THE PARTING OF THE RED SEA AND SALVATION IN CHRIST.

Moses told the people to “stand by and watch the Lord save…”; God had a different response… “tell the people to go forward…”

Exod. 14:13-14 – But Moses said to the people, “Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent.”

Exod. 14:15-16 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward. As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land.

Exod. 14:21 Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided. The sons of Israel went through the midst of the sea on the dry land, and the waters were like a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

Faith and obedience, when the people did as the LORD commanded, the people still ‘saw’ the salvation of the LORD; notice:

Exod. 14:30-31 – Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. When Israel saw the great power which the LORD had used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in His servant Moses.

How often it is that people are preached the same message as Moses’ words, “do nothing; keep silent...just believe in God to do it all; sit back and let Him save; you can’t be saved by ‘doing anything’; salvation is by faith alone...”.

God has given commands for us to obey and He will save us…do we believe that? THAT is exactly what happened in this story from Exodus. Their deliverance from bondage was by the Lord’s hand, yet they were not to sit idly and watch, doing nothing…they were to ACT on their belief in God to save. They were commanded to apply blood, to march as directed by the pillar of cloud and fire that HE provided; and at the Red Sea, they were to march across; Moses was to do something as well. “Lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it…”. Now think for a moment on that command…did Moses, by his own power, cause the waters to divide, or was it God who caused the parting? What did this command have to do with anything…could not God part the waters without Moses doing this act with his staff?

But if Moses did NOT do what was commanded, would the results have been the same? We need look no further than another instance when God gave a command to Moses about causing water to flow by speaking to a rock, yet Moses smote the rock. Water came forth, but what effect did it have on Moses? Who caused the water to come forth? Did Moses please God, or disobey God? Did it matter?

Truth is simple, we can easily see the implication that is meant from these stories…that’s why they’re there for… “our learning”; “our admonition” [Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:6, 11].

These stories are in our bibles that we might know for sure HOW to be saved from our bondage to sin. Faith in God’s power to save us ~ the gospel message (Rom. 1:16). The gospel calls upon us to exercise our faith in obedience to particular commands, given by God, whether those commands have relevance in our minds or not. Did the raising of Moses staff have anything to do with parting water; was it related in any way? From another story (the walls of Jericho); did marching around the city walls contribute to, or cause the walls to fall? Was it not God who accomplished it? Why then, give the command to march, have priests blow on ram’s horns and everyone shout? All these things were to be done BECAUSE GOD COMMANDED IT TO BE DONE!

Nothing commanded was acts of merit, nor understood to be robbing God of the glory due Him. So it is with belief, repentance, confession, and immersion in water ~ these are to be done BECAUSE GOD COMMANDED IT TO BE DONE!

Truth is simple to see, but, as the hymn we sing says, will we “TRUST AND OBEY”?

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"THOSE THAT OPPOSE THEMSELVES"

“In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; 

if God peradventure will give them repentance 

to the acknowledging of the truth”~ 2 Tim. 2:25

Many religious and well-intended people who oppose baptism for remission of sins, HAVE been baptized…yet for another reason. It seems strange that they oppose teaching on the purpose of baptism for the reason of ‘remission’, yet, submit to it for another reason. 

Obviously, they have been taught differently as to baptism’s PURPOSE than we in the church of Christ. It seems strange that one would submit to an act that one denies as necessary…all because of its purpose.

Baptism’s PURPOSE: what is it for? Two differing teachings on baptism’s PURPOSE are: to ‘show’ remission, or to ‘receive’ remission?

Further, is baptism a ‘church ordinance’, performed by and on saved people, [as stated in a denominational creed]; or is it a command for an unsaved person to obey as a part of the new birth of John 3?

Again, it is not an act that is entirely opposed, for all those who differ, HAVE SUBMITTED to being baptized. So why oppose the act based upon the lone purpose of it being done “to receive” remission?

Consider some relevant questions and parallel examples to the rational on baptism’s purpose from the Bible:

~ Romans 10:13 – “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Does “calling” show salvation, or does “calling” mean, ‘in order to be saved’?

Is “calling” an outward sign of an inward grace, or does “calling” mean, ‘in order to be saved’?

