I. INTRODUCTION
B. Salvation Only Through Faith in Jesus (Romans 3:24-26)
C. Salvation Defined
1. Deliverance from the power and effects of sin.
2. Past, present, and future aspects (Acts 15:11; Ephesians 2:5; Titus 3:5).
3. A continual process in this life.
D. New Testament Salvation: Three Explanations
1. Reply to Nicodemus (John 3:3-5)
a. The present aspect of the kingdom of God: the rule of God in the hearts of men.
b. The future aspect of the kingdom of God: God’s eternal rule in heaven and on earth.
c. Entering into the kingdom of God means salvation.
d. The new birth involves water and Spirit.
2. Reply on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:37-39). Repentance, water baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost.
3. Reply to the Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:30-34). Belief on Jesus, water baptism, experience of rejoicing.
4. Comparison of the three explanations: They are equivalent.
E. Approach in Study and Teaching
1. Those who have experienced the new birth according to Acts 2:38 need to understand the significance of what has happened to them.
2. Those who have not experienced Acts 2:38 need to understand its importance and necessity.
a. We do not condemn them or deny any past experiences with God, but we wish to lead them into further truth.
b. It is a great privilege, opportunity, and right to receive this experience. It is God’s plan for today.
II. GRACE AND FAITH
1. Definition: the unmerited favor of God towards man.
a. It is a free gift from the love and mercy of God.
b. It is God’s work in us.
c. It cannot be bought, earned, or deserved.
2. Salvation comes only by God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
a. God gives both desire and power (Philippians 2:13).
b. Grace does not eliminate man’s choice. Man must still accept or reject God’s work.
3. Grace leads to good works (Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 2:11-12).
4. The relationship of grace and faith: Mankind is not automatically saved because of God’s grace; God’s grace must be appropriated by faith.
B. Faith
1. Faith is man’s positive response to God’s grace; the means by which man accepts God’s grace.
2. Justification by faith (Romans 3:20-25).
a. Sinners are declared righteous through their faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
b. Benjamin Warfield: This does not mean believing instead of doing right. It means pleading Christ’s merits instead of our own.
3. God is the source of faith.
a. Universal prevenient grace: the grace that precedes salvation and that is given to all mankind; the ability to have faith. (Titus 2:11).
b. God gives faith to all (Romans 12:3).
c. Faith comes by the Word of God (Romans 10:17).
d. Man is responsible for using and developing his faith.
4. Definition of pisteuo (the Greek word for faith).
a. Amplified: to adhere to, trust, rely on. Believing on the Lord Jesus Christ means to have an absolute personal reliance upon Him as Savior.
b. Vine: firm conviction that produces a full acknowledgment of God’s revelation, personal surrender, and conduct inspired by that surrender.
c. Erdman: a personal relationship to Christ, which means trust, obedience, and love, and which results in holy conduct.
d. Bloesch: total commitment; lifelong discipleship; includes knowledge, trust, and obedience.
5. The components of genuine faith.
a. Knowledge: understanding what is believed.
b. Assent: acknowledging the truth of what is believed.
c. Appropriation: applying that truth to one’s life.
6. Examples of insufficient or inadequate belief. It is possible to have a degree of mental belief but not have saving faith (Matthew 7:21-27; John 2:23-25; 12:42-43; Acts 8:12-17; James 2:19).
7. Faith and obedience are inseparable (Romans 1:5; 10:16; 16:26; Acts 6:7; Hebrews 11:6-8).
a. This is evident from the definition of genuine faith.
b. Love issues forth in obedience (John 14:15, 23; I John 2:3-5).
c. Old Testament believers had to obey. For example, at the original Passover, mental acceptance was not enough; they had to apply the blood. This was part of their faith (Hebrews 11:28).
d. Bonhoeffer: “Only he who believes is obedient, and only he who is obedient believes.”
8. Faith and works must go together (Titus 3:8; James 2:14-26; Hebrews 11).
a. Romans: We are saved by living faith (a relationship of reliance, trust, and obedience), not by dead works (works done to earn salvation).
b. James: Living faith will always produce living works (works that flow from our relationship with God). The kind of faith that saves will always produce works. A lack of works is evidence of a lack of genuine faith.
9. We must continue in faith (Romans 1:17; Colossians 2:6).
10. The object of faith must be God and His Word.
a. There is no merit in faith itself.
b. We are not saved by faith in and of itself; we are saved by the One in whom we have faith.
C. Faith and the Acts 2:38 Experience
1. Faith brings and includes repentance (Mark 1:15).
2. Faith brings water baptism; baptism is an initial act of faith and not something apart from faith (Mark 16:16).
3. Faith brings the baptism of the Holy Spirit; receiving the Spirit is part of saving faith (John 7:39; Acts 11:15-17; 19:2; Galatians 3:14; Ephesians 1:13).
4. These are not works of man to earn salvation, but God’s work in us. God breaks the chains of sin at repentance, washes away sins at baptism, and fills us with the Spirit.
D. Confession, Belief, and Calling on the Name (Romans 10:8-13)
1. Mere verbal confession and mental belief do not save.
a. Demons do this.
b. The example of Matthew 7:21.
2. Context of Romans 10.
a. Written to Christians. This passage does not explain conversion to a sinner, but describes for Christians what is the underlying basis of their salvation.
b. Explanation of Israel’s condition. God has rejected them because of their unbelief and refusal to confess Jesus as Lord.
