Saved BY Water

[Brother Love]

Saved BY Water

by Ron Sorg

This is not really a Bible study but an answer to questions asked concerning "saved by water" in:

(1 Peter 3:20-21 KJV) - Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21 The like figure whereunto, even baptism doth also now save us (not that putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Questions:
Can you explain this verse, in particular: "Saved by water" and "baptism does also now save us"?
Also, will Israel need to practice water baptism once the prophetic program resumes? If Israel needs to be baptized when the program resumes, what would be the reasoning for it then? The priesthood function?
Ron's answer:
In 1 Peter 3:20-21, Peter is using the illustration of Noah and water (flood) to explain the significance of baptism to the Jews of his day as well as the tribulation saints to come; all of which are part of God's prophetic program. Peter says that Noah and his family were saved BY water because it was the water of judgement that separated Noah and his family from the judgement of God. It was the water or flood that separated Noah and his family from the heathen of his day who were consumed by God's wrath and subsequently saved by it (Matthew 24:37-41).

As you know water in the Bible is associated with purification (Exodus 29: 1-4) and separation (Ephesians 5: 26). Another picture of this is found in Matthew 3:7-12, 3:36-43 when the fire (Tribulation) separates the wheat from chaff/tares (believers from unbelievers), one is saved and the other is destroyed. So in both cases it is the water and fire that saves believing people.

This is why the KJV says BY water in 1Peter1: 20. This is also why Peter uses the flood illustration to point out that water baptism saves the Jewish saints in the same way that the water saved Noah and his family; because water baptism purifies and separates those Jewish saints from the apostates of their day.

Water baptism is the means or doorway of entrance that the little flock or remnant of Jewish believers will be spared from the wrath of fire during the tribulation period (Matthew 3:1-12, Luke12: 32, Mark.1: 4, 14-15,16:16, 1Peter 4: 17) and who will inherit the Kingdom of God when Christ returns (Luke 12: 32, Daniel 2: 44). It also prepares them for their office of priesthood ...(Exodus 29: 1-4, 1Peter 2: 9-10).

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[Brother Love]

Why Water Baptism?

by B.C. Pratt

In Exodus 29:4 water baptism was a cleansing ceremony for the Hebrew priests of the tribe of Levi for their induction into the office of the Hebrew priesthood.

And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.
In Matthew 3:11 John the Baptist speaking to the Jews (Matthew 3:7) said,

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Note: Today, how are our sins remitted (forgiven)?

(Colossians 2:14 KJV) Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
(Ephesians 1:7 KJV) In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
This nation of Israel (Exodus 19:3) was to fulfil Exodus 19:5,6:

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
Israel as a blessed nation was to become a nation of priests to go out to preach the Kingdom gospel to the rest of the world (the gentiles). Each individual had to submit to the cleansing ceremony for induction into the priesthood. This is why Peter answered the Jews who asked what they must do to be saved (to avoid God's judgment and to go safely into the Kingdom) in Acts 2:38:

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Water baptism was not optional for the priests in the Old Testament (under the Old Covenant) nor for the Jewish believers in the Kingdom program.

In the present Dispensation of Grace many things are now different. No observations or ceremonies are commanded since we are not under the Law but under Grace.

(Romans 6:14 KJV) For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
In the transition period from Law to Grace Paul baptized a few but his memory was dim on the subject.

(1 Corinthians 1:16-17 KJV) And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. {17} For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
This being the only mention in all his epistles of water baptism. His emphasis was on the spiritual baptism which all believers have at the moment of belief that Christ died to pay for their sins and that He is their Saviour.

Why don't we need water baptism for our cleansing for service? It's simply because we already have a superior baptism which is spiritual and invisible, performed by the operation of God Himself.

Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
I Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? {4} Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Every believer receives all spiritual blessings in Christ. These include adoption as sons, righteousness, redemption, sanctification, forgiveness (remission of sins), salvation, justification, baptism, and much, much more, all by the operation of God. What more could we do to be accepted of God than what Christ has perfectly done for us?

Compare what Paul wrote to the Galatians about the practice of circumcision, a ceremony which was to be practiced by Israel, a token of the Abrahamic Covenant to Israel.

Galatians. 5:2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
In Galatia, circumcision was the debated subject. What do you suppose Paul would have told them if the hot topic of the day had been water baptism?

Considering the Biblical purpose of water baptism, why would the ceremony be practiced today? To enter the priesthood of Israel? To have sins remitted? Tradition?

What if we do practice it for whatever reason we have? Under the program of Grace for today, Paul states in that there is "ONE baptism." Which ONE should we prefer?

(Ephesians 4:5 KJV) One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Colossians 2:10 states, "Ye are complete in Him (Christ)." How much more complete can one be? The Galatians had believed and accepted the Gospel of Grace but soon became influenced by Judaizers who taught them to add circumcision to the gospel they had been taught. Paul denounced them soundly.

Does not water baptism minimize Christ's FINISHED, COMPLETE SACRIFICE? To add to what Christ has done, and what God has provided for us, is it not to deny Christ has paid it all?

What is your decision? Did Christ accomplish all your need or not?

