Group wall: Biblical Discussions§↻

goldendoodlelover, I agree some people make bad decisions on Halloween. When I was in youth group, we decided to TP our youth pastor's house as a prank one Halloween. Well, we almost got shot. So yeah, a bad decision all around. In hindsight, I really regret that act. We meant it in love at the time, but as a homeowner, I now know how difficult it is to clean stuff like that up.

You bring up a good side point, Saintman. I think we all have our favorite verses, but it is important that we judge anything written within the Word of God in context with what is written in the other books of the Bible. This includes the words of Jesus. For example, we have to take into consideration that the author of Matthew was writing to a Jewish audience. How does that message intended for a Jewish audience change for us who are not Jewish? You also have to consider the words of Jesus in context with the cross. Does the works-based message to a works-based Jewish people mean the same thing after Jesus' death on the cross where he paid for the sins of all? We also have to take into account the words of Paul on the matter. How are we to understand the words of Matt 7:21 in light of the words of Paul to the Ephesians: "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not of your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast (2:8-9)"? Then there is the contributions of James and Peter on the matter that have to be considered. Having looked at these factors, I have come to the following conclusions.

As a Gentile, the cross freed us from a works-based salvation. This does not mean, however, that we no longer work for the kingdom. To be sure, we work, but not as an obligation. We do it out of gratitude for his works on the cross. And we do it out of love, because we want our neighbors to have the same opportunities for salvation that we have freely received from God. To think that works will somehow equal salvation is to misunderstand the work that Jesus did on the cross. Even 1 Corinthians 13 makes it clear that you can do all the works you want, but if you do not have love, you have gained nothing. We work because we love God, and we love our neighbor. Working for any other purpose is a waste of time, for it leads to nothing.

But back to the point at hand, I'm happy for your contributions here, Saintman. I believe your voice needs to be heard here within our community. The differences we have on topics have been debated for years (sometimes centuries), and will likely never be resolved. The question is, can we remain in unity while having diverse opinions? I believe we can. When one's salvation is brought into question as part of a discussion, however, no matter how nicely it is done, then I would argue that unity is not possible. This is now the second conversation - the KJV discussion being the first - we have had where that has been implied. I would respectfully ask that it not occur a third time.

Thank you very much mrsmoo for your input. As a teenager, I have seen and heard too many things; as a retired public school teacher I’m sure you’ve heard and seen worse. Thank you all for sharing.

My friend had some people come over and BANG on there door and yelled at them so her mom called the police. They hade to come and arrest them!

Hi Onfire,
My comments were meant to highlight the seriousness of participating in Halloween and nothing personal towards you. I would have made the same comments to anyone holding your position.
Having said that, on the subject of salvation, I consider one of the key passages the words of our Saviour in Matthew 7:21
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
So we need to discern what God's will is for us.
If it's not God's will for us to participate in Halloween, then it's important that we not do so.

And why? What harm could we possibly suffer as a consequence? Demonic oppression/ possession.
I have assisted with deliverance ministry (aka exorcisms),
and assure you that church-going believers can be affected in this way, and that it's a terrifying experience for those victims.
If giving up Halloween can prevent this, then it's a very small price to pay for peace of mind.
If you doubt what I'm saying, just speak to anyone in deliverance ministry and they will tell you how important it is to renounce all involvement in the occult (including Halloween) in order to achieve a successful deliverance.

Please take my comments in the spirit of love and concern that is intended to help you.

I appreciate you sharing your view, mrsmoo, in a way that does not lower me or bring into question my faith before God. I am thankful that we can have different views on the subject while still maintaining unity in disagreement. I will continue to hold to Romans 14 on the matter, but I respect where you are coming from.

