GOD'S NEW COVENANT DOCTRINE? by steve finnell

What is the benchmark for determining the truth of God's new covenant doctrine? The benchmark is, was it proclaimed by Jesus or the apostles.

Truth: Jesus said I am the Christ, the Son of Man. (Mark 14:53-64)

Falsehood: The high priest called the assertions of Jesus, blasphemy. (Mark 14:53-64)

Truth: If Christians try to be justified by law, they will fall from grace.(Galatians 5:1-5)

Falsehood: Unless you are circumcised according to the law of Moses you cannot be saved.(Acts 15:1-5)

Truth: Mark 16:16"He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (NKJV)[Spoken by Jesus]

Falsehood: He who believes is saved by faith alone and does not have to be immersed in water(baptized) in order to be saved. Spoken by preachers, pastors, and theologians.

Truth:  Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,(NKJV)

Falsehood; Men fall short of God glory because Adam sinned.

Truth: Acts 2:38 Then Peter said them, "Repent, and each of you one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your of sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.(NASB)

Falsehood: Be baptized for the forgiveness of Adam's sin.

Falsehood: Be baptized because your sins have been forgiven.

Falsehood: Be baptized as a testimony of your faith.

Falsehood: Be baptized so you can join the denomination of your choice.

Falsehood: Be baptized as an infant for inherited  and committed sin and then believe as an adult.

Falsehood: Be baptized for the guilt of "original sin," because you have inherited the sin of Adam and Eve.

Falsehood: Be baptized as an unbelieving infant and you will be added to the body of Christ.

Should your benchmark for God's truth be Jesus and the apostles or should it be preachers, priests, pastors, theologians, creed books, Bible commentaries, and other books written about the Bible?

The Bible and the Bible alone contains the absolute truth.       

QUESTIONS FOR KING JAMES ONLY ADVOCATES  by steve finnell

There are believers in Jesus The Christ who honestly believe that God only authorized one English translation of the Bible and it was the 1611 King James Version. 

The original 1611 King James Bible had eighty books. It included the fourteen books called the apocrypha. 

Question: Do 1611 King James "only" believers think that God authorized the apocrypha?

Question: Does the 1611 King James Version they use have the apocrypha books included?

Question: Do they believe all eighty books of the original 1611 King James Version were given by the inspiration of God?

The truth is 1611 King James Version "only" advocates do not read from the original 1611 King James Version.

The truth is there are many Bible translations that are trustworthy. Just read the translation you chose and believe God's plan.  

IF THERE ARE APOSTLES LIVING TODAY? by steve finnell

If there were apostles after the ones mentioned in the new testament and if  there are apostles living today, why are their writings not included in the Bible? The apostles that Jesus selected wrote Scriptures.

2 Peter 3:14-16...15...our beloved brother Paul...16 as also in all his letters...as they do also in the rest of the Scriptures...(NASB) The apostle Paul's letters were Scriptures. The apostles writings were Scriptures.

Why are the writings of the so-called apostles of the last eighteen hundred years not recorded in the Bible? Why? Because they false apostles.

2 Corinthians 11:12-15.....13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light...(NASB)

How to identify a false apostle? False apostle's writings are not included in the Bible.

The only apostles that are alive today are the false ones.

DO NOT ADD TO GOD'S WORD

Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. 6 Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.(NASB)

Even though false apostles have not added their words to the Bible, they claim to have written new books of God's revelation. Some claim that God has given them the authority to write church creed books that have been directly inspired by God.

God's doctrine is found in the Bible and the Bible alone.

Creeds and so-called new revelation cannot be from God if they contrary to the Bible.

If you are looking for God's truth by following modern-day apostles, reading man-made creed books, and studying books of new revelation, then, you are looking in all the wrong places.      

    

MODERN DAY-APOSTLES?  BY STEVE FINNELL

Some claim that there are apostles alive and well, living among us. Is that fact or fiction?

QUESTION: What purpose would modern day apostles serve?

QUESTION: If there are apostles today, why do they not mirror the acts of the apostles of the first century?

Acts 2:43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

Are people being filled with awe by the so-called modern day apostles? If that were true it would be on every TV network. It would dominate the cable TV channels. The Internet would flooded with accounts of these so-called modern day apostles.

