The Scriptures speak of various types of foundations, but there is only one foundation that we need to be intently concerned with. By building on it, we can give a fine foundation to our students in the faith. —1 Timothy 6:19
In the letter to the Hebrews, after discussing the cornerstone teaching of salvation through Christ's impalement, the apostle Paul wrote: "So, having left the cornerstone of the word of Christ, let us be carried forth to completion, not hard-casting a foundation again of repentance from dead works, and faith toward God, the teaching on baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and resurrection of the dead, and of everlasting judgment."1 (Hebrews 6:1-2) He referred to this foundation as the "milk" of the word. —Hebrews 5:12; 1 Peter 2:1-3So the following doctrines, as stated by Paul, are the basis of the Christian faith:- Cornerstone of the word of Christ
- Repentance from dead works
- Faith toward God
- The teaching on baptisms
- The laying on of hands
- Resurrection from the dead
- Everlasting judgment
Now that these are listed, let's examine them more closely.
CORNERSTONE OF THE WORD OF CHRIST
Christ's impalement is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. The apostle Paul said: "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," and, "The wages sin pays is death." (Romans 3:23; 6:23) How can this be? Paul explains, "Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned." So then we are all in need of salvation. —Genesis 2:16-17; 3:8-13; Romans 2:12; 5:12
Salvation from sin and death is only achieved through Jesus Christ's ransom sacrifice; it can't be through laws and rules. (Romans 8:2-4; Galatians 3:10; James 2:10) Paul showed repeatedly that salvation cannot come through the Mosaic Law, but he showed the Colossians that because the Law existed and condemned men who could never hope to live up to the Law, it had to be "taken...out of the way". Christ did away with it by fulfilling the Law in himself and then "nailing it to the stake2" through his own impalement. (Colossians 2:14) By being put to death despite fulfilling the Law, he took the Law out of the way for mankind, as the death of the human covenanter was to be supplied in order to cancel the contract. —Hebrews 9:16
Salvation from sin and death is only achieved through Jesus Christ's ransom sacrifice; it can't be through laws and rules. (Romans 8:2-4; Galatians 3:10; James 2:10) Paul showed repeatedly that salvation cannot come through the Mosaic Law, but he showed the Colossians that because the Law existed and condemned men who could never hope to live up to the Law, it had to be "taken...out of the way". Christ did away with it by fulfilling the Law in himself and then "nailing it to the stake2" through his own impalement. (Colossians 2:14) By being put to death despite fulfilling the Law, he took the Law out of the way for mankind, as the death of the human covenanter was to be supplied in order to cancel the contract. —Hebrews 9:16It is clear that the Law was not taken out of the way for being imperfect, but for the very reason that it was perfect; having been born imperfect to sin, we were unable to live up to the Law, so it needed to be removed in order for us to have life. (Hebrews 7:19) So by Jesus' death, all who exercise faith in him also die to the Law. Paul pointed out that salvation is through faith, just as "Abraham exercised faith and it was counted to him as righteousness." (Romans 4:3) Abraham put faith in the seed for righteousness, so we too put faith in that seed, Jesus Christ. (Romans 4:13; Hebrews 11:17-19) Christ's sacrifice absolves of all sin (except the one unforgivable sin) so long as we do not use it as an excuse for loose conduct. —Matthew 12:32; Hebrews 10:26-27; Jude 4The Scriptures call Christ's sacrifice a "ransom" multiple times. As reported by both Matthew and Mark, Jesus himself said that it was "a ransom in exchange for many." (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45) Why a "ransom"? Are our lives being held captive by God for money? Of course not. But what it means is that a price had to be paid to free us from enslavement to sin and death in Satan's system of things. (Romans 7;6; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 7:23) Paul described this ransom clearly when he said "For just as through the disobedience of the one man many were constituted sinners, likewise also through the obedience of the one many will be constituted righteous...Just as sin ruled as king with death, likewise also undeserved kindness might rule as king through righteousness with everlasting life in view through Jesus Christ our Lord." —Romans 5:19-21; 7:6
REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS
Repentance means to rethink. In the book of Acts, Peter instructs the crowd to "repent ... and turn around" and thus think about their lives and turn away from badness. (Acts 3:19) A "dead work" is a deed that brings forth death. Jacob (James) explains: "Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. The desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn, sin, when it has been accomplished, brings forth death." —James 1:14-15
Paul and Peter identified the dead works we need to repent from, including fornication (sex outside marriage), loose conduct, uncleanness of every sort, greediness (which means being an idolater), adultery, homosexuality, cross-dressing, hallucinogenics and spiritism, enmities, brawls, jealousy, tantrums, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envies, drunken bouts, wild parties, love of one's self, love of money, self-assumption, haughtiness, blasphemy (slandering God), disobedience to parents, unthankfulness, disloyalty, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slandering others, lacking self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayal, headstrong, arrogance, 'loving pleasure rather than loving God,' hypocrisy, unrighteousness, wickedness, badness, murder, deceit, malicious bitterness, whispering, insolence, inventing objects of torture, not being understanding, mercilessness, theft, foul speech, anger, wrath, screaming, abusive speech, shameful conduct, foolish talking, obscene jesting, and consuming food sacrificed to idols, meat that was strangled, and blood. —Acts 15:1-29; Romans 1:28-32; 2:21-24; 13;13; 2 Corinthians 12:20-21; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 4:19; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Peter 4:3
Of course, you do not need to memorize this rather thorough list, but all you need to do is exercise good toward all. In short, you are to have loyal love for everyone, not to "infringe upon the rights" of another, or even your own body, in any way. —1 Thessalonians 4:3-6
Committing one of the sins above does not mean we are bad, but we need to avoid practicing them. (Romans 2:2) That is, we need to not continue to do them over and over or we may be "grieving God's holy spirit." (Ephesians 4:29-30) "And yet," John says, "if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one." (1 John 2:1) There are plenty of instructions throughout the Greek Scriptures (New Testament) about what to do in the place of the sins we may be accustomed to. As Paul said, "Keep on conquering the bad with the good." (Romans 12:21) For example, to the Ephesians, Paul gives a list of these things, one of which is: "Let the stealer steal no more, but rather let him do hard work, doing with his hands what is good work, that he may have something to distribute to someone in need." (Ephesians 4:25-30) Thus, by doing hard work and becoming giving, we conquer the desire to steal for our own needs or desires. So preventative measures are taken to make sure we are not tempted, and in the face of temptation we give instead of taking.
