From: dixonps@juno.com
Date: Sun May 27 2001 - 11:08:12 EDT
The logic of Acts 2:38 can be expressed simply as:
If A and B, then C and D (if you repent and get baptized, then you will
have your sins forgiven and you will receive the Holy Spirit).
This is all it says. It does not say, nor does it imply the following:
If not (A and B), then not (C and D).
A conditional does not imply its negation. The negation may or may not
be true, but it can not be inferred from the conditional. We know it is
true only if it is affirmed to be so.
The parallel in Mk 16:16 is illustrative: he who believes and is
baptized shall be saved.
The significant difference between Acts 2:38 and Mk 16:16 is simply that
Mk 16:16b affirms the negation of belief (he who believes not is
condemned already). It does not, however, affirm the negation of
baptism.
Conclusion: Acts 2:38 affirms simply that on the condition of repentance
and baptism, then forgiveness of sins and reception of the Holy Spirit
are assured. It does not say, nor can we conclude that if both
repentance and baptism do not occur, then neither will forgiveness and
reception of the Holy Spirit occur. From Mk 16:16, however, we can
conclude that if and only if a man believes, then he will be saved. But,
it is also true that if a man believes and is baptized, then he will be
saved.
Paul Dixon
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