Inform to Transform
By Ron Knott
Thank you for reading this Bible Study. You will notice I have included many Scriptures in this review. I don’t feel that I, or anyone else can improve on the Word of God. Herein I have progressed through the Bible, in a systematic manner, to prove without a doubt God’s necessary commands for salvation.
The Bible says in Ephesians 4:5-6 “One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” No, not just any way will get us to heaven, only God’s way, and we need to review His way.
My reason for writing this study is as follows: John 13: 34-35 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” These beautiful words of Jesus command us to love one another. Therefore, the greatest thing I can do for my fellowman is to share the love of the TRUTH with him so that we all might be saved.
By no means is the purpose of this study intended to take away from your Christian experience, or to be judgmental. The whole purpose of this study is for you to insure, with God’s Word, that you have obeyed His commands. Check your blueprint for eternal life against God’s blueprint to insure your plan is correct. If it is lacking in any area, now is the time to make the necessary adjustment to guarantee yourself, without any doubt, that you have followed the commands of Jesus. John 3:3 “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Herein we will discover what the term “born again” means. You may be surprised what the Bible actually says about this doctrine.
It’s very important to be aware that some scriptures and doctrines you will be shown in this study may be diametrically opposed to what you have been taught. When I was first presented these truths, I had many questions and doubts. However, when I saw this doctrine written in the Word of God, I had to leave my old way and follow the Lord’s way. Don’t take my word, nor any other persons’ word about this important subject. I only challenge you to take the Word of God.
The Bible is a legal contract between God and man. It’s our rules and regulations, our bylaws, our edicts and our fire insurance policy. We need to read the fine print before the fire. The Lord challenges us in, Philippians 2:12, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
The following method of teaching is comparable to that of practicing Law, or practicing Medicine. That is, the answer is in the Book. We just need to know where to find it and how to apply it. This short, informative lesson can be the beginning of a new experience for you. Born again of water and of the Spirit as the Lord commands. John 3:5 “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.” I challenge you, by the word of God, to make sure you have obeyed His simple commands for eternal life.
A multitude of names are added daily to God’s “Book of Life.” If your name is not recorded on those sacred pages, or if you are not sure, you can be confident that it will be placed there, by following God’s simple plan. We should ask ourselves the following question. If I died today, am I positive that I would be with the Lord for all eternity? Many will not make that beautiful, heavenly scene, but be tormented day and night, forever and forever, because they Hid not obey God’s Holy Word.
The Lord challenges us to, “Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life.” (John 5:39); also Matthew 7:21-23 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
This is a very serious statement by the Lord. Some people are going to find out on the “last day” that they have not obeyed the commandments of God. They have been hoodwinked by the commandments of man. It will be too late to correct that delusion.
God’s word is the final authority. He has given us a powerful protective policy that will hold up in any storm or fire. However, man has changed the original policy to fit his needs and passions. We need to read the fine print before the fire to be sure our policy, or religious practice is sound. It will be a sad day, that “last day,” when sincere souls are made aware, for the first time, that they have been fooled by the system of deception. When they hear the most horrifying words that can be spoken to mankind. The Lord will say, “I never knew you: depart from me.” The following statement is the one we all want to hear from the Lord; Matthew 25:21 “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
Your soul is worth more than the greatest gold find, the richest diamond mine, the most productive oil/gas lease and the largest real estate deal combined. Your soul is worth more than the whole world! I Timothy 6:7 “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”
Matthew 16:26 “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Jesus died so that all may have eternal life. Let’s review His simple plan of salvation.
INFORM TO TRANSFORM PART II
The following dialogue is a methodical routine of questions, objections, and answers about the word of God concerning redemption. Please prayerfully consider the following discussion.
Ron: Hello, Bob, my name is Ron. It’s my privilege to study the word of God with you today. Before we get started I want to challenge you not to take my word for anything. Don’t take anyone’s word about this important matter. Take only God’s word for the precise way. If I can not back up what I say with the Bible, then disregard what I am telling you. Therefore, let the Bible be the final judge on this consequential subject.
Ron: Bob, do you believe in God?
Bob: Yes, sir, I do Ron.
Ron: Do you believe in the Bible?
Bob: Yes, I certainly do!
Ron: Do you believe the Bible is the Word of God?
Bob: Yes, sir.
Ron: Do you believe that God has made provisions for man to be saved?
Bob: I do.
Ron: Bob, please tell me your belief concerning salvation.
Bob: Ron, it’s like this. I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior many years ago. You know the Bible says that we only have to confess Christ before men and we are then forever saved. The Bible also says that we can’t get good enough to be saved. All we need is Jesus Christ, plus nothing, minus nothing. In other words, we do not have to work to be saved. Jesus did all the work when He died. Some religious groups are teaching that you must be baptized and that you have to commit time and money and a lot of effort in order to be saved. Jesus did all the work when He died on the cross.
Some groups even teach that you can backslide, or be lost once you are saved. I wouldn’t serve a God that couldn’t keep me from being lost again. How can you become unborn once you have been born again?
