of the world population..
LUTHERIAN CHURCH
2. Lutheran Church The beginning of the Reformation occurred on October 31 1517 when Martin Luther posted his 95 theses. The major foundation of the Protestant movement came from Martin Luther. Lutherans have about 70 million members worldwide.
The Reformation in 1517 brought about by Martin Luther restored essential truths for salvation of the church of Jesus Christ.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
3. Presbyterian Church subscribed to the teachings of John Calvin (from the Reformed churches). It can be traced back to its roots to the Scottish Reformation led by John Knox. Its name is derived from the Greek word “Presbyterios” which means “elder”. Presbyterians have a worldwide membership of about 75 million.
ANGLICAN CHURCH
4. Anglican Church was established in 1534 when England's King Henry VIII broke from the authority of the Pope, and became the Episcopal Church in America . The Anglican Church is one of the largest Christian denominations in the world, with approximately 73 million members.
METHODIST CHURCH
5. Methodist Church is based on the teachings of John Wesley and it has its roots in Anglicanism. It originated in 18th century Britain, and due to missionary activity spread throughout the British Empire, the United States and beyond. Originally it appealed especially to workers, slaves and poor farmers. It emphasizes that all people can be saved. By 2006, it claimed some 75 million members worldwide.
BAPTIST CHURCH
6. Baptist Church is often regarded as an Evangelical Protestant denomination, originating from the English Puritan movement with Anabaptist influences. They emphasize a believer's baptism by full immersion performed on adults after a profession of faith in Jesus as Lord and Saviour. There are over 90 million Baptists worldwide in nearly 300,000 congregations, with an estimated 47 million members in the United States.
ADVENTIST CHURCH
7. Adventist Church was established in 1863, and grew out of the Millerite movement in the United States. during the 19th century. Seventh-day Adventists are most well known for their teaching that Saturday the seventh day of the week, is the Sabbath. They are also known for their teachings regarding diet and health.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church, one of the world's fastest-growing organizations, primarily due to increases in membership in the Third World baptizes about 2,000 members a day. It is said that church membership reached 1 million between 1955 and 1961, hitting 5 million in 1986. At the turn of the 21st Century the church had 10,782,042 members which grew to 14,487,989 members at the end of 2004. It is believed that around 25 million worship in churches every Saturday and the church operates in 203 out of 228 countries recognised by the United Nations.
PENTECOSTAL CHURCH
8. Pentecostal Church is called the Pentecostal Movement within Protestant Christianity. Special emphasis is laid on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking with tongues. It also encourages gifts of the Holy Spirit, as recorded in the Biblical account of the Day of Pentecost. When the Pentecostal Movement began at the beginning of the Twentieth Century believers separated themselves from the mainstream church. In the Charismatic Movement the believers are encouraged to stay in their churches.
Estimated numbers of Pentecostals vary widely. Christianity Today reported in an article titled World
vary widely. Christianity Today reported in an article titled World
OTHERS: NON-TRINITARIAN
Nontrinitarian
Jehovah's Witness · Latter Day Saint · Unitarian · Christadelphian · Oneness Pentecostal
No result found for followers.
REASONS FOR DENOMINATION and UNITY
Each denomination considers it own teachings as essential corrections of the errors preceding it. It considers the change or division as a necessary justifiable measure.
All denominations have only a portion of the truth but not the complete truth. In order to fulfil the Lord Jesus Christ's prayer for unity for the completion of God's plan of salvation, each and every denomination must examine itself, change and work together for the good of mankind.
Jesus is the only "name under heaven given among man by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). There should be unity of all Christians in the One Spirit (Jn 17:20-21). John 17:22-23 stress the importance of unity for the glory and love of God. Unity was desirable and achievable when the Holy Spirit was poured down on the disciples during Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).
ESSENTIAL STEPS IN UNITY
- Worship the Father in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24).
- Jesus is the way, the truth, and the Life: No man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6).
- Attend a church that keeps the commandments of God (10).
- Attend a non-denominational, non-racial congregation with the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues with power of working miracles like the first church of Pentecost.
