BAPTISM

We put on Jesus by the renewal of our mind, body and soul through Jesus life, death and resurrection by which we can reconcile ourselves back to Gods grace and mercy through His Salvation of renewal and rebirth of spirit. We now have the mind of Christ as joint heirs with Jesus as we walk in the path of Jesus and not our own path anymore.

John 3:3-21 except a man be born again of water and Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Vs.6 that which is born of the Flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Flesh cannot perceive the things of the Spirit and is enmity against God, Romans 8:6, 7.

Sin separates us from God because God is a spirit and can only recognize his own children by what spirit is living in their hearts. We have to renew, rebirth – born again, Gods Spirit within us in order to be called a child of God and see the kingdom of heaven. We now put off the old man (flesh) and put on the new man (Spirit), Colossians 3:1-17. We are renewed by the word of God and through the Holy Spirit teaching us of all things, John 14:26.

Acts 2:38,39 When we repent of our sins and ask Jesus into our hearts we are also receiving the promise of God that his Holy Spirit will come and dwell in our hearts and teach us of all things we need to learn, John 14:26. The baptism that Peter was talking about in Acts 2:38 was a Spiritual rebirth through the word of God. Some people think it is being dunked or sprinkled with water the way John the Baptist did and there is nothing wrong with that for it is an outward appearance to man that you have repented and received Jesus and the Holy Spirit into your life, Matthew 3:11, but Jesus himself never baptized with water, John 4:2, for the baptism of Jesus was for receiving the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) that helps us to know the will of the Father, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12.

There is nothing wrong with immersion in water as this is an outward appearance to others that you have received Gods Salvation and the Holy Spirit. When the Disciples where in the upper room they all received the Holy Spirit, not by immersion of water, but by Gods Spirit falling on them. What about those people who can not be immersed in water that are incapacitated. Peter did not say that it was through water that we receive the Holy Spirit in Acts 10:47, 48 he was saying that others should not forbid a Gentile who wants to be immersed in water, but repentance must come first. After repentance and the Spiritual rebirth, John 3:5-7, we are then baptized in the Holy Spirit and fire through that of Christ baptism according to Acts 2:38, 39, Matthew 3:11.

This is from the Jerusalem Bible:

John 4:1 When Jesus heard that the Pharisees had found out that he was making and baptizing more disciples than John though in fact it was his disciples who baptized, not Jesus himself he left Judaea and went back to Galilee.

John’s baptism was for the showing of one who repented of their sins first and then symbolized of actual water that they were made clean again. It was not for the receiving Jesus or the Holy Spirit as Jesus ministry hadn’t started yet and the Holy Spirit was given on the day of Pentecost in the upper room. When Jesus was baptized of John it was to fulfill Gods righteousness in Him to receive Gods power and authority to start His ministry here on earth. Water baptism is an outward appearance to others that you have been made righteous through Christ and have receive the Holy Spirit as we are given Gods power and authority through His grace to be His servants and witness here on Earth as Christ was.

Mat 3:14 But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Mark 10:39; 16:15,16; Acts 2:38 It is Gods Spirit that was in Christ and which we are now baptized or have received as the disciples did on the day of Pentecost as when Jesus ascended into Heaven the Holy Spirit came down and fell on those who received Jesus and his word. The baptism that Jesus and Peter was talking about was a Spiritual rebirth through Gods word, not water, Luke 3:16, as Peter taught it was through repentance and accepting Jesus and his teachings is when we receive the Holy Spirit.

Acts 8:36-38 we have to believe first and through confession, Romans 10:9,10, we are given the Holy Spirit.

Acts 10:44-48 The Holy Spirit already fell on the disciples while they were listening to Peter. (No water involved)

Acts 19:1-7 John’s baptism was for repentance and the Holy Spirit was not received nor even heard of yet until the day in the upper room that Jesus was raised up to Heaven and the Holy Spirit fell down on all of them in that room. John baptized with water unto repentance but only as a symbolic sign that one had already repented of their sins and were washed clean by Gods grace.

John 14:16, 17 Jesus is telling his disciples that he will not leave them, but will send the Holy Spirit to comfort them and teach them. Jesus himself did not baptize with water, but with the Spirit and Christian baptism was only instituted after the resurrection when the Lord gave the commission to his apostles to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, Matthew 28:19,20.

Acts 2:38 and Acts 10:47, 48 are both talking about water, but not for the remission of sins, but for an afterward appearance of acknowledgment. John 3:5-7 We are given the Holy Spirit at the same time of repentance and has nothing to do with water baptism as I have stated that water baptism is an outward appearance to others that you have already confessed and believed and received the Holy Spirit.