ACTS OF THE FIRST CENTURY APOSTLES

The apostle Paul cause the magician  Elymas  to be temporarily blinded.(Acts 13:8-12)

Are the so-called contemporary apostles causing men to go blind? No.

The apostle Peter brought Tabitha back from the dead. (Acts 9:36-41)

Are the 21 century pretend-apostles bring people back from the dead? No. If they could bring men back from the dead they would invite TV crews into funeral homes, to witness their miracles.

The apostle Peter predicted the immediate death of Sapphira. (Acts 5:1-11)

Can the false modern day apostles predict the immediate death of people who lie to God? Of course they cannot.

The apostle Peter immediately healed a lame man who had been lame from birth. (Acts 3:1-10)

If these so-call modern day apostles could heal men who were lame from birth it would on every, nightly, TV news broadcast.

THE SIGNS OF AN APOSTLE

2 Corinthians 12:12 The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.

The so-called modern day apostles are missing the signs of a true apostle. Be careful not to get detoured down the wrong road by following false sign makers.

WE DO NOT NEED SO-CALLED MODERN DAY APOSTLES!

We have the completed Bible. We have all the information we  
need for salvation and living the Christian life. God's word was confirmed by Jesus and the apostles of the first century.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 and from childhood you have know the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

By A.D. 100 men had all the Scripture they needed for salvation and living the Christian life.

WE HAVE THE RECORDED WORD OF GOD. THE BIBLE.

WE DO NOT NEED SO-CALLED MODERN DAY APOSTLES!      

-

WHAT CHURCH? by steve finnell

I have been asked of what church are you a member? The church congregation where I worship on Sunday is identified as an independent Christian church.

I am registered in heaven as a member of the church of Christ. The same church as the apostles and other Christians in the first century had their membership.  Romans 16:16....The churches of Christ greet you.(NKJV)

Acts 2:41 Then those who gladly received his words were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. (NKJV)
Acts 2:47 ...And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.(NKJV)

The Lord Jesus was adding to the church those who believed  Peter's and the apostle's preaching and were baptized in water.

Jesus was adding the saved to His church; that would be the church of Christ, His church.

Jesus was not adding those who denied the preaching of Peter. Jesus was not adding those who denied His very words. Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (NKJV)
Yes, Peter preached believe and be baptized in order to be saved.

The Lord Jesus does not add unbelievers and the unbaptized to His church. 

   

WITHOUT WATER BAPTISM? by steve finnell

If there were no water baptism, then what?

Matthew 3:13-17 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I have need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?" 15 But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness."......(NKJV)

1. Jesus was not guilty of sin.

2. Had Jesus refused to be baptized in water He would have been guilty of sin; because He would not have done what God required of Him.

3. Jesus was baptized as an act of obedience to the Father. Had Jesus not been baptized in water He would have disqualified Himself to be the Savior of all men.

If there were no water baptism, then what?

Ephesians 5:25-27 Husband, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but it should be holy and without blemish. (NKJV)

1. Without water baptism the church could not be sanctified and cleansed.

2. Without water baptism the church could not be without spots or wrinkles.

3. Without water baptism the church would not be holy and without blemish.

If there were no water baptism, then what?

Is water baptism an act of obedience? Yes.

1. Without being obedient in water baptism men cannot be saved. (Mark 16:16)

2. Without being obedient in water baptism Saul would not have had his sins washed away. (Acts 22:16

3. Without being obedient in water baptism the 3000 on the Day of Pentecost would not have had their sins forgiven. (Acts 2:38)

4. Without being obedient in water baptism men cannot enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:5)

5. Without being obedient in water baptism you cannot be forgiven your trespasses. (Colossians 2:12-13)

6. Without being obedient in water baptism you cannot walk in newness of life, you cannot be freed from sin, you cannot be alive to God in Christ. (Romans 6:4-11)

7. Without being obedient in water baptism you cannot be saved. (1Peter 3:21)

8. Without being obedient in water baptism you have not been baptized into Christ. (Galatians 3:27)

9. Without being obedient in water baptism you cannot be saved and added to the Lord's church. (Acts 2:40, 41,47)

         

   

DOES GOD ARBITRARILY BESTOW FAITH?   BY STEVE FINNELL

Many believe that Ephesians 2:8 teaches that God arbitrarily bestows faith on a selected few so they can believe and be saved. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.(NKJV)

Salvation is the gift of God, not faith. The gift God gives is forgiveness from sin.

