Bible Discussion Thread

Please help me, I read bible mostly when I am sad and most cases I dont know which chapter should I open and will just open any chapter BUT, Here is the problem, I will read but at the end I will not undersand and unable to interpret, WHAT CAN I DO TO READ THE BIBLE WITH UNDRSTADING.

IF I HAVE TO BE BIBPTISED, I WILL DO SO.

Sonti, you should abide in God's word on a daily basis not only in bad circumstances. Jesus said if you continue in his word then you will know the truth and the truth will make you free. Like Benji said you should ask God for understanding as you read and he will reveal to you answers in due time. However, contrary to what a few others have shared you need to be baptized to be saved. It is for the remission of your sins. Jesus said, "except a man be born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God," and he also said, "he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." One more thing, make sure you're baptized in Jesus' name and not the titles Father, Son, Holy Ghost.

Matthew 28:19

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"

Hello Sonti, I know the feeling. There are some things in scripture that are harder to understand than others. But I think James 1:5 has the answer you're looking for

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5 KJV

Also no you DON't have to be baptized. Particularly in regards to Salvation. Salvation is simply believing on the Lord Jesus Christ and his finished work. No works, no religious ceremonies no nothing.

Which I would say in case you haven't gotten saved yet that that should be first before you ask for wisdom. Alrighty, take care.

Hi Benji. I am giving you this message not to cause contention but as a message of love because you have erred. Baptism in the name of Jesus is essential for salvation because it is for the remission of sins. Jesus said that unless a man is born of water and of the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God and he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. I pray that you receive this message of love. Amen.

David, Baptism is not a requirement to be saved, the only requirement to be saved is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone for Salvation, remember Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast. Baptism (Water) is a work. We put our Faith in Jesus alone(As instructed), not Jesus + Our Baptism. It's even clear that a man can be saved without being Baptized (Water). remember the thief on the cross who was never baptized but Jesus said " To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." I'm am not against Baptism by no means. But I'm convinced Faith alone in Jesus is enough to be saved.

Benji, the letter to the Ephesians was written to the church in Ephesus. Acts 19 talks of how that church came to be and in verse 5 they were baptized. They were saved by grace through the faith they had by believing and obeying the gospel of Jesus Christ. Also, the Gospel according to Mark and the story of the thief on the cross took place during the time of the Old Testament when all the Jews simply had to believe in their Messiah to be saved. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, "Except a man be born of water and Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom Of God," and, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." Peace be unto you in Jesus' name.

Let's talk about the verses quoted. First, Born of Water does not mean Water Baptism. "Water" is the flesh birth from your Mom, How do we know? Jesus says in the next verse: "That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of Spirit is Spirit". We are born sinners(1st birth) then we are born again(2nd Birth). Next Question: How do I get born again 1 John 5: Whosoever BELIEVETH that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. You aren't born again when you're Baptized. Also, read the rest of Mark 16:16: but he that BELIEVETH not shall be damned. So are people damned because they didn't get baptized? No. It is clear that the only reason someone is damned because they did not believe.

Neighbor, I'll answer your questions but after that we must cease this communication because God commands me to. First with all due respect being born of water does not mean our fleshly birth that's not in the bible and that phrase has never referred to our fleshly birth. We also cannot do anything to make ourselves born again just like there was nothing we can do to be born naturally. We are born not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible and that incorruptible seed is the word of God. Lastly, people are damned if they are not baptized because they have not believed in the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Lord will take vengeance on those that obey not the gospel. I will pray for you Benji.

(This continues my last comment)Also you're right. People are damned for not believing the Gospel. But you have a different Gospel. The Gospel does not include Baptism. In fact despite tons of scriptures explaining Salvation is not of works and even in Gods definition of the Gospel 1 Corinth. 15:1-4 not including Baptism. We also have an example of someone saved without Baptism. Remember the thief? "But wait he was saved in the Old covenant"...not quite. Luke was not the last we heard of the thief. Look in John 19:31-33 It shows clearly that the thief was alive AFTER Christ Death and therefore not only was he saved without Baptism but it was also in the new covenant

David, "Water" is referring to flesh birth, Read John:3:6 with John 3:5. Jesus just explained the 2 births to Nic. One flesh, one Spiritual. And Of course, the flesh isn't what makes us born again. Jesus was not presenting these 2 births as joined means of Salvation. He hadn't explained how to be born again yet. He's just explaining what the 2 births are. Which obviously the first is natural birth because if I'm being born again by the spirit evidently I must've had a first birth. Was my first birth by the Spirit? No last time I was born was in the flesh. The Womb. (And it's not far off to say by water because when a baby is about to be born what normally happens? The Water breaks.) cont....

Benji, I am not here for a vain argument. If you study the scriptures as they are written you will find what I said is true. Remember that we must rightly divide the word of truth and study to show ourselves approved unto God.

Just curious as to what happened to the thief on the cross did not get baptized or do you any good Thief is a thief only thing he did was believe in Jesus Christ and who was the son of God and Jesus told him today you will be with me in Paradise

But that's the thing, Biblical Salvation is contrary to your interpretation: John3:15-16 John3:18 John3:36 John5:24 John 6:40 John6:47 Acts16:31 and Acts10:43 are all verses that plainly explain how to be saved. There's no question, the Bible is clear that any who simply believe on Jesus has everlasting life. In fact, they clearly say we "receive the remission of sins" we "Shall not perish" we are "not condemned" and we "HAVE eternal life" all by believing on Jesus. Nowhere in any of these verses is Baptism mentioned as a requirement. Even in 1Corinth.15:3-4 the clearest definition of the Gospel doesn't even talk about Baptism. You have Gods word that you will be saved if you just believe.

