JESUS SAID:
Acts 1:5. "for John baptized with water, but you should be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY CHAFER VOL. 6 pg.138
"Since by Spirit's baptism the greatest transformations are wrought in behalf of the believer, it is to be expected that Satan, the enemy of God, will do all within his power to distract, misdirect, and confuse investigation respecting this specific ministry of the Holy Spirit. This harm Satan has been permitted to do. Not only is there need that all the false conceptions be corrected which have reached the masses of unsuspecting people, but special attention is demanded of the part of those who would be instructed lest they themselves fail to comprehend the precise truth which the doctrine embraces."
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JESUS SAID:
Acts 1:5. "for John baptized with water, but you should be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
The old covenant is out. John is dead.
The new is beginning. Jesus' departing words must be important.
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Ephesians 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism.
Not two Lords. Not two faiths. Not two baptisms.
The key to understanding this verse is to know what the word,
" o n e " m e a n s .
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If you want to be diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, within the body of Christ teach people there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism. Check out Ephesians 4:3
The one baptism is the same baptism Paul refers to 1 Corth 12:13
"For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body"
(Consistent with Jesus words in: ACTS 1:5)
You cannot be in the Body of Christ
unless you have been baptized into it by the Spirit.
Ephesians 1:13.. In him, you also, after listening to the message of the truth, the gospel of your salvation-having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,
(Spirit Baptism)
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The word Baptism metaphorically means a change of identity or to identify.
When we become saved, the Holy Spirit seals us and dwells within us. God can look down at the earth and easily see who his people are, because they all have been baptized "sealed" by the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit dwelling in them.
Possibly the most exact way describing the event of salvation from God's point of view is baptism, which has nothing to do with water. But evolves a changing of identity: before, unrepented sinners, Hell bound; after, forgiven new creatures in Christ.
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ONE QUESTION THAT ALWAYS COMES UP IS, HOW DO I HANDLE MATT 28:19 ?
I DRAW A PARALLEL BETWEEN MATT 28:19 AND MARK 16:15-16.
Some place no value on Mark 16:15-16. They say these verses do not appear in some manuscripts, therefore are not a part of divine Scripture. I have a real problem with this kind of thinking. For hundreds of years many Bible scholars from all different faiths have chosen to include these verses in their Bible translations.
For example: King James Version; Living Bible; Revised Standard Version; New English Bible; Phillips Modern English; Jerusalem Bible; New American Standard Bible; New International Version; and many more.
To say God did not intend for Mark 16:15-16 to be a part of the Bible, is not something I choose to do.
Mark 16:15-16 15).. And he said to them, "Go into the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
16) "He who believes and has been baptized shall be saved;
(Spiritual baptism Acts 1:5... 1 Corinthians 12:13... Ephesians 4:5)
The result of correct believing is baptism and the result of baptism is salvation. (They happen simultaneously)
Note: There are different qualities of believing.
The devil believes in God.
So not everyone who believes is spiritually baptized and saved.
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Matthew 28:19 ... This was a command given to the eleven disciples.
I believe it is in perfect harmony with Mark 16:15-16
Matthew 28:19... "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit,
1.
A disciple is a believer and a believer is a disciple. Matthew 28:19
"Go therefore make disciples" "Go therefore make believers"
With this understanding we can see Mark 16:15-16 Is saying the samething as Matthew 28:19.
You see the emphasis in Matt 28:19, is on making disciple's, not baptism. It seems the reason baptism is mentioned, is because Jesus wanted the disciples, "believers" to be baptized in the spirit. ACT 1:5
NOT ALL BELIEVERS WERE, THEN OR NOW.
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Systematic Theology Chafer Vol. 7; pg.12
All believers are disciples in the sense that they are being taught of God through the indwelling Spirit and what ever instrumentality the Spirit may employ.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Vol.2; pg.851
The disciple of Christ today in the words of Farrar, as "One who believes His doctrines, rest upon His sacrifice, imbibes His Spirit, and imitates His examples."
Matthew 28:19
"Go therefore make disciples"
"Go therefore make believers"
But how can anyone make a believer?
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1 Corth 1:21... It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
Romans 1:16... For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it the power of God for salvation to every one who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
1 Corth 15:11.. Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.
1 Cor 9:22-23 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some. NAS
ROMANS 10:13-15... 13) for "WHOEVER CALL UPON THE LORD WILL BE SAVED."
