There are a number of divisions in the Christian church ranging from when and how often to partake the Lord’s Supper, to worship with or without musical instruments, and the list goes on and on. There is one issue that divides perhaps more than any other. The issue is baptism.
BAPTISM
Matthew 3:7 (Also in Luke 3:7)
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Here was John the Baptist speaking. He starts out our look at baptism because he was the envoy if you will, the messenger, sent forth to pave the way. John baptized with water as scripture will show and baptized with said liquid for repentance. The baptism that is done after Christ’s death involves so much more than water. Luke 3:12 shows that tax collectors came to be baptized. Luke 7:29-30 speaks about tax collectors and lawyers receiving John’s baptism.
Matthew 20:22-23(Also in Mark 10:38-39)
But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”
They said to Him, “We are able.”
23 So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.”
They said to Him, “We are able.”
23 So He said to them, “You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared by My Father.”
Jesus is at first speaking to two who really want to be the favorite sons, James and John. Notice first that Christ uses the words baptism and baptized, but nowhere does he say water, baptism or salvation together. The baptism He spoke of was His death and subsequent resurrection.
Christ concludes that yes, they will be able to drink from the cup and be baptized with the baptism He would endure. Keep this in mind for later references. The baptism Christ spoke of was representative of belief in Him as the crucified Christ Risen Savior. It is a repetitive theme throughout the New Testament that will see momentarily.
Mark 1:4-5
John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.
Again we see John and his baptism of repentance for the remission of sin. What does remission mean? In short, it means forgiveness. John’s baptism had its place, but it became void after the events of the cross and empty tomb.
Mark 11:30
The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.”
The religious snobs were trying to trap Christ, but Jesus as God always does answered them with a question of His own. When they couldn’t answer, Jesus told them that He would not tell them. If one looks at what I wrote above concerning John’s baptism, the answer should be clear. John although filled with the Holy Spirit was paving the way for the Christ. If his baptism, water baptism, prior to the crucifixion was all that was needed, then Christ’s job at the cross was not really needed.
Luke 3:3
And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins
Again, John is preparing the way and this was prophesized by Isaiah many years before.
Luke 7:29
And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John
Jesus had just finished telling two men answers to the questions John had He spoke to the masses speaking kind words about John. He told the crowd that the folks who were the least in the Kingdom would be greater than John.
Luke 12:50
But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am till it is accomplished!
Jesus was not talking about a water baptism. The baptism He spoke of was His death, His payment for our sin debt, His gift to the father and to all mankind. As you know or perhaps will see for the first time as this work progresses, we are a part of Christ’s baptism as Christians. This baptism is the one he said James and John would be a part of.
Acts 1:22
beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
Peter is giving a summary of the Good News.
Acts 10:37
that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached
Peter was responsible for first witnessing to the Gentiles.
Acts 13:24
after John had first preached, before His coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
Paul when witnessing gave account at times like Peter had in summary.
Acts 18:25
This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John.
The man in the scripture is Apollos. He knew of Christ, but only knew of John’s baptism. Some may wonder how that is that a man could be instructed bin the way of the Lord, but not know about the Risen Christ. How was John filled with the Holy Spirit before birth? I don’t know nor do I feel like I have to know every mystery of God. God allows us to know what he wants us to know. The unbeliever will call Christians simple minded for my stance, but it’s more than a stance. I’m at total peace with what I know about scripture thanks be to God.
Acts 19:3-4
3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?”
So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”
4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”
So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”
4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”
Here we have Paul reiterating the whole thesis of salvation (saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus). The baptism of John was similar in meaning to the Old Testament’s offerings.
Romans 6:4
Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Sounds clear, right? We were buried with Christ through baptism-this is the baptism Christ spoke of from Luke 12 (If you don’t remember, it was His death). As He was raised by the Father, so are we. How can I say His death is baptism? I don’t. God’s inspired truth does, as I point to it. Look at what Paul wrote to the Ephesians.
Ephesians 4:5
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
One baptism is not a water baptism. The one spoke about here is Christ’s death and resurrection. Again, look back at the previous verses.
Colossians 2:12
buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
The key word in this verse is faith. You were raised with Him through faith.