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[Brother Love]

Baptisms of the Bible

by Duane Gallentine

Israel's Nation Baptism unto Moses--placed under Moses' leadership.
(1 Corinthians 10:1-4 KJV) Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; {2} And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; {3} And did all eat the same spiritual meat; {4} And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
Diver's baptisms of Israel's religion as given by God
(Hebrews 6:2 KJV) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
(Hebrews 9:10 KJV) Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. , 9:10
Traditional baptisms of ceremonies of the Jews--makes void God's Word
(Mark 7:1-7 KJV) Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. {2} And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. {3} For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. {4} And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables. {5} Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? {6} He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. {7} Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
John's baptism of repentance with water
(Acts 10:37 KJV)That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
(Mark 1:4 KJV) John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
(John 1:31 KJV) And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
(Matthew 3:11 KJV) I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Christ's baptism in water to fulfill the righteousness of the Old Testament Scriptures
(Matthew 3:13-15 KJV)Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. {14} But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? {15} And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
Christ's baptism into death
(Luke 12:50 KJV)But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
(Mark 10:38-39 KJV) But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? {39} And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:
Holy Spirit baptism of power performed by Jesus Christ as the baptizer
(Luke 24:49 KJV)And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
(Acts 1:4-5 KJV) And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. {5} For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Baptism of Fire in prophetic judgement of Israel
(Matthew 3:11 KJV)I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
(Isaiah 29:6 KJV) Thou shalt be visited of the LORD of hosts with thunder, and with earthquake, and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire.
Pentecostal water baptism in the name of Jesus for the Circumcision
(Acts 2:38 KJV) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
(Mark 16:16 KJV) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Baptism of the Uncircumcision in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit during the reign of Christ's Kingdom on earth
(Matthew 28:19 KJV) Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Baptism of the Spirit into the One Body and Christ
(1 Corinthians 12:13 KJV) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
(Romans 6:3 KJV) Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
(Colossians 2:12 KJV) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Of the above listed Scriptural Baptisms there is only ONE that places the lost sinner into the Body of Christ wherein he is eternally secure IN CHRIST! It is the ONE which all Believers of Paul's Gospel of the Grace of God possess through the Spiritual unity of the One Faith. This ONE BAPTISM is of necessity the Baptism of the Spirit that Paul writes about in Ephesians 4:4-5, Romans 6:3, 1 Corinthians 12:13, and Colossians 2:12. It is the only Baptism that is to be practiced in the Dispensation of the Grace Of God.

(Ephesians 4:4 KJV) There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; {5} One Lord, one faith, one baptism.

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[Brother Love]

Baptism and (i.e. fully wet)

Nancy Paulson

Transliteration
The words baptism and baptize in the King James Version are transliterations of the Greek words, not a translation. A translation is a rendering of a word from one language into another language and a transliteration is to represent or spell a word in the characters of another language. Since the words baptism and baptize are transliterations, that means that they have the same alphabetical characters of the Greek words that were used, not necessarily the same meaning; they just look like the Greek words.

Three words that deal with the issue of baptism:

BAPTIZO - in Strong's Concordance it is #907 and is used 80 times in 65 verses.
BAPTISMA - in Strong's Concordance it is #908 and is used 22 times in 22 verses.
BAPTISMOS - in Strong's Concordance it is #909 and is used 4 times in 4 verses.
All three of these words are derived from the Greek BAPTO (in Strong Concordance it is #911) which is defined as "to whelm. i.e. to cover wholly in a fluid" and #907 is defined as to make whelmed (i.e. to make fully wet). The i.e. stands for that is. So, in other words, Strong's Concordance gives a definition and then adds "that is to cover wholly in a fluid" and "(that is fully wet)".

We now have a choice as to what we want to use as our authority in defining a word. We can use either what man has compiled as the definition of the word or we can use the Scriptures and see how that word is used in context to get the true meaning of the word.

Scripture use of the word baptisms (baptismos - #909):


(Hebrews 6:2 KJV) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
(Hebrews 9:10 KJV) Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
In this verse we do actually see the word baptisms; but it is the same Greek word baptismos as found in Hebrews 6:2. So, we can conclude that the doctrine of baptisms can also be stated as the doctrine of washings. Does baptism or baptize always have to do with (i.e. fully wet) or (i.e. to cover wholly with a fluid)?

Doctrine of washings:
(Mark 7:1-8 KJV) Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. {2} And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. {3} For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. {4} And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables. {5} Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? {6} He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. {7} Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. {8} For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
In verse 4, in the phrase "except they wash", the word wash is the word baptizo (#907), and the word washing is baptismos (#909). Hence, the verse can be read as "...except they baptize, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the baptisms of cups, and pots brazen vessels, and of tables."

Washing of cups:
Now, with this in mind, let's think about what we do when we wash cups. The Scribes and the Pharisees were doing it according to the traditions of the elders and although you and I wash cups for a different reason the concept is still the same. We take a dirty cup and place it into a substance (water) and then perform an action (wash it) so that when we bring the cup out the water, it is clean and can now be used by you or someone else. Its previous condition has been changed.

When we think of baptism, we ought to think beyond the definition (i.e. fully wet). Strong's Concordance would lead us to believe that whenever we see the word baptize that we ought to always think of water, whether it is sprinkling, pouring or immersion. However, from these verses in Mark, we see that washing (baptism) has the idea of changing the condition of something because of an action that was performed.

For instance, when my daughter washes the dishes, she can (i.e. make fully wet) the cup but does not perform the action of washing it so that when the cup comes out of the water it is (i.e. fully wet) but the condition has not changed. It is still as dirty as it was before it was placed into the water. The idea behind the Greek word baptism is that of placing or putting something into another substance and performing an action so that it will change the state of the item from its previous condition.

