I usually do not write against specific heretics, but Steve Finnell will be an exception. He left a comment on one of my posts advocating the baptismal regeneration heresy, his blog is here http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com/
He refers to himself as a "keyboard evangelist", meaning he is a stay-at-home-preacher. He is what we call a "Campbellite", a follower of Alexander Campbell. Campbell was a goofy looking fellow that lived from 1788-1866 and founded the "Church of Christ, a very liberal denomination that teaches baptismal regeneration and that the Bible should not be interpreted literally but rather figuratively.
Steve Finnell loves to create straw man arguments and then knock them down with 2-3 scripture references. 90% of his posts are simply quoting half of Mark 16:16 with Acts 2:38, then a quick run to Galatians 3:27. Occasionally he will whip out some verses in James 2 with 1 Peter 3:21. When he is especially desperate he will give you John 3:5 with Ephesians 5:25-26.
Steve Finnell also talks out both sides of his mouth when he writes about the BIBLE itself. On his blog he claims "For the serious student of the Bible I would recommend a word for word translation such as: NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE-KING JAMES BIBLE- ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION OR NEW KING JAMES BIBLE" but then when he wants to prove a certain doctrine he will find some strange, never heard of translation that was done by one man with the dynamic equivalence method of translating from Egyptian manuscripts that deny 95% of manuscript evidence and the Bible itself.
A prime example of Finnell's foolishness in this regard is when he quotes the Living Bible to prove that Ephesians 5:26-27 is referring to water baptism. AFTER he said to use a LITERAL translation.
Finnell says "Ephesians 5:26 to make her holy and clean, washed by baptism and God's word; (The Living Bible- Paraphrased)"
But the word "baptism" is not found ANYWHERE in Ephesians 5 in ANY manuscript and certainly not in the REAL Bible, the Authorized King James Version. The "Living Bible" is one of the most perverted corruptions of the word of God that ever came off the printing press. It is called "The Living Bible PARAPHRASE"....but the Bible said NOT to diminish from God's word! Deuteronomy 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it....
Not to mention that the Living Bible is not even a translation--it is simply an English paraphrase of the Egyptian manuscripts that disagree with themselves 7,000 times and diminish 6,000+ words from the Antioch manuscripts of the New Testament.
So what about this business with water baptism supposedly being in Ephesians 5? BOLONEY!
Ephesians 5:
[22] Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
[23] For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
[24] Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
[25] Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
[26] That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
[27] That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
There is no water baptism in the passage at all. What it actually says is that Christ "gave Himself for the church that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word". The cleansing that the church gets from the word of God is equated with being washed in water--a figure of cleansing. The only washing in the passage is done "BY THE WORD" and not by water baptism.
Christ said "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. " (John 15:3) and also "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. " (Ps. 119:9). Not to mention there is Christ's words right before He gave Himself for our sins, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." (John 17:17)
I have dealt thoroughly with the KJB vs Modern Perversions in these posts--truth that no Campbellite will ever accept
Perversions
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2014/10/perversions.html
Perversions (Part 2)
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2014/10/perversions-part-2.html
God implanted an intelligence test in His word, it goes like this: Read a man Ephesians 5:26 and John 3:5. If the man replies "BAPTISM" then you are dealing with a professional Campbellite NUT.
You can also perform the test by reading Romans 6:3-4 and Galatians 3:27 and if the man replies "WATER" then you are also dealing with a professional biblically ignorant Campbellite. Steve Finnell is one of them. They will tell you that baptism "into Christ" is the same thing as baptism "into water". However, the term baptized "in water" or "into water" is not found anywhere in the Bible. Water baptism is always said to be "WITH water" and not "IN water".
So what about baptism into Christ? Is that water baptism? My hind leg it is! Because unless Christ is a tank of water, than baptism "into water" cannot be the same thing as baptism "into Christ". Not to mention that the Bible plainly states that the baptism into Christ is done by the Holy Spirit and is an operation of God! (the Campbellite forgot to mention that one)
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Colossians 2:10-14 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Galatians 3:26-28 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
As for John 3:5, that is another Campbellite proof text. They honestly believe that "born of water" means "water baptized"!
The conversation of John chapter 3.
Jesus Christ: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. "
Nicodemus: "How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?"
Nicodemus was thinking in natural terms, therefore he is thinking about being in the mother's womb a second time.
Here is Christ's response.
Jesus Christ: "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."
Obviously when Christ says "except a man be born of water and of the Spirit..." He is answering Nicodemus's question about entering into the mother's womb again. The phrase "born of water" referring to the first birth fits the context and makes sense....since in the womb babies grow in a bag of fluid that is much like water. Then just prior to birth, the bag breaks, releasing this water and then the birth process begins.
When talking about Christ being God coming down to earth in human flesh, John said that "This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood...." (1 John 5:6) So to say that "born of water" is referring to human birth is no stretch and 1 John 5:6 provides a good cross reference.