How does one repent? Paul tells us when he says "being saddened in a godly way...produced haste in you...clearing of yourselves...indignation...fear...longing...zeal...righting of the wrong." (2 Corinthians 7:11) Of course, one does not need to experience depression to repent, but needs only to recognize the wrong course and then take decisive action to turn around from the bad course. So when we do something that makes us feel guilty, we need to repent and make amends, making sure not to repeat the mistake.
Paul and Peter identified the dead works we need to repent from, including fornication (sex outside marriage), loose conduct, uncleanness of every sort, greediness (which means being an idolater), adultery, homosexuality, cross-dressing, hallucinogenics and spiritism, enmities, brawls, jealousy, tantrums, rivalries, divisions, heresies, envies, drunken bouts, wild parties, love of one's self, love of money, self-assumption, haughtiness, blasphemy (slandering God), disobedience to parents, unthankfulness, disloyalty, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slandering others, lacking self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayal, headstrong, arrogance, 'loving pleasure rather than loving God,' hypocrisy, unrighteousness, wickedness, badness, murder, deceit, malicious bitterness, whispering, insolence, inventing objects of torture, not being understanding, mercilessness, theft, foul speech, anger, wrath, screaming, abusive speech, shameful conduct, foolish talking, obscene jesting, and consuming food sacrificed to idols, meat that was strangled, and blood. —Acts 15:1-29; Romans 1:28-32; 2:21-24; 13;13; 2 Corinthians 12:20-21; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 4:19; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; 1 Peter 4:3Of course, you do not need to memorize this rather thorough list, but all you need to do is exercise good toward all. In short, you are to have loyal love for everyone, not to "infringe upon the rights" of another, or even your own body, in any way. —1 Thessalonians 4:3-6Committing one of the sins above does not mean we are bad, but we need to avoid practicing them. (Romans 2:2) That is, we need to not continue to do them over and over or we may be "grieving God's holy spirit." (Ephesians 4:29-30) "And yet," John says, "if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one." (1 John 2:1) There are plenty of instructions throughout the Greek Scriptures (New Testament) about what to do in the place of the sins we may be accustomed to. As Paul said, "Keep on conquering the bad with the good." (Romans 12:21) For example, to the Ephesians, Paul gives a list of these things, one of which is: "Let the stealer steal no more, but rather let him do hard work, doing with his hands what is good work, that he may have something to distribute to someone in need." (Ephesians 4:25-30) Thus, by doing hard work and becoming giving, we conquer the desire to steal for our own needs or desires. So preventative measures are taken to make sure we are not tempted, and in the face of temptation we give instead of taking.How does one repent? Paul tells us when he says "being saddened in a godly way...produced haste in you...clearing of yourselves...indignation...fear...longing...zeal...righting of the wrong." (2 Corinthians 7:11) Of course, one does not need to experience depression to repent, but needs only to recognize the wrong course and then take decisive action to turn around from the bad course. So when we do something that makes us feel guilty, we need to repent and make amends, making sure not to repeat the mistake.
FAITH TOWARD GOD
Faith is described in the Scriptures as "the substance of things hoped, the demonstration of things unseen." (Translation mine) As indicated here, faith is an active (substance, demonstration), not inactive trait. We must "exercise faith" in Jesus' sacrifice. (John 3:18)
Additionally, faith is not credulity, but is based upon knowledge. (Proverbs 14:15) Knowledge is acquired one of two ways: study and personal experience. (Proverbs 22:3) By studying the Scriptures and experiencing God's operation in our lives, we come to have faith. (Psalm 1:1-3) He invites us to try him out, not putting him to the test, but try his words to prove that the wisdom written in the Scriptures is true. (Psalm 34:8) When we can trust that the wisdom is true, then we can trust that the rest is true. Additionally, your investigation of the Bible will show that it is the only religious text that is so well supported by historical evidence, and is more truthful than any other historical text. (Deuteronomy 18:21-22) After you have come to have faith, then more is needed.