Concept of washing:
What did the Scribes and the Pharisees have in mind when they complained about the disciples of Jesus not washing their hands? It was concerning the fact that the hands were not placed into something and an action performed so that when the hands came out the condition of their hands would be changed from the previous condition, from defiled to holy.

So then, what is baptism? To make something fully wet? Or is baptism the idea of being placed into something (Christ's death) and an action is performed so that when we come out we are changed from our previous condition? It is all about our identification; God takes what we are in Adam and places us into Christ and God's action (crucifying the old man) changes our condition, now we are in Christ. We are no longer what we were in Adam because God has done something to us and in us. Our previous condition has been changed because of what God has done.

(Colossians 2:12 KJV) Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
(Romans 6:3-6 KJV) Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? {4} Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. {5} For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: {6} Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
If we need to have a something to symbolize what happened to us inwardly then rather than it be something that will make us (i.e. fully wet) it ought to be our walk in newness of life.

Reference used:
Tapes series of Romans
by Duane Gallentine

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[Brother Love]

Baptism Purification Unto Sanctification and a New Identity

Nancy Paulson

There are many kinds of baptisms in the Bible and yet when we hear the word "baptism" we automatically think of water baptism. I think this is due to the fact that in the gospel accounts we see the ministry of John the Baptist and that his ministry was that of water baptism. But, John, himself, mentioned more than one baptism; he spoke of a water baptism, a baptism by the Holy Spirit and a baptism of fire. Only one of these refers to water. In general, all baptisms are purification unto sanctification and a new identification.

(Romans 6:1-3 KJV) What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? {2} God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? {3} Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
A part of our sanctification in Christ is that we are dead to sin. How do we become dead to sin? We are dead to sin by being baptized into Jesus Christ, baptized into His death. This is the means through which we receive our new identity in Christ.

(1 Corinthians 12:12-13 KJV) For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. {13} For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the one that baptizes and the result of this baptism is a new identity.

(Galatians 3:26-28 KJV) For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. {27} For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. {28} There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
When we are baptized into Christ, we are given a new identity; we put on Christ.

In the flesh we are identified as:

Jew/Gentile
Bond/free
Male/female
When we are baptized into Christ, we lose our fleshly identity. When God looks at us now He no longer sees Jew or Gentile, bond or free, male or female, He sees Christ. With this baptism into Christ, we all receive the same identification as being in Christ.

(Colossians 2:11-12 KJV) In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: {12} Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
This baptism is accomplished through the faith of the operation of God not through the operation of man. It is God the Holy Spirit that does the baptizing. It is through this baptism by the Spirit that we obtain our new identity; we are cleansed from all that we were in Adam and are given a new identification in Christ.

(Colossians 2:20-22 KJV) Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, {21} (Touch not; taste not; handle not; {22} Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Since we are dead with Christ to the rudiments of the world: circumcision, water baptism, days, things that pertain to the law, and such things that are after the commandments and doctrines of men. Why would we continue to be subject to those ordinances?

Baptism: purification unto sanction and a new identity
The issue of water baptism is purification, something which those of the nation of Israel understood the significance.

(John 3:23-25 KJV) And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. {24} For John was not yet cast into prison. {25} Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.
As John was baptizing, some of his disciples and the Jews began to question the act of purifying. Water baptisms were a part of the rudiments of the world under the law program. Washings were a teaching aid that gave a visible, tangible, object lesson in connection with the need of God Himself to perform a washing of the inside of a person that produces a sanctification and a new identification. Perhaps this is where so many get the idea that water baptism is a symbol as an outward expression of what has happened to us on the inside (in the spirit).

John's disciples and the Jews understood from the law what was to take place in connection with washing from defilement, that a separation needed to take place. In Numbers 9, the water is called water of separation.

(Numbers 19:9 KJV) And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of separation: it is a purification for sin.
(Numbers 19:13 KJV) Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the tabernacle of the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is yet upon him.
(Numbers 19:20-21 KJV) But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation, because he hath defiled the sanctuary of the LORD: the water of separation hath not been sprinkled upon him; he is unclean. {21} And it shall be a perpetual statute unto them, that he that sprinkleth the water of separation shall wash his clothes; and he that toucheth the water of separation shall be unclean until even.
The water was called the water of separation, or sanctification and it was a purification for sin.

(Hebrews 9:9-14 KJV) Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; {10} Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. {11} But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; {12} Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. {13} For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: {14} How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
The divers washing (baptisms) cleansed from a known defilement. This was a picture or a type of the need for God to perform a baptism that would provide purification unto sanctification and a new identity, from unclean to purified. Verse 10 says that divers washings were imposed on them until the time of reformation. Baptism served its purpose for a time, but now, how much more shall the blood of Christ cleanse us from sin.

Today, in this dispensation of grace, we are baptized into Christ and purified (cleansed of all that we were in Adam), sanctified (set apart to no longer serve sin but God) and are given a new identification in Christ.

