Do we stress baptism enough?
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The reality is that a person is not saved if their sins have not been remitted. And this occurs when a person believes what God's Word says and submits to water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus.
You mention corruption of biblical directives through tradition. And according to God, man's tradition invalidates what would otherwise have come to pass if one actually believed and complied with God's Word. (Mark 7:13) This truth pertains to a tradition begun by the forerunners of the Roman Catholic Church around 325 A.D. They began the practice of using a phrase rather than the name of the Lord Jesus when administering water baptism. And required absolute compliance.
Throughout the apostolic era, as witnessed in the biblical record, people were commanded to submit to water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus. This is because it was Jesus who was crucified paying the penalty for all mankind. And it is into His death that those who are baptized in His name are immersed. God's word does not return void. He honors those who trust and obey Him by remitting their personal sin.
You mention corruption of biblical directives through tradition. And according to God, man's tradition invalidates what would otherwise have come to pass if one actually believed and complied with God's Word. (Mark 7:13) This truth pertains to a tradition begun by the forerunners of the Roman Catholic Church around 325 A.D. They began the practice of using a phrase rather than the name of the Lord Jesus when administering water baptism. And required absolute compliance.
Throughout the apostolic era, as witnessed in the biblical record, people were commanded to submit to water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus. This is because it was Jesus who was crucified paying the penalty for all mankind. And it is into His death that those who are baptized in His name are immersed. God's word does not return void. He honors those who trust and obey Him by remitting their personal sin.
Misconceptions are the result of taking things out of context. Paul was relieved that he had not baptized many in the group his letter was addressed to. He pointed out their error of applying significance to who had administered their baptism. When the only one that was due special honor was Jesus because He was crucified for them. The exchange also sheds light on the fact that the biblical way of water baptizing was in the name of Jesus. (1 Cor. 1:11-17)
Furthermore, Paul was still water baptizing people 20+ years after the initial message was given. (Acts 19:1-6) As such, to say Paul's comment about not being sent to baptize meant it was not a necessary part of the gospel message is refuted by scripture. One can conclude, however. from scripture that Paul's primary ministry was to preach the message that included the need to submit to baptism. While others assisted in administering the actual baptisms. This is seen in details related to one of the people Paul mentions he baptized. (1 Cor. 1:12) Paul baptized Crispus while others administered baptism to those of Crispus' household.
"And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. " Acts 18:5
Furthermore, Paul was still water baptizing people 20+ years after the initial message was given. (Acts 19:1-6) As such, to say Paul's comment about not being sent to baptize meant it was not a necessary part of the gospel message is refuted by scripture. One can conclude, however. from scripture that Paul's primary ministry was to preach the message that included the need to submit to baptism. While others assisted in administering the actual baptisms. This is seen in details related to one of the people Paul mentions he baptized. (1 Cor. 1:12) Paul baptized Crispus while others administered baptism to those of Crispus' household.
"And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized. " Acts 18:5
It is through sharing God's Word. not an opinion, that revelation is possible. Some plant the seed, some water, but it is God who gives the increase/revelation. (1 Cor. 3:6-7)
Many refuse to accept the truth these scriptures convey. However, just as in Noah's day the truth must continue to go forth until God closes the door.
Many refuse to accept the truth these scriptures convey. However, just as in Noah's day the truth must continue to go forth until God closes the door.
Romans 10:13
Acts 22:12-16
And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.
For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
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The Acts 8 account expresses that Simon believed the gospel message and obeyed the command to be water baptized in the name of Jesus. His obedience to the command brought about remission of his prior sin in accordance with what is stated elsewhere in scripture. Afterward when a person sins they must ask Jesus for forgiveness. (1 John 1:9) We see this concept expressed by Peter when Simon offers to pay to be able to impart of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 8:22)
Also, one's spiritual rebirth requires receiving the Holy Ghost as well; this does not happen automatically when a person is water baptized as is confirmed in the same account. Both water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus and receiving the Holy Ghost are required.
"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Rom 8:9
Also, one's spiritual rebirth requires receiving the Holy Ghost as well; this does not happen automatically when a person is water baptized as is confirmed in the same account. Both water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus and receiving the Holy Ghost are required.
"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Rom 8:9
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There are a lot teachings as to why baptism is necessary. The one i donot endorse is that it saves.
What i take from scripture is that john the baptiser didnt even know why jesus came to him to be water baptised.
When john siad indeed he needs to be baptised by jesus. Nevertheless he baptised jesus.
If we are following the footsteps of Jesus we too should also should be baptised.
In the days leading up to Jesus there were many pools outside of the temple where those that were to enter the temple to worship would wash publicly. Considering this in respect to honor the Holy one of Israel.
I would be foolish to disagree with pauls message of the baptisim as it does indeed represent the death and the awaiting life in Christ.
Ive noticed in scripture that jesus stright after his water baptisim started his mission being led in the wilderness to confront the evils of the devil and subdue them by the word of God.
We are to present ourselves holy unto the Lord, what would be our excuse not to be publicly baptised? Did we run out of water?
