Gospels - ACTS - Epistles

In order to understand the Plan of Salvation, we must first understand that there are 3 divisions in the New Testament.  The Gospels - The Book of Acts - The Epistles.

THE GOSPELS

I Matthew - Mark - Luke - and John

(In the Gospels we learn about Jesus)

1. The Ministry of John the Baptist.
2. The Birth of Jesus.
3. The Life of Jesus.
4. The Ministry of Jesus Christ.
5. The Calling of His Disciples.
6. His Miracles.
7. His Death, Burial and Resurrection.

Turn to any place in the Gospels and you will read about one of these seven topics.

What we do not find in the Gospels?

1. There was no Christian Church founded in the Gospels. Matt. 16:18.
2. No one received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost in the Gospels. John 7:38-39.

Men could repent and have their sins forgiven in the Gospels.

Example:

1. The Thief on the cross. Luke 23:43.
2. The man with the palsy. Mark 2:5.

However: Full Salvation or conversion was not possible until Jesus was crucified and ascended. Luke 22:32, Acts 1:4-8, John 7:38-39

We must go on to the book of Acts to find where the First Church was founded. Full Salvation was first experienced on the Day of Pentecost.

Note the authority given to the Apostles by the Lord. John 17:20. Galations 1:8,9; Ephesians 2:20.  The words of Jesus versus the words of the Apostles.

Turn to any place in any of the four Gospels and you will find one of these. You will read about one of these.

1. The Ministry of John the Baptist.
2. The Birth of Jesus.
3. The Life of Jesus.
4. The Ministry of Jesus.
5. The Calling of His Disciples.
6. His Miracles.

"ACTS"
Book Of Salvation

We learn how to be born again.

"What Do We Find In Acts?"

1. Men were born again. John 3:5. Fulfilled.
2. The First Church founded on the Day of Pentecost. Acts 2:1-4.
    

Water Baptism
In The Name of Jesus Christ

1. The Church at Jerusalem. Acts 2:38-41.
2. The Church at Samaria. Acts 8:16.
3. The Church at Caesarea. Acts 10:48.
4. The Church at Ephesus-Acts 19: 1-6

All of the Apostles and Mary, the Mother of Jesus, 120 in all prayed until they were filled with the Baptism of the Holy Ghost. Act 1:13-14.
 

Baptism Of The Holy Ghost
Evidence – They Spoke With Tongues

1. The Church at Jerusalem. Acts 2:4.
2. The Church Caesarea. Acts 10:14-48.
3. The Church at Ephesus. Acts 19:1-6.
4. The Church at Samaria. Acts 8:14-19. Simon the sorcer saw an outward manifestation.

"Notice"

No one in the entire New Testament was ever Baptized using the words, "In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost".  Matt. 28:19.  See Matt. 28:18. All power is given to Jesus in Heaven and in earth.  The disciples understood that the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost is Jesus Christ. 

You will not make a mistake by obeying Acts 2:38.

"Notice"

1. Matt: 28:19 was not an actual Baptismal service.
2. Acts 2:38 was not an actual Baptismal service.
3. Acts 2:41 was an actual Baptismal service.
4. Acts 8:16 was an actual Baptismal service.
5. Acts 10:48 was an actual Baptismal service.
6. Acts 19:5-6 is an actual Baptismal service.

   The Apostles understood what the Name in Matt. 28:19 was.  "Father" John 5:43, "Son", Matt. 1:21, "Holy Ghost" John 14:26.

   7. In that day shall be one Lord, and His name One. Zechariah 14:9.

"The Epistles"
Romans - Revelation

"We learn to live a Christian Life."

What do we find in the Epistles?

These Books were written to Churches after they were Baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ and ----- after they received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, speaking with tongues.

What we do not find in the Epistles.

1. No one was Baptized in all the Epistles.
2. No one received the Holy Ghost in the Epistles.

"The Reason"

They had already been Baptized in Jesus Name and received the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, otherwise these Churches could not have been founded.

"Notice"

Ephesians 2:8, I Corinthians 12:30, I John 3:14, I John 5:1, Ephesians 5:26.

These scriptures are Epistles, and written to Churches already born again. They were never intended to be used as a substitute for the Plan of Salvation.

We must be very sure, that we are ready for the Rapture. His coming is very soon, even at the door. We need to seek God with all of our heart, and make sure we are ready to meet Him and not be found with out a
Wedding Garment." Matt: 22:1-14. Please be sure to have the Wedding Garment on.

The Epistles were written to saints.

Example:

1. Romans 1:1-7 notice Paul is writing to saints, verse 6,7.
2. I Corinthians 1:1-2 Paul, called to be an Apostle of Jesus Christ, to the Church of God at Corinth. Writing to a Church that was established in the Book of Acts.
3. II Corinthians 1:1 Paul to the Church.
4. Galations 1:1,2 to the Churches of Galatia.
5. Ephesians 1:1 Paul to the Saints.
6. Colossians 1:1-2 Paul to the saints and faithful Brethren in Christ, etc.

Example:

I Peter 1:1,2 Peter an Apostle of Jesus Christ to the stranger, scatter throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.

Jude - to them that are sanctified.

You can't go to the Gospels for a Plan of Salvation, neither can you go to the Epistles for a Plan of Salvation. The Epistles were written to saints, churches that were established in the Book of Acts.

You must go to the Book of Acts for the Plan of Salvation. Built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Corner Stone. Eph. 2:20, II John 1-11.