Where are all the Acts 2:38 folks (3-steppers)??

[ChristopherHall]

Originally Posted by pelathais

No, I do not think there is "no possibility..." There may be a possibility. There may even be a likelihood.

However, the point that Arnold's book was brought up to support was of a "continuous line" of belief and practice from ~200 A.D. until 1913 A.D.

It depends on what one believes the term "continuous line" to mean. For example there have been various revivals of Modalism in pockets of Christendom down through the centuries. This is a continuous line of "revival" and spiritual outbreaks of truth. Though it isn't a continuous line of organization. Often the groups were not related to each other. Many Modalistic groups were also Montanist, meaning that one of their beliefs was in the prophetic gifts and "speaking in tongues". Some embraced Jesus name baptism, others didn't. The fact is that in every generation there has been a church walking in the revealed will of God somewhere.

There is certainly ample evidence of people "speaking in tongues" throughout history, even predating Christianity. Now what and who and if they were "truly inspired" etc. gets very complicated. But it is a widely reported phenomena.

Amen. And many were indeed Modalists and it's conceivable that at the very least some baptized in Jesus name.

The same with Jesus name baptism. It is so plainly reported in the Acts of the Apostles that many people seemed to have picked up the practice at different times.

Amen, I had just read this so you can refer to the statement of mine above.

But what we don't have is the "complete package" of Acts 2:38 salvation being reported anywhere from ~200 A.D. until the events surrounding Arroyo Seco in 1913.

Now here's where I'm going to challenge you. You stated, and I quote, "But what we don't have is the "complete package" of Acts 2:38 salvation being reported anywhere from ~200 A.D. until the events surrounding Arroyo Seco in 1913." You made the statement...you now have to prove it. Now, before you go arguing and whining, "I can't prove a negative." I'll show you something you can do. Since Montanistic Modalism (tongue talking Modalism) was often linked in these Modalistic groups...you have to show that none of these groups baptized in Jesus name by finding out how they did baptize.

Also I see a logic problem. You and I agree that Jesus name baptism and tongue talking have occurred many times down through history. However, Trinitarian orthodoxy forbade the Jesus name formula. It becomes obvious that any group that observed Jesus name baptism would be non-trinitarian. Therefore we are left with the high probability that many Modalistic groups indeed baptized in Jesus name. Since Montanism and other tongue talking phenomena occurred in these Modalist groups we see that the odds highly favor that the "complete package" of Acts 2:38 would exist down through history.

Again, is it "possible? -sure. Is it "likely? -well that's a little harder to say. Do we have any evidence? -No. None.

You cannot say that there is no evidence unless you can verify that no Modalistic, tongue talking group baptized in Jesus name. Until you do...the odds are very much in their favor.

The odds of finding the "continous line" are very remote. There are better odds of finding revivals popping up here and there. But none of that should effect our behavior. Somehow or another we have a credible source of information contained within our Bibles. That book also gives the promise of a God who is both real and Personal. That is what we should act upon. jmho.

The "revivals" are a continuous line of truth down through the ages. The continuity isn't in the natural organization of each movement...but the Spirit received and the truth preached.