3. Salvation means safety, preservation. We have continued salvation by continuance in right relationship with God.
4. Quotation of Deuteronomy 30:14. That context shows the necessity of obedience.
5. Confession of Jesus as Lord.
a. This speaks of a truthful confession, implying total obedience to Jesus (Luke 6:46).
b. Includes water baptism (Acts 22:16).
c. Includes receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4; I Corinthians 12:13).
6. Belief in the resurrection.
a. True belief includes obedience (See B-7.)
b. The resurrection makes the atonement effective (Romans 4:25), so this includes application of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection to our lives. (See III-B.)
c. We apply the resurrection to our lives by receiving the Holy Spirit (Romans 6:4-5; 8:9-11).
7. Calling on the Name (Romans 10:13).
a. This is not a formula for salvation; it emphasizes the universal availability of salvation (Romans 10:11-13).
b. Associated with baptism of water and Spirit (Acts 2:16, 21; 22:16).
E. One Plan of Salvation Throughout History
1. Based on Christ’s atonement.
2. By God’s grace.
3. Received through faith.
4. Faith is always expressed by obedience to God’s specific will, to His instructions for the age.
5. Old Testament requirements such as circumcision and blood sacrifice are consistent with this and so are New Testament requirements such as repentance and water baptism.
F. Saving Faith
1. Definition
a. Acceptance of the gospel of Jesus Christ as the sole means of salvation.
b. Appropriation (application) of that gospel to our lives, by obedience to its requirements.
2. Grace is conditioned on man’s faith. God grants saving grace upon certain conditions, namely the obedient faith response. Meeting these conditions does not constitute salvation by works; a person does not thereby earn, merit, or accomplish his own salvation. (See the analogy of a $1000 gift, NB, p. 62.)
3. Grace and faith do not eliminate the necessity of the new birth.
a. Grace is the source of the new birth.
b. Faith is the means of receiving the new birth.
III. THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST
1. The word gospel means good news.
2. Death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (I Corinthians 15:1-4).
3. The good news is that Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection bring salvation to all who respond in faith.
B. Personal Identification with the Gospel
1. Death.
a. Death of the old man—the unregenerate lifestyle, the dominion of sin (Romans 6:1-2, 6-7; I Peter 2:24).
b. This happens at repentance (by the very definition of the word) and is signified at baptism (Romans 6:1-4).
2. Burial.
a. The old sins and old lifestyle are buried.
b. This happens at water baptism (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12).
c. Only baptism by immersion and in the name of Jesus properly signifies burial with Christ.
3. Resurrection. We receive new life in the Spirit (Romans 6:4-5; 7:6; 8:2).
C. The Gospel According to New Testament Preachers. John the Baptist, Jesus, Peter, Philip, Ananias, Paul, the author of Hebrews, and John the Apostle all preached the same response to the gospel.
Preacher John the Baptist Jesus Christ Peter Philip Ananias Paul Author of Hebrews John the Apostle | Repentance Matthew 3:2, 8; Luke 3:8 Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15; Luke 13:3-5 Acts 2:38; 3:19 Acts 17:30 Hebrews 6:1 | Water Baptism Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:3 Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; John 3:5; 4:1 Acts 2:38; 10:48 Acts 8:12, 16 Acts 22:16 Acts 19:3-5 Hebrews 6:1; 10:22 I John 5:8-10 | Spirit Baptism Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16 Luke 11:13; John 3:5; 7:38-39; 20:22; Acts 1:4-8 Acts 2:38; 11:15-17 Acts 8:15-16 Acts 9:17 Acts 19:2, 6 Hebrews 6:1; 10:15 I John 5:8-10 |
Passage Matthew 3:11 Mark 1:8 Mark 16:15-17 Luke 3:16 Luke 24:46-49 John 3:5 Acts 1:4-8 Acts 2:38 Acts 3:19 Acts 8:15-17 Acts 8:36-39 Acts 9:17-18 Acts 10:44-48 Acts 11:15-18 Acts 16:31-34 Acts 19:1-6 Romans 6:34 I Corinthians 6:11 I Corinthians 10:1-2 Titus 3:5 Hebrews 6:1-2 Hebrews 10:15-23 I John 5:8-10 | Comments Words of John the Baptist. Words of John the Baptist. Words of Jesus. Spirit baptism implied by Acts 1:8; 2:4. Words of John the Baptist. Words of Jesus. Water baptism implied by Acts 2:38. Words of Jesus. See Chapter 4 for full discussion. Words of Jesus. Words of Peter. Words of Peter. Baptisms implied by Isaiah 28:11-12 and Acts 2:38. Conversion of the Samaritans. Conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch. Spirit baptism implied by Romans 14:17. Conversion of Paul. See also Acts 22:16. Conversion of Cornelius and other Gentiles. Peter’s report of Cornelius’ conversion. Conversion of the Philippian jailer. Spirit baptism implied by Acts 11:17 and Romans 14:17. Conversion of John the Baptist’s disciples. Spirit baptism implied by Romans 7:6 and 8:9-11. Water baptism implied by Acts 22:16. Typology from the wilderness wanderings. See Chapter 4 for full discussion. Fundamental doctrines. Spirit, sprinkling of heart (blood), water. Blood, water, and Spirit are inseparable. |
1. Israel’s deliverance from Egypt (I Corinthians 10:1-2).
2. The giving of the Law (Exodus 19:10-22; Hebrews 9:18-20).
a. Blood typifies Christ’s death and our repentance.
b. Water for cleansing typifies water baptism.
