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Part Two, What is Heaven like?
Sept. 9, 2019
What does the Bible say that heaven will be like? Men often have their opinions on this subject, yet Scripture tells us accurately what the eternal dwelling place of the saved have to look forward too. In this second part of this topical teaching we look at what life will be like in the city of God, the New Jerusalem.
Look at Revelation 21:9-11 with me. Here, John continues to describe the physical appearance of heaven. "Then one of the seven angels that had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me, and talked with me saying, "Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife." And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal."
Just as the church redeemed is the "bride of Christ" in 21:1-4, so too, the actual city, the New Jerusalem is also the "bride of the Lamb." Reality is that you can't have one without the other. A redeemed church, given a glorious resurrection body need a glorious city in which to dwell. A glorious city without citizens submitted to Christ is not a suitable bride for the Savior.
Note that this city descends from out of heaven. This heaven from which it descends is the "third heaven" (2 Cor. 12:2) It is the place where God dwells and those who previously died victorious in Christ live as souls with Christ until the Day of His return to earth. (Rev. 20:4) This is also referred to by the Lord as "Paradise" when He promised the repentant thief on the Cross, "This day you will be with Me in Paradise." (Lu. 23:43) This is also the place the Lord called Abraham's bosom in Lu. 16:23. It is a spiritual realm. This makes sense because "God is Spirit." (Jn. 4:24) So on this glorious day the New Jerusalem known to many as heaven will actually descend from the spiritual realm of God down to the New Earth. The earth which God has recreated. The earth that was subjected to futility (cursed) because of man's sin. (Rom. 8:19-21)
Verse 11 tells us she "has the glory of God"; there is nothing defective, carnal or earthly about her glory. Again it is a glorious city made exclusively for a redeemed people given life eternal and glorious incorruptible bodies. The quality of God's city is beyond compare and human comprehension. This "glory" is God, the Lamb Himself is it's light. (Rev. 21:23) The Jasper stone is a diamond. A diamond is translucent, it not only reflects light, it also refracts light. Refraction occurs when light is re-directed. The city is as dazzling as huge diamonds reflecting and refracting the light of Christ Jesus.
Verses 12, 13 tell us that there are four walls. They are "high walls". How high? Verse 16 states, "twelve thousand furlongs are it's length, breadth and height." This measurement in miles would be 1,500 miles. Why would heaven need walls so high? Could it be in the glorious life that exists here that the streets run not only horizontal, but possibly vertical? Each wall has three gates. Again one must ask why? For what purpose? After all, God's enemies including Satan have already been dispatched to Hell. (Rev. 20:10) The most reasonable answer is found in verse 18, "The construction of it's wall was of Jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass." These walls have only one purpose; to reflect and refract the glory of Christ. The glory of Christ Jesus and God the Father are apparent in every detail.
Over each gate there is an angel. He is not there as a sentry, but likely will help us. Perhaps he will greet us as we go in and out of the New Jerusalem. After all there is a "new earth" made by God for our enjoyment. Maybe the angel will recommend beautiful sights and features of this "new earth." Hebrews 1:14 tells us about angels; "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?" Perhaps they might be our tour guides.
Each of these walls is set on a foundation of twelve layers (v. 14). These foundations honor the twelve Apostles of our Lord. In verse 17 we are told these walls have a thickness of 144 cubits. This would be 216 feet thick. These walls and their massive foundations are a reflection of the security we will have knowing this eternal home will never be taken from us.
The twelve foundations are adorned with all manner of jewels. Several different colors. Each has one purpose to reflect and refract the glory of God and the Lamb throughout the city. A glorious Savior deserves a glorious city. God and the Lamb will dwell here with us. (21:4)
The buildings of the city according to verse 18 "was gold, like clear glass." Literally you can see through the walls. To humans this might be a source of anxiety, but clothed in an eternal and incorruptible resurrection body, you won't have any cause for embarrassment. Jesus reminds us in Mt. 22:30 we have no sexual identity in heaven, "For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven."
The twelve gates are made of pearl. In fact each gate is one massive pearl. (21:21) With man this would be impossible to fathom. But "with God all things are possible." If you search for a meaning in this marvel, I would remind you of a point made by John MacArthur; the only material used in the construction of the New Jerusalem that is the product of a living creature is pearl. Everything else is either a stone or a metal. A pearl is form by an oyster. It is formed in response to an injury. When an oyster is wounded it secretes the pearlescent substance around the offending object. So maybe we can see a great object lesson here in the New Jerusalem every time we enter or exit. Maybe God wants to remind us that we have this glorious eternal dwelling because of the wounds inflicted on His Son on Calvary's Cross. In Isa. 53:5 we are told of Christ's suffering, "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him. And by His stripes we are healed."
It's certainly a possibility. Until next time, God bless you as you grow in His word- David
What is Heaven like? Pt. One, Revelation 21:1-8
July 23, 2019
Here on earth we call it Heaven. In the realm of Heaven they call it the New Jerusalem. It's the place where Jesus went "to prepare a place" for His disciples. We read about it in Rev. 21. Beginning with verse 1 John begins by telling us what he saw. "Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea."
The first heaven and first earth has been destroyed. Peter told us this would happen in 2 Pe. 3:10, "But the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be be burned up."
Now the old heaven is not the realm of God, but the atmosphere that surrounded the first earth. This is the environment where we see birds and airplanes fly. It along with the old earth are now no more. The timing of this precedes the Great White throne judgment of sinners. This fact is mentioned by John in Rev. 20:11, "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them."
