What Does it Mean That He Who Abides in Him (Jesus) Does Not Sin - 1 John 3:6?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT HE WHO ABIDES IN HIM (JESUS) DOES NOT SIN - 1 JOHN 3:6? 

By Ezekiel Kimosop

1 John 2:28-29 says "And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of Him." (NKJV). 

1 John 3:4-6 says "Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5 And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him." (NKJV). 

John does not teach that believers are sinless or immune to sin. The two texts of Scripture are therefore not contradictory. 

Elsewhere in the same Epistle, John teaches that believers are not immune to sin. 1 John 1:8-10 says “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (NKJV). 

The Greek verb for “confess” in v. 9 is in the present tense, meaning that we should keep on confessing our sins. This is a continuing duty for the believer while under the sun. David Guzik rightly observes that this text refutes the misguided notion of a “once-for-all” forgiveness for sin at our conversion. 

Notice that God's forgiveness in this context is conditional and is tied to the offender's action. Our confession of sin is informed by our covenant relationship with God. Confession is therefore a natural response from the believer under the leading of the Holy Spirit (cf. John 14:26). 

Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 6:9-15 reveals that we are daily predisposed to sin. He teaches us to petition God to forgive us our trespasses even as we forgive those who trespass against us (v. 12). Jesus’s statement in Matthew 7:11 is instructive of our sinful nature. 

Jesus alone was without sin in His incarnation (2 Corinthians 5:21). He was fully God and fully Man at the same time. His divinity was therefore not extinguished by His humanity. No other person, not even Mary the mother of Jesus, was born sinless or led a sinless life on earth. 

Habitual sinfulness or a lifestyle of sin and disobedience is however condemned in Scripture by the same author. 1 John 3:9 says “Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God” (NKJV). This Scripture text does not teach or imply that a born-again Christian dwells in sinless perfection or that they cannot commit sin. It has been theologically understood as a condemnation of habitual sinfulness. This life of perpetual sinfulness is informed by a seared conscience which has been described as state of moral desensitization caused by repeatedly ignoring God's truth, resulting in a heart numb to sin, conviction, and guilt (1 Timothy 4:2). It grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). 

Notice the grim implications of the statement of Hebrews 10:26-27 which says: "For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries" (NKJV).

My view is that 1 John 2:28-29 does not contradict 1 John 3:4-6. Instead, the two texts of Scripture compliment each other in outlining the nature of the believer's life Christ. We dwell in a sinful world and are predisposed to sin. The latter text condemns habitual sinfulness or a lifestyle of ingrained sinful disobedience. To practice righteousness is to walk in obedience to God's word and under the leading of the Holy Spirit (John 14:25-26). 

John therefore never asserted that believers are without sin. Such an assertion would contradict 2 Corinthians 5:21. 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026 

What Are The Things That Timothy Was Exhorted to Commit To Faithful Men?

WHAT ARE THE THINGS THAT TIMOTHY WAS EXHORTED TO COMMIT TO FAITHFUL MEN?

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

2 Timothy 2:1-2 says "You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." (NKJV). 

Which "things" does this Scripture contemplate in context? 

My view is that the answer to this question is found in the preceding passage of 2 Timothy 1:8-12. Paul exhorted Timothy not to shy away from proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ for which Paul had suffered and was now imprisoned. 

Notice Paul's unwavering convictions in v. 12 where he says "For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." (NKJV). 

2 Timothy 2:13-14 is an apostolic charge on Timothy. Paul exhorts Timothy saying:

"Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us." (NKJV). 

In the succeeding passage of 2 Timothy 2, which is our passage of context, Paul continues to encourage Timothy to stand firm for the gospel and to raise men who will teach the word of God in truth. He instructs: "And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also." (NKJV). 

So what were these things? 

Adam Clarke observes that Paul's mention of "these things" could be in reference to some doctrines delivered to Timothy during his pastoral ordination. Matthew Henry adds that Paul's exhortation implied that Timothy must not deliver anything besides what he had received from Paul. He should not add or remove anything therefrom. The gospel should be bequeathed to faithful men in its pristine form in order to preserve the credibility of its doctrines. 

