Final “What is Truth?”
This will be the final post of the “What is Truth” series. It will be a little long but I feel the need to complete it today.
I have had this Bible study for several years and really like how it is put together. As I arrange it, adding my own comments, I feel like like someone could say “this is really hard to believe!”. And I could totally understand it. So I challenge you (if you are so inclined) ask questions, if I don’t have the answer I will find it for you. Study these scriptures and prove their validity. Sincerely pray for God to open your understanding in His word. We are all searching for Truth! My only request is don’t put your head in the sand and totally ignore your feelings, ask, seek and knock so that you shall receive your answer. God will not fail you! Be willing to be obedient to God’s will!
My ultimate goal with all of my studies is to bring us closer to God. This includes me! As I study for the next piece, I am growing in God’s word as well and I am loving every minute of it! I pray that you are enjoying them as well.
Let’s get started!
Ok, we still need to answer the question “WHAT IS THE TRUTH?” And WHAT IS TRUE SALVATION ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE?
At the end of our last study, the people were asking Peter, THE MAN WITH THE “KEYS TO THE KINGDOM”, “What must we do to be saved?”
Remember, Jesus already told Peter “Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven. And whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” So whatever Peter’s response will be to answer the question will be written in stone in heaven! Peter is about to reveal the only biblical plan of salvation!
Acts 2:38…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.
If we think back, this isn’t anything new! It’s the tabernacle plan of the Old Testament! Repent, be baptized and receive! Only this time he gave specific instructions on how to be baptized. Peter said “in the name of Jesus Christ”. This is the same formula Jesus told us about in Matthew 28:19. Jesus said “in the NAME OF the father, son and Holy Ghost. The words Father, Son and Holy Ghost are descriptive words but not the name.
If you were to sign a check using Father, Mother, Son, Daughter or Holy Spirit no could cash it. The bank would need to know the name of those person writing the check. Honestly, think about it, if you were Satan (doomed to hell for eternity and is on a mission to take everyone with him) and wanted to create doubt about a truly amazing formula that could potentially save the entire world how would you do it? Really his tactics haven’t changed just like he made a play on words in the garden of Eden with Eve he’s doing the same now. Take away the power, which is the name! Ask yourself, Why wouldn’t I want the name of Jesus spoken over my life?! Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
There is power in His name! There is healing in His Name! There is resurrection power in His Name! I want the Name of Jesus Christ spoken over me just like the first church, in the book of Acts, did!
3 STEPS INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD (JOHN 3:5…5 Jesus answered, 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.)
1. REPENTANCE… (2 PETER 3:9…9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.)
2. BAPTISM IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST
3. RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST
WHO CAN RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST?
Acts 2:39…39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
There are people that haven’t received the Holy Ghost, they really don’t understand the Holy Ghost and quite frankly are afraid of the Holy Ghost saying the Holy Ghost isn’t for people today. We are so afraid of things we don’t understand that we denounce it and try to explain it away. But the truth is it is salvation! Words cannot describe what the Holy Ghost is to us except Jesus Christ and all of His Glory living inside of you! The Holy Ghost makes you clean! The “fire” of the Holy Ghost purges all of you sins away and makes you ready to go to heaven. When you receive the Holy Ghost your name is written in the Lamb’s book of Life. Revelation 21:27.
LET’S COVER THE 3 STEPS INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD
REPENTANCE – THE ACT OF TURNING AWAY FROM SIN AND TURNING TO GOD.
1 John 1:9…8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Proverbs 28:13…13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
2 Corinthians 7:10…10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
BAPTISM
Mark 16:16… 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
1 Peter 3:20-21… 20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Noah and his family were saved by water becoming an example for us today.
Matthew 28:19… 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
(Great Commission) in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY GHOST?
Matthew 1:21… 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
The name of the Son is Jesus.
John 5:43… 43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
John 10:30… 30 I and my Father are one.
John 14:9… 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
Name of the Father is Jesus.