The purpose of the destruction of the first heaven and earth was that it had been ravaged by man's sin. In Rom. 8:19-21, "For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope: because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God." The creation bears the scars of man's sin; pollution, urban sprawl, unsightly scars from various acts of war, greed, and inconsideration. It has borne the Divine punishment of thorns and thistles because of Adam's sin. (Gen.3:17,18). And so it must be made new, just like it's new population, the redeemed of Christ.
In verse 2 John sees, "the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." It is descending out of the heavenly realm of God to the "new earth". Literally, God is going to create Heaven on earth! She is beautiful, like a bride "prepared for her husband." Later in verse 9 John will be invited to take a closer look at "the bride, the Lamb's wife."
Now the question arises, "How can the bride of the Christ the Lamb of God be a city?" Shouldn't His bride be the Church redeemed? Well the easy answer is that His bride is both the physical city and it's citizens. Because both have been made anew. Not only is the city new and beautiful, so too is the believer. He has received his glorious resurrection body, incorruptible and immortal (1 Cor. 15:50-54). In this new body the believer is now conformed to the "glorious body" of Christ (Phil.3:21). Newness is the theme here: New heaven, new earth, new Jerusalem, new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). So the city and it's citizens are one.
In verse 3 we are told, "the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them." In the Old Testament God's presence was found in the "tabernacle", the place where God met with Moses and Joshua. Though God came and spoke with these men, it was incorrect to say that God "dwelt with them". But here we find that God Himself will dwell among the redeemed.
By this time sin and death are no more. Sin no longer is possible here in the New Jerusalem because the saved are now totally sanctified, besides this the nature of the resurrection body is "incorruptible"; it cannot sin, nor can it be tempted to sin. Death is gone, it was thrown in the lake of fire with the devil and his angels (Rev, 20:14). Because of this, we have a different kind of life experience; we won't cry, mourn, hurt or be sorrowful. This is truly a "new life". "The former things have passed away". (v.4)
In verse 5 the "new" theme is all the work of God and His Christ. "Behold I make all things new." So appropriate, after all we have new heaven, new earth, new Jerusalem, the redeemed are made anew and this life will be brand new and nothing will spoil it. Nothing.
In verses 6 & 7 we find that John is told that the citizens of this wonderful place share two things in common that set them apart from those who were condemned to eternal punishment. First, they thirsted for the "water of life". They wanted eternal life with Christ Jesus more than anything else. More than earthly treasures and more than sinful pleasures. This verse reflects the character and lives that we saw in the "souls" that John saw in Rev. 20:4, "Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands." Here "they" are "them'.
In verse 7 the second thing is that they have overcome. They overcame temptation, fear, doubt, sin and remained faithful to death. The Lord warned the church at Smyrna in Rev.2:10 of impending trials and persecutions. Telling them that some would be thrown into jail and would suffer. Then He reminds them, "Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." They overcame because they were faithful to Christ and refused to compromise or recant. This is the nature of all the citizens here in the New Jerusalem.
Finally, in verse 8 we are reminded that not everyone will be here. John shares eight sinful behaviors that if left unrepentant will damn one's soul to hell. The cowardly are those whose faith was lacking. It's the same word Jesus used when He rebuked the twelve in Mt. 8:26, it denotes a faith that is lacking. It's a fair bet that these believed in Christ, but simply lacked the faith to remain steadfast and firm in the face of temptation and persecution. The unbelieving are those who never believed in Christ, in the end they reap the wages of unbelief. The abominable are the "ungodly"; their behavior offends God. Those who take innocent life will not be here. Nor will the sexually immoral. The general Greek word "pornois" is also translated "fornicators, whore mongers, and homosexuals. Those who practice witchcraft or satanic rituals won't be there. Neither will be those who worship any god other than the One True God. And "all liars" who fail to repent will not be there. A liar is one who knowingly tells falsehoods; deceivers and false prophets are among the damned in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone.
In the end, heaven wouldn't be heaven if God allowed the unrepentant sinner to gain entry in the New Jerusalem. Those who refused to be "born again", "born of water and Spirit" will not be here either. As Jesus states clearly in Jn. 3:5, "Unless one is born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God." You must be born again, born anew. New is the theme of salvation, both here and there. Next time we will look at the physical description of the New Jerusalem in part two of this teaching. God bless- David
Should the Bible be our guide for Church doctrine and practice?
June 27, 2019
I recently had a debate with a woman concerning whether a woman was authorized by the Scriptures to preach or hold an elders role in the church. She had been given a theory from a Bible College professor that Paul's directive to Timothy concerning the role of women in 1 Tim. 2:12-15. Here Paul tells Timothy who was a minister at the church in Ephesus, "And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control."
Her theory was that since Ephesus was the city with the pagan temple of Artemis (Diana). That possibly a few of the women who served as priestesses in that pagan temple had received Christ and now were desiring to have the same roles in the church that they had at the temple. Some of them lacked a true Holy Spirit gifting for this purpose and had begun to teach things that were contrary to correct doctrine. Thus because of the threat of false teaching Paul imposed a ban on all women holding such roles, but only at Ephesus.
Now there is no "concrete" evidence to prove, nor disprove such a theory. However, one must recognize that the Bible claims to be the product of God through His own Holy Spirit. In 2 Tim. 3:16,17, Paul states, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." Peter echoes Paul's affirmation of the Divine inspiration of Scripture in 2 Pe. 1:20,21, "knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."