i read this thread and had to go outside to pray over what to do or say. The sunset was healing. This is a very dangerous season and our children have been lured into horrible and sometimes life altering events. And yes... I WILL go there- this is a demonic season. Do not be fooled. I retired several years ago with 42 years as a public school teacher. Seen too much. So i will share with you how i handle this 'holiday'... I REFUSE to participate. Last week i made my deliveries... I make personal bags for children in my area-- crayons, markers, some treats and homemade journal/coloring sketchbooks or homemade playdough for the youngest. I share with the parents that because of my FAITH I do not participate but that i celebrate the gift that God has given them--- their precious children. I give the adults a jar of my canned goods- this year they could choose between mango salsa or pear butter with ginger. I tell the parents I will be praying for their child's safety that night. FYI-- i remind them that if they bring the jar back, i will offer them a new jar. An open invitation. Most have received bags of produce from my garden over the summer, so this is not unusual.
Over the years I have had great JOY sitting on the porch in unexpected (God ordained) conversations. Or been blessed to find notes on my car door asking for prayer. I do believe we are called to stand tall for our faith and NOT conform.... I don't stand on my steps shaking my Bible in the air and preaching. Jesus calls us to LOVE and to lead. One little neighbor squealed so loud as i approached her house with my bag. she was shouting --Mom SHE'S coming. When I told her Jesus loves her, she smiled and said "I know," Worth all of the walking for this old lady. Thanks for letting me share.

One thing that I don’t like is the “trick or treat”. Not saying that giving candy out is bad. (I liked you idea of it, onfire247) but some people aren’t very nice to kids.
I’ve met a Police officer that said that halloween is his least favorite night. Not because of its meaning and history, but because he watches over several parolees that have been charged with assault, child abuse, ext. I’ve heard of multiple kids that have gone missing halloween night. I think that there needs to be more supervision!
And I know that there are tricks that aren’t very nice that are handed out.

The psychic and former satanist are experts in the field and giving clear and good advice on the exact topic that has been raised.
They also share helpful information on exactly why you should not eat Halloween candy (literally sugar-coated witchcraft!), and wear Halloween costumes.
I could link dozens of other experts who have come out of the occult and they will all say the same thing:
Have nothing to do with Halloween - it's dangerous.

According to the satanist, participating in Halloween affects you by spells and curses being cast on you and working through the demonic clothing etc.
It has nothing to do with you believing it, but by participating in it, you give permission for these to take effect.
I don't think these can be washed off as simply as mud from the skin.

Ephesians 5:11 says:
"Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them."
Why are you giving advice opposite to Paul?
Paul was a tremendous evangelist, yet never would engage in something as evil as Halloween.

And yes, I would advise spending time alone with God to become empowered by the Holy Spirit before venturing out into this evil world to share the gospel.
Jesus himself spent 40 days in the wilderness, led by the Holy Spirit.
And Jesus didn't just "hang out" with random sinners, but found specific people he knew were ready to repent.
Then they repented, and Jesus moved on to the next place.
Jesus was continually on the move during his ministry.
Jesus would never have participated in Halloween.

From what I learned today, Halloween is the most important day of the year for Satanists and all forms of witchcraft, and anyone they can lure into participating in Halloween is a victory for the kingdom of darkness.
Remember that the devil is an expert at making sin appear harmless and appealing (think Garden of Eden.)
Things are becoming worse and worse in regards to the pervasive and pernicious spread of the occult in our society.
So as Christians we should be extra vigilant to keep ourselves from being affected, and succumbing to the lie that "just a little bit won't hurt."
It's like playing with a deadly snake while thinking it's a harmless one. A serious and unnecessary risk.

I take the time to write these things because I care about you, Onfire.
I hope you can learn not to be conformed to this world, but transformed in your thinking by the Word of God.

Thank you for your response. Let me begin by saying that finding videos on Youtube that support a position is no proof at all. I can literally search Google now for anything and find someone who has made a video about it. Also, it is not surprising that a former satanist and psychic would see spiritual danger in a holiday like Halloween. Not because it is bad, but because of their frame of reference. After all, when you are a hammer, all you tend to see are nails.

If you think that wearing a Spiderman costume and getting candy from your neighbors falls into the category of actual sorcery, where you are casting literal spells and curses and trying to speak with the dead, then you should not participate in Halloween. I would argue from experience, however, that this is not what happens. I do not, of course, have a Youtube channel to prove it.

The NT has a lot to say about being separate from the world, and I think James hits the nail on the head: you must remain unstained from the world. If I walk through a muddy field, my legs become stained with mud. But at any point, I can spray my legs with water, and the mud is gone. In other words, my skin protects me from becoming permanently stained by the mud. In the same way, walking in the Spirit acts as a shield to keep you from becoming stained by the flesh. This does not mean, however, that you should never walk through a muddy field. The world lives in a muddy field. You cannot reach them without getting muddy by being where they are. Calling everything evil keeps you out of the field and condemns them to Hell.

