During our last study we talked about The Miracle of Conversion. In this lesson on Water Baptism we will explore the reason behind our being water baptized and why it really is ordained of God and an essential part of our salvation.
Definition of “Baptism” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/baptism
(1) : a Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water and admitting the recipient to the Christian community
(2) : an act, experience, or ordeal by which one is purified, sanctified, initiated, or named
Water Baptism is an outward act (outward repentance) in obedience to God’s instruction. It is our consent to accept the baptism of the Holy Spirit. We are stating our belief of the Gospel and acknowledging our decision to follow Christ (outward repentance).
Within The Lord’s plan of salvation, we find references to both definitions just mentioned of the word “baptism”. Water Baptism pertains to definition #1, and Spiritual Baptism is outlined in definition #2. Spiritual Baptism or “The Baptism of The Holy Ghost” is another subject that I hope to discuss with you all next week.
To “consent” or ‘give approval’ is what people do when they formally commit to any relationship. This is especially true when someone is ‘betrothed’ or ‘engaged’ to be married. Both parties in the ‘relationship’ must have something in common (even if it is merely attraction or a hobby, etc. for some in the physical realm) in order for them both to be willing to ‘consent’ to the marriage proposal, right? Why otherwise get engaged to marry someone? Once they do, they are excited to make a public announcement where each get to proclaim their love and intentions to be together from thereon.
Comparing Earthly Marriage to our Marriage In Christ
1. Before people have a relationship, one of the two draws the other to them through some sort of attractive feature.
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
2. If the attraction is strong enough the two eventually communicate. If the woman still expresses interest, she will usually make him aware by giving him some sort of sign that she appreciates his presence.
Song of Solomon 2:1-4 I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under His shadow with great delight, and His fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love.
Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
3. If they truly have some common desire, then they may “court” or “date” to get to know each other more to see what life together might be like. However, if the lady has some attributes that ‘turns off’ her potential groom, it is very likely that the lady will even have ‘a change of heart’ concerning her appearance and behavior to please the man; showing her willingness to conform to his guidance in the relationship. If her routine life includes things that offends the man, she is likely to denounce and turn from them. She is also very likely to tell others how much she adores him to draw him back to her.
Psalms 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance
4. Once the man determines that he loves the lady and wants to spend the remainder of his life with her, he will ask her to marry him. Usually, when he does, he presents a gift of great value, like an expensive ring in many cultures. -This is likened to the miracle of conversion
Acts 15:8-9 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as He did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
Romans 8:9 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.
5. Then the two make a public announcement of their engagement with plans for marriage to take place on a later date. From this time and even after marriage, the woman then keeps her precious token of great value (the ring in an earthly relationship, God’s Spirit in the spiritual) with her at all times. It now belongs to her and nothing can separate her from it or otherwise convince her to toss it out. It reminds her daily of the coming date that she will be united or re-united with her betrothed, as she makes herself ready for that glorious event
Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 8:38-39 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ
Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Revelation 19:7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready.
The Purpose of Water Baptism
A while back we studied the Parable of The Ten Virgins. During this we learned what the Jewish wedding ritual consisted of in Jesus’s day, and also that this parable was used by Him to explain not only the Kingdom of Heaven, but also how He is returning for The Church, referred to by Him as His bride in this parable.
Well, Jesus does not, and will not force anyone to marry Him. He wants only those that consent and are willing to follow Him back to His Father’s house once He returns for them! He is only one way to get there!
Let’s talk about the commitment... every relationship (that is worth anything and therefore lasts), not only involves two people, but it also requires that both of these people give and receive at different times throughout the relationship? If you are the giver today, the other person is on the receiving end. Tomorrow may be vice versa, correct?
It is customary in many cultures that when two people agree to being married, that they trade some sort of item to signify outwardly and to others, that they are engaged to each other, with the marriage to occur at a later date. They are basically leaving part of each other with the other as a token of the promise of the marriage to be. In America this typically is in the form of a ring.
Right now, we dwell in this physical realm (world) and Jesus Christ is in the spiritual. (He said, “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life”- John 6:63b) When we consent to water baptism and cause it to take place by participating in it as the person being baptized, we are making a public statement that we believe The Truth, The Way, and The Life, and accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We are consenting to the ‘entering in’ of a relationship with Christ outwardly. -We basically just said “Yes, I will marry you Lord!” At this point, we are the giver and He is the receiver of this beautiful display of obedience to His Word.
The ball is now in His court. What does He do? He imparts His Spirit to us (the ring.) Through His Spirit He then performs a baptism also, only His baptism is spiritual and it consummates the relationship.
Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.
When we go down to the river or other body of water: we are presenting our bodies, a gift, consenting to death of the filth that it is in the lives we once led in that body. This is also signifying that our entire being will be plunged under The Water (of His Word), being washed with Him in newness of life (in likeness of His resurrection.)
Colossians 2:12 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.
He then presents to us His Holy Spirit:
Ephesians 1:13-14 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard The Word of Truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.
Are we now then ‘married to Him’ or clean immediately following water baptism? The answer to this questions is NO. We merely consented to being engaged for marriage, not the marriage itself. We must, however, be spiritually cleansed and made ready prior to the marriage supper so that we are presentable to the Bridegroom, to be united with Him where He is. Hence (Colossians 2:12 above).