Reference Used:
My Notes from
"Our Identity in Christ"
Video teaching by Keith Blades

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[Brother Love]

The Justice of God and The Mystery
by Mike Tiry

There is a question that should eventually come to mind to the serious Bible student. That is "How can God put an innocent third party to death for my sins?" The Lord Jesus Christ was "...holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners..." (Heb. 7:26). He lived 33 years on this earth and yet could honestly dare to ask “Which of you convinceth me of sin?" (John 8:46) Yet God the Father "...hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." (II Cor. 5:21) But justice demands that the guilty party pay the penalty. Obviously, God would execute perfect justice. The gospel (i.e. that Christ died for our sins, and was buried, and rose again the third day) must accommodate God's perfect justice as Paul states "To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness, that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Rom. 3:26)

In order for justice to be served, Jesus Christ had to become guilty of our sins. But how can this be? The answer is simple: The moment a person believes the gospel today, the Holy Spirit baptized that person into Jesus Christ.

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death..." (Rom. 6:3-4)
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Gal. 3:28)
The Holy Spirit does this baptizing work as He forms the church which is Christ's body.

"For as the body is one, and hath many members and all the members of that one body, being many are one body: so also is Christ. For by one spirit are we all baptized into one body whether we are Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." (I Cor. 12:11-14)
There is a living, vital union that is formed between each believer and Jesus Christ and also between each believer and every other believer. That union is the very special relationship that Paul the apostle of the Gentiles calls "The preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery". In this union Jesus Christ is the head of the church, which is his body, and He also is the Savior of the body. This relationship is much like a properly functioning marriage relationship:

"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the Savior of the body". (Eph. 5:23)
In marriage, the wife changes her name to take the name of her husband, to become one with him and entrusts herself to his provision and protection. It is much the same in salvation whereby the believer is joined to Christ be under His protection, provision and salvation. This new union of believers with Jesus Christ forms what Paul calls the "one new man" (Eph. 2:15). This new relationship is what he refers to as "...the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery" (Rom. 16:25)

What the believer brings to that union is sin and guilt. In this new and special relationship, Jesus Christ gets the believer along with the believer's guilt at the instant the believer made his/her decision to trust Jesus Christ as Savior. The redeeming work of the Lord Jesus is then applied to the believer because sin's debt was paid in full on Calvary. What our Lord Jesus brings to that union is the righteousness of God. The believer then gets the righteousness of God credited to his/her spiritual bank account the very instant of conversion. This is the process that the Bible calls Justification. Jesus Christ became guilty of the believers sins when He received the believer to himself as the Holy Spirit baptized the believer into Christ. He paid the debt and the believer is, from that time forward, viewed by the God the Father as just as fit for heaven as His Son Jesus Christ is.

So, when we came to Paul's epistles we know Jesus Christ differently than the lost sheep of the house of Israel knew Him in the Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They knew Him "after the flesh"--i.e. as the Man of Galilee who was to be Israel's Messiah and who would reign over an earthly kingdom. Today though, in order to truly understand the Christian life, we must not look at our Lord as they did during His earthly ministry to Israel. Rather, we must know Him as the Head of the Church, which is His Body--as the head of the One New Man. Thus Paul says "wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet no we henceforth know we him no more [i.e. we no longer know of Him as He was presented during His earthly ministry].

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; be hold all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imparting their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the world of reconciliation." (II Cor. 5:17-19).
For us today, who are being saved under the Dispensation of Grace of God through the program God calls The Mystery, Jesus Christ got our sin and guilt by means of the work of the Holy Spirit when He baptized us into Christ upon our act of believing. His payment of redemption is then applied to the believer [See endnote 1). For an Israelite, that transfer of sin and guilt is accomplished by a different mode of baptism i.e. that of water. In Isaiah 53:12 we read of Israel's Messiah "...he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors." John the Baptist was sent to Israel to get Israel ready for her Messiah. John was "..."the voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight" (Mat. 3:3). To do this, John practiced the baptism of repentance of Numbers 19. "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out into him all the Land of Judea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of Him in the River of Jordan, confessing their sins." (Mark 1:3-5). But, to John's surprise Our Lord Jesus came to be baptized. "Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John to be baptized of him. But John forbade him saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? Then Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. " (Matt. 3:13-15) As the Messiah of Israel and her rightful and righteous king; Jesus Christ identified himself with Israel and with Israel's transgressors so that Isaiah 53:8 might be fulfilled "He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken." Thus, water baptism was the mode whereby an Israelite under the Gospel of the Circumcision could be identified with the Savior while the baptizing work of the Holy Spirit became the mode whereby the Jew or Gentile is identified with the Savior today under the Gospel of the Uncircumcision committed unto Paul the Apostle of the Gentiles.

 


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Endnote: God had His plan for the redemption of lost man in mind before He created the world. Note carefully the words of 2Tim 1:9-11: "[God] who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I [Paul] am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles." The redemption of man was planned by God before the world began, was accomplished for man when Jesus Christ paid sin's debt in full for every man, and it is applied to believers at the moment they eack believe the gospel. Though we creatures of God are locked into our space-matter-time contium, God is not. He can and does take the sin and guilt of a person saved in 2001 back through time to the cross just as surely as he could bring the sin of fallen Adam forward through time to the cross. God has a plan and a purpose that involves man. This plan centers in the work of redemption that was accomplished by Jesus Christ.


"According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith [as in faithfulness] of him." (Eph.3:11&12)

<))><

[Brother Love]

Different Baptisms

This study is designed to debunk the notion that the only baptism in the bible is water baptism. Check it out for yourself.