Jesus emphasized baptism in his commandment of the commission. He being baptised hmself and thought it not wrong but that which must be set the example with compliance ....who are we to disagree?
There are many things we do not fully understand the same as john but do you think its a form of pride to say I for one am not baptised because i find no reason for it?
What i take from scripture is that john the baptiser didnt even know why jesus came to him to be water baptised.
When john siad indeed he needs to be baptised by jesus. Nevertheless he baptised jesus.
If we are following the footsteps of Jesus we too should also should be baptised.
In the days leading up to Jesus there were many pools outside of the temple where those that were to enter the temple to worship would wash publicly. Considering this in respect to honor the Holy one of Israel.
I would be foolish to disagree with pauls message of the baptisim as it does indeed represent the death and the awaiting life in Christ.
Ive noticed in scripture that jesus stright after his water baptisim started his mission being led in the wilderness to confront the evils of the devil and subdue them by the word of God.
We are to present ourselves holy unto the Lord, what would be our excuse not to be publicly baptised? Did we run out of water?
Jesus emphasized baptism in his commandment of the commission. He being baptised hmself and thought it not wrong but that which must be set the example with compliance ....who are we to disagree?
There are many things we do not fully understand the same as john but do you think its a form of pride to say I for one am not baptised because i find no reason for it?
God's plan includes the need to believe the entire gospel message and be obedient to its stated requirements; repentance, water baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38) To neglect to believe and obey God's command to be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus is to allow righteousness to go unfulfilled.
Acts 2:41-42
"When they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine."
Acts 2:41-42
"When they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine."
I agree that water baptism is required for every Christian, but what the effect of the water baptism is debatable but it isn't the end-all-be-all of righteousness or the ministry of Jesus should have ended immediately after He was dunked in water; on the contrary, that's when the ministry of Jesus began.
It's not clear that fulfilling all righteousness is a pre-requisite to salvation. Actually, it seems like from beginning to end the Bible makes every effort to ensure us that we are not righteous and to claim otherwise is calling God a liar. Therefore we can't fulfill all righteousness and aren't expected to otherwise we wouldn't need the New Testament, but rather a list of commands on how to try to be good; now we're back to in the endless loop of law-keeping and animal sacrifices.
At same point, we need to escape the loop and the sacrifice of Jesus enables that to happen.
When Jesus said "It is finished" He decided it was time to voluntarily die, a kind of bodily suicide actually. His Spirit exited His body as He delivered it back to God. That's when Jesus fulfilled all righteousness.
All righteousness = obedient unto death.
It's not clear that fulfilling all righteousness is a pre-requisite to salvation. Actually, it seems like from beginning to end the Bible makes every effort to ensure us that we are not righteous and to claim otherwise is calling God a liar. Therefore we can't fulfill all righteousness and aren't expected to otherwise we wouldn't need the New Testament, but rather a list of commands on how to try to be good; now we're back to in the endless loop of law-keeping and animal sacrifices.
At same point, we need to escape the loop and the sacrifice of Jesus enables that to happen.
When Jesus said "It is finished" He decided it was time to voluntarily die, a kind of bodily suicide actually. His Spirit exited His body as He delivered it back to God. That's when Jesus fulfilled all righteousness.
All righteousness = obedient unto death.
I don't see how a person could come to any other conclusion . . . if they've studied the ENTIRE Bible. David sang and wrote about his Salvation over and over again, yet he never wrote about water baptism. And this, too, shall continue to be ignored. And why ignore this concept? God forbid anyone be wrong. It astounds me that people are willing to forsake the Gospel of Christ for the sake of not being wrong. It's disgusting.
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Yes, I have observed that error of emphasizing word formulas.
I agree that baptizing in the Name of Jesus was not emphasizing a phrase or magic words either way. Whether they said in the name of the Father, son and Holy Spirit or the name of Jesus if they were doing it in the name of Jesus, which means in the authority of.
For example they healed people in the name of Jesus not necessarily by saying "in the name of Jesus" every time. They might say "Be Healed" and because they were doing it by the authority of Jesus they were doing it in the name of Jesus even though they did not specifically say those words.
If I baptize someone in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I did it in the name of Jesus even if I did not say "in the name of Jesus". If I baptize someone "In the name of Jesus" I baptized them in the name of the Father, son and Holy Spirit even if I did not say In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
One cannot baptize in the name of Jesus unless they have been given the authority to do so. We are given this authority by the command of Jesus to do so and are baptizing in the authority of Jesus and when we start arguing over what specific words are spoken when we are doing it then we have gone backwards in our understanding, deemphasizing the spirit and truth of the act of faith, and focusing on the legalistic ritualism and clutic practice of spell casting and pagan incantations all over again which unregenerate men are prone to do.
I agree that baptizing in the Name of Jesus was not emphasizing a phrase or magic words either way. Whether they said in the name of the Father, son and Holy Spirit or the name of Jesus if they were doing it in the name of Jesus, which means in the authority of.