How do men receive faith?

Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of God.(NKJV)

Faith comes from hearing the gospel preached. Faith is not arbitrarily dispatched to a chosen few.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greeks,

Salvation is attained by believing the gospel. Salvation is not predetermined by God and forced on a select few by forcing them to have faith and be saved.

1 Corinthians 1:21 For since, in the wisdom of God , it pleased God through the foolishness of the messaged preached to save those who believe.(NKJV)

God saves men through preaching the gospel. God does not preselect men and the force them to have faith so they will be saved.

John 3:36 "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but that the wrath of God abides on him."(NKJV)

If God imputes faith to all who believe, why would those who do not believe receive the wrath of God. Non-believers would have no responsibility nor capability to believed and be saved.

1 John 3:20-23....And this is His commandment: that we we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.(NKJV)

Why would God command us to believe on His Son Jesus Christ if we are not capable of believing? Does He arbitrarily bestows that faith on non-believers?

Jesus said "He who believes and is baptized will be saved.."(Mark 16:16) Jesus did not say God will give you the gift of faith so you can believe, be baptized and be saved. 

THE APOSTLE PAUL'S CONVERSION  BY STEVE FINNELL

 Before discussing Saul's conversion we need to establish a point of fact. You cannot become a Christian and have unforgiven sins. If your sins have been forgiven you are a Christian. If you are a Christian then your sins have been forgiven. It is impossible to separate forgiveness, from being in Christ. How could you say I became a Christian last night but my sins were not forgiven? By the same reasoning you could not assert that I had my sins forgiven last night but I am not a Christian.

What is true for us, was true for the apostle Paul.

Acts 9:3-6 As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4 and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" 5 And he said, "Who are You Lord?" And He said, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6 but get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what to do."

Saul obviously believed in Jesus at this point, yet he was still not forgiven of his sins; therefore he was not a Christian. Paul was not saved by "FAITH ONLY."

Acts 9:9-11 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am Lord." 11 And the Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying,

Saul believed that Jesus was Lord.

Saul repented.

Saul fasted and prayed for three days.

After three days on the road to Damascus Saul was still not forgiven of his sins. Saul was not saved by faith alone, Saul was not saved by repenting alone. Saul was not saved by praying and fasting. SAUL WAS NOT SAVED ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS.

Acts 22:12-16 "A certain Ananias....13 came to me....16 Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.'

Saul's sins were forgiven after he was baptized in water, not before.

Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Saul was not a Christian until he was baptized into Christ.

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved......

Saul was not saved until he was immersed in water.

Acts 2:38...and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of you sins....

Saul sins were not forgiven until he was baptized in water.

Paul was saved the way all men are saved. FAITH John 3:16---REPENTANCE Acts 3:19---CONFESSION Romans 10:9-19---WATER BAPTISM Acts 2:38

YOU CANNOT SEPARATE BECOMING A CHRISTIAN AND FORGIVENESS OF SINS!

PAUL WAS NOT SAVED ON THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS----PAUL WAS SAVED IN DAMASCUS.        

THE 67TH BOOK OF THE BIBLE  BY STEVE FINNELL

The 67th book of the Bible has not been canonized as of now because this fictionalized book has not been completed. The 67th book is being written by men and is inspired by man's opinions. This book is post 100 AD until the the present. 

THE 67TH BOOK-THE BOOK OF DENOMINATIONS.

Denominations 1:1 And man said let us write our man-made creeds and traditions for men to invent their salvation. 2. Let us use church traditions to supersede the word of God. 3. Let us correct the errors that God has written in the first 66 books of the Bible. 4. Let us write a book that cannot be translated in error as were the first 66 books of the Bible. 5. Let us create various and sundry denominations with different plans of salvation. 6. Let us expose the faulty doctrine of Jesus and the apostles. 7. Let us name different denominations that express our individual man-made views about God, salvation, and the requirement for the forgiveness from sins. 8. Let us name these denominations:

The Roman Catholic Church

The Baptist Church

The Methodist Church

The Salvation Army

The Seventh Day Adventist Church

The Church of Latter Day Saints

The Jehovah's Witness Church

The Anglican Church

The Pentecostal Church

The Christian Science Church

The Unitarian Universalist Church

The Nazarene Church

The Community Church

ETC.