David what about the thief on the cross with jesus he was not baptised but yet jesus told him today you will be with me in paradise

James, actually The thief is the perfect example of someone saved without works (including Baptism), The thief did not die in the Old Testament. The thief had died after Jesus thus the new Testament was in effect (see John19:31-33) Where soldiers had broken both thieves legs to officially finish the job (Because they had not yet died by the crucifixion). But Jesus himself was already dead. The thief died saved and unbaptized. Now some people might come and say it wasn't until the resurrection that the new Testament went into effect. But as Romans 9:15-22 explains "And for this cause, he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of DEATH, for the redemption of the transgressions."

Hi James peace be unto you in Jesus' name. I apologize I took so long to reply. Regarding the thief, he lived and died during Old Testament times. He was a Jew and Jesus was sent unto the lost sheep of Israel. Jesus said that he must be lifted up like the serpent in the wilderness and whoever believed in him would be saved. This refers to Numbers 21 where Moses made a brass serpent and whoever looked upon it was saved from serpent bites they had received. Similarly, the Jews at that time needed only to believe in their Messiah to be saved. He believed on his Messiah and thus was saved.

Hi Benji, have you read James 2? It says faith without works is dead (17), and even demons believe and have faith (19), so is satan and his demons going to heaven then? Also, if faith was all that is needed for salvation, why did Jesus say otherwise? Jesus said Luke 5:32 He called sinners to repentance. Do you claim that repentance isn't necessary? If so, are we to believe you over Jesus himself? This is reinforced in other scripture too: 1 John 1:9 (says to confess), and Acts 2:38. So, I'm interested in your interpretation of these other powerful verses and why you feel repentance and confession isn't needed to become a Christian? Link

Adam, I'll try to answer as best I can but I have limited Characters so my answers won't be as detailed as I want them to be. First, James isn't talking about how to be saved.You'll notice James calls his audience "brethren". He was talking to already saved people about rewards/Helping a brother in need/being justified in mans eyes/maturing your faith etc. And the demons believe "there is one God" (see James 2:19) not they believe the Gospel(which is 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 the truth that saves us). And if you've believed the Gospel. You've repented. You've changed your mind. You went from trusting in personal goodness/works/religion to Jesus alone. And will go to heaven when you die.

Thanks for your opinion. I believe James 2 is talking about how to be saved, because in verse 5 it says "God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom". He's talking about who is able to go to heaven. And verse 13 he talks about judgment. If he was talking to 'saved' Christians then why would James be warning them about judgment and avoiding sin with good works? If they were 'saved' Christians and sinless then why in verses 9-11 does he warn them to not sin? It clearly says in verse 26 that faith without works is dead, but you're saying people with dead or no faith can still enter heaven? That contradicts the whole point of this chapter. This chapter is a warning.

Well first, a saved Christian isn't sinless. No one's sinless. That's why you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ because only his righteousness can get you to heaven. And James's listeners were Christians ( James 2:1) "My brethren, do not hold the faith of OUR Lord Jesus Christ, etc." This sort of statement can only be made to Jewish believers

Also, I never said no faith will save you. But aside from that let me talk about "faith without works is dead". When something is dead does that mean it's non-exsistant? No. In context, it means it's unprofitable or inactive. The presence of faith is not in question, remember these are believers. Salvation is done with. Now he's talking about service.

Where do you find the answer in the new testimony King James Bible , it says you don't have to be babtized?

Waunda, There are many verses throughout the Bible that say again and again that we are saved apart from works/acts of righteousness. This includes Baptism (water) which is an act of righteousness/work. Baptism, AFTER we are saved, is good, and if if you can be baptized then go ahead. But NOT to be saved. To be saved will always be "Whosoever Believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life" John 3:16. You have God's word that child-like Faith in Jesus's finished work alone is sufficient. It's all Grace, 0 works. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God;" Eph. 2:8-9

I see Brother, You have read 2 timothy 2:15. May the LORD our GOD, increase you in Wisdom, Understanding, and knowledge. GOD BLESS.

Hello, here's a page telling how to become a Christian: Link

Hello Sonti, I applaud you for wanting to read and understand the Bible. It can at times seem difficult, but really it's the perfect book, because it interprets itself. Isaiah 28:10 says you need to read more in depth.
1. Open your bible randomly, and pick ANY verse and read it.
2. Now go to the beginning of that chapter and read all the way down to that original verse -- does it give more meaning?
3. Each verse in the bible will have another verse that corresponds. If you look in the middle of your bible page, you will see the verse that you originally read, and it will have verses from other books to reference, they will provide even more clarity.
4. Pray for understanding ask God to help

Baptism is a "Requirement" for salvation. If that were not true, why did Jesus get baptized? Luke 3:21-22. Several scriptures that mention baptism and the need for it. John 3:5; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 2:41; This is just a few, but the baptism is a representation of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins, which were buried with him in the grave, but he rose again and left our sins in the grave. Thus when we are baptized we are to become new creatures in Christ and the sinful person is dead 2 Corinthians 5:17...You cannot enter into the Kingdom of heaven as you currently are. We are born of a sinful nature, and unless we bury that in the blood of Christ, we will not enter heaven.

No Baptism is not a requirement to be saved. We are told again and again in the Bible that the man who trusts in Christ has everlasting life immediately.
John 3:36 says:
"He that believeth on the Son HATH everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." Same in John 5:24 and John 6:47. We are saved by grace well before we even touch the water.
And since grace means a free undeserved gift, any act or commitment intended to merit salvation is necessarily excluded ( Rom. 11:6). Understand all men are saved the same way, by believing on Jesus. That's why the thief on the cross could go to Heaven despite not being baptized.