3. The Tabernacle in the Wilderness (Exodus 25; 26; 30).
4. The consecration of the priests (Exodus 29:1-7). Anointing oil typifies the outpouring of the Spirit (Compare I John 2:20, 27 with John 14:16-17, 26.)
5. Animal sacrifices (Leviticus 1:1-13). Fire typifies the Spirit (Matthew 3:11; Acts 2:3-4).
6. The cleansing of ex-lepers (Leviticus 14).
7. The purification of unclean people (Numbers 19).
8. The purification of spoils of war (Numbers 31:21-24).
9. The two cleansings of the earth—flood and fire (I Peter 3:20-21; II Peter 3:5-7).
IV. BIRTH OF WATER AND THE SPIRIT
1. Born again = born of water and the Spirit.
2. Entrance into the kingdom of God begins with the spiritual rule of God in the heart.
3. Nicodemus was expected to understand.
B. Birth of Water
1. Not the natural birth.
a. This would be an unusual way to describe natural birth. It is not used in Scripture or in common speech.
b. Nicodemus mistakenly thought of natural birth, but Jesus spoke of a new birth.
c. Jesus did not tell Nicodemus to do something he had already done or to do an impossibility.
d. It is superfluous to say we must be born naturally.
e. Verses 3 and 5 are parallel; thus, the new birth is birth of water and the Spirit.
2. Not identical to the birth of the Spirit.
a. The literal reading, supported by all major translations, distinguishes water and Spirit as two elements.
b. Many other passages emphasize water and Spirit as two distinct elements in the gospel message (Acts 2:38).
c. I John 5:8 distinguishes the two elements.
3. Not merely cleansing by the Word (Ephesians 5:26).
a. Ephesians 5:26 may refer to water baptism. F. F. Bruce interprets: “Cleansing her by the washing of water accompanied by the spoken word.” (See Acts 22:16.)
b. This ignores the literal meaning of the word water, choosing an unwarranted symbol. Why would Christ use an obscure symbol for this important message? Why did He not use a symbol for the Spirit also?
c. This supposed symbolism occurs nowhere in the Old Testament or teachings of Jesus. How could Nicodemus be expected to understand it?
d. The context gives no indication that this is symbolic.
e. The Word relates more to conception or planting of the seed than to the birth itself (I Peter 1:23; Luke 8:11).
4. Remission of sins at water baptism.
a. Not the mere ceremony, but the work of God.
b. This is the literal interpretation of the word water, as in Acts 10:47 and I John 5:6, 8.
c. This is the only meaning Nicodemus could have understood, based on Jewish proselyte baptism and John’s baptism.
d. By parallel construction, if birth of the Spirit means Spirit baptism (see C), then birth of water means water baptism.
e. There is only one baptism (Ephesians 4:5), so water baptism and Spirit baptism must be joined as one; they are two parts of one whole.
f. Water baptism is for the remission of sins (see VI-F), which is necessary for salvation, so baptism must be part of the new birth.
g. Titus 3:5 includes water in the new birth. Most scholars say “the washing of regeneration” means baptism.
h. Many other passages link water baptism and Spirit baptism together in the salvation message.
C. The Birth of the Spirit is the Baptism of the Spirit
1. This is the one meaning Nicodemus could have understood.
a. From Old Testament prophecy (Joel 2:28; Acts 1:5; 2:16-17).
b. From the preaching of John the Baptist (Luke 3:16).
2. Acts equates all the terminology of receiving the Spirit: “received, filled, baptized, poured out, fell on, gift” (Acts 1:4-8; 2:4; 10:44-48; 11:15-17). If this is not the birth of the Spirit, we have no account of anyone being born of the Spirit in the Apostolic Church.
3. The Spirit can only dwell in us if we receive the Spirit.
4. The baptism of the Spirit is involved in placing us into the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:13).
5. Many other passages teach the need of the Spirit baptism.
D. The New Birth is a Whole
1. John 3:5; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:27; Ephesians 4:5; Colossians 2:11-13; I John 5:8.
2. The biblical pattern is to receive water baptism and Spirit baptism together (Acts 2; 8; 9; 10; 19).
3. When is the blood applied?
a. That is, when does Christ’s death make grace available to us individually?
b. Answer: Throughout the salvation process. The blood is “applied” at various times for various purposes.
E. A New Testament Experience
1. It was prophesied, but not received, in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 11:19; 36:25-26).
2. It was fulfilled in the New Testament church, which began at Pentecost (Matthew 16:18; Luke 7:28; 24:47-49; Romans 8:2-4; Hebrews 10:14-18).
3. Remission of sins was deferred until Calvary.
4. The indwelling of the Spirit came only after Calvary, the resurrection, and the ascension (John 7:39; 16:17).
V. REPENTANCE
1. Repentance is a turn from sin to God.
2. It includes a change of heart, mind, and direction.
B. Four Elements of Repentance
1. Recognition of sin (Mark 2:17; Romans 3:10).
2. Confession of sin to God (Proverbs 28:13; I John 1:9).
3. Contrition (godly sorrow) for sin (Psalm 51:17; II Corinthians 7:10).
4. Decision to forsake sin (Proverbs 28:13; Luke 3:7-8).
C. Examples
1. Prodigal son (Luke 15:10-32).
2. Tax collector (Luke 18:9-14).
3. David (Psalm 51).
D. Repentance Produces Restitution
1. Restitution means restoration; making good the damage done to others to the extent possible.
2. We cannot repent and still enjoy the fruits of our sin.
3. See Matthew 5:23-24; Luke 19:8.
E. The Source of Repentance
1. God gives the opportunity and ability (Romans 2:4).
2. The Spirit draws and convicts (John 6:44; 16:8); thus, we must not rely on gimmicks, techniques, oratory, or human scare tactics.