ETC.

ETC.

The fictionalized Book of Denominations has not been canonized because men are still adding their man-made opinions.

HYPER-CALVINIST OR CALVINIST?  BY STEVE FINNELL

Hyper-Calvinist or Calvinist; it is a distinction without a difference.

If you embrace the doctrines of Unconditional Election and Perseverance of the Saints you are a Calvinist; it makes little difference whether you are hyper or not.

Unconditional Election Defined: God chooses individual for salvation before they are born. God gives faith to those He selects so they might believe and be saved.

Perseverance of the Saints Defined: All of those whom God has unconditionally selected for salvation can never be lost, they cannot fall from grace. They are once saved always saved.

It does not make any difference what religious doctrinal nuances or intellectual gymnastics are stated or practiced. If you believe in Unconditional Election and Perseverance of the Saints you are a Calvinist. Hyper-Calvinist or Calvinist; it is a distinction without a difference.

WAS THE THIEF ON THE CROSS QUALIFIED TO BE A BAPTIST?  BY STEVE FINNELL

Did the thief on the cross meet the qualifications to become of member of the Baptist Church? NO, he did not.

1. To be a member of the Baptist Church you must be baptized in water. 

The thief was not baptized.

2. To be a member of the Baptist Church you must say the sinner's prayer.

The thief did not say the sinner's prayer.

3. To be a member of the Baptist Church you must believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead.

The thief did not believe in his heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. Jesus was still alive when the the thief was saved.

Baptists believe that men today can be saved just as was the thief on the cross.

Was the thief saved. Yes. The thief was saved before the new covenant was in force. Men today cannot be saved like the thief.


Baptists believe you can get into heaven without being baptized, however, they believe you have to baptized to become a member of the Baptist Church.

Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved....(NKJV)

  

IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND, ARE YOU STILL SAVED? by steve finnell

If a person complies with all of God's terms for salvation, but fails to understand that they are essential in order to be saved, will they still be saved? That is the question!

Acts 16:30-31....31 They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household."(NASB)

If a person believes, but fails to understand that believing is essential to salvation, will that person still be saved? That is the question!

Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; (NASB)

If a person acknowledges Jesus as Lord and believes God raised Him from the dead, but does not understand that it is necessary for salvation, will he still be saved? That is the question!

1 Peter 3:21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you---not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience--through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (NASB)

If a person is immersed in water [baptized], but does not understand that baptism is required in order to be saved, will he still be saved? That is the question!

Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. (NASB)

If a person believes and has been immersed in water [baptized], but does not comprehend that believing and being baptized are absolutely necessary for salvation, will that person still be saved? That is the question!

Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.(NASB)

If a person repents, that is, repents of their unbelief and makes an intellectual commitment to turn from sin, and is baptized, but does not understand that repentance and immersion in water are essential in order to the forgiveness of sins, is that persons sins still forgiven? Will he still receive the gift of the Holy Spirit? That is the question! 

DIE IN YOUR SINS? by steve finnell

If you die without being obedient to the gospel you will die in your sins. You will not die in Adam's sin, Eve's sin nor any of your other ancestor's sins. You are responsible only for the sins you commit.

John 8:24 :Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins."(NKJV)

You will die in "your" sins, not Adam's sin, nor Eve's sin nor your ancestor's sins.

Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.(NASB)

They repented and were baptized for "their" sins, not for Adam's sin, Eve's sin, nor their ancestor's sins.

Mark 2:9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven'......(NASB)

Jesus forgave the paralytic of "his" sins, He did not forgive him of Adam's sin, Eve's sin, nor the sins of his ancestor's.

1 Corinthians 15:17 and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. (NASB)

Still in "your" sins, not in Adam's sin, Eve's sin, nor your ancestor's sins.

Acts 3:19 Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that in times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. (NASB)

Repent so "your" sins may be wiped away. They were not told to repent so Adam's sin, Eve's sin nor their ancestor's sins may be wiped away.

1 John 2:12 I am writing to you, little children, because your sins have been forgiven you for His name sake. (NASB)

John said "your" sins have been forgiven you, he did not say Adam's sin, Eve's sin, nor their ancestor's sins had been forgiven them.