GOD'S SABBATH OR MAN'S SABBATH http://hubpages.com/hub/godormansabbath?
GOD'S LAWS AND MAN'S LAWS http://hubpages.com/hub/godslawsandmanslaw
Denominations
Are denominations good for the Church of Jesus?
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Very good hub, thank you. I would like to mention that religion make division. In certain point many people are different and have different fingerprints. Therefore they may be different fellowships with insignificant variations, but not in basics. But this is why we have the faith and love! Have we? We may be over-comers if we want to be.
Judah's Daughter.
This is my third try in answering your letter. Somehow I could not answer it because before I could finish answering, the page completely disappeared.
YOU WROTE: This is fabulous! My only concern about the SDA's is I heard their foundational doctrine states that
Jesus is Michael the Archangel, just like JW's believe??
ANSWER: Just pray for the church, and for unity.
YOU WROTE: You mentioned King Henry VIII (isn't he the one that killed his wives?)
ANSWER;
Judah's Daughter,
This happens again.
YOU WROTE: You mentioned King Henry VIII (isn't he the one that killed his wives?)
ANSWER: Henry VIII had two of his wives murdered, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. They could not bear sons. Ironically, Queen Elizabeth I is the daughter of Anne Boleyn.
YOU WROTE: all-in-all, if the gospel message is consistent, that's our foundation ~ Jesus Christ, the Living God, our Savior and Lord, who will raise us!!
ANSWER: The message of the gospel must be consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ completely.
There must not be the slightest variation, otherwise it will not fit just like a jigsaw puzzle. You cannot cut corners.
Read the Bible and see how specific the instructions of God to His people are to the minutest detail.
God bless.
I honor the Word of God as God's very Word. The gospel message is that God came to us through the virgin Mary in His image of Jesus Christ, who gave His life as the payment for our sin; who raised Himself on the third day. We must entrust our spiritual well-being to Him (believe) through the Name of Jesus, the Name above all Names. We must allow Him to create in us a clean heart and live according to the Spirit, not the flesh. We must bear the fruit of the Spirit, so we will be known by Him. We must share this gospel truth to all the world until He comes again. Amen!
Ephesians 4:5-7 "There is One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ."
Vladimir Uhri,
YOU WROTE: In certain point many people are different and have different fingerprints. Therefore they may be different fellowships with insignificant variations, but not in basics.
ANSWER: I am posing you a question. Can you open the door to your house with a key that has minor variations? Certainly not! The key must be filed to perfectly fit the lock before the door is open. The door of the kingdom of God is the same.
God gives the specifications, not us. We have to conform.
God bless.
Judah's Daughter,
Very well said and followed on. Praise the Lord.
Please read carefully all about baptism. Was your baptism done in the same way as Jesus' baptism or were you baptized in a man made tank?
Did the baptizer called on the blood of Jesus Christ to wash away your sins?
Were you buried in the likeness of Jesus' death during baptism?
How did Jesus die on the cross?
These are some valid questions on Baptism.
Was the baptism carried out in river, lake, sea (God's creation) or piped from a reservoir into a tank of water?
Is it "living water"? I leave it to you to ponder.
God bless.
Looks like you have three comment sections going on?
Anyhow, I received John's baptism by submersion in water as a child and yet, was submersed in (filled with) the Holy Spirit when I was in my early 20's. I've studied on the subject, and all I know is when we're ready to submit to the Lord, He will fill us. Water baptism is unto repentance; we are dead to the old self, buried with Him and risen again as a new creation. The Holy Spirit gives us His indwelling power to overcome and do His will. For me, this is how it happened ~ I just know some follow the rituals and are not truly saved, but God knows when it's real, as it is truly of the heart or not at all. In other words, the Jews that were circumcised physically were no more saved than the uncircumcised, if their hearts were not circumcised. Likewise, water doesn't wash away sins; the blood of Christ does. Amen.
Judah's Daughter,
Millions of people believe in Jesus are baptized and millions are slotted in 40.965 denominations. Who is right?
The key to the kingdom of God is worshipping Him in spirit and in truth. When one is worshipping in spirit, but not in complete truth, the door cannot be opened.