Does it matter as to the PURPOSE for ‘calling’?

~ Mark 16:16 – “He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved.”

Does “belief” show salvation, or does “belief” mean, ‘in order to be saved’?

Is “belief” an outward sign of an inward grace, or does “belief” mean, ‘in order to be saved’?

Does it matter as to the PURPOSE for ‘belief’?

Now, regarding BAPTISM:

Does “baptism” show salvation, or does “baptism” mean, ‘in order to be saved’?

Is “baptism” an outward sign of an inward grace, or does “baptism” mean, ‘in order to be saved’?

Does it matter as to the PURPOSE for ‘baptism’?

Is it not clear that belief AND baptism are HOW one “calls” upon the name of the Lord?

Consider whether or not the logic used toward baptism’s purpose [as being to “show”] would make sense, if the same logic were applied to other matters, whose purposes are regarded as NECESSARY? For example:

“Faith is not necessary for remission of sins, but to show your salvation…”

“Repentance is not necessary for remission of sins, but to show your salvation…”

What about confessing that you are a sinner, quoting Romans 10:

“Confession is not necessary for remission of sins, but to show your salvation…”

What if one were to say that they don’t believe faith is necessary, but they believed to “show”…?

What if one were to say that they don’t believe repentance is necessary, but they have repented to “show”…?

Strange that one would oppose as necessary an act [baptism] that he, himself has submitted to, on the basis of ‘not’ necessary. 

Is not this an example of “those who oppose themselves” in “acknowledging the truth”?

This is why Jesus warned:

"Take heed WHAT ye hear" ~ Mark 4:24

"Take heed HOW ye hear" ~ Luke 8:18

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THE “IT” OF GOD

The little word “IT” is such a small word, but so very important regarding the will of God toward man. It was quite important under the Old Covenant. “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from IT.” (Deuteronomy 12:32). 

The “IT” constituted God’s command. It was to be observed without addition or subtraction. By so doing God was pleased and the obedient were blessed of God. Herein authority was exerted and recognized!

Occasions abound in the Old Testament scriptures of those who failed to observe and respect God’s “IT” toward them. Saul was directed by God through Samuel to utterly destroy the Amalekites with their flocks and herds, (1 Samuel 15). Saul failed in observing the command of God by sparing King Agag and the best of the animals. The bleating of the sheep and lowing of the oxen testified to the fact that the “IT” had been disobeyed by Saul. His failure to obey resulted in his being rejected of God and the kingdom being taken from him.

Faithful Moses fell victim to the “IT” of God at the desert of Zin, (Numbers 20). The children of Israel were again murmuring for the lack of water. God told Moses to "speak unto the rock before their eyes” (Numbers 20:8); but Moses smote the rock twice. He failed to observe the “IT” and in his disobedience God decreed, “Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.” (Numbers 20:12). God accredited his failure “Because ye believed me not.” Had Moses believed God as he should have, he would have obeyed the command of God as “IT” was given to him.

The “IT” was the defeat of Nadab and Abihu. In Leviticus 10:1-3, these two sons of Aaron “offered strange fire before the Lord, which he commanded them not.” God had directed them in what to do, but they had done contrary to “IT” and offered that which God had not commanded. “And there went out fire from the Lord and devoured them and they died before the Lord.” God meant “it” as He said “IT”.

These things were written for our warnings and admonitions, (1 Corinthians 10:21; Romans 15:4). The Lord expects the observing of His “IT” in this age. “For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation;” (Hebrews 2:2-3). 

While John wrote, “the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ”, grace does not nullify the importance of obedience to any command from God. Quite the contrary, obedience complements grace and affords us the spiritual blessings that are in Christ Jesus. Paul often spoke of the grace of God in the Roman letter and was quite definite as to how the saints at Rome had been benefited by the grace of God. “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:17-18). The form of doctrine stated in Romans 6:3-5 constituted the “IT” of God that they had obeyed and granted them freedom from sin through the grace of God. Without obedience, the grace of God is in vain as pertaining to man’s soul. (2 Corinthians 6:1).