Is John the Baptist to be the example for all Christians? Is he the picture of what it means to be separate from the world? If so, how is anyone to be saved? Is not Jesus a better example to follow? Where did Jesus hang out? With tax collectors, with sinners, with prostitutes, with publicans, with Pharisees, with Saducees, with Roman citizens. He didn't become like them, but he did engage with them. He walked through the mud and brought many out of the mud.

If Halloween sears your soul, don't participate in it. It does not sear mine, so I shall. If it ever reaches that point, then I will stop. I'll leave whatever spiritual damage I may receive in the graceful hands of the Son who told me to go into the world to make disciples and to see and save the lost. If I get a little mud on me in the process, I'll be sure to wash up afterwards.

Hi Onfire,
I understand your point of view, however, I think you have severely underestimated the spiritual damage that can be done by participating in Halloween.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIWswhDyQrc
In this video, a former psychic warns that "Halloween opens demonic doors" and "It's very spiritually dangerous".

And here a former satanist says Halloween is "the Devil's Holiday", and says that dressing in Halloween costumes brings curses on you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q369iQJ49cY

Deuteronomy 18:10-14 makes it very clear that witchcraft is forbidden for God's people, but even if you only accept New Testament verses, there are plenty on the subject.

Revelation 21:8 says, "those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

Galatians 5:20-21 says that witchcraft prevents people from inheriting the kingdom of God.

Yes, evangelism is important, but participating in evil activities will cripple your ability to reach anyone.

James 1:27 tells us to be "...unspotted from the world."

Romans 12:2
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind..."

Ephesians 6:12 says that we wrestle with the rulers of the darkness of this world.
Those demonic powers are our enemies.
Halloween is clearly the manifestation of these demonic powers.
If you don't believe me, then please listen to the experts I linked.

I'm not writing these things just to win an argument, but for the spiritual benefit of the precious children of God who use this wonderful website, including yourself.

On the subject of engaging with the world, consider John the Baptist, living in a cave in the wilderness eating locusts and wild honey.
He was very effective at making disciples and preaching the gospel of repentance.

@onfire247 never be ashamed for speaking you mind when you feel it’s right. Honestly, what you have said really needs to be practiced, even by me. Thank you for being honest. We need more people to do that. There are lots of things we could talk about in this group that can go like this. A lot of it comes down to opinions and beliefs. Again, thank you.

I suspected this conversation would go this way. Sigh. There is a certain pattern that comes from conversations like this, and it is a beauty to behold. But on to the point at hand.

Let me start by saying I must have been celebrating Halloween in a different way than you guys. I've never run across any "sugar-coated witchcraft" in my travels (that's catchy, btw, you should put it on a t-shirt). Maybe things are different overseas. Or perhaps I'm just so unbelievably corrupted by the world that I can't see it as some inevitably think. I'm sure many people feel that way about me based upon the positions I hold, which is lamentable. Perhaps one day we can discuss it together in person when we are in heaven.

As I stated previously, if you feel convicted by the Holy Spirit not to participate, by all means, you should not. Romans 14 is clear on that. And because I know you feel that way, I will not invite you to Halloween parties where you might stumble. Halloween is not the problem, however. Rather, it is the Christian's refusal to engage with an unsaved culture for fear of being corrupted by the world.

For years many Christians have pointed to things within popular culture things like Harry Potter, Dungeons and Dragons, GI Joe, Pokemon, Video games, and anything else labeled as "evil" or "of the world" with scant support in the Word. Oh sure, you can take scriptures from the Pentateuch and stretch them to cover these topics (it's funny how people pick and choose their scriptures from Leviticus when it is convenient for how they feel already, but I digress). As if the charms cast in Harry Potter equal the true witchcraft described in the Word or that actually exists in the world today. If that doesn't work, then just fall back on "whatever is not of faith is sin" (Rom 14:23). That one is always a classic verse ripped out of context to control people.

We have lived the last 70 years calling whatever does not mention Jesus Christ unambiguously as evil, and as a result, Christians have spectacularly lost the cultural wars of the 20th century. Gay marriage is legal. Everyone is bisexual. Mass shootings are rampant. Alcoholism is at its highest levels. Sex trafficking is a thing. People are filled with crippling anxiety. Our world is a place plagued by true evil, filling every area of popular media because we, as Christians, have sat on the sidelines and said nothing substantive about it. Instead, we have focused on what appears to be evil, alienating ourselves from the world. Rather than getting into the cultural car and shifting its direction by showing that Jesus has an answer for all of these problems, we have instead stood in front of the car calling everything evil, only to end up left behind with tire tracks on our backs. Well, I hope the high moral ground was worth the results.