The key to the door must completely fit the lock. If it is slightly askew, the door cannot be opened. That is the whole truth.
Baptism expounded by Paul.
Baptism is buried and resurrected with the Lord Jesus (Rom 6:4; Col 2:12).
Face Downward during baptism. Does not look up into heaven when being baptized.
In the likeness of the death of the Lord (Rom 6:5,8). "or if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection."
When the Lord Jesus died on the Cross, He bowed His head
(Jn 19:30).
The proper expression of the sinner's attitude toward repentance in asking God for forgiveness of sins is shown in facing downward.
Iniquities have taken hold of us so that we are unable to look up under the burden of our sins. "Mine iniquities have taken hold upm me, so, that I am not able to look up" (Ps. 40:12).
"And the publican, ... would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner" (Lk 18:13).
"A sinner should not be stiff-necked (Ac 7:51; Job 10:15).
Believes that Jesus' precious blood cleanses sins through baptism (1 Pet 1:18,19; Rom 3:25; Heb 9:13,14,22; (Jn 19:34; 1 Jn 5:-8 - water and blood in baptism); Zech 13:1).
God bless.
Interesting that the thief on the cross was saved by Jesus before he bowed his head (due to death). Jesus' head dropped because He was dead, and because He was in a fleshly body, gravity pulled His head downward. He was not buried face-down. I do not believe in ritualistic anything ~ I love you ~ but, rituals (such as the proper way to wash hands, etc.) are of the flesh.
This is a great Hub. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Excellent work.
Judah's Daughter,
Can you please explain to me Rom 6:5? What is your understanding of being "planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection?"
Is "bowing your head in prayer" ritualistic?
As a sinner, looking up at the face of the accuser, does it show remorse or defiance?
I look forward to your answers.
James A Watkins,
Thanks for the compliment.
When Paul said in Gal 6:15 "For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature." and in Romans 2:29 "But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God", this is speaking about inward change, not outward acts. Even keeping of the commandments is that of the heart as is shown in Matthew 5:28.
Paul also tells us to "pray without ceasing" or "do not cease to pray" in 1 Thes 5:17. How can we pray without ceasing if we bow our heads every time? It's a constant communion with the Lord in our hearts. Some close their eyes to pray, but it is not necessary. It helps us to focus on His presence and shut out the things of the world.
It used to be that Jews covered their heads (a sign of shame), and if you search for the words "look up" in the Bible, you will see that shame caused people to look down. A broken and contrite heart is what God honors, but we have no shame in Him because of Jesus Christ. We can come boldly before the throne, as is the reason the veil of the holy of holies was rent in twain (ripped in two) when Jesus died on the cross.
To be crucified with Christ and live in His resurrection is to take up our cross and stand through persecution with perseverance; it means to die to self and live for Christ, no matter what the cost. It's not a ritualistic walk, but a Spiritual one. It's all about the heart.
Who is it that accuses us? Not God! To look up to Him is not to look up at the face of the accuser. We don't bow to the accuser either. There are times we lay down protrate before our Lord in worship; there are times we bow physically before His Almighty presence. There are times we look up and lift our hands, or even dance in His presence! We worship Him in Spirit and in Truth, as He leads.
Judah's Daughter,
YOU WROTE: How can we pray without ceasing if we bow our heads every time? It's a constant communion with the Lord in our hearts.
ANSWER: No one is asked to pray with heads bowed down every time prayer is offered.
The head is bowed down when the sinner asked for forgiveness from God during baptism. The preacher asks the
person to be baptized to bow his head and ask God to forgive him before he goes into the water face downwards submerging his whole body (as in a burial)in the blood of Jesus Christ.
This bowed head going down in the water is exactly different from what most churches do in baptism. It is more natural to go down with head bowed than to fall backward into the water and come up again. You need at least two people to help the baptized person come out of the water for this is an unnatural position.
YOU WROTE: It used to be that Jews covered their heads (a sign of shame), and if you search for the words "look up" in the Bible, you will see that shame caused people to look down.
ANSWER: TRUE!
Before the baptism is completed and his sins forgiven, the sinner will bow his head due to shame.
