Previously, we noticed that people may try to play the, “That’s your opinion” card even on things that are very plain, such as keeping the Sabbath day holy. “What else is there?” one might wonder. So, how about Acts 2:38? It
clearly states that those on Pentecost who believed Peter’s gospel message and wanted to know what to do were told to: 1) repent; and 2) be baptized. However, they were not told to just be baptized, but they were given a reason—for
the forgiveness of their sins. Does anyone think this is difficult to understand? But listen to the “That’s your opinion” advocates.
Paul said we are saved by “faith only” in Ephesians 2:8-9. Well, no, he did not use the word only. But if he had, it would only prove that the Bible contradicts itself since “faith only” and repent and be baptized are not the same.
Is it a good thing to try to make the Bible disagree with itself? Is it proper to take a plain statement and try to relegate it as opinion and interpretation when the Holy Spirit inspired the apostle Peter to say those words? We do not deny faith; we believe it is necessary. Peter did not mention it because if they had not believed, they would not have asked what they should do (Acts 2:37). However, the “faith only” group does put themselves in an unenviable position by denying what is necessary to have salvation—namely, repentance and baptism.
Peter was speaking only to the Jews; there’s a different message for the Gentiles, which is “faith only.” Where did anyone get the idea that there were two gospels? Not from Ephesians 4. Peter was the first preacher and apostle to go to the home of Gentiles, preach to them, and eat with them as well. He did not teach them “faith only.” Instead, he asked if anyone could “forbid water, that these should be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” (Acts 10:47). Yes, he commanded them to be baptized in water—just as those on Pentecost were (verse 48).
All of the passages that mention baptism refer to Holy Spirit baptism—not baptism in water. How was that conclusion arrived at? Water is specifically mentioned in Acts 10:47, as seen above. The queen’s treasurer went down into the water with Philip, where he baptized him (Acts 8:35-39). When Peter said baptism now saves us, he was referring to water baptism (1 Peter 3:20-21). That means that those to whom he preached on Pentecost were baptized in water, also. Water baptism is always for the forgiveness of sins. Baptism in the Holy Spirit had a different purpose. It is in water baptism that the blood of Jesus washes away all sins (Acts 22:16; Rev. 1:5). It is not that the Bible is unclear; many people simply have a bias they are unwilling to let go of. The Scriptures are plain for those who have a love of the truth (2 Thess. 2:10).