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CLICK BELOW: BWwayne
CLICK BELOW: BOBBY VALENTINE
CLICK BELOW: MARK HUSTON
CLICK BELOW: AL MAXEY

CHURCH OF CHRIST TEACHINGS-BIBLICAL BUT NOT PRACTICED.

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RESPONSE TO BWwayne

Acts 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
Acts 10:6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

Jesus death proved that neither Gentile nor Swine were IMPURE.

Acts 10:22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a JUST MAN and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒆.
Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Acts 10:42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
Acts 10:43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth [complies] in him shall receive remission of sins.

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words,
        𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒐𝒍𝒚 𝑮𝒉𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝑭𝑬𝑳𝑳 𝑶𝑵 𝑨𝑳𝑳 𝑻𝑯𝑬𝑴 𝑾𝑯𝑰𝑪𝑯 𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑹𝑫 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑾𝑶𝑹𝑫 .

A DIVINE WIND poured down and ALL that heard the Word. Everyone heard this VIOLENT WIND which caused some to speak the version of HEBREW or they would know that they were accepting what Peter was preaching

Epipiptō, fell upon or over of storms, toisi barbaroisi ho borēs epepese ib.189; “kheimōn epipesōn” Pl.Prt. 344d; of winds meeting one another, dialogismoi epipiptousi tini” Plut. Oth. 9 II.. fall upon in hostile sense, attack, assail, “tini” Hdt.4.105, driven from their country by snakes.

Plut. Oth. 9 it is not unlikely that the real soldiers, those who knew what hardship was and had sense, should be led to reflect that it would be a dreadful and most hateful thing if the evils which the citizens had once to their sorrow inflicted upon one another
epipiptein toioutous dialogismous tois gnēsiois kai diaponois kai sōphronousi tōn stratiōtōn,

dialog-ismos
II. calculation, consideration, debate, argument, discussion,

Eur. Andr. 1043 Chorus
Many are the women in the assemblies of the Greeks who sang aloud their laments for their luckless men [1040] as they left their homes for other husbands. Not on you alone¹ or on your dearest kin have cruel griefs fallen. It is a plague Greece has suffered, a plague! Yet also to the fertile [1045] fields of the Phrygians did this pestilence pass, dripping death upon them

Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Is. 4:2 In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.
Is. 4:3 And it shall come to pass, that he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem,
       shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem:
Is. 4:4 When THE LORD shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion,
        and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from the midst thereof
        by the SPIRIT OF JUDGMENT,
        and by the SPIRIT OF BURNING

UNLESS YOU ARE A GOD SENT APOSTLE,

John 16:7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the COMFORTER will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
John 16:8 And WHEN HE IS COME he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
John 16:9 Of sin, because they believe not on me;
John 16:10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;
John 16:11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged

RESPONSE TO BOBBY VALENTINE RESPONSE

Luke 22:37 For I say unto you, that this that is WRITTEN must yet be accomplished in me,
        And he was reckoned among the transgressors:
        FOR THE THINGS CONCERNING ME HAVE AN END

Luke 24:44 And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you,
        that all things must be fulfilled,
        which were written in the law of Moses,
        and in the prophets, and in the psalms,
        CONCERNING ME.
Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand THE SCRIPTURES
Luke 24:46 And said unto them,
        Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer,
        and to rise from the dead the third day:

Eph. 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners,
        but fellowcitizens with the saints,
        and of the household of God;
Eph. 2:20 And are built upon [EDUCATED BY]
        the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
        Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

20 epoikodomēthentes epi tō themeliō tōn apostolōn kai prophētōn, ontos “akrogōniaiou” autou Khristou Iēsou, 2

epoikodomēthentes b. edify, “heautous tē pistei” Ep.Jud.20:—Pass., “-oumenoi en Khristō” Ep.Col.2.7.

“phusei mathēmata”

Jesus is the HEAD or the only Teacher when APT elders teach that which has been taught.
The Corner or ANGLE is a quiet, secret place where Jesus invites the twos and threes to come learning of men. Jesus Teachers on Disciples "who continue in my WORD" or Regulative Principle.

Isaiah 28.16 therefore thus says the Lord Yahweh, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner -[stone] of sure foundation: he who believes shall not be in haste

gōnia , hē,
2. metaph., corner, secluded spot, “en gōnia psithurizein” Pl.Grg.485d; “en g. pepragmenon” Act.Ap.26.26.

3. of the four quarters of the compass, Ptol.Tetr.29.

4. joint, Arist.PA 690a13.

II. joiner's square, Pl.Phlb.51c, Plu.Marc.19.

III. cutwater of a bridge, D.S.2.8.
IV. of persons, leader, chief, LXX 1 Ki.14.38. (Akin to gonu.）
Angŭlus
Called assemblies: of the schools or places of private discussion,
Assemble Selves: in contrast with public, practical life:, non oratione perfectio,” id. Rep. 1, 2;
Contemptuously, of the schools or places of private discussion, in contrast with public, practical life

psithurizein”2. whisper what one dares not speak out, allēlōn of one another, to one another, one another; hence, mutually, reciprocally, used of all three persons,     en allēloisi among one another

agōnos 4. speech delivered in court or before an assembly or ruler, “presbeutiko
main argument of a speech (opp.prooimion, epilogos)

(b. RHETORIC, Opposite prooimion, epilogos),
Opposite Prooimi-on   A. opening, introduction; in Music, prelude, overture, Pi.P.1.4; in Ep. poems, proëm, preamble, Id.N.2.3, Ar.Eq.1343; in speeches, exordium, Critias 43 tit., Arist. Rh.1414b19, Phld.Rh.1.56S., Stoic.2.96, etc.; prooimiois hēdonēs with prefaces about pleasure, X.Mem.2.1.27.
II. hymn or short poem, such as those attributed to Homer, “Apollōnos” [Apollon, Abbadon, the "musical" Washer] Th.3.104,

hēdonēs

Titus 3.3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another

poieō 4. after Hom., of Poets, compose, write, p. dithurambon, epea, Hdt.1.23, 4.14; “p. theogoniēn Hellēsi” Id.2.53; p. Phaidran, Saturous, Ar.Th.153, 157; p. kōmōdian, tragōdian
c. describe in vers

The approved PATTERN for the worship of the Devil
Thuc. 3.104 For they then came to see the games, with their wives and children, as the Ionians do now the games at Ephesus. [4] There were likewise matches set of bodily exercise and of music; and the cities did severally set forth dances. Which things to have been so, is principally declared by Homer in these verses of his hymn to Apollo:

But thou, Apollo, takest most delight
In Delos. There assemble in thy sight
The long-coat Ions, with their children dear
And venerable bedfellows; and there
In matches set of buffets, song, and dance,
Both show thee pastime and thy name advance.

Our Race agōnos is the OPPOSITE Epilog-os , ho,
A. reasoning, inference, only Ion., Hdt.1.27; tēs gnōmēs poieesthai epilogon give a reason for their opinion,

II. peroration of a speech, Arist.Rh.1414b12, Chrysipp.Stoic.2.96, Phld.Rh.1.202 S., Longin.12.5, etc.

2. the concluding portion of a play, = ekthesis,Sch. Ar.Ra.1548: metaph., “e. tēs kosmopoiias
3. subjoined or explanatory sentence, Arist.Rh.1394b8, cf.a11.—In E.El.719 (lyr.), epilogoi is corrupt.


RESPONSE TO MARK HUSTON

REVISED. 12.3S.24

CONTACT KENNETH SUBLETT:   GOOD, BAD OR UGLY.

https://www.pineycom.com/Al.Maxey.Baptism.Sacrament.html

TO BYPASS ALL OF THE ANTI-SCRIPTURAL ASSUALTS OF POSTERS WHO DENY CLEAR COMMANDS OF GOD. I WILL INDEX ALL OF THE BIBLE STATEMENTS ABOUT BAPTISM IS REQUIRED FOR JESUS TO WASH OR BAPTIZE US IN HIS OWN BLOOD. PEOPLE WHO REJECT THE WAY TO BE BAPTIZED INTO OR CLOTHED WITH CHRIST ARE ENEMIES OF CHRIST. REJECTION OF AUTHORITY IS A MENTAL PROBLEM.

RESPONSE TO AL MAXEY

CLICK BELOW: A CHURCH OF CHRIST IS-BY COMMAND-A NARROW SECT CALLED THE WAY

CLICK BELOW: TITUS 3:4-7 WASHING [BAPTISM] IS THE REGENERATION OF OUR SPIRIT.

THE NEW COVENANT IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF JESUS THE CHRIST. GOD SENT APOSTLES, PROPHETS AND SCRIBES TO RECORD THE COVENANT FOR WHICH HE SHED HIS BLOOD. THE ONLY THING AVAILABLE TO THOSE DESPISING THE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS READING OR SPEAKING THAT WHICH IS WRITTEN FOR OUR LEARNING (Romans 15)

Al Maxey Rejects the Blood of the Covenant. Last week I received an email from a Christian woman in Mississippi who wrote, "Al, I showed your article on "Contacting the Blood of Christ" (Reflections #608) to my sister, who attends a very conservative Church of Christ. She says Romans 6:4 is the verse that PROVES we contact the blood at baptism. I said the verse does NOT say that; she said it DOES. What would be your response to this claim?" My response would initially be that, once again, some have conflated symbol and sacrament. Over the centuries, in Christianity, this has typically been done with both baptism and the Lord's Supper (and to some extent the marriage ceremony).

Heb. 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy,
        who hath trodden under foot the Son of God,
        and hath counted the BLOOD of the COVENANT,
        wherewith he was SANCTIFIED,
        an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the SPIRIT OF GRACE?

SANCTIFIED WITH THE BLOOD MEANS THAT WE are GIVEN A HOLY SPIRIT WHEN THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT WASHES OUR SPIRIT

Al Maxey rejects the blood of the covenant and denies that it is BELIEVERS whose spirit is made holy

Eph. 5:26 That he might SANCTIFY and cleanse it with the washing of water INTO the word,

SANCTIFY: g37. ἁγιάζω hagiazo, hag-ee-ad´-zo; from 40; to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate: — hallow, be holy, sanctify.
        g39. ἅγιον hagion, hag´-ee-on; neuter of g40; a sacred thing (i.e. spot): — holiest (of all), holy place, sanctuary.