Some scholars believe Paul was making a direct reference to a specific set of doctrines that he had entrusted to Timothy rather than the whole of the evangelical doctrine. 

However, given the perpetuity contemplated in the text, it is difficult to rule out Paul's reference to the entire gospel truths that he had taught Timothy. In 2 Timothy 3:10, Paul affirms Timothy's mentorship saying: "But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance" (NKJV). 

My view is that "these things" is a reference to the fundamental truths and doctrines of Scripture which lie at the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ that Paul proclaimed and wrote in his epistles. Paul was legitimately concerned that these truths may be compromised or misrepresented by people who had no knowledge of Christ or the theological foundation underlying the gospel ministry. 

This is perhaps most profoundly demonstrated in Acts 18:24-28 where a faithful Jewish Christian couple took Apollos, an Alexandrian Jew, and instructed him in the way of Christ. The couple had heard Apollos preach in the Ephesus synagogue and observed his doctrinal deficiency. 

We should bear in mind that during his last visit to Ephesus, Paul had warned the Ephesus church elders of coming apostasy (Acts 20:17-38). 

Notice further that Paul's epistle to the Ephesians lays considerable emphasis on doctrinal grounding of believers so that they are not tossed about by every wind of doctrine by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting (Ephesians 4:12-16). 

In all church ages, God's word is preserved through faithful men who revere God's word and proclaim it in truth. These men should be trained and equipped with theological skills by which they can rightly expound the word of God with the diligence that it deserves (2 Timothy 2:15). 

This is the only way to preserve the sanctity of Scripture from the ferocious fangs of false teachers. 

Who are these false teachers?

False teachers are diverse. They are the wolves in sheepskin contemplated by Jesus in Matthew 7:15. They are the men who have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:5). They are the false teachers mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:1-5. They are the men who will spread destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1-3). They are further described as teachers who "have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness." (2 Peter 2:15). 

It is against these evil men that Scripture exhorts us to earnestly contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). 

In contemporary Christianity, the revelation and authority of Scripture has come under heavy distortion by false teachers who purport to speak the mind of God. Millions of Christians are trapped under the manipulation and brainwashing of these self appointed prophets who twist Scripture for selfish benefit. 

The word of God should be proclaimed and defended by men and women who cherish the purity of its eternal truths and are prepared to stand out for the sanctity of Scripture. 

Shalom 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

Why Did Jacob Switch the Blessings to Ephraim?

WHY DID JACOB SWITCH THE BLESSING TO EPHRAIM?

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

Genesis 48:10-19 recounts Jacob's blessing on Joseph's two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, in Egypt. Hebrew tradition required that the right hand should be placed on the head of the first-born son, Manasseh. Jacob however chose to depart from this tradition. 

In what some have described as the crossed-blessing phenomenon, Jacob conferred the birthright blessing on Ephraim, the second son. Joseph's attempt at correcting the old man was legitimate given his poor eyesight (v.10). Joseph's action was however resisted by Jacob. 

This confirmed that Jacob had made a deliberate decision to change the blessings matrix, having convinced Joseph that the two sons would fall under Jacob's inheritance and any other sons born to Joseph would fall to Joseph (Genesis 48:5). Joseph's silence before his aged father is perhaps evidence that he submitted to his father's wisdom. 

Jacob's response in Genesis 48:19 affirms this fact. It reveals that Jacob had knowingly placed his hands on the two sons of Joseph! He knew that Joseph had set them before him in the traditional order but he nevertheless switched the hands. 

As to whether Jacob had deliberately schemed to withhold the birthright blessings from Manasseh, this is difficult to tell. The fact that the two sons had fallen into Jacob's personal heritage at this point is perhaps evidence that Jacob was entitled to act as he wished. Did he perhaps have any prior knowledge of the characters of the two boys at this point? This is difficult to tell. 

It is perhaps easy to relate Jacob's action to the scheming by his mother Rebecca to have him receive the birthright blessing meant for his elder brother Esau (Genesis 27). It is however difficult to tell what exactly motivated Jacob's decision in Joseph's context. Some have speculated that God had revealed to Jacob in a dream which between the two sons would be more prominent. Scripture is however silent on this question. 

