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Jesus Christ took water
baptism by immersing in River Jordan and called it righteousness. God the Father
came down from heaven to bless this simple ceremony of the water baptism,
baptized Jesus Christ with the Holy Ghost and called him beloved son. The same
promise is extended also to believers.
Water baptism is the
counsel of God the Father and the command of the Lord Jesus Christ. Water Baptism
is one of the fundamental doctrines of the Bible. Water Baptism is required for
salvation. Believers obey God in water baptism. Rebellious people disobey God in
all things including the water baptism.
The meaning of the word
baptism is "bathing by immersion." Orthodox, traditional and similar churches
use a little water on a child dedication ceremony and call it baptism. Even
though they call it as baptism, it is not the baptism that Jesus Christ took and
commanded to give. The true pattern of Christian baptism is the baptism, which
John the Baptist gave to Jesus Christ. John immersed Jesus Christ in the waters
of the river Jordan for baptism.
"Matt 3:13
--- cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. ---
16 And Jesus,
when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: ---.
John 3:23 And
John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water
there: and they came, and were baptized." This ceremonial bath by immersion in water is the true pattern for baptism.
"Eph 4:5
One Lord, one faith, one baptism," All
other so-called baptisms are counterfeits.
Water baptism is one of the mandatory ceremonies of the Bible.
Jesus Christ humbled
himself and took the water baptism to fulfill all righteousness.
"Matt 3:13
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."
God the Father was well
pleased in the baptism of Jesus Christ, he baptized him with the Holy Ghost, and
called him beloved Son. "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:
17 And lo a
voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
The same thing is promised to the believers also.
"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."
The Word of God asks
us to follow his steps of humble obedience, which includes water baptism.
God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. If we desire to receive
grace and to become beloved children of God, we should follow the steps of
Jesus, even in water baptism. "1
Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called:
because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should
follow his steps:"
The great commission of
Jesus Christ is recorded in the gospel of Matthew as follows.
"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:
20 Teaching
them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with
you always---. Amen." Let us see the same
great commission of Jesus Christ as it is recorded in the gospel of Mark.
"Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every
creature. 16 He
that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall
be damned." In these, Jesus Christ gave two
commissions and made one declaration to his disciples.
(1) Preach the gospel.
"Matt 28:20
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:"
The disciples should teach all the things that Jesus
Christ has commanded them to do, which is the gospel. The teaching of water
baptism should be included in the gospel since Jesus Christ has commanded them
to baptize.
(2) Baptize them.
"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:" Jesus Christ says that as
they preach the gospel, they also baptize the believers. They should baptize
them "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost."
(3) Declaration.
"Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that
believeth not shall be damned."
Jesus Christ implies that those who believe him will
take the baptism and impostors will not take the baptism. Then he made a
declaration saying that those who do not believe him, including the impostors,
shall be damned. "John
6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that
believeth on me hath everlasting life."
The same implication applies in the above verse
also. Those who believe Jesus Christ will obey what he says. They will take
water baptism and will be led to eternal life. A person who says that he/she
believe Jesus Christ as the Lord, but will not obey what Jesus says, that person
is not a believer, but a liar and an impostor. Liars will have no part in
everlasting life. "Rev
21:8 -- and all liars, shall have their part in
the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."
Acts 16:29
Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down
before Paul and Silas, 30
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to
be saved? 31
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and
thy house. 32
And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his
house. 33 And
he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and
was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
Paul and Silas spoke
the word of the Lord so that those people may believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.
They believed and took the water baptism for their salvation. By this, we know
that Apostle Paul was teaching water baptism while he was speaking the word of
the Lord and that is why those who heard the word of God took water baptism. So
water baptism is the first step in the preaching the word of the Lord. Believers
of the Lord Jesus Christ should obey in taking water baptism for their
salvation.
Acts 8:34
And the eunuch answered Philip --- 35
Then Philip --- preached unto him Jesus.
36 And as they went on
their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See,
here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
37 And Philip said, If
thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I
believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38
And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and
they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized
him. 39 And
when they were come up out of the water, -
Philip was preaching
Jesus Christ to the eunuch. As they saw a pool of water, the eunuch requested
Philip to baptize him. By this, we know that the teaching of water baptism was
included in the preachings of Jesus Christ. As Philip has done it, we must also
teach water baptism as we preach Jesus Christ. Water baptism is part of the
life of Jesus Christ as well as the part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Acts 8:12
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of
God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Philip was preaching
the kingdom of God to the people. Those who believed took water baptism. By
this, we know that the teaching of water baptism was included in the preachings
of the kingdom of God. Therefore, as we preach the kingdom of God, we must also
teach water baptism because it is included in the kingdom message. According to
the Bible and according to Jesus Christ, we cannot enter into the kingdom of God
without taking water baptism.