3 Baptisms in one verse - Mat 3:11
Jesus’ Baptism - Mat 3:15
Jesus’ Death Baptism - Mat 20:22
Great Commission Baptism - Mat 28:19; Acts 1:5
Peter's Gentile Baptism - Acts 10:48
Believers Death Baptism - Rom 6:3-4
Baptism For The Dead - 1 Cor 15:29
The One Baptism - Eph 4:5
Noah's Baptism - 1 Pet 3:20,21
Pharisees Baptism - Mark 7:4
And of Course... The Hebrew water rites - Heb 9:10

So whenever you read the words "baptism", "baptize" do not assume that it means "water baptism"; not all baptisms make you wet.

<))><

[Brother Love]

Baptism
By: Howell Osborne

Baptism: (The Entire Book)
http://lifeenhancements.tripod.com/DStudy1.html

Table of Contents:
Introduction
The "Church"
Questions, Many Have Ask
The Great Commission
What About Ordinances
Still More Questions
Majority or Minority
Is One View More Wrong Than Another?
One Body, Many Members
Who Is Wrong Or Who Is Right?
Should Water Baptism Be Practiced in This Dispensation?
Do All The Scripture That Reference Baptism, Mean Water?
What Do These Scriptures Mean In Light Of One Baptism?
Are There Different Baptisms?
Paul And John The Baptist
Paul And The Twelve Apostles
Why Paul Baptized Some
Problem Passages
Baptism After Paul's Conversion
Re-Baptism
Water Baptism And Circumcision
Water Baptism And The Lord's Supper
Christ, The Baptizer ---- The Holy Spirit, The Baptizer
The Figure Theory
Saul and The Immersion Theory
The Burial Theory
Identification With Christ
The Beautiful Service Theory
Which Commission?
Paul's Commission
The One Baptism
Did Jesus Have To Be Baptized?
His Identification With Us
His Baptism Into Our Guilt
His Baptism Into Our Death
Our Baptism Into His Death
Our Baptism Into His Righteousness
Our Baptism Into Him
Identification: Summary

<))><

[Brother Love]

WATER BAPTISM PART 1

While seldom recognized, there are a number of different types of baptisms in Scripture. Not every baptism has to do with water. For example, speaking of Israel's exodus from Egypt, Paul writes:

"Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

"And WERE ALL BAPTIZED UNTO MOSES IN THE CLOUD AND IN THE SEA:"
(I Corinthians 10:1,2)

This is obviously not a "water baptism" for Israel crossed the Red Sea on "dry ground" (Exodus 14:22). Pharaoh and his army, of course, were the ones who were plunged into the water as it thundered down on them in judgment. But it was Israel who is said to have been baptized. For Israel this was a dry baptism!

This helps to clarify the true meaning of the term baptism. The word itself is simply an Anglicized form of the Greek word, baptizo. Unfortunately, for too long denominationally influenced lexicons have defined baptizo as "to dip." That this cannot be an adequate definition is easily seen from Scripture:

In Matthew 3:11 John the Baptist said Christ would "baptize with the Holy Ghost and with fire." Was He to "dip" people in the Holy Spirit and fire? In Luke 12:50 Christ called His death a baptism. Was He "dipped" into death? In I Corinthians 12:13 we read, "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body." Are believers "dipped" into one body? The answer to these questions, of course, is no. This is a totally inappropriate definition.

It is from this erroneous definition that the whole idea of baptism as a burial with Christ in water has evolved. But the fact is that Christ was not buried in water. No one buries people in water, except perhaps, as an expedient when at sea.

In general Scriptural usage the word baptism indicates complete identification, whether with an element, a person or a group. This is why Paul said in Romans 6:3, "As many of us as were baptized into Christ were baptized into his death. "In other words, the only way to become one with Christ is to be identified with Him in His death by faith.

As to water baptism it is imperative to have an understanding of just what it indicates or symbolizes. Fortunately it is not difficult to determine the proper meaning associated with water baptism in Scripture. Repeatedly it is used to represent a ceremonial cleansing [footnote 1]. While we do not bury in water, we certainly do wash in water and this is clearly the meaning associated with water baptism in Scripture.

When Peter said in Acts 2:38, "repent and be baptized," did he mean "repent and be buried"? Of course not! He meant repent and be cleansed. Water baptism symbolizes cleansing-not burial-and this is why the question arose in John 3:23-25 about purification in connection with the baptism of John.

One more passage: In Acts 22:16 Ananias declared to Saul, "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins." "Wash away" does not spell "bury."

Never in Scripture does water baptism refer to burial, but always to a cleansing. To understand the reason for this we need to understand the place of water baptism in the program of God for the nation Israel.

First we should understand that water baptism is not simply a so-called "New Testament ordinance." It is in fact a practice firmly rooted in the Old Testament Scriptures and God's program for the nation Israel set forth there.

In John 1:25 John the Baptist was asked, "Why baptizeth thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?" Obviously these inquirers were not surprised by John's practice of water baptism as though it were something new to them. Rather they expected the practice of water baptism in connection with the coming of Messiah. Where could this expectation have come from except the prophecies found in Old Testament Scriptures?

And remember: the Mosaic economy was still in force during the ministries of both John and Christ. Hebrews 9:17 declares, "A testament is of force AFTER men are dead." Thus the new covenant could not possibly replace the old until after the death of Christ.

John's baptism was not something new-rather it was a ceremony thoroughly understood by those to whom he ministered.

