Someone please define 1 step and 3 step theology!

[LUKE2447]

Originally Posted by Stephen Hoover

It is very necessary - I have not seen a discussion here, where baptism was considered dispensable. The question is rather, "Does God place someone in right standing with Him at the moment of baptism, but not a moment before?"

Actually the question is deeper than that. One can be considered in right of heart or standing and not have realized the cross or atonement of Christ yet.

1) Faith or proper response to God is considered "that which is right" or righteous

God declaring a person toward him or of right heart does not mean they have been united with Christ per Romans 6 and WE TAKE ON HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS!

2) To be united with Christ is to be united in his death at baptism. Thus we are put on or united with the cross/sacrifice.


Mat 5:23 So then, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,
Mat 5:24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother and then come and present your gift.

The sequence is clear here when one applies it to a person coming into relationship with Christ.

The individual hears the calling of God and HEARS that God has something against him(law) and the solution and he then turns to Christ in repentance/reconcile and he THEN offers his gift/himself to united in sacrifice on the alter. In this we offer our lives to be united with him in death.

Thus the response of faith God declares right and the imputing the righteousness or atonement of Christ are two different things. You CANNOT be united with Christ in baptism which is his atonement unless you have been declared right at heart by repentance.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Jaxon

It's quite easy to see when one initially starts going through posts/threads here that the terms one-stepper and three stepper are bandied about quite frequently.

So naturally you want to know exactly what people are referring to when you see that.

I've even recently inquired myself on another thread. So.......

Three stepper seems pretty obvious. Acts 2:38.....that's what I believe

one stepper: Repentence necessary.....baptism will follow but not believed to be neccessary (then why do it is my question?)....receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in tongues (haven't really figured out what the so called one steppers here believe about that).

Here's what the PCI Manual said on the subject of salvation. Notice a person had "remission of sins" through sincere repetenance.

As a rough guide to the discussion consider this: the two groups that merged to form the UPC were the PCI and the PAJC. The PCI was mostly "one steppers" and the PAJC tended toward "three steppers." Now, that's very rough - keep that in mind. Thomas Fudge showed that there were in fact a lot "one steppers" among the PAJC and that at times some of the former PCI members became the most ardent "three steppers."

Essentially it came down to a battle for identity. The "three step" opinion eventually took control and the "one step" approach was censored and buried. A lot of folks were disappointed by that. The moves made to assert the "three step" theology involved deceit and some bullying tactics. Also, the vast majority of younger ministers didn't have a clue as to what was going on until Fudge published Christianity Without the Cross and others began to speak out as well.

[TRFrance]

Originally Posted by Jaxon

Three stepper seems pretty obvious. Acts 2:38.....that's what I believe

one stepper: Repentence necessary.....baptism will follow but not believed to be neccessary (then why do it is my question?)....receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in tongues

(haven't really figured out what the so called one steppers here believe about that).

From what I've been able to gather, it varies...some of them (most?) believe you will speak in tongues upon the infilling of the Spirit.
Others feel it might be accompanied by tongues but, not necessarily --- it couild be some other sign.
Others seem to feel that the primary evidence is the fruit of the Spirit, not necesarily any outward sign, although some kind of gift/sign will likely manifest itself at some time in the person's walk with God.

[Jaxon]

So would a one stepper (as some folks refer to themselves here) believe that Jesus name baptism is essential to the salvation plan?

Or do the one steppers even know what they are saying when they use the term?

IMO it just seemed like repentence only as opposed to Acts 2:38.

That why I asked

[LUKE2447]

There is a last step to come into covenant. How about that!

[MomOfADramaQn]

My point is there is no last step because I think in order to be saved it is something we strive for daily - not just a step 1 - 2 - 3 - bam I am saved. It is more than that.

[tbpew]

Originally Posted by MomOfADramaQn

My point is there is no last step because I think in order to be saved it is something we strive for daily - not just a step 1 - 2 - 3 - bam I am saved. It is more than that.

As do I.

Your earlier reply alluded to Acts 2:38 without stating whether you think the last step is:
a. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost
or
b. When we breathe our last breath
or
c. Something inbetween

Picking when 'salvation occurs' as some point along the continuum of our lifetime breeds a bunch of human debate and human philosophical rant.

There is one who will judge me...and I am not him.
There are books that will be opened and my life will be judged from them.
There is an appointed time for this judgement

He that endureth unto the end, the same will be saved.

[MomOfADramaQn]

Originally Posted by tbpew

As do I.

Your earlier reply alluded to Acts 2:38 without stating whether you think the last step is:
a. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost
or
b. When we breath our last breath
or
c. Something inbetween

Picking when 'salvation occurs' as some point along the continuum of our lifetime breeds a bunch of human debate and human philosophical rant.

There is one who will judge me...and I am not him.
There are books that will be opened and my life will be judged from them.

He that endureth unto the end, the same will be saved.

I think we agree on this