Act 22:16 Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, call on His name.'(NASB)

Saul was told to wash away "his" sins, not Adam's sin, Eve's sin, nor his ancestor's sins.

There is no Scripture that states mankind needs to believe, repent, confess, nor be immersed in water[baptized] in order to be forgiven of Adam's sin, Eve's sin nor the sins of our other ancestor's.

Men need forgiveness for the sins they themselves commit.       

GRACE IS NOT A MANDATE BY STEVE FINNELL

Grace is an unmerited favor from God. Grace is not a mandate from God forcing men to have faith, so that they may receive salvation. God does not arbitrarily bestow, a saving faith, to a few selected individuals. Faith is by choice.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;

A. Because of God's grace all men are afforded the opportunity to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, that is being saved through faith.
B. Ephesians 2:8 does not state or imply the that men are saved by grace alone.
C. The gift mentioned is, salvation. The gift is not, imputed faith,  from God to those who have been preselected, by God, for salvation.

Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men....

Grace is not bestowed on or offered to a select few, it is offered to all who believe in Jesus.

Grace in and of itself is not salvation. Grace is God's opportunity for all men to be saved. 

Does this mean the grace of God promises universal salvation? Of course not, it means all men have the opportunity for salvation through Jesus Christ. YES, all men. 

Titus 3:4-7 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

A. God saved us according to His mercy. How? By the washing of regeneration (water baptism) and renewing by the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38, John 3:5.
B. Men are afforded grace only through faith in Jesus Christ.
C. We are justified by God's grace. Without God's unmerited favor of forgiveness through Jesus Christ no man can be saved.

GRACE IS NOT EARNED. GRACE IS NOT MANDATED FOR A SELECT FEW. FAITH IS NOT IMPUTED TO MEN, AS A PRODUCT OF GRACE.

ALL MEN WHO HEAR THE GOSPEL PREACHED HAVE A CHOICE TO ACCEPT GOD'S GRACE BY FAITH THROUGH JESUS CHRIST.

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 

The terms for pardon because of God's grace are:
1. FAITH: John 3:16
2. REPENTANCE: Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19
3. CONFESSION: Romans 10:9-10, Acts 8:37
4. WATER BAPTISM:1 Peter 3:21, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16

GRACE IS MERCY-NOT A MANDATE!   

A HERMENEUTICS LESSON BY STEVE FINNELL

HERMENEUTICS IS THE SCIENCE OF INTERPRETATION OF THE SCRIPTURES. ISOLATING VERSES OF SCRIPTURE TO PROVE A POINT OF DOCTRINE IS A COMMON PRACTICE, BUT IT IS NOT A VALID SCIENTIFIC APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING GOD'S WORD.

Let us answer the question: What must I do to be saved under the terms of the New Covenant? All Christians from the Day of Pentecost, until the present, were and are saved under the terms of the New Covenant, also called the New Testament.

WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

1. Believe in Jesus. (John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.)

Is this verse true? Yes, but does it include all the requirements for salvation? No, it does not. It does not say that all you have to do to be saved is believe in Jesus. Even demons believe that Jesus is the Son of God.(Luke 8:26-31)

2. Believe and be baptized. (Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.)

Is this verse true? Yes, but it does not detail all that men have to believe and do to be saved.

3. Confess and believe. (Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;)

This verse is true, but is does not include all of the requirements for  salvation.

4. Call on the name of the Lord. (Acts 2: 21 'And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.')

Is this verse true? Yes. Does this verse explain the meaning of  calling on the name of the Lord? No, it does not. All of the relevant verses concerning salvation and forgiveness of sin are needed to understand what is meant by calling on the name of the Lord. Being obedient to the gospel is calling on the name of the Lord. Saying the man-made sinner's prayer is not calling on the name of the Lord. There is no verse of Scripture that includes a sinner's prayer under the New Covenant.

5. Be born of water and Spirit.(John 3:5 Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God.)

Is this verse true? Yes, but it does not explain the process to be born of water and the Spirit.

6. By grace through faith. (Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God;)

Is this verse true? Of course it is. We have the opportunity for salvation because of God's grace, however, this verse does not say that we are saved by grace alone nor does it say we are saved by faith only. Salvation is the gift mentioned in this verse.