So the Bible itself states it is the product of God and came to us through the pens of men who were guided by the Holy Spirit. This is consistent with what our Lord Jesus promised the disciples concerning the role of the measure of the Holy Spirit that they were to receive in Jn. 16:12-15, "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. However, when He the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has is Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you." Note that this measure of the Holy Spirit was promised to the eleven, those who along with Matthias and Paul would be the chosen Apostles of our Lord. God realized the need for an absolute source of Truth. Initially the source were the teachings of the Apostles (Acts 2:42). These teachings DID NOT originate with them, but GOD! The Father told the Son, the Son told the Spirit and the Spirit told the Apostles. As time went on, they as well as Mark, Luke, Jude and James were prompted by the Holy Spirit to record these words for the benefit of the Church for ages to come. This beloved, is how we know that the Bible alone is our complete source for the truth of God!
Many today do not agree with the Bible as being the one source of God's truth. Sadly, many "churches" insist on teaching and practicing things that actually conflict with God's word. Some suggest that somehow men have tampered with the Bible; scribes changing the manuscripts, books that should be recognized not included in the Cannon, verses omitted and as my debater alleges verses not written clearly, but with ambiguity.
Let me submit to you an undeniable truth concerning our Great God beloved. If God is able to resurrect Christ from the grave by His power (Rom. 6:4). If God is able to impose His will on the writers of the Bible. If Jesus Himself plainly stated, "Sanctify them by your truth, Your word is truth." (Jn. 17:17). Shall we believe that God Who can do all things, was not powerful enough to clearly state His truth in Scripture? Shall we also dare think that God is not powerful enough to preserve His truth? This is why now more than ever before we must recognize our only source of truth is the Bible, because it alone is God's word! To that end, any church that supposes that it is the church of His Son MUST stand upon HIS word. Anything else is simply the words of mortal men.- David Miller
"Do Christians speak in tongues today?" part two
June 26, 2019
Pentecostals allege that the tongues they speak today is a heavenly language. A language that can only be understood by God and the angels. The benefits of this language is said to be that it is a confirmation of one's salvation and it also is a faster way of communicating an urgent prayer for Divine intervention. An example would be if you witnessed a catastrophic car crash; by uttering a quick prayer to God, He could intervene for the individuals involved.
So what does the Bible say regarding "the unknown tongue" and the language or "tongue of angels"? Is this really a heavenly language or is it a gross misinterpretation of Scriptural context?
The only place in NT Scripture where an "unknown tongue" is mentioned is in 1 Corinthians 14:4, KJV, "He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself, but he that prophesieth edifieth the church." Most translations have dropped the "unknown" because the Greek equivalent is NOT USED in the original manuscript. It was added by the KJV translators because they felt this particular tongue was not the same manifestation as described in Acts 2, where known languages were being spoken.
This verse is a gentle rebuke to those at Corinth who were trying to imitate the tongues that were truly a part of genuine Holy Spirit gifts. This is why Paul in the same sentence points them to the most needful gift of all for the church, the gift of prophesy. Prophesy was given so that all in the church might be edified.
This argument becomes even clearer in 14:6, "But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying or by teaching?" It is really not hard to understand Paul's point; If it is not instructive to the brethren then keep it to yourself. Even the gift of tongues that Paul shared was purposeful and not a mystery! It is important to remember that this entire chapter deals with the correcting of that which was wrong.
Now concerning the "tongues of angels", this appears in 1 Cor. 13:1, where Paul has begun his famous treatise on the value of all things being done in love as opposed to the selfish desire for attention and glory that some at Corinth were seeking. Here in verse one we read, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or clanging cymbal." Here Paul is giving a hypothetical example that those who had placed the actual gift on such a high pedestal could understand. The NKJV here begins with the word "though", but the Greek word that begins this statement is "ean" which clearly means "if". Again the translators of the KJV and NKJV both felt "though" was needed, but it decidedly changes the point of Paul. That point is "If I could speak in all the languages of men and angels." NOT THAT he did speak in the tongues of all men and angels! The context here is still meant to correct a vain and self-glorifying attitude that caused some to imitate the genuine languages that were actual tongues.
As for these tongues being a confirmation of one's salvation. We find on that day when the Apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in about 15 different languages (Acts 2:8-11) that none of those three thousand who were baptized spoke in tongues. Nor did Simon the sorcerer who was baptized in Acts 8: 9-19 speak in tongues, in fact it isn't until verse 17 that the Apostles had to lay hands on these for them to receive any Holy Spirit gift. In fact the closest Scriptural example to this Pentecostal belief is found in Acts 10: 44-47 where we read, "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak in tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?"
Scripture tells us they had only "heard" the word, not yet believing. Peter states plainly, "Can anyone forbid water that these should not be baptized?" These Gentiles still need baptism to be forgiven of their sins. (Acts 2:38) Hence it is quite clear this singular manifestation of the Holy Spirit gift of the tongues was only a sign to Peter and the believers that God had approved the preaching of the Gospel message of salvation to the Gentiles. They had not been baptized, yet they still needed to be baptized. Thus this event never again duplicated in the NT Scriptures is simply a sign from God to Peter that he could continue and immerse them into Christ.
An accurate conclusion for all based on the Scriptural evidences is as follows: 1.) there is no such thing as a believer speaking in a "tongue of angels" or an "unknown tongue" and 2.) tongues are not a confirmation of salvation as some suggest Acts 10 states, instead it was a one time event meant as a sign to Peter. Further more as we concluded in part one of this teaching, tongues served their purpose a long time ago and as Paul sates in 1 Cor. 13:8, "whether there are tongues they will cease." Why did they cease? Because the time came that the last revelation of God to us had been dutifully recorded and preserved in a book we commonly know as the Bible.