Only a Campbellite could suggest that the answer to "can I go back into my mother's womb and be born a second time " would be "you need to be water baptized and born of the Spirit". That doesn't even answer the question and does not fit anywhere into the context!
It would help if the Campbellite baptismal regeneration proponents could produce a cross reference to being baptized in water being referred to as "born of water" elsewhere in scripture, but they can't produce that cross reference. But as it stands: the Cambellites have no context, no cross references, and no logic for "born of water" referring to water baptism.
Besides there not being a cross reference or context that would make us believe that "born of water" is referring to water baptism, it would also just not make any sense. That would mean that we must be born, born again of water, then born again of the Spirit. That is THREE births, not two.
You can always count on a Campbellite to say "WATER!" every time the word "baptism" is used and you can always count on them to say "BUPTISM" every time "water" is used.
I dealt with all the proof texts of Steve Finnell and the Church of Christ baptismal regeneration proponents here
Complete refutation of baptismal regeneration
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2014/11/complete-refutation-of-baptismal.html
"Born of water": Answering the Church of Christ confusion
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2014/11/born-of-water-answering-church-of.html
Another thing about Steve Finnell's doctrine is that it does not line up with "rightly dividing the word of truth" which is the prescribed method of "study" in the Bible (2 Tim. 2:15). That is because Steve Finnell does not take the Bible literally nor do any Church of Christ folks. They spiritualize everything into some sort of metaphor that only they can interpret. They deny the differences between God's dealings with Israel such as the prophesied Time of Jacob's Trouble (tribulation), the 2nd Advent, and the 1,000 year reign of Christ. Steve Finnel says that all of these passages that speak of those things are not literal and that we must have a bible teacher explain these passages away for us.
For just a small sample of what Steve Finnell does not take literally just check these references: Jeremiah 23:3-8, 30:1-24, 31:31-34, 32:36-42, 33:4-18, Ezekiel 11:14-21, 36:12-38, Isaiah 2:2-4, 11:1-6, 60:1-22, 61:6-11, Joel 2:1-32, 3:14-17, Numbers 24:17, Micah 4:1-7, 5:2-4, Hosea 1:5-11, Exodus 19:6, Psalms 2:1-8, Genesis 49:10, Deuteronomy 18:15-19, Luke 1:30-33, Matthew 19:27-30, 24:1-46, 25:1-46, Acts 3:19-26, Romans 11:25-27, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-12, 2:1-17, Revelation chapters 1-22 (whole book), 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Philippians 3:19-21, Colossians 3:1-4, 1 Timothy 6:15. All those are passages on the mystery rapture of the Body of Christ, the Time of Jacob's trouble, the 2nd Coming of Christ, Restoration of Israel, and the 1,000 year reign of Christ. Steve Finnell denies every one of those events as literal truth which makes him a real NUT. You can't help a fellow that won't take the Bible for what is says--we're dealing with the Word of God, not story time! (note: that was a small sample of scriptures on those events, there are hundreds more. see all the major and minor prophets.)
Steve Finnell also likes to talk a lot about baptism, yet he knows nothing about it. He MIGHT could name 2 different baptisms in the Bible--maybe. Meanwhile there are at least SEVEN.
#1.) God pouring out the flood in judgment [a water pouring with the end result being immersion] according to 1 Peter 3:20-21. ("baptism doth ALSO NOW")
#2.) The identification of the Israelites with Moses, God's messenger. (1 Corinthians 10:1-2) There was no immersion, the baptism was completely dry.
#3.) Water baptism as a "like figure" of the washing away of sins (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21, Matthew 3, etc.)
#4.) Baptism with fire, another judgement baptism. This one being into hell fire (Matthew 3:10-12, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, Revelation 20:15).
#5.) Baptism of suffering/death (Matthew 20:22, Mark 10:38, Luke 12:50).
#6.) Baptism BY Christ WITH the Holy Ghost ONTO a person for power (Matthew 3:11, Acts 2:38, Ezekiel 36:27, Joel 2:28, Jeremiah 32:39, Acts 8:15-17, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:6, etc.)
#7.) Baptism BY the Spirit WITH a person INTO Christ, an "operation of God" (Colossians 2:10-12, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Galatians 3:26-28, Romans 6:3-4, Eph. 4:5).
Steve Finnell also defines baptism as "immersion" when that is utter none sense. 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; " The Hebrews were "baptized unto Moses" BUT NONE OF THEM GOT WET--MUCH LESS "IMMERSED". The only people that got "immersed" were Pharaoh and his army, they drowned and went to hell.
Then there is the baptism with the Holy Ghost that is performed by Christ....which is plainly called a pouring/falling rather than an immersion.
Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Acts 2:
[16] But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
[17] And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
[17] And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God,I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
People incorrectly call this "immersion in the Holy Ghost"--a term never found in the Bible.
