Tag: Randall M. Tidmore

What do you think about the Christ?

What do you think about the Christ?

Matthew 22:42-46 saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” They said to Him, “[The Son] of David.” He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying: ‘The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool” ‘? “If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his Son?” And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.

The question is one of great importance. What we think of Christ, and what we do with Christ, will determine our eternal destination.

“Christ” in the Greek, and “Messiah” in the Hebrew, both mean “anointed,” and refer to God’s special, anointed one, Jesus. What the Jews thought of their awaited “Messiah” affected their ability to recognize Him, when He came. Similarly, what we think of the Christ influences us to either accept or reject Him.

The Jews needed help with their analysis of the Christ. Their view of Him being the son of David was incomplete. They had overlooked the inspired evidence that He also was called David’s Lord. We should examine all of the evidence concerning the Christ, and then form our opinion of Him. It seems to me, that we must think of Christ in one of three ways: He was a liar, or a lunatic, or He is indeed the Lord of Heaven. Look at these three possibilities.

Was He a liar? *

Some reject Him, while thinking they accept Him. They say he was a prophet, but just a prophet. Some say that He was a good man. Some claim to respect Him, even revere Him as a true prophet from God. They say it is mandatory to do so in their religion. But, as good as these things may seem on the surface, they in fact reject the Christ. How? They reject part of what He claimed to be.

Jesus did not claim to be just a prophet, nor just a good man. He claimed to have come from Heaven.

Matthew 19:16-17 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one [is] good but One, [that is,] God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”

John 6:32-38 Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.” And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

He claimed to be eternal.

John 8:58 Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

John 17:1-5 Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You, 2 “as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. 5 “And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. (NKJV)

He claimed that He was the Son of God.

Mark 14:61-62 But He kept silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” (NKJV)

He claimed that He was returning to His God, and His Father.

John 16:28 “I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.” (NKJV)

John 20:17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and [to] My God and your God.’ ” (NKJV)

If any of these is not true, then none are true. He was a liar, not a good man, nor a prophet from God, but a liar. This would make Him the greatest “con-man” of all time. It would mean that He pulled off the biggest “scam” ever. There is no middle ground here. Either He was what He claimed to be, or He was lying. He was not a good person, unless we consider Him innocent by reason of insanity.

Was He a lunatic?

The religious leaders of the Jews, when they failed to catch Him in a lie, tried to find Him “insane.”

They blasphemed the Holy Spirit.

Mark 3:30 because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.” (NKJV)

Matthew 12:22-32 (Note v.23: “Could this be the Son of David?”)

They Claimed He had a demon.

John 7:20 The people answered and said, “You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?” (NKJV)

John 8:48-52 Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not say rightly that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon; but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50 “And I do not seek My [own] glory; there is One who seeks and judges. 51 “Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.” 52 Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ (NKJV)

They claimed He had a demon AND was “mad.”

John 10:20 And many of them said, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?” (NKJV)

“Mad” – 3105 mainomai {mah’-ee-nom-ahee} middle voice from a primary mao (to long for, through the idea of insensate craving); TDNT – 4:360,548; v; AV – be mad 4, be beside (one’s) self 1; 5 times total; 1) to be mad, to rave; 1a) of one who so speaks that he seems not to be in his right mind.

It is the same Greek word used in:

1 Corinthians 14:23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? (NKJV)

If He was not lying, nor crazy, then He truly is “Lord of Lords and King of Kings!

External evidence (non-biblical)

The universe, as a whole, or dissected to the point of splitting an atom, which scientist have called “discovering another universe,” perfection, order, precision are found. This demands a Maker who consists of perfection, order, and precision.

Archaeological finds, defend the Bible accounts of history, city locations, long extinct, other writings, too much to examine at one sitting.

The Flood: Continents inhabited by people unknown by the inhabitants of other continents have had handed down the story of the Great flood. (Peter said some people are willingly ignorant of the flood. It can not be denied)

Man’s makeup and character: Man alone seeks to worship a higher power.

Man was made in God’s image, a moral being.

He has a spirit, which came from God, and will return to God. This spirit longs to worship God. All cultures and societies known to exist or to have existed, have had some form of worship.