The blessing recorded in Genesis 48:15-16 however reveals that Jacob proclaimed God's blessings on the two boys without distinction and preference. He prays to God saying: 

"Bless the lads;

Let my name be named upon them,

And the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac;

And let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” (NKJV). 

Jacob's act of switching his hands on the two sons has however been understood by some as a tacit elevation for Ephraim in the pecking order rather than an open displeasure with Manasseh. 

The tribe of Ephraim has historically assumed greater prominence than the tribe of Manasseh. Joshua the son of Nun who led Israel into the Promised Land was from the tribe of Ephraim (1 Chronicles 7:20-29). Jeroboam I who became the first king of the Northern Kingdom of Israel was also an Ephraimite (1 Kings 11:26). 

@ Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

What Do We Learn From Genesis 39 On Fighting Temptations?

WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM GENESIS 39 ON FIGHTING TEMPTATIONS? 

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

Genesis 39:11-18 describes Joseph's encounter with Potiphar's wife who sought to draw him into adultery. 

Joseph's compelling faithfulness as a steward in his master's house is recorded in Genesis 39:1-10. His master had full trust and confidence in him and had assigned his domestic affairs into Joseph's hands. 

Interestingly, Joseph's Egyptian master had also discerned that God was with Joseph. How did this stand? 

This is perhaps the most significant reflection on Joseph's life that his pagan master captured. It was the fruit of godly diligence that stood out for Joseph. This is what stands out a faithful believer from a corrupt world. 

The story is told of a customer who asked the counter salesperson if he was a Christian! The brief conversation that followed revealed that the salesman was a church elder. He had noticed that the customer had mistakenly overpaid for an item by a colossal sum of money. He quickly rushed and called her back from across the street to collect the money. Few people would perhaps have bothered to do what this honest man had done since there would be no paper-trail evidence for any counterclaim. The salesman confessed that his moral convictions would not permit him to defraud his customers. 

During his temptation by his Egyptian master's wife, Joseph demonstrated his moral integrity which was founded on his covenant faithfulness with God. He was a man driven by his moral convictions on godly prudence. He was not ready to compromise on his covenant relationship with God even where the exigencies of convenience stood out for him. 

Joseph's statement in Genesis 39:9 affirms his unwavering moral standing. His rhetorical question is equally unparalleled. He candidly responded to his master's wife, saying: "There is no one greater in this house than I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (NKJV). 

Joseph was resolute that he would not fall for the woman's seduction. He was compelled to flee from his master's wife when she attempted to physically draw him into sexual sin. The woman later lied to her husband that Joseph had attempted to rape her! 

Joseph was eventually thrown into an Egyptian dungeon for a crime that he had never committed. God however stood with Joseph through his suffering and vindicated him in end. By God's grace, Joseph was finally released from prison. He rose to become the highest ranked officer in Pharaoh's court. 

MORAL LESSONS 

Joseph's encounter with his Egyptian master's wife teaches us a number of moral lessons on dealing with temptations in our Christian lives. 

First, we learn that a believer should stand by the convictions of God's word at all times. We should never give room to compromise. The Bible exhorts us to flee from every appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). 

Secondly, we learn that Satan is always seeking the downfall of God's covenant people. He can even use people close to us to tempt us into disobedience. We should therefore stay alert at all times so that we do not fall into the hands of Satan and his agents. 

Scripture proclaims in 1 Peter 5:8 that our adversary walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. This calls for diligence and fortitude among God's people in their daily walk of life. Scripture elsewhere exhorts us to resist the devil and he will flee from us.

Thirdly, we discover that no matter how many false accusations are filed against us, God will vindicate us in the end. Joseph suffered the humiliation of a life in the dungeon but his fellowship with the God of Israel was preserved. 

James 1:2-4 says "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (NKJV). 

Fourthly, we learn that we should not seek vengeance against those who persecute us. There is no record in Scripture that Joseph carried any bitterness against his master. He could perhaps have used his high office to repay Potiphar in kind! He chose to endure it all to the glory of God. In Romans 12:9 God proclaims "Vengeance is mine, I will repay" (NKJV). Leave it to God!

Joseph later demonstrated compelling moral fortitude when he forgave his brothers who had sold him to an Ishmaelite slave Caravan for twenty shekels of silver (Genesis 37:28). His brothers lived in guilt until their father Jacob passed away. They feared that Joseph would revenge against them and sought forgiveness from him. 