3. The Word convicts (Acts 2:37).
4. Faith motivates repentance.
F. What Happens at Repentance?
1. With God’s help, man decides to turn from sin to God.
2. God enables man to break away from sinful habits and desires.
3. Repentance deals with the present consequences of sin: the dominion of sin; the barrier between holy God and sinful man that prevents fellowship.
4. Repentance is incomplete without water baptism, which deals with the past record of sins and the future (eternal) consequences of sin by burying the old man. For example, if a person stains another’s carpet, complete restoration requires both a person’s apology (repentance) and removal of the stain (water baptism).
5. Repentance is incomplete without the Spirit baptism, which brings permanent, unlimited power to overcome sin and to have new life in Christ. (See Luke 11:24-26.)
G. Guidelines for Altar Work
1. Emphasize the moving of the Spirit, not techniques.
2. Discern where the seeker is spiritually. He must repent before he can receive the Holy Spirit.
3. Put oneself in the seeker’s position and pray as he should pray.
4. If the seeker is not making progress, try to identify the problem and offer specific help.
a. Failure to understand what repentance is.
b. Failure to surrender everything.
c. Lack of desire (hunger, desperation, urgency).
d. Lack of godly sorrow.
e. Lack of faith.
5. Do not try to teach the seeker how to speak in tongues, but rather how to yield to the Spirit.
6. Avoid distracting practices.
H. The Need to Emphasize Repentance
1. Biblical command (Ezekiel 18:30-32; 33:11; Matthew 4:17; Luke 13:3-5; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30).
2. Necessary for an effective water baptism.
3. Necessary to receive the Spirit (as opposed to “learning” to speak in tongues or seeking to receive an instant blessing).
4. Necessary to a genuine Christian life.
5. Repentance is available for the Christian (I John 1:9; 2:1).
VI. WATER BAPTISM
1. Prepared the way for Christian baptism.
2. Baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
3. Required prior repentance.
4. Pointed to future remission of sins available by Christ’s death and through Christian baptism.
B. The Baptism of Christ
1. Introduced Christ publicly and inaugurated His ministry. (Note the presence of water and Spirit.)
2. Endorsed John’s ministry.
3. To “fulfill all righteousness,” by serving as an example to us.
4. Underscored baptism’s moral significance and its necessity for us.
C. Early Baptism by Christ’s Disciples
1. Continuation of John’s baptism.
2. Christian baptism could not be instituted until after Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
D. Christian Baptism
1. Commanded (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16).
2. Practiced (Acts 2:38, 41, etc.).
E. Baptismal Mode: Immersion
1. The Greek root words bapto and baptizo mean to dip, plunge, or immerse.
2. John baptized in rivers and places of much water.
3. Jesus was immersed (Matthew 3:16).
4. Philip immersed the Ethiopian (Acts 8:38-39).
5. Paul knew only immersion (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12).
6. We should immerse today.
a. To follow the biblical pattern.
b. To follow Christ’s example.
c. To show respect for God’s Word.
d. To preserve the significance of baptism as a burial.
e. Other modes come from non-biblical tradition and desire for convenience, which are inadequate reasons.
F. Significance of Baptism
1. Expressing faith in Jesus as Savior (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:41; 8:12; 18:8; 19:4-5).
2. For the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), which means “in order to obtain,” not “because of.”
a. This is the most literal reading. The NIV says, “so that your sins may be forgiven.”
b. This is the correct meaning in the context of sinners asking for salvation.
c. This is the meaning of the same phrase in Matthew 26:28.
d. Baptism is for the washing away of sins (Acts 22:16).
3. Burial with Christ (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12).
4. Part of personal identification with Christ; part of spiritual baptism into Christ (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27).
5. Part of salvation (Mark 16:16; I Peter 3:20-21).
6. Part of the new birth experience (John 3:5; Titus 3:5).
7. Part of spiritual circumcision (Colossians 2:11-13).
8. This is not “baptismal regeneration.”
a. To be effective, baptism requires the faith of the candidate (Mark 16:16; Acts 8:37; 10:43).
b. The ceremony itself, the water, and the baptizer do not remit sin; only God remits sin, based on the obedient faith demonstrated at baptism.
c. Regeneration requires the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
9. More than a public confession. Examples: eunuch, Cornelius, Philippian jailer, disciples of John at Ephesus.
10. Baptism of water and baptism of the Spirit are not the same. Examples: Samaritans (Acts 8), Cornelius (Acts 10).
G. Typology
1. Already covered: Red Sea crossing, giving of the Law, the laver in the Tabernacle, consecration of priests, animal sacrifices, purification of an ex-leper, purification of the ceremonially unclean, purification of the spoils of war, the Flood, circumcision. (See III-E and VI-F-7.)