When Paul talked about faith vs. works, he was referring solely to how one achieves salvation. (Romans 3:23-24) As the letter of Jacob (known today as James) says, works of Law cannot win salvation because when you transgress one law, you transgress them all, but it is with faith that your sins will be overlooked that wins salvation. (Romans 2:10-11; 3:20, 28; James 2:10; See Christ impaled above.) However, if you have faith, then it will be reflected in your works as James described. James even gives stirring evidence that shows that unless your faith manifests through action, it cannot save you. (James 2:14-17) So you do not practice law for salvation, but if you have faith that your failures will be forgiven, then you will 'demonstrate the law that is written upon your heart' by doing deeds that show your faith at work. (Romans 2:14-15) In the book of Hebrews, Paul devotes entry after entry of faithful who demonstrated their faith through their deeds. —Hebrews 11:2-12:3
What must we have faith in and what is not faith? That Jesus existed is not faith, for we know this through the evidence. Even the Jews do not contest this. That we die and are in desperate need of something more than this life is not faith. Even scientists know that we have the capacity for far more. That society falls apart without law is not faith. Even the atheists recognize our need for a moral structure. That the world is in need of saving from destruction is not faith. Even the politicians see the writing on the wall. Simply believing is not faith either, as Jesus said, "even the demons believe, and shutter." But these things can serve as a foundation to our faith. Faith is a trust in the things we cannot see. When we try out the wisdom of God and see its work in our lives, or when we take that first step of prayer and recognize that he answered it, we have acquired the first grain of faith. After that, our faith grows. It becomes faith toward God to forgive us of our sins and raise us from the dead. It is faith that God will be with us in whatever we do. It is faith that he exists and that he loves us. It is faith that the Bible is true and that Jesus is God's son and gave his life that we might live. It is faith that he was raised on the third day. It is faith that our lives are not being wasted in pushing ourselves to be selfless and exercise righteousness.
Faith, though, does not come from someone doing a lot of searching through books unless those books direct you to God's word and give the correct information. As Paul said to the Romans: "'The word is near you, in your own mouth and in your own heart'; that is, the word of faith, which we are preaching. For if you publicly declare that 'word in your own mouth,' that Jesus is Lord, and exercise faith in your heart that God raised him up from the dead, you will be saved. For 'everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.' However, how will they call on him in whom they have not put faith? How, in turn, will they put faith in him of whom they have not heard? How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach? How, in turn, will they preach unless they have been sent forth? Just as it is written: 'How comely are the feet of those who declare good news of good things!'" So preaching is necessary for building faith in others, as well as strengthening our own faith. It can also demonstrate our own faith, showing that we truly believe in the salvation by God, as those who believe in a thing and are excited about it share that thing at every opportunity, and if we truly have faith, we will show our obedience to the command to preach. (Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 10:1-22) After all, through faith, Noah preached to an ungodly world; and through faith Moses convinced Pharaoh to release the captives who followed him through a divided sea and through an arid wilderness forty years; and through faith Jesus and all the first century Christians preached before those accusing them of vile acts deserving of death and unto death. (2 Peter 2:5; Acts 6:8-7:60)
Additionally, faith is not credulity, but is based upon knowledge. (Proverbs 14:15) Knowledge is acquired one of two ways: study and personal experience. (Proverbs 22:3) By studying the Scriptures and experiencing God's operation in our lives, we come to have faith. (Psalm 1:1-3) He invites us to try him out, not putting him to the test, but try his words to prove that the wisdom written in the Scriptures is true. (Psalm 34:8) When we can trust that the wisdom is true, then we can trust that the rest is true. Additionally, your investigation of the Bible will show that it is the only religious text that is so well supported by historical evidence, and is more truthful than any other historical text. (Deuteronomy 18:21-22) After you have come to have faith, then more is needed.When Paul talked about faith vs. works, he was referring solely to how one achieves salvation. (Romans 3:23-24) As the letter of Jacob (known today as James) says, works of Law cannot win salvation because when you transgress one law, you transgress them all, but it is with faith that your sins will be overlooked that wins salvation. (Romans 2:10-11; 3:20, 28; James 2:10; See Christ impaled above.) However, if you have faith, then it will be reflected in your works as James described. James even gives stirring evidence that shows that unless your faith manifests through action, it cannot save you. (James 2:14-17) So you do not practice law for salvation, but if you have faith that your failures will be forgiven, then you will 'demonstrate the law that is written upon your heart' by doing deeds that show your faith at work. (Romans 2:14-15) In the book of Hebrews, Paul devotes entry after entry of faithful who demonstrated their faith through their deeds. —Hebrews 11:2-12:3What must we have faith in and what is not faith? That Jesus existed is not faith, for we know this through the evidence. Even the Jews do not contest this. That we die and are in desperate need of something more than this life is not faith. Even scientists know that we have the capacity for far more. That society falls apart without law is not faith. Even the atheists recognize our need for a moral structure. That the world is in need of saving from destruction is not faith. Even the politicians see the writing on the wall. Simply believing is not faith either, as Jesus said, "even the demons believe, and shutter." But these things can serve as a foundation to our faith. Faith is a trust in the things we cannot see. When we try out the wisdom of God and see its