Perhaps, instead, if we had engaged with culture, we could have shaped culture for the Kingdom. Perhaps instead of calling Halloween, as an example, evil, we could have engaged with the holiday to point out the parts of the holiday that are evil and need to be changed. But no, we do nothing but call everything evil (tm). Why would non-Christians want to come to Christ when they have to hang around with such boring, hateful, sticks in the mud (something often said by non-believers) like us? I think Gandhi said it best: "I like your Christ, but not your Christianity."

There is a church in town that uses curse words in the sermon and has MMA fights in the building, and they have reached people for Christ who would have never stepped foot in a normal church. There is another who witnesses at strip clubs and bars to people who need it the most. I know of an organization that goes to porn conventions and witnesses to porn stars. One of those former porn stars runs a ministry like that now. Meanwhile, we sing our hymns and hope someone accidentally wanders into the four walls of our church to hear about Jesus.

You can engage with culture without becoming corrupted by the culture. Well, at least some of us can. Many will never be there. And for those of us who do engage with culture, we have the unenviable position of getting attacked by both the non-Christians we are trying to reach AND the Christians who should have our backs.

But here is the beautiful thing about the Kingdom: there is a place for both views on the matter, even if one side will not offer even an ounce of give on the subject for the sake of unity within the body of Christ.

I apologize for the frank talk. I hope you will forgive me for it. I am preaching to myself as much as to anyone who reads this. We all need to do better. Souls are depending on it. We need to stop majoring in the minors and focus on the majors.

Jappel, How many groups do you own?

Thank you guys so much for your inputs. That is what this group is for. I completely understand where all you guys are coming from and I honor your opinions.
When it comes to Song of Solomon, I usually cringe when I read it as I read through the Bible. There is definitely a purpose for this book as it is in the Bible. I just haven’t figured it out yet.

Ok, I understand my family does NOT celebrate Halloween. But we just go trick or treating.

Yes, Peter, I agree.
Halloween is merely sugar-coated witchcraft.
It's made attractive to lure the gullible, who will ultimately pay a heavy spiritual cost.
Harry Potter is the same, as are a multitude of popular TV shows and movies.
As Children of God, we should keep ourselves away from these evil influences and seek after purity and holiness.
Heb 12:14 emphasises how important holiness is.

Here’s how J. John put it in a Facebook post on Monday…

Let me explain why I don’t agree with Halloween:

First, Halloween deceives us about evil. It creates a cartoon vision of evil as trivial, harmless fun that no one could possibly see as a threat. Yet all evil is serious and any messing with supernatural evil particularly so. To fool around with evil is a fool’s game.

Second, Halloween distracts us about evil. It presents evil in terms of the obvious and the spectacular; things that proclaim their identity with fangs and claws, cackles and cloaks. Yet evil is at its most seductive when it is silent and subtle. The most dangerous evils are not clumsy figures in skeleton outfits knocking on your door; they are infinitely better disguised. In the real world the most deadly evil doesn’t turn up with nocturnal cries of ‘Trick or treat!’ Instead it tiptoes around unannounced in broad daylight. It is there in the sudden opportunity to lie, gossip, slander or steal. The problem with the road to hell is that it never states its destination. By focusing on the recognisable and the grotesque, Halloween obscures the fact that most evil wears a charming face.

Finally, Halloween denies the defeat of evil. In Halloween, supernatural evil is presented as unchallenged and victorious. Yet as a Christian I believe that that’s only half of the story and the darkest half too. The reality is that evil has been defeated at the cross and that one day the crucified King, Jesus Christ, will return and abolish even the memory of it forever. That, not Halloween, is the story that I want to celebrate.

There are three versions of Halloween historically.

The first is the Celtic festival of Samhain, which celebrates the night when the distance between the world of the living and the world of the spirits is at its weakest point. In this version of Halloween, modern day witches and druids (Wiccans) build huge bonfires to celebrate the spirits or their ancestors, fairies, etc. There are some definite demonic aspects to these festivals, and you should absolutely not participate in these types of events.