Jesus, actually lived, actually preached, actually was crucified. His influence on the world is unequaled. Many “would be prophets” have a great number of followers, however, none have done for mankind what people influenced by Jesus have done.

Where are the hospitals all over the world, that have been built by the atheists, agnostics, Muslims, non-Christian Jews, etc.?
Where are the universities throughout the world that are built to honor these other “great men”?
Where are the non-profit, worldwide, relief and disaster organizations that serve mankind because of the influence that these other “great men” have had on them?
Where are the countries that mark their calendars as “before some other great man,” giving recognition to one of these other “great men”?

NOTE: Even though some use “BCE” (before common era), trying to avoid admitting the influence that Jesus, the Christ has had on the world, why did this “common era” start at the year (as best they could calculate it at the time) of the birth of Jesus?

Internal evidence

The many Old Testament prophecies, written hundreds of years before Jesus was born, prophesied of the coming Messiah. Jesus fulfilled every one of them.

Deuteronomy 18:15-19 The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear, 16 “according to all you desired of the LORD your God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, nor let me see this great fire anymore, lest I die.’ 17 “And the LORD said to me: ‘What they have spoken is good. 18 ‘I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. 19 ‘And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him. (NKJV)

Acts 3:22-23 “For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. 23 ‘And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ (NKJV)

Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; (NKJV)

Hebrews 2:1-4 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? (NKJV)

The Father testified to His deity.

At His baptism:

Matthew 3:16-17 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. 17 And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (NKJV)

At the transfiguration:

Mark 9:5-7 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” — 6 because he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. 7 And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” (NKJV)

The Holy Spirit was His witness.

Acts 5:30-32 “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. 31 “Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 “And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.” (NKJV)

His miracles prove His deity.
(Water to wine, healed all manner of diseases and birth defects, walked on water, fed over 5,000 people with a boy’s lunch, raised the dead, read people’s mind, told people everything about their past, cast out demons, etc….)

His teaching.

His authority

Matthew 7:28-29 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (NKJV)

The wisdom of the parables.

Matthew 13:11-15 He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. 12 “For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 13 “Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 “And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: ‘Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; 15 For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.’ (NKJV)

Mark 4:11-12 And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, 12 “so that ‘Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not understand; Lest they should turn, And their sins be forgiven them.’ ” (NKJV)

His Sermon on the mount is considered a masterpiece of teaching.

His prophesies:
(Peter’s denial, Peter’s manner of death, His own death, burial, and resurrection, suffering of the saints, destruction of Jerusalem, the coming of false prophets, teachers and christs.)

His impeccable character: Sinlessness, without guile.

The change He made on His disciples.

Acts 4:13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. (NKJV)

The following words of a song demonstrate this idea: **

“Please don’t tell my daddy, that Jesus isn’t real,
Please don’t make him like he was before.
Since Jesus changed my daddy, he good to me and Bill,
And he don’t hit my mommy anymore.”

The change He has made in my own life!
As I learn to lean on Him and prove Him over and over. As He lifts me out of the depths of depression. As He teaches me to trust Him and His grace and providence.

Conclusion:

Atheist talk of “black holes and vacuums,” for their explanation of making “something from nothing.” Tell me where the black hole came from and who painted it black! They stand in the darkness of their “black hole theories” and the vacuum is between their ears!

The Christian has been translated from the power of darkness.

Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, (NKJV)

2 Corinthians 4:1-6 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (NKJV)

* The idea for the basic three main points in this study came from a lesson I heard William L. St. John give. I know that Josh McDowell has the same principle in his book, “Evidence that demands a verdict.” Any other similarity to these or other works is simply coincidental.

