born of water

[good samaritan]

Originally Posted by shazeep

ok, but i agree with the O at "authority," because yes one should have both, yet there are obviously many accepted with neither; and we know many will cry "Lord, Lord--" the legalists, which wadr this sounds like. i think in between the two povs lies Grace.

i don't look for 'secret codes' or deeper meanings; they are revealed to me. The Bible is a spiritual Book, and many are aware of widely held 'deeper meanings' that might not be proven, yet provide reflections valid enough to be called cliche, even. Conversely, many are aware of passages translated into words that we would not use today for the same concept--"hope" becomes "confident expectation," etc.

So by all means read the Bible literally, and seek your own salvation, but when someone tells you that you have to do something their way--"proof" provided or not--you might see if you can detect any Grace along with it; or see that God has provided it anyway. Lots of Latinos are named Jesus.

I have seen people who had faith and where used with supernatural gifts who where disobedient in their lifestyle (I know of one who got mad used profanity aloud in church). Just because God has used me I don't take that as everything I am doing is o.k. There will probably be tongue talkers in Hell (I don't joy in that). I have had my emotions moved by songs and even some sad movies but that doesn't mean anything. The Holy ghost will not lead a person to disregard scripture. Beware when you feelings tell you something different from the Bible.

Things like death bed conversions God will judge whether they will be o.k. or not otherwise you are commanded to be baptized in Jesus name. If you go by a deeper revelation rather than a literal understanding of Gods's word then who's revelation do we go by. Many times everyone is going to have a different one. If everyone took a literal interpretation of the Bible there would be little to no such thing as denominations but we would all be in unity.

When you baptize in the name of Jesus you are being obedient. I understand that some Hispanics have that name, but that doesn't change the scripture. I believe God can distinguish who you are referring to. That is where I think we do it with His authority. He knows when we are calling out His name in faith.