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9 - BECAUSE OF
THE CHURCH'S TEACHING ON BAPTISM.
The English word 'baptism' comes from the Greek word 'BAPTISMA',
which means to "immerse, submerse, dip, plunge, etc..." No
religious subject provokes more controversy than baptism. Feelings run
deep, and with many, there is no room for discussion. This controversy is
not due to a lack of Bible teaching, for the Bible has much to say about
the subject. The problem seems to be a failure on the part of many to
properly apply Bible teaching.
One such area of misunderstanding is brought about by a
failure to distinguish between the different baptisms of the Bible. In the
New Testament, we read of six baptisms. It should be noted that baptism is
exclusively a New Testament word. If there are six baptisms mentioned, how
do we harmonize that with the statement by Paul in Eph 4:5, "...there
is one baptism" ? This apparent problem is solved when we
realize that of six baptisms, four have already served their purpose, one
is yet future, and one, "the one", is currently
in force.
1. THE BAPTISM OF MOSES. The account of
this baptism is recorded in Ex. 14:5-30. New Testament mention is made in
1 Cor. 10:1-2. In these verses Paul affirms that our fathers were under
the cloud and all passed through the sea, and were baptized unto Moses in
the cloud and in the sea. This was a historical event. It happened only
once. Today we have no relationship to it, except in a typical way. In
verse eleven Paul stated that, "...it happened unto them for
ensamples", or by way of example. Today we are baptized into
Christ (Gal. 3:27). Since this is a typical baptism, it could not be the
one commanded by Christ or the one spoken of by Paul in Eph. 4:5.
2. THE BAPTISM OF JOHN. The baptism of
John is recorded in Matt. 3:1-11. John prepared the people for the coming
of Jesus (Luke 1:17). Israel was in great wickedness when John came, hence
the necessity for someone to come and make the people ready for Jesus.
John's mission, as well as his baptism, was preparatory in nature. The
baptism of John differed from the baptism commanded by Jesus in that those
baptized by John had to believe on Him (Jesus) that was to come, whereas
those baptized by Christian baptism had to confess their faith in Christ
(Acts 8:36-38), who had already come. After the great commission was given
by Christ, people were baptized into the name of the Father, Son and Holy
Spirit (Matt. 28:18-20). John never baptized in this name. John's baptism
was for Jews only. Not so with Christian baptism, it was for all mankind
(Mark 16:15-16). A study of Acts 19:1-5 makes it clear that John's baptism
is not in force today, since Christ has come. Thus, we may conclude that
John's baptism became invalid after the death of Christ.
3. THE BAPTISM OF SUFFERING. We read of
this in Matt. 20:22-23. Jesus often referred to His future sufferings as a
baptism, i.e. a burial or immersion in those sufferings. This is a
figurative baptism in that it is a reference to the pain and anguish with
which Christ was overcome (submerged) when he died on the cross for our
sins. Thus we can say that Christ was buried or baptized in suffering.
This, however, cannot be the baptism commanded of all men by Christ.
4. THE BAPTISM OF FIRE.
In Matt. 3:11 we read, "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". John was speaking to a mixed multitude, some of whom
would later become the disciples of Christ and receive the baptism of the
Holy Spirit. Others would reject the Messiah and be baptized with fire.
Hence they were called a generation of vipers in verse seven. The baptism
of fire, therefore, refers to the punishment awaiting those who reject
Christ. It is the final abode of the wicked in "hell fire". It
is being cast into everlasting fire (Matt. 25:41). It is to be "...cast
into the lake of fire and brimstone..." - Rev. 20:10. The
baptism of fire is yet future, yet to be fulfilled. (Matt. 13:41-42).
5. THE BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. In
this same verse (Matt. 3:11), Jesus promised to baptize some with the Holy
Spirit. To whom did Christ make this promise? The answer is found in John
14:16-17; 16:3. In both passages, it is clear that the apostles were the
ones to whom the promise was made. God has said in Joel 2:28, "...I
will pour out my spirit upon all flesh..." In this
reference, there are only two kinds of flesh - Jewish and Gentile. In Acts
2:1-4 we have an account of the Spirit being poured out on the Jews
(Apostles) on the day of Pentecost. In Acts 10:44-48, we have the account
of the Spirit being poured out on the Gentiles at the house of Cornelius.
