I recently read an interpretation of Ephesians 2:8-9 that said, "faith there is not the gift - salvation (the subject of the entire passage) is the gift of God. Faith is a feminine noun, while the demonstrative pronoun that ("it is" is not in the Greek) is neuter and could not refer to faith. The Greek will not permit "faith" to be the gift." How do you interpret this passage?
How strong of a dispensationalist are you? For example, Do you believe that salvation is different during different times? Do you believe that there is no connection between the new covenant and the new birth?
I understand the Bible says that God requires a blood sacrifice (Hebrews 9:22). I have heard preachers say that if Jesus had not shed any blood, then his death would not have been a valid sacrifice. Why does God require a blood sacrifice? I know the life of the flesh is in the blood (you can not live without blood), but you can die without bleeding. What is the significance of the blood sacrifice?
First of all I love Jesus with all my heart and believe that I am saved . I have been baptized and I have repented of my sins and have received the holy ghost. About 4 months ago I started at an apostolic church and we do receive our messages through scripture however it was brought to my attention that if I wasn't baptized in Jesus name I wouldn't enter the kingdom of God. I have truly believed in my salvation . I acknowledge Jesus and I have always believed that my baptism was right. I was shattered and so confused about this that I am asking for help in finding the scripture that will bring some comfort to my beliefs. If I have been baptized in the Father Son and Holy Ghost and he is one, isn't that the same as being baptized in Jesus name?
What is the correlation/connection between water baptism and church membership? I see where Acts 2:41 references both baptism and adding to the church in the same context, but have not found where baptism is clearly required for church membership.