After his confession of sins, his whole body submerged in the blood of Jesus (the baptizer asks for God's forgiveness - water, blood and Holy Spirit must be present in the baptism), the sinner is cleansed of his sins. Without blood, there is not cleansing of sins.
You have to differentiate the time the baptized was a sinner
and the time he was free from sin. He bowed his head asking for forgiveness in his sin and he arose free from sin.
The precious blood of Jesus Christ purges the baptized from sins by means of water in baptism (Heb 9:13,14; 10:19-22; 1 Jn 5:6-8).
God bless.
Colossians 2:20-23 “If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as ‘Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!’ (which all refer to things destined to perish with the using)-in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.”
The "proper way to be baptized" or any other religious ceremony is "elementary" and "man-made". Salvation through Jesus Christ is not containted in ordinances of any outward kind. I know that every church adopts ordinances they believe to be holy and acceptable to God, however, these doctrines of men should not divide the body of Christ, which is the very message of your hub, is it not? It is also the message of the Word of God.
God bless you as well :-)
Judah's Daughter,
YOU WROTE: Colossians 2:20-23 “If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as ‘Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!’ (which all refer to things destined to perish with the using)-in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men?
ANSWER: The person has not died to Christ and asked for forgiveness YET, and JESUS HAS NOT SAID HE HAS FORGIVEN him
YET because the baptism process is NOT COMPLETED YET. This prepares the heart for repentance. He is still a sinner before baptism when Jesus forgives him.
Jesus cannot forgive the sins unless the person asked for forgiveness first.
Step 1. The sinner is repentant, bowed his head asking Jesus for forgiveness and is baptized completely submerged in the water in the likeness of His death and is risen sinless as a new born babe.
After baptism, he is sinless and should not do the things that you had suggested. I am not disputing the facts.
You are confusing the issue of bowing the head in all prayers. You wrote that "if you search for the words "look up" in the Bible, you will see that shame caused people to look down. A broken and contrite heart is what God honors,"
The SINS ARE NOT FORGIVEN YET because the person being baptized has not completed the process of baptism. When the person goes into the water completely submerged, Jesus Christ will forgive the sins.
May be I am not making myself clear and that is why you are confusing the issue of bowing head before baptism with bowing head after the sins are forgiven.
May God help us understand what each other says and not get confused over the matter.
Acts 10:44-47 is an account where the Gentiles, filled with faith, due to hearing the preaching of Peter, received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues BEFORE water baptism. I personally believe one cannot receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit unless they are forgiven. The Holy Spirit cannot dwell in sinful man, unless He is covered by the blood of the Lamb.
By grace we are saved through faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. These saved believers then went to be water baptized as a public confession of their repentant hearts ~ to die to the old man and be raised together with our Lord in the newness of life in Him.
The thief on the cross was never baptized in water; and the Word says there is one baptism, and that would now have to be the baptism by Jesus, that of the Holy Spirit. John's baptism is unto repentance, not remission of sins. Only the blood of Christ and faith in Him can forgive us.
God bless you ~ much love :-)
Judah's Daughter,
YOU WROTE: Acts 10:44-47 is an account where the Gentiles, filled with faith, due to hearing the preaching of Peter, received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues BEFORE water baptism.
ANSWER: TRUE, the Holy Spirit was given to the Gentiles BEFORE BAPTISM. This is a special case because before this happened, NO GENTILES YET BELIEVED. God opened the WAY for the Gentiles to believe and for the circumcision to believe that this was the will of God.
The circumcised Jews would have objected if this had not happened. Because they saw what happened, they believed it was the Lord's will.
The norm would be the Holy Spirit is given after baptism when the sinner's sins are forgiven for the Holy Spirit cannot dwell in an unclean heart.
YOU WROTE: The thief on the cross was never baptized in water; and the Word says there is one baptism, and that would now have to be the baptism by Jesus, that of the Holy Spirit.
ANSWER: The dying thief on the cross was saved by confessing directly to Jesus. This was an exception rather than the rule.
Jesus has the power to save and He forgave the dying thief.
This was another case of "exception" rather than the norm.