14) How then shall they call upon Him in whom they do not believe? And how shall they believe in Him whom they not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
Note: The Greek word for baptize in Matt 28:19 is used for both water and Spirit Baptism
Note: It is He that makes believers.
It is He that makes disciples.
It is He that Spiritually baptizes and It is He that uses us.
(Phipp 2:13)
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The problem many minds have is, how can we make disciples and baptize them in the Spirit? We don't want to forget God is the chief interpreter of his word. If He equates our action of leading people to the Lord as Spiritual baptism He has that right.
Aren't we really begging the question knowing that when We lead people to the Lord the instant they respond they are baptized in the Spirit. And the person leading someone to the Lord is indwelt by the same Holy Spirit that is about to baptize.
The end result is a new creation
WITH A NEW IDENTITY
HIS NEW IDENTITY IS IN THE NAME OF:
THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.
HE IS IDENTIFIED WITH THE NAME OF JESUS.
ALSO NOTE: AT THE TIME JESUS SPOKE MATT 28:19,
THERE WERE MANY BELIEVER'S THAT HAD NOT BEEN BAPTIZED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT,
THE ONE BAPTISM SPOKEN OF IN EPH 4:5.
Acts 19:1-7
Acts19:1.
And it came about that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus, and found some disciples,
2. and he said to them,
"Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"
And they said to him, "No,
we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit."
3. And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?"
And they said, "Into John's baptism."
4. And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance,
telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him,
that is, in Jesus." 5. And when they heard this,
they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them,
the Holy Spirit came on them,
and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying.
7 And there were in all about twelve men.
So by Jesus saying in Matt 28:19
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,
baptizing them.
It fits the context of the historical record of what actually happened.
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ANOTHER QUESTION ASKED IS...
I Peter 3:21.. Baptism Now Saves Us... Yes, Spiritual Baptism.
I t h a s n o t h i n g t o d o W i t h H 2 o .
I Peter 3:21.. makes it clear: (not the removal of the dirt from the flesh) referring to H20.
Keep in mind: I Peter 3:21 corresponds to I Peter 3:20, and its referring to the days of Noah. Remember what happened to all who went under the water? Death; All who stayed out of the water, life. To think salvation will be obtained through an act of obedience on your part will result in your Eternal Spiritual DEATH.
Romans 5:19.. For as through one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One the many will be righteous.
NOTE: THE ONE IS NOT YOU!
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BAPTISM IN THE BOOK OF ACTS
THE READER should be aware as a result of Acts 1:5 and Ephesians 4:5, I always assume when I see the word baptism it means Spiritual Baptism, (not H20 water) unless it states water directly either by word or clear context, from Acts through Revelation.
1.
Acts 1:5...
Jesus' parting message.
Jesus is talking about salvation, just as He was in Matthew 28:19 and Mark 16:15-16. All these verses were spoken within a short time from one another and all were talking about the same subject. The context of what Jesus was talking about is clear. He is talking about salvation.
It seems He wants people to change their way of thinking about baptism.
He wants them to think of baptism as spiritual, not H20.
(He makes his point as clear as anyone possibly could.)
For John baptized in water,but you should be baptized,
by the Holy Spirit not many days from now.
This is so important to Jesus it is recorded in:
Matthew 3:11;. Mark 1:8;. Luke 3:16;.
John 1:33;. and Acts 11:16.
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2.
Acts 2:38...
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY CHAFER Vol. 3. pg.383
"The form of speech which this text presents is common in the Bible, namely, that of passing from the main subject to one of the features belonging to that subject, as, "Thou shall be dumb, and not able to speak" (Luke 1:20). The word dumb is amplified by the word not able to speak. In the text in question, the word believeth is amplified by the words and is baptized, and with reference to real baptism which is an integral part of salvation."
Acts 2:38... It should be understood the occurrence of salvation within a person's life is a multifaceted experience that numbers of things happen spontaneously on a supernatural plane.
When that process is attempted to be put into words there does not need to be a time factor involved. So I believe Acts 2:38 is speaking of one event only, all parts happening at the same time. (Which is quite different than any old covenant salvation).
Even if I am wrong, Acts 2:38 should not be used to teach that water baptism is an experience after salvation, because in this case it comes before salvation. The only other reasonable option is, it should be taught as a condition to meet before salvation. Which would violate scripture.
