2 Timothy 2:15
- Thread starter Truth
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Their are many who do not want you to study Gods word by rightly dividing the scriptures .
You are the only one that is responsible for your SOUL.
A VERY IMPORTANT thing to watch for is when they put additional words .
Some of those words will be ,representative, believer's prayer, only ,always,once . These words are not found ANYWHERE in the scriptures as a pertains to your SALVATION .
You are the only one that is responsible for your SOUL.
A VERY IMPORTANT thing to watch for is when they put additional words .
Some of those words will be ,representative, believer's prayer, only ,always,once . These words are not found ANYWHERE in the scriptures as a pertains to your SALVATION .
Years ago, in the months after I accepted Christ, a Bible Study group I was in had this verse as their guiding verse. I would like to share some of the things (as I remember, and in places with present day definitions) observed in this verse:
(1) Be Diligent
(2) To present yourself
(3) Approved to God
(4) A Worker
(5) Who does not need to be ashamed
(6) Rightly dividing
(7) The word of Truth
(1) Be Diligent
The definition of diligent is “characterized by steady, earnest, and energetic effort: painstaking” (meriam-webster.com)
(2) To present yourself
You are to be educating yourself to be a servant of god
See Romans 12:1
See Romans 12:1
(3) Approved to God
It is not man’s approval but God’s that we must seek
(4) A Worker
John 4:35: Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.
James 1:22: but prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.
James 1:22: but prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.
(5) Who does not need to be ashamed
We may stand before the throne of the most high and be confident because we are His servants
(6) Rightly dividing
Correct understanding and teaching, Cutting straight (not bent to support personal theory)
(7) The word of Truth
The scriptures are factually and spiritually reliable. They proclaim God’s Truth.
Never just take the word of anyone ,but study for yourself .
I divide the new testament scriptures in this way . Look for yourself to see if this is true.
Matthew, Mark ,Luke and John
They are showing the way to the new covenant. Jesus is training the Apostles, and most important of all they tell of the LOVE that God and Jesus HAS for us, by the sacrifice that THEY allowed . The cruel suffering Crucifixion death and the sheding of the blood of the only perfect sacrifice " Jesus Christ , and His burial and resurrection and ascension to sit on His throne ,at the right hand of the Father ,to be the King of His Kingdom ,the new covenant for all peoples ( Jew and gentiles ).
Acts
Shows the acts of conversions and gives the requirements of God to become His children.
Romans through Revelations
Are the conversations / letters written to people who had already became the children of God . These correspondence are praising , rebuking and admoniting those who had already become God's children .These letters are not telling them what they must do to become children of God , they telling them how to remain His children .
ALWAYS read ,check and STUDY for yourself to see if what you have been told is the Truth.
I divide the new testament scriptures in this way . Look for yourself to see if this is true.
Matthew, Mark ,Luke and John
They are showing the way to the new covenant. Jesus is training the Apostles, and most important of all they tell of the LOVE that God and Jesus HAS for us, by the sacrifice that THEY allowed . The cruel suffering Crucifixion death and the sheding of the blood of the only perfect sacrifice " Jesus Christ , and His burial and resurrection and ascension to sit on His throne ,at the right hand of the Father ,to be the King of His Kingdom ,the new covenant for all peoples ( Jew and gentiles ).
Acts
Shows the acts of conversions and gives the requirements of God to become His children.
Romans through Revelations
Are the conversations / letters written to people who had already became the children of God . These correspondence are praising , rebuking and admoniting those who had already become God's children .These letters are not telling them what they must do to become children of God , they telling them how to remain His children .
ALWAYS read ,check and STUDY for yourself to see if what you have been told is the Truth.
Another good scripture to go along with this is Romans 12:2....And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may be able to prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect Will of God.
The end of the chapter goes along with verse 15:
23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. (NLT)
23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. (NKJV)
Always keep that gentle and humble spirit in expressing disagreement. Yes I am listening.
23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. (NLT)
23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. (NKJV)
Always keep that gentle and humble spirit in expressing disagreement. Yes I am listening.
'Study to shew thyself approved unto God,
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.'