        CLEANSE: g2511. καθαρίζω katharizo, kath-ar-id´-zo; from 2513; to cleanse (literally or figuratively):
        — (make) clean(-se), purge, purify
        WASHING: g3067. λουτρόν loutron, loo-tron´; from 3068; a bath, i.e. (figuratively), baptism: — washing.
        INTO THE SCHOOL OF THE WORD.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ
        FOR [g1519. εἰς eis,] the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of "A" Holy Spirit.

CLICK; Al.Maxey.Acts.2.38.Eis.html says that EIS means BECAUSE OF

Matt. 13:15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be CONVERTED, and I should heal them.

THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD SAYS;

Acts 3:19 REPENT ye therefore, and BE CONVERTED,
        THAT [[g1519. εἰς eis,] your sins may be BLOTTED OUT,
        when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

REFRESHING COMES FROM GOD; g403. ἀνάψυξις anapsuxis, an-aps´-ook-sis; from 404; properly, a recovery of breath, i.e. (figuratively) REVIVAL: — revival.
        g404. ἀναψύχω anapsucho, an-aps-oo´-kho; from 303 and 5594; properly, to cool off, i.e. (figuratively) relieve: — refresh.

BLOTTED OUT; g1813. ἐξαλείφω exaleipho, ex-al-i´-fo; from 1537 and 218; to smear out, i.e. obliterate (erase tears, figuratively, PARDON SIN ): — blot out, wipe away.

    g218. ἀλείφω aleipho, al-i´-fo; from 1 (as particle of union) and the base of 3045; to oil (with perfume): — anoint.

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done,
        but according to his mercy he saved us,
        by the WASHING of regeneration, [born of water] and renewing of [Not BY] the holy spirit (OUR spirits mad holy)

WASHING: g3067. λουτρόν loutron, loo-tron´; from 3068; a bath, i.e. (figuratively), baptism: — washing
RENEWING: g342. ἀνακαίνωσις anakainosis, an-ak-ah´-ee-no-sis; from 341; RENOVATION: — renewing.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
        Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit,
        he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh;
        and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
John 3:8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof,
        but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth:
        so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Gal. 4:29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him
        that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.

CALLING SCRIPTURE A LIE: These various rites, rituals, ceremonies and memorials, in the thinking and practice of some, have moved well beyond the realm of symbolism, and into the realm of sacrament. In other words, rather than being acts that reflect or represent God's grace, they are now regarded as acts that actually receive God's grace. Indeed, without these acts that divine favor is withheld. When one claims God bestows some blessing upon mankind ONLY through the correct observance of some religious rite, that rite then becomes a sacrament.

THE PROPHET ISAIAH 1 AND FULFILLMENT IN MARK ETAL DOES THIS VERY THING. THE MEANING OF "DUST" OR ABORIGINAL MASSES IN THE WORLD BY JESUS DEFINES WHY THE MASSES HATE AND AS "EARTHLY" HAVE NO RIGHT TO BECOME A DISCIPLE. .

OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE OR COMPLY

2. comply, OPPOSITE to APISTEO

OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE NOT AND REJECT BAPTISM;

A. [7] Periander, [apistiês] skeptical,
B. kept him in confinement, letting him go nowhere, and waited for the sailors.
Apist-eô I. disbelieve, distrust, was distrusted, i.e. no one could be sure of knowing,

II. = apeitheô, disobey, to be DISOBEDIENT, they refuse to comply, They are not to be trusted, and so of persons and their acts, not trusty, faithless, Act., mistrustful, incredulous, suspicious, Treacherously, cause to REVOLT from. also kleptô meaning: seize or occupy secretly, effect or bring about clandestinely, gamon, to be 'smuggled in' get rid of imperceptibly

Rom. 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written,
        How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace,
        and bring glad tidings of good things!
Rom. 10:16 But they have NOT ALL OBEYED THE GOSPEL.
        For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath BELIEVED our report?

Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying,
        Save YOURSELVES from this untoward generation.

4646. σκολιός skolios, skol-ee-os´; from the base of 4628; warped, i.e. winding; figuratively, perverse: — crooked, froward, untoward.
        4628. σκέλος skelos, skel´-os; apparently from σκέλλω skello (to parch; through the idea of leanness); the leg (as lank): — leg.

THOSE ABLE TO HEAR THE ELECTION OR INVITATION CANNOT POSSIBLY CALL THE WORD OF GOD A LIE.

Acts 2:41 Then they that GLADLY RECEIVED his WORD were BAPTIZED:
        and the same day there were ADDED unto them about three thousand souls.

The WORD or LOGOS excludes Rhetoric, Music or any diverting acts.

Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people.
        And the Lord ADDED to the church daily such as SHOULD BE SAVED.

THESE PEOPLE ARE DAMNED ALREADY.

John 6:45 It is written in the prophets,
        And they shall be all taught BY God.
        Every man therefore that hath heard,
        and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
John 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God WERE YOUR FATHER,
        ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God;
        neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
John 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech?
        even BECAUSE ye CANNOT HEAR MY WORD
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do.
        He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth,
        because there is no truth in him.
        When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own:
        for he is a liar, and the father of it.
John 8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
John 8:46 Which of you convinceth me of sin?
        And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
John 8:47 He that is OF GOD heareth God’s words:
        ye therefore hear them not, BECAUSE ye are NOT OF GOD
John 6:62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
John 6:63 It is the SPIRIT that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the WORDS that I SPEAK unto you, they are SPIRIT, and they are life.
John 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not.
        For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
John 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you,
        that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my FatherXXX

John speaking of Jesus
John 8:23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath;
        I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease
John 3:31 He that cometh from ABOVE is above all:
        he that is OF the EARTH is [of Ek.] earthly, and speaketh of the earth:
        he that cometh from heaven is above all.

Eph. 1:21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion,
        and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:
1 John 4:5 They are OF the WORLD:
        therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.
1John 4:6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us;
        he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

1Cor. 15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
1Cor. 15:47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
1Cor. 15:48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy:
        and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.
1Cor. 15:49 And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.

terra (archaic tera , the dry land, the earth, opp. to the heavens, the sea, the air, : terrae filius, son of earth, i. e. human being, Cic. Att. 1, 13, 4: “terrā orti,” natives of the soil, aborigines, autochthones, Quint. 3, 7, 26:

B. Personified, Terra, the Earth, as a goddess;“while orbis terrae,” the globe, the earth, the world,

God took Adam, dust or an aborigine, and educated Him and BREATHED on him so that he could understand God.

TERRA (archaic tera B. Personified, Terra, the Earth, as a goddess; “usu. called Tellus, Magna Mater, Ceres, Cybele, etc.: jam si est Ceres a gerendo, Terra ipsa dea est et ita habetur: quae est enim alia Tellus?” “terrā orti,” natives of the soil, aborigines, autochthones,

Quint. 3, 7, 26 Cities are praised after the same fashion as men.
The founder takes the place of the parent,
and antiquity carries great authority,
as for instance in the case of those whose inhabitants
are said to be sprung from the soil.

Barbarian has much the same meaning just natural people with no spiritual impulses. Here is some interesting notes on the meaning of Aborigines:

http://www.v-a.com/communication/aborigine.html

The virtues and vices revealed by their deeds are the same as in private individuals.
The advantages arising from site or fortifications are however peculiar to cities.
Their citizens enhance their fame just as children bring honour to their parents.

The aboriginal man is not a spiritual being;
however, every soul figures in the plans of human leaders
to establish a territory and to cultivate the land.
Therefore, the aborigine is an important element of the population.
In fact, the aborigine makes up the most enduring portion of the population, not just the biggest.

The aborigine fights for his culture and even when everything is lost, never gives up, but goes on in search of another place to live and settle.

He may change his national name, create a new identity,
but inside he's still the same, because he cannot change.
He will not give up until he's dead.

Historically every major empire was sustained by the aboriginal element of its population, usually the dominant tribes.

For example, the Chaldeans emerged out of Babylon, the Aturai out of Mesopotamia, the Greeks out of Ionia, the Iranians out of Persia, and the Italians out of Rome.

Notice every one of them changed their name after their empires fell. They were never loyal to the name, except to the survival of their tribe. They were aborigines, led by spiritually endowed human beings.

Their true names were Babylonians, Ashurai, Ionians, Persians, and Romans, respectively, but today they all prefer to use their aboriginal names, and that's typical. The same is true of other empires. Some empires had many tribes and coalitions of tribes, but the same phenomenon occurs.

The aborigines prefer their tribal names,
because each empire tried to instill a higher order upon their subjects,
in order to govern their diverse populations,
to have a common system of administration, law, military, education, and religion.
In time, this became oppressive and rebellion set in.
Eventually, when the empires fell, the various tribes declared their own tribal names. The aborigines are proud of their tribal names. They don't want to be denigrated because of the exploits of their empires, thus they change their names.
Some are ashamed of their old heritage and their beliefs.
Not being spiritually endowed, the aborigine is more flexible
in adopting other religions, traditions and rituals.

The aborigines are like the lemmings in following their instincts, but in their outward migration, fortunately there's no evolutionary cliff from which to fall. So the aborigines survive most catastrophes, go on to re-establish themselves elsewhere, adapt to their new environment and continue to breed.

Although sometimes an embarrassment to their cultures in their recalcitrance,
the aborigines are the only ones who insure the survival of their kind.

Typically, they don't marry outside their ethnicity. The aborigines are always seeking their mate from their own tribe. When abroad, they come home to find their mate, or if they can't, they travel the world over looking for their soul mates.

All nations are predominantly aboriginal in constitution. The Arabs, the Chinese, the Indians and the Africans are also predominantly aboriginal. The aboriginal element in most nations is a big percentage of the population, otherwise the culture has no significant characteristics and usually doesn't survive, in the sense of maintaining its heritage.

The Catholics have done this historically with the Lord's Supper (which I traced through history in my book on this subject -- One Bread, One Body: An Examination of Eucharistic Expectation, Evolution and Extremism), although most Protestants backed away from that sacramental view with regard to this memorial event. The rite of baptism in water, however, is another matter, with some FUNDAMENTALIST SECTS actually making more of a sacrament of this rite than the Catholics ever did, although they will become furious if you suggest their perspective and practice constitute sacramentalism.