Thank you for bringing these exceptions to the rule for discussion.
God bless. Thank God for opening our eyes and heart to know His will.
Sister, you said, "The dying thief on the cross was saved by confessing directly to Jesus. This was an exception rather than the rule." Who else do we confess to? While God does not "hear" sinners, He does hear the confessing one, crying out for His salvation ~ He earnestly awaits such prayer and this is His whole purpose for coming to us! For me, I said the sinner's prayer, made the confession of faith and believe I was saved at that instant, just as the thief on the cross. The obedience to the Word of God includes water baptism, for it is a public confession of our repentance to our Lord and commitment to serve only Him all the days of our lives. His Word tells us that if we confess Him before men, He will confess us before the Father, amen!
Some receive the baptism of the Spirit upon hearing and believing by faith, some receive it upon water baptism, and some don't yield to the filling of the Spirit until years later (especially in denominations where they do not teach about the Holy Spirit's infilling), as was my case.
We can never put true salvation into an ordinance of any sort ~~ for it is of the heart alone. God is Almighty and is Mighty to Save ~ even on someone's deathbed, as was the case with the thief on the cross ~ AMEN!! Hallelujiah, Our God Reigns!
I love you so much, and it's no wonder, for we abide in His love together as one body ~~ Shalom, sister einron!! Be blessed!!
Judah's Daughter.
YOU WROTE: Sister, you said, "The dying thief on the cross was saved by confessing directly to Jesus. This was an exception rather than the rule."
ANSWER: Can you find another verse in the Bible that a person before he dies, confesses his sins, dies and is saved before he dies to the Lord Jesus Christ?
YOU WROTE: While God does not "hear" sinners, He does hear the confessing one, crying out for His salvation ~ He earnestly awaits such prayer and this is His whole purpose for coming to us!
ANSWER: True, God does not "hear" sinners.
He hears those who want to repent and gives them a chance to repent, is baptized and declared risen from the "dead" to a new person in the Lord.
YOU WROTE: For me, I said the sinner's prayer, made the confession of faith and believe I was saved at that instant, just as the thief on the cross.
ANSWER: NO! You may have confessed, but God has not forgiven your sins because you have not yet baptized in the blood of Jesus Christ YET THROUGH BAPTISM. THE BLOOD OF JESUS CHRIST saves us because our SINS are forgiven, and we are new creatures.
The precious blood of Jesus Christ purges the baptized from sins by means of water in baptism (Heb 9:13,14; 10:19-22, 1 Jn 5:6-8).
Baptism can have the effect of remission of sins and wash sins (Ac 2:38; 22:16)
Then Peter said unto them, REPENT, and be BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the REMISSION of
SINS (Ac 2:38).
... arise, and be BAPTIZED, and WASH AWAY THY SINS (Ac 22:16).
YOU WROTE: Some receive the baptism of the Spirit upon hearing and believing by faith, some receive it upon water baptism, and some don't yield to the filling of the Spirit until years later ...
ANSWER: True. God knows the heart of every believer and He gives the Holy Spirit when the believer is ready to receive it and treasures it. One has to test the words spoken by preachers, etc. for the truth. Some may exaggerate the truth. The Bereans searched the scriptures daily whether things were so (Ac 17:11). Do not take things for granted.
YOU WROTE: The obedience to the Word of God includes water baptism, for it is a public confession of our repentance to our Lord and commitment to serve only Him all the days of our lives.
ANSWER: Water baptism is not only a public CONFESSION of repentance, but ALSO REMISSION OF SINS by the Lord God. (See above).
Thank the Lord for revealing the truth to us in the end time. Pray that the readers would ponder on the truth and act on it.
God bless.
It only takes one verse in the Bible to let me know that water baptism does not remit sins, and that is the thief's confession of faith on the cross (as in someone believe on his/her deathbed). Yet, there are more cases, as with the passage I mentioned earlier (Acts 10:44-47). There is no "exception to the rule", because there's only one rule, salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8) BECAUSE of the blood of Jesus.
You have emphasized how you interpet this scripture in Acts 2:38 as follows "Then Peter said unto them, REPENT, and be BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the REMISSION of SINS".
