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DID YOU KNOW? Click on any subject below

We are not saved today the way the thief on the cross was saved

We are not saved today by praying the sinner's prayer

We are not saved before baptism

Baptism is necessary for salvation

Once saved, a believer can lose salvation (Apostasy)

Why stop the chariot

There are many false teachers today

Grace alone does not save us

God will not stop anyone from going to hell

Drinking alcholic wine is unacceptable to God

Gambling is unacceptable to God

Belief in God VS Unconditional Everlasting Life


We are not saved today the way
the thief on the cross was saved

The thief on the cross is often used by many people who claim that baptism is not necessary to be saved. They will say something like "Since the thief was not baptized yet he was saved, then I also can be saved without baptism."

There is no way to know if the thief was baptized or not. If he was, then it would have been the baptism of John which was the only baptism in place when the thief died. This baptism has nothing to do with baptism under the new covenant which is the baptism we must follow today. Baptism under the new covenant did not become effective until 50 days after the thief died, so he could not have been baptized the way we are required to be today.

Actually, Jesus said nothing about requirements for giving this man salvation. As the scriptures below tell us, all authority was given to Jesus, he had the power to forgive sins and the power to give eternal life whether the thief was baptized or not.

Consider the following scriptures:

The Law Of Moses Was still In Effect
The thief lived and died under the old law Galatians 4:4
Galatians 4:4

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

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The old law was removed when Christ died Colossians 2:14
Colossians 2:14

having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross

Click on the scripture to see it from the bible

The thief died before the new covenant church was in existence Acts 2
Acts 2 - two verses are the main instructions, be baptized (v 38) and God adds to the church (v 47)

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;
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Please click on the scripture and study the entire chapter of Acts 2


Jesus had all power while on earth
All authority was given to Jesus Matthew 28:18
Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth

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Jesus had the power to forgive sins Mark 2:10-11 Mark 2:10-11

10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins” — He said to the paralytic,
11 “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.”

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Jesus had the power to give eternal life John 10:28
John 10:28

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand

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After the death of Christ the law was still in effect for 50 days
Death of the testator Hebrews 9:15-17
Hebrews 9:15-17

15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
16 For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
17 For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.

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Took away the first and established the second Hebrews 10:9-11 Hebrews 10:9-11

9 then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second.
10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.

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The new covenant was not in effect until Pentecost Acts 1-2 Acts 1-2

50 days after his death - Jesus was crucified on the Passover and Pentecost is 50 days after that

Please click on the scripture and study Acts 1 & 2

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We are not saved today by
praying the sinner's prayer

Many say the way to be saved today is to pray the sinner's prayer.
This is nowhere found in the New Testament.

In the New Testament, people were saved by following the conditions of the New Covenant. The word says one must:

Hear the gospel Romans 10:17 Romans 10:17

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

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Believe the gospel Mark 16:16 Mark 16:16

He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

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Repent of their sins Acts 17:30 Acts 17:30

Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,

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Confess Jesus as Lord Romans 10:10 Romans 10:10

For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

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Be baptized into Jesus I Peter 3:21 I Peter 3:21

There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

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Live faithfully Revelation 2:10 Revelation 2:10

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

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There are multiple examples of people being saved following the conditions of the New Covenant.
On Pentecost Acts 2:37-47 Acts 2:37-47

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?”
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.
39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.”
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,
45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,
47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

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Samaritans Acts 8:9-13 Acts 8:9-13

9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously practiced sorcery in the city and astonished the people of Samaria, claiming that he was someone great,
10 to whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.”
11 And they heeded him because he had astonished them with his sorceries for a long time.
12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.

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Ethiopian eunuch Acts 8:34-38 Acts 8:34-38

34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?”
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.
36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”
37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

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Saul (Paul) Acts 9:1-19 Acts 9:1-19

18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

This is a long reading so only verse 18 is shown here
Please click on the scripture to see the entire reference

Cornelius Acts 10:47-48 Acts 10:47-48

47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.

This is a long reading so only verse 47-48 is shown here
Please click on the scripture to see the entire reference in chapter 10

Lydia Acts 16:14-15 Acts 16:14-15

14 Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God.
The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.
15 And when she and her household were baptized ...

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Jailor Acts 16:31-33 Acts 16:31-33

31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.

Click on the scripture to see verse 25-33

Corinthians Acts 18:8 Acts 18:8

Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.

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Ephesians Acts 19:1-5 Acts 19:1-5

And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples
2 he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.”
3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”
4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

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We are not saved before baptism

Man will tell you
"Inviting Jesus into your heart will save you
and
baptism is an outward sign of an inward change"

If you have been told this, you have been lied to

The fact is, men downplay the importance of
baptism in order to fit their own agenda

Scripture says baptism is essential for salvation
The opinions and feelings of men are irrelevant

Scripture says baptism washes away ones sin
Acts 22:16 Acts 22:16

And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’

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Scripture says one puts on Christ in baptism
Galatians 3:27 Galatians 3:27

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

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Scripture says we take part in the death burial and resurrection of Christ in baptism
Romans 6:1-5 Romans 6:1-5

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?
3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,

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Scripture says baptism is a work of God, not man
Colossians 2:12 Colossians 2:12

buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

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Baptism is necessary for salvation

Many say that baptism is just a showing of salvation and is not necessary.