A CHURCH OF CHRIST IS-BY COMMAND-A NARROW SECT CALLED THE WAY

The School of Christ IS SECTARIAN--barely visible and audble, assembled at the Corner Stone, secret and silent.
Matt. 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and BROAD is the WAY, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Matt. 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and NARROW is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it.
Matt. 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Acts 24:12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man,
        neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
Acts 24:13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me
Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto thee,
        that after the WAY which they call HERESY,
        so worship I the God of my fathers,
        believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

SECT; 139. αἵρεσις hairesis, hah´-ee-res-is; from 138; properly, a choice, i.e. (specially) a party or (abstractly) disunion: — heresy (which is the Greek word itself), SECT
        138. αἱρέομαι haireomai, hahee-reh´-om-ahee; probably akin to 142; to take for oneself, i.e. to prefer: — choose. Some of the forms are borrowed from a cognate ἕλλομαι hellomai which is otherwise obsolete.

WAY: 3598. ὁδός hodos, hod-os´; apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means: — journey, (high-)way.

Hodopoi-ētikos , ē, on,

A.finding a way, practical, Zeno Stoic. 1.20 ; “methodos estin hexis ho. meta logou” Phlp.in Ph.6.28, Eustr.in EN7.13 ; epistēmē, e.g. iatrikē, Phlp. in Cat.141.21.

method-os , hē, (meta, hodos) A.following after, pursuit, II. pursuit of knowledge, investigation, Pl.Sph.218d, 235c, “hē dialektikē m.
estin Of a person

        1. hexis having, being in possession of, possession,
        2.   epistēmē A.acquaintance with a matter, understanding,
           alēth-eia    also truth, reality, opp. appearance,
        3,   meta I. in the midst of, among, between, I. in common, along with, by aid of Act.Ap. 14.27;      NOT: “m. kitharas

Acts 14.27 When they had arrived, and had gathered the assembly together,
            they reported all the things that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles
            Revelation 12: 7There was war in the sky. Michael and his angels made war on the dragon. The dragon and his angels made war.

NOT: “m. kitharas   Eur. Ion 882 O you, who cause a voice to sing from your seven-stringed lyre, a voice that lets lovely-sounding hymns peal forth in the rustic lifeless horn, [885] son of Leto, I will blame you before this light. You came to me, your hair glittering with gold, when I was plucking into the folds of my robe yellow flowers [890] to bloom with golden light; grasping my white hand in yours, you led me to the bed in the cave, hearing me call on my mother, god and consort [895] shamelessly paying homage to Aphrodite. I, the unhappy one, bore you a son, whom in fear of my mother I placed in that bed of yours, [900] where you joined with me, the miserable, the unfortunate one, in unhappy union. Alas! and now my son and yours, oh cruel one, is gone, torn apart, a feast for birds; [905] but you are singing to the lyre, chanting hymns.'

BUT;

       4. logos.
         5. iatrikē    3. of drugs, efficacious, “pharmaka”

Plat. Prot. 313e good or bad for the soul; and in just the same case are the people who buy from them, unless one happens to have a doctor's knowledge here also, but of the soul. So then, if you are well informed as to what is good or bad among these wares, it will be safe for you to buy doctrines from Protagoras or from anyone else you please: but if not, take care, my dear fellow, that you do not risk your greatest treasure on a toss of the dice.
   iatrikē good for the   psukhō     cool, refresh, thalpousa kai psukhousa, of a nurse tending a child

pharmaka” 2. healing remedy, medicine, in Hom. mostly of those applied outwardly 2. c. gen. also, a means of producing something, “ph. sōtērias

khristos    II. of persons, anointed, ho hiereus ho kh. ib.4.5,16, 6.22: pl., ib.2 Ma.1.10.
2. esp. of the Kings of Israel, ho kh. Kuriou ib.1 Ki.24.7,

eg-khristos , on,
A.rubbed in as an ointment, Theoc.11.2; “eis tous ophthalmous” the Messiah, Ev.Matt.2.4, etc.; “ho kh. Kuriou” Ev.Luc.2.26; then used as pr. n. of Jesus, “Iēsous kh.” Ev.Matt.1.1, etc.; Iēsous ho legomenos kh. ib.16.

Pharmaka sōtēr-ia 4. in LXX and NT, salvation, “ho theos tēs s. mou” LXX Ps.50(51).14, al.; “s. psukhōn” 1 Ep.Pet. 1.9; euaggelion tēs s. Ep.Eph.1.13, etc.

psukhōn” III. the immaterial and immortal soul, first in Pindar, “es ton huperthen halion keinōn . . andidoi Phersephona psukhas palin”
IV. the conscious self or personality as centre of emotions, desires, and affections,
2. the spirit of the universe, “ps. eis to meson tou kosmou thei

SIZE of the Little Flock
mikros , petty, trivial, slight, of persons, of small account, Arist.Ph.197a30; but to para mikros sōzesthai to be only just saved, Id.Rh.1371b11,

Opposite megas 2. generally, vast, high, ouranos, oros, purgos (theōn b. ho m., of Zeus [Father or KAIROS, demon son], Pi.O. 7.34) 3. of sounds, great, loud, Opposite. “oligos opp. mikros Mētēr m., of Cybele, “Mētēr theōn m.
mega eipein to speak big, and so provoke divine wrath,

Polus Number, many, Intensity, much, mighty, p. humenaios a loud song, if she flow with full stream, the many, i.e. the greater number

cithari-zo , a-re, v n., = kitharizô, to play on or strike the cithara, Nep. Epam. 2, 1; Vulg. Apoc. 14, 2.

Alalētos alalē II.a loud noise, aulōn Alala (halal) war cry, make dumb

Pind. O. 7 That man is prosperous, who is encompassed by good reports. Grace, which causes life to flourish, looks with favor now on one man, now on another, with both the sweet-singing lyre and the full-voiced notes of flutes. And now, with the music of flute and lyre alike I have come to land with Diagoras, singing the sea-child of Aphrodite and bride of Helios

The triple-godesses as "trinity" included the three Graces: they were blue-eyed blond prostitute singers.

THAT WAY
HODOS 3 . method, system, “hodō” methodically, systematically ,Pl.R.533b, Stoic.2.39, etc. ; so “kath' hodon” Pl.R.435a ; “tēn dia tou stoikheiou ho. ekhōn egraphen” Id.Tht.208b (cf. “diexodon” 208a). 4. of the Christian Faith and its followers, Act.Ap.9.2, 22.4, 24.14.

ekhōn 9. possess mentally, understand, III. c.inf., have means or power to do, to be able 4. with Preps., 2. enrol oneself, t14. hold, consider, do you understand? .ekhe attend! listen Hold tina sōtērian

Plat. Theaet. 208b Socrates Yes, but with his opinion he has rational explanation; for he wrote with the method in terms of letters in his mind, and we agreed that that was rational explanation.

There is, then, my friend, a combination of right opinion with rational [logon] explanation, which cannot as yet properly be called knowledge?

g1125. grapho, graf´-o; a primary verb; to “grave”, especially to write; figuratively, to describe: — describe, write(-ing, -ten).

graphō      Institute by a written document, 6. write down a law to be proposed: hence, propose, move,
3. write down, g. tina aition set him down as the cause, Hdt.7.214; g. ti hieron tini register

Rom. 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

g270. prographo, prog-raf´-o; from 4253 and 1125; to write previously; figuratively, to announce, prescribe: — before ordain, evidently set forth, write (afore, aforetime).

hieros I. filled with or manifesting divine power, supernatural, II. of divine things, holy, but hi. grammata of the Holy Scriptures, 2 Ep.Tim.3.15; “hi. bubloi
    bublos and biblos A.the Egyptian papyrus, Cyperus Papyrus b. in pl., slices of the pith used as writing-material, esp. of sacred or magical writings, “biblōn

biblion or bublion 4. ta b. ta hagia the sacred books or Scriptures, LXX 1 Ma.12.9; ta b. tou nomou ib.1.56.

1 Macc 12:8- Onias welcomed the envoy with honor, and received the letter, which contained a clear declaration of alliance and friendship.
1 Macc 12:89 - Therefore, though we have no need of these things, since we have as encouragement the holy books which are in our hands,

THE ONLY PURPOS Pl.Phdr.270c, Arist.EN1129a6, Pol.1252a18, etc.; “hē dialektikē m.” Pl.R.533c,

THE ONLY ONES INVITED OR ALLOWED TO ATTEND THE SECT OF THE WAY OUTSIDE THE ECUMENICAL

Matt. 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Matt. 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart:and ye shall find rest unto your souls
Luke 9:26 For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my WORDS,
        of him shall the Son of man be ashamed,
        when he shall come in his own glory,
        and in his Father’s, and of the holy angels.

With the exception of a tiny fraction of "churches"--which I don't know of--the prophesied c. AD 2000 assault against God and Scriipture has replaced the SKHOLE or SYNAGOGUE with "Worship Centers" with -- they think -- are professional grade musical and theatrical performers. Rubel Shelly along with the locals said it most vocally that the only purpose of "church" is to WORSHIP or a pagan-like "naval" to funnel up PRAISE.

Ana-pausis A.repose, rest, relaxation

REST FROM: ALL forms of music which upset the rest and which is for sale

REST FROM: ka^koō , A.maltreat, distress, in Hom. always of persons physically, injure, paralyse, “tas arkhas tōn neurōn”

REST FROM: Leitourg-ia III. public service of the gods, “hai pros tous theous l.” Arist.Pol.1330a13; “hai tōn theōn therapeiai kai l.” D.S.1.21, A.D.), etc.; the service or ministry of priests, LXX Nu.8.25, Ev.Luc.1.23.

THE SINGLE PURPOSE FOR THE ASSEMBLY of DISCIPLES-STUDENTS

skholē , skholēn agein to be at leisure, enjoy ease, keep quiet, amphi heauton for one's own business, a work for leisure, i.e. requiring attention, 2. a group to whom lectures were given, school, esp. of students, study, attend lectures, devote oneself to a master,

Sabbath never meant "day of worship" but REST. That was the time when teacher and disciples had a REST day and they could REST, READ, and REHEARSE or memorize THE WORD.