Water baptism did not begin with John the Baptist. When we turn to the Scriptures to trace its development we quickly learn that water baptism is a ceremonial cleansing that pertains to the kingdom promised to the nation Israel.

Nowhere in Scripture is water baptism used to symbolize a burial. Denominational biases which read water into passages like Romans 6:3, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:12-which speak of our identification in Christ-have robbed the term of its meaning.

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[Brother Love]

WATER BAPTISM PART 2

A KINGDOM OF PRIESTS

In Exodus 19:5,6-at the very giving of the Mosaic Covenant-God's purpose in giving birth to the nation Israel is clearly revealed:

"Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.

"And YE SHALL BE UNTO ME A KINGDOM OF PRIESTS, AND AN HOLY NATION. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel."

God's stated purpose concerning the nation Israel is that she is to be "a kingdom of priests and an holy nation," through whom the Gentile nations will draw nigh to God. This is what Isaiah refers to when he writes:

"But YE SHALL BE NAMED THE PRIESTS OF THE LORD: MEN SHALL CALL YOU THE MINISTERS OF OUR GOD" (Isaiah 61:6).

Ultimately this will, of course, be accomplished during the kingdom reign of Christ when Israel is dwelling in her land and the nations find salvation and blessing through her instrumentality.

All of this awaits Israel's redemption. The "If ye will obey...then ye shall be" principle of the law assured that the "knowledge of sin" would abound. Because of her failure, the nation Israel soon found herself in need of a Redeemer. Thus while the hope of Israel looked to the promised coming kingdom, the need of the nation for cleansing must first be faced.

With this in mind it is important to remember that of all the people or things to be baptized it was the priest who stood foremost. Exodus 29 sets forth the procedure for induction into the priest's office. Two very important steps of consecration are included:

First must come cleansing-a washing with water:

"And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and SHALT WASH THEM WITH WATER" (Exodus 29:4).

Second there was the anointing with oil:

"Then shalt thou TAKE THE ANOINTING OIL, AND POUR IT UPON HIS HEAD, AND ANOINT HIM" (Exodus 29:7).

Just as the sons of Aaron were the priests through whom the people of Israel could approach God, so the nation Israel itself will one day be "a kingdom of priests and an holy nation," through whom the Gentiles will draw near to God (Genesis 12:1-3; 22:17,18, Isaiah 60:1-3, Zechariah 8:20-23). It is in this light that John the Baptist appears on the scene preaching his ,baptism of repentance to all the People of Israel" (Acts 13:24).

In other words, John's "baptism Of repentance for the remission of sins" (Mark 1:4) was a means of national repentance and preparation to be the kingdom of priests God ordained that favored nation to be. Matthew 3:1,2 is important here:

"In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

"And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

And how were they to thus prepare for the coming kingdom?

"Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

"And WERE BAPTIZED OF HIM IN JORDAN, CONFESSING THEIR SINS" (vs. 5,6).

John's baptism was the means of fleeing from "the wrath to come" (v.7). And no doubt is left as to what this "wrath to come involved:

"Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

"And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

"And now also THE AXE IS LAID UNTO THE ROOT OF THE TREES; THEREFORE EVERY TREE WHICH BRINGETH NOT FORTH GOOD FRUIT IS HEWN DOWN, AND CAST INTO THE FIRE.

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: HE SHALL BAPTIZE YOU WITH THE HOLY GHOST, AND WITH FIRE:

"Whose fan is in his hand, and HE WILL THOROUGHLY PURGE HIS FLOOR, AND GATHER HIS WHEAT INTO THE GARNER; BUT HE WILL BURN UP THE CHAFF WITH UNQUENCHABLE FIRE" (vs. 8-12).

Notice the choice set before Israel: there was a judgment coming and if they wanted to be the "wheat" that is safely carried into the barn and not the "chaff" that is to burned with the fire of judgment they must be identified as the believing remnant through the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Just as in Numbers 31:21-24, if they wanted to escape the fire they must "go through the water." Thus they would be "purified with the water of separation" and identified together as the believing remnant in Israel-set apart as "an holy nation."


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[Brother Love]

WATER BAPTISM PART 3

THE LITTLE FLOCK
John's baptism became a watershed issue for Israel. Luke 7:29,30 tells us,

"And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, JUSTIFIED GOD, BEING BAPTIZED WITH THE BAPTISM OF JOHN.

"But the Pharisees and lawyers REJECTED THE COUNSEL OF GOD AGAINST THEMSELVES, BEING NOT BAPTIZED OF HIM."

This, of course, is the reason that water baptism was associated with salvation and the remission of sins. Salvation was through faith, but the only way they could express their faith was by doing what God required-preparing to function as "a royal priesthood." First must come the cleansing; then the service. Ezekiel 36:25 promises Israel:

"Then will I SPRINKLE CLEAN WATER UPON YOU, AND YE SHALL BE CLEAN: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you."

The "sprinkling with clean water" was the necessary first step of faith in forming the nucleus of the coming kingdom, the group of Jewish believers which our Lord called His "little flock."

"FEAR NOT, LITTLE FLOCK; FOR IT IS YOUR FATHER'S GOOD PLEASURE TO GIVE YOU THE KINGDOM" (Luke 12:32).

The next step in preparing this believing remnant was Matthew 3:11's baptism with the Spirit. This baptism would correspond to the second rite of consecration to the priesthood-the anointing. The baptism with the Spirit would provide the needed empowering for the nation's coming service.