Some people say that the Greek word for baptism means immersion, but again that is not true.
The Greek word "βαπτισμους" just as easily means "wash". (I have already proved that some baptisms are just an identification)
Examples:
#1.) Mark 7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
"και απο αγορας εαν μη βαπτισωνται ουκ εσθιουσιν και αλλα πολλα εστιν α παρελαβον κρατειν βαπτισμους ποτηριων και ξεστων και χαλκιων και κλινων "
#2.) Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
"αφεντες γαρ την εντολην του θεου κρατειτε την παραδοσιν των ανθρωπων βαπτισμους ξεστων και ποτηριων και αλλα παρομοια τοιαυτα πολλα ποιειτε "
#3.) Hebrews 9:10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
"μονον επι βρωμασιν και πομασιν και διαφοροις βαπτισμοις και δικαιωμασιν σαρκος μεχρι καιρου διορθωσεως επικειμενα "
As you can see, "immerse" would not fit these verses. That is why it does not say "immerse", it says WASH. Mark 7:4--nobody immersed a table...they washed, sprinkled, or poured on a table!
Steve Finnell also does not have a basic understanding of the Bible as a whole (because he doesn't take it literally). The main focus of the Bible is on Israel and the Jews going into their promised land with Christ as their King (Jeremiah 23:3-8, 30:1-24, 31:31-34, 32:36-42, 33:4-18, Ezekiel 11:14-21, 36:12-38, Isaiah 2:2-4, 11:1-6, 60:1-22, 61:6-11, Joel 2:1-32, 3:14-17, Numbers 24:17, Micah 4:1-7, 5:2-4, Hosea 1:5-11, Exodus 19:6, Psalms 2:1-8, Genesis 49:10, Deuteronomy 18:15-19, Luke 1:30-33, Matthew 19:27-30, 24:1-46, 25:1-46, Acts 3:19-26, Romans 11:25-27, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-12, 2:1-17, Revelation chapters 1-22 (whole book).)
Christ came to earth offering Israel this kingdom. The Kingdom of Heaven was literally "at hand" and Christ was preaching the "gospel of the kingdom".
Kingdom at hand: Matthew 3:2, 4:17, 10:7, Mark 1:15
Gospel of the Kingdom: Matthew 4:23, 9:35, 24:14, Mark 1:14
Steve Finnell also does not have a basic understanding of the Bible as a whole (because he doesn't take it literally). The main focus of the Bible is on Israel and the Jews going into their promised land with Christ as their King (Jeremiah 23:3-8, 30:1-24, 31:31-34, 32:36-42, 33:4-18, Ezekiel 11:14-21, 36:12-38, Isaiah 2:2-4, 11:1-6, 60:1-22, 61:6-11, Joel 2:1-32, 3:14-17, Numbers 24:17, Micah 4:1-7, 5:2-4, Hosea 1:5-11, Exodus 19:6, Psalms 2:1-8, Genesis 49:10, Deuteronomy 18:15-19, Luke 1:30-33, Matthew 19:27-30, 24:1-46, 25:1-46, Acts 3:19-26, Romans 11:25-27, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-12, 2:1-17, Revelation chapters 1-22 (whole book).)
Christ came to earth offering Israel this kingdom. The Kingdom of Heaven was literally "at hand" and Christ was preaching the "gospel of the kingdom".
Kingdom at hand: Matthew 3:2, 4:17, 10:7, Mark 1:15
Gospel of the Kingdom: Matthew 4:23, 9:35, 24:14, Mark 1:14
Christ taught that His disciples would go through the Tribulation and enter into the Kingdom of Heaven when He came to sit on a throne in Israel (Matthew 19:27-30, 24:1-46)
After the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ the disciples still did not preach the finished work of Christ as good news, they preached it as a murder charge against Israel for crucifying their King....
Acts 2:14 "....Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem..."
Acts 2:22-23 "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:"
Acts 2:36-37 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
Acts 3:12-15 "And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses."
Acts 3:16-18 "And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled."
Acts 4:8-10 "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. "
Acts 5:28-31 "Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins."
Acts 7:51-52 "Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:"
The gospel that John the Baptist, Christ, and the 12 apostles preached was obviously not the gospel that we preach today. The Kingdom of Heaven is not at hand and we are not Israel, we are the Body of Christ where there is neither Jew nor Greek. The gospel preached by John the Baptist, Christ, and the 12 apostles was that the prophesied coming of the Son of God had come and that Jesus was the Christ. If you look at the references to the gospel as found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts chapters 1-8 the message being preached is about Christ's NAME--not His death, burial, and resurrection. They didn't even know about that (Matthew 16:21-23, Mark 9:31-32, Luke 9:44-45, Luke 18:31-34, John 20:6-10).
Also notice that Peter's audience was ISRAEL and that he was expecting Christ to restore Israel and the Kingdom be set up.
