DOES THE MAJORITY RULE? by steve finnell

Does majority opinion invalidate God's doctrine? The majority of the world believes that Jesus is not the only way for salvation.

Acts 4:10-12 ..the name of Jesus Christ....12 "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." (NKJV)

Majority opinion does not invalidate God's doctrine.

There are 43 million Baptists in the world and all but a small fraction of Baptist deny that water baptism  is essential for salvation. Majority opinion does not invalidate God's doctrine.

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

The majority who claim to be Christians deny that a person has to, first believe and then be baptized in order to be saved. Denying God's doctrine does invalidate the truth.

The majority of believers teach that unbelieving infants can have the guilt of Adam's sin and all their future sins washed away, by having water sprinkled on them.

Two problems: 1. No person, but Adam is guilty of his sin. 2. Only believers are qualified for water baptism (immersion in water).

Majority opinion does not invalidate God's doctrine.

The account of the 3000 converts on the Day of Pentecost.

First they believed: Acts 2:36-37 "Therefore let the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." 37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (NKJV)

Belief came first. Not one infant was cut to the heart and asked what shall we do.

Second step of salvation: Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (NKJV)

Note: Peter did not tell them that their sins were forgiven the minute they believe that Jesus was Lord and Christ. Peter said remission of sins and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit followed repentance and immersion in water.

Most preachers do not preach the same sermon Peter preached, on salvation, because it is contrary to majority opinion of their congregation or denomination.

Majority opinion does not invalidated God's doctrine.

The terms of salvation are not difficult to understand, however, pride and fear of losing employment prevent God's terms from being preached.

TERMS OF PARDON: John 3:16---Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19---Romans 10:9---Mark 16:16, 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 22:16