work in our lives, or when we take that first step of prayer and recognize that he answered it, we have acquired the first grain of faith. After that, our faith grows. It becomes faith toward God to forgive us of our sins and raise us from the dead. It is faith that God will be with us in whatever we do. It is faith that he exists and that he loves us. It is faith that the Bible is true and that Jesus is God's son and gave his life that we might live. It is faith that he was raised on the third day. It is faith that our lives are not being wasted in pushing ourselves to be selfless and exercise righteousness.Faith, though, does not come from someone doing a lot of searching through books unless those books direct you to God's word and give the correct information. As Paul said to the Romans: "'The word is near you, in your own mouth and in your own heart'; that is, the word of faith, which we are preaching. For if you publicly declare that 'word in your own mouth,' that Jesus is Lord, and exercise faith in your heart that God raised him up from the dead, you will be saved. For 'everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.' However, how will they call on him in whom they have not put faith? How, in turn, will they put faith in him of whom they have not heard? How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach? How, in turn, will they preach unless they have been sent forth? Just as it is written: 'How comely are the feet of those who declare good news of good things!'" So preaching is necessary for building faith in others, as well as strengthening our own faith. It can also demonstrate our own faith, showing that we truly believe in the salvation by God, as those who believe in a thing and are excited about it share that thing at every opportunity, and if we truly have faith, we will show our obedience to the command to preach. (Matthew 28:19-20; Luke 10:1-22) After all, through faith, Noah preached to an ungodly world; and through faith Moses convinced Pharaoh to release the captives who followed him through a divided sea and through an arid wilderness forty years; and through faith Jesus and all the first century Christians preached before those accusing them of vile acts deserving of death and unto death. (2 Peter 2:5; Acts 6:8-7:60)
THE TEACHING ON BAPTISMS
The word "baptism" does not indicate sprinkling or pouring, but means "immersion", showing that one must involve their whole body in the baptism, otherwise it would not properly represent burial. (See below) Baptism is a formal right that was common to many religions of the day and acts as a spiritual contract with the divine, promising yourself to the divine being's service. It would seem that because there were no hallmarks of the practice specific to the worship of any one god or to any false god or pantheon, and was common to essentially all religions in the empire, the practice was adopted by Jesus with no threat of turning Jehovah's worshipers to false gods or having any association with such. In fact, John was asked by God to do so. God has used practices of the world as precedence for a legal act in the past. The very Law of Moses itself was a formal declaration common in the day, which established the Jews as a nation.
Note that Paul used the plural when he said "the teaching on baptisms". This is because there were multiple baptisms. There are three types of baptism mentioned by John the Baptist and Jesus: Baptism in water, baptism in spirit, and baptism in fire.
Baptism in water is explained in the letter to the Romans in this way: "We were buried with him through our baptism into his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised up from the dead through the glory of the Father, we also should likewise walk in a newness of life. For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we shall certainly also be of his resurrection; because we know that our old personality was impaled with him, that our sinful body might be made inactive, that we should no longer go on being slaves to sin. For he who has died has been acquitted from sin. Moreover, if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. For we know that Christ, now that he has been raised up from the dead, dies no more; death is master over him no more. For that he died, he died with reference to sin once for all time; but that he lives, he lives with reference to God. Likewise also you all:3 reckon yourselves to be dead indeed with reference to sin but living with reference to God by Christ Jesus." (Romans 6:4-7) So it is the symbolic death of a convert to their former life and birth to their new spiritual life, and represents faith in the salvation by God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When baptized, one is baptized "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy spirit." —Matthew 28:19
Those baptized should have knowledge of Jesus and of salvation through his ransom sacrifice and make an informed decision to get baptized. The Jews listening to Peter at Pentecost 33C.E., "embraced his word heartily" and "were baptized," but this was because they already had knowledge. (Acts 2:41) So just liking the message or just deciding to be religious does not qualify one for baptism. Neither is there any indicator that infants and small children were ever baptized. The one getting baptized must fully understand the message as well as understand the importance of what it means to dedicate one's self to Jehovah God through Jesus Christ. —John 17:3
Baptism is only a symbol of our repentance and does not itself bring salvation. (Matthew 3:11; Acts 19:4) If baptism alone brought salvation, we would not need to continue to work at achieving salvation. (Philippians 2:12) For the helmet of our armor is not just salvation, but the "hope of salvation". (1 Thessalonians 5:8) But it is through our faith alone in Jesus Christ that we are saved. (Romans 5:1) Indeed, Peter said, "As newborn infants, form a longing for the unadulterated milk belonging to the word, that through it you all may grow to salvation, provided you all have tasted that the Lord is kind." —1 Peter 2:2-3
But if we are serious about our salvation, then we will get baptized. Just as the book of Acts reports: "Those who embraced his word heartily were baptized." (Acts 2:41) Repentance and faith make you eligible to the free gift of salvation by God. (Romans 3:24) So even if someone has not been baptized yet, they can still have salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, but the seriousness of one's repentance can be called into question if one delays being baptized.