I Peter 3:21
There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,
This verse is a part of a larger piece detailing Noah and his crew being saved from the Flood. Okay here we go: To adequately understand the scripture, the words must be understood, so here are definitions for the word antitype: 1. One that is foreshadowed by or identified with an earlier symbol or type, such as a figure in the New Testament who has a counterpart in the Old Testament. 2. An opposite or contrasting type.
Let’s take the first definition and apply it. The OT’s Flood being water is the antitype of NT baptism. Everyone with me? The Old Testament’s Flood counterpart or second half is Baptism. Well, that certainly sounds like water baptism saves a person, one might say. That would read that way IF the following was not also included in regards to baptism. Baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), So in other words the verse reads, There is also a symbol, a counterpart, a figure that now saves us-baptism THROUGH THE RESSURRECTION OF CHRIST. Again this is the baptism that Christ spoke about in Luke 12. One more time including the parts about Noah and the Ark. Just as the Ark saved Noah, so does baptism through the resurrection of Christ.
If we take the second definition and apply it, we see, the verse still has the same meaning. There is also an opposite which now saves us-baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If the flood’s opposite, contrasting type, and or counterpart is baptism then it doesn’t refer to a saving water baptism, but rather the baptism that Christ spoke of in Luke 12.
Hebrews 6:2
of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
This focuses on showing us the body of Christ that we should not be still focused on the fundamentals of our faith, but rather grows from them and become stronger Christians. This does not mean that we trivialize what Jesus has done, but we must as His children grow spiritually. If a first grader can add 2 and 2 and get 4 that is great, but when that first grader becomes a second grader, more is expected. Do you see the point of this verse? Christian people should not bicker among themselves. It is Satan’s plan to divide the people of God.
BAPTIZE
Matthew 3:11 (Also in Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16)
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
John The Baptist says it pretty clear. He said Christ would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Fire refers I believe to judgment.
Mark 1:4
John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
John 1:25-28
And they asked him, saying, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
John 1:31-34
I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.”
32 And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. 33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”
32 And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. 33 I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”
John The Baptist says in reference to Christ that He, Jesus, will baptize with the Holy Spirit? The answer is the baptism that again Jesus spoke of in Luke 12. Scripture teaches that Christ did not baptize anyone on earth with or in water. We receive good people the Holy Spirit when we accept Christ as Lord.
I Corinthians 1:17
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect.
Paul baptized a number of people when the Spirit led him to do so. Here he gives his purpose. Christ sent him to preach the Gospel but not with his own words. The Gospel is the death and resurrection of the Lord. The hope, that is to say, God’s promise to his people began in stable, died on a cross, but rose from the grave leaving an empty tomb to testify. If we think water baptism adds to our salvation then what a shameful thing we have added to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Anyone who says it (our salvation) is belief in Christ plus baptism or anything else has essentially overlooked the crucified Christ by denying the saving Grace of the Risen Savior.
BAPTIZED (A lot of references were mentioned in the previous section as to not be repetitious)
Matthew 3:6
and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
John The Baptist once again.
Matthew 3:13-16 (Also in Luke 3:21)
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.
16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.
16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.
I included verse 15 to show that it is right to be baptized. Jesus was baptized not for the forgiveness of sins because He was fully God yet fully man albeit a sinless one. While it is right to be baptized as Christ was, we must not put emphasis on the act of baptism over the cross and empty tomb.
Mark 16:16
He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
This verse does not a doctrine make. What am I saying? There are many within the Christian brotherhood, the flock, which take this verse and add it to the Grace of God that flowed from the cross. Who is baptized? Those who have acknowledged their need for Christ as Savior are the ones who should be baptized. Those are the same people who by acknowledging their need of Christ repent of sinful behavior. Sorry, sprinkling water on an infant isn’t baptism. The verse does not read all who believes and in addition to is baptized. Sadly many teach and preach that. Obedient Christians should be baptized. There is no reason not to be. The problem in the church arises when someone’s commitment and or salvation is questioned by the body when the former accepts Christ as Lord and waits a week or so to be baptized. As we will see here and as I wrote covering The Acts of The Apostles, the formula for baptism is always repenting from sin, accepting Christ, and then the act (BAPTISM) itself. The act or rather plan of Salvation is simpler; Repenting and belief in Christ. Notice the last line, but he does what? He who does not believe will be condemned. It was not he who believes not and is not baptized. Why is that? Oh right, baptism is a sign, a symbol of obedience as a Christian.
