Originally Posted by Antipas (Post 633380)

A three stepper believes that all three steps are an absolute MUST for salvation. No exceptions to the rule. I know, I was first saved in a solid three stepper church. No allowance for ANYTHING outside of FULL Acts 2:38 salvation.

However, if you feel that all three steps are expected of the believer, but that God CAN and perhaps HAS saved people after sincerely repenting....then you are essentially a one stepper, meaning one step is all that is absolutely necessary for God to save according to his sovereign grace and mercy.

You can't have it both ways.

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover (Post 633433)

A new believer who rejects the Holy Spirit and refuses to be baptized in water is revealing the quality of his "faith" - in fact, it is likely only a faith proclaimed, but not a faith genuine.

Acts 2:38 is the normative initiation into the New Testament church.

Originally Posted by bkstokes (Post 633437)

Yes,

But if he is never thought it, let us say a man like Martin Luther. Such a man who faced the tyranny of the Catholic church and stated "Here I stand".

How can they know if there is no preacher? Not all are given the opportunity of the 2:38 message.

Originally Posted by bkstokes (Post 633437)

Yes,

But if he is never thought it, let us say a man like Martin Luther. Such a man who faced the tyranny of the Catholic church and stated "Here I stand".

How can they know if there is no preacher? Not all are given the opportunity of the 2:38 message.

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover (Post 633440)

I am not aware of any statements of Martin Luther that indicate he rejected water baptism or the Holy Spirit.

Originally Posted by bkstokes (Post 633442)

By the way, Mr Hoover -- you seem like a level headed person -- so I ask your opinion on the matter.

I use to work with Bro. Tenney and he and I once got into a talk along this line. I will tell you his response when I read yours.

Originally Posted by Sam (Post 633441)

Some three steppers believe Martin Luther was lost and is being tormented in hell fire right now. Other three steppers believe Martin Luther is in Paradise in the presence of Jesus waiting for the second resurrection also known as the Great White Throne Judgment.