Dem.44, Plu.Per.35, Alex.7, etc.; s. ekhein to keep a school, Arr.Epict. 3.21.11; skholēs hēgeisthai to be master of it, , 3. Lat. schola, = skholastērion,

THE METHOD IS DIALOG: NOT PREACHING OPPOSITE LECTIO-DIVINA

dialegō , A.pick out, hold converse with, c. dat. pers., “moi tauta philos dielexato thumos” Il.11.407   write in prose, Opposite poiein,

God cannot and will not use anything YOU PRODUCE poiein,
A. make, produce, first of something material, as manufactures, works of art, also tōn ta kerea . . hoi pēkhees poieuntai the horns of which are made into the sides of the lyre 4. after Hom., of Poets, compose, write, p. dithurambon, epea, Hdt.1.23, 4.14; “p. theogoniēn Hellēsi” Id.2.53; p. Phaidran, Saturous, Ar.Th.153, 157; p. kōmōdian, tragōdian, etc., Pl.Smp.223d; “palinōdian” Isoc.10.64, Pl.Phdr.243b, etc.; “poiēmata” Id.Phd.60d: abs., write poetry, write as a poet, “orthōs p.” Hdt.3.38
b. represent in poetry; c. describe in verse,

in Philosophy, practise dialectic, elicit conclusions by discussion, “ouk erizein alla d.” Pl.R.454a, cf. 511c, Tht.167e, etc. discourse, reasoning write in prose, Opposite.poiein, what you
2. create, bring into existence, compose, write, p. dithurambon, epea, Hdt.1.23, 4.14; “p. theogoniēn Hellēsi” Id.2.53; p. Phaidran, Saturous, Ar.Th.153, 157; p. kōmōdian, tragōdian, etc., Pl.Smp.223d; “palinōdian

The synagogue is connected to syllogism: the ekklesia are collected to READ or HEAR the WORD (only) and come to a collected or conclusion.

Christian Lectio contrary to the Lectio-Divina of the Feminists ruling over the effeminate training doctors of the law to take away the key to knowledge. it is called witchcraft or sorcery.

lectĭo , ōnis, f. lego. I. A gathering, collecting.
A. In gen. (post-Aug. and rare): “lectio lapidum,” Col. 2, 2, 12: “florum,” Arn. 5, 173.—*
B. In partic., a picking out, selecting: “judicum,” Cic. Phil. 5, 6, 16. —
II. A reading, perusal; a reading out, reading aloud. that which is read, reading, text, “juris lectiones,” passages of the laws

BURN NOTICE:

John 7:18 He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory:
        but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true,
        and no unrighteousness is in him.
John 8:50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.

This action on our part is no more sacramental in nature than the act of consuming the bread and wine of the Lord's Supper. Both events are symbolic; yet both events are spiritually significant, for they give us an opportunity to reflect in our own actions and attitudes our appreciation for and commitment to HIS act on our behalf.

2Th. 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God,
        and that OBEY NOT the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

g5219. ὑπακούω hupakouo, hoop-ak-oo´-o; from 5259 and 191; to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority: — hearken, be obedient to, obey.

1Tim. 3:5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
1Tim. 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how
        thou oughtest to BEHAVE thyself in the HOUSE OF GOD
        which is the CHURCH of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

1Pet. 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the HOUSE OF GOD
        and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them
        that obey not the gospel of God?

Our participatory reenactments do not receive salvation, as some have claimed; rather, our participatory reenactments celebrate our salvation, affirm our salvation, and proclaim the reality of our salvation to all around us who witness these, as well as other, visible manifestations of our faith in what HE did for US.

John 8:29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone;
         I do always those things that please him.
John 8:30 As he spake these words, many believed on him.
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him,
        IF ye continue in MY WORD, THEN are ye my disciples indeed;

SCRIPTURE DOESN'T LIE

Rom. 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Rom. 6:4 Therefore we are buried [active] with him by baptism into death:
        that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father,
        even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom. 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin,
        but ye have obeyed from the heart that form [PATTERN] of doctrine which was delivered you.
Rom. 6:18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

AT BAPTISM GOD GIVES US A HOLY SPIRIT OR A GOD CONSCIENCE (1 Peter 3:21) which word means "TO BE CLANDESTINELY INFORMED." Or the ability to read BLACK text on BROWN Paper 2 cor 3.
John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

BECAUSE I COMPARE SPIRITUAL THINGS WITH SPIRITUAL, I HAVE TO REPEAT CERTAIN PASSAGES. JESUS GIVES ME NO RIGHT TO AN OPINION. Since this a one day effort, I may chang the ORDER as I continue as a DISCIPLE OF CHRIST AND NO OTHER

Is. 59:21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the
           LORD; MY SPIRIT that is upon thee,
   and my WORDS which I have put in thy
   MOUTH, shall not depart out of thy MOUTH, nor out of the MOUTH of thy seed,
           nor out of the MOUTH of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.

Is. 61:1 The SPIRIT OF THE LORD GOD is upon me;
        because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek;
        he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives,
        and the opening of the prison to them that are bound

THE SPIRIT IS; Eph. 4:30 And grieve not the holy HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD, whereby ye are SEALED
John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

JESUS APPLIED THAT TO HIMSELF

Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
        because he hath anointed [made Christ]
        me to preach the gospel to the poor;
        he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Heb. 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy,
        who hath trodden under foot the Son of God,
        and hath counted the BLOOD of the COVENANT,
        wherewith he was SANCTIFIED,
        an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the SPIRIT OF GRACE?

Luke 4:18 The SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME
        because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor;
        he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted,
        to preach deliverance to the captives,
        and recovering of sight to the blind,
        to set at liberty them that are bruised,

JESUS WAS SANCTIFIED OR GIVEN A HOLY SPIRIT WHEN HE WAS BAPTIZED.

SANCTIFIED g37. ἁγιάζω hagiazo, hag-ee-ad´-zo; from 40; to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate: — hallow, be holy, sanctify.
        40. ἅγιος hagios, hag´-ee-os; from ἅγος hagos (an awful thing) (compare 53, 2282); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated): — (most) holy (one, thing), saint.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT

HOLY g40. ἅγιος hagios, hag´-ee-os; from ἅγος hagos (an awful thing) (compare 53, 2282); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated): — (most) holy (one, thing), saint.

Heb. 12:24 And to Jesus the MEDIATOR of the NEW COVENANT, and to the BLOOD OF SPRINKLING, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
Heb. 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
        that great shepherd of the sheep, THROUGH the BLOOD OF THE EVERLASTING COVENANT
Heb. 13:21 MAKE YOU PERFECT every good work TO DO HIS WILL
        working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight,
        through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Heb. 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn,
        which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all,
        and to the SPIRITS OF JUST MEN MADE PERFECT.

Col. 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath TRANSLATED us into the KINGDOM of his dear Son:

John 10:36 Say ye of him, whom the FATHER HATH SANCTIFIED and sent into the world,
        Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of Go

John 6:44 No man can come to me,
        except the Father which hath sent me draw him:
        and I will raise him up at the last day.

Is. 59:20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD
Last week I received an email from a Christian woman in Mississippi who wrote, "Al, I showed your article on "Contacting the Blood of Christ" (Reflections #608) to my sister, who attends a very conservative Church of Christ. She says Romans 6:4 is the verse that PROVES we contact the blood at baptism. I said the verse does NOT say that; she said it DOES. What would be your response to this claim?" My response would initially be that, once again, some have conflated symbol and sacrament.

Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized,
        and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

g907. βαπτίζω baptizo, bap-tid´-zo; from a derivative of 911; to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism: — Baptist, baptize, wash.
        907. βαπτίζω baptizo, bap-tid´-zo; from a derivative of 911; to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism: — Baptist, baptize, wash.

Matt. 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
Matt. 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
Matt. 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now:
        for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Jesus fulfilled the condition for making baptism possible:
Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him

Jesus was righteous but He must be sanctified to receive A holy spirit without which He (and we) cannot hear God.

John 10:36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath SANCTIFIED, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

SANCTIFIED g37. ἁγιάζω hagiazo, hag-ee-ad´-zo; from 40; to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate: — hallow, be holy, sanctify.
        40. ἅγιος hagios, hag´-ee-os; from ἅγος hagos (an awful thing) (compare 53, 2282); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated): — (most) holy (one, thing), saint.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT

HOLY g40. ἅγιος hagios, hag´-ee-os; from ἅγος hagos (an awful thing) (compare 53, 2282); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated): — (most) holy (one, thing), saint.

ALSO TO FULFILL PROPHECY:

THE SPIRIT OF GOD OR OF THE LORD IS GOD'S OWN SPIRIT

´Is. 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty ONE that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy;
        I dwell in the high and holy place,
        with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit,
        to REVIVE THE SPIRIT of the humble,
        and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Is. 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
Is. 11:2 And the SPIRIT OF THE LORD SHALL REST UPON HIM
         the SPIRIT OF wisdom and understanding,
         the SPIRIT OF counsel and might,
         the SPIRIT OF knowledge and OF the fear of the LORD;
Is. 11:3 And shall make him of quick understanding [SPIRIT] in the fear of the LORD:
        and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes,
        neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
Is. 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor,
        and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth:
        and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his MOUTH,
        and with the BREATH [SPIRIT] of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

JESUS AFFIRMS THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD GOD.

Luke 4:18 The SPIRIT OF THE LORD GOD is UPON ME,
        because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor;
        he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives,
        and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised

Is. 59:20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD.

Is. 59:21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD;
           My SPIRIT that is upon thee,
   and my WORDS which I have put in thy
   MOUTH, shall not depart out of thy MOUTH, nor out of the MOUTH of thy seed,
           nor out of the MOUTH of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.

Matt. 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water:
         and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him,
        and he saw the SPIRIT OF GOD descending like a dove, and lighting UPON HIM
Matt. 3:17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Eph. 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

TITUS 3:4-7 WASHING [BAPTISM] IS THE REGENERATION OF OUR SPIRIT.