This is what Smith’s Bible dictionary says:

To be baptized for Christ shows an intention to become a true follower of Christ. John baptized with water unto repentance but as a sign of it, perhaps only a sign of their willingness to enroll themselves among John’s followers. Jesus himself did not baptize with water, but with the Spirit and Christian baptism was only instituted after the resurrection when the Lord gave the commission to his apostles to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.

Act 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

This verse shows that these men had already received the Holy Spirit, but wanted to be baptized in water also as followers of Christ. So I believe both verses in Acts to be water, but not for the receiving of the Holy Spirit, but an outward appearance to others that they have repented and received the Holy Spirit already.

Mat 3:14 But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

Mat 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

Mark 1:1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; 2 As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

John’s baptism was prophesied by the prophets in the OT as only being for the remission of sin before that of Messiah come. John said in Mark 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 28:19 (LEB)

Therefore, goAs a participle of attendant circumstance this participle carries imperatival force picked up from the main verb (“make disciples”) andHere “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“go”) has been translated as a finite verb make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,19Therefore, goAs a participle of attendant circumstance this participle carries imperatival force picked up from the main verb (“make disciples”) andHere “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“go”) has been translated as a finite verb make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Matthew 3:11 (LEB)

I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who comes after me is more powerful than I am, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.11I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who comes after me is more powerful than I am, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Mark 10:39 (LEB)

And they said to him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup that I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with,39And they said to him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup that I drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with,

Mark 1:1 (LEB)

John the Baptist Begins His MinistryThe beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ.Some manuscripts add “the Son of God”John the Baptist Begins His MinistryThe beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ.Some manuscripts add “the Son of God”

Mark 1:8 (LEB)

I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”8I baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Luke 3:16 (LEB)

John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is more powerful than I am is coming, of whom I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.16John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but the one who is more powerful than I am is coming, of whom I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

John 3:3-21 (LEB)

Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born from above,The same Greek word can mean either “from above” or “again,” which allows for the misunderstanding by Nicodemus here; Jesus was speaking of new birth “from above,” while Nicodemus misunderstood him to mean a second physical birth he is not able to see the kingdom of God.”3Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born from above,The same Greek word can mean either “from above” or “again,” which allows for the misunderstanding by Nicodemus here; Jesus was speaking of new birth “from above,” while Nicodemus misunderstood him to mean a second physical birth he is not able to see the kingdom of God.”4Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is an old man? He is not able to enter into his mother’s womb for the second time and be born, can he?”*The negative construction in Greek anticipates a negative answer here, indicated in the translation by the phrase “can he”4Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is an old man? He is not able to enter into his mother’s womb for the second time and be born, can he?”*The negative construction in Greek anticipates a negative answer here, indicated in the translation by the phrase “can he”5Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born of water and spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.5Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born of water and spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.6What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.6What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.7Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘It is necessary for you to be born from above.’The same Greek word can mean either “from above” or “again” (see also v. 3)7Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘It is necessary for you to be born from above.’The same Greek word can mean either “from above” or “again” (see also v. 3)8The wind blows wherever it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”8The wind blows wherever it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”9Nicodemus answered and said to him, “How can these things be?”9Nicodemus answered and said to him, “How can these things be?”10Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and you do not understand these things?10Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and you do not understand these things?11Truly, truly I say to you, we speak what we know, and we testify about what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony!11Truly, truly I say to you, we speak what we know, and we testify about what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony!12If I tell you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?12If I tell you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?13And no one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven — the Son of Man.13And no one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven — the Son of Man.14And just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness,An allusion to Num 21:5–9 thus it is necessary that the Son of Man be lifted up,14And just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness,An allusion to Num 21:5–9 thus it is necessary that the Son of Man be lifted up,15so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.”Some interpreters and Bible translations extend the quotation of Jesus’ words through v. 2115so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.”Some interpreters and Bible translations extend the quotation of Jesus’ words through v. 2116God’s Love for the WorldFor in this way God loved the world, so that he gave his one and only Son, in order that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but will have eternal life.16God’s Love for the WorldFor in this way God loved the world, so that he gave his one and only Son, in order that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but will have eternal life.17For God did not send his Son into the world in order that he should judgeOr “he should condemn” the world, but in order that the world should be saved through him.17For God did not send his Son into the world in order that he should judgeOr “he should condemn” the world, but in order that the world should be saved through him.18The one who believes in him is not judged,Or “condemned” but the one who does not believe has already been judged,Or “been condemned” because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.18The one who believes in him is not judged,Or “condemned” but the one who does not believe has already been judged,Or “been condemned” because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.19And this is the judgment: that the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds were evil.19And this is the judgment: that the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds were evil.20For everyone who practices evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds be exposed.20For everyone who practices evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds be exposed.21But the one who practices the truth comes to the light, in order that his deeds may be revealed, that they are done in God.21But the one who practices the truth comes to the light, in order that his deeds may be revealed, that they are done in God.