(2Tim. 2:15)
Hello, Truth, Siloam, Cturtle & Big Moose,
It is interesting to look at the context of this verse, isn't it? For this instruction is intended to elevate Timothy above what surrounds him there in Ephesus and to set him apart from:-
- striving about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. (v14)
- profane and vain babblings: which increase unto more ungodliness and 'eat as doth a canker' (16-19)
- some who concerning the truth having erred, overthrowing the faith of some.(verses 16-19)
- youthful lusts. (v.22)
- foolish and unlearned question,which gender strifes.(v.23)
- vessels of dishonour. (vv.20,21)
- those that oppose themselves, and do not acknowledge the truth. (v.25)
The instruction Paul gives to Timothy in (verse 15) lifts up and establishes the believer in Truth: the Word of God. Setting both his mind and his object on showing himself to be one who is approved unto God, by rightly dividing the word of truth. For then the believer will not mix law with grace, or Kingdom with Church: nor take all of Scripture and apply it to themselves, without trying the things which differ; or spiritualise it away. By so doing, they do no despite to truth, and allow Israel both their promises, and their hope, which they will yet attain unto.
I hope I have not broken any forum rule by including these points in my response, if so you must please put me right.
With my thanks,
In Christ Jesus
Our risen and glorified
Saviour, Lord and Head.
Chris (Complete)
a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.'
(2Tim. 2:15)
Hello, Truth, Siloam, Cturtle & Big Moose,
It is interesting to look at the context of this verse, isn't it? For this instruction is intended to elevate Timothy above what surrounds him there in Ephesus and to set him apart from:-
- striving about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. (v14)
- profane and vain babblings: which increase unto more ungodliness and 'eat as doth a canker' (16-19)
- some who concerning the truth having erred, overthrowing the faith of some.(verses 16-19)
- youthful lusts. (v.22)
- foolish and unlearned question,which gender strifes.(v.23)
- vessels of dishonour. (vv.20,21)
- those that oppose themselves, and do not acknowledge the truth. (v.25)
The instruction Paul gives to Timothy in (verse 15) lifts up and establishes the believer in Truth: the Word of God. Setting both his mind and his object on showing himself to be one who is approved unto God, by rightly dividing the word of truth. For then the believer will not mix law with grace, or Kingdom with Church: nor take all of Scripture and apply it to themselves, without trying the things which differ; or spiritualise it away. By so doing, they do no despite to truth, and allow Israel both their promises, and their hope, which they will yet attain unto.
I hope I have not broken any forum rule by including these points in my response, if so you must please put me right.
With my thanks,
In Christ Jesus
Our risen and glorified
Saviour, Lord and Head.
Chris (Complete)
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Baptism is a word that the Holy Spirit had many to write .
Baptism ( baptisms / immersion )
Acts 2 :38 the Holy Spirit said to the people at Pentecost ,be baptized for the remission of your sins.
the Holy Spirit required Paul to be baptized to wash away his sins .
Many will not except these verses to show that by baptism we have our sins removed .
Jesus' blood is what removes our sins ,and this is how we access His blood .
That is why I am pointing out the correct way to rightly divide the scriptures.
When scripture is taken out of context it probably will not convey what the Holy Spirit has intended for that verse to teach .We should keep the Laws of Moses separated from being applied to the New Testament Covenant requirements .Both have many of the same regulations/ rules ,but there are many differences.
The New Testament /Covenant also must be divided into different sections .
Matthew, Mark ,Luke and John tell of Jesus Christ's reason for being on the earth. It tells of His training of the apostles and the Precious sacrifice He gave .
Acts gives us the acts required to become children of God .
Romans - Revelations speaks to those who have completed the acts to become children of God ,and exhorts ,admonishers and rebukes us ,to keep us in the proper covenant with God .
All verses must be used in the proper context,by rightly dividing them. Only then is the truth revealed.
Most of all , it our own responsibility to Study the scriptures for ourselves ,no one can do it for us .
Baptism ( baptisms / immersion )
Acts 2 :38 the Holy Spirit said to the people at Pentecost ,be baptized for the remission of your sins.
the Holy Spirit required Paul to be baptized to wash away his sins .
Many will not except these verses to show that by baptism we have our sins removed .
Jesus' blood is what removes our sins ,and this is how we access His blood .
I agree with these verses.The end of the chapter goes along with verse 15:
23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape m the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. (NLT)
23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. (NKJV)
Always keep that gentle and humble spirit in expressing disagreement. Yes I am listening.
That is why I am pointing out the correct way to rightly divide the scriptures.
When scripture is taken out of context it probably will not convey what the Holy Spirit has intended for that verse to teach .We should keep the Laws of Moses separated from being applied to the New Testament Covenant requirements .Both have many of the same regulations/ rules ,but there are many differences.
