Lesson 7-16 Water Baptism? Part 7 Conclusion & Comments on Baptism

Now as we close this study of water baptism, I hope you have enjoyed and learned from it.

Hopefully our desire for these lessons to be understandable, defendable, and for the Holy Spirit to bear witness that the answers are the true and correct interpretation of the Holy Scriptures has been granted.

Now as we approach the conclusion and comments on this subject, I would like to repeat the guidelines we always use on this website in our Bible Studies.

Guidelines:

1. We are treating the living words of the living God as spoken by the Lord Jesus and given to the Apostle Paul for the Body of Christ the same importance, as the words of the Lord Jesus recorded in red letters in the books of Matthew – Acts Chp. 8, as what should be known as the instructions to the nation Israel.
2. We will not be wresting the scriptures against each other, we will look at the verses in their context, and will not try to make the scriptures say anything, but what they say.
3. We will be using the verses out of the Authorized Version, commonly known as the KJV. It is fine if you want to look the verses up in other translations if you like, but we will consider the Authorized Version as our final written authority.
4. We do not and will not be using the Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, or Latin languages to prove any points, or give any indication that the Authorized Version has been incorrectly translated.

First question I was asked, and hope to answer in the conclusion to this study is; “Does it really matter what I or any other person believes about water baptism?” I think this is a great question and really defines why the study of water baptism is so important, especially if we can arrive at a doctrinally sound answer that is easily understood by all Christians seeking the truth.

First up is Jesus speaking to the woman at the well in John 4 [22] Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. [23] But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. [24] God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Second up is the Bereans in Acts.17 [11] These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Third up is Paul in 1^stThessalonians 5 [21] Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

Fourth up we have John in 1^stJohn.4 [1] Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

We see in the above verses a principle (a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning) that is true across all the different time periods of the Bible, and that is believers in every generation were to read, memorize, study, and search the scriptures so they could discern truth from error.

Christians are to try (to examine or investigate judicially), prove (to establish the existence, truth, or validity of), the things that we believe are true. In Matt.-Acts Chp. 9 the word truth appears 39 times, Paul uses the word truth 51 times, and I believe it is important since the Lord Jesus said “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

Christians spend a lot of time in worship services today singing worship songs to the living God, but when confronted with the Truth of God’s Holy Word, they seem disinterested in actually studying to discern truth from error. 

You ask, how do we discern truth from error, well there is only way to do this and that is by comparing spiritual things with spiritual. Paul tells us in 1 Cor. In verse 11 a man knows the things of a man by the spirit of man which is in him. In other words, we understand things about people or humans, and can relate to other humans because of the spirit of man that we have in our heart (one's innermost character, feelings, or inclinations). In this same way Paul tells us that we cannot understand spiritual things with man’s teaching or wisdom, but we have to have the Holy Ghost teach us by comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

1Cor.2 [11] For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. [12] Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. [13] Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Now the conclusion of our study on the subject water baptism.

Summary of Items that we proved to be true in the previous six lessons, these are simply undisputable facts concerning water baptism and spiritual baptism;

1. There are many different modes of water baptism being practiced today. Some groups baptize by sprinkling, some by pouring, some by immersion, some face forward, and some backwards, etc. with no clear cut directions from the scripture on whether one is better than another.

2. The water baptism that John the Baptist was performing was one of repentance for sinners.

3.   John’s water baptism had one purpose, and that purpose was to make Jesus known to Israel.

4. Jesus was not baptized for any sins that he had committed, but to fulfill the law and all righteousness.

5. We established that the heavens opened; the spirit of God descended upon Jesus, and God said from heaven this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased after Jesus was baptized.

6.   We established that Jesus was made manifest to the nation Israel by the actions of the Living God, and thus proved him to be Israel’s promised Messiah.

7. We established Paul’s commission contained no instructions to continue baptizing people with water, and he clearly states that when he said in “1^st Corinthians 1 [18] For Christ sent me not to baptize”….