Mark 16:15
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every
creature. 16 He
that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall
be damned.
When Jesus Christ has
commanded his disciples to preach the gospel, he has commanded them to baptize
those who believe. Those who do not believe they will not take water baptism and
they will be damned. There will be no salvation for them. Those who do not take
water baptism are not the followers of Jesus Christ. Water baptism is an
integral part of the gospel.
"Luke
20:3 And he answered and said unto them, I will
also ask you one thing; and answer me: 4
The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?"
Jesus Christ pointed to the Pharisees that water
baptism is from heaven.
Luke 7:28
For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater
prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is
greater than he. 29
And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God,
being baptized with the baptism of John. 30
But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the
counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
31 And the Lord said,
Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they
like? 32 They
are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another,
and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to
you, and ye have not wept. 33
For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He
hath a devil. 34
The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say,
Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!
35 But
wisdom is justified of all her children.
The Bible says water
baptism is the counsel of God. Even by different methods, both John the Baptist
and Jesus Christ could not convince the ungodly people about water baptism. The
representation of religious people rejected baptism for their own condemnation.
Even now, we cannot convince the religious people, but the children of God will
justify the wisdom of God by obeying in the water baptism.
“Luke 18:15
And they brought unto him also infants, that he would
touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16 But Jesus
called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me,
and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Almost every
church has child dedication service. In the service the parents promise God that
they will raise the baby in godly ways.
Some
churches wet the baby with water in the ceremony of dedication and call it
baptism. Even though it is not a baptism, for baptism is bath by immersion, this
ceremony is called as infant baptism. If it just stays as a ceremony, it may not
do any harm. But, the churches that give infant baptism believe that if any
child dies before the baptism, it goes to hell and those who took infant baptism
will go to heaven. This is a very deceptive doctrine.
The
spiritual circumcision by Jesus Christ and the spiritual effect of water baptism
are same (may
read #21). Infant baptism advocates pick up this passage (Col
2:10-13) to equate circumcision with baptism and derive that since babies are
given circumcision, it is proper to give baptism also to babies. It is erroneous
logic. It is a twist from the scripture. Here, the subject is the spiritual
circumcision done on a believer by the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ, whereas
they compare the circumcision done on babies by Jews.
However,
there are a few references from the Bible that may be read into infant baptism.
Let us see those verses to analyze whether infant baptism included in them or
not.
(1).
"Acts 10:44
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost
fell on all them which heard the word. 45
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. 46
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any
man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the
Holy Ghost as well as we? 48
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord."
Apostle Peter is the first apostle who baptized the gentiles. We may say that
he baptized all in the house of Cornelius. However, he discerned those, who were
approved of God, which heard the word of God that was preached. This description
will not fit the infants in the house and so we know that the infants were not
baptized.
(2).
"Acts 16:14
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira,
which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she
attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
15 And when she
was baptized, and her household, she besought us…
Acts 16:32 And
they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his
house. 33
And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes;
and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
1 Cor 1:16 And I
baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I
baptized any other." Many churches stray away from the Bible truth and
they use the name of Paul for leverage, whereas Paul and Barnabas went to
apostles and elders at Jerusalem for critical matters (Acts 15:2, 16:4,5, etc).
Peter was the leader of the apostles, who was appointed by the Lord Jesus
Christ. So, it is proper to follow the pattern set by Peter, which was also
approved by Jerusalem Council. The Holy Ghost approved those who heard the word
at the house of Cornelius and they were baptized. Here, if we assume that the
household of Lydia, Stephan and the Jailor have not heard the word of God before
their baptism, we are wrong, since the command to the apostles was to preach the
word and to baptize. If we assume that the infants heard the word of God, it is
another mistake. So, if we are not the advocates of infant baptism, we know that
the infants in these households were not included in baptism.
"Matt 19:14
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not…" The parents
could have brought the children to the apostles and they could have blessed
them.
Jesus Christ
commands his disciple to teach people and baptize the believers.
"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:
20 Teaching them to observe all things
whatsoever I have commanded you: Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; …" Peter and other
apostles baptize believers calling for repentance. "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." If this is baptism,
infants cannot be baptized since they can neither be taught nor do they believe
nor repent. As they are taught, repented, and believed, they must be baptized.
"Acts
10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and
said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation
he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him."