Another thing that some churches teach is that we are still under the Law. They say you must obey many rules and regulations in order to be saved. They preach that you must be holy. My pastor says no one is holy. Our sins cannot be counted against us because we have accepted Christ. He said our flesh can sin but our spirit cannot sin because we have invited Christ into our spirit. Therefore, no fleshly sin will be charged against us.
There’s a lot I don’t know about the Bible. I do want to know more. There seems to be something missing in my relationship with God. I pray, I go to church, I have done all my pastor asks me to do. I can’t really put my finger on the problem. I am sure it’s just my lack of faith in certain areas.
I hear of healings and exciting things God is doing in other churches. Why don’t we have those miracles in my church?
Ron: Bob, it’s apparent that you are a sincere man. It is so very important to do Gods’ will.
There is a verse in Luke that indicates Jesus opened the understanding of His disciples. “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, ” Luke 24:45. The Bible also challenges us to “search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life” John 5:39.
Bob, this is such an important Bible discussion that it would be good to ask God to open our minds to understand the Scriptures. Let us pray.
“Jesus, we come to You today asking You once again to reveal the TRUTH to us concerning our salvation. Don’t let us be deceived. Don’t let us be like the group in Matthew that you will tell to depart from You because You never knew them. Yet, they thought they were doing Your will. Please don’t allow us to believe a lie and be damned, but open our hearts and minds to understand the Scriptures so that 10,000 years from today we will be with you in heaven. I ask it all in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
Bob, the Lord is in this discussion today. Jesus says, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20.
Bob: Ron, I really appreciate you taking the time to teach me this Bible Study. I have many questions: Thanks Bob, it’s my pleasure. First, lets review the source of good and evil in the world. Who, or what caused man to sin in the first place? Sin separated man from God. I am sure you remember the account in Genesis when the serpent told Eve to disobey God’s Word. “Ye shall not surely die” the serpent said to the woman in Genesis 3:4. Of course this was the beginning of serious problems for all mankind.
Open your Bible to Isaiah 14:1213 and Ezekiel 28: 14-17 and we will see the origin of the evil one. Please read those two passages.
Bob: Isaiah 14:12-13 “Now art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
For thou hast said in shine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:”
Ezekiel 28:14-17 “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones off fire.
Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee.
By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God: and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones off fire.
Thine heart was lifted up because of thy beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee.”
Ron: By these Scriptures we can clearly see that Lucifer let pride and power get in his heart. This got him in deep serious trouble with the Almighty. Lucifer had much authority in heaven, yet he was fired because he tried to exalt himself above God. He persuaded one third of the angels in heaven to join his effort. God put these evil ones out of heaven. They were exiled to planet earth. The source of evil on this earth is the devil and his fallen angels.
Bob: Now I see why there is so much corruption in the world.
Ron: This world is no more than the “trash dump” of the universe. God could have sent these demons to Jupiter, Saturn, Venus, or to any other planet in the Universe. He cast the devil and his angels down to where we live. These are bad guys all around us, trying to get us to follow the commands of their boss, the devil.
The god of this world is the devil. The Bible says, “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” II Corinthians 4:3-4 The devil doesn’t want us to understand and obey God’s plan for mankind. He is quick to combine error with TRUTH to make us fail God.
God has a new heaven and a new earth planned for his children. This one will not last.
Bob: That is very interesting.
Ron: Let’s look at the good ONE. Of course we know this to be God. Who is God? Is there more than one God? Who is Jesus Christ? Is Jesus God, or is He one-third God? Is there a Holy Trinity? Who is the Holy Ghost? Again, let’s go to the Word of God for the answer to these very important questions. Please read the following scriptures with me.
Old Testament
Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ”
The Son is the Father manifested
New Testament
Matthew 1:21, 23 “And she shall bring forth a son, thou shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins…. God with us. ”
Old Testament
Isaiah 40:3 “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of our the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. ”
The ministry of John the Baptist revealed that Jesus was God
New Testament
John 1:23 “He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord,…”
Old Testament
Isaiah 40:25 “To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.”
As God, Jesus accepted worship.
New Testament
Philippians 2:6 “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God.”
Old Testament
Isaiah 43:10-11 “that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no savior.”
Jesus is God our Savior
New Testament
Titus 2:13 “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”
Old Testament
Isaiah 44:6, 8 “I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. ”
As God, Jesus is the first and the last
New Testament
Revelation 1:8 (The Revelation of Jesus Christ.) “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”
22:13 “I am Alpha the Omega the beginning and the end, the first and the last. ”
Old Testament
Isaiah 45:8, 12, 18 “I the Lord have created it. I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens… For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it…”
Jesus is the Creator
New Testament
John 1:3, 10 “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. ”
Old Testament
Isaiah 45:23 “That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. ”
Jesus is Lord
New Testament
Romans 14:11 “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” Philippians 2:10, 11 “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
of things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.”
Ron: The religious leaders crucified Christ because he did things that only God could do. He forgave sin and accepted worship. They said he was a blasphemer. The religious leaders of today are trying to take away his power and position by making him the second person in the Holy Trinity.
There is only one God, not three. He has only one name and that name is Jesus. Acts 4:12 says, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Bob: What about the Son of God? Who did Jesus pray to? Who raised Jesus from the dead? Where was God when Jesus was a baby?