Titus 3:4 But after that the KINDNESS and LOVE of God [Not additional Gods]
        OUR SAVIOUR [Jesus] toward man appeared,
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done,
        but according to his mercy he saved us,
        by the WASHING [baptism] of REGENERATION,

REGENERATION: g3824. παλιγγενεσία paliggenesia, pal-ing-ghen-es-ee´-ah; from 3825 and 1078; (SPIRITUAL) rebirth (the state or the act), i.e. (figuratively) spiritual renovation; specially, Messianic restoration: — regeneratio

    and renewing
                                \ of the Holy SPIRIT; [our spirit needs REgeneration]

Note: not the renewing BY the Holy Spirit person but the renewing OF the human spirit

g342. ἀνακαίνωσις anakainosis, an-ak-ah´-ee-no-sis; from 341; renovation: — renewing.
      342. ἀνακαίνωσις anakainosis, an-ak-ah´-ee-no-sis; from 341; renovation: — renewing.

rĕnŏvātĭo , I. In gen., a renewing, renewal (Ciceron.): “mundi,” Cic. N. D. 2, 46, 118: “doctrinae,” id. Brut. 71, 250: “timoris,” id. Fam. 11, 18, 3; Vulg. Tit. 3, 5.—

doctrīna , ae, f. doctor, I. teaching, instruction (class.; cf.: litterae, artes, disciplina,
A. Object., the knowledge imparted by teaching, i. e. science, erudition, learning: “est unum perfugium doctrina ac litterae,
   auctor doctrinae    the habit produced by instruction, principle:

perfugium    a resort for safety, shelter, asylum, refuge
auctor   promotes the increase or prosperity of it, whether he first originates it, or by his efforts gives greater permanence or continuance to it scriptorem et auctorem auctores Bibulo   “papyrus,” growing in moist places, Luc. 4, 136: “charta,” blotting-paper

timoris, Godly Fear. A. In a good sense, awe, reverence, veneration: “divum,” Lucr. 5, 1223: “quod hominibus perturbatis inanem religionem timoremque dejecerat,”

Heb. 12:27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.
Heb. 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be MOVEO, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:

-mŏvĕo, to move, affect, excite, inspire: charms, to stir up, excite, provoke
to move people FROM their place, to dance, gesticulating

“cantus vocis juvat sociatā nervorum concordiā,” Quint. 5, 10, 124: citharam cum voce,” id. ib. 5, 112: “tympana,” id. H. 4, 48; to disturb: “ d. ib. 5, 112:Kithera along with Voice.

tympana id. H. 4, 48; beaten by the priests of Cybele and Isis Mount Sinai Bacchantine females 1 Cor 13

Emasculated Galatians 5 of witchcraft
to disturb: “novis Helicona cantibus,”

WASHING IS BAPTISM, REGENERATION IS 3824. παλιγγενεσία paliggenesia, pal-ing-ghen-es-ee´-ah; from 3825 and 1078; (spiritual) rebirth (the state or the act), i.e. (figuratively) spiritual renovation; specially, Messianic restoration: — regeneration.

pa^lig-genesia , hē,
A.rebirth, regeneration, of the world, paliggenesias hēgemones, of Noah and his sons, Id.2.144; “hē anaktēsis kai p. tēs patridos” J. AJ11.3.9; renewal of a race, Corp.Herm.3.3; of persons, beginning of a new life, “eis p. horman” Ph.1.159, cf. Luc.Musc.Enc.7: hence of restoration after exile, Cic.Att.6.6.4; transmigration, reincarnation of souls, Plu.2.998c; cf. metempsukhōsis fin.

2. in Stoic Philos., rebirth of the kosmos, Chrysipp.Stoic.2.191: pl., ib.187, Boeth.Stoic. 3.265; so later, “hē periodikē p. tōn holōn” M.Ant.11.1, cf. Procl. in Ti.3.241 D.

3. Medic., relapse, Gal.13.83; regrowth of a tumour, Antyll. ap. Orib.45.2.7.

II. in Roman Law, = restitutio natalium, Just.Nov.18.11.

III. in NT.,

1. resurrection, Ev.Matt.19.28.

2. regeneration by baptism, “dia loutrou paliggenesias” Ep.Tit.3.5.

RENEWING; 342. ἀνακαίνωσις anakainosis, an-ak-ah´-ee-no-sis; from 341; renovation: — renewing.

OUR spirit is renewed, regeneration and becomes A Holy Spirit.

Titus 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life

Over the centuries, in Christianity, this has typically been done with both baptism and the Lord's Supper (and to some extent the marriage ceremony). These various rites, rituals, ceremonies and memorials, in the thinking and practice of some, have moved well beyond the realm of symbolism, and into the realm of sacrament.

In other words, rather than being acts that reflect or represent God's grace,
        they are now regarded as acts that actually receive God's grace.

Titus 2:10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
Titus 2:11 For the GRACE of God that bringeth salvation HATH APPEARED TO ALL MEN
Titus 2:12 TEACHING us that, DENYING ungodliness and worldly lusts,
        we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

No scientist "worth his salt" would confuse a symbolic representation with the reality itself. Yet, how often have we in Christendom confused the symbols with the substance they are designed to represent? When we bypass the Savior to grant "saving power" to a SYMBOL, we have greatly erred!

Tragically, this is exactly what we have done with baptism in water, and we have wrested and twisted countless texts within the Scriptures to "prove" our theological digression from Truth.

BAPTISM IS NOT A SYMBOL OR TUPOS BUT OBEYING THAT PATTERN OF THE DEATH, BURIAL AND RAISING OF JESUS.

AL MAXEY FALSE CLAIM: Look at the context of Romans 6. Read it carefully. What is Paul talking about in this passage? Is he building a theology around baptism in water? Is he declaring this rite to be THE precise point of contact with the blood of Jesus Christ? Is this passage from the pen of Paul, as some claim, about baptism?! Far from it. Indeed, the rite of baptism in water is entirely incidental to his primary message;

MISSED CONTEXT
Rev. 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and WASHED [baptized] us from our sins in HIS OWN BLOOD.

Heb. 10:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy,
        who hath trodden under foot the Son of God,
        and hath counted the blood of the covenant,
        wherewith he was sanctified, [given A holy spirit] an unholy thing,
        and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
Heb. 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,
        having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience,
        and our bodies WASHED with pure water.

3068. λούω louo, loo´-o; a primary verb; to bathe (the whole person; whereas 3538 means to wet a part only, and 4150 to wash, cleanse garments exclusively): — wash.
        3538. νίπτω nipto, nip´-to; to cleanse (especially the hands or the feet or the face); ceremonially, to perform ablution: — wash. Compare 3068
Heb. 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant,
        and to the blood of sprinkling,
        that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
Heb. 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus,
        that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

Rom. 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Rom. 6:4 Therefore we are BURIED with him BY BAPTISM into death: that LIKE AS CHRIST was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in NEWNESS OF LIFE [born again in spirit]
Rom. 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Rom. 6:16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey,
        his SERVANTS ye are to whom ye obey;
        whether of sin unto death,
        or of obedience unto righteousness?
Rom. 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin,
        but ye have OBEYED from the heart that FORM of doctrine which was delivered you.

OBEYED; 9. ὑπακούω hupakouo, hoop-ak-oo´-o; from 5259 and 191; to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority: — hearken, be obedient to, obey.

FORM IS; 5179. τύπος tupos, too´-pos; from 5180; a die (as struck), i.e. (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e. a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a sampler (“type”), i.e. a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning): — en-(ex-)ample, fashion, figure, form, manner, PATTERN, print.

Rom. 6:18 BEING THEN MADE FROM SIN became the servants of righteousness.
Rom. 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh:
        for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity;
        even so now YIELD your members SERVANTS to righteousness unto holiness.
Rom. 6:20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

Al Maxey Twisting Scripture

AL MAXEY FALSE CONCLUSION; Rom. 6:18 Being then made free from sin, [WITHOUT BAPTISM] ye became the servants of righteousness.
Rom. 6:19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
Rom. 6:20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

Rom. 10:7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
Rom. 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Rom. 10:9 That if thou shalt CONFESS with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
        and shalt BELIEVE in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

THIS IS AN ACTION ON THE PART OF THE BELIEVER

Rom. 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Rom. 10:13 For whosoever shall CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LOR shall be saved.

Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins,
        CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD

Rom. 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?
        and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?
         and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Rom. 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written,
        How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Is. 52:6 Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I.
Is. 52:7 ¶ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

2Th. 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1Pet. 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
1Pet. 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved,
        where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
1Pet. 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator
it is only mentioned in passing. Paul's point is: "you have been set free from sin" (vs. 18, 22); "

AL IS LITERALLY UNABLE TO READ:

Rom. 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin,
        but ye have OBEYED from the heart that FORM of doctrine which was delivered you.

we died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" (vs. 2). "Our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin --

ONLY BECAUSE:

Rom. 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

because anyone who has died has been freed from sin" (vs. 6-7).

BECAUSE:
Rom. 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him BY BAPTISM into death:
        that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of l

908. βάπτισμα baptisma, bap´-tis-mah; from 907; baptism (technically or figuratively): — baptism.
        907. βαπτίζω baptizo, bap-tid´-zo; from a derivative of 911; to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism: — Baptist, baptize, wash.
            911. βάπτω bapto, bap´-to; a primary verb; to whelm, i.e. cover wholly with a fluid; in the New Testament only in a qualified or special sense, i.e. (literally) to moisten (a part of one’s person), or (by implication) to stain (as with dye): — dip.