The second type of baptism is the baptism in spirit. Jesus prophesied prior to Pentecost that in a few days the followers would "be baptized in holy spirit." (Acts 1:5) When the apostles and followers gathered in a room on Pentecost then "they all became filled with holy spirit and started to speak with different tongues, just as the spirit was granting them to make utterance." (Acts 2:4) These are the ones who established the Christian congregation, as prior to this spiritual baptism believers in Jesus were scattered, and even the apostles were disorganized, but as soon as the spiritual baptism occurred, the congregation was formed. Acts 19:3-7 explains that the baptism by the spirit is separate from the water baptism for repentance. This baptism is described as a "choosing", meaning the choosing of anointed Christians. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5) See Resurrection From the Dead below.
The third and final baptism is the baptism by fire. This is not a baptism that anyone should want to be on the burning end of, but that we should want to pass through the fire unsinged. As John the Baptist pointed out: "The one coming after me...That one will baptize all you people...with fire. His winnowing shovel is in his hand, and he will completely clean up his threshing floor, and...the chaff he will burn up with fire that cannot be put out." This will be in the day of judgment as illustrated by the parable of the wheat and the weeds. (Matthew 3:11-12; 13:24-30) See Everlasting Judgment below.
Note that Paul used the plural when he said "the teaching on baptisms". This is because there were multiple baptisms. There are three types of baptism mentioned by John the Baptist and Jesus: Baptism in water, baptism in spirit, and baptism in fire.Baptism in water is explained in the letter to the Romans in this way: "We were buried with him through our baptism into his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised up from the dead through the glory of the Father, we also should likewise walk in a newness of life. For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we shall certainly also be of his resurrection; because we know that our old personality was impaled with him, that our sinful body might be made inactive, that we should no longer go on being slaves to sin. For he who has died has been acquitted from sin. Moreover, if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. For we know that Christ, now that he has been raised up from the dead, dies no more; death is master over him no more. For that he died, he died with reference to sin once for all time; but that he lives, he lives with reference to God. Likewise also you all:3 reckon yourselves to be dead indeed with reference to sin but living with reference to God by Christ Jesus." (Romans 6:4-7) So it is the symbolic death of a convert to their former life and birth to their new spiritual life, and represents faith in the salvation by God through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. When baptized, one is baptized "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy spirit." —Matthew 28:19Those baptized should have knowledge of Jesus and of salvation through his ransom sacrifice and make an informed decision to get baptized. The Jews listening to Peter at Pentecost 33C.E., "embraced his word heartily" and "were baptized," but this was because they already had knowledge. (Acts 2:41) So just liking the message or just deciding to be religious does not qualify one for baptism. Neither is there any indicator that infants and small children were ever baptized. The one getting baptized must fully understand the message as well as understand the importance of what it means to dedicate one's self to Jehovah God through Jesus Christ. —John 17:3Baptism is only a symbol of our repentance and does not itself bring salvation. (Matthew 3:11; Acts 19:4) If baptism alone brought salvation, we would not need to continue to work at achieving salvation. (Philippians 2:12) For the helmet of our armor is not just salvation, but the "hope of salvation". (1 Thessalonians 5:8) But it is through our faith alone in Jesus Christ that we are saved. (Romans 5:1) Indeed, Peter said, "As newborn infants, form a longing for the unadulterated milk belonging to the word, that through it you all may grow to salvation, provided you all have tasted that the Lord is kind." —1 Peter 2:2-3 But if we are serious about our salvation, then we will get baptized. Just as the book of Acts reports: "Those who embraced his word heartily were baptized." (Acts 2:41) Repentance and faith make you eligible to the free gift of salvation by God. (Romans 3:24) So even if someone has not been baptized yet, they can still have salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, but the seriousness of one's repentance can be called into question if one delays being baptized.The second type of baptism is the baptism in spirit. Jesus prophesied prior to Pentecost that in a few days the followers would "be baptized in holy spirit." (Acts 1:5) When the apostles and followers gathered in a room on Pentecost then "they all became filled with holy spirit and started to speak with different tongues, just as the spirit was granting them to make utterance." (Acts 2:4) These are the ones who established the Christian congregation, as prior to this spiritual baptism believers in Jesus were scattered, and even the apostles were disorganized, but as soon as the spiritual baptism occurred, the congregation was formed. Acts 19:3-7 explains that the baptism by the spirit is separate from the water baptism for repentance. This baptism is described as a "choosing", meaning the choosing of anointed Christians. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5) See Resurrection From the Dead below.The third and final baptism is the baptism by fire. This is not a baptism that anyone should want to be on the burning end of, but that we should want to pass through the fire unsinged. As John the Baptist pointed out: "The one coming after me...That one will baptize all you people...with fire. His winnowing shovel is in his hand, and he will completely clean up his threshing floor, and...the chaff he will burn up with fire that cannot be put out." This will be in the day of judgment as illustrated by the parable of the wheat and the weeds. (Matthew 3:11-12; 13:24-30) See Everlasting Judgment below.