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3.
Acts 2:41 refers to Acts 2:38.
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4.
Acts 8:12-13-16...
Applies to water baptism before the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, or (Salvation the same as we experience).
These verses do not teach water baptism after salvation.
THE RYRIE STUDY BIBLE (1976) page 221 notes 8:14-17
Though the Samaritans had been baptized in water (v.12), the gift of the Holy Spirit was delayed until Peter and John came and laid their hands on them. Normally the Spirit was given at the moment of faith (10:44; 19:2; Eph. 1:13). In this instance, however, it was imperative that the Samaritans be identified with the apostles and the Jerusalem church so that there would be no rival Samaritan Christian church.
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY CHAFER, VOL.6 PAGE 132.
As certainly as the Spirit was to be given in due time to the Samaritans and to the Gentiles, as certainly they had no part in Pentecost, and as surely as it was important in the gift of the Spirit to avoid a superior attitude on the part of Jews over Samaritans and Gentiles, it was necessary to mark the initial reception of the gospel by each of these groups with a distinctive emphasis on the ministry of the Spirit in their behalf.
We see few cases of water baptism in the book of Acts and in most of the few, it is a sign. The intent was not to set forth a doctrine to be followed for thousands of years. The fact, that it has happened, in no way means it was God's intent, anymore than numerous other misapplications by the Churches.
This one in particular should be taken a close look at since it has caused so much dissension in the Body of Christ. (Satan's Goal)
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5.
Acts 8:21-22-23
Shows water baptism before receiving the Spirit did not insure salvation.
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6.
Acts 8:36
The eunuch asked to be water baptized. Spirit baptism was not available for non-Jews at the time.
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7.
Acts 8:37-38
Just 25 verses before in the same chapter, verse 12 we read,
"But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, men and women alike."
(The baptism was water.)
As a result of their believing and baptism did they receive the Holy Spirit?
ANSWER: NO
We can know that by Acts 8:16.
I believe Acts 8:38 is the same.
(Therefore the eunuch was not baptized by the Spirit.)
Was the eunuch a Samaritan or a Gentile?
Had the Gentiles experienced the same as the Samaritans had in Acts 8:17 ?
N O !
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8. Acts 9:18 Same as Acts 1:5. Paul arose and was spiritually baptized.
Compare Acts 9:17 and Acts 9:18
Acts 9:17 "regain your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
Acts 9:18 " regained his sight, and arose and was baptized:"
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9.
Acts 10:47
The first case of water baptism after spiritual baptism.
Why water Baptism?... Peter asked a question,
"Surely no one can refuse"... Can he?"
Can we set forth a Bible doctrine based on this question?
NO.
Can we make baptism a sacrament of the Church
based on this question?
NO.
Could God have inspired Peter to ask the question not as a means to set forth water baptism as a sacrament for the Church but to refute Baptismal Regeneration.
Or could Peter have fallen back into his old ways like he did in: Galatians 2:11-12-13. Matthew 17:4 Matthew 16:22-23
Did he later regret making the water an issue?
Paul did in 1 Corinthians 1:14-17. 17)
"For Christ did not send me to baptize,
but to preach the Gospel."
If water baptism was part of the Gospel,
Paul would have preached it.
Did PAUL Preach an incomplete Gospel?
THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPEDIA VOL.2 pg.1281
But the word "gospel" now has a particular use, and describes primarily the message which Christianity announces. "Good news" is its significance. It means a gift from God. It is the proclamation of the forgiveness of sins and the sonship with God restored through Christ. It means remission of sins and reconciliation with God. The gospel is not only a message of salvation, but also the instrument through which the Holy Spirit works (ROM. 1:16).
The gospel, as the whole message and doctrine of salvation, and as chiefly efficacious for contrition, faith, justification, renewal and sanctification, deals with facts of revelation and experience.
Paul did not preach an incomplete Gospel!
We see two baptisms: one water and one Spirit.
One for the old covenant and one for the new covenant.
One is part of the gospel and one is NOT part of the gospel.
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Was communion part of the gospel ?
Yes, all anyone would have to do is read 1 Corth 11:20-34, it is clear.