"Count yourself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin..." (vs. 11-13). "

Rom. 6:11 Likewise RECKON ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin,
        but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

RECKON 3049. λογίζομαι logizomai, log-id´-zom-ahee; middle voice from 3056; to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literally or figuratively): — conclude, (ac-)count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on).

g3056 LOGOS or the WORD: HERE IS WHAT YOU CANNOT DO AS RECKON

Logos computation, reckoning 2. statement of a theory, argument, ouk emeu alla tou l. akousantas prob. in Heraclit.50; logon ēde noēma amphis alētheiēs discourse and reflection on reality,
IV. inward debate of the soul, reflection, deliberation
Regulative and formative forces, derived from the intelligible and operative in the sensible universe,

Opposite to epithumia
A. desire, yearning, longing after a thing, desire of or for it, Theaomai :--gaze at, behold, mostly with a sense of wonder, 3. view as spectators
Opposite Pathos A. that which happens to a person or thing, incident, accident, Moralizing Rhetoric
Opposite Poiein to excite passion, Arist.Rh.1418a12; V. Rhet., emotional style or treatment,
Opposite Enthousi-astikos , ē, on, A. inspired, “phusis” Pl.Ti.71e; esp. by music,
Prose,  OPPOSITE -poiêsis, Id.R.390a;
OPPOSITE -poiêtikê, D.H.Comp.6; OPPOSITE poiêmata, onomatopoeic word
OPPOSITE emmetra Modus   2. The measure of tones, measure, rhythm, melody, harmony, time; in poetry, measure, metre, mode: Mūsĭcus a, um, adj., = mousikos.
X. the Word or Wisdom of God, personified as his agent in creation and world-government,

Theologians are doomed to call God a liar or INCOMPETENT. If God had wanted any kind of music in the tuneful sense He was INTELLIGIBLE But denied by C. Leonard Allen.

mousikos kai melōn poētēs” 2. generally, votary of the Muses, The Muses were the LOCUSTS unleashed with Apollon their "musical worship leaders." The Greek and Latin literature identifies them as dirty adulteresses

http://www.piney.com/DocHesTheog.html
[25] the Muses of Olympus, daughters of Zeus who holds the aegis: “Shepherds of the wilderness,
        wretched things of shame, mere bellies,
        we know how to speak many false things as though they were true;
        but we know, when we will, to utter true things.”
        ...and they bade me sing of the race of the blessed gods that are eternally,
                but ever to sing of themselves both first and last.
pharma^kon 3. enchanted potion, philtre: hence, charm, spell, Od.4.220 sq., Ar.Pl.302, [Circe, Church, Corinth mother of harlots] Theoc.2.15

The singers [Muses], instrument players and craftsmen as sorcerers in Revelation 18.
Rom. 6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye OBEY IT IN THE LUSTS THEREOF.
Rom. 6:13 Neither YIELD ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin:
        but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead,
        and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

Sin shall not be your master" (vs. 14). As those who have been set free in Christ Jesus; as those who are washed in His blood; as those who are cleansed -- we are now called to reflect that reality in our daily lives. As recipients of His grace we are to be reflectors of His holiness. Returning to a life of sin should be unthinkable to those who are now set free from it.

Thus, in this chapter, Paul twice asks: "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!" (vs. 1-2). "Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!" (vs. 15).

By virtue of His grace and through our faith,
        we have received the blessing of being united with Him in the likeness of His death and resurrection (vs. 5).
         "Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?" (vs. 3).

What is the significance of this death? Paul gives us the answer: "The death He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life He lives, He lives to God" (vs. 10).

Rom. 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, WORD OF FAITH which we preach;
Rom. 10:9 That if thou shalt CONFESS with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt BELIEVE in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Rom. 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the MOUTH CONFESSION is made unto salvation.
Rom. 10:13 For whosoever shall CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD shall be saved.
Rom. 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not BELIEVED?
        and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized,
        and wash away thy sins, CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD

Rom. 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written,
        How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace,
        and bring glad tidings of good things!
Rom. 10:16 But they have NOT ALL OBEYED THE GOSPEL.
        For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath BELIEVED our report?

In our spiritual UNION with our Savior, we also have died to sin that we might live "in newness of life" -- i.e., lives of purity and holiness, reflecting His nature rather than our own.

Gal. 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Gal. 3:27 For [ENIM=WHAT I MEAN IS THAT] as many of you as have been BAPTIZED into Christ have PUT ON CHRIST.

Paul is reminding the disciples in Rome that their baptism symbolizes this great reality,

AGAIN, BAPTISM IS OBEYING THE ANTITYPE OF THE DEATH, BURIAL AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS AND HIS BAPTISM TO SANCTIFY OR MAKE HIS SPIRIT HOLY.

2Th. 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God,
        and that OBEY NOT THE GOSPEL of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1Pet. 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us,
        what shall the end be of them that OBEY NOT THE GOSPEL OF GOD?

Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? ARISE, and BE BAPTIZED
        and wash away thy sins, CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD

g907. βαπτίζω baptizo, bap-tid´-zo; from a derivative of 911; to IMMERSE, SUBMERGE, TO MAKE WHELMED,(i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism: — Baptist, baptize, wash.
        911. βάπτω bapto, bap´-to; a primary verb; to whelm, i.e. cover wholly with a fluid; in the New Testament only in a qualified or special sense, i.e. (literally) to moisten (a part of one’s person), or (by implication) to stain (as with dye): — dip.

      g628. ἀπολούω apolouo, ap-ol-oo´-o; from 575 and 3068; TO WAS FULLY, i.e. (figuratively) have remitted (reflexively):
                — wash (away).

3068. λούω louo, loo´-o; a primary VERB; to BATHE (the whole person; whereas 3538 means to wet a part only, and 4150 to wash, cleanse garments exclusively): — wash.

WHATEVER YOU HALLUCINATE, IF YOU DON'T TAKE A BATH LITERALLY YOU STILL STINK.

and they need to be conducting themselves according to the Great Reality they reflected in that rite. In their immersion they validated their faith in our Lord's death, burial (entombment) and resurrection,

FAITH MEANS TO COMPLY ACTIVELY

and all that His act signifies; now, in their daily lives, they need to continually reflect this reality in a visible manner to the world about them. They are ambassadors of grace, children of God, and they need to behave as such.

"We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may LIVE A NEW LIFE" (vs. 4).

YOU CANNOT LIVE A NEW LIFE UNLESS WE ARE BORN AGAIN.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
        Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old?
        can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
            Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
John 3:6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Henry Alford: "There can be no doubt, on any honest interpretation of the words, that 'born of water' refers to the token or outward sign of baptism 'born of spirit' to the thing signified, or inward grace of the Holy Spirit. All attempts to get rid of these two plain facts have sprung from doctrinal prejudices, by which the views of expositors have been warped. Such we have in Calvin." (Alford's Greek Testament, Vol. 1, p. 714).

B. F. Westcott: "It can, then, scarcely be questioned that as Nicodemus heard the words, water carried with it a reference to John's baptism, which was a divinely appointed rite (i.33), gathering up into itself and investing with a new importance all the lustral baptisms of the Jews." (The Gospel According To John, p. 50).

A. T. Robertson: "We are puzzled by the placing of 'water' here before 'Spirit' as a necessity to entering the Kingdom of God. But Nicodemas was troubled about 'Spirit.' He was thinking only of the physical birth. On the whole it is probable that by 'water' Jesus refers to baptism. John the Baptist preached repentance and practiced the baptism of those who confessed their sins." (Minor Characters In The New Testament, p. 6).

H. A. W. Meyer: "water, inasmuch as the man is baptized therewith (1 John v. 7, 8; Eph. v. 26) for the forgiveness of sins (Acts ii. 33, xxii.16; 2 Cor. vi. 11), and spirit, inasmuch as the Holy Ghost is given to the person baptized in order to his spiritual renewal and sanctification" (Critical And Exegetical Hand-Book To The Gospel Of John, p. 123).
Paul is nowhere in this chapter saying that baptism in water SAVES us; nor does he even suggest that we "contact the blood" of the Savior in the baptistery.

Rom. 6:17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin,
        but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Rom. 6:18 BEING THEN MADE FREE FROM SIN,
        ye became the servants of righteousness

1Pet. 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father,
        through sanctification of the Spirit, [Receiving A holy spirit]
         unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Heb. 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

38. ἁγιασμός hagiasmos, hag-ee-as-mos´; from 37; properly, purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concretely (by Hebraism) a purifier: — holiness, sanctification.
7. ἁγιάζω hagiazo, hag-ee-ad´-zo; from 40; to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate: — hallow, be holy, sanctify.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
        40. ἅγιος hagios, hag´-ee-os; from ἅγος hagos (an awful thing) (compare 53, 2282); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated): — (most) holy (one, thing), saint.

1Pet. 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
1Pet. 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:

In our baptism we have publicly committed ourselves, in a visible profession of faith, to living lives "dead to sin" and devoted to righteousness and holiness. Baptism is an act of faith, but it is also, in some ways, a vow. In this act of faith in what He has done for us, we vow, in a very public, visible manner, to die to self and live for Him. Don't we also do the same in the wedding ceremony? A man and woman, in a very public manner, vow to die to self and live for the other! Is that ceremony (or some precise point within it) what unites this man and women in a covenant with one another before their God? Covenant takes place IN THE HEART, and that covenant was entered into before they "walked down the aisle." Yes, this public profession is important and has a place as a "point of public remembrance," but it reflects and represents a reality already present within the hearts of this man and woman prior to this ceremony. It is the same with baptism (although this statement will not sit well with the sacramentalists).

The Pulpit Commentary indicates that in Romans 6 Paul is describing baptism as a "ceremony wherein each believer indicates his close relationship to the Savior" [vol. 18, p. 174]. "Baptism is a symbol of an altered life, and speaks eloquently of a changed attitude to sin and the world" [ibid]. "The grand point is, that this baptism represents our death to sin, and our obligation to walk in newness of life: without which, of what use can it or any other rite be?" [Adam Clarke, Clarke's Commentary, vol. 6, p. 76]. Paul informs the Romans that in their baptism they made a vow to the One who had saved them: a vow to die to sin and live to God. By their participatory reenactment of the Lord's death, burial (entombment) and resurrection, they not only evidenced their faith in His saving act on their behalf, but they demonstrated their willingness to walk in newness of life. Paul reminds them of their evidentiary act, and calls them to live accordingly! "The fact that every follower of Christ has died to sin is shown by his baptism. All its symbolisms point to death" [B. W. Johnson, The People's New Testament with Explanatory Notes, vol. 2, p. 33]. In this rite, these saved believers not only acknowledged His selfless death for them, but their own willingness to die to self daily for Him. In many ways, baptism is a symbol of self-sacrifice and selfless service to Him. It is a "principle of solidarity" with His redemptive act, and "Paul uses baptism to illustrate this vital union with Christ in His death (Romans 6:4), though baptism does not accomplish it" [The Expositor's Bible Commentary, vol. 10, p. 69].