Despite the agony he had suffered in their hands, Joseph chose to forgive his brothers even when he could have been justified in repaying them for their evil. He was overcome by godly emotion and wept in their presence! His love for his brothers towered above any trace of pain or bitterness. 

In Genesis 50:20, Joseph answered his brothers saying "You meant it for evil; but God meant it for good." This statement reveals the wisdom of a man who had undergone affliction and learnt to submit to God in humility. 

Finally, we learn that God honors our faithfulness whenever we undergo afflictions in life. He will vindicate us at His appointed time. He restored great men of God such as Job, Joseph, and David who had endured harrowing afflictions. He rewards our diligence in His divine ways in this life and in the life to come. He will fulfill His divine purposes for our lives no matter what circumstances we go through in life. 

Keep it Christ!

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

Do We Have Apostolic Continuity and Spiritual Gifts in the Church?

Q & A WITH A READER ON APOSTOLIC AND SPIRITUAL GIFTS 

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

Q.

1. Is there a difference between apostolic gift and apostolic office?

EK 

The office of apostle was instituted by Jesus Christ and assigned to specific persons appointed by Him. I have not found any evidence in Scripture to suggest that a specific spiritual gift accompanies the appointment to apostolic office. However, the proclamation of the gospel is a continuing apostolic mandate for the church. 

My reading of Ephesians 4:11 reveals that the apostolic office is itself a divine gift to the church. God used it to lay the foundation on which the church has been built through the ages. Most of the New Testament Scriptures were written by the apostles. 

Q.

2. Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12 mention the gifts for the equipping of the church

3. If apostle means "the sent", commissioned by Jesus. How could the 12 accomplish the assignment of the ends of the world (great commission). Doesn't this presuppose continuity? Work that is still going on

EK 

The Greek plural noun "apostoloi" means "the sent or those sent". This title has been assigned to missionaries and evangelists in its broader context. The twelve apostles were meant to constitute the ecclesial foundation of the New Testament church. 

Paul was later added by Jesus in person and assigned to the Gentile church.

Yes, the apostolic mission has been an active ministry throughout the church ages, thanks to the missionaries and evangelists that took the gospel across the world in succeeding periods. The New Testament apostles had teams of missionaries working with them too. 

This does not however imply that the apostles appointed by Jesus in person had perpetual successors through the church ages. Scripture rules out this possibility. Acts 1:21-22 says: 

"Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.” (NKJV).

This text is explicit on the qualifications for the apostolic office being restricted to those who served with Christ and witnessed His resurrection. In Evangelical tradition, we recognize the authority of this Scripture as infallible. Accordingly therefore, we unequivocally hold that there can be no living apostle after the New Testament church period. 

Q.

4. Is the theological conclusion made directly stated in scripture? Cessationism argue that the canon is complete but that doesn't necessarily equate to the gifts themselves ending

EK 

This question has been addressed in my closing statement above. Yes, there cannot be apostolic continuity in the context of the primary apostolic office contemplated in Acts 1:21-22 and Ephesians 4:11-12.

Q.

5. If the prophecy ended, why did Paul deliberately explain and give instructions on how the church should handle prophecy? See 1 Cor 12-14. 

Will it be more balanced to look at this that there may be gifted sent ones and prophetic functions today that don't establish doctrine or add revelation beyond scripture? 

Paul's guidance of 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21, 1 Cor 12:10, Acts 17:11, 1 John 4:1, 1 Corinthians 14:29 presupposes operations of these gifts and the call to be discerning. 

In 1 Corinthians 14:1 Paul encourages that we desire spiritual gifts especially prophesy. What did he mean?

EK 

I have extensively delved into these questions in the following articles whose links I shared with you:

1. Does God speak through Prophets Today?

2. Do we have Apostles in the Church Today? 

These articles appear on my website teaching blog LISTENING AND DOING BIBLICAL FORUM on ezekielkimosop@blogspot.com

My view is that some spiritual gifts were specific to the period coinciding with the Acts of the Apostles and have therefore ceased. These include the gift of prophecy and the gift of tongues. The gift of discernment is definitely active and so is the gift of teaching, evangelism, among others. Under Evangelical tradition, we believe that the gift of raising the dead was specifically assigned to Peter under the raising of Tabitha (Acts 9:36-43), and to Paul during the raising of Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12). We believe that the two incidents were intended for the authentication of the gospel on the two occasions described in Scripture and that this gift ceased forthwith. It was never replicated in the New Testament church or during the patristic periods. 