It should be noted that the baptism of the Spirit was a promise and not a
command. No one was ever commanded to be baptized with the Holy Spirit,
and only certain ones received the promise. Today there is but one baptism
and it is not Holy Spirit baptism. On Pentecost, Peter witnessed two
baptisms, the Holy Spirit baptism of the Apostles, and water baptism on
the 3,000 converts (Acts 2:1-4; 38-41). About ten years later, Peter again
witnessed two baptisms in the house of Cornelius, Holy Spirit baptism and
then water baptism (Acts 10:44-48). But in A.D. 64, Paul wrote that there
is one baptism (Eph. 4:5). When Paul so wrote, the Holy Spirit baptism had
served its purpose and passed away. (For further study of Holy Spirit
baptism, see page 32).
6. CHRISTIAN BAPTISM or BAPTISM OF THE GREAT
COMMISSION. That leaves us with one baptism to discuss. None of
the five we have studied thus far are the baptism with which we are to be
baptized today. In order to help us understand Christian baptism or
baptism of the Lord's Great Commission, we have some well-worded questions
that will pinpoint what this baptism does.
A. DOES THE BIBLE MENTION
BAPTISM? Yes. There are over 100 references in the New Testament
to the words baptism, baptize, and baptized.
B. DOES THE BIBLE DEFINE BAPTISM? Yes.
In Col. 2:12 it reads, "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." Also Romans 6:3-4, "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: 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." Baptism
is a burial, an immersion in water. Sprinkling or pouring will not do.
C. DOES THE BIBLE GIVE EXAMPLES OF BAPTISM? Yes.
In Acts 2:37-41 we have an example of about 3000 being baptized. In Acts 8
we read of the Nobleman from Ethiopia. Again in Acts 16 we read of the
conversion and baptism of the Philippian Jailer. In fact, if you will read
the book of Acts you'll be given a very vivid picture of many people being
baptized in harmony with the Lord's commands.
D. DOES THE BIBLE SAY WHAT BAPTISM IS FOR? We
will let Acts 2:38 answer that question. "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." Thus baptism is performed in order that we
might receive the remission of our sins, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
(For further study on this subject, see page 32).
E. DOES THE BIBLE SAY WHAT BAPTISM DOES? Let
us consider the following scriptures. In 1 Peter 3:21 it reads, "The
like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting
away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward
God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." Acts 22:16
reads, "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized,
and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." In
Mark 16:15-16, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all world,
and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized
shall be saved; but he that believeth now shall be damned." In
Gal. 3:26-27 it reads, "For ye are all the children of God by
faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into
Christ have put on Christ." From the above scriptures, we
can see that baptism saves, washes away sins, and puts one into Christ.
With such testimony, who would say that baptism is not essential?
F. DOES THE BIBLE INFORM US WHO SHOULD BE
BAPTIZED? Yes, it definitely does. Note the following outline:
THOSE WHO ARE TAUGHT--Mark 16:15-16
THOSE WHO BELIEVE-- Mark 16:15-16
THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO REPENT--Acts 2:38
THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO STATE THEIR FAITH IN
CHRIST--Acts 8:37
THOSE WHO GLADLY RECEIVE THE WORD--Acts 2:41
Anyone who can meet the above requirements can be
baptized. Those who cannot meet them are not ready for baptism. But
someone says, "What about babies?" That is a
good question, for there is no scriptural basis for baptizing infants. The
Bible does not teach such. Infants are incapable of believing, repenting,
confessing, and receiving the word. Because of this they cannot be
baptized scripturally. Baptism is for the remission of sins, and infants
have never sinned. Therefore, they do not need baptism. Please see Matthew
18:1-4 and Matthew 19:14.
G. DOES THE BIBLE SAY WHEN ONE SHOULD BE
BAPTIZED? Indeed it does. The answer is--NOW. Saul was asked in
Acts 22:16, "Why tarriest thou? arise, and be
baptized..." In Acts 8:12 it is said that, "when
they believed they were baptized." The
Jailer in Acts 16 was taken the same hour of the night and was baptized,
verse 33. It is something that should not be put off. Death is too
certain, and eternity too long for one to gamble with his soul. For this
reason, when one understands his duty, baptism should follow as soon as
possible.
Reason #10 - Because Of Its
Opposition To Innovations In Worship
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