God looks into the hearts of everybody and he chooses
the righteous people for himself.
"Acts 2:41
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized:
and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42 And they
continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking
of bread, and in prayers -- 47
-- And the Lord added to the church daily such as
should be saved." The Holy Spirit reveals the
word of God to the chosen to help them obey God. They will obey in water
baptism. God will join them in the church where the Holy Spirit will teach them
the doctrine of Jesus Christ and give them the power of the Holy Ghost.
Jesus Christ himself will sanctify and cleanse this church with his word. He
will purify this church to be holy and without spot or blemish.
"Eph 5:26
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he
might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or
any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."
This church must grow spiritually and should put
on Christ. We shall see Christ in them. Now they are baptized into Christ.
"Gal 3:27
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."
This Church will be the bride of Christ. This is
the true Spiritual Church that is seated in heaven with Christ.
"John
3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily,
verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom
of God.... 5
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of
water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
Nicodemus believes Jesus. Jesus Christ insists that a
person must be 'born again' in order to see the kingdom of God. In this context
'born again' means 'born of water' and 'born of the Spirit.' Here, 'born of
water' refers to 'water baptism' and 'born of the spirit' refers to the
receiving of 'spirit of man', which is the 'spirit of life,' which is the life
of the soul. If we truly believe Jesus Christ for our salvation, we will do what
he asks us to do. As we do what he asks, which is to obey him in water baptism
also, God gives us the 'spirit of man', which is the 'spirit of life.' Those who
have not received the 'spirit of man', God considers them as spiritually dead.
When a person is born,
he/she is born with flesh and soul, but not with the spirit, which is the spirit
of man. "John
3:6 -- which is born of the flesh is flesh; and
that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
1 Cor 2:11 -- what man knoweth the things of a
man, save the spirit of man which is in him?--"
Jesus Christ teaches that a person must be
born a second time with the spirit. When a person truly obeys Christ, he gives
the person the spirit, which is the 'spirit of man.'
Now we are 'born of the
spirit,' by which our dead souls become living souls. Being 'born of water' and
'born of the spirit', now we are 'born again.' So now we can see, with our
spirit man, the Kingdom of God. Since a person has obeyed God and received the
'spirit of life', he/she is truly spiritual and is lead by the Holy
Spirit. As the person continues to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit through
the Word of God, the Holy Spirit
will lead the person into the deeper spiritual life
of Jesus Christ, which is to enter into the kingdom of God, while living on this
earth.
Acts 16:14
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira,
which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the
things which were spoken of Paul. 15 And when she was baptized, and her
household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be
faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she
constrained us.
God opens the heart of
sincere humble people. They understand the significance of water baptism.
God is not opening the hearts of religious people. It maybe because they think
they know it all, while they are twisting the word of God to suit their own
understanding.
"Mark
16:15 --- he said unto them, Go ye into all the
world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16
He that believeth and is
baptized shall be saved;---" Many
preachers say that those who are saved shall be baptized. But the word of God
says that he that he who is baptized shall be saved. Sure, baptism is one
of the conditions to be saved. Without baptism, there is no salvation.
"1 Peter
3:20 --- 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..." Does
the word of God say that baptism has nothing to do with our salvation, OR does
it say that baptism doth also now save us? Those who believe the word of
God, if they have desire to be saved, they will take water baptism.
"John
3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto
thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter
into the kingdom of God." The ceremonial
meaning of 'born of water' is water baptism, even though it has another deeper
meaning. Receiving the 'spirit of man' is 'born of the Spirit.' However, nobody
can enter into heaven without water baptism.
"Acts
2:38 --- Peter said unto them, Repent, and be
baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission
of sins, ---" Many preachers say that
nobody have to be baptized for the remission of sins. But the word of God says
that every one of you must be baptized for the remission of sins. This
means that without baptism there will be no remission of sins. However, water
baptism is just one of a few conditions for the remission of our sins.
Therefore, be baptized also, along with other conditions, for the remission of
your sins.
"Acts
22:16 --- now why tarriest thou? arise, and
be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."
Many preachers laugh at the principle of
washing away our sins by water baptism. They say that just the ceremony of water
baptism will not wash away sins whereas the word of God tells us to be
baptized and wash away our sins. This also means that our sins will not be
forgiven without baptism.
"Col
2:11 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,.."
Water baptism is explained as the burial of
the believer with Jesus Christ, which is also explained as Jesus cuts the body
of sin and throws it away. This is how the body of sin is removed and Christ is
united. As a ceremony, like a marriage, water baptism is the vow of God that he
removes your body of sin from you and your vow that you unite with Christ.
