{"id":127,"date":"2014-09-18T02:55:47","date_gmt":"2014-09-18T02:55:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/leadinghorsestowater.net\/?p=127"},"modified":"2021-10-31T20:51:01","modified_gmt":"2021-10-31T20:51:01","slug":"rightly-dividing-the-word-part-iii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/leadinghorsestowater.net\/?p=127","title":{"rendered":"Rightly Dividing the Word – Part III"},"content":{"rendered":"

Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth<\/em> (II Timothy 2:15).<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sometimes doctrine or religious instruction is built on obscure or unclear passages. \u00a0Professing Christians and new believers with a limited knowledge\u00a0of Scripture can fall prey to teachings that are not consistent with clear teaching elsewhere in Scripture.<\/em><\/p>\n

Bible believing pastors, elders and teachers will invite honest questions concerning the Scriptures. \u00a0A former pastor of mine used to exhort his congregation by saying; Do not park your brains at the door when you come to church.\u00a0<\/em> Bring your Bible with you and do not accept sentimentality or church tradition as sound doctrine if it is contrary to Scripture.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When studying Bible doctrine therefore, always interpret unclear passages in the light of clear Bible passages on the same subject. Remember this principle: the Holy Spirit, who is the author of Scripture (II Peter 1:21), will never lead you contrary to Scripture.<\/p>\n

An example of doctrine built on unclear passages of Scripture without regard to clear Bible passages on the same subject is the teaching of baptismal regeneration by water for salvation.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When the Philippian jailer came trembling and fell down before Paul and Silas he asked, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?<\/em>\u00a0 Their response was simple and direct, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved….<\/em><\/p>\n

Paul further explained salvation in Ephesians 2:8&9 by saying what it was not; 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.<\/em>\u00a0 Titus 3:5 goes on to say that salvation doesn’t even come as a result of righteous works.<\/strong><\/p>\n

John 3:16 declares; For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0Verse 36 of the same chapter tells us why people are lost. \u00a0It is not because they didn’t participate in a righteous deed.\u00a0 It is because they did not believe on the Lord Jesus. \u00a0He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.<\/em><\/p>\n

Romans chapter 4 reminds us that just as Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness, so it is for us. \u00a0Verse 5; But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith <\/em>(not baptism) is counted for righteousness.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

So how do we interpret the verses that mention baptism in the same breath as salvation? \u00a0We must interpret them in light of the clear passages.<\/p>\n

For example Acts 2:38; …Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the Holy Ghost.\u00a0<\/em> The Greek word translated <\/strong>for<\/em> can also be translated <\/strong>because of.\u00a0<\/em> In the context of the clear Bible passages, salvation comes as a result of believing, not as a result of being water baptized.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The translation of Acts 2:38 which is most consistent therefore with clear Scripture passages on salvation should read; Repent and be baptized because of the remission of sins.\u00a0<\/em> We \u00a0submit to water baptism because we’ve been forgiven, not in order to be forgiven.<\/p>\n

Acts 2:41 confirms this by saying; then they that gladly received his word were baptized.\u00a0<\/em> The order here is receiving his word or believing first and then water baptism is to follow.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Note: \u00a0Water and Spirit baptism are often confused.<\/p>\n