Do Christians speak in tongues today? part one
April 9, 2019
In Mark 16:17,18 Jesus gives us signs that would be common among believers in the infancy of His Church. Here Jesus says, "And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."
Most Churches today are of the belief that such works of the Holy Spirit are not manifest in believers. However there are some, mainly Pentecostals that fervently maintain that at the very least every believer will speak in tongues. In fact many Pentecostals believe that the ecstatic display of speaking in tongues is the evidence that an individual has been saved.
As is the case with any issue spoken of in Scripture, it is necessary that we have a complete understanding of what Scripture actually says. After all Scripture is all-sufficient. The Apostle Paul verifies this truth for us in 2 Tim. 3:16,17, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." With this in mind let us see what Scripture says about the gift of speaking in tongues.
The first occurrence of tongues being spoken among believers happened on the day of Pentecost. This was one of the gifts that was given to those who received this outpouring of the Holy Spirit on that day.
So who received this gift? Was it all the disciples of Jesus? Or was it only some? Some have erroneously concluded that since Acts 2:1 begins, "When the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place."; that this must be all of the disciples. However, we find that the final thought given in the previous verse (1:26) is that Matthias was included as one of the twelve Apostles. This proof that it is only the twelve Apostles who received this baptism of the Holy Spirit and it's gifts becomes clear when we arrive at Acts 2:14 where Luke tells us, "But Peter, standing up with the eleven,". Again we see those who were present among the believers were the Apostles.
A second question which is pivotal in our understanding of why the gift of tongues was needful is "What were these tongues?" This question is answered here in Acts 2:8, where those who heard these tongues uttered by the Apostles say, "and how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born?" Obviously these tongues were known languages of people of various nations. Luke even gives us a list of fifteen different regions and nations in Acts 2:9-11; further proof these utterances were languages and not some celestial language as Pentecostals maintain.
It is a given that the purpose in these tongues was to proclaim the saving message of the Gospel of Christ Jesus. That is too obvious to be misunderstood. You had people present who did not speak Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic, the three languages common in Judea. Without this working of the Holy Spirit then the Gospel could not have been proclaimed with success.
So the question that anyone who maintains that tongues are still spoken today must answer is this: "What purpose would this gift be to our generation?" After all, God would never give us a useless gift, would He? Consider that today we have the ability to proclaim the Gospel message in every language! We can do this without this manifestation. Today God's word is available in every known language and men and women have the means to learn every known language.
With this in mind let us look at what the Apostle Paul told the Church at Corinth about the gifts of prophecy, tongues and knowledge. In 1 Cor. 13:8, "Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away." Paul makes it clear these three specific gifts would end. They were temporary. Given to an infant Church that did not have the complete Scriptures of the New Testament, nor the ability to communicate them and their gift of salvation to the whole world as the Lord had commanded them in Mt. 28:19, "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." These tongues were specifically given for this purpose.
When we continue this teaching in part two we will look at what the Pentecostals falsely believe about the "language of angels." Until next time, God bless and keep you. -David Miller
Sin and Suffering Part Two
April 1, 2019
In part one of this teaching regarding Sin and Suffering we discovered that both sin and suffering are the result of Adam and Eve's sin in the Garden of Eden. All creation was corrupted. The very mind set of man was corrupted as well. This accounts for suffering and evil that exists in our world today. Now in part two we examine the impact that the free will of man has on sin and suffering in our world.
From the very beginning God made man with the ability to choose to do right or wrong. To obey God or disobey God. To treat his fellow man well or to do him great harm. Man is an agent of free will. This freedom of choice that man has to exercise in his life serves the highest glory when man chooses to love, worship and serve God. But when man chooses to sin against God or his fellow man, evil and suffering can be the result.
A man chooses to drive while drunk and an innocent life perishes. A man chooses to rob a store, the clerk resists and another life tragically ends. An innocent wife is infected with HIV by her unfaithful husband. An unborn infant dies when his mother chooses abortion 15 weeks after conception. All these are the result of the choices that men and women make.
What if God did not allow us to choose? Would our lives be better? I think not. Without the capacity to choose what would our lives be like? Without choice we would eat the same food. We would have no chance to better ourselves. No choice in who we marry. What would games, sports and other competitive events look like? Certainly safer, but better?
Along with the capacity to make poor and evil choices comes the capacity to choose wisely and decide to help others. I could not choose to stop and help the elderly couple with the flat tire. I couldn't choose to donate my blood or a kidney to show my compassion for someone dying. I couldn't choose to sacrificially give to help someone in a financial crisis. Perhaps the greatest loss for a world without free will is that you and I could not choose to love someone and act with only their best interests in mind.
Our relationship with God would be sadly different as well. You see God has everything He needs. There is absolutely nothing that God needs from me. But there is something He desires from me. More than anything else God desires me to love Him. Literally this is the only gift any of us can ever give to God. But, take away my free will and I am nothing but a robot. Nothing I will do will be done from love, but from the compulsion of instinct.
Most of all our free will allows us to comprehend God's love for us. In Rom. 5:6-8 the Apostle Paul writes, "For while we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us." Without the freedom to reject God, could we ever experience the joy and comfort of knowing God's "own" love for us? A love like none other?
In conclusion while eliminating the freedom to choose would make life less painful and tragic, we would still experience a different kind of loss that would also be tragic. That loss is the freedom to choose to follow Christ Jesus, be saved from our sins and love God. Without the ability to understand the love behind God's sacrifice we would never know the greatest love of all. That is the love of God. David Miller
Sin and Suffering, part one
March 18, 2019
Many people struggle with the question "Why does a good God allow evil and suffering to exist in a world that He created?" This is an age old question. After all if God is indeed good and loves man why does He allow man to suffer?