We believe that the biblical Scriptures indelibly convey the mind of God to the church in all church ages since the canonization and that they are complete, prophetic, authoritative, and final. 

I hope this response is helpful. 

Thanks for the engagement. 

  

Shalom 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

Is the Atonement of Christ Unlimited?

IS THE ATONEMENT OF CHRIST UNLIMITED?

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

I am convinced that God's atonement in Christ is unlimited. By unlimited, I imply that it was not restricted to a given set or number of sinners. This is not to suggest that God intended to save all sinners unconditionally as claimed by proponents of the universalism doctrine. Scripture affirms that only those sinners who respond to God's saving grace in the gospel of Jesus Christ shall be saved (John 3:16-17). The limited atonement doctrine advanced by deterministic soteriology groups holds that God predetermined that a specific number of sinners were appointed to eternal life. This doctrine is, in my considered view, theologically inconsistent with the revelation and authority of Scripture. It is neither discernible nor remotely implied in any text or passage of Scripture. 

The fact that some sinners will not believe the gospel does not imply that God's atonement is lacking in efficacy or that God's sovereignty is placed in theological obscurity. Scripture teaches that God has granted every sinner a free will choice in the same manner that He did Adam. In Genesis 2:16-17, God warned Adam about the consequences of disobedience. This implies that God permits men the exercise of free will decisions in their engagement with God. He does not robotically control men's consciences or wills. Scripture alone is the exclusive manual for understanding the mind of God. Human philosophical theories, however intellectually refined, cannot oust the authority of God's word. 

The doctrine of limited atonement, in my view, presupposes that God determined ahead of time that His redemption works in Christ Jesus shall be applied to only a limited number of sinners and to the exclusion of the rest that will be condemned eternal damnation in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-15). 

This doctrine also implies that God created some people, a large number of them, in His own image and likeness simply to deny them His saving grace. It also implies that some sinners would earn His grace unconditionally. This violates several passages of Scripture including John 3:16-17; Romans 10:5-21 and 2 Peter 3:9. These texts and passages reveal God's intentions on reaching out to all sinners with His saving grace. 

In settling for the limited atonement doctrine, the following regrettable theological inconsistencies stands out, in my view:

First, the God of Scripture is portrayed as insincere and dishonest concerning His revelation in Christ Jesus and that He never after all intended to reach out to all sinners except a select few. Such a conclusion is theologically inconceivable (cf. Numbers 23:19). It impugns the character of the holy and righteous God of Scripture. 

Secondly, God is portrayed as unjust. Sinners who end up in hell had no real choices to make either in their obedience or the lack of it since their destiny had been sealed long before they were born! This also brings into question the validity of God's justice in the face of theological determinism.

Thirdly, God is revealed as an utterly discriminative God. He condemns some sinners arbitrarily without an objective basis even as He saves others without any rational basis, contrary to the revelation of Scripture in Jeremiah 17:9-10; Ezekiel 3:18-20; John 3:16-17; and 1 John 2:2. 

Fourthly, the implications for the limited atonement doctrine are far reaching and appear to exceed the confines of the authority, provisions and intentions of the Author of Scripture. It also presupposes that God's promise in John 3:16-17 and other relevant passages of Scripture should be understood in a different context, far from the Author's intentions. Some deterministic scholars have attempted to deny the plain reading of some texts of Scripture that contradict their doctrines. 

The Limited Atonement doctrine is therefore unbiblical, in my view. While it finds the support of deterministic philosophical groups, the doctrine is inadmissible in any Bible centered Christian community that holds the revelation of Scripture as sacred, authoritative, and final. 