Acts 1:6-7 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
Acts 2:14 "....Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem..."
Acts 2:22-23 "Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:"
Acts 2:36-37 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"
Acts 3:12-15 "And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses."
Acts 3:16-18 "And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled."
Acts 4:8-10 "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. "
Acts 5:28-31 "Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins."
Peter was expecting Christ to fulfill the prophecies regarding Israel getting the Kingdom of Heaven and that Christ would take away Israel's sins at the SECOND COMING.
Jeremiah 31:
[31] Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
[32] Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:
[33] But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
[34] And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Jeremiah 32:
[36] And now therefore thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning this city, whereof ye say, It shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence;
[37] Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely:
[38] And they shall be my people, and I will be their God:
[39] And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:
[40] And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.
[41] Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.
[42] For thus saith the LORD; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.
Acts 3:
[19] Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
[20] And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
[21] Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
[22] For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
[23] And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
[24] Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.
[25] Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
[26] Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
So Steve Finnell does not understand any of those things because he does not think that they are literal. When Steve Finnell says that you must be water baptized to be saved, HE DOES NOT tell you that he is talking about the gospel of the kingdom that was being offered to Israel. He also does not mention that the gospel he is talking about did not bring complete redemption until the 2nd coming of Christ (Jeremiah 31:31-34, 32:36-42, Acts 3:19-26). Notice that Peter explains this further in his first epistle....
1 Peter 1:
[4] To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
[5] Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
[6] Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations:
[7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
[8] Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
[9] Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.
[10] Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:
Peter was writing doctrinally to ISRAEL, not the Body of Christ....
Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. (prophecy about Israel)
Isaiah 61:6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. (prophecy about Israel)
Hosea 1:7-11 But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the LORD their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen. Now when she had weaned Lo-ruhamah, she conceived, and bare a son. Then said God, Call his name Lo-ammi: for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God. Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God. Then shall the children of Judah and the children of Israel be gathered together, and appoint themselves one head, and they shall come up out of the land: for great shall be the day of Jezreel. (prophecy about Israel)
Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (Israel in the tribulation fulfilling OT prophecy)
Revelation 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (Israel in the tribulation fulfilling OT prophecy)
1 Peter 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (Peter fulfilling OT prophecy writing to Jews)
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (Peter fulfilling OT prophecy writing to Jews)
Peter was given the gospel of the circumcision, NOT the gospel of the uncircumcision!
Galatians 2:
[7] But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
[8] (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
It was not until the gospel of the grace of God was revealed to Paul that the finished work of Christ was preached as good news, Paul was made the pattern for those that would believe after him and was made THE apostle of the Gentiles......
1 Timothy 1:
[11] According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
[12] And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
[13] Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
[14] And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
[15] This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
[16] Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
Galatians 1:11-12 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 2:1-2a Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles....
Galatians 2:
[7] But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
[8] (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
WHAT WAS THAT GOSPEL?
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Acts 13:38-39 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Acts 16:30-31 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Christ Himself to Paul ACCORDING TO THE REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY, not according to prophecy like Peter. Paul was then made the teacher, preacher, and the apostle of the Gentiles. Jesus Christ was a "MINISTER OF THE CIRCUMCISION TO CONFIRM THE PROMISES MADE UNTO THE FATHERS" according to Romans 15:8 and Christ proved that when He would not help the Gentile woman in Matthew 15:22-27 until she admitted that she was a Gentile dog and that the Hebrews were God's chosen people. Christ also told the 12 apostles to only offer the Kingdom to JEWS and not to go to the Gentiles or Samaritans (Matthew 10:5-7).
Christ made known His plan for the Gentiles to Paul, this plan is called "the dispensation of the grace of God" and it was a mystery "hid in God" until revealed to Paul.
Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
Romans 15:15-16 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God, That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
1 Corinthians 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Ephesians 3:1-9 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Colossians 1:24-28 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
Paul was made the "pattern" for those who would believe his gospel after him. He was made "the apostle of the Gentiles" and he revealed Christ "according to the revelation of the mystery". He was a steward of the mysteries of God. Jesus and the twelve apostles preached that the Gentiles would be blessed through Israel's rise as the OT says (Isaiah 60), but Christ revealed to Paul that the Gentiles would now be blessed through Israel's FALL, not their rise. Because of Israel's rejection of the Kingdom and blaspheming of the Holy Ghost (Mark 3:28-29, Luke 12:10, Acts 5:1-11, Acts 6:8-15, Acts 7:51-58) Christ BLINDED Israel and they fell. Christ then sent the apostle Paul to the Gentiles with the new gospel of the grace of God (Eph. 3:1-9, 1 Tim. 1:11-16, Acts 26:16-18, Gal. 1:11-12, Gal. 2:7-8, Eph. 6:19, 1 Cor. 2:7, 1 Cor. 4:1) where the Gentiles do NOT need to come to God through Israel as they did previously (Isaiah 60, Matt. 10:5-7, Matt. 15:22-27, Gen. 12:1-3, Gen. 28:13-15). Paul talks about this in Romans 11.