THE LAYING ON OF HANDS
Laying on hands is the choosing by touch for receiving holy spirit for the purposes of blessing, spiritual healing, granting spiritual gifts, and appointment to positions within the congregation. —Mark 10:16; Luke 4:40; Acts 8:17; 1 Timothy 4:14
Like baptism, this is a practice common to many religions and even governments and particular to none, which should demonstrate that no actual transference of power takes place, but is a recognition of the individual, marking them, without question, as the object to receive the authority and the blessing. For example, Isaac blessed Jacob instead of Esau, even though he thought he was blessing Esau. The blessing was granted to Jacob because he is the one who Isaac laid his hands on.
You do not need to have hands laid upon you to be saved, and holy spirit is granted to those whom God chooses. Take for example the choosing of king David. Jehovah had originally chosen Saul to be king of Israel, but later rejected him, because his heart had changed. So he sent Samuel to anoint a new king. Samuel was certain that the impressive stature of Eliab meant that this son of Jesse would be the one Jehovah chose, but it was David, the youngest and smallest of eight sons of Jesse whom God chose. (1 Samuel 16:1-14) Also, Paul himself was appointed as an apostle by Jesus without anyone ever laying hands on him even while he was in the middle of persecuting the Jews. (Acts 9:3-19) So no matter who is chosen by man, it is God who chooses who will receive his spirit and power. —1 Samuel 16:7
In the first letter to Timothy, Paul admonished him "not to lay your hands hastily upon any man," showing that Timothy had special authority to appoint elders within the congregation. (1 Timothy 5:22) So the laying on of hands for appointment was a solemn task requiring reflection upon the qualifications of a man, which qualifications Paul spelled out to Timothy in the same letter. —1 Timothy 3:1-13
Like baptism, this is a practice common to many religions and even governments and particular to none, which should demonstrate that no actual transference of power takes place, but is a recognition of the individual, marking them, without question, as the object to receive the authority and the blessing. For example, Isaac blessed Jacob instead of Esau, even though he thought he was blessing Esau. The blessing was granted to Jacob because he is the one who Isaac laid his hands on.You do not need to have hands laid upon you to be saved, and holy spirit is granted to those whom God chooses. Take for example the choosing of king David. Jehovah had originally chosen Saul to be king of Israel, but later rejected him, because his heart had changed. So he sent Samuel to anoint a new king. Samuel was certain that the impressive stature of Eliab meant that this son of Jesse would be the one Jehovah chose, but it was David, the youngest and smallest of eight sons of Jesse whom God chose. (1 Samuel 16:1-14) Also, Paul himself was appointed as an apostle by Jesus without anyone ever laying hands on him even while he was in the middle of persecuting the Jews. (Acts 9:3-19) So no matter who is chosen by man, it is God who chooses who will receive his spirit and power. —1 Samuel 16:7In the first letter to Timothy, Paul admonished him "not to lay your hands hastily upon any man," showing that Timothy had special authority to appoint elders within the congregation. (1 Timothy 5:22) So the laying on of hands for appointment was a solemn task requiring reflection upon the qualifications of a man, which qualifications Paul spelled out to Timothy in the same letter. —1 Timothy 3:1-13
RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD
Resurrection means to "stand up again" as one who was lying asleep in death, but who has woke up, living again. (John 11:11-15) The congregator describes what happens to us when we die: "For the living are conscious that they will die, but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all, neither do they anymore have wages, because the remembrance of them has been forgotten. Also, their love and their hate and their jealousy have already perished, and they have no portion anymore to time indefinite in anything that has to be done under the sun...All that your hand finds to do, do with your very power, for there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave, the place to which you are going." (Ecclesiastes 9:5-6, 10) This is the reason we need to be resurrected. Really, though, what's the point to a resurrection if you don't really die? So in order to be resurrected, your consciousness actually has to cease existing. —Psalm 49:7-8
There are two kinds of resurrection spoken of in the Scriptures. The first is the physical resurrection of the body, which hope the early Jews entertained and which Jesus referred to when he said "the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment." (Psalm 37:1-40; Daniel 12:13; John 5:28-29) Thus indicating that there would be a period after their resurrection in which Jesus would separate and destroy the wicked as illustrated with the wheat and the weeds. (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)
Another resurrection was spoken of in the Bible called the "heavenly calling". (Hebrews 3:1) As Jesus said, before him "no man has ascended into heaven but he that descended from heaven, the Son of man." But when he ascended, he set a precedent allowing, as Paul said, those that were "united with him in the likeness of his death...shall surely also be of his resurrection." (Romans 6:5) Thus those who gave their fullest in the service of Jehovah unto death will also be given this resurrection. These are the ones who have been baptized with holy spirit. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul said: "To you who have been sanctified in union with Christ Jesus, called to be holy ones...For truly by one spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink one spirit." (1 Corinthians 1:2; 12:13) What would they do in heaven? Revelation 5:10 states: "you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth."
