SALVATION - INDEX
There is NOTHING in this life that is more important for you to do than to decide where you will spend eternity.
If you have everything that this world can offer you - an easy life, family, friends, money, and pleasures - but you decide by default to spend eternity in Hell, then your life will have been a complete failure.
On the other hand, if you have practically nothing in this life of esteemed value, but you choose to seek God and to spend eternity with him in Heaven, then your life will have been an enormous success.
The difference isn't so much in what you have or don't have; it's in what you choose and don't choose. Jesus said, "except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
List of Articles:
What does it mean to be "Born Again"?
Is Baptism part of Salvation?
Who is God? - Make it Simple (links to our Doctrine Article by this title)
A Personal Message from Our Family to You
SOUND DOCTRINE - INDEX
In this series we intend to examine doctrines with the intent of establishing which are sound and which are false.
Sound doctrine unites believers in Christ, false doctrine divides people from Christ, and conflicting doctrine disrupts unity and fellowship in Christ.
Therefore, each of us ought to purge ourselves of false doctrine and earnestly seek sound doctrine.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
(I Thess 5:21)
This is not a matter of personal opinion - nor one of one-upmanship; it is a matter of personal righteousness and of right-standing before God. Ultimately, we must be willing to let God’s Word speak to us, and we must be willing to conform ourselves to that Word.
Question: How much false doctrine can one believe and still be saved?
At the Berean Research Institute, we are not willing to be comfortable with any false doctrines - no matter how few they are, nor how little they may be, nor what cost we may face to rid ourselves of them.
For good reason, Jesus warns us to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees:
Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. (Matt 16:6)
Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. (Matt 16:12)
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. (Gal 5:9)
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. (I Cor 5:7)
Therefore, as we examine various doctrines, we do so not to be confrontational or disagreeable with others, but to be obedient to these specific commandments of God and to be faithful to his scriptures, overall.
Let's Be Scriptural, In Determining Sound Doctrine.
List of Articles:
OK…. So, you’re a "CHRISTIAN"...
What’s Wrong With Being a “Christian”??
Who is God? - Make it Simple
OK…. So, you’re a "PENTECOSTAL" - Let’s Be Scriptural About:
Pentecost and the Modern Pentecostal Movement
Examining the Pentecostal Statement of Faith, “What We Believe”
Pentecostal Feminism
Why I left the Tongues Movement - Alfred H. Pohl (Opens in New Window)
“Slain in the Spirit”
“Speaking in Tongues”
My Pastor, the "Spiritual Hippie"
Fake Healers, Apostles & Prophets
Smith Wigglesworth - A Book Review - by Mike Wright
Benny Hinn - "Man of God"?? - Videos
Benny Hinn - Outrageous Claims
Benny Hinn - Politics with China
United Pentecostal Church International
Is Water Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
Is the UPCI Gospel True?
OK…. So, you’re a "BAPTIST" - Let’s Be Scriptural About:
The Eternal Security of the Believer
The Eternal Security of the Believer
Eternal Security
The “Carnal” Christian
The Local Church
The “Local” Church - A Review of Dr. Kirkland's Book
Bible Verses Refuting the "Local Church" doctrine (Opens in New Window)
Calvinism and Arminianism
Calvinism and Arminianism
The god of the Calvinist
Calvinism and Modern Bible Versions
OK…. So, you’re a "CATHOLIC" - Let’s Be Scriptural About:
Salvation for Catholics
Can a “Catholic” be a “Christian”?
A Warning to Catholic Christians !!
Catholic Booklet - “Be Careful of Protestant Teachings”: a Review
Catholic Doctrines
The Virgin Mary
The Mass - Transubstantiation
Roman Catholic Responses - Refuted
The Judgment of Rome
The Judgment of Rome - The Mother of Harlots
OK…. So, you’re a "JEHOVAH'S WITNESS" - Let’s Be Scriptural About:
Questions For Jehovah's Witnesses
Questions For Jehovah's Witnesses - Intro
Question For Jehovah's Witnesses
ENDTIME PROPHECY - INDEX
In this series we intend to examine eschatological (study of endtime) teachings with the intent of determining which are true and which are not.