** I do not know who wrote this song. The Inspirations sang it on a cassette tape that I had.

Forgiving one another

Forgiving one another
*By Randall M. Tidmore*

	Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. (NKJV)
One characteristic of our sinful human nature is the tendency to hold a grudge. We are tempted to hate our enemies, and speak evil of those who mistreat us, but Jesus says to love them.
	Matthew 5:43-48 You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect. (NKJV)
Vengeance can be a strong temptation, and some succumb to its allure, but God says that vengeance belongs to Him.
	Romans 12:17-21 Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord. Therefore if your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NKJV)
There are specific biblical principles that must govern the way we forgive others. Although they are not always easy to employ, they are not optional!
Why we must forgive.
In order to be forgiven. Jesus taught:
	Matthew 6:12 and forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. (NKJV)Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (NKJV) Mark 11:25-26 And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses. (NKJV)
All have sinned and, therefore, need forgiveness.
	Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (NKJV)1 John 1:7-10 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. (NKJV)
We must all face judgment.
	Acts 17:30-31 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead. (NKJV)
How we are to forgive others. The heart is involved.
	Matthew 18:35 So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses. (NKJV)
There are some things that must be removed from the heart.
	Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. (NKJV)
The heart must be kept tender.
	Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. (NKJV)
Sin begins in the heart.
	Matthew 15:18-19 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. (NKJV)
Man’s heart is like a warehouse, where he stores what he chooses.
	Matthew 12:33-35 Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. (NKJV)
His treasures can be heavenly or evil.
	Matthew 6:20-21 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NKJV)Romans 2:5-6 But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each one according to his deeds : (NKJV)
The heart can be trained.
	2 Peter 2:14 having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children. (NKJV)
We can choose to serve God with a pure heart.
	2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NKJV)
Or we can suffer the consequences of choosing to have a hard, evil heart.
	Hebrews 3:12-13 Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called Today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. (NKJV)
As God forgives us.
	Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. (NKJV)
How do you picture God forgiving you? God wants to forgive.
	2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. (NKJV)
The parable of the prodigal son presents God as longing for the return of His sinful children. (Luke 15:11-32) Jesus taught that there is rejoicing in heaven when a disobedient child repents.
	Luke 15:1-10 Then all the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, This Man receives sinners and eats with them. So He spoke this parable to them, saying: What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’ Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. (NKJV)
How does God view His forgiveness? As an unpayable debt being canceled.
	Matthew 18:23-35 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. ‘Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses. (NKJV)
Forgiving and forgetting forever.
	Hebrews 10:17-18 then He adds, Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more. Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin. (NKJV)
Without reservations: “He needs to prove himself first.” Is that the way we want God to forgive us? How long do you want God to make you wait, proving yourself before He forgives you? Jesus taught:
	Luke 17:3-4 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him. (NKJV)
Jesus gave an example from the cross.
	Luke 23:34 Then Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do. And they divided His garments and cast lots. (NKJV)
Without favoritism.
	James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. (NKJV)James 2:1-13 My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, You sit here in a good place, and say to the poor man, You stand there, or, Sit here at my footstool, have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts? Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called? If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. For He who said, Do not commit adultery, also said, Do not murder. Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. (NKJV)
We can not afford to be stingy with our mercy.
	Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. (NKJV)Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Him and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times? Jesus said to him, I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. (NKJV)
When one asks for forgiveness, we better forgive, without looking to see who it is, or how we feel about. Someone may ask, How do you know if he has really repented? You don’t! That is not our department.
	Luke 17:3-4 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him. (NKJV)
Only God judges the heart.
	1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said to Samuel, Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. (NKJV)
If someone deceives us, they do not deceive the Lord.
	Galatians 6:7-8 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. (NKJV)
We will not be condemned for forgiving an insincere brother. However, we will be condemned for failing to forgive others. Let us clean our hearts from all malice and hard feelings, and forgive others as God has forgiven us.
	Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. (NKJV)

Baptism: Is it Necessary for Salvation?

By Randall (Randy) M. Tidmore

Many scholars have debated this subject for ages. The debate continues today, at least among some. Others refuse to argue the point any longer, either because they consider the subject settled or, perhaps, they believe that their opponents have closed their minds. I do not expect to write an essay so convincing as to end all controversy over this subject. However, I shall attempt to clarify some of the objections to baptism for salvation.