How many are resurrected to the heavenly calling? Paul referred to a definite 'full number of people of the nations for all Israel to be saved.' (Romans 11:25-26) The Revelation reveals the number: "And I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel." (Revelation 7:4) This is the figurative Israel. Paul explains "not all who from Isreal are really Israel." He explains that "one is a Jew who is one on the inside upon the heart." (Romans 9:6-8) We can be sure that the number of "kings to rule over the earth" is limited in number, as "the hundred and forty-four thousand, who have been bought from the earth" who stand with the lamb (Christ) on "the heavenly mount zion" are contrasted with "a great crowd which no man was able to number out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues standing before the throne and before the lamb." (Revelation 7:9-10) So Christ and the hundred and forty-four thousand are standing facing apart from the great crowd.
The Bible further distinguishes these two resurrections by calling one of them the "first resurrection". (Revelation 20:4-5) These are also called "firstfruits". (Romans 8:23) But which is first and which is second? In the Revelation, John wrote: "Happy and holy is anyone having part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no authority but they will be priests of God and of the Christ and will rule as kings with him." (Revelation 20:6) So clearly, since they rule as kings with Christ, whose rule is in heaven, and act as priests with the authority given to Israel, then the first resurrection is the heavenly resurrection. Paul himself hoped to be of "the earlier resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:8-11)
There are two kinds of resurrection spoken of in the Scriptures. The first is the physical resurrection of the body, which hope the early Jews entertained and which Jesus referred to when he said "the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who did good things to a resurrection of life, those who practiced vile things to a resurrection of judgment." (Psalm 37:1-40; Daniel 12:13; John 5:28-29) Thus indicating that there would be a period after their resurrection in which Jesus would separate and destroy the wicked as illustrated with the wheat and the weeds. (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)Another resurrection was spoken of in the Bible called the "heavenly calling". (Hebrews 3:1) As Jesus said, before him "no man has ascended into heaven but he that descended from heaven, the Son of man." But when he ascended, he set a precedent allowing, as Paul said, those that were "united with him in the likeness of his death...shall surely also be of his resurrection." (Romans 6:5) Thus those who gave their fullest in the service of Jehovah unto death will also be given this resurrection. These are the ones who have been baptized with holy spirit. In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul said: "To you who have been sanctified in union with Christ Jesus, called to be holy ones...For truly by one spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink one spirit." (1 Corinthians 1:2; 12:13) What would they do in heaven? Revelation 5:10 states: "you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth."How many are resurrected to the heavenly calling? Paul referred to a definite 'full number of people of the nations for all Israel to be saved.' (Romans 11:25-26) The Revelation reveals the number: "And I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel." (Revelation 7:4) This is the figurative Israel. Paul explains "not all who from Isreal are really Israel." He explains that "one is a Jew who is one on the inside upon the heart." (Romans 9:6-8) We can be sure that the number of "kings to rule over the earth" is limited in number, as "the hundred and forty-four thousand, who have been bought from the earth" who stand with the lamb (Christ) on "the heavenly mount zion" are contrasted with "a great crowd which no man was able to number out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues standing before the throne and before the lamb." (Revelation 7:9-10) So Christ and the hundred and forty-four thousand are standing facing apart from the great crowd.The Bible further distinguishes these two resurrections by calling one of them the "first resurrection". (Revelation 20:4-5) These are also called "firstfruits". (Romans 8:23) But which is first and which is second? In the Revelation, John wrote: "Happy and holy is anyone having part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no authority but they will be priests of God and of the Christ and will rule as kings with him." (Revelation 20:6) So clearly, since they rule as kings with Christ, whose rule is in heaven, and act as priests with the authority given to Israel, then the first resurrection is the heavenly resurrection. Paul himself hoped to be of "the earlier resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:8-11)
EVERLASTING JUDGMENT
Everlasting judgment is what will occur in the last days when Jesus judges the righteous and the unrighteous. (John 5:22-23, 25-30) This judgment will be perfect, executed by the perfect spirit, Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 5:8-10; 7:28) This will not be a cookie cutter justice, but will be based upon the heart of each individual. —Matthew 9:4
A man might judge another man based on his works alone; if he has done bad, he gets judged as bad, and if he has done no wrong, then he gets judged as good by that one. But a man cannot know the heart of a man, so he cannot know that the man who has done wrong has repented of his bad way and is seeking a change, or that the man who has done no wrong despises God and has no desire to be a part of God's new world. (1 Samuel 16:7) Each person will be fully tested not with malicious tests that they should say they are being tried by God, but with simple things that give them the opportunity to show who they truly are. (James 1:13-15) And even if nobody sees the results, Jesus will know, and he will judge accordingly, not with a fickle justice, but by God's standards, and the righteous will have their names written "in the scroll of life". (Revelation 13:8; 17:8) For there is nothing that is done in secret that can be hidden from the eyes of God. —Ecclesiastes 12:14; Luke 8:17
What is this eternal judgment and who has part in executing it? Is it eternal torment in a burning fire? Paul stated to the Thessalonians: "but, to you all who suffer tribulation, relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus. These very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction from before the Lord and from the glory of his strength, at the time he comes to be glorified in connection with his holy ones." (1 Thessalonians 1:7-10) So it is a final destruction.
