In Search of Truth

The fact remains that Cornelius received the Holy Spirit before he was water baptized. And according to Romans 8:9; Galatians 4:6 and 1 John 4:13 to have the Holy Spirit means that one is saved. Furthermore the text says that Cornelius received the "same gift" (Acts 11:17) as those in Acts 2. Notice...

Hello, The following syllogism demonstrates that water baptism is not necessary for salvation: a. If one has the Holy Spirit they are saved. You can not have the Holy Spirit and be lost. Romans 8:9; Galatians 4:6 and 1 John 4:13 are clear on this. b. Cornelius "received" the Holy Spirit before he wa...

Hello, The conversion of Cornelius clearly shows that water baptism is not necessary for salvation. There are two good reasons that we know that he was saved before he was water baptized. 1. Before he was water baptized he already "received" the Holy Spirit ( Acts 10:47 ). In view of this, there are...

All who crossed the Red Sea demonstrated that they were God's before hand. The act confirmed what was already true. Acts 2:38 is a multiple of sins. Rejecting the Messiah, crucifying Him, etc are all a number of sins. Again you misunderstand Cornelius. He had the Holy Spirit before he was baptized. ...

The Israelites deliverance occurred before the Red Sea. They were already "God's people". Concerning Acts 2:38 there aren't two faiths. I never said that. Everyone is saved the same way - by faith. God withheld the Holy Spirit until they were baptized. However they were justified before their baptis...

If the Jews would not cross the Red sea then they never believed in Moses to begin with. To answer your question (one of them?) no mere acceptance of leadership does not save. It must be from the heart. Acts 2:38 - these individuals were already justified before they were baptized ( 1 John 5:1 ). Th...

Romans 6 and Galatains 3 baptism pictures what already occurred within our heart. In 1 Corinthians 10:2 the Israelites are said to have been "baptized into Moses" yet we know they had already accepted his leadership before their "baptism" ( Exodus 12:21, 28, 35, 50 ). So too with believers in Christ...

Paul is not combating an all works righteousness as compared to faith alone. He combats every bit of works. Romans 11:6 declares that no works are involved whatsoever. James is combating those who would simply say they believe without any fruit - such is impossible. Those who do believe will confess...

James 2 is talking about the fruit of justification and not its root. Throughout the passage it reads "see" "show" and "say". Our already existing faith is to be demonstrated to others. Notice his use of Abraham when he offered up Isaac on the altar. His works demonstrated that his faith was real. H...

It has been awhile since I wrote that letter to you which I do keep saved. I have made several changes to it. I don't intend to throw you off by having you adequately answer something I do not hold to any more. Sorry about that. Only belief is necessary for salvation. Cornelius received the Spirit b...

Hello, Water baptism is not necessary for salvation. Cornelius and those accompanying him were saved the very moment they believed the truth claims presented to them by Peter concerning the Lordship/resurrection of Jesus Christ ( Acts 10:36, 39, 40 ). These two conditions are necessary for salvation...