They make statements like this:
•    Baptism is an important step of obedience for every Christian.
•    Baptism is a public declaration of faith in Christ.
•    Baptism is an identification of an old life dying with Christ and a new life
       being resurrected as a new creation.

They also say "The word "for" in Acts 2:38 means "because of" in the Greek".

Those who say this have the mistaken idea that faith, and faith only, saves them and gives them everlasting life. In order to see the reasons why this is not true, go to the page on this web site that addresses this mistaken idea  go there   Use the back arrow to return here.

There are a multitude of justifications for this belief on the internet and I do not propose to duplicate all this incorrect information. There are a lot of examples given as to why they say baptism is not necessary. They replace words or phrases that are supposed to be parallel to the bible text with an incorrect words or phrases trying to show that the verse(s) does not mean what it says.


Acts 2:38
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.

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is one of the verses they say proves baptism is not necessary for salvation
They say, "for this verse there are two ways to use the word 'for'.” The following are two examples:

First:   What is meant by the phrase “Billy the Kid is wanted for murder”?
Either he is wanted so he can murder someone, or he is wanted because he murdered someone.

Second:   If you saw a poster saying "Jesse James wanted for robbery", "for" could mean Jesse is wanted so he can commit a robbery, or is wanted because he has committed a robbery.

The word 'for' meaning 'because of' is true for both examples; i.e. the context of the examples mean that the word 'for' is 'because of'. It would make absolutely no sense to mean that Billy the Kid is wanted for (to commit) murder or Jesse James wanted for (to commit) robbery. However, this is not true of Acts 2:38.

If this logic is applied to Acts 2:38 the verse would then read repent and be baptized 'because of' the remission of your sins. It would mean we must both repent and be baptized 'because of' our sins that have already been remitted; that is, we must repent because our sins have already been remitted; would you believe that?

This is totally wrong.

The word 'for' in Acts 2:38 is translated from the Greek word 'eis' because there are no words in the English language that can directly translate 'eis'. Therefore, the word 'for' was chosen by the translators and in no way was it intended to be used as in the above samples.

The Greek word 'eis' is found 1,750+ times in the New Testament and is translated as in, into, unto, to, toward, etc and is never defined as 'because of'. It always means looking forward and never looking backward.
See Strong's lexicon # G1519 where nowhere is 'eis' translated 'because of'. Neither Strong or any known Bible scholar translates 'eis' as 'because of'.

If Luke had wanted to use the word 'because of' in Acts 2:38 he probably would have used the Greek word 'dia' instead of 'eis'. The Greek word 'dia' means, among other meanings, 'by reason of', 'on account of', 'because of' and 'for this reason'. See
Strong's lexicon # G1223 for the word 'dia'.

In the two examples above, 'for' has two different meanings based on the context. In Acts 2:38, the context does not allow for that double meaning and can only mean 'unto' (the meaning of the Greek word 'eis'). Therefore, baptism is the final action that gives you remission of sins. Again I refer you to the above referenced web page link to see that baptism is one of the necessary steps for salvation.   go there

The word "and" is a coordinating conjunction. Therefore the word "and" ties both repent and baptized together; they are both required for salvation. And why must we repent if our sins are already forgiven?

Another problem with the examples above is that Peter does not speak of baptism only, but of repentance also.

If the argument is correct, that forgiveness is granted before baptism, then forgiveness is also granted before repentance. But the scriptures say that one must repent before forgiveness is granted. And if Peter has put repentance before forgiveness, that's where he has also put baptism, because he gave both repentance and baptism the same relationship to forgiveness. If the word "for" meant "because of" we would be commanded to repent "because of" the remission of sins.

In order to beleve that eis means "because of" one must believe that Jesus shed His blood "because of" the remission of sins. In other words Jesus shed His blood for nothing.      Matthew 26:28
Matthew 26:28

For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

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For repentance, I refer you to the above referenced web page link. go there   Scroll down to Repentance.

Why do they choose 'because of' for this text? It is because they believe that faith only brings salvation and baptism does not. For faith, I refer you to the above referenced web page link.   go there   Scroll down to Faith.


Matthew 12:41
Matthew 12:41

The men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and indeed a greater than Jonah is here.

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The preaching of Jonah is another verse they say proves baptism is not necessary.

Many say they have found an exception for the Greek word 'eis' in this verse where the men of Nineveh "repented at [eis] the preaching of Jonah". So, they say, "the Ninevites, as in the Acts 2:38 examples above, repented 'because of' the preaching of Jonah" and not 'for' forgiveness of sin.

But here the Greek word 'eis' is not translated 'for' it is translated as 'at'.

