Bible Terms - Part 2
Is it possible to be saved without the baptism of Jesus?
Not any more. Prior to Jesus' coming, people were saved if they were a descendant of Abraham, circumcised in Heart.
What about the Baptism of John?
Johns baptism was a forerunner of Jesus' Baptism. It was offered only to the Jews for a short period and has now been replaced by the Baptism of Jesus which is for both Jew and Gentile alike.
Who was John preaching to?
John was preaching to the Jews only.
What will happen to God's people in Old Testament times?
They will be saved if they were circumcised in heart by the Spirit.
What is the difference between baptism by the Spirit and Circumcision by the Spirit?
Baptism in the Spirit is available to all who ask for it. Sin is dealt with by the blood of Jesus once and for all.
Circumcision by the Spirit is for Abraham's household including his slaves. Sin is dealt with by the blood of animals offered to God on a regular basis indefinitely.
Who was Baptism and Circumcision intended for?
Baptism in the Spirit is for both Jews and Gentiles and has been available since Pentecost for the Jews and Acts 10 for the Gentiles. The Samaritans received the Spirit in Acts 8. Interestingly, the Samaritans were half Jews and half Gentiles.
Circumcision of the heart by the Spirit was for Abraham's descendants and his household, including his slaves.
Can you be Born Again by Baptism and Circumcision?
Baptism in the Spirit is the only way for Gentiles to be born again. This happens when they believe and invite Christ into their heart. Baptism in water should then follow shortly afterwards.
As a Jew, you are born of the Spirit by being circumcised in heart by the Spirit. Children of believers were circumcised outwardly on day eight but became uncircumcised in heart if they did not believe when they grew up. It is likely that the same principal applies to Baptism of Gentile believers' children but there are no guidelines for this in the Bible.
As long as you are Born Again, it doesn't matter how you got Born Again. However, I would much rather be under the new covenant than the old covenant. Fancy having to sacrifice sheep and goats all the time?? Since the Baptism of John, however, it may no longer be necessary for Jews to sacrifice animals for sin.
Is 'Born Again' the same as receiving the Spirit?
Yes.
Are 'Regeneration' and 'Baptism in the Spirit' the same thing?
Yes, but I would not advise people to neglect the water aspect of being Born Again.
What is the evidence of regeneration in a person's life?
Fruit, gifts, signs. Most importantly repentance and praising God.
What does filled with the Spirit mean?
We need to be filled with the Spirit in order to bear fruit and please God. If we do not regularly turn to God for answers and praise him in worship, we will run dry, just like the foolish virgins.
What are the fruit of being Filled with the Spirit?
Galatians 5 tells us that the fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness and Self Control.