8. We established Paul’s commission was to preach the Gospel of Jesus’s death for our sins, his burial, and his resurrection from the dead the third day. “1^st Corinthians 15 [1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; [2] By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. [3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

9. We established Paul’s epistles do not contain one reference, or any indication that the Body of Christ should practice water baptism, in fact just the opposite, Paul indicated there is only one baptism which we determined to be spiritual baptism into the Body of Christ. "Ephesians 4 [5] One Lord, one faith, one baptism,"

1^st comment:

Water baptism is the most divisive issue of the Christian faith; it is the major issue Northern Baptist, Primitive Baptist, Seventh Day Baptist, and Southern Baptist cannot get along with the Methodist, as they fight over baptism by immersion verses sprinkling. Then all of the different denominations fight over infant baptism, teenage baptism, modes of baptism, even the words being said over the person being baptized. Some groups believe you have to be baptized in Jesus name, and of course this group believes that if the baptizer spoke the words in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost those people were not properly baptized. Some groups practice naked baptisms. Some groups believe in water baptismal regeneration (you get saved when you go under the water), etc. and the list goes on and on of the differences surrounding water baptism. But the one thing that is sure about water baptism is its divisive nature among the Christian denominations.

2^nd comment

There are absolutely zero instructions from the scripture on the modes of water baptism, and no clear cut directions on who and how the authorization to perform water baptisms after John the Baptist and the apostles died would be passed along. Of course some groups believe it has to be a Church elder, others believe anyone can do the baptizing; others hold that it has to be a deacon, bishop, pastor, etc. but this information is not clearly stated, or found in the scriptures.

3^rd comment

Paul clearly stated that Christ did not send him to baptize, and we have clearly stated that Jesus did tell the 11 apostles to baptize. This is clear in the scriptures and no one I know ever addresses this fact or the subject of the difference in Paul’s instructions by the Lord Jesus in the main line denominations.

4^th comment

Paul is clear in his epistles on the subject of water baptism, and removes the confusion making it very clear water baptism was not part of his commission/instructions given to him by the Lord Jesus Christ.

5^th comment

Is there anyone reading this that cannot see the confusion the subject of water baptism causes for believers, and the divisive nature that it continues to be?  1^st Corinthians 14 [33] For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

6^th comment

I am afraid that we are approaching the point of no return for saving the Christian faith as a force in the world. Satan currently has a death grip on the Body of Christ, the pews are full of Christians who no longer know the scriptures or search the scriptures on a daily basis for truth to prove, try, and test whether these modern day preachers are preaching the truth. No Christian who reads the Bible should just sit under any teaching and not check to make sure that the teaching is sound doctrine. I personally like it when people look up verses and study, even if it is to try and disprove what I am teaching, at least they are in the word. Notice in the verses below that Satan’s ministers are transformed as the ministers of righteousness. We need to be good soldiers for Christ and able to spot Satan’s ministers.  1^st Corinthians 11 [13] For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. [14] And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. [15] Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

7^th comment

I cannot think of anything more damaging to the Body of Christ and its testimony to the world of lost sinners, than for the Christians of all denominations to be fighting over all the issues surrounding water baptism. Especially if we are correct in our study and water baptism is not even supposed to be practiced by the Body of Christ! Honestly this is a text book case of how Satan works, divide and conquer over unsound doctrine.

Conclusion

“Does it really matter what I, or any other person believes about water baptism?” Yes, it does matter what we believe about water baptism verses spiritual baptism. It does matter, in the same way what we believe and teach about Jesus death, burial, and resurrection from the dead matters. The Truth always matters. We as Christians should be engaged in searching the scriptures daily for the truth, to ensure we are promoting and teaching sound doctrine for the Body of Christ.

Let’s make a commitment to start studying the scriptures on a daily basis. Let’s get our house in order and get some clear directions for the Body of Christ. I am going to close this lesson with some verses that should help you if you are interested in becoming a stronger Christian witness.

1.      Recognize and make sure you know who your apostle is:

a.      Rom. 1 [1] Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

b.      Rom. 11 [13] For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

2.      Make sure you are following the Lord Jesus by following the right Apostle, Paul said:

a.      1Cor. 4 [16] Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

b.      1Cor. 11 [1] Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

c.       Phil. 3 [17] Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

3.      Then strive to live for the Lord Jesus by the instructions given to Paul for the Body of Christ:

a.      1Cor.1 [10] Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

b.      Phil.1 [27] Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

c.       Phil.2 [2] Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Can you imagine if Christians would quit fighting each other over silly issues like whether to put a person in the baptismal pool face forward or backward, sprinkle or immerse them, and instead focus on being the Christians we should be. What a difference we could make in this world! You can make a difference!

As we conclude this series, I hope you will become a student of God’s Holy Word rightly divided!