Since the word 'at' does not mean 'because of', Nineveh’s repentance involved a turning away from sin and turning to the preaching of Jonah. They repented in order to receive the benefits of Jonah’s preaching, to escape condemnation and to enter into the grace and salvation that Jonah preached.


Mark 16:16
Mark 16:16

He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

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they say also proves baptism is not necessary

Following are two examples of this:

First, to be consistent with Mark 16:16 two conditions are required: He who gets on the train and is seated, shall arrive in Chicago
Here they claim "getting on the train is essential, but being seated is incidental to arrive in Chicago".

What is wrong with this logic?
 Getting on the train is given the same place in the sentence that believe is
 Being seated takes the place of being baptized
 Chicago, the destination, is made equal to salvation
Therefore:
 Get on the train      Be Seated       Arrive in Chicago
  Believes          Baptized      Will be Saved

According to this illustration, baptism being incidental, i.e. not necessary, the second you get on the train you have arrived in Chicago and you do not have the time to be seated. Really?

Jesus states two things that are essential to being saved; repentance and baptism.
A better example would be,
he that gets to the train station and gets on the train shall arrive in Chicago.

This example states two things that are essential to arriving in Chicago; getting to the station and getting on the train. This example is closer to the two actions necessary to be saved.

Second, again to be consistent with Mark 16:16 two conditions are required: If you want to take a train to Chicago, and it’s about to leave. You must leave the station with your suitcase, or you will miss the train. Only leaving the station will get you to the train. Getting your suitcase does not help you in the least to keep from missing the train.

There is no comparison here between the example and Mark 16:16. It is true Jesus gave two commands; repent and be baptized. And the example gives two "conditions" also; leave the station with your suitcase. The two commands in Mark 16:16 are both necessary while the two "conditions" in the example are not; only leave the station would be necessary to get to the train on time.

As with the first example, if you leave the station (believe), and get your suitcase (baptism) is not necessary, then you are on the train the second you leave the station.

However, if you change the example to be get your ticket and leave the station to not miss the train, then the two "conditions" are indeed necessary. To make the example the same as Mark 16:16 both "conditions" are necessary to get to the train on time.

If I were to say to you, "come to my house and cut my grass and I will give you $50".
Here 'come to my house' takes the place of repent,
  'cut my grass' takes the place of baptism
  and '$50' takes the place of remission of sins.
Would you honestly think if you came to my house and did not cut my grass I would give you $50?  NO, not a chance!  Again both "conditions" are necessary to obtain the $50.

As noted under Acts 2:38 above, the word "and" is a coordinating conjunction. Therefore the word "and" ties both believes and baptized together and both are required for salvation.

On this web page, I have presented only a short analysis of these verses. The intention here is to simplify the analysis and point out that after all the examples, justification, arguments, and definitions are given, the text remains as it is recorded in the bible and still means what it says.

Conclusion The above examples are not parallel examples of the actual text and are a misuse of the verses.

Would Jesus lie when He told them to repent and be baptized?
Would He give a command that is incorrect?
Why do we work so hard to change the meaning of bible texts?

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Once saved, a believer can lose salvation
Apostasy

Apostasy definition: an act of refusing to continue to follow, obey, or recognize a religious faith

Can a child of God depart from the faith and be lost?

Some who did

Judas

Matthew 26:14-16
Matthew 26:14-16

14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests
15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.
16 So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.

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Simon the Sorcerer

Acts 8:13, 18-23
Acts 8:13, 18-23

13 Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized...

18 And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,
19 saying, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
20 But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money!
21 You have neither part nor portion in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
22 Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”

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QUESTION, did Simon ever repent and return to the Lord? We do not know, it is not revealed in the text.

Hymenaeus and Alexander

1 Timothy 1:18-20
1 Timothy 1:18-20

18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare,
19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck,
20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

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2 Timothy 2:17-18
2 Timothy 2:17-18

17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort,
18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.

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Demas

2 Timothy 4:10
2 Timothy 4:10

... for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, ...

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Some returned

Israel fell from God

Jeremiah 3:12,22
Jeremiah 3:12

12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say:
‘Return, backsliding Israel,’ says the Lord;
‘I will not cause My anger to fall on you.
For I am merciful,’ says the Lord;
‘I will not remain angry forever.

Jeremiah 3:22

22 “Return, you backsliding children,
And I will heal your backslidings.”
“Indeed we do come to You,
For You are the Lord our God.

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Prodical son fell

Luke 15:24
Luke 15:24

for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.

Warnings about apostasy

Those who practice lawlessness

Matthew 13:41
Matthew 13:41

The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness,

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Savage wolves will not spare the flock

Acts 20:29
Acts 20:29

For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock

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Some sheep become lost

Luke 15:4
Luke 15:4

What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?

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We must take heed lest we fall

1 Corinthians 10:12
1 Corinthians 10:12

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

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Some Galations

Galations 5:4-7
Galations 5:4-7

4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
7 You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?