Since you are baptized, now you are buried with him in baptism.
"2 Tim 2:11
... For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:"
Those who look forward to be with him in
heaven will take water baptism.
However, there is
always exemption for most things. Water baptism also has exemption.
"Luke 23:43
And Jesus said unto him (one of the malefactor), Verily I say unto thee, To day
shalt thou be with me in paradise." This malefactor, who was nailed to
the cross, had the exemption from the water
baptism, since his cross did not let him go to take the water baptism. Whoever
are in such a predicament, can apply this exemption. But God will take vengeance
on the disobedient at the time of his righteous judgment.
"2 Thess 1:8
In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and
that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:"
Acts 2:37
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto
Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we
do? 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. 39
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.
40 And with many other words did he testify and
exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were
baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three
thousand souls.
Water baptism is
required even to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Apostle Peter tells
believers to save themselves from the untoward generation, who stood against
water baptism, so that God may save them from their sins. Those who have
accepted the calling of God will gladly receive the word of God and will eagerly
obey in water baptism to obtain the promise of God. But there will always be
rebellious people.
Acts 19:3
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto
John's baptism. 4
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, --- that
they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ
Jesus. 5 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 Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Matt 1:21
--- call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people
from their sins.
Paul baptized the
believers a second time so that they may receive the gifts and the Holy Ghost.
Believers must take the true baptism of Jesus Christ. Repentance of sins and the
belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, who can save them from their sins, must precede
the true baptism. All other baptisms are false baptisms. They are the
tradition of men and rebellion against God.
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 19:5
When they heard this, they were baptized in the
name of the Lord Jesus.
The above two verses
are in the word of God. We cannot reject one to choose the other, but we must
accept both of them. As the Lord Jesus Christ commands the disciples to baptize,
he gives instructions how to baptize a person. The disciples obey
the Lord and give baptism "in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." The event was recorded as
"they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus"
to mean that they were giving water baptism in the authority given to
them by the Lord Jesus Christ. The first one is the instruction how to
baptize a believer and the second is the recording of the
information.
God’s word will not contradict in itself, but the devil will try to confuse
people as he confused Eve. If we love the truth, we will not believe the lies of
the devil.
Acts 19:2
He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they
said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye
baptized?
Apostle Paul asked them
"Have ye received the Holy Ghost." They replied,
"We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." Please
notice that they have not even heard the name of the Holy Ghost. Immediately the
apostle asked the next question, "Unto what then were
ye baptized?" The truth is that if they have not heard the name of the
Holy Ghost, they have not taken the true baptism. The true baptism is the one
given in the name of the Holy Ghost along with the name of the Father and the
Son. That is, they were not baptized "in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" So, they did take the
baptism again "in the name of the Father, and of the
Son and of the Holy Ghost." The book of Acts records the incident as
"they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus"
because they were giving the baptism in the
authority that Jesus Christ has given them.
Acts 19:4
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the
baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him
which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
According to the above
verse John the Baptist baptized people by mentioning just the name of Jesus
Christ only,
"John verily baptized ---saying unto the people, that
they should believe --- on Christ Jesus."
This baptism is called the baptism of
repentance. This baptism was the 'Jesus only baptism' and was done away with,
because the purpose of the ministry was only to prepare the way of the Lord
Jesus Christ.
In short, John the
Baptist gave the Jesus only baptism, which is obsolete. The disciples of Jesus
Christ gave baptism in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Ghost. Since they were baptizing in the authority that Jesus Christ has given
them, it was recorded as it was given in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 10:44
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell
on all them, which heard the word. 45
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. 46
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man
forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy
Ghost as well as we? 48
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the
Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
God told Peter to
baptize them in water by pouring the Holy Ghost upon them. Water baptism is the
right and privilege of a believer, who believe the Lordship of Jesus
Christ. Apostle Peter commanded the gentile believers should be baptized, even
though he knew that he would be confronted.
Matt 3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all
Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing
their sins. 7
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said
unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to
come? 8 Bring
forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Baptism of John was for
forgiveness of sins. In order to receive the baptism of John, people had to
repent, reconcile and confess their sins. John the Baptist demanded from the
religious people, who had a form of godliness, that they should bring proof for
repentance for baptism.
Romans 6:4
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:
Jesus Christ
commissioned his disciples to give water baptism for salvation from sins.
Baptism of Jesus Christ requires the believers to commit their life to walk in
the newness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If John the Baptist demanded
proof for repentance to give his baptism, how much more the baptism of Jesus
Christ should demand proofs for repentance, for belief and also for commitment?