Paul was very singular in his preaching when he declared to the Galatians that the gospel he preached was the only true gospel and those who preached any other were to be accursed, (Galatians 1:6-9). Paul speaking by the revelation of Jesus Christ, (Galatians 1:11-12), said that this is “IT” and there is not another.

Men in all ages have rebelled at God’s directions! They have replaced such with their own wisdom and have suffered the consequences of God’s wrath. The tenor of our permissive generation is to view religion in a broad sense and be strongly opposed to anyone saying that this is “IT”. Men crave a form of freedom that licenses sin! They desire a freedom of expression wherein no one can say that this is “IT” to the rejection of other concepts in religion. Men evidently find it exceedingly difficult to bring themselves to accept the singleness of truth or the “IT” of God. Men crave the choice of religions with the church of their choice and the faith of their choice in defiance of the “IT” of God, (Ephesians 4:4-6). They can’t bring themselves to view God as being so narrow as having arranged the “IT” of truth to the rejection of other procedures that fit man’s wisdom.

Notice what Paul said of Christ and His church from Ephesians 5: 

Christ is “the savior of the body” ~ vs. 23 

Christ “gave himself for IT” ~ vs. 25 

“that He might sanctify and cleanse "IT" ~ vs. 26 

Likewise, the gospel is the "IT" of God in His power/means to save man. Paul said he was unashamed of the “IT” of God! (Romans 1:16) 

What about our attitude? 

Have we become bored and weary of hearing of the “IT” of God or do we love “IT” as we should?

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"PERFECTION"

“And behold, one came to him and said, Teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why askest thou me concerning that which is good? One there is who is good: but if thou wouldest enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? And Jesus said, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I observed: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wouldest be PERFECT, go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” – Matthew 19:16-21 (ASV)

PERFECT is one of those words often misunderstood by people (even Christians) as meaning a state of sinlessness. The grave consequences of this misunderstanding is that it justifies the very life that God has commanded man to turn from: serving his fleshly lusts. Both Peter and Paul, in describing the past life of Christians, stated this:

~ Galatians 5:19-21 – the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practice such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

~ Ephesians 4:17-19 – This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye no longer walk as the Gentiles also walk, in the vanity of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their heart; who being past feeling gave themselves up to lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

~ 1 Peter 4:3 – For the time past may suffice to have wrought the desire of the Gentiles, and to have walked in lasciviousness, lusts, winebibbings, revellings, carousings, and abominable idolatries:

 

Repentance is most difficult. While it involves making a choice to serve a new master, it calls upon man to make a self-sacrifice: die to his own sins. “What then? shall we sin, because we are not under law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye present yourselves as^]servants unto obedience, his servants ye are whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered; and being made free from sin, ye became servants of righteousness.” (Romans 6:15-18).

 

What possible motivation could strong enough to strengthen a person to give up pursuing happiness and enjoyment as he deems best for himself and others? Nothing save the promise of a greater life from a being who has the power to both create and sustain life.  (cf. Psalm 18:15; 33:6; Acts 17:25).  What is powerful enough to cause a person to acknowledge the failings of his own way of thinking (Proverbs 14:12; Jeremiah 10:23)? Nothing save the wisdom of a being who displayed His everlasting power and divinity in the Creation in such a way that they are without excuse (Romans 1:20). 

The answer to these questions is, of course, God. God declared through the prophet Isaiah, “I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isaiah 46:9-10). The apostle Paul declared that God, “giveth life to the dead, and calleth the things that are not, as though they were.” (Romans 4:17). All this power resides in God’s word. What He declares will come to pass (cf. Isaiah 55:10-11). So, when Jesus spoke to the young ruler in Matthew 19:21 about achieving perfection, it would happen, because God’s word was declaring it.

Let us briefly note some facts about this perfection of which Jesus spoke.

~ It was to obtain eternal life – He asked Jesus, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?” (v. 16).

~ It (eternal life) needed to be desired above all his other desires (his possessions—v. 22) – Jesus told him, “If thou wouldest be perfect…” (v. 21).

~ It involved respect for Jesus’ authority. Jesus told him, “…go, sell that which thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” (v. 21). 