This explains why our Lord's post-resurrection ministry ties these two things-the baptism of repentance and the anointing of the Holy Spirit-so closely together. For example:

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

"He that BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

"AND THESE SIGNS SHALL FOLLOW THEM THAT BELIEVE; In my name shall they cast out devils, they shall speak with new tongues" (Mark 16:15-17. cf. Luke 24:47, Acts 1:4-8,etc.).

After the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter's appeal to Israel is clearly a further development of John's call to repentance:

"The Peter said unto them, REPENT, AND BE BAPTIZED EVERY ONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, AND YE SHALL RECEIVE THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST" (Acts 2:38).

Here the order is clear: first the washing-"repent and be baptized"-and then the anointing-ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Those who feel the role of water baptism somehow changed after Pentecost should notice that the pre-and post-resurrection baptisms were identically the same. "Repent, and be baptized ... for the remission of sins" is exactly what John proclaimed in Mark 1:4. Nothing has changed. Rather there had simply been the historical development of the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, followed by the outpouring of the Spirit. The Kingdom was no longer simply "at hand" as it had been with John; now the time had come to actually offer it to Israel.

And even after Pentecost those who refused to be baptized stood as condemned before God as did those in Luke 7:30, for Peter goes on to declare,

"For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation" (Acts 2:39,40).

This basic issue of gathering together the believing remnant of Israel-the "little flock" of Luke 12:32-runs through the ministries of John, our Lord and the Twelve in early Acts. This "little flock" represented the nucleus of the governmental authority for the coming kingdom. Those in Israel who refused to "repent and be baptized"-to identify themselves as those who had changed their minds about Christ being their Messiah through the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins-were to be "destroyed from among the people" (Acts 3:23).

It is of this little flock of Jewish believers that Peter later writes,

"BUT YE ARE A CHOSEN GENERATION, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD, AN HOLY NATION, A PECULIAR PEOPLE; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (I Peter 2:9).

Thus we say again: In Scripture, water baptism is a ceremonial cleansing that pertained to the kingdom promised the nation Israel.


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GENTILE BAPTISM
If water baptism is thus associated with cleansing the nation Israel for its ministry in her kingdom, where does the baptism of Gentiles under the commission of Matthew 28:19 fit in?

Even here, water baptism is again demonstrated to symbolize cleansing-and again clearly associated with Israel's kingdom.

Remember that the priests were not the only people to be baptized. In connection with the cleansing of lepers, Leviticus 14:9 instructs:

"...Also HE SHALL WASH HIS FLESH IN WATER, AND HE SHALL BE CLEAN."

The "nations" of Matthew 28:19 were of course considered "unclean" by Israel and thus must be baptized-be cleansed-in order to gain access to Israel's kingdom and acceptance into God's favor.

Both Israel and the Gentiles needed to acknowledge their need of cleansing. The former in order to be worthy to minister the things of God; the latter to be the recipient of those things.


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WHAT ABOUT US?
The fact that water baptism pertains to Israel's kingdom program demonstrates why it has no place at all in the program of God today. It was a ceremonial washing participated in until the nation Israel and its program were set aside.

With "the fall of Israel" God raised up the apostle Paul and through him sent "salvation to the Gentiles." Following the raising up of Paul the practice of water baptism clearly underwent a change. The first real indication of this in the Scriptural record is found in Peter's experience at Cornelius' house in Acts 10.

As the Lord began to prepare Peter to recognize the change in program taking place in mid-Acts (e.g., Acts 10:28), He also prepared him for a change in baptism. As Peter addressed those assembled in Cornelius' house, he received a shock:

"To him [Christ] give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. "WHILE PETER YET SPAKE THESE WORDS, THE HOLY GHOST FELL ON ALL THEM WHICH HEARD THE WORD.

"And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 10:43-45).

This was a significant departure from the program Peter had been working under! All the Gentiles had to do to receive the Holy Spirit was believe, in sharp contrast with the previous requirement of the prior baptism of repentance (Acts 2:38). Peter then hastily baptizes them, asking, "Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized?" (See Acts 10:45-48).

Clearly water baptism was not functioning in the same way it had previous with Israel. Paul's own attitude toward baptism reflects this change:

"I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;

"Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

"And I baptized also the household of Stephannas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

"For CHRIST SENT ME NOT TO BAPTIZE, but to preach the gospel...."
(I Corinthians 1:14-17).

Certainly if Paul were working under the commission given to the other Apostles he could never have said this! When God interrupted Israel's prophetic program and ushered in "the mystery," by the very nature of things He interrupted Israel's baptism. As Israel "diminished" (Romans 11:12) through the later Acts period, so water baptism gradually diminished in importance and a new baptism emerged on the scene to take its place.

Today there is no priestly nation or class exalted above others. God is now reconciling both Jews and Gentiles to Himself in one body simply through faith in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ at Calvary (Ephesians 2:13-18).

When the believer trusts Christ as Savior, that moment "by one Spirit [he is] "baptized into one body (1 Corinthians 12:13) and thus "baptized into Christ" (Galatians 3:27). There is no room for a water ceremony here. No human rite or ceremony can place the believer "into Christ." No, the "one baptism" (Ephesians 4:5) of the "one body" is performed by "one Spirit"-not by preacher or priest.

