It is entirely John 3:16

And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [of your own doing, it came not through your own striving], but it is the gift of God;(Ephesians 8)Christ himself says this in Mark 3:28. Do you think he meant it? 28'I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them." Notice the future tense. At the time he spoke these words, all men were condemned by imputed sin of Adam just as they are now but not condemned by imputed righteous for those who accept HIM. He is reported again as saying the same thing in Matthew. Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men”. 12:31 “Blasphemy” is a level of absolute belief in the reality of God and a rejection of Him in fact. And what is the condition for this absolute forgiveness? And what must we do to reach "imputed righteousness"? Very simple. John 3:16

" Paul mentioned “leaving the PRINCIPLES of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection "

Paul, as a figure of speech is saying, that, " leaving " not that we should totally forget the first principles of the doctrines of Christ " meaning, we should move onto maturity, we will never achieve " Perfection " in this human state and earthly life until we meet him.

No, I was not saying keeping the commandments had anything to do with anyone’s salvation, I was saying it as a example of what other’s would say to those who counter those who believe in a Grace based salvation ; in which ? is the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, and not the “ OTHER “ Gospel that others are preaching .

**Paul, as a figure of speech is saying, that, “ leaving “ not that we should totally forget the first principles of the doctrines of Christ “ meaning, we should move onto maturity, we will never achieve “ Perfection “ in this human state and earthly life until we meet him.**

That’s correct. Although my point in mentioning that passage was that Paul was alluding once again (this time in the epistle to the Hebrews) to the faithful obedience to the ‘doctrine of baptisms’ etc., that God ordained for their rebirth.

Also, since I realize your view of Grace as being ‘God did it all, we do nothing to be saved’, and that acknowledging this is called ‘faith’. But, God DID speak words of instruction (faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God).

Some agree that going to hear a preacher is a must (some physical effort required there).

Some agree that repentance is necessary. That’s a work.

Some agree that water baptism is a God ordained command.

The thing that needs to be clarified is, what is the definition of ‘faith in Jesus Christ’? Many profess faith in Him, but don’t follow his (and his apostles) commands for rebirth. These same people regard those orders as ‘our own works’, and that people that follow those orders are trying to add to the Word, or ‘earn’ their salvation by ‘man-made ordinances’. Is ‘faith’ really faith when the hearer discounts or completely disregards the Lord’s, and his thoroughly taught apostles’ commands for rebirth?

Another question: Acts 2:38; is it from heaven, or of men?

Acts 2:38 .... least we forget, it was on the very day of Pentecost, the promised Holy Spirit had come.

I would go on to say, that this was from Heaven, God ordained it with the movement of the Holy Spirit.

In case we forget, before the move of the Holy Spirit, they were in fear and in hiding since Jesus was crucifided.

Peter had boldness in speech on that day and preached to 3000.
The Holy Spirit also pricked ( conviction in the heart ) their hearts as they listen to Peter talk.

Acts 2:37,38

37. When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38. Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Before they repented, or baptized, they in fact were told, or heard the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ, and were cut to the heart by the message, cut to the heart of conviction of their sins by the Holy Spirit.
They " heard" the " message " of the promised Messiah that is to save the world from their sins, in how he was supposed to died, and be risen from the dead, and is at God's right hand right now.
What does it mean to repent ? it means to turn, to have a change of course, to have a change of mind and or attitude towards GOD.
What was the former way ? or attitude ? to keep the law, human merit, but, GOD provided a new way to approach him in Jesus Christ.

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