The second version comes from the Catholic celebration of Hallow's Eve, the day that comes before All Saint's Day (Nov 1st) where Catholic believers celebrate the saints of God. If you can find a Catholic celebrating such an event, I say go for it since Catholic believers are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The third version is the modern version, which people dress up for fun and give out and/or receive candy. For most people this holiday has zero religious or demonic connotations. Most people just dress up to have fun while hanging out with friends (and getting free candy to boot!). While I would agree that there are some costumes that a Christian should not wear, there is nothing evil about this holiday that I can see from the Bible.

Jappel (and others for sure), if dressing up for Halloween or celebrating it bothers your conscience, you should absolutely not celebrate it. The church I grew up in felt that way. We had harvest festivals instead. I, myself, did dress up occasionally and hang out with my friends. I did the same with my kids. As far as I can tell, there have been no negative side affects from the experience on either side (unless you count my kids getting mad for me taking a tithe of their candy in the form of all of their Sweet Tarts).

Every believer has to decide what his or her non-negotiables are from the Bible. For me, the celebration of Halloween is not one of them. If the celebration of the holiday came between me and Jesus, I would drop it like a hot rock. Since it does not, I'll hold to the standard of Romans 14, which calls for freedom on the negotiables as long as it does not cause another to stumble.

I'm pretty sure the purpose of Song of Songs is to make people feel uncomfortable in youth group.

That being said, it seems to me to be a collection of love poems with no true theological significance other than to show that love between a man and woman in marriage need not be a passionless, baby-making experience. Other interpretations, such as applying to Jesus and the Church, seems to read stuff into the text that is not really there.

Sorry, pushed the wrong button. In continuation: They want to be just like that thing. Which is pretty much idolatry. Again. Look at the history and base of halloween. It’s not what it seems to be.

On halloween, I believe that it is based on devil and idol worship. Call it extreme but look at the history behind halloween! Why do you think people dress up in their favorite characters or animals or whatever? They want to just like

I think it is a Guide. What do the rest of you think?

What is the purpose of the Song of Solomon? Is it a guide or celebration of love, or an analogy of Christ and the Church? I'm curious what y'all think.

Why do you not like Halloween?

That is what this group is about. If there is something to discuss, make your statement.

Molin, if you would like to post a question here, we can help you.

Nobody talked here....

I was guessing so. 👍🏼

auctally stay on the other study group

Sorry, I saw other people were comment on the other study group so I went to that one instead.

I was going to say that we would study Luke 1:32 jappel but you left the group.

Now that I am saved. When people join my group called the Bible study group. I will tell them the gospel. (preach) @onfire and @jappel if you want to join to preach the gospel together you can! I already invited you.

Molin, I want to clarify a couple of things so what I said is not misinterpreted. From what I can see from the Bible there are two parts to salvation: making him your Savior and making him your Lord. Some scholars call it the "getting in" of the kingdom and the "staying in" of the kingdom.

The "getting in" part is easy. God is not looking for a specific set of words in a specific order to qualify for his salvation. He looks at the heart as you say whatever words you use to repent. If your heart was sincere when you said that prayer, then saying the prayer was more than sufficient to get you into his kingdom. Only God can judge your salvation, but I suspect that angels were rejoicing in heaven when you said that prayer! At some point, it would be to your benefit to get baptized if you haven't already. There is something special about announcing to the world that the allegiance of your heart has changed to Jesus. But that act does not buy your salvation in any way.

The hard part of salvation is the "staying in" part that continues on for the rest of your life. This is where you read the Bible and apply the principles and commands you see in his Word into your life. This is sometimes called sanctification. This is a lifetime process that will have many ups and downs as the Holy Spirit works with you to change your heart into the image of Jesus. Some days you will question your salvation as you go through this, and that is perfectly normal.

The "staying in" part of salvation I described is likewise not required to earn your continued salvation. Salvation was fully paid for you on the cross. It is a free gift that cannot be earned in any way. For this reason, the "staying in" part of salvation is a reflection of whether you truly meant the prayer you made when you first received his salvation. This may be confusing; let me try to simplify it.

Jesus liked to use agricultural metaphors to describe hard biblical truths, and if you'll forgive me, I will do the same. Take, for instance, an apple tree. If you want to grow an apple tree, you have to take several distinct steps if you want to eventually produce another apple. First, you have to locate an apple seed. Second, you have to put it in the ground. Third, you have to tend that ground, watering, fertilizing, and protecting the seed from weeds and pests that want to destroy it. Finally, after doing this for a long period of time, eventually you'll get a healthy, successful apple tree.