Ron: Bob, those are very good questions and to give you a correct answer we must read the Word of God.
I want you to read Deuteronomy 6:4.
Bob: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD. n (Deuteronomy 6:4)
Ron: Please read Isaiah 9:6 again.
Bob: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Ron: Do you see Bob, that this child is the Son and the everlasting Father, and the mighty God? Wonderful is not His name. But Jesus is a wonderful name.
Now turn to Isaiah 43:10-11 and let’s read again who the Savior is.
Bob: “Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no savior.” Isaiah 43:10-11.
Ron: You are doing a super job. Now let’s read Isaiah 45:5.
Bob: “I am the LORD’ and there is none else, there is no God beside me.” Isaiah 45:5
Ron: There are many other verses of Scripture to prove this fact. Read who Jesus said He was in Revelation 1:8.
Bob: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. ”
Ron: Jesus says He is the Almighty God. He says it again in Revelation 21:6 “And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. ”
Revelation 22:13 “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”
Revelation 22:16 “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. ”
Bob: You still haven’t answered my questions. Who did Jesus pray to? Who raised Him from the dead? Where was God when Jesus was a child?
Ron: I’ll be glad to answer that question. Now, I believe you understand that there is only one God.
Bob: Yes, I do.
Ron: Praise the Lord. This is a divine revelation. Let’s look at I Timothy 3:16 and see the mystery that God has revealed unto you. Please read it.
Bob: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. ”
Ron: You see Bob, Jesus had a dual nature when He was here. He was both man and God. He was man when he fasted, when He prayed, when He wept, when He slept, when He ate and when He did all the other things that are natural to the flesh. He was our example but without sin. The flesh died on the cross.
He was God when He performed the many miracles; such as walking on the water, turning the water into wine, and raising Himself from the dead. He told His disciples, John 2:19 “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up. ”
You will never find Eternal Son taught in the Bible! That which was conceived, or begotten, the flesh, had a beginning and an ending, but the Spirit of God has always been and will always be.
It’s unfortunate that the church world has diluted the deity of Jesus Christ. He is not one of three Gods. He is one God in three manifestations. It’s a revelation to know who Jesus is. “All things are
delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.” Luke 10:22
Jesus Christ is not a clone of God the Father, He is not duplicated Deity, He is not Jehovah Junior. He is Almighty God.
Bob: I have been confused on this issue for a long time. I was taught that the Holy Trinity consisted of three separate persons in the Godhead. This was explained as God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost. Yet, the Bible clearly says they are one. Why was I taught this doctrine?
Ron: That’s a good question Bob. The doctrine of the Holy Trinity was started 325 years after the death of Jesus at the Council of Nicea. This was a manmade doctrine. Later on I will show you how baptism was also changed at that same council.
What does all this have to do with salvation? I told you earlier that I had accepted Jesus as my Savior.
We’ll get back to that important point in a few minutes. Now, let’s consider that man could not get back in relationship with God no matter what he did. Hebrews 10:4 “For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. “The blood of God is the only thing that would take away sin. We found out earlier who God is. That is the reason Jesus said in Matthew 26:28 “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Whose blood? Acts 20:28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
God came in the flesh and shed his blood for the sins of all mankind. We know this to be Jesus Christ. We need to apply His blood to our sin soaked souls to remit our transgressions. His blood is the only thing that will remit sin. The blood of animals could not remit sin. Jesus said, “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Matthew 26:28
Jesus Christ shed His blood for past, present and future sins of the world. A good example of this is in the story of the rich man and the poor man (Lazarus) in Luke 16. Luke 16:22 “And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham * bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; ” We see in this true story that the great man of God, Abraham, was incarcerated in a special place of peace after he died. Abraham could not be in the place of God because his sins could not be remitted by the blood of animals. The sins of man was only pushed ahead each year awaiting the arrival of the Messiah. We know that God will not look on sin. These Old Testament characters that had obeyed God were placed in a secure place of tranquility. They had to stay there until their sins could be remitted. This could only be accomplished by the blood of Jesus on the cross.
I Peter 3:18-19 “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison.”
Jesus took power over death, hell and the grave when he died. Jesus is the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament. Only the blood of Jesus can remit sin.
Bob: I now understand the importance o knowing who Jesus is. How do we apply his blood to our sins?
Ron: Bob, that is a very important question. I will show you how to accomplish this with God’s Holy Word.
You told me that you had accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Would you please show me in the Bible, the verse of Scripture that commands us to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and by only doing this we are saved?
Bob: I really don’t know where it is. I know it’s in the Bible because my pastor said it was. I think it’s in Romans.
Ron: Bob, let’s see what the Bible really says. I hung my salvation on what other people said until I found out they were not telling me the full TRUTH.
Let’s open our Bibles to Romans 10:9 and see what it says. “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in shine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. ”
The first time I made a move toward God a minister read me that same verse. He asked if I believed the Bible. I said yes. Then he pronounced me saved. I said, “Sir, I don’t feel any different.” He said, “salvation doesn’t come by feelings but by faith.” He again assured me that I couldn’t ever be any more saved than I was at that moment. Bob, my problem was I didn’t know anything about the Bible.