Romans 11:
[11] I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
[12] Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
[13] For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
[14] If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.
[15] For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
Israel was diminished, castaway, and BLINDED......(notice that this was a "mystery")
Romans 11:
[25] For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
However, even though Israel fell and was no longer going to be offered the Kingdom, this was NOT permanent. Believing Israel in the tribulation will be saved and be gathered to reign with Christ in the Kingdom, it is then that Christ will take away their sins.
Romans 11:
[26] And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
[27] For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
Peter was NOT aware of the "dispensation of the grace of God" (Eph. 3:1-9) in Acts. That was something Christ revealed to Paul AFTER Jerusalem's rejection of the Kingdom in Acts 7. Peter was still preaching to Israel, that they would be redeemed at the 2nd Advent of Christ.
Acts 3:
[18] But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
[19] Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
[20] And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
[21] Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
[22] For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
[23] And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
[24] Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.
[25] Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
Peter did not preach the gospel of the grace of God (that Christ died for our sins and that we can be now justified by His blood--1 Cor. 15:1-4, Acts 20:24, Rom. 5:8-11, Acts 13:38-39). Peter preached the "gospel of the kingdom" to ISRAEL. Peter's message was "spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began " while Paul's message was "according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began". Paul said that we can be "now justified by his blood" (Rom. 5:8-11) but Peter said "your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord ". Peter's message is that of Jeremiah 31:31-34, 32:36-42, 33:4-8, Ezekiel 36:12-38).
PETER'S AUDIENCE: Acts 3:25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
PAUL'S AUDIENCE: Ephesians 2:12 "....ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:"
PETER'S GOSPEL: Acts 2:38 + 3:19 "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 ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord "
PAUL'S GOSPEL: Acts 13:38-39 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
PETER'S KNOWLEDGE OF "NOT UNDER THE LAW BUT UNDER GRACE": Acts 2:46 "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, " Acts 3:1 "Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. " Acts 10:9-17 "On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,"
PAUL'S KNOWLEDGE OF "NOT UNDER THE LAW BUT UNDER GRACE": Galatians 2:11-21 "But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." Romans 6:14 "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."
WHAT PETER THOUGHT ABOUT THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL: Acts 1:6-7 "When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power."
WHAT PAUL THOUGHT ABOUT THE RESTORATION OF ISRAEL: Romans 11:25-27 "For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins."
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE???? THE REVELATION OF THE MYSTERY--DISPENSATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD GIVEN TO PAUL: Ephesians 3:1-9 "For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:" Romans 16:25 "Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,"
PAUL IS OUR PATTERN: 1 Timothy 1:11-16 "According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. "
Here is what Paul says about the Gentiles in this age not needing Israel to be blessed as had been previously prophesied and required (Isaiah 60, Matt. 10:5-7, Matt. 15:22-27, Gen. 12:1-3, Gen. 28:13-15)
Romans 11
[28] As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
[29] For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
[30] For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
[31] Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
[32] For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
1 Thessalonians 2:
[14] For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
[15] Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
[16] Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
These truths are crucial to understanding what gospel you should be preaching.
There is the "gospel of the kingdom" that Christ in His earthly ministry preached with His disciples (Matt. 4:23, 9:35, Mark 1:14). In the gospels it was only for Israel (Matt. 10:5-7) but Christ said it would be preached to all nations during the Tribulation before His 2nd Coming (Matthew 24:1-14). Whenever this gospel is preached it is always when the Kingdom of Heaven is "at hand" and being offered to Israel (Matt. 3:2, 4:17, 10:7, Mark 1:15). Before Christ death the gospel of the kingdom did NOT involve the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ (Matt. 16:21-23, Mark 9:31-32, Luke 9:44-45, 18:31-34, John 20:6-10). After Christ's death an addition was made to this gospel--that Christ had been raised from the dead (Acts 2:24). One of the main things about this gospel is that it is for those going through the time of Jacob's Trouble (Jeremiah 30, Matt. 24:13-14) and that it requires WORKS along with your faith, it is not by grace through faith without works. The works required are keeping the Law of Moses, forgiving other people their trespasses, enduring to the end of the tribulation without denying the true Christ, water baptism, and selling all your possessions. (Matthew 6:11-34, 10:22-33, 18:35, 19:16-23, Mark 1:3-5, 6:7-9, 10:21, 16:16, Luke 3:3, 7:29-30, 9:1-4, 12:21-33, Acts 2:38, 2:44-46, 3:2-6, 4:32-37, 5:1-11, Rev. 2:11, 2:17, 2:26, 3:5, 3:8, 3:12, 3:21, 12:17, 14:12, 15:2, 22:18-19). This gospel of course required BELIEVING that Christ was the Son of God (John 1:12-13) but not that He died for your sins (Matt. 16:21-23, Mark 9:31-32, Luke 9:44-45, 18:31-34, John 20:6-10 ). This gospel is also called the "gospel of the circumcision" in Galatians 2:8 because it is a gospel pertaining to the Jews and anyone who gets saved through this gospel must do it through Israel.