With modern day technology being what it is, it is very easy to do word searches and check when someone quotes a Bible verse or tells you something is in the Bible for you to look it up and verify if they are pulling your leg!

The Truth of God’s Holy word is easy to determine if you let the Holy Spirit lead you.

Remember all of the confusion among Christianity/Christians today can be attributed to the simple fact that the church, the Body of Christ, does not recognize the separate, distinct, and unique apostleship, ministry, and message of Paul.

If you have never trusted the Lord Jesus as your savior, I encourage you to believe in him and invite him to save you today! All one needs to do is to trust and believe in the Lord Jesus’s death, burial and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins to be made new in him.

Gal.2 [16] Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified

Eph.3 [17] That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, [19] And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

What a great day that will be when Jesus Christ returns in all his glory, friend don’t let that day take you unawares. Today Jesus has his arms outstretched and open to sinners to put their trust in him. One day we will all stand before him either as our savior or our judge, don’t put it off invite Jesus to save you today!

"The crowd that will not accept one truth will decay to the point that it does not accept one God: many denominations, many translations, many gods."

The words of our Apostle Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles!

2Tim.2 [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Come join with us as we study God’s Holy Word!

Remember most unsound Bible Doctrine, is sound Bible Doctrine misapplied to the wrong time period, or wrong group of people.

The next lesson is in work, and will be posted when done!  

Please Subscribe by email, and you will notified when new lessons are posted 

Remember if you like these lessons, don't just like them, share them!

Contact us at: biblerightlydivided@gmail.com

Lesson 6-16 Water Baptism? Part 6 Baptism in the Dispensation of Grace

I have been asked to give my understanding on water baptism, and its relationship to the Body of Christ. Should we be practicing it today?

As always I will be sharing the teachings and understanding as I believe the Lord Jesus has shown to me by study and through the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

I never encourage anyone to believe anything that I believe, without them first studying it out for themselves. If they come to a different understanding than myself, that is ok, as there is liberty in the Lord for us to not see all things at the same time.

Now as we continue this study of water baptism I will repeat the guidelines we are using just in case this is the first lesson you read.  This will be a benefit for all readers such that each lesson can stand on its own merit. 

1. We are treating the living words of the living God as spoken by the Lord Jesus and given to the Apostle Paul for the Body of Christ the same importance, as the words of the Lord Jesus recorded in red letters in the books of Matthew – Acts Chp. 8, as what should be known as the instructions to the nation Israel.
2. We will not be wresting the scriptures against each other. We will look at the verses in their context, and we will not try to make them say anything, but what they say.
3. We will be using the verses out of the Authorized Version; commonly known as the KJV. It is fine if you want to look the verses up in other translations if you like, but we will consider the Authorized Version as our final written authority.
4. We do not and will not be using the Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, or Latin languages to prove any points or give any indication that the Authorized Version has been incorrectly translated.

Our desire for these lessons are for them to be understandable, defendable, and have the Holy Spirit bear witness that the answers are the true, and correct, interpretation of the Holy Scriptures.

Now, at this point we have established some very important Bible truths which are often overlooked when people just read their Bible like a novel instead of studying their Bible like the textbook it is (authored and inspired by God, transcribed by man).  

Summary of Points we have established thus far. 

1. There are many different modes of water baptism being practiced today. Some groups baptize by sprinkling, some by pouring, some by immersion, some face forward, some backwards, etc. with no clear cut directions from the scripture on whether one way is better than another.
2. The water baptism that John the Baptist was practicing was one of repentance for sinners.
3. Jesus was not baptized for any sins that he had committed, but to fulfill the law and all righteousness.
4. John’s water baptism had one purpose and that purpose was to make Jesus known to Israel.
5. We established that the heavens opened; the spirit of God descended upon Jesus, and God said from heaven "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased" after Jesus was baptized.
6. We established that Jesus was made manifest to the nation Israel by the actions of the Living God, and thus proved him to be Israel’s promised Messiah.

In the last lesson we learned two additional and very important points,

1. Paul’s commission contained no instructions to continue baptizing people with water. He clearly states that when he said “For Christ sent me not to baptize”.
2. Paul’s commission was to preach the gospel of the death, burial, and resurrection from the dead of the Lord Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. Paul’s gospel was in no way a continuation of the gospel of the Kingdom of God that was preached by the 11 apostles.

