What the Truth?
This Bible study is not designed to teach what we believe as Pentecostals, but rather to teach what the Word of God says about salvation. We ask you to open your heart as we open the word of God!
John 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them I find in him no fault at all. (KJV)
Pilate asked Jesus, “what is truth?” This is the question that everyone wants to know the answer to. There are so many different churches in the world today that teach so many different things, and honest people want to know, “What is Truth?”
John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (KJV)
John 17:18-20
18 As thou hast sent me into the world even so have I also sent them into the world.
19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; (KJV)
The only way to find the answer to the question, “What is truth”, is to look and see what the Bible has to say about this subject!
Question that I would like to ask you:
A. Some say, “It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere.” Can a man be sincerely wrong?
B. Is doctrine important according to God’s word?
C. Are there false prophets today?
D. According to the word of God what would you tell someone that asked you, “What must I do to be saved?”
THE AUTHORITY OF GOD’S WORD
2 Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction for instruction in righteousness: (KJV)
2 Pet. 1:2O-21
20 Knowing this first that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
Rev. 22:18-20
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of me, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (KJV)
Deut 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you neither shall ye diminish ought from it that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. (KJV)
Gal. 1:6-9
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another, but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
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
9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received let him be accursed (KJV)
Col. 2:8-9
8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world and not after Christ.
9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. (KJV)
James 1:21-22
21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word which is able to save your souls.
22 But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (KJV)
2 Tim. 4:1-4
1 I charge thee therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (KJV)
John 12:48
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken the same shall judge him in the last day. (KJV)
2 Tim. 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto Christ a workman that needeth not to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV)
DIVISIONS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT:
A. Four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) These books tell the birth life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
B. Acts – This book is the history book of the new testament church which tells of the birth and life of the church that was born on the day of Pentecost. It is also the only book that tells what the apostles answered when they were asked what must do to be saved?
C. Epistles (Romans through Jude) These are letters to either the churches or a saint in the church on how to live after you have received the Holy Ghost.
D. Revelation – A book of prophecy written of times to come. And for the most part is written in symbolic form.
THREE WAYS TO BE LOST
1) Never heard what the apostles said you had to do to be saved
2) Deceived by a false preacher or church (Galatians 1:6-9)
3) After hearing what you are to do you do nothing.
TO WHOM WAS THE MESSAGE OF SALVATION GIVEN TO PREACH?
Matt 16:13-19
13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
14 And they saith Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God.
17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (KJV)
IS THE HOLY GHOST THE SPIRIT OF CHRIST?
Romans 8:9
But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his. (KJV)
Gal. 4:6
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, saying, Abba, Father.(KJV)
2 Cor. 3:17-18
17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18 But we all, hath open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (KJV)
HOW AND WHEN DO YOU RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST?
John 3:1-8
1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2 The same came to Jesus by night and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest except God be with him.
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.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
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.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (KJV)
Luke 24:44-53
44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you while I was yet with you that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46 And said unto them, Thus it is written and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48 And ye are witnesses of these things.
49 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.
50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.
51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.
52 And they worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy:
53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen. (KJV)
Peter, the man with the keys, will fulfill this scripture!
John 20:22
And when he had said this, he breathed on them and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: (KJV)
This was not long before the ascention. Did the apostles receive tbe Holy Ghost when Jesus said this to them? Let’s look at the scripture and see if they did.
Acts 1:4-5
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.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (KJV)
Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judae, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (KJV)
From the ascention they were going to Jerusalem to tarry for the promise of the father, which is the Holy Ghost.
WHO WAS IN THE UPPER ROOM PRAYING FOR THE HOLY GHOST?
Acts 1:12-15
12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey.
13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room where abode both Peter, and James, and John and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
15 And in those days Prter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) (KJV)
WHAT HAPPENED WHEN THEY RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST?
Acts 2:1-16
1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.
6 Now when this was noised abroad the multitude came together, and were confounded because that every man heard them speak in his own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marvelled saying one to another, Behold are not all these which speak Galilaeans?
8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judae, and Cappadocia in Pontus, and Asia,
10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.
12 And they were all amazed and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you and hearken to my words:
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.
16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; (KJV)
Until they heard Peter preach, they did not believe that Jesus was truly the Christ.
Acts 2:37
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren what shall we do? (KJV)
NOTICE: The question was asked of the man that had the keys to the kingdom.
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. (KJV)
3 STEPS INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD (JOHN 3:5)
1) Repentance
2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (KJV)
2) Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ
3) Receive the Holy Ghost
WHO CAN RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST?
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. (KJV)
LET’S COVER THE THREE STEPS INTO THE KINGDOM
Repentance – turning away from sin and to God
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (KJV)
Prov. 28:13
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy. (KJV)
2 Cor. 7:10
For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. (KJV)
Baptism – immersion in water in the name of Jesus
Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (KJV)
1 Pet 3:20-2I
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 where unto even baptism doth also now save us (not putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: (KJV)
Matt. 28:l9
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (KJV)
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY GHOST?
Matt 1:21
And she shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (KJV)
John 5:43
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. (KJV)
John 10:30
I and my Father are one. (KJV)
John 10:38
But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. (KJV)
John 14:9
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, Shew us the Father? (KJV)
John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring ail things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (KJV)
1 John 5:7
For there are three that bear record in heaven the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. (KJV)
Col. 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: (KJV)
Matthew 28:19 is the only verse in the bible that uses the phrase, “in the name of the father, and of the son and of the Holy Ghost.” Here Jesus taught the disciples by whose name baptism should be executed. There was no doubt in each disciple’s mind what the name of the Father, Son, or the Holy Ghost was:
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. (KJV)
Acts 8:14-17
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard the 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. (KJV)
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. (KJV)
Acts 19:1-5
1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coast 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. (KJV)
Notice: Nowhere in the bible was anyone ever baptized in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Ghost.
Matt 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. (KJV)
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: (KJV)
Gal. 3:27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (KJV)
Col. 3:17
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. (KJV)
1 Pet 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: (KJV)
Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. (KJV)
DOES THE BAPTISMAL FORMULA REALLY MATTER?
1) The bible places so much importance on water baptism it should be exactly the way the bible teaches it.
2) We should follow the example of the first Apostolic Church.
3) Tradition is an inadequate substitutes for biblical teaching.
4) Obedience to God’s word will cause us to follow it exactly how the bible teaches it. Refusal is disobedience.
5) Paul had to re-baptize the disciples of John the Baptist:
Acts 19:1-5
1 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. (KJV)
6) Baptism is for omission of sins, no other name remits sin.
Why should anyone hesitate to take on the name of the one that died for them?
RECEIVING THE HOLY GHOST
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 (KJV)
HOW WILL YOU KNOW THAT YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST?
Acts 2:4
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (KJV)
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. (KJV)
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. (KJV)
Acts 19:1-6
1 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 shouid 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. (KJV)
1 Cor. 14:22
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. (KJV)
Mark 16:17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (KJV)
QUESTIONNAIRE
1) Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?
2) How were you baptized?
3) What would you tell someone if they asked you, “What must I do to be saved?”
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Author Unknown.
Christian Information Network.
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