 

Eternal life is the equivalent of perfection in this text. Jesus told him how it is possible. It requires self-denial and discipleship in this life. This is seen from v. 22, “But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sorrowful; for he was one that had great possessions.” This perfection (eternal life) will be revealed at Judgment. It is reserved for all who exercise faith in Jesus’ words (1 Peter 1:4-5).

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"Meet" Vessels

In Acts 13 & Romans 9, we find a common subject in both texts; “the purpose of God”. Consider how it applies to us today.

Of David it is stated in Acts 13:36 that, “...after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers …”

An observation:

While no one knows when time on earth will end, each of us will die (as David did) once our lives have served the purpose of God in our generation. Every human being is a vessel in the hands of God. Depending upon whether your master is Jesus or Satan, you are either a vessel of mercy or a vessel of wrath.

We see both ‘vessels’ mentioned in Romans 9:21-24:

21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 

22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction,

23 in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory— 

24 even us whom he has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?

Some examples of each:

David was a vessel of mercy (Acts 9:22 – God…raised up David…of whom he testified…‘I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will’.” Others:

Noah (Gen. 6:9) – N

Abraham (Gen. 18:19) – 

(Gen. 26:4-5) – I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.”

King Saul, on the other hand, was a vessel of wrath (for the opposite reason – see 1 Sam. 15:23, 26 – “ ).

Here in Romans 9, the Pharaoh in Moses’ day was a vessel of wrath; verse 17 reads, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you…”) ~ Exod. 9:16

So also, King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel’s day (Dan. 4:17)

So also, King Cyrus in Ezra’s day (Ezra 1:2)

As the Psalmist stated in Psa. 75:7, “…it is God who executes judgment,putting down one and lifting up another.”

Consider, “Which type of ‘vessel’ am I?”

The ONLY true way to answer that is to look at your life in view of Christ’s. His life was & is the ONLY life worthy of compelling another to live.

Discipleship is not an option, but a requirement. True Christianity is NOT based upon personal faith or personal preferences! (As shown from the examples of Romans 9)

It is a common practice to give testimony via successful personal pursuits such as sports etc.; thus we see the “TEBOW BOW” popularized and the giving of “praise/glory/honor to Jesus who allowed them to do what they loved…”]. 

(We need to remember, success is NOT a true gauge of Divine approval; for again, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and Cyrus ALL prospered for long periods of time.)

In addition, people who are taught Protestant Theology, view faith as personal; NOT common (Jude 1:3). That is because Protestant Theology declares truth to be relative; NOT absolute! That’s why we hear them speak negatively of ‘judging’, when pressed on their convictions. (John 7:24- judge w/righteous judgment)

What about you…do YOU view your life in this manner?

True Christianity…i.e., true discipleship follows Christ and calls upon others to say as the apostle Paul said, “Follow me, as I follow Christ…” (1 Cor. 11:1).

Ask yourself:

- Are you living a life that you actively compel others to follow?

- Are you passive, keeping your faith to yourself, allowing others to ‘find’ what “works for them”?

- Do you eagerly desire Christ to return? If not, why not?

Therein, you have the answers as to whether or not you need to make any changes in your own life.

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"Regarded just as WE are"

“…those who desire an opportunity 
to be regarded just as WE are…” 

~ 2 Cor. 11:12 ~

The statement above was made by the apostle Paul. The context shows that he was speaking of evil men who sought to be “regarded” as Paul and other apostles of the Lord. Paul, however, has severe scorn and rebuke for these ambitious men. In vss 13-15, he states, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.” 

Why would Paul dare to be so harsh and pass such judgment? It was because of their teachings. They taught DIFFERENTLY from what the Lord’s apostles taught by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. As such, they were giving people a false hope in regard to their salvation. Earlier in this chapter (vss. 3-4), Paul said of these false teachers, “But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, you bear this beautifully.” (Paul wrote similar words in his other epistles: 

(cf. Rom. 16:17-18; 1 Cor. 3:11; Gal. 1:6-9; Eph. 5:6; Phil. 3:2; Col. 2:4, 8, 18; 1 Thess. 2:14-16; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; 2:2-4, 9-11; 1 Tim. 1;19-20; 4:1-2, 16; 6:3-5; 2 Tim. 4:3-4; Titus 1:9-11) 

Those who preach “other gospels”, i.e., messages that the apostles did not preach, are FALSE TEACHERS! Their doctrine is FALSE DOCTRINE!