Must one be a Greek scholar to understand what the Bible says about baptism? No. Although a working knowledge of the Greek could enhance one’s Bible study, surely all must agree that understanding the Bible does not require it. By reading what reputable Greek scholars have said, and comparing a variety of translations of the Bible, one gains confidence in his ability to ascertain the meaning and intent of God’s will for man. Jesus proclaimed man’s ability to know the truth (John 8:31,32). By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul emphatically declared that God wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3,4). The same Holy Spirit guided Peter to record that God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Does this mean that one can answer any Bible question if he studies long enough? No, not unless one accepts the answer, “I do not know.” Although God has revealed (given) to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, He has not revealed all things, (Deuteronomy 29:29).

Does baptism pertain to life and godliness? If it does, then God has given us the truth about baptism, and we can know it. In this article, I do not attempt to answer every argument made in opposition to baptism. I set forth Scriptures that relate to it and mention briefly the arguments made against them. In the latter part of this article, I shall attempt to address the underlying motivation for this opposition.

Mark 16:16

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

The oppositions to this passage are: Verses 9-20 are not in some manuscripts, and therefore, should be rejected; and that the Lord said that failing to believe would condemn one, not failing to be baptized.The validity of the passage I cannot address, however, the truth about baptism does not depend on this one passage. The other objection is invalid for the following reasons:

Although unmentioned by Jesus in this verse, He definitely taught that eternal condemnation would come upon all who fail to obey other commands. For example: Failing to repent will condemn one (Luke 13:3); failing to confess the Lord before men will condemn one (Matthew 10:33); failing to forgive others will condemn one (Matthew 18:21-35), etc.
The conjunction “and” unites “believes” and “is baptized,” making them of equal value. Whatever “believes” is for, “is baptized” is also for. If belief is necessary to salvation, so is baptism. If baptism is not necessary for salvation, then neither is belief. Jesus placed both before salvation. Man has sought to change the order of the Lord’s statement in every conceivable way. The Catholics say that one (an infant) is saved at the point of baptism, and later should believe. Most Protestants say that one is saved at the point of belief, and later should be baptized. Both of these doctrines negate what the Lord said: “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved.”
The Scriptures teach that one cannot be baptized unless he first believes. In the case of the Ethiopian’s conversion in Acts 8:35-38, Philip preached Jesus to him. Along the way, they came to some water, and the Ethiopian asked what could hinder him from being baptized. Philip gave only one prerequisite, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”

If one must believe with all his heart, to qualify for baptism, then the Lord said all He needed to say: “He who does not believe will be condemned.” He did not need to say, “And He who is not baptized will be condemned, too.” If one does not believe, he cannot be baptized!

Acts 2:38

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Those who oppose baptism for salvation must challenge this verse of Scripture as well. The following quotation states the most prevalent argument against the verse.

“For” (as used in Acts 2:38 “for the forgiveness…”) could have two meanings. If you saw a poster saying “Jesse James wanted for robbery”, “for” could mean Jesse is wanted so he can commit a robbery, or is wanted because he has committed a robbery. The later sense is the correct one. So too in this passage, the word “for” signifies an action in the past. Otherwise, it would violate the entire tenor of the NT teaching on salvation by grace and not by works. Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.) 1995.

A. T. Robertson, in his exalted work, “Word Pictures in the New Testament,” reinforced the confidence of those who oppose baptism for salvation. Concerning the same preposition “for” (eis), in the phrase “for the remission of sins,” of Acts 2:38, He states:

“In themselves the words can express aim or purpose for that use of eis does exist as in 1 Corinthians 2:7…But then another usage exists which is just as good Greek as the use of eis for aim or purpose.” “…It is seen again in Matt. 12:41 about the preaching of Jonah…They repented because of (or at) the preaching of Jonah…One will decide the use here according as he believes that baptism is essential to the remission of sins or not. My view is decidedly against the idea that Peter, Paul, or any one in the New Testament taught baptism as essential to the remission of sins or the means of securing such remission.” (WORD PICTURES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT, A. T. Robertson, Vol. 3, p. 35,36).

The purpose for presenting these two quotations is twofold: I want to make evident the arguments made against baptism for salvation; and to show the motivation for those arguments.The obvious question is does “for the remission of sins” mean “because of,” or “in order to”? Reading the passage in context, giving a natural flow to the text, and without preconceived ideas, I cannot imagine anyone concluding that Peter meant “because of.” However, since my imagination is not an acceptable authority in settling biblical issues, please consider the following reasons to accept Peter’s statement in the natural sense, “for the purpose of the remission of sins.”