Perhaps as much as one third of the bible is prophetic, and God said (in reference to those living in the last days), that the wise shall understand (Dan 12:10).
If we knock, the door shall be opened unto us. (Matt 7:7)
It is true that Endtime prophecy has been interpreted in many different ways and by many people, but this is not a matter of personal opinion - the scriptures are not of any private interpretation.
We must earnestly seek to understand God’s interpretation of prophetic scripture. Despite what others say, for some, this may become a matter of salvation - a misunderstanding of this subject may result in the loss of their soul.
At the Berean Research Institute, we believe that God does not waste his words and that he wrote in his Word precisely what he wanted to say to us, even in this matter of prophecy.
The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. (Rev 19:10)
It is equally important then, in this area of eschatology, that we study to shew ourselves approved unto God, workmen that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (II Tim 2:15)
Therefore, as we examine various eschatological views, we do so not to be confrontational or disagreeable with others, but to be obedient and faithful to his Word.
List of Articles:
Bible Prophecy - Relevant Today:
Understanding the Book of Revelation
Where Are We Today in Bible Prophecy?
What Should We Expect Next?
Preterist/Historicist/Amillennial:
Our Letter to an Historicist
Refuting Preterism/Historicism - Conclusively - Page 1
Refuting Preterism/Historicism - Conclusively - Page 2
Refuting Amillennialism
Although we do not agree on some issues (in particular with his soteriology), we appreciate the work and research of Irvin Baxter of Endtime, Inc for assembling many of the pieces of our understanding of the Book of Revelation for us.
OTHER ISSUES - INDEX
In this series we intend to address several controversial subjects. As the men of Berea did, we want to receive the word with all readiness of mind and to search the scriptures daily, whether these things are so. (Acts 17:11)
For us, this is not a matter of personal opinion nor one of one-upmanship; it is a matter of personal righteousness and of right-standing before God.
Ultimately, we must be willing to let God’s Word speak to us, and we must be willing to conform ourselves to that Word.
We know that we have liberty in Christ Jesus.
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Cor 3:17)
But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak. (1 Cor 8:9)
So, (at the least) we must be careful in exercising our liberty.
Further, the bible teaches us that liberty in Christ Jesus makes us free FROM sin. It does not make us free TO sin.
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Rom 6:1,2)
Moreover, we are commanded to:
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (John 2:15)
So, our hearts shouldn’t even desire those things in the world from which we have been saved.
Jesus came to seek and to save that which is lost. We who were dead in trespasses and sins he hath quickened.
Why then would we willingly go back into trespasses and sins?
Why would we wander away and become lost again?
(For those who believe in eternal security - please read the articles on OSAS, but in the meantime - why would we even ’behave’ as if we were lost again?)
The question then would be…...are the things we will discuss matters of sin, or are they legitimately matters of personal conscience?
Let’s find out.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (I Thess 5:21)
List of Articles
Issues Common to Most Fellowships:
“Church” Membership
"Brother" Bill and "Pastor"
Lisa's Thoughts on the Depravation of Literature
Social Drinking/Use of Alcohol
Holidays:
Christmas:
Questions About Christmas
Is Christmas Scriptural?
Every Green Trees to Worship False gods?
Explaining to Friends - What is ‘wrong’ with Christmas
Comparison Between the Lord Jesus Christ and Santa Claus
Easter:
Television and Movies:
Watching Television
Mel Gibson - Our “Christian” Hero?
Mel Gibson - Our "Christian" Hero - The Passion of the Christ - Summary
Creation vs Evolution:
Creation, Evolution and the Gap Theory
Evolution - Fact or Fiction by James L. Melton - (Excellent !)
Robert Howie - Geologist - A Book Review by Mike Wright
Baptism: Water Baptism, Baptism with the Holy Ghost and Baptism with Fire
The bible says there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, (Eph 4:5).
Here is the question that all readers must answer: Is your baptism a water baptism, or a spirit baptism? Please write to us with your answer.