Then there is "the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:24) which not preached until Christ made it known to Paul (Rom. 16:25, Eph. 6:19, 1 Cor. 2:7, Gal. 1:11-12, Col. 4:3). Paul refers to it as the "glorious gospel of the blessed God" (1 Tim. 1:11) and he also calls it "my gospel" (Rom. 2:16, 16:25, 2 Tim. 2:8). This gospel IS that Christ died for our sins and that He was buried and rose again the third day (1 Cor. 15:1-4, 1 Cor. 2:1-7). Anyone who trusts Christ believing that gospel will be saved and sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13, Gal. 3:1-3, Acts 16:30-31). This gospel requires NO WORKS such as forgiving others, enduring to the end, keeping the law, or water baptism (1 Cor. 15:1-4, 2 Tim. 1:9-11, 2 Tim. 2:13, Eph. 1:13, Eph. 2:8-9, Eph. 3:17, Titus 3:4-7, Gal. 2:16-21, Gal. 3:1-27, Rom. 3:21-28, Rom. 4:1-25, Rom. 5:1-11, Rom. 8:8, Phil. 3:8-9, Rom. 10:1-5). It is when this gospel was revealed to Paul that he became "pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting" (1 Tim. 1:11-16). Paul communicated it to the 12 apostles and called it "that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles" (Gal. 2:2) and he also called it the "gospel of the uncircumcision" in Galatians 2:7-8. Paul said many times that we are saved and sealed with the Holy Spirit without works many times, but he specifically stated that water baptism was not a part of his commission or gospel in 1 Corinthians 1. "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.....it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe." (1 Cor. 1:17-18+21a)
Paul was "sent not to baptize", but he was sent to open the eyes of lost people, turn them from darkness to light, from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive the forgiveness of sins (Acts 26:17-18). Therefore water baptism could not have anything to do with any of those things, else Paul WOULD have been sent to baptize. Water baptism is not part of Paul's gospel (1 Cor. 1:17), no works are required for salvation (Eph. 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, Rom. 8:8, 2 Tim. 1:9, Gal. 2:16-21, Gal. 3:1-3, etc.). The greatest verse on this truth in my opinion is Ephesians 1:13.
Ephesians 1:13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
This sealing of the Holy Spirit is permanent (until the rapture, the redemption of our body--Phil. 3:19-21) which means that the believer has eternal security. The truth of Ephesians 1:13 demolishes every Baptist, Calvinist, Campbellite, Catholic, Charismatic, etc. because it most plainly states that when you TRUST Christ BELIEVING the gospel, you are then sealed with the Holy Spirit. You do not have to pray/confess (Baptist), you do not have to be water baptized (Campbellite), nor anything else. You just believe that Christ died for your sins and rose again (1 Cor. 15:1-4) trusting Christ and you are SAVED and SEALED. (this also eliminates the calvinist doctrine of receiving the Holy Spirit before believing)
Those are ALL truths that Steve Finnell does not believe, teach, or take literal. He twists the Bible howver he wants. He tries to mix the "gospel of the kingdom" with the "gospel of the grace of God". Steve Finnell wants to teach the requirement of water baptism but he does not teach the selling all possessions, forgiving others, and only getting your sins blotted out at the 2nd Coming of Christ. Steve Finnell picks and chooses what he wants to follow and what he does not want to follow.
Steve Finnell also denies the truth of Romans 8:31-39 that NOTHING can separate us from the love of God in the dispensation of grace. Steve Finnell says that unbelief and apostasy can separate the believer from God and that the believer can lose his salvation.
Here is the truth on the matter: NOTHING can separate us from the love of God!
Romans 8:
[31] What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
[32] He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
[33] Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
[34] Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
[35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
[36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
[37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
[38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
[39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Our salvation is "in Christ", it has nothing to do with our works! If anyone "loses salvation" it will be because Christ messed up, because nobody is saved by their own works according to Titus 3:5, Eph. 2:8-9, 1 Timothy 1:9, etc. Our salvation is IN CHRIST alone--he did all the work. In fact, even if we cease to believe in Christ and His gospel, we are STILL SAVED because Christ will not deny Himself!!!
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
2 Timothy 2:
[11] It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
[12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
[13] If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
[12] If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
[13] If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
When we believe the gospel we are baptized by the Spirit into Christ and we become members of His body--crucified, buried, risen, and seated (Eph. 1:13, Eph. 2:6, Gal. 3:26-27, Gal. 2:16-20, Col. 2:10-12). Because of this, even if we "believe not" Christ will not deny us salvation because He CANNOT deny Himself! This is truth that Steve Finnell does not believe nor take literal. Steve Finnell ignores all dispensational truth and right division of the scriptures. (2 Tim. 2:15)
Here are even more proofs of the security of the believer in this dispensation.
