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BAPTISM THAT NOW SAVES YOU ALSO / 1 PETER 3:20-22

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(KJV) 1 Peter 3:20-22

 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

BAPTISM THAT NOW SAVES YOU ALSO / 1 PETER 3:20-22

Water baptism itself will not bring spiritual salvation (Acts 2:38), but it is a clear instruction given in connection with forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:36-38; 3:19; Acts 2:38). We are actually saved by what water baptism symbolizes – Christ’s death, burial and resurrection and our identification with Christ in these experiences (Romans 6:4). But, at times, the symbol and the reality are so closely linked in Scripture that the symbol of baptism is sometimes used to refer to the reality of salvation (Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Galatians 3:27). Baptism is part of salvation in the sense that it is an outward sign and public testimony of our repentance (turning from sin and toward God; Matthew 3:2). It is our public confession and pledge that we belong to Christ and have identified with His death in that we have now died to sin’s control and influence (Romans 6:11). We also identify with Him in His resurrection because He has given us a new life (Romans 6:3-5; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38-39). Notice the comparison of water baptism to the flood of Noah’s time (1 Peter 4:2). Just as Noah’s obedience to God’s instructions was evidence of His saving faith even before the flood, so being baptized in water is a testimony to our faith in Christ that brought salvation before we were baptized. Acts 22:16.

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  1. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME
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THEY WERE BAPTIZED / ACTS 19:5

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(KJV) Acts 19:5

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

THEY WERE BAPTIZED / ACTS 19:5

Water baptism into “the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:7) testifies that these twelve disciples in Ephesus had saving faith in Christ and had experienced a new birth spiritually (John 3:3-60). Their baptism is water was simply an outward testimony to their inward spiritual cleansing (Romans 6:4) and a means of publicly identifying with Jesus.

Bible Study Tools I Use

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Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. THIS CORRUPT GENERATION / ACTS 2:40
  2. REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED / ACTS 2:38
  3. FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN AND FOR ALL / ACTS 2:39
  4. WORSHIPING … AND FASTING / ACTS 13:2
  5. KEPT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT FROM PREACHING / ACTS 16:6
  6. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME
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GO … MAKE DISCIPLES … BAPTIZING / MATTHEW 28:19

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(KJV) Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

GO … MAKE DISCIPLES … BAPTIZING / MATTHEW 28:19

These words are referred to as Christ’s Great Commission (His primary command, instruction, and task – along with the authority to carry it out). This command applies to all His followers of every generation. In His final instructions, Christs states the goal and responsibility of His church (all His faithful followers – individually, in local congregations and as a worldwide community). They are to take His message to people of all nations and cultures. 

  1. The church is to go into all the world and spread the message of Christ as revealed in His own teaching and through the teaching of His apostles (those He personally appointed to establish His original church and message, Acts 14:4) as revealed throughout the New Testament (Ephesians 2:20). This task includes the responsibility of sending missionaries into every nation (Acts 13:1-4).
  2. The preaching of the gospel is centered on “repentance and forgiveness of sins” (Luke 24:47; Matthew 26:28), the promise of receiving “the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38) and the challenge to live in a way that is uniquely different from the spiritually corrupt world (Acts 2:40). We must also preach with an expectation of Jesus’ return for His church (Acts 3:19-20; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).
  3. The primary purpose of Christ’s commission was to make disciples (Greek matheteusate) – disciplined “learners” and followers of Jesus who live by His commands and are continually growing in their relationship with Him. To make disciples is the only direct command in this passage (the word “go” could be translated “as you are going”). Many people talk about the Great Commission as a call to evangelism (to spread Christ’s message of forgiveness and new life with the aim that people will respond positively and accept Christ). But Christ’s words here are really a commission to the deeper aspect of discipleship – which goes beyond evangelism and on to solid teaching and continual spiritual nurturing that produces growth and progress. Effective evangelism cannot be separated from true discipleship. Christ does not intend for His followers to simply convert to Christianity; He wants them to train and mentor (train by teaching and example) other people who will faithfully follow Christ and lead others to Him as well. If individuals who accept Christ do not grow beyond that starting point, they will almost certainly abandon their faith and likely become spiritually hardened toward God. A church’s spiritual energies and efforts must not be focused merely on enlarging church membership, but in making true disciples – life-long followers of Christ who avoid evil, follow Christ’s commands and pursue His purposes with all their heart, mind and will (Matthew 22:37; John 8:31). 
  4. Christ commands us to concentrate on reaching spiritually lost men and women with His message of hope, but this does not mean that believers are called to Christianize society or to expect that all of the world will become Christians. While we must strive to make a positive difference in the world, we also must understand that the world system will remain defiant toward God until he returns to earth for the final time to destroy evil and judge the wicked. Until then, God’s people must separate themselves from the corrupt beliefs, behaviors and lifestyles that surround them. Believers and lifestyles that surround them. Believers should devote themselves wholeheartedly to God and His purposes (Romans 13:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14). Devotion to Christ includes not hesitating to expose the evil and shame in the world so as to encourage others to avoid it (Ephesians 5:11-12). 
  5. Those who believe in Christ – who accept His message by faith and actively yield their lives to Him – are to be “baptized” with water. (The word translated “baptized” literally speaks of being immersed or put completely under the water.) This act of obedience serves as a public statement of faith in Christ – a sign that a person is identifying with Jesus in His death, burial (going under the water; Colossians 2:12) and resurrection (coming up out of the water). It represents a person’s spiritual pledge to turn away from sin and immorality, to die to one’s own sinful nature and, with God’s help, to be raised up to live a new life (Romans 6:4). In this new life, the believer is completely committed to Christ and His purposes (Acts 22:16).