This is how I interpet it, so that nothing but the blood of Jesus washes away our sins, as is the gospel truth: "Then Peter said unto them 'REPENT and be BAPTIZED' (baptism is repentance), every one of you 'in THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS (Jesus Christ remits our sins)."
It's all a matter of interpretation. Water baptism, based on the thief on the cross alone, even including those saved upon hearing the preaching of Peter, thus receiving the Holy Spirit (forgiveness) prior to water baptism, confirms this truth. I have a hub on baptism, and you will see water baptism in conjunction with repentance...consistently. Here's just a couple of examples:
Mat 3:11 "As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."
Acts 19:4 "Paul said, 'John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.'"
As that old hymn states, "What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus....What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus....How precious is the flow that makes me white as snow....No other fount I know ~ nothing but the blood of Jesus." Amen.
This is why doctrine and interpretation is dangerous; for, if I were not like the Bereans, I would believe I was never saved all these years, based on what you just stated. The "Church of Christ" is sadly believing this same doctrine. I attended there based on the name of their church...
Doctrines are what make up "religions" and divide the body of Christ. We are to be tolerant and understanding that each body within the body is also walking by the measure of faith God gives them. This is evident by the following passage:
Romans 14:1-3 "Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him." Amen.
Judah's Daughter.
YOU WROTE: It only takes one verse in the Bible to let me know that water baptism does not remit sins, and that is the thief's confession of faith on the cross (as in someone believe on his/her deathbed).
ANSWER: Please look at the following verses:
Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the REMISSION of SINS, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Dont you believe the words of Paul? Can you say that Paul is a liar?
Acts 22:16 - And now why tarriest thou? arise, and BE BAPTIZED, and WASH AWAY thy SINS, calling on the name of the Lord. (2nd incident)
Is Paul wrong again?
YOU WROTE: the thief's confession of faith on the cross (as in someone believe on his/her deathbed). Yet, there are more cases, as with the passage I mentioned earlier (Acts 10:44-47). There is no "exception to the rule", because there's only one rule, salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8) BECAUSE of the blood of Jesus
ANSWER:
The book of Acts reflects the works of the apostles after the death of Jesus Christ.
Are you going to change what was written in Acts?
The precious blood of Jesus purges the baptized from sins by means of water in baptism (Heb 9:13,14; 10:19-22, 1 Jn 5:6-8).
Paul explained in Rom 6:3-7, that the death of Jesus Christ is to crucify the Old Man (the sinner) with the Lord. The sinful body is destroyed and we are saved from the law of sin. The destruction of the sinful old self is worked by baptism.
YOU WROTE:the thief's confession of faith on the cross (as in someone believe on his/her deathbed). Yet, there are more cases, as with the passage I mentioned earlier (Acts 10:44-47). There is no "exception to the rule", because there's only one rule, salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8) BECAUSE of the blood of Jesus.
ANSWER: TRUE. Salvation is by grace through faith because Jesus shed His blood for our sins. When a soldier pricked His body, water and blood gushed out. That is why during baptism, there must be blood, water and the Holy Spirit present during the baptism.
QUESTION: When the thief died, there was no blood of Jesus flowing out of His body, so how can one say that the BLOOD of JESUS saves the thief?
Jesus is the manifestation of God and God had given Jesus all authority on earth and in heaven. It is an exception and no one else received the same grace as the thief. Only Jesus can do it by HIMSELF because of the authority from God.
In Matthew 15:21 a Cannanite woman asked Jesus to help her for her daughter was vexed with an evil spirit, and Jesus answered her, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she pleaded her case and because of her faith in Jesus, He answered, "O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt." This is an example of "exceptional" case.
I cannot say who will be saved or who cannot be saved. In the end, God will judge. Who made me a Judge? No one! So I cannot be a judge of souls, and neither can anyone!
God bless.
I'm sorry you don't see the words "babptize and repent" in every scripture and the "name of Jesus and remission" in every scripture. The thief on the cross was saved. Jesus told him he would be with Him in Paradise. The Gentile woman's faith cured her daughter. There are no exceptions. Jesus died for the whole world, though His ministry was primarily for the lost sheep of Israel. Paul was called later to bring the message to the Gentiles.
