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Old 07-01-2009   #1
bluedog1us
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The Kingdom of God

Yesterday I posted what Paul calls the Gospel.(1 Cor. 15:1-4) Some catholics objected to that and said that the Gospel is the Good News of the Kingdom of God. And that is true. So my point is that there must be some way for people to KNOW how it enter that Kingdom. Just simply saying there is a Kingdom, with NO instructions or directions on how to find or enter that Kingdom, would do no good at all. One MUST know how to find, and enter that Kingdom. So, catholics would you answer the following:

1. What is this Kingdom?
2. Where is this Kingdom?
3. How does one enter into this Kingdom?
4. How would YOU explain, to someone who did NOT even KNOW there is such a kingdom, the way to find and enter this Kingdom?
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Old 07-01-2009   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bluedog1us View Post
Yesterday I posted what Paul calls the Gospel.(1 Cor. 15:1-4) Some catholics objected to that and said that the Gospel is the Good News of the Kingdom of God. And that is true. So my point is that there must be some way for people to KNOW how it enter that Kingdom. Just simply saying there is a Kingdom, with NO instructions or directions on how to find or enter that Kingdom, would do no good at all. One MUST know how to find, and enter that Kingdom. So, catholics would you answer the following:

1. What is this Kingdom?
2. Where is this Kingdom?
3. How does one enter into this Kingdom?
4. How would YOU explain, to someone who did NOT even KNOW there is such a kingdom, the way to find and enter this Kingdom?
  1. The kingdom of God contains all believers.
  2. It is both on heaven on earth. T
  3. he most normal way of entering the kingdom is baptism.
  4. Share the Gospel with them.
The Gospel of Matthew is written to the Jews that do no use the word God. When Matthew refers to the kingdom of heaven then he is talking about the believers just like the house of David contained all of God's people (the Isrealites). I don't have time right now to layout this out using the Gospel of Matthew but someone else might be able to.
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Old 07-01-2009   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bluedog1us View Post
1. What is this Kingdom?
The reign of Christ. It began with his Incarnation and will come in to it's fullest at his Parousia.
Quote:
2. Where is this Kingdom?
"In our midst." In other words in heaven and on earth.
Quote:
3. How does one enter into this Kingdom?
The normal way would be through Baptism.
Quote:
4. How would YOU explain, to someone who did NOT even KNOW there is such a kingdom, the way to find and enter this Kingdom?
The very short version would be to say, "Follow Jesus."

Peace.
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Old 07-01-2009   #4
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Originally Posted by Legal Eagle View Post
The reign of Christ. It began with his Incarnation and will come in to it's fullest at his Parousia."In our midst." In other words in heaven and on earth.The normal way would be through Baptism.The very short version would be to say, "Follow Jesus."

Peace.
The normal way to enter the Kingdom of God is through faith not baptism.
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Old 07-01-2009   #5
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Faith in Jesus Christ is not a requirement?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Legal Eagle View Post
The normal way would be through Baptism.
Really? Just by getting wet one can enter into heaven.
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Old 07-01-2009   #6
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"When a righteous man fled from his brother’s wrath,
she guided him on straight paths;
she showed him the kingdom of God,
and gave him knowledge of holy things;
she prospered him in his labours,
and increased the fruit of his toil."
Wis 10 : 10.

Long before the Cross, and its redemption in a blood more precious than Abel's, Wisdom guided righteous souls.
The Spirit at work, as Wisdom's presence, gave knowledge of what is holy, or angelic, prospering him.
So, the Kingdom needed no written text as its revealing guide, only Wisdom with the Spirit.

"When Gentiles, who do not possess the law, do instinctively what the law requires, these, though not having the law, are a law to themselves. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, to which their own conscience also bears witness; and their conflicting thoughts will accuse or perhaps excuse them on the day when, according to my gospel, God, through Jesus Christ, will judge the secret thoughts of all." Rom 2 : 14-16.

The Law, which is a written convenant of God's rule, was a disciplinarian until grace came in Christ.
According to Paul's understanding of the gospel the Law was a conviction of guilt to accuse.
So when Gentiles did what it required, naturally, it was to judge all secret thoughts.

"Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?' For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matt 6 : 31-33.

The Kingdom, therefore, is not being concerned over texts, revealed commands or accusations of conscience - holy, right and good though these are if in God's service. It is learning to strive after God rule, his justice, at work in our lives. In doing this we workout our salvation - in whatever we do, wear, eat or drink - for we do it only to will and work for his good pleasure = his rule in Christ, the Kingdom.

"Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure." Phil 2 : 12-13.

"He put before them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.’" Matt 13 : 31-32.

"If your brother is being injured by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. Do not let what you eat cause the ruin of one for whom Christ died. So do not let your good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. The one who thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and has human approval. Let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual edification." Rom 14 : 15-19.
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Old 07-01-2009   #7
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Thanks to all who replied so far. The only problem is that it just created many more questions in my mind. You see, there are many things I don't know or understand so here are some of the things that really confuse me:

Who are believers? Believers in what?
What is heaven?
What is baptism?
What is the gospel?
Who is Christ?
And Who is this Jesus?
And where should I follow Him?
What in the world is Parousia?
Faith. I have faith that:
The earth is round.
That I am a good person.
That the sun will shine tomorrow.
I have faith in many things, is that what you mean?
Must I stay dry then, and NOT get wet? I don't understand.

But I feel that I want to enter into this Kingdom, but I am really confused now! More than ever! Help me understand if you can. I have never heard of these things before.
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Old 07-01-2009   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by softim View Post
The normal way to enter the Kingdom of God is through faith not baptism.
St. Paul and St. Peter beg to differ.

Colossians 2:9-13.


9 For in him dwells the whole fullness of the deity bodily,

10 and you share in this fullness in him, who is the head of every principality and power.

11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not administered by hand, by stripping off the carnal body, with the circumcision of Christ.

12 You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.

13 And even when you were dead (in) transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he brought you to life along with him, having forgiven us all our transgressions;

Notice how St. Paul compares Baptism to circumcision. Circumcision was the way one was initiated into the old covenant. Notice also that in this passage St. Paul is discussing who Christ is and that we share in his glory. In discussing this he tells us that our transgressions were stripped away by our Baptism.

1 Peter 3:18-22.

18 For Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit.

19 In it he also went to preach to the spirits in prison,

20 who had once been disobedient while God patiently waited in the days of Noah during the building of the ark, in which a few persons, eight in all, were saved through water.

21 This prefigured baptism, which saves you now. It is not a removal of dirt from the body but an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him.

Notice here how St. Peter compares the waters of Baptism with the waters of the flood, and notes that Baptism "saves you now." He also notes that Baptism is "an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

Thus, for St. Paul Baptism is like circumcision which initiates us into the new covenant. For St. Peter Baptism is the means by which we "appeal to God for a clear conscience."

So...while modern Protestant (especially Evangelical) theology seeks to strip Baptism of its meaning, we hold firm to the teaching of the Apostles. That teaching being that Baptism is the normative way of entering into the Kingdom.
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Old 07-01-2009   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Legal Eagle View Post
St. Paul and St. Peter beg to differ.

Colossians 2:9-13.


9 For in him dwells the whole fullness of the deity bodily,

10 and you share in this fullness in him, who is the head of every principality and power.

11 In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision not administered by hand, by stripping off the carnal body, with the circumcision of Christ.

12 You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.

13 And even when you were dead (in) transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he brought you to life along with him, having forgiven us all our transgressions;

Notice how St. Paul compares Baptism to circumcision. Circumcision was the way one was initiated into the old covenant. Notice also that in this passage St. Paul is discussing who Christ is and that we share in his glory. In discussing this he tells us that our transgressions were stripped away by our Baptism.

1 Peter 3:18-22.

18 For Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the sake of the unrighteous, that he might lead you to God. Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the spirit.

19 In it he also went to preach to the spirits in prison,

20 who had once been disobedient while God patiently waited in the days of Noah during the building of the ark, in which a few persons, eight in all, were saved through water.

21 This prefigured baptism, which saves you now. It is not a removal of dirt from the body but an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him.

Notice here how St. Peter compares the waters of Baptism with the waters of the flood, and notes that Baptism "saves you now." He also notes that Baptism is "an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."

Thus, for St. Paul Baptism is like circumcision which initiates us into the new covenant. For St. Peter Baptism is the means by which we "appeal to God for a clear conscience."