1Cor. 1 [17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

1^st Cor. 15 [3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

Now, once again, let us continue our study of God’s Holy Word so that we can arrive at a sound doctrinal position on the subject of water baptism.

We have stated many times on this website that Jesus did commission the 11 apostles to baptize, and teach the nations to observe all things whatsoever he commanded. The problem is that people fail to recognize that Jesus in Matthew through Acts Chp. 8 was teaching the people (Nation of Israel) to follow the law, and believe it or not, baptism was part of the Mosaic Law.

Just because Jesus gives someone an assignment, commission, or some other task to perform in the Bible does not mean that we can just claim it as something he wants us to do. We will discuss this flawed line of reasoning later in these lessons.

Here's an important point going forward: (another big mistake that is made when dealing with the subject of water baptism) almost without fail, when someone hears the word baptize, they think water baptism and do not consider it may be spiritual baptism.

It's very clear John the Baptist said that Jesus Christ would be baptizing people with the Holy Ghost and not water.

In this lesson we will be looking at the references to baptism in the Pauline epistles to determine the doctrinal position of the Apostle Paul on water baptism verses spiritual baptism.

Rom.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? [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: [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.

I would ask you to pray and ask the Holy Spirit of the Living God to guide in this study, make it clear to you and I, by revealing the truth about water baptism.

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard the verses above used by preachers when they baptize someone in water. In fact, this is probably one of the most quoted verses used in water baptism rites or ceremonies.

[3] Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Interestingly enough is there is no water in these verses. Let us look closely at the verses now. In verse three Jesus speaking through the apostle Paul, tells us that we are baptized in Jesus Christ. And, when we are baptized into Jesus Christ, we are baptized into his death. This baptism into Jesus Christ is a spiritual baptism. There is no interaction with water that can place us into the Body of Christ.

[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.

In verse four we are told we are buried with him by baptism into death. That, as Christ was raised from the dead, even so we should walk in newness of life. This, once again, is clearly talking about spiritual baptism without water.

[5] For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

In verse five there is no water involved in the death or resurrection of Jesus. The only time we have seen water baptism involved with Jesus was early in his ministry, when John the Baptist baptized with water to make Jesus known to the nation Israel. Never was there any reference to water surrounding his death and resurrection except the water and blood that flowed from his wounded side, which certainly had nothing to do with water baptism.

[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.

In verse six we see that our old man is crucified with him. If this was not spiritual in nature, the rest of the verse makes no sense because we would be physically dead! Paul goes on to say after the old man is crucified, we should not henceforth serve sin. He is talking about us walking in newness of life as a new man!

1Cor. 12  [12] For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. [13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. [14] For the body is not one member, but many.

In 1Cor. 12 Jesus speaking through the Apostle Paul states “[13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body,” I am not going to say a lot about this as I believe the Holy Spirit of the living God has now revealed Christians are baptized into Christ by the Holy Ghost, and not water. Also if you are not a Christian the only way to become one is to be baptized by the Holy Ghost into Christ, and not getting sprinkled, immersed, or water poured on your head or body.

Gal. 3 [26] For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. [27] For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Honestly, in the verse above, can this be anything but spiritual baptism? There is no evidence Jesus speaking through the apostle Paul, was teaching anything but spiritual baptism.

Eph.4 [4] There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; [5] One Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Now we come to Eph. 4 and Paul clearly recites the number one seven times. We have to believe that one means one! Now notice he says there is one baptism. Yet we know that there are at least seven different types of baptism in the scripture that we studied earlier. I propose to you that the one baptism spoken of here is the spiritual baptism into the body of Christ, and not water baptism.

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.

In Col. 2 the last place we find the word baptism in Paul’s instructions to the Body of Christ as given to him and him alone by the Lord Jesus, we see spiritual again, it is spiritual and has nothing to do with water baptism.

Conclusion: There is no water baptism in Romans, 1st Corinthians 12, Galatians, Ephesians,  or Colossians, and  Paul is clearly speaking and teaching spiritual baptism in his epistles.

Notice how clear this is when you just read it, believe it, and let the Holy Spirit of the living God make his Holy Words easy to understand.

As we conclude this lesson, I hope you will go and study it out as we get ready for the conclusion of this series in part seven where we will look at, "Does it really matter what we believe concerning water baptism?"