We are buried (engaged), then raised from the dead through faith in the operation of God (belief that He is able to prepare us and a place for us in heaven through the instruction of His Word.) Once this ‘operation’ is complete, we are ready for the marriage supper of The Lamb!
Is Water Baptism essential to Salvation?
A short while ago we studied “repentance”; this being one of our first works in coming to God and Our Lord Jesus Christ. Water baptism is another of these “first works”. Many today will tell you that water baptism is not essential to salvation? If not, then why did Jesus, who is our example, do it? Do you recall what happened immediately after He was baptized in water?
Mark 1:10-11 And straightway coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
I want God to be well-pleased with me! How about you? Is water baptism essential – YES!
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (the ring)
During our walk through the group of teachings titled, “The Process of Salvation” we outlined many of the steps that a person will find themselves ‘progressing through’ as they are drawn to God and begin a relationship with Him. It was duly-noted that each step of this ‘process’ is not likely to occur in the exact same time period for everyone, and perhaps not even the same order for all individuals. This is because God made us all to be individual in this world and His way is not our way. He knows what is best for each of us!
Isaiah 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.
Rest assured though, that there is only one way, and ALL who come to God in truth must come that way; through the Real Truth found in God’s Word; in Christ Jesus. We have already discussed these topics in past studies. However, to stir your memory:
Jesus Christ is the Word of God, not only this, but He is The Way to God, He is The Truth, He is The Life that we must live in order to inherit the Salvation of God!
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Water Baptism is part of Repentance
Here is the first account of water baptism found in the New Testament scripture:
Matthew 3:1-6 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight. And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
Notice that these people were coming to John, being baptized -AND- confessing their sins? This is because they were all somewhere on their journey of repentance. Maybe this is the first time some heard the Gospel. Perhaps some had a change of heart for some time and they were just now coming to make their repentance official in the sight of God and man. Either way, they had to hear the Truth and be attracted to it enough to want change.
Matthew 3:7-10 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
We see in these verses how John recognized those who came to “spy out his liberty”. They came to be baptized but did not show signs of true repentance. Without true repentance, water baptism is of no effect. Not saying that you should not be baptized. But rather that you need to not only be baptized, but you also must submit yourself unto God with a truly repentant heart, seeking to sacrifice your old ‘dirty rag’ life of sin so that you might discover the life and blessing that God has in store for those that are obedient to Christ.
This is what John was saying to these religious leaders, “show some proof that you really want to change”, otherwise I refuse to partake in your baptism:
2 John 1:10-11 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Speaking of the spiritual baptism that will take place once a person has been converted to Christ and has received the Spirit of God:
Matthew 3:11-12 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in His hand, and He will throughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
So here is an account of Jesus’s example of obedience to God’s Will; that we should all humble ourselves in obedience to the example He left for us by consenting to water baptism. John also makes reference of the spiritual baptism of Christ that is to follow your obedience to these first works (repentance and water baptism) by saying, “I need to be baptized of Thee”, to Jesus:
Matthew 3:13-17 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered Him. And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
What ‘name’ should I get baptized in?
Here is Jesus commanding the disciples to teach all nations His Word, explaining the Truth of The Gospel to them in His name:
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 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.
Note that the word “baptizing” in the scripture above refers to the second definition of baptism presented near the beginning of this study: it refers to “purification”. In this case, they are purifying those who hear through sanctification of The Spirit and belief of The Truth.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth
But Matthew 28:19 does say… Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost
This is the only place in the Holy Bible (that I am aware of) that makes this statement using surnames that refer to Jesus, versus the actual name of Jesus Christ. In the world today, many organizations will literally say “In the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost” when they baptize believers. The thing is that they are not actually mentioning His name! What is the only name given under heaven by which a man might be saved? What therefore is “the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit”? – JESUS CHRIST – that’s His name!!! Where's the proof that this is His name?
John 14:8-9 Philip saith unto Him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me, Philip?
Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.
Peter, by revelation, summed up what Jesus was saying at the end of Matthew to them by making this statement in
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. -this is “the ring” and a very important part Folks!
Some other extremists who call themselves “Jesus only” will say “In the name of Jesus Only”. -Never heard of that person, have you? I know Jesus Christ. As for this “Jesus Only” fellow, who knows if they mean Jesus Christ? I think that they are saying that only “Jesus”. I hope that all realize that there are many, many people in this world who have been named Jesus?
Here is an account where some were evidently not baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. The effect: they did not receive the Spirit of God until they went back and were baptized correctly:
Acts 19:1-6 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
In another place, these people received the Holy Spirit but had not yet been baptized. Could they then skip this important commandment? God forbid!
Acts 10:44-48 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
So, again, what is the name of The Lord??? JESUS CHRIST – praise God!
Where do you stand?
Are you ready? Has God been drawing you to His Word? Are you ashamed of the things that you have done in the past and wish to totally forsake that life so that you do not miss out on a life with Christ? Have you counted the cost of what you might have to sacrifice to give up your life? Is it worth it to you? Have you asked for His forgiveness? If you can answer yes to these questions then all you need to do now is consent and be baptized in water, then wait on God.
May all who can hear take heed to the Gospel and search their hearts through God’s Holy Word proving to themselves that they either are a child of God, or that they have yet to make sacrifices of their life to draw closer to Him.
James 4:8-10 Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up.
Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ
May God bless all that took the time to study with us; that they might receive the acknowledgement of the Truth of the mystery of God. It is not His Will that any should perish, but all come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
Ephesians 6:23-24 Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
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