John 3:22-23 and 3:26
After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized./ And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!”
John 4:1-2
Therefore, when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples)
The key words are Jesus made and baptized more disciples. How did He make disciples? Well, they listened to His words and believed. Baptism followed after belief. That is again the formula I mentioned earlier. Baptism follows belief.
John 10:40
And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed.
This is geographical information.
BAPTIZED
I believe I’ve covered baptism in my writing over Acts, but we will revisit for accuracy here.
ACTS 1:5
for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Jesus promises the disciples that they will be what? Baptized by the Holy Spirit. Guess what didn’t involve water? That is right, the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
ACTS 2:28
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The original wording in the native language speaks volumes. What this verse does not mean is that salvation by the Spirit follows water baptism. Any number of scriptures pertaining to people believing on and in Christ followed up with immediate baptism can and does lend itself to validating verse thirty-eight’s legitimate claim to baptismal regeneration. But a verse or two by itself cannot and does not make a doctrine mean what we want. Recall 21'AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED. Also think about the very words of Christ as recorded in John 11:25-26, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. This directly corresponds with what Peter mentioned from Joel and what Paul later wrote to the Romans by saying under God’s inspiration, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. For the Scripture says, ‘WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for ‘WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.’” Pay close attention to the next verse:
ACTS 2:41
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
It says those who received as in believed the word, the Word is Jesus by the way. After accepting/receiving the Word they followed up with baptism.
ACTS 8:12
But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself also believed; and when he was baptized he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which were done.
When the people hear Philip preach about the Word, scripture teaches that they believed.
ACTS 8:16
For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Commentators disagree about it, but I will throw my two cents in the ring. Do I know why the Holy Ghost had not yet fallen on them? No. I think it might possibly have something to do with perhaps the people did not fully commit their hearts and souls to Christ. These people were baptized in Christ’s name only. It is like I wrote concerning chapter two, the act of baptism is meaningless if a real commitment is not present. Christ originally told the apostles to wait until the Spirit came upon them. That was then. So, do we today, have to wait for the Spirit to come upon us? Must we have the ordained lay hands on us? No. That is not my answer, but the Word.
I Corinthians 12:13 “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
Romans 8:9 tells us that if a person does not possess the Holy Spirit, he or she does not belong to Christ: “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.”
Ephesians 1:13-14 teaches us that the Holy Spirit is the seal of salvation for all those who believe: “Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.”
ACTS 8:36-38
Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?”
37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”
And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.
37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”
And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.
First, the Ethiopian read, heard, then understood by Philip who Christ is. He heard the Gospel message. Upon seeing water, he wanted to know basically why wait. There are some in the Christian world that teach salvation is acquired through Jesus and baptism. That is not the case. Our faith in Christ alone is the saving ingredient. But the new believer was so fired up for Christ because he believed in Him as Lord, he wanted to be baptized. There’s no arguing that. The act of baptism would have been meaningless if he had not first made a commitment to Jesus, the Son.
ACTS 9:18
Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
This refers to Saul/Paul three days after his Damascus Road conversion. Paul believed first before he could be baptized.
ACTS 10:47-48
“Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
Peter is defending baptizing the Gentiles who have ALREADY received salvation that is The Holy Spirit. Let us take a look at that order. No one can refuse water baptism for those who have received, (PAST TENSE) the Holy Spirit. Does Jesus command believers to be baptized? Yes, He does. Does the baptism save us? Maybe from dirt. The baptism is a symbolic ceremony that demonstrates our identifying ourselves to and with Christ. This is why Peter orders the new believers to be baptized. To be saved, we must believe.
ACTS 11:16
Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
Peter recalls what we already know from the Gospel concerning the Holy Spirit.
ACTS 16:15
And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us.
This refers to a woman, Lydia, who heard the Word from Paul and believed. After believing, baptism followed. Again it followed, but at no time was her salvation hinged on the act of immersion.
Acts 16:33
And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.
Let’s backtrack a minute to the scripture in context.
30 And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.
31 So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.
Verse thirty-two clearly teaches that all who were in the home heard the Word of God and believed. Having heard first heard, then believing on Christ, they were baptized.
ACTS 18:8
Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
II know it is repetitive now, but look and see the formula. It is belief then baptism. Would they have been any less saved if the baptism didn’t immediately follow? No. Nowhere does scripture teach that baptism has to follow immediately.