2. Consecration of the Levites (Numbers 8:7).
3. The high priest, Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:4, 24).
4. Naaman (II Kings 5:10-14).
5. Typological indication of the necessity of baptism (Exodus 30:20; Leviticus 17:16; Numbers 19:13, 20).
6. Typological indication that blood is applied by water (Leviticus 14; Numbers 19; Hebrews 9:19).
H. Forgiveness and Remission
1. Translated from one Greek word, aphesis.
2. In the New Testament, aphesis is associated with the blood of Jesus, faith, repentance, the name of Jesus, and water baptism. (See chart, NB, p. 144.)
3. Repentance and baptism are both necessary for the complete work of forgiveness or remission (Acts 2:38). Repentance deals with present consequences of sin; baptism deals with past record and future consequences of sin. (See V-F.)
4. Baptism without prior repentance.
a. Baptism is only effective for sins repented of (whether committed before or after baptism).
b. If the initial baptism was not an act of faith, the person should be rebaptized. Examples: infant baptism, baptism for social reasons.
5. Sins after baptism. Repentance is needed, but not rebaptism.
I. Objections Answered
1. “Christ sent me not to baptize” (I Corinthians 1:17). In context, Paul taught that instead of looking to the personalities of the baptizers we must look to Christ.
2. The human element.
a. God uses people to proclaim the salvation message.
b. God often requires a physical faith response before performing a spiritual work.
J. Infant Baptism
1. Invalid because there is no faith or repentance.
2. Household conversions must be understood in this context. Example: the babies in Cornelius’ household did not speak in tongues or get baptized.
3. Old Testament circumcision related to physical birth, identity, and separation; New Testament baptism relates to spiritual birth, identity, and separation.
K. Baptism for the Dead
1. Baptism by proxy for the dead is invalid because there is no faith or repentance and because men are judged by their own response in this life.
2. I Corinthians 15:29 must be understood in that light. (See NB, pp. 150-151.)
L. The Significance of Water
1. Death and destruction.
2. Washing and cleansing.
3. Life.
a. Essential to life.
b. Enables the blood, the life of the body, to flow.
VII. THE BAPTISMAL FORMULA
1. Five biblical accounts of actual baptisms refer to a name or a formula. In every case the name referred to is Jesus (Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5; 22:16).
2. The epistles allude to Jesus Name baptism (Romans 6:3-4; I Corinthians 1:13; 6:11; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12).
B. The Significance of Jesus’ Name in Baptism (See VI-F for the significance of baptism, with references.)
1. To demonstrate faith in Jesus as the only Savior.
2. Remission of sins is in the Name (Acts 10:43; 22:16).
3. Baptism is a burial with Jesus only.
4. Baptism is a personal identification with Jesus.
5. Salvation is in the Name (Acts 2:21; 4:12).
6. To take on the family name at the new birth (Ephesians 3:14-15).
7. To take on the family name at circumcision (Luke 2:21).
8. All power and authority is in the Name (John 14:14; Acts 4:7, 10).
9. Jesus is the highest name (Philippians 2:9-10).
10. We are to do everything in the Name (Colossians 3:17).
11. To confess Jesus as the incarnation of the fulness of the Godhead (Colossians 2:9-12).
12. To follow the biblical pattern.
13. To show reverence for and obedience to God’s Word over human tradition.
C. The Name Is not a Magical Formula
1. Faith in Jesus is necessary (Acts 3:16; 10:43).
2. There is no power without faith (Acts 19:14-17).
D. Objections Answered
1. Jesus Name baptism is for all mankind.
a. Jews (Acts 2).
b. Samaritans (mixed Jew and Gentile ancestry) (Acts 8).
c. Gentiles (Acts 10).
d. Those already baptized another way (Acts 19).
2. The Name is to be orally invoked.
a. This is the literal, common-sense reading.
b. Power and authority is always exercised by an actual invocation.
c. Biblical example (Acts 22:16).
d. Other biblical allusions (Acts 15:17; James 2:7).
e. Parallel example: prayer for healing in the Name means an actual invocation (Acts 3:6, 16; 4:10).
f. If Jesus Name is not a formula, we have none.
g. Theologians and church historians generally agree that the name Jesus was the earliest formula. (See NB, pp. 169, 264-268, and 279)
3. Variations in the wording of the biblical accounts. All of them describe the name Jesus.
E. Matthew 28:19 Teaches Jesus Name Baptism
1. Grammar—the name is singular.
2. Context—Jesus was speaking of His power (Matthew 28:18). Therefore He commissioned the apostles to make disciples unto Him and to baptize in His name.
3. Parallel passages speak of Jesus’ name (Mark 16:17; Luke 24:47).
4. The Early Church, which included Matthew, fulfilled this commission by Jesus Name baptism (Acts 2:14, 38).
5. The name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost is Jesus. Each role is revealed in Jesus’ name (Matthew 1:21; John 5:43; 14:26).
6. Jesus is the one name that reveals God in the New Testament (Zechariah 14:9; Revelation 22:3-4).
7. The Bible does not teach trinitarianism, so there is no theological reason to use a trine (threefold) formula.
F. We Should Use the Proper Formula
1. Importance of baptism in the Bible.
2. Importance of the name.
3. Importance of obedience.
4. Tradition is an inadequate reason to change.
5. The example of rebaptism demonstrates how important the name is in baptism (Acts 19:1-5).
6. If the formula is irrelevant we could baptize in anyone’s name.
7. The formula expresses the essence of saving faith.
a. Faith in Christ’s person: who He is.
b. Faith in Christ’s work: death, burial, resurrection.
c. Faith in Christ’s power and authority: His ability to save us by Himself.
