J_Edwards said:
The inspired Apostle wrote, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Cor. 13:5).
I agree Joe. But it does not say let someone else examine you...
J_Edwards said: How does a new convert examine himself truthfully having not been taught in the word and doctrine (Eph. 4:11-15; Rom. 16:17; 1 Tim. 4:1, 16, etc.)? As previously stated, the answer is the catechumen as seen in the Book of Galatians (6:1-6). In Scripture this interviewing is done. John did his interviewing – out loud at times. How did he know who to baptize and whom not to baptize? How did he know whom to call a viper and whom not to call a viper?
Paul addresses the people in Galatians as brethren. They were already added to the church at the time of his leter to them.Professed believers. Hence he speaks about restoration. He was not writing to teachers in regards to the unregenerate or uncoverted, even babes in Christ are added to the church. There was no interviewing done Joe. How can you conclude that? Those who came to the Jordan with a sincere heart of repentance were dipped. That is it. There was no question and answer time on the shore.
J_Edwards said:John apparently looked for a changed heart and evidence of the fruit. In John's exhortation to his hearers he articulates rather specific examples of repentance consistent with the sins of the categories of groups in question. Repentance should be discernible or evidenced in some way. Of course, in the Ethiopian eunuch’s case “the angel of the Lord” told Philip his mission (Acts 8:26) and the Spirit said to join himself to the Ethiopian’s chariot (29). Thus, no wonder this is a slam sprinkle baptism confirmed by the fact – “the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip” (39) thereafter. Of course, we have Paul (Acts 19:1-5) asking the folks in Ephesus "what baptism did you receive." Of course, here we have Paul who wrote the book on discerning of spirits and Philip who had direct revelation from the “angel of the Lord” [i.e. a theophany of Christ] and the direct leading of the Holy Spirit. Now, JoeK I do not think either of us measures up to the likes of a Paul or Philip, do you? While we may having the gift of “the discerning of spirits” at times I see God utilizing secondary causes [examinations] to allow us to properly discern as well.
Exhortations are needed. Instruction in the Lord are needed. My point being is a long grueling examination is not. Like I said, a professon that Jesus is the Christ, and one believes in him should be all that is needed. I take people at their word... Then the body is to continue to care and teach this person.
Look at the example in Acts.. And please do not say this is some exception to the rule.
Peter proclaimed the message of the Gospel to the people. Then :: 40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
IT is plain and simple. That DAY they were added to full fellowship.. There was no probationary period of extensive examination. They showed repentance, we baptised and added..
42They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
After being added, the results are obvious.
1) Unity in Doctrine
2)Celebrating the Supper
3)Prayed together
4)Sharing all they had
5)Joy
6)Praise to God
And the Lord added to the church DAILY
AS an aside for me, look at the example of Paul. Where was his examination by the other Apostles? There was none..
26And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
27But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
28And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
It kinda reminds me of the movie Goodfellas. Barnabas only had to say, He (paul) is a good fella...And the rest accepted Paul on the word of barnabas. If ANYONE was in need of an examination it should have been Paul. Yet there is no mention of one.