Acts 13:
[38] Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
[39] And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
[39] And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Look at how all that believe are "justified from ALL things", "forgiven ALL trespasses", and God "HATH forgiven" us. We have no sins that have not been forgiven. Of course this is different than the gospel of the kingdom that Steve Finnell wants to claim (half way) because under the gospel of the kingdom you had to forgive other people in order to have your sins forgiven (Matt. 6:12-15).
Also notice that we are NOT saved by works--this excludes having to be faithful and fruitful until the end of our lives because that involves OUR WORKS.
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Titus 3:4-7 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
2 Timothy 1:9-11 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
Another verse on eternal security is Philippians 1:6......Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
But some of the best verses on eternal security are these in 1 Corinthians. The Corinthian church was full of sin and misconduct so if anyone was in danger of losing their salvation it would have been them. But look what Paul says about them.
1 Corinthians 1:
[1] Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,
[2] Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
[3] Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
[4] I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
[5] That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
[6] Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
[7] So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
[8] Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[2] Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
[3] Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
[4] I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
[5] That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
[6] Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:
[7] So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:
[8] Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:
[9] Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
[10] Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
[11] And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
[10] Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
[11] And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
The Corinthian church had a bad christian walk and bodily sanctification, but their spiritual walk/sanctification was complete in Christ. They were "sanctified in Christ Jesus" in their spiritual standing and were going to be confirmed unto the end. They were washed, sanctified, and justified by the Holy Ghost.
Another error that Steve Finnell teaches is that the "one baptism" of Ephesians 4:5 is water baptism. Let's see "what saith the scripture" (Rom. 4:3).
Ephesians 4:
[1] I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
[2] With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
[3] Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
[4] There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
[5] One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
[6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
[2] With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
[3] Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
[4] There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
[5] One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
[6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
The context is the CALLING of the believer--which is "NOT ACCORDING TO OUR WORKS" which excludes water baptism.
2 Timothy 1:9 "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,"
Also notice that the context is the "UNITY OF THE SPIRIT". The seven fold unity of the Spirit is not PHYSICAL RITUALS, they are SPIRITUAL. The "one baptism" is the baptism that puts the body of Christ in unity which is the baptism by the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:13).
Another error that Steve Finnell makes is that he says that the baptism done by Christ WITH the Holy Ghost for power is the same thing as the baptism by the Spirit into Christ to join the believer to the Lord. These are clearly different, but Steve Finnell says that they are the same.
BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY GHOST IS DONE BY CHRIST ONTO A PERSON: Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
BAPTISM BY THE SPIRIT IS DONE BY THE SPIRIT INTO CHRIST WITH A PERSON:
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
BAPTISM WITH THE HOLY GHOST BY CHRIST IS FOR POWER: Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 2:4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
BAPTISM BY THE SPIRIT INTO CHRIST IS TO JOIN THE BELIEVER TO THE LORD: 1 Corinthians 6:15-17 Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Colossians 2:10-12 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
Also note that the baptism with the Holy Ghost was prophesied in Joel 2, Jeremiah 31-32, and Ezekiel 36 while the Body of Christ was a mystery (Eph. 5:30-32, Eph. 3:1-9).
Another error of Steve Finnell is that he says the "washing of regeneration" (Titus 3:5) is water baptism. But the washing is not "of baptism" nor "of water", it is "OF REGENERATION". And water cannot regenerate anyone. Also, if the passage were talking about water baptism then that would contradict the "not by works of righteousness which we have done". It is clear that the washing is done by the Holy Ghost!
Titus 3:4-7 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Another error of Steve Finnell is that he believes that John and Peter had DIFFERENT water baptisms, but that is not true. Both of them had the "baptism of repentance for the remission of sins".
Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of 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.
Another error of Steve Finnell is that he believes Paul re-baptized some folks in Acts 19 in order for them to receive the Holy Ghost. But he didn't. All Paul did was repeat John's message, "John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. " and then laid hands on the men for them to receive the baptism with the Holy Ghost.
Nowhere in the Bible is anyone told to get water baptized twice.
Acts 19:1-6 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Steve Finnell also denies that Christ had TWO baptisms. One was a baptism with water (Matthew 3) but the other was a baptism into death....
Mark 10:38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?
Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
Baptism with water and baptism into death are different things.
In conclusion here are some facts about 1 Peter 3:21.
1 Peter 3:21 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:
It is evident from 1 Peter 3:21 that water baptism saved in a "like figure" (a figure is not real salvation) and that it did not literally wash away sins since it was only a figure ("not the putting away of the filth of the flesh"). Water baptism was "the answer of a GOOD conscience toward God".....and you cannot have a "good conscience toward God" unless you are ALREADY SAVED.