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Galatians 6:7-8
Galatians 6:7-8

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

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Others have and will fall

1 Timothy 4:1-3
1 Timothy 4:1-3

1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,
3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

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Hebrews 3:12
Hebrews 3:12

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God;

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2 Timothy 4:4
2 Timothy 4:4

and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

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2 Timothy 4:10
2 Timothy 4:10

for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia

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Some are entangled in the world

2 Peter 2:20-22
2 Peter 2:20-22

20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.
21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.
22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.”

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Some angeles have fallen

2 Peter 2:4
2 Peter 2:4

For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment;

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Jude 6
Jude 6

And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day;

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Turn a sinner from his error

James 5:19-20
James 5:19-20

19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back,
20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

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How long will these people reject Me

Numbers 14:11-12
Numbers 14:11-12

11 Then the Lord said to Moses: “How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them?
12 I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them, and I will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they.”

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A righteous man commits iniquity

Ezekiel 18:24
Ezekiel 18:24

But when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All the righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; because of the unfaithfulness of which he is guilty and the sin which he has committed, because of them he shall die.

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What causes apostasy?

Tribulation or persecution

Matthew 13:20-21
Matthew 13:20-21

20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;
21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles

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Satan

Luke 22:31-32
Luke 22:31-32

31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.
32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”

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A hardened heart

Acts 7:54-57
Acts 7:54-57

54 When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.
55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
56 and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord;

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False teachers

Acts 20:29-30
Acts 20:29-30

29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.

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2 Timothy 4:3-4
2 Timothy 4:3-4

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

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Lusting and living after the flesh

Romans 8:13
Romans 8:13

For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

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Perversion of the scriptures

2 Timothy 4:3-4
2 Timothy 4:3-4

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.

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2 Peter 3:15-17
2 Peter 3:15-17

15 and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you,
16 as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.
17 You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked;

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Love of the world

2 Timothy 4:10
2 Timothy 4:10

for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.

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1 John 2:15
1 John 2:15

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

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Unbelief and disobedience

Hebrews 3:18-19
Hebrews 3:18-19

18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey?
19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.

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Sinning willfully

Hebrews 10:26-30
Hebrews 10:26-30

26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries.
28 Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses.
29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace?
30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.”

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If we say that we have not sinned

1 John 1:7-10
1 John 1:7-10

7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

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How to prevent apostasy

Keeping the word of Christ

John 8:51
John 8:51

Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.”

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Bearing fruit

John 15:2
John 15:2

Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

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Abide in Christ

John 15:6
John 15:6

If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

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Be fervent in prayer

Acts 8:22
Acts 8:22

Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.

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1 Thessalonians 5:17
1 Thessalonians 5:17

pray without ceasing,

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Live through the spirit

Romans 8:13
Romans 8:13

For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

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Take heed to yourself

1 Corinthians 10:12
1 Corinthians 10:12

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

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Keep your body in subjecton

1 Corinthians 9:27
1 Corinthians 9:27

But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

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Make your calling and election sure

2 Peter 1:10
2 Peter 1:10

Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;

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Let the gospel dwell in you

1 John 2:24
1 John 2:24

Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.

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Remember from where you have fallen

Revelation 2:4-5
Revelation 2:4-5

4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

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Revelation 2:16
Revelation 2:16

Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.

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Revelation 2:21
Revelation 2:21

And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.

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Be faithfull unto death

Revelation 2:10
Revelation 2:10

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

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He who overcomes

Revelation 3:1-5
Revelation 3:1-5

1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.
2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.
3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
4 You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy.
5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels.

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Why stop the chariot

Acts 8:26-39 tells us of the Ethiopian who
"...commanded the chariot to stand still...:
If some things taught in the religious world are true,
there would have been no need for him to stop the chariot.

If goodness alone saves He must have been a good and honest man to have the job that he had

If just being religious is enough He must have been a religious man as he had travled about 1,000
miles in a chariot to Jerusalem to worship
Acts 8:27 Acts 8:27

So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship,

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If just reading the scriptures is all that is required He was a Scripture-reading man. The setting finds him reading Isaiah 53.
Acts 8:28-34 Acts 8:28-34

28 was returning. And sitting in his chariot, he was reading Isaiah the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and overtake this chariot.”
30 So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
31 And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him.
32 The place in the Scripture which he read was this: “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
So He opened not His mouth. 33 In His humiliation His justice was taken away, And who will declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.”
34 So the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?”

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If the eunuch only needed to believe / have faith He had faith. If faith only saves, keep the chariot wheels rolling down the Gaza road
Acts 8:37-38 Acts 8:37-38

37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

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      James 2:24 James 2:24

You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

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If the eunuch only needed to pray a prayer He could ride as he prays and pray as he rides, if saved by praying 'the sinner's prayer'
Mark 16:15-16 Mark 16:15-16

37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

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If baptism is not essential for salvation Why do we read, "He commanded the chariot to stand still:
and they went down both into the water, both Philip
and the eunuch; and he baptized him'
Acts 8:38 Acts 8:38

So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip
and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

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There are many false teachers today

All of these doctrines have come from the mind of men
and not from the mind of God

He says "I did not command them, nor did it come into My mind "
Jeremiah 32:35 Jeremiah 32:35

And they built the high places of Baal which are in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire to Molech, which I did not command them, nor did it come into My mind that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.’