Christ will be with His obedient followers through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:20; 1:23; 18:20). They will be able to fulfill their task to take Christ’s message wherever they go, even to all people and all nations, only after they are “clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8).

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
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Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. SALT OF THE EARTH / MATTHEW 5:13
  2. YOU ARE WORTH MORE / MATTHEW 10:31
  3. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME
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THIS CORRUPT GENERATION / ACTS 2:40

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(KJV) Acts 2:40 

And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

THIS CORRUPT GENERATION / ACTS 2:40

No one can be spiritually saved and have a relationship with God if they do not turn away from and refuse to participate in the corrupt activities of the present society (Luke 9:41; 11:29; 17:25; Philippians 2:15). New Christians should be taught to break off sinful relationships, give up ungodly practices, unite themselves to Christ and His people and devote themselves to God’s purposes (2 Corinthians 6:14, 17)

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
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Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED / ACTS 2:38
  2. FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN AND FOR ALL / ACTS 2:39
  3. WORSHIPING … AND FASTING / ACTS 13:2
  4. KEPT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT FROM PREACHING / ACTS 16:6
  5. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME
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Margarita & Stace
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REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED / ACTS 2:38

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(KJV) 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.

REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED / ACTS 2:38

Admitting and turning form sin, accepting God’s forgiveness, and being baptized in water are the conditions Peter states here for receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. However, Peter’s call for his hearers to be baptized in water before receiving the promise of the Father (Acts 1:4, 8) must not be viewed as an absolute requirement for spiritual salvation or the infilling and empowerment with the Spirit. True repentance and faith are the conditions for receiving forgiveness and spiritual salvation (Mark 16:16, where Jesus describes water baptism in connection with salvation, but clearly states that believing – or refusing to believe – in Him determines whether a person will be spiritually saved or condemned). Also, baptism in the Spirit is not an automatic result of water baptism (Romans 6:4).

  1. In this situation, Peter required water baptism prior to receiving the promise of the Spirit because in the minds of his Jewish listeners, the custom of baptism was taken for granted as being involved in any decision to turn from one’s own way and follow God’s way. Water baptism did not precede the baptism in the Spirit, however, in the instances recorded in Acts 9:17-18 (the apostle Paul) and Acts 10:44-48 (those in Cornelius’ house).
  2. Each believer, after turning from his or her own sinful way and accepting Jesus Christ by faith, must “receive” (Galatians 3:14) a personal baptism in the Spirit. This is not a requirement for salvation, but throughout the book of Acts the gift of the Spirit was something that individuals consciously desired, received and applied (Acts 1:4, 14; 4:31; 8:14-17; 19:2-6). The only possible exception to the rule in the New Testament was the case of Cornelius (Acts 10:44-48). We must not consider the baptism in the Spirit as a gift automatically provided to a Christian apart from a conscious desire to receive it.

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
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Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN AND FOR ALL / ACTS 2:39
  2. WORSHIPING … AND FASTING / ACTS 13:2
  3. KEPT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT FROM PREACHING / ACTS 16:6
  4. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME
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SALT OF THE EARTH / MATTHEW 5:13

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(KJV) Matthew 5:13
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

SALT OF THE EARTH / MATTHEW 5:13

Jesus’ followers could easily relate to the properties and benefits of salt as described in Jesus’ metaphor (symbolic comparison, figure of speech).

  1. Salt seasons and flavors food, just as Christians should enhance and favorably influence the people and society around them. Salt is a preservative, just as Christians and the church should resist moral corruption and decay, preserving a godly influence on the culture. In addition, salt has healing properties, just as Christ’s followers must help bring healing to people who are hurting physically, emotionally and spiritually. Salt also creates thirst, just as Christians – through their good example – should create spiritual thirst or desire in others to know more about God.
  2. Individual Christians and churches that lose these qualities will become spiritually “lukewarm” (unconcerned, unresponsive, lazy; Revelation 3:15, 16), a condition that suppresses or destroys the activity and power of the Holy Spirit. Without the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Without the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, churches will completely lose their effectiveness and will be rejected and “thrown out” by God.
  3. As a result, these Christians who are not seasoned with salt will be “trampled by men,” which means they will end up giving in to the ways and values of an ungodly society. Taking this path will bring destruction in the end (Deuteronomy 28:13, 43, 48; Judges 2:20-22).