John 14:26 (LEB)

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name — that one will teach you all things, and will remind you of everything that I said to you.26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name — that one will teach you all things, and will remind you of everything that I said to you.

John 14:16 (LEB)

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, in order that he may be with you forever“for the age” —16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, in order that he may be with you forever“for the age” —

John 3:5-7 (LEB)

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born of water and spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.5Jesus answered, “Truly, truly I say to you, unless someone is born of water and spirit, he is not able to enter into the kingdom of God.6What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.6What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit.7Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘It is necessary for you to be born from above.’The same Greek word can mean either “from above” or “again” (see also v. 3)7Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘It is necessary for you to be born from above.’The same Greek word can mean either “from above” or “again” (see also v. 3)

John 4:2 (LEB)

(although Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples),2(although Jesus himself was not baptizing, but his disciples),

John 4:1 (LEB)

The Samaritan Woman at Jacob’s WellNow when Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than JohnThe Samaritan Woman at Jacob’s WellNow when Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John

Acts 10:44-48 (LEB)

The Holy Spirit Given to GentilesWhileHere “while” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“was … speaking”) Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who were listening to the message.44The Holy Spirit Given to GentilesWhileHere “while” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“was … speaking”) Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who were listening to the message.45And those believers from the circumcision who had accompanied Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles,45And those believers from the circumcision who had accompanied Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles,46for they heard them speaking in tongues and glorifying God. Then Peter said,46for they heard them speaking in tongues and glorifying God. Then Peter said,47“Surely no one can withhold the water for these people to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as we also did!”47“Surely no one can withhold the water for these people to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as we also did!”48So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for several days.48So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for several days.

Acts 8:36-38 (LEB)

And as they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”A few later manuscripts add v. 37, with minor variations: “He said to him, ‘If you believe with your whole heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’” The verse is almost certainly not an original part of the text of Acts.36And as they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”A few later manuscripts add v. 37, with minor variations: “He said to him, ‘If you believe with your whole heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’” The verse is almost certainly not an original part of the text of Acts.373738And he ordered the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water — Philip and the eunuch — and he baptized him.38And he ordered the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water — Philip and the eunuch — and he baptized him.

Acts 19:1-7 (LEB)

Paul Finds Disciples of John the Baptist in EphesusAnd it happened that while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the inland regions andHere “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“traveled through”) has been translated as a finite verb cameSome manuscripts have “and came down” to Ephesus and found some disciples.Paul Finds Disciples of John the Baptist in EphesusAnd it happened that while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the inland regions andHere “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“traveled through”) has been translated as a finite verb cameSome manuscripts have “and came down” to Ephesus and found some disciples.2And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when youHere “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“believed”) which is understood as temporal believed?” And they said to him, “But we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit!”2And he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when youHere “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“believed”) which is understood as temporal believed?” And they said to him, “But we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit!”3And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into the baptism of John.”3And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into the baptism of John.”4And Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the one who was to come after him — that is, in Jesus.”4And Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the one who was to come after him — that is, in Jesus.”5And when theyHere “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“heard”) which is understood as temporal heard this,*supplied from English context they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.5And when theyHere “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“heard”) which is understood as temporal heard this,*supplied from English context they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.6And whenHere “when” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“laid”) Paul laid handsSome manuscripts have “placed his hands” on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them and they began to speakImperfect tense as ingressive (“began to speak”) in tongues and to prophesy.6And whenHere “when” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“laid”) Paul laid handsSome manuscripts have “placed his hands” on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them and they began to speakImperfect tense as ingressive (“began to speak”) in tongues and to prophesy.7(Now the total number of men was about twelve.)7(Now the total number of men was about twelve.)

Acts 10:47 (LEB)

“Surely no one can withhold the water for these people to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as we also did!”47“Surely no one can withhold the water for these people to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as we also did!”