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Jesus told us that false prophets will rise up to deceive us
Matthew 24:11 Matthew 24:11

Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.

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      Matthew 24:24 Matthew 24:24

For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

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These false teachers say:


(1) "Belief is mentioned more than baptism
so baptism is not as important"


Jesus has given us His spoken Word in which are are to obey in order to be saved,
we will all be judged by His Word. If you truly believe, you will keep all of His Word.
John 12:48 John 12:48

He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.

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His Word never cancels something out because something else is mentiond more.
All that He as spoken is required.
John 14:21 John 14:21

He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

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(2) "Baptism is not essential because
Mark 16:16 is not inspired"


Mark 16:16 is considered not inspired because it is not found in two ancient texts and was added to the translations by an non inspired person in the past. Out of 620 manuscripts that contain Mark, only two omit the last 12 verses. These are the Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus, both from the Alexandrian line. Most ancient manuscripts have Mark 16:9-20.

It is hard to imagine that the Holy Spirit, who guided the translators so many years ago, would allow something to be added to the scriptures that is incorrect.

If baptism is not essential for salvation because Mark 16:16
is not inspired then the following passages must not be inspired either
Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28:19

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

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      Acts 2:38 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.

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      Acts 8:38 Acts 8:38

So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

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      Acts 22:16 Acts 22:16

And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

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Romans 6:3-5 Romans 6:3-5

3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,

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      1 Corinthians 12:13 1 Corinthians 12:13

For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

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      Galatians 3:26-27 Galatians 3:26-27

26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

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Ephesians 4:4-5 Ephesians 4:4-5

4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;
5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism;

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      Colossians 2:12 Colossians 2:12

buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

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      1 Peter 3:21 1 Peter 3:21

There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

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(3) "Baptism is a work and we aren't saved by works"

The different kind of works

Our own kind of works Acts 7:41 Acts 7:41

And they made a calf in those days, offered sacrifices to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

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    2 Timothy 1:9 2 Timothy 1:9

who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

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Works of the flesh Galatians 5:19-21 Galatians 5:19-21

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

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Works of the law of Moses Galatians 2:16 Galatians 2:16

knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

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Works of obediance Acts 10:34-35 Acts 10:34-35

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.
35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.

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The Word says baptism is a work of God
Colossians 2:11-12 Colossians 2:11-12

11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,
12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.

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Will you listen to men or God?


(4)
           "The Holy Spirit Himself literally indwells in us,
					
               He saves us through Holy Spirit baptism,
               He talks to us and
               He gives us good feelings and nudges us"

Holy Spirit baptism was a promise for the apostles, not us.
The Holy Spirit baptism was never for salvation, but a promise
to bring forth remembrance of all things Jesus had taught the apostles.
Acts 1:1-5 Acts 1:1-5

1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen,
3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

The Holy Spirit Promised

4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me;
5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

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Jesus was speaking to the apostles, not us.
We have all things that pertain to life and godliness.
We have the completed word of God, the spostles did not.
2 Peter 1:3 2 Peter 1:3

as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,

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The faith has been delivered.
Jude 3 Jude 3

Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

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The Holy Spirit was a helper
John 14:26 John 14:26

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

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The Holy Spirit was never for giving good feelings or nudges.
The Holy Spirit taught the apostles, spoke through the apostles
and brought remembrance to the apostles


(5) "God allows us to cancel or miss worship services
due to family coming, holidays, sports events etc."

God demands that we have no other gods
Exodus 20:3 Exodus 20:3

“You shall have no other gods before Me.

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We must worship no other gods
Exodus 34:14 Exodus 34:14

for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God

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We cannot serve two masters
Matthew 6:24 Matthew 6:24

24 “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

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We are reminded not to forsake the assembly
Hebrews 10:24-25 Hebrews 10:24-25

24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

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From the above scriptures, does it not seem clear
God wants us to never miss or forsake the worship services?

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Grace alone does not save us
The father of LIES says,
"you don't have to do anything,
grace alone saves, love doesn't require obedience."

The Father of LIFE Says,
John 14:21 John 14:21

He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

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The Bible ties both belief and obedience together.
Belief alone will not save nor will grace alone.
Obedance is how we accept tnd obtain the grace of God
James 2:24 James 2:24

You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

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      John 3:36 John 3:36

He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”

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God will not stop anyone from going to hell

People say, "God wouldn't send anyone to hell
because He is a loving God."

How many were saved through water when God flooded the earth?
1 Peter 3:20-22 1 Peter 3:20-22

20 who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.
21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.


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God is love but he is also just.
Romans 3:26 Romans 3:26

to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.