Nevertheless, some want to make more of baptism than is declared in Scripture, and in so doing they make this beautiful symbolic reenactment into a repugnant religious rite.

BAPTISM IS A INSTRUMENTAL REENACTMANT AS THE ONLY WAY TO ASK FOR SALVATION, OUR SPIRIT MADE PERFECT WITHOUT NO ONE CAN READ BLACK TEXT ON BROWN PAPER

Heb. 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, [Church of Christ]
        which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all,
        and to the SPIRITS OF JUST MEN MADE PERFECT

Col. 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness,
        and hath TRANSLATED us into the KINGDOM of his dear Son:

"It is a tragedy that Paul's majestic picture here has been so blurred by controversy that some refuse to see it. It should be said that a symbol is not the reality, but the picture of the reality" [Dr. A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament, e-Sword]. Dr. William G. T. Shedd, a noted Greek scholar and "one of the greatest theologians of the 1800's," observed, with respect to this passage (and its companion passage in Col. 2:11-13), "The rite of baptism is a sign and authenticating seal that by faith he has been made one with Christ in respect to Christ's death. Baptism signifies that by faith he has been laid in the tomb with Christ.

Baptism is not the efficient cause of that union with Christ whereby the believer dies with Him in His atoning death, and is buried with Him. The efficient cause is the Holy Spirit, in regeneration.

1.Peter.3.21.Baptism.Saves.Us.html

1 Pet. 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust,
        that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh,
        but QUICKENED by the Spirit:
1Pet. 3:19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
1Pet. 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah,
        while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
1Pet. 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:

ANSWER IS; 905. ἐπερωτάω eperotao, ep-er-o-tah´-o; from 1909 and 2065; to ask for, i.e. inquire, seek: — ask (after, questions), demand, desire, question.

1906. ἐπερώτημα eperotema, ep-er-o´-tay-mah; from 1905; an inquiry: — answer.

FIGURE: 499. ἀντίτυπον ANTItupon, an-teet´-oo-pon; neuter of a compound of 473 and 5179; corresponding (“antitype”), i.e. a representative, counterpart: — (like) figure (whereunto).

g473. ἀντί anti, an-tee´; a primary particle; opposite, i.e. instead or because of (rarely in addition to): — for, in the room of. Often used in composition to denote contrast, requital, substitution, correspondence, etc

THE TYPE WAS THE DEATH, BURIAL, REGENERATION AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS.

TYPE g5179. τύπος tupos, too´-pos; from 5180; a die (as struck), i.e. (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e. a statue, (figuratively) style or resemblance; specially, a sampler (“type”), i.e. a model (for imitation) or instance (for warning): — en-(ex-)ample, fashion, figure, form, manner, pattern, print

Grace is that you can be regenerated by the washing of water OR you can die on the cross

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent,
        and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ
        for the remission of sins, [Eis never means because of]
        and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [A holy spirit and and citizenship in the invisible kingdom]
Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you,
        and to your children, and to all that are afar off,
        even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Many (almost all the ECUMENICAL) are called but few (close to zero of the SECT called the WAY). Jesus doesn't pray for the WORLD who are ruled by Satan as the Viper Race and cannot be baptized. They cannot receive the Word or Logos or Regulative principle because they are OF the World.

Acts 2:40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying,
        Save yourselves from this untoward [CROOKED] generation.
Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:
        and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people.
        And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Al Maxey: This text, as far as I can see, says absolutely nothing in behalf of immersion in baptism; but is rather, from the circumstance mentioned above, in favor of sprinkling" [Clarke's Commentary, vol. 6, p. 862].

Heb. 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,
        having our hearts sprinkled FROM an evil CONSCIENCE [BY GOD],
        and our bodies WASHED with pure water.

WASHED g3068. λούω louo, loo´-o; a primary verb; to bathe (the whole person; whereas 3538 means to wet a part only, and 4150 to wash, cleanse garments exclusively): — wash.

g4150. πλύνω pluno, ploo´-no; a prolonged form of an obsolete πλύω pluo (to “flow”); to “plunge”, i.e. launder clothing: — wash. Compare 3068, 3538.

PURE: 2513. καθαρός katharos, kath-ar-os´; of uncertain affinity; clean (literally or figuratively): — clean, clear, pure.
g2514. καθαρότης katharotes, kath-ar-ot´-ace; from 2513; cleanness (ceremonially): — purification.

WATER H²0: g5204. ὕδωρ hudor, hoo´-dore, and genitive case,
    ὕδατος hudatos, hoo´-dat-os, etc; . from the base of 5205; water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively: — water

Clark
There are many difficulties in this verse; but the simple meaning of the place may be easily apprehended.
        Noah believed in God; walked uprightly before him, and found grace in his sight;
        he obeyed him in building the ark,
        and God made it the means of his salvation from the waters of the deluge.

Now as the waters of the flood could not have saved Noah and his family,
        had they not made use of the ark; [SILLY]
        so the water of baptism saves no man,
            but as it is the MEANS of his getting his heart purified by the Holy Spirit,
              and typifying to him that purification.

WORDS TRANSLATED SPIRIT IN HEBREW, GREEK, LATIN OR ENGLISH HAS NEVER AND CAN NEVER BE THE NAME OF A GOD OR PERSON,.

SPIRIT IS: h7307. רוּחַ ruwach, roo´-akh; from 7306;
        WIND; by resemblance BREATH, i.e. a sensible (or even violent) exhalation;
        FIGURATIVELY:, life, anger, unsubstantiality;
        BY EXTENSION, a region of the sky;
        BY RESEMBLANCE SPIRIT,
             BUT only OF a RATIONAL BEING including its expression and functions):— air, anger, blast, BREATH, MIND

Speaking of Messiah who lived in the spiritual or "heavenly" relationship with God, His Father "In whom we may live, move and have our being"

Is. 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:
Is. 11:2 And the SPIRIT OF THE LORD SHALL REST UPON HIM
         the SPIRIT OF wisdom and understanding,
         the SPIRIT OF counsel and might,
         the SPIRIT OF knowledge and OF the fear of the LORD;
Is. 11:3 And shall make him of quick understanding [SPIRIT] in the fear of the LORD:
        and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes,
        neither reprove after the hearing of his ears:
Is. 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor,
        and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth:
        and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his MOUTH,
        and with the BREATH [SPIRIT] of his lips shall he slay the wicked.

JESUS AFFIRMS THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD GOD.

Luke 4:18 The SPIRIT OF THE LORD GOD is UPON ME,
        because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor;
        he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives,
        and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

1Pet. 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient,
        When once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing,
        wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
1Pet. 3:21 The like figure whereunto even BAPTISM DOETH ALSO NOT SAVE US
     (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh,
     but the answer [REQUEST, CALLING] of a good CONSCIENCE toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

g4893. συνείδησις suneidesis, soon-i´-day-sis; from a prolonged form of 4894; co-perception, i.e. moral consciousness: — conscience.
    g4894. συνείδω suneido, soon-i´-do; from 4862 and 1492; to see completely; used (like its primary) only in two past tenses, respectively meaning to understand or become aware, and to be conscious or (clandestinely) informed of: — consider, know, be privy, be ware of.

Ezek. 11:19 And I will give them one heart,
        and I will put a NEW SPIRIT within you; [A holy spirit]
        and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh,
        and will give them an heart of flesh:
Ezek. 36:27 And I will put MY SPIRIT within you,
        and CAUSE you to walk in MY statutes,
        and ye shall keep MY judgments, and do them.

1Pet. 1:21 Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory;        that your faith and hope might be in God.
1Pet. 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your SOULS
        in obeying the TRUTH through the SPIRIT
        unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

PURIFIED: 48. ἁγνίζω hagnizo, hag-nid´-zo; from 53; to make clean, i.e. (figuratively) sanctify (ceremonially or morally): — purify (self).
    g53. ἁγνός hagnos, hag-nos´; from the same as 40; properly, clean, i.e. (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect: — chaste, clean, pure.
            40. ἅγιος hagios, hag´-ee-os; from ἅγος hagos (an awful thing) (compare 53, 2282); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated): — (most) holy (one, thing), saint. t

2Th. 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God,
        and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
1Pet. 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the HOUSE OF GOD
        and if it first begin at us,
        what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

1Tim. 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God,
        which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Dr. Charles J. Ellicott observes that this is "an expression which has caused almost as much difficulty as any in the New Testament" [Ellicott's Commentary on the Whole Bible, vol. 8, p. 422].

"As the passage of Israel through the Red Sea is described as a baptism (1 Corinthians 10:2) because it marked their transition from the state of bondage to a new national life, and left their enemies destroyed in the water, so Noe’s safe passage through the Flood is a type of baptism, because it was a regeneration of humanity, it was a destruction of the carnal, sensual element (Genesis 6:3. “he also is flesh”), it washed the human race from its pollutions, and man rose to a new and more spiritual existence for the time being, with the bow for a sign of a perpetual covenant made.

So baptism is a destruction and death to the flesh, but a new life to the spirit. It must be observed how carefully St. Peter expresses the permanent effect of baptism by the present tense “saveth:” not “saved you,” nor “hath saved you;” it is a living and ever present fact, the “everlasting benediction of His heavenly washing;” it washes the neophyte not from past sins ONLY, but from those which he afterwards commits, if only he still repents and believes.

4) There is, however, another version for which a still better case can be made out: viz., “demand.” It is true that the verb eperôtân more frequently means “to ask” a question than “to ask” a boon, expecting a verbal response rather than a practical one; but it is once used in the New Testament in the latter sense (Matthew 16:1), and in the Old Testament also (as Psalms 137:3). And the only other instance of the word eperôtêma in inspired literature makes for this view. This occurs in Daniel 4:17, where the English has “demand,” and the Latin petitio.

1905. ἐπερωτάω eperotao, ep-er-o-tah´-o; from 1909 and 2065; to ask for, i.e. inquire, seek: — ask (after, questions), demand, desire, question.