8. An incorrect formula confesses faith in a false doctrinal system.
VIII. THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
1. The Holy Spirit (or Holy Ghost) is God.
a. Holy—God’s fundamental moral nature.
b. Spirit—God’s fundamental non-moral essence.
c. The title refers to God in activity.
2. Baptism means a plunging or immersing.
3. Filling is a complementary term. An empty vessel is filled when it is immersed.
B. The Baptism of the Spirit is Part of Salvation
1. This is clear from the equivalence of the various terms for receiving the Holy Spirit: baptized, received, filled, etc. (Acts 1:5, 8; 2:4, 33, 38; 10:44-48; 11:15-17). (See chart, NB, p. 189.)
2. We are born of the Spirit (John 3:5). (See IV.)
3. The Spirit baptizes us into Christ (I Corinthians 12:13).
4. The Spirit adopts us into God’s family (Romans 8:15-16; Galatians 4:5-6).
5. The Spirit is our seal (Ephesians 1:13).
6. The Spirit is our earnest (down payment) (Ephesians 1:14).
7. We are justified and sanctified by the Spirit (I Corinthians 6:11).
C. Filled with the Spirit (in the New Testament church)
1. Initial Spirit baptism (Acts 1:5; 2:4).
2. Specific empowerment, anointing or renewal (Acts 4:8, 31).
3. Continual indwelling; spiritual walk (Ephesians 5:18).
D. A New Experience for a New Church
1. The New Testament church began on the Day of Pentecost (Matthew 16:18; Luke 24:47; Hebrews 9:15-16).
2. The Holy Ghost baptism was first given at Pentecost (John 7:39; 16:7; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:4-8).
a. We have a new covenant, and the Spirit baptism is part of it (Jeremiah 31:31-33; Ezekiel 11:19; Romans 8:3-4; Hebrews 8:6; 11:39-40; I Peter 1:10, 12).
b. John 20:22 was a command for the future; it parallels Luke 24:49.
c. The Spirit baptism is different from Old Testament experiences; we have the Spirit in a
more powerful, abiding way.
d. John the Baptist and his parents had an Old Testament experience, similar to the definition in C-2, not the New Testament Spirit baptism (Luke 3:16; 7:28; Acts 19:1-6).
E. Old Testament Prophecy. Joel 2:28-29; Jeremiah 31:31-33; Ezekiel 11:19; 36:26; 39:29.
F. New Testament Promise and Command
1. The preaching of John the Baptist.
2. The teaching of Jesus (Luke 11:13; 24:49; John 3; 4; 7; 14; 15; 16; 20; Acts 1).
G. New Testament Examples
1. The significance of Acts: Only Acts presents historical accounts of conversion in the New Testament church.
2. There are five accounts of receiving the Holy Spirit.
a. Pentecost—3120 Jews (Acts 2).
b. Samaria (Acts 8).
c. Paul (Acts 9).
d. Cornelius and the Gentiles (Acts 10).
e. The disciples of John at Ephesus (Acts 19).
H. Objections Answered
1. Those saved in the Gospels were saved under the old covenant, before the New Testament church, as they waited for the new covenant.
2. The Spirit baptism was not just for the apostles or the apostolic church (Joel 2:28; Luke 11:13; Acts 2:16-18, 38-39).
3. Acts contains no evidence of salvation without the Spirit.
a. No account excludes the Spirit; many imply the Spirit.
b. The five representative, detailed cases establish the pattern and cannot be wiped out by silence in the other accounts.
I. Receiving the Spirit
1. Two prerequisites: repentance and faith.
2. No requirement of tarrying or seeking many times.
3. Importance of correct instruction, altar work, and building of faith. (See V-G.)
J. The Work of the Spirit in Us
1. Part of salvation. (See B.)
2. Power (II Timothy 1:7).
a. To be a living witness (Acts 1:8).
b. To overcome sin (Romans 8:4, 13).
c. Resurrection power (Romans 8:11).
3. Teacher (guide, illuminator) (John 14:26; 16:13).
4. Rest and refreshing (Isaiah 28:11-12; Acts 3:19).
5. Intercessor (Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 2:18).
6. Producer of spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).
IX. SPEAKING IN TONGUES
1. The Spirit miraculously empowers the speaker.
2. To speak a real language that the speaker does not know.
3. May be human or angelic (I Corinthians 13:1).
B. Speaking in Tongues Foretold (Isaiah 28:11-12; Mark 16:17)
C. Five Accounts of Receiving the Holy Spirit. (For a summary, see chart, NB, p. 234.)
1. Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).
a. Sound—sign of the Spirit’s coming and availability.
b. Fire—sign that the Spirit was for each individual.
c. Tongues—sign that the Spirit filled each person.
2. Cornelius (Acts 10:44-47).
a. Tongues was the evidence that convinced skeptical Jews.
b. Tongues alone was enough to identify this as the Pentecostal experience (Acts 11:15-17).
3. Ephesus (Acts 19:5-6).
a. Precedent value: The Spirit baptism with tongues did not come just once to each national group; it is for every believer.
b. Prophecy came after the tongues or perhaps the tongues-speaking was prophetic.