The New Testament /Covenant also must be divided into different sections .
Matthew, Mark ,Luke and John tell of Jesus Christ's reason for being on the earth. It tells of His training of the apostles and the Precious sacrifice He gave .
Acts gives us the acts required to become children of God .
Romans - Revelations speaks to those who have completed the acts to become children of God ,and exhorts ,admonishers and rebukes us ,to keep us in the proper covenant with God .
All verses must be used in the proper context,by rightly dividing them. Only then is the truth revealed.
Most of all , it our own responsibility to Study the scriptures for ourselves ,no one can do it for us .
Hi Chris, and welcome. Excellent post and I don't know of any rule breaking that you came even close to.
Could you expound on "nor take all of Scripture and apply it to themselves, without trying the things which differ; or spiritualise it away"?
I am thinking you are talking about scripture meant only for the Israelites as opposed to scripture meant for Christians. Right there is some dividing scripture which takes knowledge of the entire Bible.
I would like a "Complete" answer... Ha!
Hi Chris, and welcome. Excellent post and I don't know of any rule breaking that you came even close to.
Could you expound on "nor take all of Scripture and apply it to themselves, without trying the things which differ; or spiritualise it away"?
I am thinking you are talking about scripture meant only for the Israelites as opposed to scripture meant for Christians. Right there is some dividing scripture which takes knowledge of the entire Bible.
I would like a "Complete" answer... Ha!
Hi Big Moose,
Thank you for your welcome.
You have asked me to expound on what I mean by my words, '... nor take all of Scripture and apply it to themselves, without trying the things which differ; or spiritualizing it away.' Well, I believe that although all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable to us, it is not all 'about' us. As you have said, there are Scriptures that are directed to and are for Israel, as God's chosen nation. I have heard believers claim both the promises and privelages of Israel, believing that their unbelief means that they have forfeited both, not only for a season, but for ever. I do not believe this is true, for the gifts and promises of God are without repentance.
I also believe that just as God has spoken at different times and by different means in times past, He has also spoken by His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who came unto His own, the lost sheep of the house of Israel, during His earthly ministry, to whom He confirmed the promises made to their 'Fathers'. Also, as the ascended Christ, He has spoken through them that heard Him: these carried on His ministry to the circumscision; whereas, Paul, chosen as he was, by the ascended Christ, had a ministry which was peculiarly directed to the Gentile. Each wrote letters directed to those under their care, and these need to be read, taking into account to whom they were written.
I have visitors at my door, now, Big Moose, so will continue later.
Thank you, again,
In Christ Jesus
Chris (Complete)
Hi Big Moose,
Thank you for your welcome.
You have asked me to expound on what I mean by my words, '... nor take all of Scripture and apply it to themselves, without trying the things which differ; or spiritualizing it away.' Well, I believe that although all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable to us, it is not all 'about' us. As you have said, there are Scriptures that are directed to and are for Israel, as God's chosen nation. I have heard believers claim both the promises and privelages of Israel, believing that their unbelief means that they have forfeited both, not only for a season, but for ever. I do not believe this is true, for the gifts and promises of God are without repentance.
I also believe that just as God has spoken at different times and by different means in times past, He has also spoken by His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Who came unto His own, the lost sheep of the house of Israel, during His earthly ministry, to whom He confirmed the promises made to their 'Fathers'. Also, as the ascended Christ, He has spoken through them that heard Him: these carried on His ministry to the circumscision; whereas, Paul, chosen as he was, by the ascended Christ, had a ministry which was peculiarly directed to the Gentile. Each wrote letters directed to those under their care, and these need to be read, taking into account to whom they were written.
I have visitors at my door, now, Big Moose, so will continue later.
Thank you, again,
In Christ Jesus
Chris (Complete)
Hi Chris,
As i was also waiting for you to clarify what you meant, i believe that there is something that you are missing. In Romans 11:25-33, and 10:11-12 and 8:15-17 and 4:9-16 it says that we are entitled to the things (promises) that God has given to the Israelites. God has had mercy on us in their place and that when they are ready to come back to Him then He will have mercy on them and include them back in to His promises. And in Romans 11:17 - 24 it says that the gentiles are the wild olive tree branch that are engrafted into the promises and grace and mercy that the Jews are entitled to. We all become His chosen children (those who accept Jesus as Lord and Savor). That is why the Bible says that in Christ there is neither Jew nor greek, slave nor free, male nor female...but we are all equal in the eyes of God.