That preacher pulled a verse out of context and built a Doctrine on it. That’s like quoting the Scripture, “Jesus wept,” and believing all He did for 33 years was bawl and squall, or that He was a big cry baby. If I had only known enough to read the rest of that chapter it would have told me what to do.
Look at Romans 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ” Many churches have stopped there and built a doctrine that says all you have to do is quote that verse to be saved. Let’s keep reading. Look at the warnings in the next few verses. “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard ? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God” Romans 10:14-17.
Now, let’s go back and review those verses of Scripture. Notice that the Lord gives us a warning that all have not obeyed the gospel. Notice that faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. In other words, for me to have faith in the Bible I have to know what it says, not what some man says it says. I have faith that the cover of this Bible is black because I have been taught all the colors since childhood and this one has all the characteristics of black. Do you understand that Bob?
Bob: Well, I guess so. I know one thing for sure. I believe in God.
Ron: I don’t doubt that in the least. Again let’s go to the Bible and see what it says about a believer. “Thou believes” that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. ” James 2:19 The devils believe in one God. They believe it so strong that they tremble. Do you think the devils are saved?
Ron: Let’s see what Jesus said would be the signs of the believer.
Turn over to John 7:38-39.
Bob: Where?
Ron: John 7:38-39. Yeah, right there. The red letter part. Read that please.
Bob: “He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) ” John 7:38-39
Ron: Jesus clearly says in that passage that the believer would receive the Holy Ghost if he believed as the Scripture says. I didn’t receive the Holy Ghost when my pastor read Romans 10:9. Something very important was missing. Look at another verse concerning believers. Please read Mark 16:16-17.
Bob: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues.”
Ron: Bob, there is even more evidence of what a believer must do according to Jesus. They must be baptized and they shall speak with new tongues. My pastor didn’t tell me this when he read Romans 10:9.
Bob: Ron, are you trying to tell me that I am not saved?
Ron: Bob, it’s not my place to judge anyone. In fact, the Bible says, “Judge not, that ye be not judged ” Matthew 7:1. You are the one reading the Scriptures. I just wanted to show you what Jesus had to say about your salvation. It’s up to you to obey the Bible.
Bob: Will you tell me your plan of salvation?
Ron: Bob, I don’t have a plan of salvation. I just try to obey the plan that God gave for all mankind. Ephesians 4:5 says there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism. ” Paul said in Galatians 1:8, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. ” Paul felt so strongly about this that he repeated himself in the next verse.
Bob: The thief on the cross didn’t do all of that and he was saved.
That’s a very good point. Let’s read the Bible again for the answer to that statement.
First, we need to divide the Bible into proper order. Note the four Gospels which are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These are books of history. They tell about Jesus’ birth, ministry, death, and
resurrection. Next we have the Book of Acts. This is where the church was born and the church age started. Most denominations will agree on this point. Then we have the Epistles, or letters written to the established church. In them we find instructions on conducting church services, how to live as Christians, family life, and other Christian principles. The Epistles begin with Romans and end with Jude. Then, of course, there is Revelation, which is the last book of the Bible and it deals with prophecy.
Our plan of salvation is not found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John because Jesus did not establish the church until after His death.
John 7:39 Reports that the Holy Ghost would not come until Jesus died.
The thief on the cross died prior to the establishment of the New Testament Church, or under a different dispensation. I believe that he is saved. But what did Jesus tell us to do?
Bob: Well, it says in John 3:16, “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.
Ron: Bob, I think we covered the signs of a true believer earlier in this discussion. Jesus said we must be born again of water and the Spirit.
Do you still maintain all you have to do is say I believe?
Bob: No, I don’t, but I am getting confused.
Ron: I know exactly how you feel. One day I was sitting on your side of the table wanting to know more TRUTH. It was very hard to erase all the things I had been taught in my church.
Let’s get right to the point and see what Jesus told His disciples to do just prior to His ascension into heaven. Don’t you think His last instructions to His people are very important?
Bob: Yes.
Ron: Let’s review the Great Commissions of the Bible. They are found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Matthew 28:19 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. ”
Key words are “teach ” and “baptizing in the name … ”
Mark 16:16-17 “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues”
Key words are “believeth “, “baptized “, and “new tongues… ”
Luke 24:45-47 “Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behaved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ”
Key words are “repentance” and “remission of sins beginning at Jerusalem. ”
John 20:21-23 “Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. ”
Key words are breath, or wind, receive the Holy Ghost, remit sins or retain sins.
Bob, we have just read the Great Commissions of the Bible. Let’s see if the disciples obey them?
Ron: Turn over to Luke 24 and read verses 45-49.
Bob: “Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures… And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem… And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.”
Ron: Okay, hold your fingers on that page and let’s turn over to Acts 1:4 and see if these disciples obeyed Jesus. Notice in the fourth verse they are re-telling what Jesus told them. Acts 1:4 “And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.” He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father. Verse five tells us this promise was the Holy Ghost. This was not available to the thief on the cross, nor to anyone else until the Father sent the Holy Ghost.