4. Samaria (Acts 8): There was a supernatural sign.
a. They knew they had not received the Spirit yet, despite miracles, joy, belief, and water baptism.
b. They knew exactly when they received the Spirit.
c. Simon the Magician wanted to buy the power to perform this definite miracle, which was apparently more immediate and impressive than what he had already seen.
5. Paul (Acts 9:17). Acts 9 gives no description, but later we find he spoke in tongues often (I Corinthians 14:18).
6. Are tongues necessary?
a. Tongues do not save.
b. On the biblical evidence, tongues always accompany the Spirit baptism.
c. As an analogy, works do not save, but works always accompany saving faith.
d. The emphasis should be on seeking the Spirit, not on seeking tongues or “learning” tongues.
D. Reasons for Tongues
1. Since the tongue is the unruly member (James 3:2-8), speaking in tongues signifies complete surrender of mind and body to God. God establishes complete control.
2. A reversal of Babel—a symbol of the unity of the church and citizenship in God’s kingdom.
3. Universal applicability.
4. Provides certainty about one’s initial experience.
a. God often chooses signs of a covenant. Examples: rainbow, circumcision.
b. A spiritual event is often evidenced by an outward event. Examples: baptism, prayer, ordination, holiness of life, the Second Coming.
c. Many church members struggle with lack of assurance of salvation.
E. Tongues After the Spirit Baptism
1. Tongues are not a sign of the Spirit’s abiding presence.
a. The true test is obedience, love, and spiritual fruit.
b. One can have faith and yield to the Spirit in one area but not in another.
c. God’s gifts are irrevocable (Romans 11:29).
d. There is the possibility of false “tongues”: “learned” by the human spirit or counterfeited by an evil spirit.
2. The lack of frequent tongues-speaking does not necessarily indicate unspirituality, although failure to use tongues may indicate a drawing away from God.
3. God desires for us to use tongues for private edification.
4. We can receive and exercise tongues for private devotion by faith, surrender to God, and persistent prayer.
5. Three uses of tongues.
a. Evidence of the initial Spirit baptism. (See C.)
b. Edification of the individual in private devotion (I Corinthians 14:4-5, 15, 18).
c. Edification of the church in a public message to be interpreted (I Corinthians 14:13, 27-28).
F. Objections Answered
1. Many objections apply only to those who see the Spirit baptism as optional. (See NB, p. 248.)
2. Miracles are for today. (See NB, pp. 249-251.)
a. Acts establishes the pattern.
b. The fulfillment of the Great Commission includes miracles (Mark 16:16-20; Hebrews 2:4).
c. God still answers prayer. Biblical promises still apply.
3. Tongues have not ceased (I Corinthians 13:8-10). The church will have them until the Second Coming (I Corinthians 1:2, 7). (See NB, pp. 251-253.)
X. ARE THERE EXCEPTIONS?
1. God alone is Judge. We should not judge or condemn (Matthew 7:1-5; Mark 9:38-40; John 3:17; Philippians 1:15-18).
2. God is sovereign in the bestowal of mercy (Romans 9:15), but He has established a plan of salvation.
3. The Bible is our sole authority (John 5:39-40; Galatians 1:8-9; II Timothy 3:15-17). We must avoid extra biblical demands or exceptions.
4. We must not base doctrine on hypothetical or exceptional situations.
5. God is the most loving, merciful, and fair judge anyone could have. We should trust His judgment.
6. We cannot compromise God’s plan because only a few obey (Matthew 7:14; Luke 13:23-24; Romans 3:3-4).
B. Those Who Have Never Heard
1. No salvation exists outside Christ and His gospel. (See I.)
2. All have a witness in creation and conscience (Romans 1, 2).
3. Christ’s death and the Great Commission seem irrelevant if those who have never heard are already saved.
4. They must hear and believe the gospel (Romans 10:13-17).
5. God will reward the diligent seeker (Hebrews 11:6). Example: Cornelius.
C. Moral and Sincere People
1. No one is righteous in himself; all have sinned (Romans 3:23).
2. Sincerity is not enough. We must worship in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
3. Morality, good works, and sincerity exist in pagan religions and even among atheists.
D. Those Who Profess Christ
1. Profession alone does not save (Matthew 7; Luke 13).
2. Profession of Christ exists in cults and false doctrinal systems.
3. Some have a degree of faith but have not been born again.
a. They will be saved if they continue to follow God into the fulness of truth.
b. They need to be led to the apostolic new birth.
c. They are like pre-Pentecost believers.
d. Examples: Apollos (Acts 18), John’s disciples (Acts 19).
e. Perhaps we can say they have been conceived by the Word but have not yet experienced the new birth.
E. Professing Christians in Church History
1. We do not know everything about the experiences of historical figures.
2. No leader was infallible. Many great leaders embraced false doctrines or acted in unchristian ways.
3. The Bible and its doctrine have been available throughout church history.
4. Evidence of apostolic doctrine and experience exists for many periods of church history.
5. We must be true to what we know, regardless of pious ancestors or noble leaders in church history.
F. Extra Biblical Theories
1. We should avoid these.
2. There is no biblical proof for different levels or types of salvation.
3. There is no biblical proof for a second chance to be saved after death.
G. Subnormal New Birth?
1. Could some be born again with less than the apostolic pattern because of lack of knowledge (not lack of faith)?
2. Sometimes God fulfills His plan in an unexpected way or allows people to do so. Examples: Balaam, Jethro, the Passover in Hezekiah’s time (II Chronicles 30:17-20), Nineveh, the thief on the cross.