You said, "QUESTION: When the thief died, there was no blood of Jesus flowing out of His body, so how can one say that the BLOOD of JESUS saves the thief?" Read the rest of the Bible. If Jesus had not shed His blood on the cross, none of us could be saved. It's not a literal covering of the blood, but a Spriritual covering. He paid the price, and we simply believe and receive salvation through His Name.
We will agree to disagree ~ which is what causes divisions in the church. There are not many that believe water baptism remits sins, but it is the baptism of Jesus, that of the Holy Spirit that is the "one baptism" we should be more concerned with ~ are we forgiven and are we saved, in that we can receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
You speak of Paul, and I shared this with you before ~ the passage in Acts 19. Water baptism was not sufficient. Paul asked the man if he'd received the Holy Spirit since he believed and was told no. Paul asked the man what baptism he'd received? The man said the baptism of John. Then Paul laid hands on him so that he would receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
I love you, even though we absolutely disagree about the purpose of water baptism, based on the scriptures. If the Bible is true in that there is one Lord, one Faith, one Baptism, this would be the baptism BY Jesus (that of the Holy Spirit), and the ordinance of water baptism is an act of public confession and obedience, but salvation is not contingent upon it, as with the thief on the cross.
Judah's Daughter,
YOU WROTE: I'm sorry you don't see the words "babptize and repent" in every scripture and the "name of Jesus and remission" in every scripture.
ANSWER: Repentance should come before baptism. Unless the sinner has the faith in Jesus and is repentant, he or she will not want to be baptized.
In Mat 3:14-15, John did not want to baptize Jesus, but Jesus answered him said, "SUFFER IT TO BE SO NOW: FOR THUS IT BECOMETH US TO FULFIL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS."
What does it mean that baptism is to fulfil all righteousness?
The sinner confessed his sins, God has to forgive him. He must be free from his sins before he can be accepted as a member of the body of Christ.
That is where BAPTISM comes in where the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses him of his sins.
ACTS 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the REMISSION of SINS, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
ACTS 22:16 - And now why tarriest thou? arise, and BE BAPTIZED, and WASH AWAY thy SINS, calling on the name of the Lord.
Why are you ignoring the quotes from ACTS 2:38 AND
ACTS 22:16 when they are written in the Bible?
I am not paraphrasing, but quoting directly from KIV.
Only after Jesus' death on the cross, blood and water came out of his side. This is a phenomenon! If you prick your body, only blood will come out. (Jn 19:34).
Only the Blood of Jesus Christ can save us. But Jesus said to the thief, "Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise."
Jesus' blood was not shed when He spoke to the thief." So, it is not the blood of Jesus that saves the thief, but Jesus Himself forgives his sins, and the thief is saved.
Again, I have not said that water baptism is not important, but it is not conditional for salvation (as with the thief on the cross). What Jesus meant by "fulfilling all righteousness" is a matter of interpretation. Water separates from the blood upon death. This is a sign of death and only happens when someone is actually dead. That's why when we prick ourselves, we see only blood (because we are yet alive). I'm not ignoring the words of Paul, as while you focus on part of what Paul said and interpret it as you do, which is obviously a doctrine of your church, I also have quoted the words of Paul ~ these are doctrinal differences.
I believe salvation comes by faith in Jesus Christ, because of His grace. The baptism of the Spirit can come immediately upon that salvation experience, or at water baptism, or after water baptism. Water baptism is an ordinance we do and I don't prevent it by any means in what I teach. I don't know if you read my hub on baptism called "John and Jesus: About BAPTISM" that explains why I believe the way I do, based on the consistent scriptures in the Bible.
I don't hold this against you, and I hope you do not hold this against me. We know in part and follow the Lord according to the faith and grace He gives us. Amen.
Judah's Daughter,
YOU WROTE: The thief on the cross was saved. Jesus told him he would be with Him in Paradise.