Blessings!
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Hello Cturtle,
Thank you for responding to my entry: and for giving me references to look up and consider.
Yes, looking at Romans 11:25-33, and the mystery of Israel's blindness: Gentiles obtained mercy through their unbelief; and in Romans 8:15-17, we can see that we have received the Spirit of Adoption, and are now children of God, in Christ Jesus, with the joy of the knowledge that we are also heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ. -Praise God! Again, Romans 4:9-16, reveals that the blessing of the righteousness of God by faith, without works, is received by all who believe.
Yes, Romans 11:17 - 24, tells us that Gentiles during the Acts period, were grafted into the the Olive tree, and received Abrahamic blessings. Yet, with the laying aside of Israel, in unbelief, at the end of the Acts period, the Olive Tree, which is Israel, was cut down, (it's roots still remaining to flourish again later), and Israel was scattered. It was then that the revelation was given to Paul, concerning the provision God made, for this situation, in Christ Jesus.
I have to go now, I'm afraid, but will come back to this (God willing)
Forgive me for the lack of references for you, time is not with me.
With love to you,
In Christ Jesus
Chris
* References as promised, Cturtle.
Regarding the Olive Tree: Jeremiah 11:16,17; 31:17; 28 & 31.
The state of Israel as a nation: Romans 10:21; 11:25,26; 11:28
The branches of the Olive Tree: 11:5; 11:2; 11:7
The New Covenant and the hope of Israel are in abeyance now. (Hosea 14; Jeremiah 31:36 [31-37]; Isaiah 11)
Reference to the revelation given to Paul, concerning God's provision for believers following Israel's 'plucking up': is found in the revelation of the Mystery (in Eph. 3:3 & 6). In which believers, both Jew and Gentile are truly equal, as One Body, in Christ their Head. Praise God!
This Mystery (not the mystery of Christ for that had never been hidden) had been hid in God (Eph. 3:9), until it's revelation to Paul, and made known by him in (Eph. Phil. Col. 2 Tim, Titus).
- Their blessings now: - all spiritual (Eph. 1:3).
- The sphere of their enjoyment: - in heavenly places, in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:3).
- Chosen: before the foundation of the world. (Eph. 1:4)
This is unique to the Church which is His Body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all. (Eph. 1:19-23 - Eph. 4:4-6).
So much to praise God for, isn't there?
In Christ Jesus
Chris (Complete)
Regarding the Olive Tree: Jeremiah 11:16,17; 31:17; 28 & 31.
The state of Israel as a nation: Romans 10:21; 11:25,26; 11:28
The branches of the Olive Tree: 11:5; 11:2; 11:7
The New Covenant and the hope of Israel are in abeyance now. (Hosea 14; Jeremiah 31:36 [31-37]; Isaiah 11)
Reference to the revelation given to Paul, concerning God's provision for believers following Israel's 'plucking up': is found in the revelation of the Mystery (in Eph. 3:3 & 6). In which believers, both Jew and Gentile are truly equal, as One Body, in Christ their Head. Praise God!
This Mystery (not the mystery of Christ for that had never been hidden) had been hid in God (Eph. 3:9), until it's revelation to Paul, and made known by him in (Eph. Phil. Col. 2 Tim, Titus).
- Their blessings now: - all spiritual (Eph. 1:3).
- The sphere of their enjoyment: - in heavenly places, in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:3).
- Chosen: before the foundation of the world. (Eph. 1:4)
This is unique to the Church which is His Body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all. (Eph. 1:19-23 - Eph. 4:4-6).
So much to praise God for, isn't there?
In Christ Jesus
Chris (Complete)
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Thanks Chris for taking the time to look up those references. I have saved them so i can read them later.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance!
' ... But as for you, (Timothy)
continue in what you have learned
and have become convinced of,
because you know those from whom you learned it,
and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures,
which are able to make you wise
for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is God-breathed
and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
so that all God's people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.'
Hello Truth,
I have been thinking about 2 Timothy 2:15, and the fact that Timothy is said to have known the Holy Scriptures from infancy, His Mother and Grandmother had taught him well, hadn't they? and were blessed with like precious faith. They too, had learned and become convinced of the truth of the gospel (Rom.1:1,2), and had a faith which was sincere. They were therefore equipped for every good work.