7. Be buried with Christ in baptism. (Romans 6:4-5 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in the newness of life. 5 For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,)

Are these verses true? Yes, but baptism alone is not the only requirement in order to walk in newness of life. Unsaved men do not walk in newness of life. We are told to walk in a new life after we are baptized. We are not told to walk in a new life the minute we believe. Water baptism is the final step to becoming saved.

8. Water baptism. (1 Peter 3:21 Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you---not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience---through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.)

Is it true that water baptism saves us? Yes, but this verse does not say, baptism alone, saves us.

9. Be baptized calling on His name. (Acts 22:16 Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name!)

Is this verse true? Yes, but it does not list all of the requirements for salvation?

10. Repent. (Acts 3:19 Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.)

Is this verse true? Of course it is, however, it is not all one has to do to have sins forgiven. Repentance is making the intellectual commitment to turn from sin and unbelief and to turn toward God.

11. Baptized into Christ. (Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.)

Is this verse true? Yes, however, you cannot be baptized into Christ unless you believe, confess, and repent prior to being baptized. You are not clothed with Christ the minute you believe. You are not clothed with Christ the minute you confess. You are not clothed with Christ the minute you repent. You are clothed with Christ the minute you are baptized into Him.

12. Repent and be baptized. (Acts 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit.)

Is this verse true? Yes, but is does mean that you can have your sins forgiven without having faith and confessing Jesus as the Son of God? No.

13. Believe in the Lord Jesus. (Acts 16:30-31..."Sirs what must I do to be saved? 31 They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.")

Is this verse true? Yes, however, it doe not state that men are saved by "faith only."

WHAT DOES GOD DO SO YOU MAY BE SAVED?

1. God provides a Savior in Jesus Christ. (1 John 4:10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.)
  
2. God makes His grace available to all men. (Titus 2:11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men.)  

WHAT MUST YOU DO TO BE SAVED?

1. You must believe. (John 3:16)

2. You must confess. (Romans 10:9-10, Acts 8:37)

3. You must repent. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19)

4. You must be baptized. (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38)

WHAT MUST YOU DO TO SAY SAVED?

1. You must remain faithful until death. (Revelation 2:11, Matthew 10:22)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Bible says we are saved by grace. It does not say we are saved by grace alone.

The Bible says we are saved by believing in Jesus. It does not say we are saved by faith alone.

The Bible says we are saved by confessing Jesus as Lord and believing that God raised him from the dead. It does not say that confessing Him and believing in His resurrection alone, that we will be saved.

The Bible does say we must repent in order to have our sins forgiven. The Bible does not say that repentance alone saves us.

The Bible teaches us that water baptism is for the forgiveness of sins and that it saves us. It does not say that water baptism alone saves us.  

 In a honest hermeneutical approach to the question "What are we saved by? The answer has to include the following:   

GRACE 
FAITH
REPENTANCE
CONFESSION
WATER BAPTISM


Which one of God's requirements for salvation can we eliminate and still be saved?

SAVED LIKE WHOM? by steve finnell

Was Abraham, Noah, Moses, Enoch, and Elijah saved? Yes, they were. Can men today be saved like these men? No.

 Abraham, Noah, Moses, Enoch, and Elijah were saved without believing Jesus was the Son of God. They were saved without confessing Jesus as Lord. They were saved without believing that God raised Jesus from the grave. They were saved without being baptized into Christ. The were saved without being baptized in water for the forgiveness of their sins. Can men living today be saved like theses men? No, they were all saved before the new covenant was in force.

Was the thief on the cross saved? Yes. Can men today be saved like the thief? No. The thief did not believe in his heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. He was not baptized for the forgiveness of his sins. He was not baptized into Christ. The thief was saved before the new covenant was in force.

THE NEW COVENANT TERMS FOR PARDON

1. Faith: John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.(NASB)

2. Repentance: Acts 3:19 Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;(NASB)

3. Confession: Romans 10:9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. (NASB)

4. Water Baptism: Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved...(NASB) 

     

SAVED WITHOUT BAPTISM JUST LIKE THE THIEF ON THE CROSS?   BY STEVE FINNELL

Those who want to be saved like the thief on the cross evidently believe they can also be saved without receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The thief was not baptized in water and he also had not been born of the  Holy Spirit.