The mechanics of positional truth---of being "in Christ,"---is this Spirit baptism. So completely adequate is our position in Christ by virtue of this Spirit performed baptism that we are told:

"And YE ARE COMPLETE IN HIM..." (Colossians 2:10).

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath BLESSED US WITH ALL SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS IN HEAVENLY PLACES IN CHRIST" (Ephesians 1:3).

In light of such completeness in Christ afforded to even the simplest believer the very moment of salvation, we ask: What could possibly be accomplished by water baptism that Christ and His finished work at Calvary have not already accomplished?

If this question is faced honestly, it will soon be apparent that not only does water baptism have no place in God's program today, but to practice it is to cast a reflection on the glorious, all-sufficient, finished work of the lord Jesus Christ (cf. Colossians 2:20).

We thank God that "by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body." God forbid that we should add to that "one baptism" which unites us to Christ and His people and makes us complete in Him.

by Richard Jordan

<))><

[Brother Love]

SHOULD WE WATER BAPTIZE?

To understand why water baptism was necessary for the Nation of Israel to enter into an earthly kingdom, we must first see progressive revelation, the difference between the Nation of Israel and the church (the body of Christ) and the need to always rightly divide the Word of truth (II Tim 2:15).

 

The Nation of Israel will be a kingdom of priests when the kingdom is set up on earth.

 

Exodus 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

 

To be a priest of God there were two things that must be done. They had to be washed in water, and they had to be anointed.

 

Exodus 40:12 And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.

 

Exodus 40:15 And thou shalt anoint them, as thou didst anoint their father, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office: for their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.

 

John the Baptist shows up after 400 years of silence from God preaching the baptism of repentance FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS. Water baptism does not remit sins today because Jesus has died for our sins. (See I Cor 15:3-4)

 

Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

 

Matt 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

 

Matt 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

 

Jesus came to be prophet, priest and king. When he began his ministry he preached repent the kingdom was at hand. He was offering the kingdom to Israel and he was to be their king. The Nation of Israel accepted him as a prophet (John 3:2), and when John baptized him he fulfilled the requirement of Priest. He also fulfilled all righteousness and today we cannot be baptized to fulfill all righteousness. Also the Spirit did not fall on him until after he was baptized.

 

Matt 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

 

Matt 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

 

Matt 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

 

Matt 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

 

Matt 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

 

Jesus chose his 12 apostles and told them to go only to the lost sheep of the House of Israel and to preach the kingdom of heaven is at hand. This gospel was only for Israel and always includes water baptism. The kingdom was still being offered to Israel until Acts 7 when they stoned Steven. Peter was still preaching water baptism in order to receive the Holy Ghost and the forgiveness of sins when the Lord returned.

 

Matt 10:6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

 

Matt 10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

 

Matt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

 

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

 

The apostle Paul is saved in Acts Chapter 9 and sent to the Gentiles. He does baptize a few, but after he received the mystery of the revelation (Rom 16:25) he wrote the book of First Corinthians telling us that he was not sent to baptize but to preach the gospel. If water baptism was still needed in the age of grace then Paul didn't have that commission. Paul tells us that there is one baptism, and he also tells us that today when we believe that Christ died for our sins we are baptized BY ONE SPIRIT into the body of Christ (not by water). The references the apostle Paul makes in his epistles are not referring to water baptism but Spirit baptism. (Rom 6:3;Gal 3:27; Col 2:12)

 

I Cor 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

 

I Cor 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body,

 

I Cor 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

 

Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

 

Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

 

Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
 

Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism.

 

Today we are living in the age of grace; we are saved without works (Eph 2:8-9). God is no longer dealing with Israel or requiring water baptism; he is dealing with all alike (Gal 3:28). The one baptism in the age of grace is baptism by one Spirit into one body, the body of Christ.

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[Brother Love]

[Brother Love]

The purpose of this study is to show that the Bible teaches more than one type of baptism i.e. not just water. It will also help you to understand that water baptism was TO and FOR Israel in "Time Past". The only baptism in force or effect for this age is the baptism where the believer is placed into the Body Of Christ by the Holy Spirit of God.

Fill in the blanks with the bible answer.

Why did John the Baptist baptize? (John 1:31)


Why was Jesus baptized? (Matt. 3:15)


What happened to Israel when they were baptized? (Acts 2:38)


Were Israel’s 12 apostles sent to water baptize? (Matt. 28:19)


Was the Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul, sent to water baptize? (1Cor. 1:17)


What are some OTHER types of baptism found in the Bible?

Matt. 3:11 ( 3 of them here )


Heb. 6:2 & 9:10


Luke 12:50


1Cor.10:2


1Cor. 12:13


How many baptisms are there today in the age of grace? Eph.4:5


Christ died for us, was raised for us, was circumcised for us, was he also water baptized for us? Col. 2:10-12


How according to the Bible are we placed into the Body of Christ today? 1Cor. 12:13 & Rom. 6:1-4


Is there ANY mention of WATER in the above passages?


Why would anyone want to make Spirit baptism into water baptism?


According to Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, is water baptism for today?

The single most cause of confusion in churches today is a failure to follow 2Timothy 2:15. While all of the Bible is for us it is not all written to us. In our study of God’s word we must give to Israel the things pertaining to Israel and to the Body Of Christ the things pertaining to the BOC.

This study is designed to motivate you to further study of the word of God and is not intended to answer all baptism questions.

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[Brother Love]