The answer begins in the story of God's creation of the world and man. In Genesis 1:31 God at the conclusion of His creating the world declares that everything was good, "Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day." In stating that everything was good, God affirms that this was how He desired and designed all things to be. Nothing was less than it should be. Nothing was lacking.
The ideal creation also included an ideal man and woman. Their relationship with all things was perfect. In Gen. 2:25 we are told, "And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed." Why were they not ashamed? Because they were innocent as children. Every thought was pure, holy and God-honoring. They had no desire to exploit or deceive one another. No ego, no pride, no feeling of competition and no desire to dominate the other.
But all that changed when Adam and Eve sinned. Sin brought immediate consequences. "Their eyes were opened." In an instant they recognized their base desires and felt and looked at their nakedness in a very different way. Gen. 3:7 tells us, "they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings." In the next verse we find them hiding from God. The same God whom they previously walked with and trusted they now HID THEMSELVES FROM. Sin changed how they thought. They were no longer godly and accepting of each other, but now motivated by shame and fear they thought selfishly according to what they now felt was best for them as individuals.
All sin comes from selfish motives. We steal to gain. We kill out of anger and fear. We lie to escape accountability or to gain the smallest measure of the opinion of others. We lust to satisfy unhealthy desires. We covet the things of others because we resent their success and prosperity.
Adam and Eve's sin brought curses upon life that punish all. In Gen. 3:16, Eve brought affliction on all women; their pain in childbirth was multiplied and their marital relationship with the husband would be marked by "a desire" to be in control of him. Because of Adam, men would find the soil cursed with thorns and thistles. An occupation that once was a work of love would now be a work of great labor. And because of Adam's sin in v.19 man and woman "would return to the ground"; meaning they would die.
Pain, labor, contention in relationships, a world that is cursed and the certainty of death. These are all the consequences of sin. And it is passed on to all men regardless of what they do, good or bad. In Rom. 5:12-14 we read, "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned- For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed where there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come,"
So as we come to the end of part one of this study, we see that the first sin brought the consequences of sin into the world and they are shared by all who live. We also find that the innocent nature which God placed in man was lost when sin entered the world. Also we find that every relationship that man has is cursed because of sin.
In part two we will examine the impact of the free will of man on the problem of suffering and evil in the world that God made. I hope you will join us then. - David Miller
What does the Bible say about the Lord's Supper?
March 13, 2018
There are many opinions concerning the partaking of the Lord's Supper, commonly known as the Communion. The vast majority of Protestant denominations do not partake of this act of worship on a weekly basis, citing a concern that somehow it might lessen the impact of this event in the spiritual lives of their congregants. The Roman Catholic Church has long held to the belief that once the emblems (the bread and the cup) have been properly blessed by a priest and are consumed by the believer, they then become the literal flesh and blood of Our Lord. But what does the Bible say concerning this? After all, the Bible ought to always be our authority on all spiritual matters.
First, the Lord's Supper was instituted by Jesus, Himself on the night that He was betrayed. Matthew, Mark and Luke each record this event. Paul also recounts the event as well in 1 Cor. 11:23-32. And for our purpose we will use this account.
"For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take eat, this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me."
"In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." 1 Cor. 11:23-25
Here are the points that the Lord makes. First, the bread and the cup are emblematic of His body and His blood. The point that they are emblems is made clear by the Lord's statement, "Do this in remembrance of Me." This makes it clear that the objective hear is for the believer to "remember" the Lord's sacrificial death on the Cross. A death that Christ died in the flesh. The idea that the Lord's flesh and blood is what is consumed is absent from the Lord's words. It is the symbolic ritual that is in mind here.
Second, the Lord makes a point of reminding us that the cup "is the new covenant in My blood." Jesus' death on the Cross fulfilled the first covenant, the covenant made by God with Abraham. It replaced this covenant with a New Covenant. Why? Because the first was imperfect. Heb. 8:7, "For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second." This covenant offers us "eternal redemption" through His death. Heb. 9:12, "Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption." The price of this covenant was the blood (life) of Christ Jesus. It is certainly the "why" of "Why we partake?" By reason of logic those who partake must be those who are now under this New Covenant, those who have through belief, repentance of sins and baptism have had their sins removed and have been born again by the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38, Jn. 3:3-6)
Now let's continue our look at what additional comments Paul the Apostle makes in 1 Cor. 11:26-29, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes. Therefore whoever eats this bread and drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
But let a man examine himself and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body."
First, Paul tells us that this observance is an ongoing act of worship that the church should continue to observe "till He comes." Obviously this coming is the Lord's return to claim His Church. While this is certainly not a "Thou shalt do this every week." it certainly implies a regular event. Compare this with what Luke the author of Acts states in Acts 20:7, "Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight." It seems that the purpose of the Church of Troas' coming together is by context, to "break bread." The fact that this occurred at such a late hour likely rules out this being a meal. The more likely meaning is that they came together to partake of the Lord's Supper and their custom was to do this weekly.
Secondly in verse 26 Paul states a second purpose in this observance, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes." Here we find that the Church is in this act of worship "proclaiming the Lord's death." In essence we are bearing witness to the world that Christ Jesus has died for our sins.
Thirdly, Paul warns all that those who partake must be mindful not to partake "unworthily". To do so will bring judgment upon the offender. The reason why is given to us in verse 29, they are "not discerning the Lord's body." The likely offense here is that the offender did not pause to remember the suffering and death of the Lord. After all it is His body "broken for us" and the cup of His shed blood to give us redemption that we partake of.