John 7:39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.(NKJV)

The Holy Spirit was given on the Day of Pentecost after the ascension of Jesus into heaven. (Acts 1:5-11) (Acts 2:38)

Was the thief saved? Yes, he was. Can we who are living under the New Covenant be saved like the thief? No, we cannot.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (NKJV)

Mark 16:16 "He who believes and is baptized will be saved...(NKJV)   

JESUS AND WINE by steve finnell

What are the facts about Jesus and wine?

1. Did Jesus drink wine? Yes. Matthew 11:19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say , 'Behold, a gluttonous  man and a drunkard...(NASB) Historians tell us that the alcohol content of Jewish wine in the first century was mostly 2.5% or less. Jesus was not a drunkard. He was sinless.

2. Did Jesus turn water into wine for the marriage feast at Cana? Yes. (John 2:1-11) Did Jesus turn the water into red wine? No, He did not. Red wine has an alcohol content of between 10 and 15%. 

3. God forbids men from drinking red wine. Proverbs 23:31-34 Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup; When it goes down smoothly;...(NASB). Jesus did not turn water into wine that God has forbidden men to drink.

Most wines today have an alcohol content between 8 and 22 %. Most beer today has an alcohol content between 3 and 10%.

Does any honest Christian believe that Jesus and the apostles would be engaged in social drinking in today's world? The Jews of the first century mostly drank alcohol wine of 2.5% or less.

Tailgating for Jesus and the apostles, I doubt that would happen.

A HEARING PROBLEM  BY STEVE FINNELL

Why do so many reject Jesus as the Christ? Why do the majority fail to recognize God's plan of salvation? Why do others simply twist, distort, and pervert the gospel? Why? Because they have a hearing problem!

The majority of the Jews had a hearing problem.

Matthew 13:13-14 Therefore I speak to them in parables; because while seeing they do not see, and while hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 In their case the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled, which says, YOU WILL KEEP ON HEARING, BUT YOU WILL NOT UNDERSTAND, YOU WILL KEEP ON SEEING, BUT YOU WILL NOT PERCEIVE:

Why did the majority of the Jews have a hearing problem?

Matthew 13:15 FOR THE HEART OF THIS PEOPLE HAS BECOME DULL, WITH THEIR EARS THEY SCARCELY HEAR, AND THEY HAVE CLOSED THEIR EYES, OTHERWISE, THEY THEY WOULD SEE WITH THEIR EYES, HEAR WITH THEIR EARS, AND UNDERSTAND WITH THEIR HEART AND RETURN, AND I WOULD HEAL THEM.'

A dull heart causes hearing loss. Yes, a dull heart causes vision problems as well.

How can you insure that you do not have a hearing problem?

Luke 8:15 But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.

A good and honest heart will do wonders for your audio ability.

Luke 9:35 Then a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is My Son, My chosen One, listen to Him!"

God the Father said listen to Jesus. He did not say listen to the early church fathers. He did not say listen to the words of church catechisms and other creed books. He did not say listen to extra-Biblical writings.

JESUS SAID: Mark 16:16 He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

Why do so many refuse to hear Jesus when He says you have to believe and be baptized in water in order to be saved? Is that an indication of a hearing problem cause by a heart condition?

JESUS SAID: John 3:5..."Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Why do so many not hear what Jesus said? Why do they distort and twist the words of Jesus by stating that water in this verse does not refer to baptism? Has a dull heart caused a hearing deficiency?

JESUS SAID: Luke 24:47 and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

What kind of hearing problem can be attributed to those who do not understand that Jesus was talking about the Day of Pentecost? 

Acts 2:22-41....36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ---this Jesus whom you crucified.".....38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

How is it possible to have a good and honest heart and not hear what the apostle Peter said? Peter said Jesus was both Lord and Christ, and was resurrected from the grave. Peter said if you believe this you should repent and be immersed in water so that your sins can be forgiven and that you may receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Rejecting Jesus as the Christ and perverting the gospel plan of salvation are not possible unless you have acquired a hearing problem.

A GOOD AND HONEST HEART IS ESSENTIAL IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO HEAR THE TRUTH!

HEART SURGERY IS ESSENTIAL TO CORRECT HEARING LOSS.

Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brethren, what shall we do?"

Heart surgery cured the heart condition of the 3000 on the Day of Pentecost. Their hearing was restored, they were ready to listen.