SPECIAL OLD COVENANT NOTE: SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY CHAFER Vol.3 pg. 27
That John served in a specific way in baptism of Christ is most evident. The baptism of Christ by John is to be distinguished from "John's baptism." The latter was unto repentance and remission of sin, all of which was wholly foreign to Christ. The former was a compliance with prescribed ritual, and therefore a fulfilling of the Law.
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10.
Acts 11:15-16-17
(Makes it clear that Acts 2:4 was a Spiritual baptism.)
15) "And just as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as He did upon us at the beginning.
16) "And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He use to say, "John baptized in water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
17) "If God therefore gave to them the same gift as He gave to us also after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?"
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11.
Acts 16:15
The same Spiritual baptism as Acts 16:33-34.
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12.
Acts 16:31-32-33-34
verses 34 ties Spiritual baptism to believing in God.
(The same as Acts 2:41 which refers to Acts 11:15-16-17.)
31) And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household."
32) And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house.
33) And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household.
34) And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, having believed in God with his whole household.
THE RESULT OF BELIEVING IS SPIRITUAL BAPTISM MARK 16:16)
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13.
Acts 18:8.
Same as Acts 16:15-33-34;. 2:41; and 11:15-16.
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14.
Acts 19:5-6 5)
And when they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6) And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying.
These verses are referring to the same spontaneous event.
In trying to make water baptism a sacrament of the church by using this verse you ignore that the baptism in verse 5 comes before the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in verse 6. You are also ignoring Acts 1:5 and Ephesians 4:3 and 1 Corth 12:13.
The options are to teach water baptism as a condition of salvation.
Or that these verses are referring to the same spontaneous event.
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15.
Acts 22:16
Ananias gives the answer!!!
{Baptism does wash away sin.}
The spiritual baptism spoken of in:
1 Corinthians 12:13
Acts 1:5
Ephesians 4:5
Titus 3:5
EPHESIANS 1:13
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S c o r e B o a r d !
After Jesus' words, in Acts 1:5 how many cases, that we can know for sure are there of water Baptism in the Book of Acts?
Answer "3".
1. Acts 8:12-16. (They were not saved).
2. Acts 8:37-38 .(The Spirit was not available for the Gentiles).
3. Acts 10:47. (symbol after salvation).
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Peters question in Acts 10:47
is not a sufficient text to make water baptism a sacrament of the Church, so the question is what else do we have ?
NOT MUCH!
We certainly can't use what Paul says 1 Corinthians 1:14-16 as a basis to establish water baptism as a sacrament of the Church. As a matter of fact we all should ask the question if water baptism was a sacrament of the Church, why would Paul say:
"Christ did not send him to (implement a sacrament of the Church) baptize".
We also might ask if Baptism Regeneration were true why Paul the "soul winner" would make the statement
"Christ did not send Him to ... (consummate salvation in peoples lives) baptize".
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The argument many make against what I am suggesting, is the history of the church, its always believed in water baptism; how could it be wrong for so many years. It doesn't make sense.
There are a lot of things that do not make sense.
For example:
Does it make sense
that many Christians for thousands of years have placed more value on their traditions than the word of God.
Does it make sense
that the doctrine of the pretribulation rapture was not taught for appox 1800 years. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology ELWELL pg.293... Darby broke not only from previous millenarian teaching but from all church history by asserting that Christ's second coming would occur in two stages. (Assuming it's correct)
Does it make sense
that Christians have been dividing the body of Christ through Bible controversy for thousands of years, the very opposite from what the Bible says we should do. Eph 4:1-3
Does it make sense
Christians would be slave owners.
Does it make sense
Christians have been arguing and dividing over water baptism for nearly two thousand years. (NEVER HAVE THEY BEEN IN AGREEMENT).
Does it make sense
they could be so "right" on water baptism and so wrong on LOVE.
(Check out the church divisions and splits over Baptism).
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CONSIDER THIS:
John 3:5-7. Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born (NOTE: not baptized) of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6). "That which is born (NOTE: not baptized) of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7). "Do not marvel that I said to you, You must be born again."
Water and Spirit seem to be interchangeable: John 7:37-39 37)... Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If any man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink."
38)"He who believes in Me, as the scripture said, from His innermost being shall flow rivers of living water."
39) But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believe in Him will receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. Also: John 4:14 and Revelation 21:6
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The Preponderance of the Evidence:
Romans 6:3-4 Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His Death.
4). Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
Spirit or Water ?