With modern day technology being what it is, it is very easy to do word searches and check when someone quotes a Bible verse or tells you something is in the Bible for you to look it up and verify if they are pulling your leg!

The Truth of God’s Holy word is easy to determine if you let the Holy Spirit lead you.

Remember all of the confusion among Christianity/Christians today can be attributed to the simple fact that the church, the Body of Christ, does not recognize the separate, distinct, and unique apostleship, ministry, and message of Paul.

If you have never trusted the Lord Jesus as your savior, I encourage you to believe in him and invite him to save you today! All one needs to do is to trust and believe in the Lord Jesus’s death, burial and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins to be made new in him.

Gal.2 [16] Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified

Eph.3 [17] That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, [19] And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

What a great day that will be when Jesus Christ returns in all his glory, friend don’t let that day take you unawares. Today Jesus has his arms outstretched and open to sinners to put their trust in him. One day we will all stand before him either as our savior or our judge, don’t put it off invite Jesus to save you today!

"The crowd that will not accept one truth will decay to the point that it does not accept one God: many denominations, many translations, many gods."

The words of our Apostle Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles!

2Tim.2 [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Come join with us as we study God’s Holy Word!

Remember most unsound Bible Doctrine, is sound Bible Doctrine misapplied to the wrong time period, or wrong group of people.

The next lesson is in work, and will be posted when done!  

Please Subscribe by email, and you will notified when new lessons are posted 

Remember if you like these lessons, don't just like them, share them!

Contact us at: biblerightlydivided@gmail.com

Lesson 5-16 Water Baptism? Part 5 Saul/Paul’s Commission

I have been asked to give my understanding on water baptism, its relationship to the Body of Christ, and should we be practicing it today?

As always I will be sharing the teachings and understanding, as I believe the Lord Jesus has shown to me by study and through the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

I never encourage anyone to believe anything that I believe, without them first studying it out for themselves. If they come to a different understanding than myself, that is ok, as there is liberty in the Lord for us to not see all things the same, at the same time.

Now as we continue this study of water baptism I will repeat the guidelines we are using just in case this is the first lesson you read.  This will be a benefit for all readers such that each lesson can stand on its own merit.

1. We are treating the living words of the living God as spoken by the Lord Jesus and given to the Apostle Paul for the Body of Christ the same importance, as the words of the Lord Jesus recorded in red letters in the books of Matthew – Acts Chp. 8, as what should be known as the instructions to the nation Israel.
2. We will not be wresting the scriptures against each other, we will look at the verses in their context, and we will not try to make them say anything, but what they say.
3. We will be using the verses out of the Authorized Version, commonly known as the KJV. It is fine if you want to look the verses up in other translations if you like, but we will consider the Authorized Version as our final written authority.
4. We will not be using the Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, or Latin languages to prove any points, or give any indication that the Authorized Version has been incorrectly translated.

Different types of baptisms that are recorded in the scriptures and definitions.

1. Water Baptism – The practice of the religious rite of sprinkling water onto a person's forehead, or of immersion of a person in water, or dipping a person in water, or pouring water on a persons head and body. (For this study the mode of water baptism is inconsequential, the fact water is involved is enough for our study)
2. Baptism of John – This is the practice of water baptism as performed by John the Baptist. (Matt. 3;11 Matt. 21;25 Mark 11;30 Luke 7;29 20;4 John 1;31 Acts 1;22 Acts 18;25 )
3. Baptism of Repentance – This also is water baptism as practiced by John and administered to sinners and publicans. (Matt. 3;6,11 Mark 1;4 Luke 3;3 Acts 13;24)
4. Baptism of the Holy Ghost – This is spiritual baptism with the Holy Ghost. (First mentioned by John the Baptist in reference to Jesus.) Pay attention and notice, John said that Jesus would be the one baptizing with the Holy Ghost, not water.) (Matt 3;11 Mark 1;8 Luke 3;16 John 1:33)
5. Baptism of Fire – Dictionary definition; an introductory or initial experience that is a severe ordeal, (this baptism is spiritual in nature and does not include any water). (Matt. 3;11)
6. Baptism of Moses – This applies to the nation of Israel who was baptized in the cloud and sea. (1^st Cor. 10;2) (This is an Old Testament event and happened when Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt.)
7. Baptism for the dead – vicarious baptism or proxy baptism today commonly refers to the religious practice of baptizing a person on behalf of one who is dead—a living person receiving the rite on behalf of a deceased person. Baptism for the dead is best known as a doctrine of the Latter Day Saint movement, which has practiced it since 1840. (For this study we will not be dealing with this subject I only include it so that you know I am aware of this practice. But to just so you know, I don’t believe that it was something Paul believed the Body of Christ was supposed to be performing. (1^st Cor. 15:29)

Our desire for these lessons are for them to be understandable, defendable, and have the Holy Spirit bear witness that the answers are the true, and correct interpretation of the Holy Scriptures.