What must happen before a testament or will becomes effective? Of course, the testator must die. Please read Hebrews 9:16-17.
Bob: “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth. ”
Ron: Bob, do you see why Jesus had to die in order for us to have the Holy Ghost? He said back in John 14:18, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” John 14:26 says, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things… “The Holy Ghost is Jesus’ Spirit. Jesus can now be with everyone all over the world at the same time. Acts 5:32 “And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.”
Now I want you to read Acts 2:1-4. But first let me tell you, or show you in the Bible what was taking place.
We see that the disciples obeyed Jesus. They went to Jerusalem. They went to the upper room and continued in prayer and supplication for a long period. There were about 120 disciples in that group. On the Jewish holiday called Pentecost, something very strange happened. Please read Acts 2:1-4.
Bob: “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. ”
Ron: You can read the rest of the chapter and see that some people thought these men and women were drunk or crazy. Peter told them this was not the case. He quoted an Old Testament prophet named Joel, who prophesied that this spiritual act would happen.
Then they asked Peter, “what shall we do?” Acts 2:37.
Bob, read Acts 2:38.
Bob: “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. ”
Ron: Now let’s review the key words from the Great Commissions we read in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and will see that each of these orders were obeyed in Acts 2:38. Go to Jerusalem, baptizing, believing, repentance, remission of sins, and receiving the Holy Ghost.
Bob: All I can say is, its all there in the second chapter of Acts, especially in Acts 2:38.
Ron: Bob, you asked earlier about my plan of salvation. What you just read is God’s plan of salvation for the whole , world. I would now like to prove to you. without any doubt that this is God’s plan to redeem mankind
Earlier I told you to hold your finger at Luke 24:47-49. Let’s go back there and see if Peter obeyed Jesus’ command in Acts 2:3 8. Let’s review Peter’s authority, when the question was asked, “what shall we do?” Acts 2:37.
Please read Matthew 16:19.
Bob: “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19
Ron: We are instructed that Peter would be given the keys of the kingdom of heaven.
Again let’s look at Luke 24:47. Jesus said that, “Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name… beginning at Jerusalem. ”
Peter said in Acts 2:38 to repent (step one). He said to be baptized in Jesus’ name for the remission of sins (step two), and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (step three). Bob, do you know the difference between repentance of sins and remission of sin?
Bob: I thought they were the same thing.
Ron: Let me give you an example. Suppose you spilled your cup of coffee on my new carpet. I am sure you would say, “Oh, I am very sorry Ron, please forgive me.” I would forgive you, but the coffee stain would still be in the carpet. It must be washed away, or remitted, or else it will leave a bad spot on the carpet. You have repented and I have forgiven you, but the blemish is still there.
The Bible says we must be without spot, wrinkle, or blemish to enter in (Ephesians 5 :27). Only the blood of Jesus Christ can remit sin. The blood of bulls or goats does not have the power to remove sin. The blood of God is the only thing strong enough to eliminate sin. That’s the reason Jesus shed His blood and died. When we are baptized in Jesus’ name, we are applying His blood to our lives. Read Acts 20:28.
Bob: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. ”
Ron: God purchased the church with His own blood. Now read Romans 3:25.
Bob: “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. ”
Ron: We must have faith in the shedding of Jesus’ blood, which is the same as God’s blood. Now read Hebrews 9:22.
Bob: “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. ”
Ron: Bob, I hope you have a better understanding of the importance of the shed blood of Jesus. This is the only legal way that God could redeem, or buy back man after the fall in the Garden. The blood of God will remit sins forever. The Bible says in I Corinthians 6:20, “For ye are bought with a price.” Therefore we apply His blood in baptism in His name, that is in Jesus’ name.
The Bible says in Colossians 2:12 “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. ” This is the whole connotation of being “born again.” Jesus said in John 3:5, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
I think you can see why we must be baptized in Jesus’ name for the remission of sins. This act of obedience applies His precious blood to our tarnished souls and removes our dirty sins.
Just for review, please note that God the Father raised Jesus from the dead as indicated in Colossians 2:12. Yet we see the Lord saying in John 2:19, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” If you believe in only one God, this is easily understood. Jesus raised himself from the dead. This is a major point to prove that Jesus is God.
Christianity would be no different from any of the world’s religions if Jesus had not raised himself from the dead. Neither Buddha or Mohammed, or any of the other so called gods were able to raise themselves from the dead. Only our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ was able to perform that great miracle.
Bob: Ron, that is strong. Let me tell you what I have been taught about baptism. My pastor says it’s only an outward profession for an inward possession. It’s good to follow Christ in baptism but it’s not necessary for salvation. He also says he had rather follow the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19 and baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost than using the words of Peter in Acts 2:38. He says that baptism was important in those days as a public example that the Jews had accepted Jesus as their personal Savior, but it’s not that important today.
Ron: Bob, my ex-pastor told me that same thing. Again let’s read God’s Word on this very important subject. Please read I Peter 3:21.
Bob: “The like-figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
Ron: Do you see in that where it says water baptism saves us? It says, S-A-V-E-S us.
Bob: Yes, that’s sure what it says.