So...while modern Protestant (especially Evangelical) theology seeks to strip Baptism of its meaning, we hold firm to the teaching of the Apostles. That teaching being that Baptism is the normative way of entering into the Kingdom.
So it is that simple? All I have to do is be baptised? That's it? WOW, it IS simple.
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Old 07-01-2009   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by softim View Post
The normal way to enter the Kingdom of God is through faith not baptism.
I don't know why they refuse to get this. Throughout the NT it tells us we're saved by faith in Christ. What must I do to be saved asked the Philippian jailor. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved replied Paul and Silas. Water baptism is not how anyone enters the kingdom.
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Old 07-01-2009   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Valley Gem View Post
Really? Just by getting wet one can enter into heaven.
Evidently they think so.
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Old 07-01-2009   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bluedog1us View Post
So it is that simple? All I have to do is be baptised? That's it? WOW, it IS simple.
Sure. You must be Baptized with the proper intention. If an infant the intention is that of your parents to raise you in the faith. If an adult (or a child of sufficient age to understand) the intention is your intention to follow Christ.

This is normally how one is brought into the Kingdom. Staying in the Kingdom is another matter. One is always free to walk away if one so chooses.
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Old 07-01-2009   #13
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Originally Posted by Legal Eagle View Post
Sure. You must be Baptized with the proper intention. If an infant the intention is that of your parents to raise you in the faith. If an adult (or a child of sufficient age to understand) the intention is your intention to follow Christ.

This is normally how one is brought into the Kingdom. Staying in the Kingdom is another matter. One is always free to walk away if one so chooses.
What intention should that be? And you say "raised in the faith" if one is an infant. What does that entail? One can walk away from the Kingdom if one chooses. But I STILL don't know what the Kingdom is. Raised in what faith. Faith in what? I am just getting MORE confused! Please explain.

P S

And you hint that STAYING in the Kingdom may be not so easy. Why is that. What must I do to stay in this Kingdom?
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Old 07-01-2009   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bluedog1us View Post
Thanks to all who replied so far. The only problem is that it just created many more questions in my mind. You see, there are many things I don't know or understand so here are some of the things that really confuse me:

Who are believers? Believers in what?
What is heaven?
What is baptism?
What is the gospel?
Who is Christ?
And Who is this Jesus?
And where should I follow Him?
What in the world is Parousia?
Faith. I have faith that:
The earth is round.
That I am a good person.
That the sun will shine tomorrow.
I have faith in many things, is that what you mean?
Must I stay dry then, and NOT get wet? I don't understand.

But I feel that I want to enter into this Kingdom, but I am really confused now! More than ever! Help me understand if you can. I have never heard of these things before.
These are all very good questions. Indeed they are very deep questions, the answers to which are not found in snippets or sound bites. If a person was sincerely asking me these questions with a view toward understanding, I would say to that person 4 things:

1) While book learnin' is undeniably a good thing, we are not saved by our knowledge, so the most important thing to know in the short term, is that if you desire to seek and follow God you have taken the most important step already.

2) Start going to Mass on a regular basis, and set up a meeting with the parish priest as soon as possible. He let you know about the educational opportunities available in the parish where these and other questions can be answered.

3) Get yourself a Bible and a catechism. There are several other good introductory books as well that can assist you in finding these answers.

4) Here's my phone number. Please give me a call and let's go have coffee or a couple of beers or play a round of golf, and I'll introduce you to some other good Christian folks I know. Following Jesus is about community as much as it is about you as an individual, so let's get to know one another.

Peace
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Old 07-01-2009   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Legal Eagle View Post
These are all very good questions. Indeed they are very deep questions, the answers to which are not found in snippets or sound bites. If a person was sincerely asking me these questions with a view toward understanding, I would say to that person 4 things:

1) While book learnin' is undeniably a good thing, we are not saved by our knowledge, so the most important thing to know in the short term, is that if you desire to seek and follow God you have taken the most important step already.

2) Start going to Mass on a regular basis, and set up a meeting with the parish priest as soon as possible. He let you know about the educational opportunities available in the parish where these and other questions can be answered.

3) Get yourself a Bible and a catechism. There are several other good introductory books as well that can assist you in finding these answers.

4) Here's my phone number. Please give me a call and let's go have coffee or a couple of beers or play a round of golf, and I'll introduce you to some other good Christian folks I know. Following Jesus is about community as much as it is about you as an individual, so let's get to know one another.

Peace
So I can't learn about this Kingdom and how to enter this Kingdom from a book, right?

What is mass and what does it do for me?

And a priest of what church? Does it matter which one?