But there is a second and equally valid interpretation that may also apply to "not discerning the Lord's body". We know the Church is the Lord's body as well, (1 Cor. 12:27, Eph. 5:30). So what if this "not discerning the Lord's body" also refers to those who have sinned against their fellow believers and have yet to repent and ask for forgiveness?
Consider the Lord's teaching in Mt. 5:23,24, "Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there, before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."
Jesus is literally saying that offenses against our brethren that we have not made right will make our worship to God null and void. This is why He states so clearly a need to go and be "reconciled" before God's throne is approached. Should not the same mandate apply to the Lord's disciples when they come together at the Lord's table? In each instance we are entering into an act of worship and fellowship (communion). My firm belief is that Paul's warning of "not discerning the Lord's body" is two-fold. First I MUST remember the Lord's death for me. Second I MUST NOT be at odds with a brother in Christ. After all, this act of worship is just as much a corporate act as an individual act.
In summary the Lord's Supper should be observed as part of the Sunday acts of worship. We do in fact assemble because Christ died for us. It would be fruitless to even attend church services if Christ did not die to save us! So why not proclaim His death to the world each Sunday? Are we so weak in our conviction that we fear an inability to pause and remember His death? This weekly reminder can only make a Church stronger.
Also, this observance is a memorial. The emblems are only symbolic, but no less important to the truly regenerate. To read any type of supernatural purpose or experience of transubstantiation into this act of worship is just that; to be reading something in the text that is absent!
Finally, it is a serious occasion. It requires us to "discern" our remembrance of our Savior's death and our relationship with our brethren. If either is not present then we ought to decline that invitation to partake until we can do so in good conscience.David Miller
Sexual Immorality within the body of Christ
March 5, 2019
Just last week the United Methodist Church at it's conference in St. Louis narrowly voted not to recognize same-sex marriage or to ordain homosexuals into their clergy. In the days since there has been much emotional response and comment concerning these decisions in various media. Many are deeply hurt because they had found acceptance in these churches. Many are hurt at the prospect of seeing many exit their churches. Many are beginning to express their desire to see their church stand more on Scripture than cultural norm. All are very concerned. So with all of this in mind, let's talk about Scripture, the Church and sexual immorality.
The very first time that God speaks regarding sexual orientation is found in Gen. 1:27, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." It is expressed here that God's design at the time of creation was that human sexual identity should be found in how we are created; either male or female. Clearly God is the one who chooses.
Next we find that God ordains marriage. In Gen. 2:23,24, "And Adam said: "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man." Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." Adam readily understood that the woman was made for the man and God had made her to be so. With the coming together of man and woman in sexual consummation they are no longer two, but one flesh. The implication is that a family has been established and a bond has been forged.
Jesus understood this as well, and He publicly upheld God's original design for marriage in Mt. 19:4-6. This is very important, because concerning the UMC's acceptance of homosexuality in the past was three contentions: 1.) The Apostle Paul wrote concerning sexual immorality with a "cultural bias", 2.) The Levitical texts found in Lev. 18 concerning homosexuality were intended only for members of the priesthood, and 3.) Jesus NEVER spoke directly concerning homosexuality.
Understand that the context in Mt. 19 in which Jesus affirmed God's design for marriage was given because the Pharisees had advocated "divorce for any reason". They were attacking God's design on the grounds that Moses had given them an allowance for divorce. Jesus' point is that "from the beginning it was not so." (19:8) What Jesus is stating is very clear; Man has no right to alter or change God's design. Therefore if the only design that God ever gave for human sexuality is within the confines of Scriptural marriage ( a man and a woman ) then man HAS NO RIGHT to redefine human sexuality or marriage. God's model is still God's model. Any sexual relationship other than that model is wrong. It does not matter if it is adultery, fornication, pedophilia, beastiality, homosexuality or lesbianism it is by virtue of not being God's model; sexual immorality.
So are there other reasons why God does not want any other model for human sexuality? Yes there is. In 1 Cor. 6:15-20, the Apostle Paul affirms that once we belong to Christ our body as well as our soul belongs to Christ and we are obligated to: "glorify God in your body and in your spirit which are God's". In verses 18,19 Paul states, "Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?" When we are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ we not only receive the remission of our sins, we also are given the Holy Spirit to dwell inside us. (Acts 2:38, Jn.14:21-23) Our bodies become a "temple"; they are set apart for the purposes of God! When we commit acts of sexual immorality we are literally desecrating God's Temple! Again, remember God has given only ONE MODEL for human sexuality. Any other sexuality besides the sexual activity between a man and a woman in marriage is not the model and is sexual immorality.
Also, we find that a church cannot have fellowship with anyone who fails to repent and ask forgiveness of their sexual immorality. In 1 Cor. 5:1-13 Paul commands in the strongest language that the church must expel a brother who was in an adulterous relationship. Paul makes it clear that his sin must be called out in front of the church assembled. (5:4,5) He also warns that they are obligated to protect the body of Christ. (the church) In v. 6 he states, "Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump." His concern is two-fold; 1.) other brethren might see this as an acceptable lifestyle and be caught up in this kind of sin, and 2.) the church would lose their credibility as Christ's church if they behaved as the rest of the sinful Corinthian culture. The church must always break fellowship with any who continue to bring reproach on her by their public sins. Paul again in 2 Cor. 6:14 states, "What fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?" SIN IS ALWAYS DARKNESS.