Ron: We can see in Acts 22:16 where baptism washed away the sins of the Apostle Paul. Please read that.
Bob: “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:16
Ron: Recorded in John 3:5 “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.” Water and Spirit baptism was commanded and completed in 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.”
This is explained again in I John 5:7-8 “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”
Bob: I have often wondered what was meant by the term water and Spirit rebirth.
Ron: There are many other verses of Scripture that we could use to prove the importance of baptism. Do you now understand the Bible commands on baptism?
Bob: Yes, I do, Ron. I forgot to tell you in the beginning of this discussion that I have already been baptized.
Ron: Bob, if you were baptized like you said your pastor believed, then you were not baptized like the Bible says. Please give me a little time to explain this very important procedure. I was once baptized in the titles of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Yet, when I asked God for more TRUTH, He showed me that I must be baptized in Jesus’ name. The only account of the act of baptism recorded in the New Testament is in the name of Jesus Christ. There is not one example in the entire Bible where anyone was ever baptized by repeating the words, “in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.” There are many examples where believers were baptized in Jesus name. As a matter of fact, some believers were rebaptized when they learned they did not have the
proper baptism as we see in Acts 19:3-5. Paul asked these believers in Acts 19:3, “Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said Unto John’s baptism” Let’s read on “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” Acts 19:4.
Bob: That is really interesting, but what happened next?
Ron: “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Acts 19:5.
Bob: What about Matthew 28:19?
Ron: Good point, Bob. Let’s look at that beautiful commission from Jesus. Please read Matthew 28:19.
Bob: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. ” See it says it right there. My pastor was right!
Ron: Bob, I know that you were in the Marines and I know that they taught you commands. A good example is the command “Forward, march.” Remember how the drill instructor told us that the command “Forward” was a preparatory command and the word “March” was the execution command? Remember how they used to try to get us to err by saying “Forward,” and not saying “March”? We would lean forward or take that first step, then really get chewed out because we didn’t wait for the execution command, “March.” Remember the command: “About, face. ” The
drill instructor would sometimes say “About” and some of us would turn around before he said, “Face.” Of course this was wrong.
Bob: How well do I remember those days!
Ron: The command that Jesus gave in Matthew 28:19 was a preparatory command. The command of execution came in Acts 2:38 when the words in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins was given.
In other words, your minister just repeated the words of Jesus; he really didn’t complete the command.
Let me give another example. I want you to repeat the words I say. Bob, go close the door.
Bob: Bob, go close the door.
Ron: You have not done one thing, except repeat my command. The door is still open and you have not moved one inch. Was that obeying my command.
Bob: No, but how does that tie in with what Jesus said?
Ron: The point is this Bob. Jesus gave the command and the disciples understood it. Remember He opened their understanding as we read in Luke chapter 24. We see that they obeyed His command in Acts 2:38.
There is no contradiction in the Bible. Did Jesus and Peter say the same thing?
Let’s look at that point very closely. To understand this command we must find out the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Then we must apply that name to Jesus’ command. You see the name is singular, so it’s one name. Please read Matthew 1:21 to find out the name of the Son.
Bob: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS.”
Ron: The son’s name is Jesus. Now let’s find out the name of the Holy Ghost. Please read the words of Jesus in John 14:26.
Bob: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name. ”
Ron: So you see that the name of the Holy Ghost is Jesus. Now let’s find out the name of the Father. Please read the words of Jesus in John 5:43.
Bob: “I am come in my Father’s name. ”
Ron: Bob, the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost is Jesus. That’s the reason there was no great discussion on the Day of Pentecost when Peter commanded them all to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Brother Matthew was there that day. You can find him on the roster in the thirteenth verse of Acts the first chapter. Why didn’t he jump up and say, “Brother Peter, you got it all wrong. That’s not the way I am going to write it in my book.” The reason is they knew who Jesus was. He is “God with us.” Remember He opened their understanding. Thomas said, “my Lord and my God. “Bob: Ron why haven’t I been taught that in my church? My pastor has a doctor’s degree in Bible Theology. He is a graduate from one of the finest seminary’s. I have never heard him preach this doctrine before.
Ron: Bob, if you don’t mind, we’ll cover that subject later. I want to tell you that the doctrine of the Holy Trinity is not found in the Bible. The practice of baptism using the words of Father, Son and Holy Ghost started at the Council of Nicea about 325 years after the death of Jesus Christ.
It is so important to take on Jesus’ name in baptism. Even if you believe in three Gods, which one died? Jesus Christ died. We are buried with Him, not them. Romans 6:3-5 “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.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Also in Colossians 2:12 “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.” Baptism is symbolic of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Bob: I see your point.
Ron: Praise the Lord. Bob, I want to show you how to receive His Spirit. There are many examples of this in the Bible. Let’s turn back to Acts 2:4.
Bob: You mean speaking in tongues? My pastor covered that point very thoroughly last week. He said these Pentecostal groups are trying to cause confusion in the major denominations by this tongues doctrine.
He said he believed the account in the first part of Acts about the Jews speaking in tongues. He said this was a special language given only to the Jews so they could be missionaries in foreign lands. He said this gift is not for us Christians today.