I submit that God's atonement in Christ Jesus is unlimited and efficacious in all ages since Calvary and that no sinner is beyond its divine path. The atonement is sufficient to cover virtually every speck of sin in the world, past, present, and future. The only impediment that holds back this atonement is unbelief or rebellion against God. A sinner who hears the gospel proclaimed and ends up hell cannot look God in the eye and blame Him for his fate. God made the way for ALL sinners to receive His pardon in Christ. A sinner's rejection of God's grace is a sure ticket to eternal damnation unless they change their minds while the window of God's grace is still open. 

God never chose or condemned sinners outside Calvary. He chose the means of atonement by which those who would believe the gospel of Jesus Christ would be saved. No sinners were predestined for eternal damnation. 2 Peter 3:9 says God does not wish that any sinner should perish but that all should come to repentance. 

Have you received God's atonement in Christ Jesus?

Shalom 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026

Will a Believer miss Heaven if they are Not Baptized?

WILL A BELIEVER MISS HEAVEN IF THEY ARE NOT BAPTIZED? 

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

*John 3:5 (KJV)* 

[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.

• Shed light on the above, in relation to the thief on the Cross (Luke 23:39-43; Matthew 27:38, 44; Mark 15:27, 32.).

• In other words, will a Believer miss Heaven due to lack of Baptism?

MY TAKE 

My view is that no text or passage of Scripture teaches or implies that a believer will miss heaven for lack of water baptism. Christian baptism is a biblical rite that attests to the believer's inner transformation in Christ. It is not the means to salvation. It is evidence of salvation. 

This is not to suggest or imply that water baptism is insignificant for believers. It is one of the two Christian rites commanded by Christ. It should therefore be observed in obedience to Christ.

The purpose of this article is to set the record straight on the question raised by a reader. 

John 3:5 says "Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (NKJV). 

This text of Scripture does not imply that water baptism is a prerequisite to salvation.. It is an allegorical reference to the ritual cleansing of sin and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. Notice the clarification by Jesus in John 3:6-8. Spiritual rebirth is a divine gift from God that is accessible to any sinner who repents and turns to Christ (cf. John 3:16-17). 

2 Corinthians 6:14-16 says: "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God" (NKJV). 

The three rhetorical questions raised by Paul in this passage underscore the significance of the sanctification of the believer in Christ. This transformation implies that the believer is separated from the sinful world as he grows in faith. 

Notice the implication of the closing statement in v.16. The believer is indeed indwelt by the Holy Spirit. This is consistent with John 14:15-17 which says:

"If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you" (NKJV). 

No matter how young in faith, a believer is able to discern the presence and indwelling of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This discernment continues to grow as they walk with Christ. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 says "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (NKJV). 

This text affirms the spiritual transformation in the believer's life in Christ. His worldview and inner life is consistently reformed by God through sanctification so that the believer is daily conformed to Christ. His new stature as a child of God is notably distinct from his former self (cf. Romans 13:14; Galatians 3:27). 

Despite his life of evil, the thief on the cross expressed remorse. He was assured of eternal life on account of his faith in Christ. Why? Because he called on the Savior saying "...Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom" (Luke 23:42). Jesus' response in v. 43 is theologically understood as evidence of the thief's forgiveness of sin and his assurance of resurrection upon Christ's coming. He may have missed out on water baptism but he struck the right code - he submitted to Christ and this is all that counted for him.

The fact that the account on Jesus' crucifixion with the two thieves and his engagement with the thief on the cross appear in all the Synoptic Gospels is perhaps evidence of its significance in biblical soteriology. It affirms that salvation is exclusively anchored on God's grace rather than on any ritual or works. It is the gift of God in Christ Jesus. This gift was extended to the thief with a broken heart. His stubborn colleague lost out on God's grace. 

Ephesians 2:8-9 proclaims: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast." 

This text should debunk any mystery or doubt in the reader's mind. Salvation is by God's grace alone which is received through faith in Christ alone.

If water baptism is a cardinal prerequisite for salvation, Scripture should have expressly affirmed it. Scripture cannot speak from two sides of the mouth! 

Here's the conclusion to this matter - water baptism is not a prerequisite for salvation. Faith in Christ Jesus is. Water baptism is an outward ritual that illustrates the inner transformation of the believer. A believer should therefore submit to water baptism in obedience to Christ's command in Matthew 28:19-20. 

Shalom 

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2026