The Bible does not say, “because of the remission of sins.” Where is the reputable translation of the Bible that does? (Please do not refer me to some dreamer’s paraphrase!) The scholars who have translated the Bible have not translated this phrase in Acts 2:38 as “because of the remission of sins.” I have several translations, in English and in Spanish, and have read several others, but I have never found one that said, “because of the remission of sins.” Why not? If, as some “scholars” would like for us to believe, it is “just as good Greek,” then why have Bible translators not translated it that way?
The passage that A. T. Robertson gave as an example of “eis” meaning “because of,” does not contain a phrase parallel to “for the remission of sins.” This invalidates his premise and thwarts his conclusion. No one can successfully deny that “eis” can, and does have different meanings, depending on the context and the grammatical construction of the prepositional phrase in which it is used. Could he not find a phrase, parallel in construction, for his comparison? There is an exact parallel phrase in Matthew 26:28. This example is the same both in English and Greek.

Matthew 26:28 “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

If one insists that “for” (eis), in the phrase “for the remission of sins” in Acts 2:38 means “because of,” then reason and consistency demand him to do so in Matthew 26:28, too. If one interprets “for” (eis) in Matthew 26:28 as “aim, or purpose,” then reason and consistency demand him to interpret it the same way in Acts 2:38.

1 Peter 3:21

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

This passage clearly states that baptism (not water) saves us. To maintain one’s objection to baptism for salvation, one must deal with this passage, too.The only argument that I have heard, concerning this passage, is: “Peter states that baptism is not for ‘the removal of the filth of the flesh,’ which refers to the ‘works of the flesh,’ (Galatians 5:19-21) or sins. Therefore, baptism is not for the removal (remission) of sins.”

The verse states that baptism now saves us. The “removal of the filth of the flesh” refers to the “removal of dirt from the body,” as the New International Version translates it.

“And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also — not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,”

Peter explains that baptism cleanses us spiritually (our soul — 1 Peter 1:22), not physically (our body — 1 Peter 3:21). Having one’s sins forgiven gives one a “good conscience toward God.”

What is the motive behind the denial of baptism for salvation?

As one examines the simple statements found in these verses of Scripture and the arguments made against them, one cannot but wonder why. What does anyone have to gain by denying what the Scriptures so clearly teach? By studying with several of those who oppose baptism for salvation, I believe I have found the main roots to their opposition.1. They are motivated by the supposition that the biblical doctrine of salvation by faith means salvation by faith only.

At first glance, these two doctrines may appear to be the same. However, the Scriptures teach the first one, but they do not the other one. Those who believe in salvation by faith only cannot accept anything else as necessary for salvation, because that would constitute a contradiction. The conflict, however, is really not between baptism and faith, but rather, between faith and faith only. Please consider the following:

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

If grace is necessary for salvation, then how can one say it is by Faith only?

Luke 13:3 “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

If Repentance is necessary for salvation, then how can one say it is by faith only?

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

If Confession of the Lord (our faith in Him as the Son of God) is necessary for salvation, how can one say it is by faith only?

Mark 16:16 “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

If Baptism is necessary for salvation, then how can it be by faith only?

I think this helps get to the real issue. If one accepts that grace, repentance, and confession are necessary for salvation by faith, then why not baptism? Does faith only mean, salvation by faith and everything else the Bible says, except baptism?

2. They are motivated by their failure to understand and appreciate the different types of works taught in the Bible, (works of the law, works of righteousness, meritorious works, works of obedience, and passive obedience).

Failing to distinguish among these types of works mentioned in the Bible pits Paul against James and creates a contradiction (James 2:24; Ephesians 2:8,9). The quotation from the Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon illustrates this problem. “Otherwise, it would violate the entire tenor of the NT teaching on salvation by grace and not by works.”

