RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2020-05-14	Christian Baptism
		This should not be a controversial subject, but it is. It is controversial because church denominations and traditions have made it such. Allow me to describe the 7 baptisms referred to in the Bible. We will not talk about each of these, but just number 3 below. Actually all of these make for a wonderful study. Specifically, we will talk about Church Age Water Baptism. Baptisms 1-3 are symbolic and “Wet” Baptisms 4-7 are spiritual and “Dry” 1. Baptism of John the Baptist (Mt.3:1-12; Mk.1:1-18) 2. Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist (Mt.3:13-17) 3. Church Age Water Baptism (Mt.28:19; Ac.8:12) 4. Baptism of the Holy Spirit (1Co.12:12-14) 5. Baptism of Moses (1Co.10:1-4) 6. Baptism of the Cup (Mt.20:22-23; Mk.10:38-39) 7. Baptism of Fire (Mt.3:10-12; Lk.3:16-17) Baptism is NOT for the forgiveness of sins. Jesus who was sinless was baptized. The word baptism (baptizo) means to immerse or plunge. It is always used to identify with something. Before Christ ascended back to Heaven He gave us this command (Mt.28:19). Mat 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit We call this the great commission. It is expected that as we go and make disciples that we would baptize them who believe on Christ. WHO IS BAPTIZED? The New Testament pattern is that only born again believers are baptized. Being baptized does not make someone a believer. Faith in Christ comes first. Then because they have believed on Christ they will be baptized as evidence that they have indeed believed on Christ for salvation. Being baptized does not make someone more of a believer. Either they believe on Christ or they do not. Being baptized is an act of obedience, as Scripture tell us to be baptized. It is primarily an outward expression of their inward faith in Christ. So they are baptized because they are already saved (sins forgiven). Baptism is never to be saved. There is no such teaching in the Word of God. I should point out that when a person believes on Christ, they receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit which is number 4 above. This is different from water baptism which is our main study. So before a person is baptized in water, they have been baptized by the Holy Spirit. Again, this all assumes we are talking about a true believer. WHO CAN BAPTIZE A BELIEVER? The epistles never discuss who is to baptize, but rather it details the meaning behind baptism. So any true believer has the authority from God to baptize someone, as he has the authority to evangelize according to all that Christ commanded (Mt.28:19-20). CHRISTIAN BAPTISM PICTURES THE GOSPEL 1Co 15:3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 1Co 15:4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures Since baptism is only for those who have already believed, its purpose is to outwardly express what has happened in their heart. In baptism they are picturing putting away the “Old life” and realizing they have a “New life”. You may notice in Paul's description of the Gospel three key words were used, “died”, “buried”, and “rose again”. These 3 key words of the Gospel are the same key words to describe what happens symbolically in baptism. DEATH Symbolically we are crucified (DEATH) with Christ (Rm.6:3-8; Ga.2:20) Rom 6:3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Gal 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. >> This is pictured as we go down into the water << BURIED Symbolically we are buried (IN THE GRAVE) with Christ (Rm.6:3-4) Rom 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. Col 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. >> This is pictured as we are under or immersed in the water << RESURRECTION Symbolically we are raised (RESURRECTION) with Christ (Ep.2:5-6; Cl.2:12; 3:1) Eph 2:5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), Eph 2:6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus Col 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. Col 3:1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. >> This is pictured as we come up out of the water as walking in newness of life in Christ << This baptism emphasizes a believer's relationship with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Rm.6:3-11). This is why it is so important for the person to be a believer in Christ BEFORE being baptized. 2Co 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
		The link below will show a slide of a person being baptized along with its representative meaning. http://otischurch.com/resources/topics/baptism/baptism-presentation-slide06.png Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

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