False doctrine results in the damnation of both the teacher and his hearer. (Note especially the “hearer” in 1 Tim. 4:16 – “…both save thyself, AND THEM THAT HEAR THEE.” [Preaching ACCURATELY, saves, both the preacher and the hearers.] and,

2 Tim. 4:3-4 – “…THEY (i.e., the hearers) WILL NOT ENDURE SOUND DOCTRINE, but after their own lusts…heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears…turn away…from the truth…unto fables.)

A most relevant question for everyone…DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE REALITY OF FALSE DOCTRINE? 

A related question will perhaps drive the point home. DO YOU BELIEVE IN THE REALITY OF HELL?

If there was no such thing as false teaching, why would there be a need for HELL?

Beware of those who come in sheep’s clothing…false apostles disguised as apostles of Christ…those WHO DESIRE TO BE REGARDED AS AN APOSTLE IN WHAT THEY TEACH! 

TEST THEM! As the apostle John warned in 1 John 4:1, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

They are false if their preaching does not match the preaching of the Lord’s apostles! 

Now, what did the Lord’s apostles tell people to do to be saved???

What did the preacher who preached to you, tell you to do to be saved? Did their messages match?

This is why doctrine is so important in religion. Jesus taught:

"Take heed WHAT ye hear" ~ Mark 4:24

"Take heed HOW ye hear" ~ Luke 8:18

Why? Because DOCTRINE MATTERS!

UNANSWERED QUESTIONS IN THE BIBLE

There are several people in the Bible who heard the gospel, yet refused to acknowledge what was preached to them about Jesus. We never read in scripture as to whether these people EVER DID acknowledge what Peter stated of Jesus in Acts 2:36.  So we are left to wonder: did they ever accept Jesus as the Christ?  We want to examine some of these, and learn some valuable lessons for ourselves in the process.

#1—Felix – In Acts 24:24-27, we read, “But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you.  At the same time too, he was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and converse with him.  But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.”

While Felix heard Paul repeatedly, the subsequent meetings were NOT as the initial meeting, for Felix’s reason for continuing to meet with Paul was in hope of receiving money from Paul.  A question left unanswered: Did Felix ever obey the gospel? I don’t know that scripture answers, do you?

But I know of some preachers who ‘COULD’ (and I stress COULD) make a good case from this ‘unknown’ on why NOT to obey the gospel. They have made their ‘case’ from an “unknown revelation”, in their preaching, and, in so doing, have convinced their audiences to reject the example of many in the Bible who DID acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Christ (I’ll come back to this point later in sermon and show this).

In making a case from an “unknown revelation”, these preachers have done something that is ALWAYS a sin in scripture.  They have acted on PRESUMPTION!

David stated in Psalm 19:13 ~ “Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; then I will be blameless, and I shall be acquitted of great transgression.” (other passages: Exodus 21:14; Deut. 1:43; 17:12-13; 18:20, 22)

While it may be likely that Felix never did accept Christ, THE SCRIPTURES ARE SILENT ABOUT IT!

=

#2—Those of Athens – In Acts 17:32-34, we read, “Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, “We shall hear you again concerning this.” So Paul went out of their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.”

Three responses: some began to sneer…others said, “we shall hear you again...some…believed”.

A question left unanswered: What of those who sneered and those who did as Felix, “sought to find a more convenient time”...DID THEY ever obey the gospel? Scripture is silent!  At best, we can say perhaps ‘yes’, but we can with equal certainty say perhaps ‘no’.  We cannot say with CERTAINTY, that they did. It is presumption to affirm either way with certainty.

Again, I know of some preachers who ‘COULD’ (and I stress COULD) make a good case by PRESUMPTION on how NOT to accept Jesus (but again, I’ll address this later).

=

#3—King Agrippa – In Acts 26:28, we read, “Agrippa replied to Paul, In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.”