Salvation is like the growing of that apple tree. First, you have Jesus' death on the cross, which gives you the apple seed necessary to grow another tree. Second, you have the prayer of salvation, which is you taking Jesus' seed and planting it into the dirt of your heart. Third, you have the sanctification process (e.g., reading the Bible, praying, fasting, preaching, feeding the poor, etc.) where you tend the dirt of your heart to make sure the seed of salvation can grow into a tree that produces fruit for God (see the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13:18 and the discussion of fruit in John 15). Fourth, after a lifetime of doing this, you will hear "well done good and faithful servant" on the Day of Judgment where Jesus confirms his salvation tree is healthy and producing fruit in your life for the kingdom of God.

Salvation is easy. Everyone can put the seed of salvation into the dirt. I am sure there are millions of potential apple trees planted every year across the world that do not in fact produce another apple tree. The hard part is the lifetime of time, effort, and sacrifice needed to produce the tree of salvation in your life. Most people are not willing to do these things because it is too hard for them. Perhaps they would rather have a cost-free salvation where they live their lives like they always did. Or perhaps they are too busy chasing after the cares of the world to pick up their cross daily for Jesus. Regardless of how it happened, they have let their tree die, and along with it their true acceptance of salvation. They don't lose their salvation, mind you; they were never truly saved to begin.

Many believers fall into this category. They live a life that is for all intents and purposes indistinguishable from those living in the world. Their seed of salvation is wilted and dying, and if they do not repent, many them will be surprised on the Day of Judgment when Jesus says, "I do not know you." The good news is that as long as you are still breathing, you are able to tend your tree. You can rip those weeds right out and kill the pests as well. The seed of salvation experiences rapid regrowth when the heart's ground is made right again.

Molin, I'm proud of you for taking the seed of salvation and planting it into your heart. It also brings joy to me that you are reading the Bible, which will show you how to grow your tree and produce fruit. Keep doing that, and you can't help but hear your name read off of the Lamb's Book of Life on the last day.

Praise God that this helps. Remember, it’s not you. It is Him only

except When i was trying to get saved i did a prayer and read the Bible.

Thanks Jappel and @onfire. Now I know how to get saved truly.

@onfire247
With your first comment I totally agree. I’m not going to discuss it any further unless someone asks a question and I’ll give my beliefs.
And I am glad that we see eye to eye when it comes to salvation. 😄

Molin, to see what salvation means for us as Gentiles, you need to look to Paul's interpretation of Christ's work on the cross. There are some great sets on the Roman's Road on this website which would be a good place to start. I have also created a set that I feel is a pretty comprehensive treatment on the matter (https://learnscripture.net/verse-set/the-simple-gospel/) that might be of use to you as well.

As for believing, there is a simple answer. All belief is a choice based upon something. You believe the sun will come up tomorrow because of the laws of nature. You believe that the bank will give you your home when you pay it off because of the laws of the United States. In the same way, you believe you are saved by reading the laws of Christ found in the Bible and following them.

When I read those scriptures (and the rest of the OT/NT) I see that salvation from our perspective is a mixture of the following:

1. Confessing of your past sins to Jesus (the ones you can remember anyway; God is not performing an audit).
2. Acknowledging God's Lordship over your life internally (believing).
3. Acknowledging God's Lordship over your life externally (baptism).
4. Repenting, or turning away, from your past sinful lifestyle (this is different from person to person; the Holy Spirit will reveal it to you).
5. Allowing God to show you how to walk in love and produce fruit for him over a lifetime (sanctification and obedience).

None of this saves you. Christ's blood on the cross and resurrection from the dead saves you. The rest is just what's involved with "producing fruits worthy of repentance." God knows everything you would do before you were born and he sent his Son Jesus to pay your debt before you knew you had it. None of these acts pay the debt; they acknowledge Jesus had the right to pay them. In other words, these acts listed above are mostly for your benefit. But when you do them, they are a sign of faith that you are drawing near to God. And God responds to that every time.

Since literal wars have been fought over the question of baptism, I think I'll stay out of this subject ha! I did not mean to bring it up before, but sadly, there is no edit button on this website.