This is described as "the second death" in Revelation, where we read "And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. But another scroll was opened; it is the scroll of life. And the dead were judged out of those things written in the scrolls according to their deeds. And the sea gave up those dead in it, and death and Ha'des gave up those dead in them, and they were judged individually according to their deeds. And death and Ha'des were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death, the lake of fire. Furthermore, whoever was not found written in the book of life was hurled into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:11-15) As discussed above, we cease to exist in death, so the second death is the death from which there will be no hope of resurrection. (Jeremiah 51:39) The fire is figurative as all other imagery in the Revelation is, but do not make the mistake of thinking that the message is also figurative, as it is very real. There will indeed be a judgment and the judgment is coming quickly.
After the execution of justice on all the unrighteous, no more will men die due to inherited sin. (Revelation 21:4) Peace and security will truly exist, and nothing will threaten anyone. (Psalm 4:8; Isaiah 11:9) Jesus will hand his kingdom and authority back to God from which it came, and there will be no more sorrow or terror in the world. (1 Corinthians 15:24-28) The new heavens and new earth will continue forever. —2 Peter 3:13; Isaiah 65:17-25
So the doctrines to which so many religions cling in order to establish themselves are extemporaneous and mean nothing to salvation or of becoming mature Christians. (Matthew 15:9) That is not to say that a religion does not have the right to set up organiztional procedures, as the one that is God's true organization has authority by God to govern itself, and one that is not his true organization does not matter anyway. (Acts 5:29; Hebrews 13:17) Only the seven doctrines listed above mean anything to a Christian. Other doctrines have no bearing on our salvation. If you have accepted the foundation, then you are ready to "carry forth to completion" or "press on to maturity". This is the milk, but later we will find out what the "solid food" is that was spoken of by Paul. —Hebrews 5:14
Continue to the next article: Distinguishing Both Right and Wrong.
A man might judge another man based on his works alone; if he has done bad, he gets judged as bad, and if he has done no wrong, then he gets judged as good by that one. But a man cannot know the heart of a man, so he cannot know that the man who has done wrong has repented of his bad way and is seeking a change, or that the man who has done no wrong despises God and has no desire to be a part of God's new world. (1 Samuel 16:7) Each person will be fully tested not with malicious tests that they should say they are being tried by God, but with simple things that give them the opportunity to show who they truly are. (James 1:13-15) And even if nobody sees the results, Jesus will know, and he will judge accordingly, not with a fickle justice, but by God's standards, and the righteous will have their names written "in the scroll of life". (Revelation 13:8; 17:8) For there is nothing that is done in secret that can be hidden from the eyes of God. —Ecclesiastes 12:14; Luke 8:17What is this eternal judgment and who has part in executing it? Is it eternal torment in a burning fire? Paul stated to the Thessalonians: "but, to you all who suffer tribulation, relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus. These very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction from before the Lord and from the glory of his strength, at the time he comes to be glorified in connection with his holy ones." (1 Thessalonians 1:7-10) So it is a final destruction.This is described as "the second death" in Revelation, where we read "And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. But another scroll was opened; it is the scroll of life. And the dead were judged out of those things written in the scrolls according to their deeds. And the sea gave up those dead in it, and death and Ha'des gave up those dead in them, and they were judged individually according to their deeds. And death and Ha'des were hurled into the lake of fire. This means the second death, the lake of fire. Furthermore, whoever was not found written in the book of life was hurled into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:11-15) As discussed above, we cease to exist in death, so the second death is the death from which there will be no hope of resurrection. (Jeremiah 51:39) The fire is figurative as all other imagery in the Revelation is, but do not make the mistake of thinking that the message is also figurative, as it is very real. There will indeed be a judgment and the judgment is coming quickly.After the execution of justice on all the unrighteous, no more will men die due to inherited sin. (Revelation 21:4) Peace and security will truly exist, and nothing will threaten anyone. (Psalm 4:8; Isaiah 11:9) Jesus will hand his kingdom and authority back to God from which it came, and there will be no more sorrow or terror in the world. (1 Corinthians 15:24-28) The new heavens and new earth will continue forever. —2 Peter 3:13; Isaiah 65:17-25So the doctrines to which so many religions cling in order to establish themselves are extemporaneous and mean nothing to salvation or of becoming mature Christians. (Matthew 15:9) That is not to say that a religion does not have the right to set up organiztional procedures, as the one that is God's true organization has authority by God to govern itself, and one that is not his true organization does not matter anyway. (Acts 5:29; Hebrews 13:17) Only the seven doctrines listed above mean anything to a Christian. Other doctrines have no bearing on our salvation. If you have accepted the foundation, then you are ready to "carry forth to completion" or "press on to maturity". This is the milk, but later we will find out what the "solid food" is that was spoken of by Paul. —Hebrews 5:14Continue to the next article: Distinguishing Both Right and Wrong.
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1 Some verses are translations from my own personal study of the Greek text.
2 "stake", literal translation from "stauros". Often translated "cross" or "torture stake".
3 "you all" also "all you", often translated as just "YOU" because a plural personal pronoun lacks in the modern English language. Old English plural personal pronoun was "ye".
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