So what should be the response of a Church towards those who are practicing any form of sexual immorality. First, we have an obligation to love them; sin is the enemy, not the sinner. If we love them and make them welcome when they visit our churches then we are showing Christ's love for them. Secondly, when the topic of becoming a Christian or placing membership is approached we should be very forthcoming with the truth revealed to us in Scripture. In becoming a Christian we repent of our sins. (Acts 2:38) Sexual immorality is a sin. Also in the very act of baptism we are to die to sin. (Rom. 6;4-6) We cannot expect to be saved if we wish to continue in any sinful habit. (Rom. 6:1,2) We must also express our confidence that with the help of Christ Jesus we can overcome any sin issue in our lives including sexual sins. And we should strive to make help, support and pastoral counseling available once Christ is received in baptism. In Christ Jesus there is love and transformation. (Gal. 2:20, Rom. 12:1,2)
Why should all believers be baptized? Part Three
March 3, 2019
In our two previous lessons on baptism we have focused on the flaws of objections to baptism. In today's study we want to look at what other Scriptures that we have not previously looked at tell us about the believer's need for Christian baptism.
In Romans chapter six the Apostle Paul gives us several powerful statements concerning what baptism does for us. Turn to Rom. 6:3-6, "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin."
The first significant truth that Paul shares with us is that "we are baptized into Christ." This same image of us putting on Christ is also stated in Gal. 3:27, where Paul states, "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." To say that "we have put on Christ" is to establish that we have a new identity in Christ. Secondly Paul in v. 4 tells us that in baptism we experience a death. This death is equated by Paul in v.6 to be "the old man of sin" being "crucified" with Christ. In Col. 3:3, Paul writes, "For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Again a death has occurred and we are hidden or covered by Christ Jesus! This is how it can be said that we "walk in newness of life." Thirdly in v.5 it is plainly stated that "if we are united in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection." The meaning here is that as Christ was resurrected so to in like manner we will be resurrected. But only if we have also shared in the likeness of His death! And finally, we are now held in captivity by sin (v.6). This is not just our release from the sinful habits we have, but also, and more importantly we are set free from the consequences of sin; which is death, Rom. 6:23.
In 1 Peter 3:20,21 we read, "who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is eight souls, were saved through water. There is also an anti-type which now saves us- baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
Here Peter is drawing a comparison between the ark which saved Noah and his family and baptism which now is the final step in the process of our salvation. Peter states that baptism is the anti-type of the ark. But what does that mean? In Col. 2:16,17 we read, "So let no one judge you in food or drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ." The OT covenant was full of types and shadows; less than perfect ceremonies, observances and food and drink laws. Each of these types in the OT have a more perfect anti-type in the New covenant of Christ. In this case the ark was a less than perfect version of baptism because the salvation it gave was only temporary. Ultimately Noah and his family would die. On the other hand, the anti-type, baptism now saves more perfectly; for it saves us eternally. We must note that while both work "through water", it is incorrect to say we are saved by water. In fact Peter states "but the answer of a good conscience toward God." In other words; we are not saved by the water, but in the act of baptism we have properly answered or said "yes" to His offer to save us. We can conclude from this passage, just as Martin Luther did that "in the waters of baptism we receive the forgiveness of our sins."
Finally, let's take a quick look at what Saul of Tarsus (the Apostle Paul) stated that he was told by Ananias that he must do. In Acts 22:10 Saul states that the Lord told him, "Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do." Again remember this is the Lord Jesus speaking to Saul. He makes it clear to Saul that he (Saul) will be "told all things which are appointed for you to do." This means simply; whatever Ananias tells you, that you MUST DO! In 22:16 after Ananias has told Saul of the plans that God has for his new life in Christ, he then tells Saul in the form of an imperative command, "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling upon the name of the Lord."
Though God had Saul's future mapped out we find there was one thing that Saul had to do. He had to be baptized. This baptism was to "wash away" his sins. Here the effect of baptism presented by Ananias is the same as the effect of baptism presented by Peter on Pentecost. To achieve the removal of his sins or the forgiveness of sins. Ananias also here equates the act of baptism as "calling on the name of the Lord", quite similar as the "answer of a good conscience toward God" in 1 Pe. 3:21; in each case it is the Lord who grants this salvation through the act of baptism as opposed to the physical act being the agent of our salvation.
Did your obedience to the invitation of our Lord's salvation include being "baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins?" If not, Triad Church of Christ would love to help steer you into the proper form of obedience to the gospel of Christ. Let us know either with a call or by e-mail how we can assist you in taking that final step of obedience that you might know that you are saved!God bless, David Miller
Why should all believers be baptized? Part Two
March 1, 2019
In our previous study "Why should all believers be baptized? Part One we spoke of no part of God's word (the Bible) ever contradicting another part of God's word. The Holy Spirit of God is the assurance that though some Scriptures may present challenges, they in no way contradict other Scriptures. In our second part of our study on "Why should all believers be baptized?" we will focus on the chief argument against baptism's role in salvation. This argument is that baptism is a "work of man" and therefore cannot save or contribute to our salvation.
This doctrine never surfaced until some 1500 years after Peter offered the first invitation to be saved in the name of Jesus Christ and stated clearly to those who responded to his message on Pentecost, "Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." It was Huldreich Zwingli who first put forth this doctrine of salvation by faith only.
Surprisingly, Zwingli's German counterpart, Martin Luther who is highly regarded by most denominations differed with Zwingli, taking the historical view that baptism is a "saving work of God". In fact, Luther states, "Through baptism man is saved." ( Small Catechism IV:6)
Zwingli's main contention is based on what Paul states in Eph. 2:8,9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast." Zwingli's assumption is that anything which a man does to receive salvation is a "work of man." This would certainly seem to contradict what Paul clearly states here in Eph. 2: 8,9.