Once one distinguishes among these types of works, the contradiction disappears. Consider the different ways the Holy Spirit used the word “works”:

Paul wrote of the “works of the law,” (Romans 3:27,28; Galatians 2:15,16), which can not save (justify) today.
Paul also wrote of “works of righteousness” which God, not man does (Titus 3:5).
Paul also wrote of “meritorious works,” (Ephesians 2:8,9) of which one might boast. Such works do not save anyone, either.
However, Paul and James (and others, as well) also wrote of “obedient works,” (James 2:14-26; Galatians 5:6).

Paul and James were not teaching opposing doctrines. By the grace of God, Jesus died for us, (Romans 5:6-8). However, Jesus became “the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9).

The fact that God requires obedience neither tarnishes nor diminishes the importance of faith. An obedient faith is necessary.

3. Considering baptism a work motivates them to attack the verses that teach baptism for salvation.

Those who oppose baptism for salvation clearly indicate that they believe baptism is a work. The quotation from the Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon proves this point. It said, “Otherwise, it would violate the entire tenor of the NT teaching on salvation by grace and not by works.”

Is baptism a work? If it is, which type of work is it?

It is not one of the “works of the law,” for baptism in the name of Jesus Christ was unknown to the law.
It is not a meritorious work, of which one could boast in his salvation. The verb “be baptized” is passive voice, “indicating that the sentence’s subject is passive and receives the action of the verb” (BRITANNICA BOOK OF ENGLISH USAGE, p. 170). One does not baptize himself. Of what could he boast? He has not done anything. He received baptism.
Paul plainly states that it is a “work of righteousness,” but that is not a work that man does (Titus 3:5). God works righteousness. He imputes it to us when our sins are forgiven (Romans 4:5-8). He “operates/works” in baptism, when He takes away our sins and raises us to “walk in newness of life” (Colossians 2:12, Romans 6:4). “Operation” (KJV) or “working” (NKJV) comes from the Greek word “energeia” (Strongs number 1753), and is defined as:

“1) working, efficiency
1a) in the NT used only of superhuman power, whether of God or of the Devil.”

Considering this, baptism is not even a work of obedience, unless referring to the one doing the baptizing (Matthew 28:19). Being baptized is “passive obedience” to a command of God. Is it possible to “obey” a command, without doing anything? Certainly it is. If a parent tells his child to “be quiet, don’t move, don’t do anything,” if that child obeys, what does he do?

One can obey without “working.” When God told Israel to “Be still and know that I am God” could they obey? When they obeyed, what type of work were they doing? Obedience does not necessarily involve working or doing something. Sometimes it means to “submit” to something, or to “receive” something. In the case of the command to “be baptized,” it means to submit to “being baptized,” or to “receiving baptism.” In Acts 8, when the eunuch was baptized, who was “doing” something? The Bible says that Philip baptized him. The eunuch received baptism, or submitted to being baptized. He was passive, (receiving the action) not active (doing the action). That is “passive obedience.” The fear that baptism for salvation contradicts salvation by grace and faith, apart from works is baseless, illogical and unscriptural.

4. They are motivated by a heartfelt need to defend their doctrine, apparently at any cost.

What compels someone to twist and distort the Scriptures as the opponents of baptism for salvation do? They interpret all Scripture according to their erroneous, preconceived ideas about faith and works. As A. T. Robertson admitted, in the quotation, “One will decide the use here according as he believes that baptism is essential to the remission of sins or not. My view is decidedly against the idea that Peter, Paul, or any one in the New Testament taught baptism as essential to the remission of sins or the means of securing such remission.”

They feel justified, even compelled, to interpret all Scripture, twisting when necessary, to avoid the obvious contradictions and problems their position causes. This converts simple verses into controversial and difficult ones. The Scriptures warn us of this dangerous practice.

2 Peter 3:16 “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable [people] twist to their own destruction, as [they do] also the rest of the Scriptures.”

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 “And with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

Conclusion:

I realize that this study could offend and inflame some of its readers. However, I hope you will not allow that to happen. I send it forth with love: love for God, love for the Truth, and love for those who hold to the positions described herein. My plea is that you will receive this with the same noble and fair-minded attitude that characterized the Bereans in Paul’s day.

Acts 17:11 “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily [to find out] whether these things were so.”