Now at this point we have established some very important Bible truths which are often overlooked when people just read their Bible like a novel, instead of studying their Bible like the textbook it is (authored and inspired by God, transcribed by man). 

1. At this point we have established there are many different modes of water baptism being practiced today. Some groups baptize by sprinkling, some by pouring, some by immersion, some face forward, and some backwards, etc. with no clear cut directions from the scripture on whether one is better than another.
2. We have clearly established the water baptism that John the Baptist was practicing, was one of repentance for sinners.
3. We have established that Jesus was not being baptized for any sins that he had committed, but to fulfill all righteousness.
4. We have established John’s water baptism had one purpose, and that purpose was to make Jesus known to Israel.
5. We have established that the heavens opened; the spirit of God descended upon Jesus, God said from heaven this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.
6. We have established that Jesus at this point in time was made manifest to the nation Israel by the actions of the Living God, and thus proved him to be Israel’s promised Messiah.

Let us now once again continue our study of God’s Holy Word as we add to the information we have gathered so far, this will help us to arrive at a sound doctrinal position on the subject of water baptism.

In this lesson we will be looking at the commission of Saul/Paul by the Lord Jesus. Why look at the commission of the Apostle Paul? Well Paul’s commission is the most important part in our study concerning water baptism and its relationship to the Body of Christ.

First the only reason that professing Christians practice water baptism today is because they were taught to believe that water baptism is what the Lord Jesus commissioned the apostles to do and thus that is what Jesus wants them to do.

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 alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Now as we have stated many times on this website that Jesus did commission the 11 apostles to baptize, and teach the nations to observe all things whatsoever he commanded. The problem is that people fail to recognize that Jesus in Matthew through Acts Chp. 8 was teaching the people (Nation of Israel) to follow the law, and believe it or not, baptism was part of the Mosaic Law.

Just because Jesus gives someone an assignment, commission, or some other task to perform in the Bible does not mean that you can just claim it as something he wants you to do, we will discuss this flawed line of reasoning later in these lessons.

Now let's look at Paul’s Commission and instructions that the Lord Jesus gave him concerning water baptism.

Acts.13 [9] Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,)…. The Apostle Paul was also known by the name Saul.

Acts.9 [13] Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man (Saul), how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: [14] And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. [15] But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he (Saul) is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: [16] For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

Now notice in verse 15 Jesus tells Ananias that Saul is “a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:”.

Pay close attention to what Saul/Paul’s commission is, Jesus tells Ananias that he is a chosen vessel to bear my name before the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.

God now saves Saul who we now know as Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles and is going to start a new program referred to as the dispensation of the grace of God. The reason that Paul is given this new message is because the Body of Christ is not part of God’s Old Testament Prophetic Program dealing with the Nation Israel. (Rom.11 [13] For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I (Paul) am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: Eph.3 [1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, [2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward: [3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, [4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) )

Ok that was just a little more background data, let’s move into 1^st Corinthians.

1Cor.1 [10] Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. [11] For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. [12] Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. [13] Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

Definition of contention: something (such as a belief, opinion, or idea) that is argued or stated

Here we see in the verses above that Paul was concerned and dealing with the Corinthians over contentions in the fellowship. One of the contentions that Paul first deals with is divisions, he asked is Christ divided? He stated the answer to this question in verse 10 when he said there should be no divisions among you, that we should speak the same thing, we should be of the same mind and the same judgement.

When you look at Christians and Christianity today do you see unity, or do you see division? Do you see the Christians speaking the same thing? Do you see Christians perfectly joined together in the same mind?

I certainly don’t see unity, I see Christians splintered into so many different groups, and believing so many different things, that hardly any of them can even speak or fellowship with one another as a result of all the differences!