But there is a key question that must be asked here. That question is: "Can someone other than God perform a work of God?" Look at John 6:27-29. Here Jesus has just fed 5,000 people and they are now determined to make Him their King. And for good reason;p Jesus could feed the whole nation of Israel with the most insignificant amount of food. Now Jesus is determined to shift their focus from the temporary needs of this earthly life to the eternal need of every man. The need of salvation.
"Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal upon Him. Then they said to Him, "What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."
Here Jesus makes it clear that there is a "work of God" that MAN MUST DO in order to have "everlasting life". That work is "to believe in Jesus".
This "work of God" is faith, just as Paul stated in Eph. 2:8,9. But what manner of work is this? Is it not an act of obedience? Bear in mind this faith that Paul speaks of in Eph. 2:8,9 is not "the gift of God", grace is. Neither here in John 6:29 is this faith (believe) a gift. It is said by Jesus to be "the work of God". So obviously, this type of work, though said to be a "work of God", MUST BE DONE BY MAN.
So it should logically follow that any acts of obedience that the Bible tells us we need to do to receive salvation should fall under the category of a "work of God." Therefore, when Peter commanded those who cried out for salvation from the wrath of God and the penalty of their sins on the day of Pentecost, that they "Repent, and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38) he was telling them to do these acts of obedience because they are "works of God." When viewed properly as "doing the works of God" baptism is kept in the same role in which it was practiced by the Apostles and subsequent generations of the Church for the first 1,500 years of it's existence. And is in no way in conflict with what Paul writes in Eph. 2: 8,9.
As always, if you desire to speak with me on this subject or others, feel free to send me an e-mail through our contact page at this website. Until next time, God bless you richly.
David Miller
Why should all believers be baptized? Part One
Feb. 27, 2019
The necessity of baptism of the believer has been debated since the Reformation Movement. Many churches see no reason to baptize, believing that a simple prayer to God asking for forgiveness of sins and for "Jesus to come into their hearts" is sufficient.
It would come as a surprise to most members of American denominations to learn that the church practiced baptism by immersion for the forgiveness of sins for nearly 1,500 years. This only changed when a Swiss reformer, Huldreich Zwingli formulated a doctrine that contrary to Scripture teaches that baptism cannot be for the purpose of salvation because it is a "work of man" and the total work of atonement has been done for us through Christ Jesus. Zwingli primarily based his conclusion on a faulty understanding of Ephesians 2:8,9, where the Apostle Paul states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
Zwingli's objection was based on the notion that anything that a man might do in an effort to receive this gift is a work and thus violates the concept of salvation being a gift. Essentially he saw this as discrediting God.
There are two things that must be recognized about baptism in the writings and practices of the early church that put the Zwinglian view at odds with NT Scripture. One of the primary assumptions that any student of God's word must observe when handling the Scriptures is that no part of Scripture will ever be in conflict with another part of Scripture. If this is the case then God's word would be contradicting itself! This would lead some to discredit the Bible as God's word based on the conclusion that some passages are in opposition to others. The Bible must have agreement and harmony on every subject if it is indeed God's word.
So with this in mind, let's take a look at what the Apostles of the Lord Jesus practiced and preached concerning baptism and salvation on day one of the church that Christ established. Look at Acts 2:37,38. Here we find that Peter has just stated that his audience was responsible for the murder of Jesus, who was (is) the Son of God and their long awaited Christ (Messiah). They had rejected Him and thereby participated in His murder! (v.36)
Now Luke tells us of the response of the audience that day, "Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, What shall we do?" "Then Peter said to them, "Repent and let every one of you be baptized for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Now understand that Peter along with the rest of the twelve Apostles had received the Apostolic measure of the Holy Spirit that day. Not only did this special measure of the Holy Spirit enable them to preach to others in their own languages, per Acts 2: 7,8, but just as importantly they were "guided into all truth" by this measure of the Holy Spirit. This was promised to the Apostles by the Lord Himself in Jn. 16:13 where Jesus told them, "However when He the Spirit of Truth has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will tell you of things to come."
Now with this knowledge that the Holy Spirit personally guided and led the Apostles into "all truth", it would be impossible for Peter to have given an answer in Acts 2:38 that WAS NOT THE TRUTH! Because he was under the direction of the Holy Spirit. What Peter stated was exactly what God had directed him to state through the Holy Spirit.
What Peter told them was directly given to him by the Holy Spirit. In order to be saved from God's wrath and punishment these men MUST do two things; 1.) repent of their sins, and 2.) be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins and so they might receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. How important are these two benefits that Peter promised through baptism? They are essential. They must occur if one is to be saved! One must have their sins remitted (forgiven) and one must have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in order to be "born again" as Jesus stated to Nicodemus in Jn. 3:5, "Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." The only way to be saved is to be "born again". The only way to be born again is to be "born of water and the Spirit." There is NO OTHER act in Scripture that a believer is told to do that fulfills these requirements! NONE.
To deny one baptism for the remission of sins and to receive the Holy Spirit is in direct conflict with what the Apostles taught and practiced beginning on the day of Pentecost. It is also to dispute that the Holy Spirit gave proper instruction to Peter. It is to say that the hand chosen Apostles of our Lord, in spite of the direction of the Holy Spirit somehow got the answer to the most important question WRONG!
In part two of our study we will look at the question, "Is baptism a work of man or a work of God?" Should you desire to speak with me personally on this topic or present another question to me, please feel free to contact me through the contact page here at triadcc.org. Until next time, may God bless you richly.
David Miller