Titus 1:
[15] Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
[16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
[16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Romans 8:8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
1.) Lost people's mind and conscience is defiled--they cannot have a good conscience toward God.
2.) In works they deny God and are DISOBEDIENT. They cannot do good works or please God because anything they do is not by the Holy Spirit's guidance and is done in human efforts to save himself.
That is why you must TRUST Christ and BELIEVE the gospel to be saved--because trusting and believing is not working!
Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (not when you got baptized)
Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. (not your baptism)
1 Corinthians 15:
[1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
[2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
[3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
[4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
[2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
[3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
[4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Ephesians 2:
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. (not by grace through water baptism of yourselves)
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast. (not by grace through water baptism of yourselves)
Irrefutable proof that water baptism is not required for salvation in this dispensation is found in Acts 10 where God is showing Peter that He is now accepting Jew and Gentiles together (one body) WITHOUT works.
Acts 10:
[25] And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
[26] But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
[27] And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
[28] And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
[26] But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
[27] And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
[28] And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
Peter was not given the "dispensation of the grace of God" and knew nothing "ye are not under the law but under grace". Those things were revealed to Paul in Acts 9 and so God appeared to Peter in a vision in Acts 10 to show him that He was now accepting Gentiles and Jews together. However, Peter did not immediately know that the Gentiles would be getting saved without works, he did not realize that until Acts 15.
Acts 10:
[29] Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
[30] And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
[31] And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
[32] Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
[33] Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
[30] And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
[31] And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
[32] Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
[33] Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
[34] Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
[35] But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
[35] But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Note verse 35 where Peter did not know about the salvation by grace through faith--he still believed that the Gentiles had to have works just like the Jews did.
Acts 10:
[36] The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
[37] That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
[38] How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
[39] And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
[40] Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
[41] Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
[42] And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
[43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
[37] That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
[38] How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
[39] And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
[40] Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
[41] Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
[42] And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
[43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Notice that Peter did not mention water baptism here. God sent Peter to Cornelius so that the Gentiles could "hear all things that are commanded thee of God" and the Holy Ghost led Peter to OMIT the command to be water baptized that was spoken of in Acts 2:38. Look what happened when Peter spoke these words "through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins"......
Acts 10:
[44] While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
[45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
[47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
[48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
[45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
[47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
[48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Peter and the other believers of the circumcision could not believe that the Gentiles received the Holy Ghost without works. Peter does not realize until Acts 15 that the Gentiles do not need works to be saved.
Acts 15:
[1] And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
[2] When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
[3] And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
[4] And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
[5] But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
[6] And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
[2] When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
[3] And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
[4] And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
[5] But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
[6] And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
The Law was God's plan for Israel and will be His plan for them during the tribulation and millennium when they are brought under the New Covenant and will keep the Law perfectly by the power of the Holy Ghost (Matt. 23:1-3, 24:20, Heb. 7:14, Acts 2:46, 3:1, 10:10-28, 21:18-20, Jer. 31:31-34, 32:36-42, 33:4-18, Ezek. 11:14-21, 36:12-38, Isa. 2:3, Micah 4:2). That is why James's followers were zealous of the Law (Acts 21:18-20). So when Paul was given the dispensation of the grace of God and that the Gentiles could be saved without the Law (Rom. 3-8, Gal. 1-3, Eph. 2-3, Col. 2) it caused a lot of debate among the apostles of the circumcision (Acts 15:1). We saw above how there was a sect of believing Pharisees in the church at Jerusalem and that the apostles/prophets had to have a meeting to decide whether the Gentiles were saved by works or grace. It is Peter's testimony of what happened in Acts 10 that helps come the debate down.
Acts 10:
[7] And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
[8] And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
[9] And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
[10] Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
[11] But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
[8] And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
[9] And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
[10] Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
[11] But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
The Gentiles were saved without works (baptism specifically in the context) and that God knows the hearts and will purify them by faith upon hearing the gospel and believing. That is what Paul preached in Galatians 3
Galatians 3:
[1] O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
[2] This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
[3] Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
[2] This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
[3] Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Hopefully Steve Finnell (of "A CHRISTIAN VIEW") will see these truths and quit preaching his half-gospel of the kingdom ~ half-gospel of grace mixture.
Note: Steve Finnell always says that the gospel is believing and being baptized, yet he never actually says what to believe! So much for "A CHRISTIAN VIEW".
--Eli "Hoss" Caldwell
I know of Steve Finnel through an old girlfriend. He is actually a minister for a radical fringe
ReplyDeletegroup called the 2x2 religion or friends. Originally called the Cooneyites. Read up on them, you will understand them better. He cost me a relationship so there is no love lost between us.
I know Steve Finnel through an old girlfriend. He was her "minister" in a group called the 2x2's, or friends. Originally they were called Cooneyites in the late 19th Century/early 20th. Extreme fundamentalist and believed by government to be a cult. Look them up and you will understand Finnel better
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