I want to believe that since Paul spoke those words that it is possible for Christians to be of the same mind. I want to believe that we could all be joined together, live in peace and harmony, teach and believe the same doctrines.

But the only way this can ever happen, is for Christians to study their Bible to defend sound doctrine and not the man-made rules and teachings of their individual denominations. See verses below for a good example.

Matt. 15 [7] Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, [8] This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. [9] But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

Now back to Paul and his commission;

1Cor.1 [14] I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; [15] Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. [16] And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

I know this study is going to get very controversial in the next few lessons, as many Christians readily just accept what some man tells them is true, but never take the time to study and find out for themselves the truths contained in God’s Holy Word.

Notice Paul actually thanked God that he had not baptized many of the Corinthians. He only knew the names of two people, one household, and could not remember any others. He gives the reason that he didn’t want anyone saying that he had baptized in his own name.

Don’t you find this interesting that he was happy that he had not baptized many? If his commission had been the same as the other disciples he would been gladly baptizing everyone he came in contact with.

And now we come to verse that I believe will clarify Paul’s commission, and attitude towards water baptism. 

Jesus instructions to Paul; 1Cor.1 [17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

Paul says “Christ sent me not to baptize,” I am not going to spend a lot of time trying to explain it, when it doesn’t need a lot of explaining, it just needs a lot of believing of what the Apostle Paul said.

I think we just need to take what Paul said and that is Christ did not send him to baptize.

In Matt 28 we see that Christ clearly commissioned the 11 apostles to baptize, but that was not Paul’s commission. Anyone who has spent any time around denominational Christians knows that they are following what Jesus told the 11 apostles to do and not what Jesus told the Apostle Paul to do.

Paul goes on to say that Christ sent him “to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.”  

Paul said; when you preach the gospel with wisdom of words, you make simple truth of the cross of Christ of none effect.

Christians today have been taught the only person capable of teaching or understanding the Holy Scriptures is some Doctor of Theology, or someone with a degree from some Seminary, or Bible college. There is nothing further from the truth.

This has been one of Satan’s most effective attacks on the Body of Christ, and it has crippled the everyday Christian's desire to learn, and study God’s Holy Word.

The Authorized Version commonly known as the KJV is on an eighth grade reading level, all one needs to understand it’s teaching is the holy Spirit to enlighten your eyes, and not some four year Bible degree.

I know this is a study on water baptism and its relationship to the Body of Christ, that is why it is so important to understand that Paul’s commission was different, and not the same as the disciples in Matt. – Acts Chp. 8.

Even the gospel Paul preached was different;

1Cor.15 [1] Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

1Cor. 15 [3] For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; [4] And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

We have covered this many times, but the gospel of Matt. – Acts Chp. 8. was the gospel of the kingdom that required people to accept Jesus as their King.

Paul’s gospel demands that people accept Jesus as their Savior!

As we conclude another lesson, I hope you will go and study it out as we get ready for part six where we will look at the word baptism in detail in Paul’s epistles.

All the confusion among Christianity/Christians today can be attributed to the fact that the church, the Body of Christ, does not recognize the separate, distinct, and unique apostleship, ministry, and message of Paul.

If you fail to understand, or fail to learn how to rightly divide the word of truth, you can never come to the knowledge of the truth, and sound doctrine.

The Truth of God’s Holy word is easy to determine if you let the Holy Spirit lead you.

Remember all of the confusion among Christianity/Christians today can be attributed to the simple fact that the church, the Body of Christ, does not recognize the separate, distinct, and unique apostleship, ministry, and message of Paul.

If you have never trusted the Lord Jesus as your savior, I encourage you to believe in him and invite him to save you today! All one need do is to trust and believe in the Lord Jesus’s death, burial and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins to be made new in him.

Gal.2 [16] Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified

Eph.3 [17] That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, [19] And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

What a great day that will be when Jesus Christ returns in all his glory, friend don’t let that day take you unawares. Today Jesus has his arms outstretched and open to sinners to put their trust in him. One day we will all stand before him either as our savior or our judge, don’t put it off invite Jesus to save you today!

"The crowd that will not accept one truth will decay to the point that it does not accept one God: many denominations, many translations, many gods."

The words of our Apostle Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles!

2Tim.2 [15] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Come join with us as we study God’s Holy Word!

Remember most unsound Bible Doctrine, is sound Bible Doctrine misapplied to the wrong time period, or wrong group of people.

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