3. Problem with trying to apply this to the new birth experience: the Bible has existed throughout church history, as well as continuing evidence of Acts 2:38 experiences.
H. Destiny of Infants and Mentally Handicapped
1. The Bible does not tell us clearly; we should trust God.
2. Why doesn’t the Bible tell us clearly?
a. There is nothing we could do about it.
b. To encourage us to teach children at the earliest ages.
3. There are indications that they go to heaven (II Samuel 12:23; Matthew 18:1-10; 19:14).
4. It does not seem to be based on the parents’ salvation. I Corinthians 7:14 does not apply; it speaks of the godly influence of a saved spouse and parent.
I. Degrees of Punishment
1. Punishment will be according to knowledge and degree of responsibility (Luke 12:42-48; Romans 2:6, 11-16).
2. Hypocrites and backsliders will have greater damnation (Mark 12:38-40; II Peter 2:20-22).
3. While all the lost will forfeit salvation and receive eternal punishment, this principle helps us to understand God’s justice.
4. The Bible does not reveal exactly how God will implement this principle.
XI. FOUR ASPECTS OF SALVATION
1. Definition.
a. The act by which God declares us to be righteous.
b. This is a change of legal standing in God’s sight.
2. What happens at justification?
a. Forgiveness (remission) of sin, including removal of guilt and punishment.
b. Imputation of Christ’s righteousness.
3. Result: we are fully reconciled to God and entitled to receive His promises, including eternal life
4. How and when are we justified?
a. It originates in God’s grace and is purchased by Christ’s blood (Romans 3:24).
b. We receive it by faith, not works (Romans 3:20, 28).
c. It occurs at the Acts 2:38 experience (I Corinthians 6:11).
d. Forgiveness/remission comes at repentance and water baptism (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
e. Imputation of righteousness comes with the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:4, 9-11).
f. Continuing justification is available for sins committed after the new birth, upon confession.
B. Regeneration
1. Definition: a new birth (not just a reformation).
2. What happens at regeneration?
a. Impartation of a new nature, God’s nature (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10; II Peter 1:4).
b. Includes a change of desires (II Corinthians 5:17), power to live a new life (Acts 1:8), and spiritual union with Christ (I Corinthians 6:17).
3. Result: we have two natures (Galatians 5:16-18).
a. The flesh (sinful nature). If we follow it, we cannot conquer sin (Romans 7:21-25; 8:12-13; Galatians 5:19-21).
b. The Spirit. If we follow the Spirit, we can conquer sin (Romans 8:1-4; Galatians 5:22-23; I John 3:9).
4. How and when are we regenerated?
a. God does the work (grace) (John 1:13).
b. We receive it through faith (John 1:12-13; James 1:18).
c. We are conceived by the Word (I Corinthians 4:15; I Peter 1:23).
d. We are born again by the Acts 2:38 experience (John 3:5; Titus 3:5).
e. It is essential to be born again and to live after the new nature (John 3:3-7; Romans 8:8-9; Galatians 6:15; Hebrews 12:14).
C. Adoption
1. Definition.
a. The choosing or placing of a child.
b. We are placed into God’s family and chosen as His heirs (Galatians 4:1-7).
2. What happens at adoption?
a. We obtain all the legal rights of a son, including an eternal inheritance (Romans 8:17).
b. Future aspect: redemption of the body and full revelation of our position (Romans 8:23).
3. When and how are we adopted?
a. By God’s grace and choice (Ephesians 1:4-5).
b. We receive it through faith (Galatians 3:26).
c. Adoption comes through the Acts 2:38 experience, the one baptism of water and Spirit (Romans 8:14-16; I Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27).
D. Sanctification
1. Definition.
a. The word means separation, specifically separation from sin and dedication to God.
b. An initial act of separation from sin.
c. A process of actually becoming righteous or holy.
2. What happens at sanctification?
a. God first separates us from sin (I Corinthians 6:11).
b. God continues to work in us to perfect us. We can attain relative perfection or maturity in this life (II Corinthians 3:18; 7:1; II Peter 3:18).
c. Christ will transform us into absolute, sinless perfection at His coming (Philippians 3:12-14; I Thessalonians 3:13; I John 3:2).
3. How and when are we sanctified?
a. By the grace of God, purchased by Christ’s sacrifice (I Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 10:10).
b. We live daily by faith (Romans 1:17).
c. Initial sanctification comes at the Acts 2:38 experience (I Corinthians 6:11).
d. The Word and the Spirit continue to sanctify (John 17:17; II Thessalonians 2:13; I Peter 1:2).
e. The process will be complete at the Second Coming. (See 2-C.)
E. God’s Eternal Plan of Salvation (Romans 8:29-30)
1. Foreknowledge.
2. Predetination. He ordained a plan—Calvary, the church.
3. Calling.
4. Justification.
5. Glorification (the ultimate goal of sanctification).
XII. CONCLUSION
1. I am not your judge; God is. You will answer to Him.
2. I can and must tell you God’s Word, including Acts 2:38.
3. I can tell you my experience.
B. Four Affirmations
1. The Bible is our sole authority for salvation.
2. Salvation is based totally on Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
3. We receive salvation by grace through faith in Jesus.
4. The application of grace and the expression of faith come as we obey and experience John 3:5 and Acts 2:38.