Galatians 3:27... For all you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Spirit or Water ?
NOTE: TITUS 3:5.. He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.
Spirit or Water ?
Colossians 2:12... Having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
Spirit or Water ?
These verses can only mean one of two things,
Option #1.. exactly what I have been advocating that by the Grace of God through faith we are saved and baptized in the Holy Spirit.
#2.. Baptism Regeneration, the act of water baptism being the consummating act of regeneration.
There are those who will agree with me on the verses above yet still teach water baptism is a requirement. They should know the Greek words are used both for water and spirit baptism. There is no consistency in their usage.
Since Jesus is the one who made the statement in Matt 28:19 and also in
Acts 1:5 it seems we would want to interpret being consistent with the clarification He made. (John baptized with water,)
"BUT YOU SHOULD BE BAPTIZED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT"
Since both verses were made within a matter of days from one another,
why not stick with the words of Jesus?
(Well how can we??? It's not we, anyway, it's He).
So just go out and share Christ with people and when they respond they will be baptized.
Identified with the Father and Son and Holy Spirit!
Christ often said things with one meaning in mind,
while the listeners placed a different meaning to His words.
O p t i o n # 2 .. Is Disqualified.
Based on: A.
It is in opposition to Acts 10:47 where water baptism was administered as a symbol after they already received the Holy Spirit Acts 10:44-46.
Baptismal regeneration does not allow for water baptism to follow Spiritual Baptism.
Water is made a part of the regeneration process.
B. It makes water baptism a biblical work, you can repent of your sins, believe in the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ but until you are water baptized you are not truly saved and sealed till the day of redemption. Eph 1:13.
(That makes water baptism a work and violates Eph 2:8-9).
I t a l s o c o n t r a d i c t s
Titus 3:5
He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness...
EPHESIANS 4:1-6
Deals with unity within the Body of Christ!
ONE BODY***ONE SPIRIT***ONE HOPE***ONE LORD
ONE FAITH***ONE BAPTISM***ONE GOD
Believe it or not, I once was told baptism was like a coin,
one coin two sides. One side for water and one side for the spirit,
but one coin.
Well, if it works with baptism, why not the others?
One coin two sides, one faith two sides, one for the Christians and one for the Moslems.
Or how about two sides, one God for the Christians and one for the Zoroastrians.
NO,NO,NO, it doesn't work that way.
So we are left with only one reasonable option.
Option #1.
Which teaches there is only one baptism of substance which is Spiritual Baptism.
Water baptism as a symbol should not be used to cause divisions or as a discriminating element within the body of Christ. If someone wants to identify themselves with Christ and his work through the means of this symbol,
it's OK with me, as long as it is not made out to be a requirement, and is explained properly. The method is of no matter to me since the act has no substance. (It should not be a requirement for Church membership).
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY CHAFER, VOL.6 PAGE 140.
To be baptized into Christ's Body is to come under the power and Headship of Christ; it is to be joined unto the Lord, to be identified with Him, to partake of what He is and what He has done not for a moment, but unalterably.
We see there is one baptism Eph 4:3, it is a spiritual baptism 1 Corinthians 12:13 which is consistent with the words of Jesus in Acts 1:5. And if we want to be unified as the body of Christ this is what we will teach Eph 4:3. We also see that if explained correctly water can be used as a symbol only as a means to personify spiritual baptism ones identity in Christ.
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WHAT ABOUT THE EFFECT OF WATER BAPTISM?
There are many people that will testify that as a result of being water
baptized, their lives changed. Water baptism had an effect.
HOW DO I EXPLAIN THESE TESTIMONIES IN LIGHT OF THIS PAPER?
I first have to ask the question was it the "water" that had the effect on their lives
or was it the act of being water baptized that had the effect.
What really goes on when someone is water baptized.
A person is Hell bound, a sinner with a depraved nature
just prior to making Jesus their Lord and being water baptized.
The result of confessing Jesus as Lord
is a supernatural nature change.
Publicly standing up before people,
and identify oneself with the very God that created the heavens and the earth, and just saved them from Hell, has an effect on a persons life.
Water baptism is nothing more than an easy way of forcing people into publicly confessing
Jesus as their Lord.
"If you're not baptized you can't be saved." "If you're not baptized you can't be a member of our Church," etc. etc.