So the bible and catechism is necessary? And what do I look for there?

And these other good Christian folk will tell me what I need to know?

I don't know that I want to do that till I know who started this Kingdom, and what it is for, and who is the King of this Kingdom, and why should I trust the "King" to begin with. I really don't feel I should get too involved till I have some more concrete answers.
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Old 07-01-2009   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bluedog1us View Post
Yesterday I posted what Paul calls the Gospel.(1 Cor. 15:1-4) Some catholics objected to that and said that the Gospel is the Good News of the Kingdom of God. And that is true. So my point is that there must be some way for people to KNOW how it enter that Kingdom. Just simply saying there is a Kingdom, with NO instructions or directions on how to find or enter that Kingdom, would do no good at all. One MUST know how to find, and enter that Kingdom. So, catholics would you answer the following:

1. What is this Kingdom?
2. Where is this Kingdom?
3. How does one enter into this Kingdom?
4. How would YOU explain, to someone who did NOT even KNOW there is such a kingdom, the way to find and enter this Kingdom?
1. The reign of God where all his goodness is realized.
2. Wherever God reigns. It no prescribed geographical boundaries.
3. By dying and trusting that God will beget you anew into this Kingdom.
4. I would explain to them that God's reign is spreading into the world. If they want to be a part of that heavenly kingdom, they must first die to this world just like Jesus first died before he rose again to new life.
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Old 07-01-2009   #17
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Originally Posted by Sojourner View Post
1. The reign of God where all his goodness is realized.
2. Wherever God reigns. It no prescribed geographical boundaries.
3. By dying and trusting that God will beget you anew into this Kingdom.
4. I would explain to them that God's reign is spreading into the world. If they want to be a part of that heavenly kingdom, they must first die to this world just like Jesus first died before he rose again to new life.
So all one has to do is die?
So all who live, once they die, will be part of the Kingdom of God.
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Old 07-01-2009   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bluedog1us View Post
Yesterday I posted what Paul calls the Gospel.(1 Cor. 15:1-4) Some catholics objected to that and said that the Gospel is the Good News of the Kingdom of God. And that is true. So my point is that there must be some way for people to KNOW how it enter that Kingdom. Just simply saying there is a Kingdom, with NO instructions or directions on how to find or enter that Kingdom, would do no good at all. One MUST know how to find, and enter that Kingdom. So, catholics would you answer the following:
Quote:
1. What is this Kingdom?
This is what the Kingdom of God looks like.
Quote:
Mr 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: (to who? The apostles and all believers)
12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables?
14 The sower soweth the word.
15 And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; but when they have heard, Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts.
16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.
18 And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word,
19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
20 And these are they which are sown on good ground; such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some an hundred.
Quote:
2. Where is this Kingdom?
After Yeshua was accused of casting out demons by Beelzebub:
Quote:
Mt 12:25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
26 And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand?
27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges.
28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
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3. How does one enter into this Kingdom?
Yeshua speaking to Nicodemus and giving the spiritual lesson of his life.
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Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Folks that is not baby baptism or even believers baptism. This is Spirit baptism when one puts their faith in the Only Begotten Son of God.
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4. How would YOU explain, to someone who did NOT even KNOW there is such a kingdom, the way to find and enter this Kingdom?
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Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
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Joh 3:14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
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Ac 2:31 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
Ac 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
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Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Paul's instructions to Titus:
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Tit 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Jesus said that if we confess Him before men, He will confess us before the Father.
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Mt 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
Lu 12:8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:
So the apostle Paul, and Peter both proclaim that we should confess with our mouth and believe with our hearts.
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Ro 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above
7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
And Peter cried out:
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Ac 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Now our mandate is this:
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Eph 4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.
29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
I did not deal at length with water or believers baptism simply because being baptized or sealed with the Holy Spirit is most important. Believers baptism is by immersion and that can be addressed at a later time.

May the LORD bless His Word to each and every heart that reads this post.
__________________
30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
John 20:30-31

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Old 07-01-2009   #19
ETGO
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Oh by the way, just to clarify something, the Literal Kingdom of God will be here on earth.
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30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.
John 20:30-31

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Old 07-01-2009   #20
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Originally Posted by softim View Post
The normal way to enter the Kingdom of God is through faith not baptism.
The normal way to enter the Kingdom of God is through covenant cutting.

Faith alone does not do this.

Therefore, your "faith alone" is false.
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