The last seems both the clearest in itself, the best antithesis to the balancing clause, and the most in keeping with the context. It will then be: “Noah’s flood, in antitype, to this day saves you—that is to say, baptism, which is no cleansing of the skin from dirt, but an application to God for a clear conscience.” A “good conscience,” in this case, will not mean an honest frame of mind, but a consciousness of having nothing against you, such as would come to even the chief of sinners from the baptismal remission of sins. “

It is here that the spiritual and the sacramentarian theories of baptism find their point of divergence. Baptism is a sign that the soul is already united to Christ" [A Critical and Doctrinal Commentary on the Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans, p. 152]. The Greek scholar Dr. W. Robertson Nicoll concurs, and ties this thought to the overall context of Paul's message to the Romans: "The real argument which unites chapters 3-5 to chapters 6-8 is this: JUSTIFYING FAITH looking to Christ and His death, really unites us to Him who died and rose again, as the symbolism of baptism shows to every Christian" [The Expositor's Greek Testament, vol. 2, p. 632].

Through Jesus, God refuted the Jews who became ceremonially impure by, for example, eating pork. The Jews, therefore, declared that a Gentile could not be baptized until they were circumcised to become a Jew.

Acts 10:13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
Acts 10:14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
Acts 10:15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time,
        What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

2511. καθαρίζω katharizo, kath-ar-id´-zo; from 2513; to cleanse (literally or figuratively): — (make) clean(-se), purge, purify.

Acts 10:22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a JUST MAN, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

CORNELIUS WAS ALREADY JUST OR JUSTIFIED;
g1342. δίκαιος dikaios, dik´-ah-yos; from 1349; equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively): — just, meet, right(-eous).
        g1349. δίκη dike, dee´-kay; probably from 1166; right (as self-evident), i.e. justice (the principle, a decision, or its execution): — judgment, punish, vengeance.

Rom. 3:24 Being JUSTIFIED freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
g1344. δικαιόω dikaioo, dik-ah-yo´-o; from 1342; to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent: — free, justify(-ier), be righteous

Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

1343. δικαιοσύνη dikaiosune, dik-ah-yos-oo´-nay; from 1342; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification: — righteousness.

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost FELL on all them which heard the word.

WHEN THE SPIRIT OF GOD COMES UPON A PERSON THE RESULT IS THAT THEY SPEAK WORDS.

Epipiptō, fell upon or over of storms, toisi barbaroisi ho borēs epepese ib.189; “kheimōn epipesōn” Pl.Prt. 344d; of winds meeting one another, dialogismoi epipiptousi tini” Plut. Oth. 9
II.. fall upon in hostile sense, attack, assail, “tini” Hdt.4.105, driven from their country by snakes.
This concept is not pretty and is a sign of judgment against the doubting Jews.

Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with
        Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was POURED out the gift of the Holy Ghost

POURED effundo “procellam eloquentiae, ,” Verg. A. 5, 723: “questus,” id. ib. 5, 780: “carmina,” Ov. H. 12, 139 al.: “vox in coronam turbamque effunditur “cultus in verbis,” Quint. 3, 8, 58.—Sup.: “laudationes,”
WHEN GOD BESTOWS HIS SPIRIT IS CAUSES ONE TO SPEAK; IT DOES NOT SAVE A PERSON

Acts 10:46 FOR they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Acts 10:47 Can any man FORBID WATER, that these should not be baptized,
        which have RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIRIT as well as we?
Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be BAPTIZED in the name of the Lord.
        Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 11:1 And the apostles and brethren that were in
        Judaea heard that the GENTILES HAD ALSO RECEIVED THE WORD OF GOD

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly RECEIVED HIS WORD were BAPTIZED:
        and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

John 6:63 It is the SPIRIT that quickeneth;
        the flesh profiteth nothing:
        the WORDS that I SPEAK unto you,
        they are SPIRIT, and they are life.

John 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth,
         but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life,
                which the Son of man shall give unto you:
                for him hath God the Father sealed.
2Cor. 1:22 Who hath also SEALED us, and given the EARNEST of the SPIRIT in our hearts.
Eph. 1:13 In whom ye also trusted,
        after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation:
        in whom also after that ye believed,
        ye were SEALED with that HOLY SPIRIT OF PROMISE,
Eph. 4:30 And grieve not the HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD
        whereby ye are SEALED unto the day of redemption.

Rom. 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his RIGHTEOUSNESS: that he might be just,
        and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
Rom. 3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. BY WHAT LAW? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
Rom. 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith WITHOUT THE DEEDS OF THE LAW .
Rom. 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
Rom. 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
Rom. 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

Col. 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Col. 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised
        with the CIRCUMCISION made without hands,
        in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Col. 2:12 BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM,
        wherein also YE ARE RISEN WITH through the faith of the operation of God,
        who hath raised him from the dead.
Col. 2:13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh,
        hath he quickened [given A holy spirit] together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

ABRAHAM WAS JUSTIFIED BY HIS ACTIONS, BUT NOT ACCORDING TO THE LAW.

Rom. 4:1 ¶ What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
Rom. 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
Rom. 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness

g1347. δικαίωσις dikaiosis, dik-ah´-yo-sis; from 1344; aquittal (for Christ’s sake): — justification.
     g1344. δικαιόω dikaioo, dik-ah-yo´-o; from 1342; to render (i.e. show or regard as) just or innocent: — free, justify(-ier), be righteous.

1Pet. 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:

NOTICE HOW ABRAHAM WAS JUSTIFIED

Gen. 26:3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;
Gen. 26:4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven,
        and will give unto thy seed all these countries;
        and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
Gen. 26:5 BECAUSE that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.
Gen. 26:6 ¶ And Isaac dwelt in Gerar:

Psa. 15:1 ¶ LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
Psa. 15:2 He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.
Is. 64:5 Thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteousness, those that remember thee in thy ways: behold, thou art wroth; for we have sinned: in those is continuance, and we shall be saved.
Acts 10:35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

Perhaps the well-known motivational Christian author Charles R. Swindoll summed it up best: "I want to make this clear because some claim that grace and the promises of salvation are received through a pool of water and not through faith alone. Paul labored to establish the truth that circumcision -- an important symbol of Jewish participation in God's covenant with Abraham -- does not have the power to save anyone. Circumcision is a 'notary seal' intended to verify the authenticity of one's faith. Remember that it was Abraham's faith that was credited to him as righteousness.

BEING RIGHTEOUS DOES NOT MAKE ONE A COVENANT CITIZEN OF THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST.

Gen. 17:13 He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money,
        must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
Gen. 17:14 And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised,
        that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.

Gen. 26:3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;
Gen. 26:4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;
Gen. 26:5 BECAUSE that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.

Similarly, water baptism -- an important symbol of Christian participation in God's new covenant through Christ -- does not have the power to save anyone. Water baptism is a 'notary seal' that verifies the authenticity of one's spiritual baptism into Christ" [Swindoll's New Testament Insights: Insights on Romans, p. 134]. Some of you will choke on, and not be able to get past, the phrase "faith alone" in the above statement. But, please understand what Swindoll means by that. He is not excluding grace, nor is he suggesting various acts motivated by faith are unimportant. He is merely emphasizing that salvation is by grace through faith ... period. The tendency of men is to ADD various acts TO this God-given equation in order to achieve the result of salvation. Thus, we want to ADD outward conditions to inward convictions. The Scriptures indicate we are saved by grace through faith -- NO additions to this are needed on our part! Yes, we then spend our lives evidencing the reality of that faith, and this we do in countless ways and in various acts (baptism being one of them). May we never fall into the Satanic trap, however, of elevating a symbol to a sacrament. To do so diminishes and defames the very Gospel we claim to proclaim! — AL MAXEY

OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE NOT AND REJECT BAPTISM;

2. comply, OPPOSITE to APISTEO

A. [7] Periander, [apistiês] skeptical,
B. kept him in confinement, letting him go nowhere, and waited for the sailors.
Those who COMPLY NOT Apist-eô I. disbelieve, distrust, was distrusted, i.e. no one could be sure of knowing,

II. = apeitheô, disobey, to be DISOBEDIENT, they refuse to comply, They are not to be trusted, and so of persons and their acts, not trusty, faithless, Act., mistrustful, incredulous, suspicious, Treacherously, cause to REVOLT from. also kleptô meaning: seize or occupy secretly, effect or bring about clandestinely, gamon, to be 'smuggled in' get rid of imperceptib
Eph. 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance,
        being predestinated according to the purpose of him
        who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
Eph. 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, WHO FIRST TRUSTED IN CHRIST
Eph. 1:13 In whom ye also TRUSTED,
        after that ye HEARD THE WORD OF TRUTH,
        the gospel of your SALVATION:
        in whom also after that ye BELIEVED,
        ye were SEALED with THAT holy Spirit of promise,

TRUSTED 1679. ἐλπίζω elpizo, el-pid´-zo; from 1680; to expect or confide: — (have, thing) hope(-d) (for), trust.
        1680. ἐλπίς elpis, el-pece´; from a primary ἔλπω elpo (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation
         (abstractly or concretely) or confidence: — faith, hope.
BELIEVED: 4100. πιστεύω pisteuo, pist-yoo´-o; from 4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well-being to Christ): — believe(-r), commit (to trust), PUT in trust with.

Heb. 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death;
        and was not found, because God had translated him:
        for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Gen. 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

WALKED: h1980. הָלַךְ halak, haw-lak´; akin to 3212; a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively):—(all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, + be eased, enter, exercise (self), + follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), + greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, x
    h212. יָלַךְ yalak, yaw-lak´; a primitive root (compare 1980); to walk (literally or figuratively); causatively, to carry (in various senses):—x again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, + follow(-ing),

Heb. 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

James 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren,
        Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith,
        and heirs of the kingdom which
        he hath promised to them that love him?
James 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
James 2:18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works:
        shew me thy faith without thy works,
        and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God;
        thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man,
         that faith without works is dead?


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BW Wayne

khristos II. of persons, anointed, ho hiereus ho kh. ib.4.5,16, 6.22: pl., ib.2 Ma.1.10.