Ron: Bob, again let’s go to the Word of God for the answers to this very important question. I would like to say that if God used tongues in Acts the second chapter as a special missionary gift, why hasn’t He used it since then for that purpose? Our missionaries today could save a lot of time learning new languages. God uses this great gift today as He did on the day of Pentecost. Tongues is a sign to indicate that man has truly obeyed God. It is the spiritual indicator that Jesus is taking residence in man’s soul. God’s Spirit is speaking through man in a language unknown to him. It is the evidence of the Holy Ghost. The Bible says in I Corinthians 14:22, “…Tongues are for a sign.” The Bible also says in James 3:8, “But the tongue can no man tame,” but God can when He moves into man’s soul. Please read Acts 2:4.
Bob: “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. ”
Ron: Now read it in the New International Version.
Bob: “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit enabled them. ”
Ron: Let’s see who some of these people were who spoke in tongues. Read the roster in Acts 1:13.
Bob: Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, Simon, Judas, the brother of James.
Ron: A very select group, wouldn’t you say? Even Mary, the mother of Jesus was listed with the women in the next verse.
Bob: She sure was!
Ron: Peter said in Acts 2:16, “This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel. ” He also said in Acts 2:39, “For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. ” This was not just for the Jews.
Bob, please turn to Acts chapter 10 and read the second verse.
Bob: “A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.” Acts 10:2
Ron: This man was Cornelius; a Gentile. This second verse describes him as a man who I think could be in the “Amen Corner” of some churches. He could be a Sunday School teacher, minister, or hold any church office because of his devotion. But, according to the Bible he was not saved.
Bob: Where does it say that?
Ron: I’ll show you in a few minutes. Notice that Cornelius was sincere with God. God honored his sincerity and sent the man Simon Peter to tell Cornelius of God’s plan.
When I was sincere about living for God, He sent a man to instruct me. We see in verse thirty-three that Cornelius sent for Peter to learn of God’s command. “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.” Acts 10:33.
Turn and read Acts 10:44-47.
Bob: “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
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.
Ron: Bob, stop right there for a minute. How did they know that Cornelius and the other people received the Holy Ghost?
Bob: Well, it says in the next verse “For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. ” Acts 10:46.
Ron: They heard them do what?
Bob: Speak with tongues and magnify God!
Ron: You mean just like Peter and the others did on the Day of Pentecost?
Bob: Must be the same because Peter asked in the next verse, “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?” Acts 10:47.
Ron: How were they baptized? Was it in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost?
Bob: No, the Bible says in verse 48, “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. ”
Ron: Well, isn’t that just like the Lord. He gave the Gentiles the Holy Ghost just like He gave it to the Jews. (Acts 11:15)
The question is, was Cornelius saved before this experience? Look at the following: Acts 11:14 “Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. ”
Bob: Boy that is strong. The Bible clearly says they were not saved until that day.
Ron: We have another example of that in Acts the nineteenth chapter.
Paul asked these believers two simple questions that should be asked of everyone that claims to be a Christian.
The first question is in Acts 19:2.
Bob: “He said unto them, Nave you 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?”
The second question is in Acts 19:3.
Bob: “And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism”
Ron: Keep reading.
Bob: “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. ”
Ron: Keep reading.
Bob: “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ”
Ron: You mean to tell me these people were rebaptized? They had already been baptized by John.
Bob: Don’t take my word for it, that’s what the Bible says.
Ron: Super! Well, whet else happened?
Bob: Verse six says, “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them. ”
Ron: How did they know they received the Holy Ghost?
Bob: The Bible says they spoke with tongues.
Ron: Well, those people from the upper coast received the Holy Ghost and spoke with tongues. Brother Peter was right when he said it’s for all, even to those who are afar off.
Bob: Sure looks that way.
Ron: What about you, Bob? Have you been baptized in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins? Have you received the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues since you believed?
Bob: Ron, the Bible does not say everyone that received the Holy Ghost spoke with tongues. In fact Paul said in I Corinthians 14:19,” … I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. ” Why would he make such a statement if tongues are that important?
Ron: “Jesus wept!” Remember the example I used in the beginning of this discussion about taking Scriptures out of context? The one you just quoted is a classic example of taking a verse out of context. Let’s go to the Bible for that consequential answer.
First, I want to go on record here and now and say I don’t think anyone should seek to speak in tongues. None of the people in the examples we saw in the Bible were seeking tongues. They were seeking the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of God, and the tongues came as evidence that they had received the Spirit.
Bob: Then why did Paul make that statement about speaking in tongues?
Ron: Remember earlier when we talked about rightly dividing the Word of God? You are jumping over first Corinthians the fourteenth chapter and are talking about an event that has nothing to do with receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. Please let me explain.
Bob: Please do.
Ron: Look back at Acts and you will see that those people received the gift of the Holy Ghost, not the gift of tongues. When they received this precious gift, they all spoke with tongues. We have already covered that point very well.
Now let’s go to I Corinthians the twelfth chapter and read about the nine spiritual gifts; one of which is the gift of many kinds of tongues.
Read I Corinthians 12:8-10 please.