Even though it's not the best way, by the very nature of the confession, the confession has an effect.
(The motivation of the confession should be one of appreciation).
Matthew 10:32-33 "Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.
33). But whoever shall deny Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven.
It's not only important now, but also in the future.
Philippians 2:9-11 Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,
10) that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth.
11) and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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The Real Issue is what value do we place on the Water Baptism.
The Bible relates principles that can apply to every situation that comes up.
With this understanding I am absolutely amazed that anyone who really understands the book of Galatians could advocate water baptism as a means to determine a person's salvation, or use it as a means to determine Church membership.
The old ugly serpent that has always been trying to raise his ugly head at every opportunity,
certainly has raised his head on the subject of water baptism.
The old ugly serpent is human efforts to determine man's position with God.
To say we have the right to determine people's salvation because of whether or not they have conformed to a ritual, is wrong.
To determine whether or not one has the right to be a member of a local Church by whether or not the person has conformed to a ritual, is also wrong.
These acts are inconsistent with the book of Galatians and the Spirit in which Paul writes.
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The one sacrament we do have as members of the Body of Christ is The Lord's Supper and it is clearly taught. 1 Corth 11:23-31 23)
For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you...
24) ...do this in remembrance of Me.
25) do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.
26) For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He comes.
How could anyone make it more clear.
It's kind of like..
John Baptized with water but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Or how about ...There is One Lord, One faith, One baptism.
Note: the one sacrament
we do have as members of the Body of Christ is the Lord's supper and we as members are admonished at times not even to enter into this sacrament,
and when we do not, our Salvation or membership in the Local Church should not be held in question.
We can see the emphasis in the Bible regarding the Lord's Supper
is quite different than the emphasis placed on water baptism.
But those that want to place people under the bondwoman don't seem to care.
They must think Water Baptism is much more important then The Lord's Supper,
because Water Baptism can be used to determine Church Membership and a person's very Salvation.
In conclusion:
to make water baptism a condition of salvation, would make baptism "a work" which disagrees with Ephesians 2:8-9.
To make water baptism a sacrament for the Churches, violates Ephesians 4:5 (one baptism).
And I have to ask the question
"Where, oh where, are your verses?"
To make water baptism a symbol of spiritual baptism, you should explain it clearly.
There is very little Biblical emphasis on this symbol.
There is only one verse we can know for sure, where water baptism occurs after salvation as we know it, Acts 10:47 which is a question, not a decree like 1 Corth 11:23-31. 0 Yes, there is also 1 Corth 1:14-17.
"For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel,..."
BIBLE BIBLE BIBLE BIBLE BIBLE
Addressing the Condemnation Question
There are those that say if a person is not obedient to the words of Jesus He is probably not saved, and that's reason to prevent him from becoming a member of their local Church.
If a person is not obedient in being water baptized,
he more than likely is not saved and,
therefore, should not be allowed to become a member of their church.
Let's take a look at Matt 28:19.
Matt 28:19 "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them... There are two things mentioned here
1. Make disciples and
2. Baptizing.
If these people were constant in their Doctrine of Obedience they would say:
If you're not willing to make disciples,
more than likely your not saved.
If you're not willing to make disciples,
you cannot be a member of our Church.
Boy, oh boy, that sure would do something about all the pew warmers.
In other words, these same people should walk up and down the aisles of their churches asking people if they are involved in making disciples.
If they are not, revoke their membership.
WHAT IS A DISCIPLE, AND HOW DO YOU MAKE A DISCIPLE???
If you're not making a disciple, are you being obedient to the words of Jesus?
Can you be Saved if you're not being obedient to the words of Jesus?
Should you be allowed to be a member of a Church if you're not obedient to Jesus?
As long as we're talking about being obedient to the Words of Jesus, why stop with Matt 28:19?
Why not apply the same Doctrine of Obedience to all His Commands?
FOR EXAMPLE.
Luke 14:33
So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions.
{ If obedient, no possessions)
Matthew 5:28 But I say to you, that every one who looks on a woman to lust for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.
Matthew 5:29 And if your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to go into hell.
(If Salvation equals obedience we're going to have a lot of one eyed preachers).
(If Church membership requires obedience to Jesus' commands Church Membership is going to be way down).
The Doctrine of Obedience is just old legalism in a different package.
In the New Covenant the emphasis is not on outward signs of obedience but inward. |