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Will you be obedient like Noah
or live for yourself like those who perished?
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Drinking alcoholic wine is unacceptable to God

Drinking alcoholic wine is also called Social Drinking

The nature of bible "wine"
There is no scripture in the bible that says "do not drink alcoholic wine". This leads to differences of opinion among Christians about drinking wine and becomes a very controversial subject. The intent of this page is to provide the most logical information so a Christian will be able to live the way God intends.

The people in bible times rarely had access to a sanitary water supply like what is available now. The water was not very clean; it was often filled with all kinds of contaminates. People would drink wine (grape juice) because it was less likely to be contaminated. Today, with our water sanitation processes, there is not that problem with our water and it is safe to drink.

Today's alcoholic beverages are fortified with alcohol so that a wine maker can increase the alcoholic content, whereas bible "wine" had a very small alcoholic content. The "wine" in Bible times was diluted with water. Therefore, that wine was never very strong.

The Bible uses at least two meanings for the word "wine" that are translated into the English word “wine”. The original Hebrew and Greek words that are translated “wine” in the Bible can mean unfermented grape juice or various kinds of fermented grape juices. It is a generic word.

In general, when a bible verse means "wine" is not alcoholic, there is no further information about its "dangerous" use. When a bible verse means "wine" is alcoholic there is further information about the consequences of drinking "wine".

The word "wine" in the English language has a meaning that is definitely different from the word "wine" in the bible. It usually means an alcoholic drink made from grapes. Many bible words have a meaning that does not always mean the same as words in the English language. The word "wine" is one of these words. To understand what any word in the bible means, we must define the Biblical meaning of those words.

So the question becomes, does the Bible forbid or permit Social Drinking? An answer to this question will come from a Biblical definition of wine. This is a task that does not have an easy answer; entire books have been written about this. Therefore, we must rely on the Bible and the context in which the word "wine" is used in the scriptures.

The Hebrew word most commonly used in the Old Testament clearly describes alcoholic wine and fresh grape juice.
Isaiah 16:10 Isaiah 16:10

And gladness is taken away, and joy out of the plentiful field; and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, neither shall there be shouting: the treaders shall tread out no wine in their presses; I have made their vintage shouting to cease.

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Fermented "wine" does not flow out of the winepresses. At times in the Old Testament the fresh pressed juice of the grape is called wine.
Proverbs 20:1 Proverbs 20:1

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

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Fermented wine is the meaning of "wine" here.

The Greek word, used in most places throughout the New Testament, translated “wine”
is oinos (Strong's G3631) meaning fermented. Sometimes the word is modified (new wine).
For example, “new wine” in Luke 5:37-38 Luke 5:37-38

37 And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
38 But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.

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refers to unfermented grape juice.
The new wine was the freshly pressed grape juice before it had the chance to ferment. In the process of fermentation gases build up. An old wineskin would break because it could not expand under the pressure. The modifier 'new' is applied to the word "wine" but the usage is clear.

When wine refers to unfermented or fermented grape juice, the context will show it.

When a bible verse means "wine" is not alcoholic, there is no further information about its use.
Deuteronomy 11:14 Deuteronomy 11:14

That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.

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They may gather in corn, and wine
Nehemiah 13:15 Nehemiah 13:15

In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.

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They were bringing in sheaves,... wine, grapes, and figs,
Proverbs 3:10 Proverbs 3:10

So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

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Their barns be filled with plenty, the presses shall burst out with new wine
Isaiah 65:8 Isaiah 65:8

Thus saith the Lord, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one saith, Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sakes, that I may not destroy them all.

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As the new wine is found in the cluster...Destroy it not

When a bible verse means "wine" is alcoholic there is further information about the consequences of drinking that wine and it should not be used.
Genesis 9:20-21 Genesis 9:20-21

20 And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard:
21 And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent.

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Noah drank of the wine, and was drunken
Proverbs 23:30-35 Proverbs 23:30-35

30 Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine.
31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it swirls around smoothly;
Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things.
34 Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:
35 “They have struck me, but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?”

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When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?
Isaiah 5:11-14 Isaiah 5:11-14

11 Woe to those who rise early in the morning, That they may follow intoxicating drink;
Who continue until night, till wine inflames them!
12 The harp and the strings, The tambourine and flute, And wine are in their feasts; But they do not regard the work of the Lord, Nor consider the operation of His hands.
13 Therefore my people have gone into captivity, Because they have no knowledge; Their honorable men are famished, And their multitude dried up with thirst.
14 Therefore Sheol has enlarged itself And opened its mouth beyond measure; Their glory and their multitude and their pomp, And he who is jubilant, shall descend into it.

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God's people have gone into captivity because of intoxicating drink

Some of the "excuses" for social drinking

Man says: 1 Timothy 3:8 1 Timothy 3:8

Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money,

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and Titus 2:3 Titus 2:3

the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things

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tells us deacons and order women are not to be given to much wine, therefore they may drink a little
Consider the following scriptures:
Ecclesiastes 7:17 Ecclesiastes 7:17

Do not be overly wicked, Nor be foolish: Why should you die before your time?