Executive Summary:
1. Water baptism will make you wet.
a. Water baptism will not make you saved.
b. Water baptism will not qualify you for membership in the church.
c. Water baptism should not be used as a prerequisite for membership in local assemblies.
d. Water baptism is not essential in becoming part of the Bride of Christ.
e. Water baptism may give you an opportunity to give your testimony, but you would be doing more harm than good by giving it in that manner. You can schedule any opportunity to give your testimony without doing so in a way that falsely presents the meaning of baptism.
2. Spirit baptism is salvation. Spirit baptism is baptism with the Holy Ghost. Spirit baptism will make you saved, (The term "saved" meaning: part of the church, part of the body of Christ, part of the bride of Christ, and a son of God.)
a. Spirit baptism is not an experience subsequent to salvation
b. Spirit baptism is not verified by biblical tongues today
c. Spirit baptism has never been verified by unknown tongues or gibberish
d. Spirit baptism has never been accompanied by phenomena such as "Slain-in-the-spirit".
Baptism with Water:
Just as circumcision of the flesh was a token of the covenant - which was a type and shadow of God's intent that his people be circumcised in their heart (Rom 2:29) - so likewise, water baptism was a type and shadow of our salvation by immersion in the name of Jesus - which is the Word of God, by which the Holy Ghost fills us with all truth.
Hence we are baptized with the Holy Ghost, unto salvation. (Eph 4:5; I Cor 12:13)
We need to be circumcised in our hearts and baptized with the Holy Ghost.
We do not need to be circumcised in the flesh, nor baptized in water.
John the Baptist baptized in water for one purpose - to make Jesus known to Israel:
And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. (John 1:31)
John the Baptist, himself, dismissed the ritual of water baptism being anything of more significance, by also saying:
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: (Matt 3:11)
Water baptism serves no biblical purpose for us today, because its purpose was fulfilled in John the Baptist's ministry. Water baptism does not make us saved. It does not add us to the church. It is not the first step of obedience, nor any step of obedience, in our new Christian life, because Jesus never commanded us to be water baptized. He commanded us to baptize people in his "name."
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (Matt 28:19)
The name of Jesus is the only name by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). The name of Jesus is the Word of God (Rev 19:13). Therefore, to baptize people in his name is to immerse them in the word of God. We are to teach all nations, baptizing them in his name, unto salvation - teaching them of his Word until they are saved.
John the Baptist came to baptize in water, but Jesus did not. Water baptism had served its purpose. In fact, Paul reinforced this by saying that:
I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; (I Cor 1:14)
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. (I Cor 1:17)
With these words, Paul is clearly teaching that water baptism is no longer important. He also clearly states that water baptism has nothing to do with the gospel - "not to baptize, but to preach the gospel".
This is the gospel, of which Paul was speaking when he dismissed the need to baptize with water:
1 Corinthians 15
1Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Note that Paul says we are saved IF we keep in memory what he preached. It should therefore be obvious that if we don't keep in memory what he preached then we won't be saved.
Likewise, Jesus said that we would be his disciples and that we would know the truth and that we would be made free IF we continue in his word. It should therefore likewise be obvious that if we don't continue in his word then we won't be his disciples indeed, we won't know the truth and we won't be made free.
What are some of the key things Paul preached?
a. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Rom 3:23)
b. The wages of that sin is death. (Rom 6:23)
c. We must come to a knowledge of our sin, a knowledge that we have transgressed God's law.
d. We must repent of our sins. (Acts 2:38)
e. We must believe that Jesus died, was buried and rose again to pay for our sins. (I Cor 15:1-4)
f. We must receive the Holy Ghost, the Spirit of Christ, with which Jesus baptizes us, immerses us, to cleanse us of our sin, to save us, to give us life in exchange for death, and to make us new in him. (Acts 19:2-6)
To explain this - but jumping ahead a little in doing so - we emphasize that Baptism with the Holy Ghost is essential to biblical salvation. It follows repentance from sin and belief on the Lord Jesus Christ. This is why Paul asked the Ephesians in this passage (Acts 19:2), Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? They had repented; they had believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, but they had not yet received salvation by receiving the Holy Ghost. (This process is confirmed in Acts 2:38.) Baptism with the Holy Ghost seals our salvation with the holy Spirit of promise until the day of redemption. (Eph 1:13 and 4:30) This is God's promise of commitment to a relationship with us. Our responsibility is to continue in his word (Jn 8:31), which includes continuing to believe (believeth) on him (Jn 3:16), and continuing to remain faithful to his commands/leading (Rom 8:1).