John 14:26… 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
1 John 5:7…7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.
Colossians 2:9-10… 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.10 And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power:
The name of the Holy Ghost is Jesus!
NOW GO BACK TO MATTHEW 28:19 – EXPLAINED WITH THE FOLLOWING SCRIPTURES
Acts 2:38… 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:14-17…14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Acts 10: 44-48…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.
Acts 19:1-5… 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,2 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.3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.4 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.5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Every time someone was baptized, after Peter preached in Acts 2, it was always in the Name of Jesus Christ! Acts 8, 10 and 19 shows us specifically how the new believers were baptized. All other baptisms Jesus’ name was implied. Go read these chapters to see for yourselves.
Even today we want to have proof several times over. Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. The Bible will always back itself up.
MORE SCRIPTURES ON WATER BAPTISM
Romans 6:3-5… 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?4 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.5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Galatians 3:27… 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
This scripture literally says to put on Christ by being baptized in Christ.
Colossians 3:17…17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Acts 4:12…12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12 is a favorite for me. There is no other name whereby we must be saved! Why not say the name over your life!
As we have discussed many times, God gives us specific instructions for how He wants things done. Why would water baptism be any different? And does the formula for baptism really matter?
1. The bible places so much importance on Water Baptism, it should be exactly the way the Bible teaches it! I agree, don’t you?
2. We should follow the example of the original Apostolic Church in the bible days!
3. Tradition’s over time have changed the formula for one reason or another. And if this is true, tradition is an inadequate substitute for BIBLICAL Teaching! We must be obedient to the Word even if it goes against what we have been taught.
4. Obedience to God’s Word will cause us to follow it exactly how the bible teaches! If we refuse, then it is disobedience and rebellion to God’s word and will be to our own detriment. Keep in mind, fire won’t fall on your head punishing you for your refusal. However judgement day will reveal all!
5. Paul had to re-baptize the disciples of John the Baptist! Acts 19:1-5… 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,2 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.3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.4 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.5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6. Baptism is for the REMISSION (Forgiveness) of sins – No other name remits sin!
I don’t want to even hesitate to take on the precious name of Jesus! He who died for my sins! No other name can save me!
HOLY GHOST
Acts 2:38…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.
The Holy Ghost is a gift! You can’t earn it and none of us are worthy to receive it! But it is essential according to Peter’s words. The Holy Ghost will change your life. It literally is Jesus living in you! He will make you walk right and talk right. You will have joy unspeakable and peace like you never have known. The Holy Ghost fixes us!
HOW WILL YOU KNOW YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST?
Acts 2:4…4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Acts 8:17-19…17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
Acts 10:44-48…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.
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,2 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.3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.4 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.5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
1 Corinthians 14:22…22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
Mark 16:17… 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
You will speak in tongues as evidence that you have received the Holy Spirit. If you don’t experience the evidence that you have received the Holy Ghost, the enemy of your soul will convince you that you didn’t get it. The tongue is used by God because no man can tame the tongue. James 3:8 Besides speaking in tongues is also a sign of life! Just like a newborn baby cries when it is born so it is when you are born again!
It really is as simple as repenting, being baptized in Jesus name and you will receive the Holy Ghost. It wasn’t just in the Bible days it is happening today as well.
Our world today makes it to be something weird because they don’t understand it. I can assure you it is the best thing you will ever do!
You must believe that Jesus is and He is a rewarded of them that diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Our flesh is always contrary to the Spirit. Galations 5:16 ¶ This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
We do things we don’t really want to do and don’t do those things we want to do.
So the question becomes have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed? And how were you baptized? It really is very important! Study this word I have given you. Private message me and ask questions! Pray and ask God what is right for you and most importantly don’t ignore your feelings!
So with all the information you have received what would you tell someone if they asked you, “What must I do to be saved?”
Be a doer of the Word!
pray: Lord, open my eyes to all you have for me. Give me courage to take steps to be a doer of your Word. Let me know, with certainty this word is for me! In Jesus name! Amen!