Bob: “For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
To Another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues. ”
Ron: Bob, these are nine spiritual gifts that are given by the Spirit. I do not claim to have any of them. Yet, when I received the Holy Ghost I spoke in tongues. Do you see the difference?
Bob: Well, I think so.
Ron: Don’t be so unsure. Let’s dig further into the Word of God. I know how you feel because I was told that tongues would cease, that Paul didn’t like tongues, that prophecy was greater than tongues, that all do not speak with tongues and so on.
Remember, we are dealing with Spiritual gifts that should be in use in the church. This is not to be confused with the gift of the Holy Ghost given in the book of Acts. These Spiritual gifts for the church are so important that God gave explicit instructions on the use of these gifts in three chapters of His precious Book.
I had people lead me to I Corinthians 13:8-10 and quote, “whether there be tongues, they shall cease. ” Read the rest of that please.
Bob: “whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. ”
Ron: Read verse twelve.
Bob: “For now we see through A glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” I Corinthians 13:12
Ron: Has that time come yet? Do we see face to face with Christ? Do you know all things now? NO! People tried to tell me “that which was perfect,” is the Bible. However, we don’t see face to face with God yet. Certainly the perfect One is coming and I want to be ready to meet Him when He does. Don’t you?
Bob: Yes sir.
Ron: Another area of the Bible that is taken out of context is the verse you quoted. I Corinthians 14:19: “In the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. ” You’re aware that there is a very large church group that conducts their services in Latin and no one can understand them.
I can honestly say I have never heard anyone preach in tongues in my church. Yet, I have seen tongues used by the Lord, in a beautiful way. This is like a telegram from heaven. The messages in tongues let us know the Lord knows where we are, what we are doing, and what we need. He cares so much for his children that He takes time to communicate with us in a very special way. I really do appreciate a personal Savior like that. Do you have this in your church?
Bob: No… no we don’t Ron.
Ron: One verse that is very seldom quoted is verse eighteen. Please read it.
Bob: “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all. “I Corinthians 14:18
Ron: Do you see now how Paul was misquoted about speaking in tongues?
Bob: Yes, I sure do.
Ron: Another misquoted statement about the use of tongues is that it is less important than prophesy. Some are quick to quote part of I Corinthians 14:5 and only say, “for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues ” They leave out one important word. The word except: “except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.” This is another example of the devil using a half truth to baffle hungry souls.
Another time when Christians speak in tongues is in their private prayers to God. Read I Corinthians 14:2.
Bob: “For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: For no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. ”
Ron: Bob, let’s review, God uses tongues for at least four different purposes or situations.
One is when a person receives the gift of the Holy Ghost, they will speak with other tongues. Another is the gift of tongues that is used in the church to edify the service. Another is the private prayer to God that we just read about. The final example is singing in tongues as indicated in I Corinthians 14:14-15. They are all in the Bible.
I do not have the gift of tongues, but I do have the gift of the Holy Ghost. Do you understand the difference?
Bob: Ron, I am afraid I might get the wrong spirit if I start trying to speak in tongues.
God will not allow that to happen. He knows our heart and He has more power than any other spirit. Please read Luke 11:9-13; Jesus is talking there.
Bob: “And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?
Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?
If ye thee, teeing evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?”
Ron: That is very plain isn’t it Bob?
Bob: It sure is.
Ron: Bob, God has now led you to a place in TRUTH as He did Cornelius. It’s up to you to obey this TRUTH. I believe you are a very sincere man like Cornelius. God allowed me to show you some things in the Scriptures, like when Peter spoke to Cornelius. According to the Bible Cornelius was not saved even though he was a devout man, prayed to God always and gave much alms to the people. We find in Acts 11:14 the account where the following was said, “Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. ” Those same words that Peter gave at Pentecost are true today.
“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 2:38.
The only people that I have ever heard preach and teach against this great truth are the ones who have not obeyed it.
Yes, the Holy Ghost is for us today. Multitudes of hungry souls are receiving it. God is truly pouring out His Spirit upon all flesh. As stated in the Bible, God will give the Holy Ghost to them that obey Him.
Bob: Ron, I want the Holy Spirit. I need it. I want to be baptized in Jesus’ name. I want to do what God commands. I want this for my entire family as well. I want to be able to teach others as you have taught me.
Ron: Bob, at the beginning of our discussion, we prayed a simple prayer and asked God to open our hearts that we might understand the Scriptures. That’s one prayer that God will always answer if we will let Him. All I have been is a guide to show you where to find God’s TRUTH. Now it’s up to you.
Bob: Let’s call your pastor to see when I can be baptized.
Thought You Would Like to Know
Bob was baptized in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and the Lord gave him the gift of the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues.
I have seen many men and women, like Bob, that gladly received more TRUTH about God’s plan for mankind. Some received the Holy Ghost during song service, some received the Spirit when praying at the altar, some received the Spirit when they were baptized and some received it later. They all are very grateful because someone explained the Word of God to them.
-What About You-
Have you obeyed God’s Word? All you have to do is ask yourself these two simple questions that Paul asked the believers in Acts 19:2-6 “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 wee ye baptized? And they said, Unto John* 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.”
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