Baptism with the Holy Ghost:
As we just reviewed, Jesus did not come to baptize in water. Jesus came to baptize with the Holy Ghost and with Fire. This is very important:
Those who repent, believe on Jesus and receive him as Lord and Saviour, he baptizes with the Holy Ghost (to save them).
Those who don't, he will baptize with fire, in the Lake of Fire, at the second death. (Rev 20:14,15)
For those of us who are in Christ, there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism. (Eph 4:5) That baptism is baptism with the Holy Ghost - Spirit baptism.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink in to one Spirit. (I Cor 12:13)
Jesus was speaking ONLY to his disciples (not just the twelve Apostles, but to all who continue in his word - John 8:31) when he said:
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. (Acts 1:5)
Notice that Jesus did not include the words baptized "with fire" when he was speaking to his disciples. That is because the baptism with fire that John the Baptist mentioned (in Matt 3:11 and Luke 3:16) ONLY pertains to the unsaved. Jesus will baptize the UNSAVED with fire.
John the Baptist was speaking BOTH to believers and to unbelievers in the crowds that followed him when he said that Jesus would baptize them with the Holy Ghost and with fire. (Holy Ghost for believers, and fire for unbelievers)
Pentecostals should take note of this when calling for the Lord to send Fire upon them and when following evangelists who scream FIRE, FIRE, FIRE upon themselves and their followers.
Baptism with the Holy Ghost empowers us to be witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 1:8)
Baptism with the Holy Ghost does not make us speak in gibberish.
Baptism with the Holy Ghost does not make us fall uncontrollably on the floor; or fall into the arms of a ‘catcher' (i.e. popularly referred to as ‘slain-in-the-spirit'; but the authorized King James Bible makes no mention of this phenomenon.)
Biblical baptism with the Holy Ghost places us into the body of Christ.
Biblical baptism is integral to salvation.
Charismatic/Pentecostal Baptism in the Holy Spirit - a False Baptism:
Pentecostals consider the baptism in the Holy Spirit to be a second blessing, a subsequent event to salvation, but it is not.
‘Charismatic/Pentecostal' baptism in the Holy Spirit will deceive you. It will not save you. It will not empower you. It will make you drunken (unsober) and uninhibited, in violation of I Pet 5:8 and other verses. It will quite probably make you devil-possessed. (i.e. popularly referred to as ‘demon-possessed'; but the authorized King James Bible makes no mention of demons.)
Charismatics/Pentecostals claim to speak in tongues, when they are "baptized with the Holy Ghost" as a spirit speaks through them. This is not the Holy Ghost; not the Holy Spirit. It is "another spirit" (II Cor 11:4)
Charismatics/Pentecostals claim to be overcome by the spirit when they are "slain-in-the-spirit" This is not the Holy Ghost; not the Holy Spirit. It is "another spirit" (II Cor 11:4).
Conclusions:
1. Water baptism serves no purpose today and is a detriment to the biblical presentation of the gospel.
2. Baptism with the Holy Ghost is NOT the experience taught by today's Pentecostals/Charismatics which they validate by accompanied manifestations (including tongues and slain-in-the-spirit phenomena). The request of Pentecostals/Charismatics to be baptized with fire is a request to be cast into the Lake of Fire at the second death.
3. Baptism with the Holy Ghost is essential to biblical salvation. It follows repentance from sin and belief on the Lord Jesus Christ. This is why Paul asked the Ephesians (Acts 19:2), Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? They had repented; they had believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, but they had not yet received salvation by receiving the Holy Ghost. (This process is confirmed in Acts 2:38.) Baptism with the Holy Ghost seals our salvation with the holy Spirit of promise until the day of redemption. (Eph 1:13 and 4:30) This is God's promise of commitment to a relationship with us. Our responsibility is to continue in his word (Jn 8:31), which includes continuing to believe (believeth) on him (Jn 3:16), and continuing to follow his word (Rom 8:1 and John 10:27).
