Lesson 1119

(Lesson 1119)(10-16-14) Acts 2:40-47

"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."

In verse forty one of today's quote the Author says; "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." It is very important that we apply yesterday's lesson to this statement so as to understand that the word "baptized", as it is applied herein, is not in reference to a water immersion.

It should be said that in all practicality it would have been physically impossible for those few men to have baptized three thousand souls in water within the few hours available while they continued to preach the gospel throughout the day.

What verse forty one actually intends is that those who believed and accepted God's promise, as presented by the Apostles' sermon at Pentecost, were immersed in the soul saving blood of Jesus Christ upon accepting the Apostles words, by faith.

Those three thousand souls were indeed "baptized" in the blood of Christ, NOT in water. Those three thousand souls, after having been saved by being "baptized" into the blood of Jesus Christ through believing in Him, were then added to the Church.

Today's quote goes further to relate that all the members of the Church were in full accord, all pulling in the same direction, and prayerfully dedicated to the task that was charged to them by Jesus Himself.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if today all those who claim to be Christian were pulling together toward what Jesus actually intended for His Church?

It is important to note that ONLY the saved were added to the Church. These last few lessons have explained in detail how a lost soul is to be saved, they are verified by Paul and Silas in Acts 16:31 when asked; Sirs, what must I do to be saved? they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."

These chosen men of God made NO mention of water baptism as having anything to do with either eternal salvation, or as a qualification for entry into the Church.~