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Says "Do not be overly wicked"
Does this mean we can be a little bit wicked?
1 Peter 4:4
1 Peter 4:4

Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:

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Says excess of riot is wrong
Does this mean a little bit of riot is okay?
1 Peter 4:3
1 Peter 4:3

For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

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Abominable idolatries are wrong.
Does this mean a little idolatry is okay?

The above activities, along with drinking alcohol, are condemned both in excess and moderation. There is no such thing as a little sin.

Man says: Drinking alcohol is not a sin, as long as you don't get drunk
The scriptures tell us:
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise
Proverbs 20:1 Proverbs 20:1

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

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And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Ephesians 5:18 Ephesians 5:18

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit

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Man says: The Proverbs 31 allows us to use strong drink
The scriptures tell us:
Proverbs 31:4-5 Proverbs 31:4-5

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink;
5 Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.

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This is a passage where advice is given to King Lemuel by his mother. She warns him about the potential dangers of wine and women. She tells her son that wine and strong drink are not for kings, not for princes and not for you O Lemuel. They are dangerous because they cause you to forget the law, they cause you to pervert judgment, and the king was to uphold justice in the land for the afflicted. That is, alcohol perverts a person’s ability to discern between right and wrong.

Proverbs 31:6-7 Proverbs 31:6-7

6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart.
7 Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.

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King Lemuel’s mother tells her son that there is a use for wine and strong drink; give it to those who are perishing and to those with a heavy heart.

This verse allows strong drink to be given to a dying person to ease pain. It is only for those who are physically suffering in pain or on their deathbed. They did not have the anesthetic to take away pain like we do today so those in this condition are given strong drink to ease the pain. Many have used this verse to say that the Bible allows us to drink if we are sad or have misery and trials.

Are we dying that we should drink it?

Man says: Jesus drank alcoholic wine
The scriptures tell us:
Jesus lived and died under the Old Covenant. If Jesus would have partaken of such drink, He would have been unwise and He would have sinned if He gave alcohol to His neighbor
Habakkuk 2:15 Habakkuk 2:15

Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!

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Peter says not only drunkenness is sinful but also drinking parties, what we would call social drinking. Yet there are "Christians" claiming that Jesus turned water into alcoholic wine at a wedding. This claim demands that Jesus not only attended a drinking party, but provided the alcohol for the party.
1 Peter 4:3
1 Peter 4:3

For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries:

Click on the scripture to see it from the bible

Man says:
“Jesus turned water into wine.
So, how can you claim that drinking alcoholic beverages is wrong?" John 2:9-11
John 2:9-11

9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

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The scriptures tell us:
This goes against what scripture teaches about the character of Christ. Had the people been drinking alcoholic wine, why would Jesus give them six more water pots of alcoholic wine. There is no reason to believe that this wine was alcoholic wine.

Jesus created "wine" for a celebration to continue. The purpose for this miracle was to prove Jesus was the Messiah. He did nothing unholy or unwise. He would have made drunk people drunker had He done that.

There are many good commentaries available on the internet concerning this. An execllent one is in Barnes' Notes, John 2:10 This describes the type of wine Jesus created better than any lengthly explanation I could include here.

Man says: Jesus used alcoholic wine when He instituted the Lord’s Supper?
The scriptures tell us:
The Scriptures never use the word “wine” in any of the four accounts but simply specified the "cup" and "the fruit of the vine". There is no reference to alcoholic wine. The Greek word for “wine” is never used to describe any part of the Lord’s Supper.
  Matthew 26:26-28
Matthew 26:26-28

26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”
27 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.
28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

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   Mark 14:22-25
Mark 14:22-25

22 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.”
23 Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave it to them, and they all drank from it.
24 And He said to them, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many.
25 Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

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   Luke 22:17-20
Luke 22:17-20

17 Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves;
18 for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

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   John 6:53-58
John 6:53-58

53 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.
54 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
55 For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed.
56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.
57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me.
58 This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.”

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The Bible has definite warnings against drunkenness

The Bible is clear that drinking alcohol in excess is undeniably addictive and can harm those who do so

God commands us not to be drunk with wine
Proverbs 23:30-35 Proverbs 23:30-35

30 Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine.
31 Do not look on the wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, When it swirls around smoothly;
Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things.
34 Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, Or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying:
35 “They have struck me, but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?”

Click on the scripture to see it from the bible

In the original Greek there are two words for our word "drunk".
The Greek word that best fits our word "drunk" is methuo; (Strong's G3184) it refers to the state or condition of drunkenness. The other Greek word is methusko; (Strong's G3182) it refers to the action or process that leads to drunkenness.

Ephesians 5:18 Ephesians 5:18

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit

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uses the Greek word methusko which means do not start the process of becoming drunk. God commands Christians regarding alcohol to avoid the process of becoming drunk as well as drunkenness.