NOTE: I want to make a point from the language here, because it applies to the two previous examples: In all 3 of these examples the issue is the same: BECOMING A CHRISTIAN! (Acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Christ is to become a follower of Christ ~ Christ-like)

#1 ~ Paul spoke to Felix “about faith in Christ Jesus”; about “righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come”. These matters pertained to Felix becoming a “CHRISTIAN”.

#2 ~ Those in Athens heard about “the resurrection of the dead”. In Acts 17:18 they heard of “Jesus and the resurrection”.  Specifically in Acts 17:30-31 they heard of their need to repent and of the Judgment Day.  “God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”  All of these subjects are crucial to one’s decision in becoming a CHRISTIAN”.

So, Agrippa replies to Paul, In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.” A question is left unanswered: Did Agrippa ever become a Christian? I don’t know that scripture answers, do you?  I can presume, reasoning it is likely; perhaps...but does scripture reveal?

I know of some preachers who ‘COULD’ (and I stress COULD) make a good case from PRESUMPTION on how NOT to become a Christian.

Now, let me address what I mentioned a little earlier. I’ve mentioned “these “UNKNOWN REVELATIONS” and “PRESUMPTIONS”. Let me do so, by citing one more example. This example is of one who did NOT defer his opportunity.

The thief on the cross: In Luke 23:39-43, we read, “One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

The bible is clear as to where this thief will be in eternity; no dispute (to my knowledge) about the matter.  However, a similarity exists between THIS case, and the others.  There is an “UNKNOWN REVELATION”; a “PRESUMPTION” made in preaching from this example!  You are probably familiar with this “unknown revelation”.  It is that this thief was NOT BAPTIZED!  Preachers have been telling their audiences an answer that God did not reveal in the Bible about this thief. In their presumptions, they have caused people to do as Felix, the Athenians, and Agrippa did - - - delay their decision to become a Christian until a “convenient season”.

The ‘presumption’ associated with this thief is his baptism.  Was he baptized, at some time prior to being crucified? To my knowledge, the Bible does not reveal this. (For that matter, we don’t know as to whether or not the other thief was ever baptized.)

Yet, in talking with folks who reject baptism for the remission of sins, this thief is cited as to why THEY refuse baptism FOR remission!  Interestingly, it is not that they reject baptism entirely, for many of them were baptized, BUT FOR ANOTHER PURPOSE!

The ‘PRESUMPTOUS’ statement they heard from their preacher, “The thief on the cross wasn’t baptized”!  How do they know? Revelation or presumption?

I might just as well make the case with Felix, those in Athens, and Agrippa, that, at some later date, all became a Christian.  I could preach that none of them ever did.  BASED ON WHAT ~ DIVINE REVELATION or PRESUMPTION?

“The thief on the cross wasn’t baptized”!  How do they know? Revelation or presumption? 

Compare:

Baptism is not essential because the thief wasn’t baptized.

Baptism is not essential because Agrippa wasn’t baptized.

Baptism is not essential because some in Athens weren’t baptized.

Does the bible "say" on any of these? If not, are these preachers saying that the Bible's silence permits or prohibits baptism?

Remember also this: Agrippa said he was almost persuaded to become a Christian. Did Agrippa believe? (see v. 27) Is one saved at the point of faith? If so, was Agrippa a ‘saved’ person? [Remember his question…]

Now, for those who preach by making assumptions, here is their dilemma: Agrippa is a saved believer, who was almost persuaded to become a Christian, yet wasn’t ever baptized to show it.

I have just as strong a case from presumption, in saying that the thief WAS baptized.  My proof is the same as their proof ~ ASSUMPTION!  [Incidentally, could you imagine me preaching against repentance on this reasoning?]

While more examples could be cited, these examples are sufficient for us to draw accurate conclusions as it relates to becoming a Christian.

Do you see what ASSUMPTION & PRESUMPTION in preaching accomplishes?

Remember, also, in regard to some others in Athens; they believed; DIVINE REVELATION says so! Were those who believed, saved? If so, they were saved believers, yet never baptized to show it. That is the dilemma of preaching assumptions!

2017

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