ANSWER: The thief was saved by Jesus telling the thief that he would be in Paradise with him. JESUS WAS PRESENT BODILY AT THAT TIME IN HISTORY WHEN HE SAID THAT. He had not died yet and He had NOT SHED HIS BLOOD YET. He personally forgave the thief because Jesus had the authority to forgive sins.
The thief on the cross was a special case in history. It cannot be repeated again because Jesus is not present today in person. However, after Jesus shed His blood, His blood cleanses us from sin during BAPTISM.
When people on their death bed confess their sins, God also forgives them just as He forgave the thief. But with the majority of people who are alive, they have to go through the BAPTISM to fulfil all righteous (Mat 3:15).
I am not disputing that faith in Jesus's blood saves us. But the case of the thief was a different case. What Jesus says will be done because God gave Him the authority in heaven and on earth.
2 TIMOTHY 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in rightousness.
ACTS 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the REMISSION of SINS, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
ACTS 22:16 - And now why tarriest thou? arise, and BE BAPTIZED, and WASH AWAY thy SINS, calling on the name of the Lord.
MARK 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
BAPTISM is not a public show of acceptance but obedience to Jesus to "FULFIL ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS".
In the OT, the priests had to wash their garments with water to cleanse themselves before they approach the Lord.
Their physical bodies as well as their spiritual bodies must also be clean and without spot.
REVELATION 3:4-5 - "Not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. [5] He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
YOU WROTE: I don't hold this against you, and I hope you do not hold this against me. We know in part and follow the Lord according to the faith and grace He gives us. Amen.
ANSWER: Of course, I do not hold this against you at all. None of us is perfect but as long as we live, we are still learning. This is a good lesson in tolerance for we have to listen to each other. May the Lord help us to learn the truth according to His will. Continue to pray to God to obey Him according to the truth in His will. God bless! Amen.
notice what is written on the harlots forehead, rev 17:5 the reformation (abominations) came out of the roman catholic church (babylon the great) there will be no change till the lord returns.
Just so you know, malcolm777, I am NOT Catholic :-0
malcom777,
The RC did introduce many wrong beliefs to the other churches such as Sunday worship, pagan rituals like Christmas, Easter, forbidding priests not to marry, etc. Pray for her as well as for the 40,965 denominations who are also not perfect in the sight of the Lord. God bless!
does it matter head up or down,what matters is your heart.God looks at your heart.What we need to do is love one another like Jesus told us to.We are all going to have are own opion.The main point is to be like Jesus.Walk like him ,talk like him .Let him rule in your life.
Edward Says
True what you said about walking, and talking like Jesus. BUT 40,965 are not behaving like Jesus. If you let Jesus rule in your life, there will not be 40,965 denominations, but only ONE CHURCH.
Thank you so very much for this hub. I can add this one to my personal studies. I love the way it was written and it was very informational. I think we all need to go back to the Upper Room and get it right so that we all may meet Jesus when he comes.
Thank you Lady LaShonda. I am glad you will add to your personal studies. God bless.
This is an article worth keeping and reading, I am sure it was well researched and for anyone who reads it well written!
biblestudjames
Thanks for your comments. The comments between Judah's daughter and I should clarify things further. Peace and blessings.
Hey Deborrah,
I am teaching church history and its really sad to see so many denominations in Christianity. This is way too many. Check out wikipedia and see all of them. This is the reason the church must be unified. But its going to take more than us to do this.
Lady LaShonda
Sorry, I am einron, not Deborrah.
The church must only preach Jesus and nobody else. They must not put their own interpretations.
Links
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Judah's Daughter Level 6 Commenter 2 years ago
This is fabulous! My only concern about the SDA's is I heard their foundational doctrine states that Jesus is Michael the Archangel, just like JW's believe?? Some of their members don't know this and most likely believe Jesus is God, which is foundational, Biblical doctrine.
You mentioned King Henry VIII (isn't he the one that killed his wives?) yikes! ~ maybe I'm wrong....
I love the Bible, and it's sad that there are too many interpretations, causing differing foundational beliefs, but all-in-all, if the gospel message is consistent, that's our foundation ~ Jesus Christ, the Living God, our Savior and Lord, who will raise us!!