ACTS 19:3-5
And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?”
So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”
4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
So they said, “Into John’s baptism.”
4 Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
In nineteen, Paul asks certain disciples if they had received the Holy Spirit when he believed. His response is, “What? Who?”
“Who have you been baptized in?” Paul questioned.
“John.”
So Paul explains.
Now here is a situation that many argue about. Paul lays hands on the men. The Spirit came on them. When they were baptized the first time it was in John’s repentance. The baptism in Christ is in the Spirit. The book of John records that Christ blew on the disciples and they received the Spirit. This was temporary because they along with others totaling one hundred twenty receive the Spirit permanently at Pentecost. So you see, all those that believe in Christ as Lord had not received the Spirit until the appointed time. The book of Acts is a transitional book for the transitional period of growth of the church. Why did they receive the Spirit by Paul placing his hands rather than at the moment of belief? I don’t know. But what I do know is that now, since the Good News has been verified and ratified if you will, people upon belief of and in Christ I think it was pretty dramatic that it occurred this way because it certainly introduced the Gospel to Asia.
ACTS 22:16
And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’
Once again, baptism does not save anyone! Before Christ, John’s baptism was of repentance not salvation. We are “baptized” with and in the Holy Spirit upon acceptance of Christ. The physical act of water baptism does not add an extra year of salvation to eternity. Salvation rests in Christ alone. To be obedient Christians, baptism must be done, but nowhere in scripture will one ever find a word that says baptism has to be immediate. Salvation once obtained is true and sealed. Here are four thoughts commentators use to prove that the idea of baptismal regeneration is bogus.
1. Paul’s conversion teaches that he was saved first before his baptism.
2. Cornelius, the first Gentile convert was baptized after he accepted Christ as Savior.
3. Titus 3:4-7 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
4. All apostles agreed with Paul’s teachings because work with me here, the teachings of Paul did not belong to Paul, but to God.
ROMANS 6:3
Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
This train of thought is validated by the earlier noted scripture that speaks of being buried in Christ and rising with Him. We have verses one and two of chapter six addresses the idea of Christians sinning after being saved. Becoming a Christian is becoming a new creation, the old has passed away so why then should a sinner turned saint continue to sin? Now most folks will say, “I’m human, not perfect, Don’t judge me!” However, Christians that are growing in the Grace of Christ will not have the desires of their old live without the Holy Spirit’s Grace on them. Yes, Christians sin, but after sinning, we are convicted by the Spirit and then make it right by confession to God and then abstaining from said sin.
I Corinthians 1:13-16
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. 16 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other.
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 lest anyone should say that I had baptized in my own name. 16 Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides, I do not know whether I baptized any other.
Paul again speaks about being thankful to not have baptized any of the Corinthians with the noted exceptions. By this point in our look at scripture, it should be noted that Paul like the other apostles did not teach baptismal regeneration.
I Corinthians 10:2
Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea
It doesn’t refer to the crossing in the sea. For one, the waters were parted for the children of Israel and two, more importantly, the use of baptized here is figurative if baptize means to immerse. Was Moses not at God’s command, the leader of the Israelites for a time?
I Corinthians 12:13
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
The baptism Paul wrote about is you guessed it, the Holy Spirit.
I Corinthians 15:29
Otherwise, what will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead?
Chapter 15 in general deals with the resurrection of the dead. Paul cites the example of those who were baptized as a proof of the resurrection. Their actions symbolized their hope that they would live again. The resurrection is the hope of the dead. Paul's question seems to be, "Why are they baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all?" This verse is not correctly translated from the Greek. Paul is not talking about being baptized "in the place of," "on behalf of," or "for" the dead. The Greek word translated "for" is huper, and it has several meanings: "above," "over," "instead of," "for the realization of," or "for the hope of," depending upon the context.
Galatians 3:27
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Being baptized into Christ is accepting Him. The phrase many of you translate into all of you. We put on Christ by living our lives like him showing that our commitment to Him is real.
Many scholars say there seven types of baptisms ranging from Moses to the cross to fire. That’s all well and good; however, for you and me, and all future believers we must look to Christ and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I pray this look at scripture has enlightened you on your walk with Christ. Soon we will look at part II: Belief followed by Faith.
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