DISHONESTY IS NOT A THEOLOGICAL VIRTUE  by steve finnell

To dishonestly misinterpret Acts 2:38 is not an act of theological virtue, it is a sin committed.

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. (King James Version)

Many interpret the "for" to mean you are baptized because your sins have already been forgiven. Note: Most Baptists believe that to be true.

For does not men "because of." If "for" means "because of," why is there no translation that translates it that way?

Acts 2:38 Peter replied: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (New International Version. Copyright 1973) 

Many say that baptized so that your sins may be forgiven is incorrect and that water immersion is actually done as a testimony of faith.

Acts 2:38 Peter said, "Turn back to God! Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that you sins will be forgiven. Then you will be given the Holy Spirit.(Contemporary English Version)

Most "faith only believers" assert that sins are forgiven and the Holy Spirit is given the very minute of belief in Jesus Christ.

Neither dishonesty nor willful theological ignorance is a virtue.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Let each one of you repent and be immersed, in the name of Jesus Christ, in order to the remission of you sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (The Better Version of The New Testament by Chester Estes)

Most Baptist believe you are baptized in order to become a member of the Baptist Church. They do not believe baptism is in order to the remission of sins nor to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 2:38 Peter told them, "You must repent and every one of you must be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ, so that you may have your sins forgiven and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (The New Testament in Modern English By J.B. Phillips)

Most "faith alone believers" contend that the "ands" in Acts 2:38 are not conjunctions, therefore repentance is not connected to baptism and baptism is not connected to receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit nor to having sins forgiven.

Dishonest interpretation of Scripture nor willful ignorance is a theological virtue.