Acts 2:38 (LEB)

And Peter saidSome manuscripts explicitly add “said” to them, “Repent and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.38And Peter saidSome manuscripts explicitly add “said” to them, “Repent and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 10:9 (LEB)

thatOr “because” if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.9thatOr “because” if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 8:6 (LEB)

For the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace,6For the mindset of the flesh is death, but the mindset of the Spirit is life and peace,

Colossians 3:1-17 (LEB)

Seek the Things AboveTherefore, if you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.Seek the Things AboveTherefore, if you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things on earth.2Set your mind on the things above, not on the things on earth.3For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.3For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.4When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.4When Christ, who is your life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.5Put Off the Old BehaviorTherefore put to death what is earthly in you“the members on the earth”: sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustful passion, evil desire, and greediness, which is idolatry,5Put Off the Old BehaviorTherefore put to death what is earthly in you“the members on the earth”: sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustful passion, evil desire, and greediness, which is idolatry,6because of which the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,6because of which the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,7in which also you once lived, when you used to live in them.Or “among them” (the pronoun may refer either to people or to sins)7in which also you once lived, when you used to live in them.Or “among them” (the pronoun may refer either to people or to sins)8But now you also lay aside all these things: anger, rage, wickedness, slander, abusive language from your mouth.8But now you also lay aside all these things: anger, rage, wickedness, slander, abusive language from your mouth.9Do not lie to one another, because youHere “because” is supplied as a component of the participle (“have taken off”) which is understood as causal have taken off the old man together with his deeds,9Do not lie to one another, because youHere “because” is supplied as a component of the participle (“have taken off”) which is understood as causal have taken off the old man together with his deeds,10and have put on the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created him,10and have put on the new man that is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of the one who created him,11where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all, and in all.11where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave, or free, but Christ is all, and in all.12Appeal for New BehaviorTherefore, as the chosen of God, holy and dearly loved, put on affection, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience,12Appeal for New BehaviorTherefore, as the chosen of God, holy and dearly loved, put on affection, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience,13putting up with one another and forgiving one another. If anyone should have a complaint against anyone, just as also the Lord forgave you, thus also you do the same.13putting up with one another and forgiving one another. If anyone should have a complaint against anyone, just as also the Lord forgave you, thus also you do the same.14And to all these things add love, which is the bond of perfection.14And to all these things add love, which is the bond of perfection.15And the peace of Christ must rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.15And the peace of Christ must rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom, with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God,16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another with all wisdom, with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God,17and everything whatever“if anything that” you do in word or in deed, giving thanks for all things in the name of the Lord Jesus to God the Father through him.17and everything whatever“if anything that” you do in word or in deed, giving thanks for all things in the name of the Lord Jesus to God the Father through him.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 (LEB)

Appeal for Continuing SanctificationFinally therefore, brothers, we ask you and appeal to you in the Lord Jesus that, just as you have received from us how it is necessary for you to live and to please God, just as indeed you are living, that you progress even more.Appeal for Continuing SanctificationFinally therefore, brothers, we ask you and appeal to you in the Lord Jesus that, just as you have received from us how it is necessary for you to live and to please God, just as indeed you are living, that you progress even more.2For you know what commands we gave to you through the Lord Jesus.2For you know what commands we gave to you through the Lord Jesus.3For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;3For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality;4that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,4that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,5not in lustful passion, just as also the Gentiles who do not know God;5not in lustful passion, just as also the Gentiles who do not know God;6not to transgress and to exploit his brother in the matter, because the Lord is the one who avenges concerning all these things, just as also we told you beforehand and testified solemnly.6not to transgress and to exploit his brother in the matter, because the Lord is the one who avenges concerning all these things, just as also we told you beforehand and testified solemnly.7For God did not call us to impurity, but in holiness.7For God did not call us to impurity, but in holiness.8Therefore the one who rejects this is not rejecting man, but God, who also gives his Holy Spirit to you.8Therefore the one who rejects this is not rejecting man, but God, who also gives his Holy Spirit to you.9Affirmation of Continuing LoveBut concerning brotherly love, I do not have need to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another,9Affirmation of Continuing LoveBut concerning brotherly love, I do not have need to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another,10for indeed you are practicing it toward all the brothers in all of Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to progress even more,10for indeed you are practicing it toward all the brothers in all of Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to progress even more,11and to aspire to live a quiet life, and to attend to your own business,“your own things” and to work with your hands,Some manuscripts have “your own hands” just as we commanded you,11and to aspire to live a quiet life, and to attend to your own business,“your own things” and to work with your hands,Some manuscripts have “your own hands” just as we commanded you,12so that you may live decently toward those outside, and may have need of nothing.12so that you may live decently toward those outside, and may have need of nothing.