* The chapters leading up to and away from 2 Timothy 2:15, give evidence to just what Timothy had 'learned', and from whom. I dearly want to go down this line of thought, but I don't have time here, for there is something I would like to add to the subject of 'right division', and that is to point remind you of how our Lord Jesus Christ 'divided' the Old Testament Scriptures. We find it in Luke 24:44:-
- the law of Moses,
- the prophets,
- the psalms.
* The subject of all three being Himself. Praise God!
* Let's just consider what is encompassed under those three headings in the Hebrew, Old Testament Scriptures, which are arranged differently to our own:-
The law of Moses
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
The Prophets
Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, ( 'The Former Prophets' (Zech. 1:4; 7:7;12 )
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, The Minor Prophets. (The Latter Prophets)
The Psalms
Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Sons, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Esther, Daniel, Ezra-Nehemiah, Chronicles.
* Our Lord also gives us an example of what it means to rightly divide the Word of God in Luke 4:18,19. A public reading of the Scripture should have consisted of some 20-25 verses, and had the Saviour read the whole of Isaiah 61, no one would have been surprised, but He did not. He read just one verse, and one sentence of the second verse and stopped, shut the book, and sat down. The second verse of Isaiah 61 reads: 'To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all that mourn.' If He had continued His reading, so as to include the reference to the day of vengeance, He could not have said as He did, 'This day, is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears,' for the day of vengeance, is still yet to come. There is only a comma, in the English version, between the two periods, yet more than 2,000 years has elapsed. In the Hebrew or the Greek, from which our Lord read, there was no punctuation mark at all.
In Luke 21:22, reference is made to that day of vengeance prophetically: but the Lord in Luke 4, divided the two occasions, by shutting the book. (We also read of Him opening a book, in Rev. 5:9) .
The Bible has within it, natural divisions, created by subject matter etc., so that dividing it should not be contrived by man, just searched out and acknowledged. Yet man has already divided it, into New testament and Old: also, into chapters, verses, and by punctuation: and not always for the best.
May His Name be praised!
In Christ Jesus
Chris (Complete)
What do you see as the "mystery" that Paul mentions? You included that it was not a mystery of Christ. I have heard different renderings on this and wondered how you see it. It is obvious you have done indepth study and I appreciate how thorough you are.
""Reference to the revelation given to Paul, concerning God's provision for believers following Israel's 'plucking up': is found in the revelation of the Mystery (in Eph. 3:3 & 6). In which believers, both Jew and Gentile are truly equal, as One Body, in Christ their Head. Praise God!
This Mystery (not the mystery of Christ for that had never been hidden) had been hid in God (Eph. 3:9), until it's revelation to Paul, and made known by him in (Eph. Phil. Col. 2 Tim, Titus).""
I have heard that the "mystery" is that of a different revelation of the Gospel to the Gentiles. The Gospel of the Kingdom which Jesus presented to the house of Israel, and the Gospel of Grace introduced by Jesus and presented to the Gentiles by Paul. Same Gospel, just different branches, so to speak.
Or is the "mystery" that of the love of God, or is it being saved by grace thru faith, faith being the "mystery" or at least the key to it?
Not so Mr. Truth. Once again I must say to you that baptism does not save a man. Baptism is something we do because we are saved, not what we do to be saved.
As YOU stated.....STUDY to show yourself approved, a workman for God!!!
Excellent comment!
You are right ,about baptism not saving anyone .I have never posted that baptism saves anyone ,so we both believe that baptism does not save anyone .
I did receive a post from a well known member who finally agreed that baptism is a command,and he is correct that it is a command .
We can only be saved by the shed blood of Jesus Christ .
Baptism is a command / required by God .
Baptism is how our sins are washed away .
Act 2:38 baptized for the remission of sins
Acts 22:16 biptized to wash away sins .
No one that has not had their sins forgiven will enter Heaven.
Baptism is NOT how our sins are washed away. A christian who has not been baptized yet has had his sins washed away by his faith in Jesus Christ. At the very moment of faith in Jesus Christ as our Saviour, asking Him to forgive us and come and live in and through us, our sins are GONE! Baptism is merely a symbol of our identification with Jesus Christ and His death, burial and resurrection.
You need to avail yourself of more than just a fraction of two bible verses. Those partial verses do not a doctrine make! Study the word, and study all it says about baptism...then come and talk.