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"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles, Men and Brethren, what shall we do? 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 Spirit. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the Apostles. And all that believed were together and had all things common. And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking bread from house to house did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the Church daily such as should be saved." |
The above verses came from the book of Acts, Chapter 2, verses 36 through 47. How can anyone not understand what these verses are saying? These people are asking Peter and the rest of the Apostles, "What shall we do?" After these people repented and were baptized they were added to the Church. To refuse to be baptized is to reject the word of God (John 12:48). Many people tend to think a person is saved before water baptism. How could anyone who believes the Bible even think that one can be saved without being baptized? God expects us to respect and obey His Word. People need direction for their lives and the Bible has been given to us for that very reason. When men say, "I want to worship God in my own way," it ceases to be the way of God. We do not go out and join the church of our choice. After one obeys the gospel (hears, believes, repents of sins, confesses that Jesus is the Christ and is baptized into Christ) he or she is added to the church by the Lord (Acts 2:47). Why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16). Divisions come because men lack enough faith in God to follow what He has revealed to us in the Bible. God expects us all to understand His word alike in order that we might be united in Christ. If you have a question, a comment, or want to have a Bible study, please write Randall Phipps at the Clintwood Church of Christ, P.O. Box 746, Clintwood, Va. 24228. Our web address is clintwoodchurchofchrist.com |