For example they healed people in the name of Jesus not necessarily by saying "in the name of Jesus" every time. They might say "Be Healed" and because they were doing it by the authority of Jesus they were doing it in the name of Jesus even though they did not specifically say those words.
If I baptize someone in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I did it in the name of Jesus even if I did not say "in the name of Jesus". If I baptize someone "In the name of Jesus" I baptized them in the name of the Father, son and Holy Spirit even if I did not say In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
One cannot baptize in the name of Jesus unless they have been given the authority to do so. We are given this authority by the command of Jesus to do so and are baptizing in the authority of Jesus and when we start arguing over what specific words are spoken when we are doing it then we have gone backwards in our understanding, deemphasizing the spirit and truth of the act of faith, and focusing on the legalistic ritualism and clutic practice of spell casting and pagan incantations all over again which unregenerate men are prone to do.
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You are correct it isn't a set of hocus pocus, presto change-o, magic words. It's possible to be anything "in name only" and that's a clue as to who should and should not be baptizing people. Those who water baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are of God in heart, word, and deed; everyone else isn't since there are only two kinds of people in the world: those in Christ and those not in Christ.
This means two things: one, those who are water baptized should ensure that the one who water baptized them is a real Christian; two, those who are not real Christians have no authority to perform valid water baptisms.
This means two things: one, those who are water baptized should ensure that the one who water baptized them is a real Christian; two, those who are not real Christians have no authority to perform valid water baptisms.
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and to add to my previous post: those who are not real believers should not be water baptized either. New converts should be asked to confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and believe in their heart that God raised Him from dead. If they do that, it's between themselves and God as to if they are telling the truth. Then they may receive a valid water baptism from a real Christian.
Is that really enough, though? What if a person doesn't understand that True Faith means receiving the Circumcision of Christ? And what if they don't understand that this means that the Sinful Nature, or the Mind of the Devil, will be removed from their hearts and they will, thus, no longer sin? What if a person doesn't understand that? How, then, can they agree with what it means to be a True Christian? If a person doesn't understand what it is that they're giving up, how can they Truly Submit to Christ?
Example: I actually attended a Baptist "church" where the preacher taught that we didn't have to stop sinning. Do you see? Under that form of immature preaching and teaching, his "flock" was unable to enter into a right and Justifying relationship with Christ because they weren't being taught the True Gospel, but instead, a false gospel. Amazingly, this pastor literally told me, at 80 years old, that if he didn't see a hot, young, gorgeous woman walk in front of him and if he didn't tell him self, "Man, I want that!!" Then he, which he said himself, he would be "dead."
We MUST understand the Circumcision of Christ if we are to make a True commitment to Jesus. We MUST understand that it means that we will be giving up alcoholism. Porn addictions. Sexual relationships. Stealing. Belittling others. On and on and on.
2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV - "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord."
So . . . who [is] being changed? Are "you" being changed? If not, why? Is 2nd Cor 2:18 only applicable for others and not "yourself"? Is 2 Cor 3:18 just nice, easy reading? Or, is it the Truth?
Who . . . is being changed?
Example: I actually attended a Baptist "church" where the preacher taught that we didn't have to stop sinning. Do you see? Under that form of immature preaching and teaching, his "flock" was unable to enter into a right and Justifying relationship with Christ because they weren't being taught the True Gospel, but instead, a false gospel. Amazingly, this pastor literally told me, at 80 years old, that if he didn't see a hot, young, gorgeous woman walk in front of him and if he didn't tell him self, "Man, I want that!!" Then he, which he said himself, he would be "dead."
We MUST understand the Circumcision of Christ if we are to make a True commitment to Jesus. We MUST understand that it means that we will be giving up alcoholism. Porn addictions. Sexual relationships. Stealing. Belittling others. On and on and on.
2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV - "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord."
So . . . who [is] being changed? Are "you" being changed? If not, why? Is 2nd Cor 2:18 only applicable for others and not "yourself"? Is 2 Cor 3:18 just nice, easy reading? Or, is it the Truth?
Who . . . is being changed?
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In short, only God knows who the real Christians are (think about the parable of the wheat and the tares), but we should be able to see at least some fruits of the Holy Spirit. All of the fruits may not be present, but at least some should be. Remember, born again Christians are still living with their flesh that is not born again so it's possible to have a body that sins and/or wants to sin, but a spirit that does not sin and/or want to sin.
While people may teach that we have a license to sin, quoting specific Bible verses out of context, and ignoring parts of the Bible that condemn willful sin, I am certain that God does not want people to sin deliberately. If people don't learn that from good teachers then hopefully they can learn it directly from God like I did.
2 Cor.3:18 is about progressive sanctification, is that what you see too?
18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
While people may teach that we have a license to sin, quoting specific Bible verses out of context, and ignoring parts of the Bible that condemn willful sin, I am certain that God does not want people to sin deliberately. If people don't learn that from good teachers then hopefully they can learn it directly from God like I did.
2 Cor.3:18 is about progressive sanctification, is that what you see too?
18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.