Col 2:10
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all
principality and power: 11
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. 13
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision
of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all
trespasses:
God’s word explains our
immersion in water baptism to the burial of our body of sin, which is our
sinning nature. That is, as we immerse in baptism, Jesus Christ spiritually cuts
off the body of sin, which is nature of the flesh. It is known as the spiritual
circumcision of Christ. Again, God explains our coming out of the water as our
resurrection, not with the old body of sin, but with a new body of life
with the presence of Christ. Though it is a ceremony, by faith through the
operation of God, we have a newness of life by the mysterious working of God in
us. After the baptism, having our sins forgiven, we should live a holy life as
of the life of Jesus Christ because of the supernatural power of God.
Heb 6:1
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto
perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and
of faith toward God, 2
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and ---
Matt 7:26 And every one that heareth these
sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which
built his house upon the sand: 27
--- the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell:
and great was the fall of it.
God advises the
believers to build above the foundation of the principles of the doctrine of
Christ. However, they have to lay the foundation strong in order to build the
house upon it. The doctrine of baptisms is an integral part of the foundation of
which water baptism is the primary one. We have not started the foundation until
we obey in water baptism. If we build a house on the sand of disobedience and
not on the rock of obedience, it will fall and the fall will be a great fall.
"Romans
6:1 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?"
Apostle Paul rebukes believers who took water baptism but still live in sin. He
demands proof for their commitments.
"Romans
6:4 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:" Baptism has two elements, which
have two symbolic meanings. (1) We immerse under water. Our going under water
represents the death and burial of our body of sin. Symbolically we should burry
this body of sin under the water and we should not bring it out of the water.
(2) We come out of water. Our coming out of water represents the resurrection of
our body of life, which is spirit in the likeness of Christ, which has the
newness of life.
"Romans
6:6 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." Since this body is not
the body of sin, it should not commit sin. Now, we are dead to sin but we live
for righteousness. Symbolically, we are dead with Christ and if we are dead with
him we also live with him.
"Romans 6:7
For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:"
Water baptism is the ceremonial commitment of our life and the symbolic
supernatural exchange of our body of sin for the body of life. According to the
sincerity of the commitment of the believer, God will do his marvelous work. The
supernatural exchange is sure if our commitment is genuine. Then the person who
comes out of the water will be the true newborn (born again) person.
Water baptism is like a
ceremony of marriage. As the bride commits her life to the groom to live for him
and with him, as the bride of Christ, we should commit our life to Christ to
live for him and with him by this ceremony. Most religious people think that
they are living together with Christ without the ceremony of marriage, which is
water baptism. They are deceiving themselves. Jesus Christ does not live
together with any disobedient person. Those who do not take water baptism may
have a form of godliness, but they are not true followers of Jesus Christ.
John 12:39 Therefore they could not believe,
because that Esaias said again, 40
He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart;
that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their
heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
Most theologians and religious people are confused and are ashamed of water
baptism. There is no verse in the Bible cautioning against water baptism. Yet
they preach as if the word of God is against water baptism. Our Lord Jesus
Christ, in his last commission, told his disciples to preach the gospel
baptizing the believers. Many preachers argue that Jesus Christ was not telling
his disciples about water baptism, just because he did not mention the word
'water.' They bring so many kinds of silly arguments against the water baptism
for no reason. They do not even realize the fact that Jesus Christ proclaimed
damnation for those who do not believe him to obey in the water baptism.
Acts 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his
name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the
faith. 9 Then
Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes
on him, 10 And
said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil,
thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right
ways of the Lord? 11
And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon
thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately
there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead
him by the hand.
Probably Elymas the
sorcerer could have done the same thing with full of subtlety and mischief
preventing the deputy from taking water baptism. As Elymas has done, these
preachers are also perverting the right ways of the Lord. As Elymas was blinded,
God also has blinded the hearts of these preachers so that they shall never be
converted.
Phil 2:5 Let this mind be in you, which was also
in Christ Jesus:--- 12
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed,
--- work out your own salvation with fear and
trembling. 1 Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving
us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
We Christians should
follow the example set by Jesus Christ. If we do, we will take water baptism
since Jesus Christ took water baptism and pleased the Father. With the baptism,
God will join us in his church. Then God will reveal his gospel to us. Then we
will become his disciples and we will abide with him. Thus Jesus Christ saves
us. Water baptism unites us with Christ ceremonially, with the purpose that we
should live our life for him. Be baptized and be blessed.
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