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
  • Ballpoint Pens

Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. YOU ARE WORTH MORE / MATTHEW 10:31
  2. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME
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FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN AND FOR ALL / ACTS 2:39

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(KJV) Acts 2:39
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN AND FOR ALL / ACTS 2:39

The promise of the baptism in the Holy Spirit was not just for those present on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:4), but for all who would accept and follow Christ throughout this age: “for you” (Peter’s audience); “your children”) the next generation); “for all who are far off” (all generations to come).

  1. The baptism in the Spirit and the power it provides was not a once-for-all occurrence in the church’s history. It did not cease with Pentecost (Acts 2:38; 8:15; 9:17; 10:44-46; 19:6), nor did it end with the apostolic age (with Christ’s first followers and the early church pioneers). Some people think that this powerful experience, with the evidence of speaking in tongues, was only as a sign to help get the first church started. But the purpose was not just to get people’s attention or prove God’s power. Jesus said the Spirit would provide His followers with ongoing power and guidance in spreading His message (John 16:13). This purpose is just as relevant today because we still need the full empowerment of the Spirit to carry on the church’s mission.
  2. It is the right of every Christion to seek, expect and experience the same baptism in the Spirit that was promised and given to the New Testament Christians (Acts 1:4, 8; Joel 2:28; Matthew 3:11; Luke 24:49).

Bible Study Tools I Use

  • NIV Bible
  • King James Bible
  • www. biblegateway.com
  • Map Pencils
  • College Ruled Spiral Notebook
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Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. WORSHIPING … AND FASTING / ACTS 13:2
  2. KEPT BY THE HOLY SPIRIT FROM PREACHING / ACTS 16:6
  3. GUIDED BY GRACE HOME
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PROTECT YOU FROM THE EVIL ONE / 2 THESSALONIANS 3:3

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(KJV) 2 Thessalonians 3:3
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

PROTECT YOU FROM THE EVIL ONE / 2 THESSALONIANS 3:3

When God’s people pray in truth and with a burning passion, they can be assured that God will protect them from Satan. God will strengthen them to face any temptation that may come against them (1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 2:18) and will protect them from demonic powers (Ephesians 6:12).

Bible Study Tools I Use

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Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

  1. GUIDED BY GRACE ABOUT
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YOU ARE WORTH MORE / MATTHEW 10:31

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(KJV) Matthew 10:31
Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

YOU ARE WORTH MORE / MATTHEW 10:31

Jesus teaches that God’s faithful followers – His children – are of the greatest worth to their heavenly Father.

  1. God values you for who you are. He knows your special abilities and personal needs. He desires your love and companionship so much that He sent Jesus to die on the cross to pay the price for your sin (John 3:16). As His child, you are never separated from His presence, care, and concern. He knows all your needs, difficulties, and sorrows (Matthew 6:8).
  2. You are so important to God that He treasures your faithfulness, love, and loyalty above all earthly things. Your steady faith in Christ, which is proven through times of great difficulty or trouble, is priceless to Him and brings Him great honor. Read the assurance found in Psalms 91:14-16; 116:15; Isaiah 49:16; Matthew 11:28-29; Luke 12:32; John 13:1; 14:3; 17:24; Romans 8:28; 1 John 4:19.

Bible Study Tools I Use

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Some links may be affiliated. By purchasing an item from an affiliate link, I receive a small commission – but you are not charged more or less by clicking or purchasing through the link. Thank you for supporting me!

Some of our Post That Might Interest You, All Out of the Current Book / Chapter

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CONFESS … PRAY … BE HEALED / JAMES 5:16

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(KJV) James 5:16Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

CONFESS … PRAY … BE HEALED / JAMES 5:16

This verse gives us an important aspect to healing we must be accountable to one another. This means that we must be willing to confess our spiritual failures to other trustworthy Christians so that we can pray more effectively for each other. Sin in the church hinders prayer and holds back God’s healing power from being demonstrated among His people.

PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN IS POWERFUL

For those who are in a right relationship with God and who continually rely on Him to do what is right, their prayers will

  1. Bring them near to God (Hebrews 7:25).
  2. Open the way to a Spirit-filled life (Luke 11:13; Acts 1:14).
  3. Bring them power for ministry (Acts1:8; 4:31, 33) and Christian devotion (Ephesians 1:19).
  4. Build them up spiritually (Jude 1:20).
  5. Give them insight into Christ’s provision for them (Ephesians 1:16-19).
  6. Help them overcome Satan (Daniel 10:12-13; Ephesians 6:12-13, 18).
  7. Clarify God’s purposes for them (Psalms 32:6-8; Proverbs 3:5-6; Mark 1:35-39).
  8. Enable them to receive spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 14:1).
  9. Bring them into closer companionship with God (Matthew 6:9; John 7:37; 14:16).
  10. Bring them grace, mercy, and peace (Philippians 4:6-7; Hebrews 4:16).
  11. Bring others who are spiritually lost into a relationship with Christ (James 5:20).
  12. Bring them the wisdom, revelation, and knowledge of Christ (Ephesians 1:16-17).

Bible Study Tools I Use

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