1 Timothy 5:23 1 Timothy 5:23

Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

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is a verse that many, who want to drink alcoholic wine, point to as the authority to do so. Paul instructed Timothy to stop drinking water exclusively and instead drink wine. The purpose of Paul saying this to Timothy was due to his stomach ailments. Paul was no doubt aware of Proverbs 23:31 Proverbs 23:31

Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright.

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and Proverbs 20:1 Proverbs 20:1

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

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so it seems obvious that he would not encourage Timothy in the moderate use unfermented wine.

Drunkenness is listed along with a multitude of sins that will keep us from inheriting the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 Galatians 5:19-21

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

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  1 Corinthians 6:9-11 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

9 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites,
10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

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The bible tells us not to even eat with one who is a drunkard.
1 Corinthians 5:11 1 Corinthians 5:11

11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.

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It is the conclusion of this writer that "wine" in the bible, can mean unfermented grape juice or fermented alcoholic wine depending on the context of the verse. It is totally wrong to assume that when a verse uses the word "wine" it is alcoholic wine. And if a verse defines a consequence of drinking wine it is unacceptable to God and should not be done.

Therefore, it is left to the reader as to whether a scripture refers to drinking wine that is alcoholic or not. However, after reviewing (and studying) the above information, it should become clear what God says about drinking alcoholic wine.

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Gambling is Unacceptable to God
Gambling is the desire for the possession(s) of another

Gambling takes many forms:
card games, slot machines and many other ways including the lottery

God commands us to work for a living
Labor with our hands
Ephesians 4:28 Ephesians 4:28

Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need.

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      I Thessalonians 4:11 I Thessalonians 4:11

that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you,

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If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat
II Thessalonians 3:10-13 II Thessalonians 3:10-13

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.
13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

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By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread
Genesis 3:19 Genesis 3:19

In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.”

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God commands us to love our neighbor
Love does no harm to a neighbor
Romans 13:10 Romans 13:10

Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

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Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them
Matthew 7:12 Matthew 7:12

Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

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A gambler wants to win and, therefore, others will lose

How are we doing good to all, when we hope we win and they lose their money?
Galatians 6:10 Galatians 6:10

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

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Wanting too much wealth is vanity
The things we posses can become covetousness
Luke 12:15 Luke 12:15

And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.”

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Be satisfied with the wealth we have
Ecclesiastes 5:10 Ecclesiastes 5:10

He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.

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God tells us to be satisfied with bread, not vain things (frivolity)
Proverbs 12:11 Proverbs 12:11

He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.

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Set our mind on things above, not things on the earth
As a christian we need to seek those things which are above
Colossians 3:1-3 Colossians 3:1-3

1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

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Belief in God VS Unconditional Everlasting Life
Belief in God, by itself, does not result in unconditional everlasting life

In the religious world today it is taught that belief is only a mental acceptance of the fact that Jesus is the Christ. They teach belief is all that is necessary for everlasting life because
John 3:16
John 3:16

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

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mentions no other condition.

There are many verses in the bible that state belief, in addition to other requirements, is necessary for eternal life. When we quote these scriptures to some people they say "But what about John 3:16, it says nothing about baptism". They always bring up baptism since it is the main thing they always try to refute because John 3:16 says nothing about it. But it also says nothing about repentance, confessing Christ, trusting, loving Christ or obedience.

If all these things are not necessary because they are not specified in John 3:16, why do other scriptures say they are necessary? We need to understand that John 3:16 includes belief as one part of salvation.

Therefore, we must conclude, there is more implied in believing, than only belief in God and His Son. A problem with understanding what John 3:16 does and does not say, is that many will try to "explain" the meaning of many verses.

REPENTANCE
Acts 3:19
Acts 3:19

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

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Peter told sinners, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out"
Acts 17:30
Acts 17:30

Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,

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Paul taught that God commands all men everywhere to repent
Luke 13:3
Luke 13:3

I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.

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Jesus said, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish"

CONFESSION
Romans 10:9-10
Romans 10:9-10

9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

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Peter wrote "if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved".
1 John 4:15
1 John 4:15

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

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Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God

TRUSTING
Proverbs 3:5
Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding

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Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding

LOVING THE LORD
1 Corinthians 16:22
1 Corinthians 16:22

If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed.

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If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed.
John 14: 21
John 14: 21

He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.”

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He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me.

OBEDIANCE
John 3:36
John 3:36

He that believeth on the Son hath eternal life; but he that obeyeth not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.

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He that believes on the Son has eternal life; but he that obeys not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.
Hebrews 5:8-9
Hebrews 5:8-9

8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.
9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,

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He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him
James 2:24
James 2:24

You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

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You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

BAPTISM
Acts 2:38
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.

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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.
Acts 22:16
Acts 22:16

And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’

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Ananias told Saul to "arise, and he baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord"
Mark 16:16
Mark 16:16

He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.

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He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
I Peter 3:21
I Peter 3:21

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

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The like figure where baptism does also now save us

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