What must I do if I have discovered truth and wish to live my life in harmony with God? Since Jesus is the way the truth and the life, obviously my actions must be determined by His revealed will. The scriptures are our guide, and through them we can learn to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. The greatest commission ever given to man is to preach the gospel to the world.
…Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not will be condemned. Mark 16: 15, 16
The words spoken in verse 16 are of vital significance to a lost world.
He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved.
Mark 16: 16
It is not enough to believe the gospel; one must live it.
Not everyone who saith unto Me, ‘Lord, Lord’, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name, cast out demons in Your name, and in Thy name done many wonders?’ And then I will profess unto them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, ye that work iniquity!’ Matthew 7:21-23
The class referred to in the above passage is a class who professes faith in Jesus, they preach His name, they even profess to have done great works in the name of Jesus, but they practice iniquity. The word iniquity that is used here is translated from the Greek “anomia”, which means lawlessness or transgressing the law, and transgression of the law is the only definition of sin in the Scripture.
Whosoever commiteth sin transgresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4
Obedience is the fruit of a relationship with God. Understanding the Character of God, His love and care for all His creation is vital if we wish to understand the demands of the law. Those who enter into the new covenant relationship with God will wish to keep the law because they understand the principle of love embodied in the law. Obedience is better than the fat of rams, and in keeping the law there is great reward:
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making the simple wise. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandments of the LORD are pure, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether, more to be desired than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. And Your servant is warned by them; in keeping them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7-11.
It is not enough to to have a theoretical knowledge of the law or to keep it because we know it is right (this is legalism). The law must be kept from the heart, it must become part of the character, only then will we be able to reflect the love of Christ to a world in need.
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken unto a wise man which built his house upon a rock… Matthew 7:24
The believer must be brought into harmony with God’s law.
…for not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. Romans 2:13
If we now re-examine the words of Mark 16:16, then the full significance of the word “baptized” becomes clear. Baptism is the symbol of the changed life. It is the symbol of rebirth, a demonstration of the death of the old man of sin and the resurrection of the transformed man – the man that lives in harmony with the law of God. Baptism is the symbol of restoration – the transformation of man from one who lives in enmity with God to one who lives in harmony with the will of God.
And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
Before being touched by the grace of God and the workings of His Spirit, it is impossible to obey God and keep His requirements. There may be a theoretical keeping of the law, but without Christ this translates into a form of Godliness.
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then, they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8: 7,8
It is the spirit of God that enables us to live in harmony with the will of God.
In John chapter 3, Jesus discusses the nature of the spiritual rebirth with Nicodemus, and in verse 5 he states:
…Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. John 3:5 NKJV
The spirit works inwardly to transform our bent characters into characters that will reflect the character of Jesus. The water is the outward symbol of one’s willingness to accept the transformation process, and this willingness is demonstrated in baptism. Obedience to God comes as a gift from God. Both justification and sanctification are gifts, which we receive through faith in the Son of God.
…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. Titus 3:5 NIV
Being washed – means being justified before God because of the merits of Jesus Christ. The text however, continues by saying:
…and renewal by the Holy Spirit
This is sanctification. Acceptance of justification and sanctification is a package deal. One cannot accept one without the other. Refusal to accept sanctification is a demonstration of false justification.
Wherefore by their fruits, ye shall know them.
Matthew 7:20
Baptism is the outward sign of the acceptance of the covenant relationship with God, the new covenant that God promised to spiritual Israel.
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, which My covenant they brake, although I was a husband unto them, saith the Lord. But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Jeremiah 31:31-33
Spiritual Israel will keep the law, but they will keep it from the heart. The fear of the Lord is that reverence which develops when God is seen in His glory, when His character is made manifest. Paul applies these texts to the new covenant in Hebrews 8:8-10.
For finding fault with them, He said to them, “Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, and I will make an end on the house of Israel and on the house of Judah; a new covenant shall be, not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day I took hold of their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt,” because they did not continue in My covenant, and I did not regard them, says the Lord. “For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their mind and write them in their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Hebrew 8:80-10
Joining the Body of Christ
Baptism is a very serious step to undertake and requires an understanding of the issues involved. Baptism is also more than the outward symbol rebirth, it is also the outward sign of entrance into the body of Christ, His church.
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. 1 Corinthians 12:13.
And you are the body of Christ, and members in part. 1 Corinthians 12:27
Those who accept Jesus, become part of the church.
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:47
If by being baptized we demonstrate our acceptance of the covenant relationship with God, then we become a part of the covenant people of God. As there is only one body, it is essential that careful consideration be given to this choice.
…so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone members of one another. Romans 12:5
(See also 1 Corinthians 10:17; Colossians 3:15)
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. 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. For the body is not one member by many. But now are they many members, yea but one body.
1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 20
There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. Ephesians 4:4
The true body of Christ must teach obedience to the law of God and must have faith in the transforming power of the Spirit of God. (See The Church in Prophecy) One cannot be baptized and live apart from the church. That would be like an organ trying to exist outside the body.
Baptism is thus a symbol of the following:
- It is a symbol of one’s willingness to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Baptism commemorates Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
- It symbolizes the death and burial of the old man of sin.
- It represents the resurrection to “newness of life” in Christ Jesus, the washing of rebirth through justification and sanctification
- It is a symbol of entrance into the body of Christ, His church, the Israel of God.
What about re-baptism on receiving new light?
There are circumstances where re-baptism seem called for. The Scriptures site the example of believers that had been baptized by John the Baptist being re-baptized on receiving greater light regarding salvation in Christ.
… 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. Acts 19:1-5.
Can I work by myself outside the organized body?
God has ever worked through his organized body, the church. Even Christ, in spite of the scorn heaped upon Him worked within the organized body that was then Israel. After the Lord called a remnant out of Israel and organized the Christian church, He also did not bypass his means of imparting a knowledge of the gospel. Even Paul was sent to the Lord’s church for instruction after the Lord called him to be the apostle to the gentiles.
And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. Acts 9:6.
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. Acts 9:17.
Mode of Baptism
The Greek word ‘baptizo’ means ‘I immerse’ and ‘baptisma’ means ‘immersion’. As with all things, Christ should be our example.
He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk even as He walked. 1 John 2:6
When Jesus was baptized, He was baptized by immersion.
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. Matthew 3:16,17
Jesus was baptized in the river. Also John baptized in the river because he needed water that was deep enough.
Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there… John 3:23 NIV
A further example of the mode of baptism given in the Scriptures is that of the baptism of the eunuch by Phillip.
And he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Phillip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Phillip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:38,39 NKJV
Note that they went into the water and then came up out of the water. This baptism was then also by total immersion.
The reformers also understood that baptism should take place by immersion. Martin Luther defined baptism in this way:
The Greek baptizo means “I immerse”, and baptisma means “immersion”. For this reason I would have the candidate for baptism totally immersed in water as the word “baptisma” signifies. Thus it was also doubtless instituted by Christ. 1
John Calvin wrote:
The very word “baptize”, however, signifies ‘to immerse”, and it is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient Church. 2
When John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church, was forty years old, he prepared a statement reading:
I believe it is a duty to observe, so far as I can, to baptize by immersion. 3
Infant Baptism
As baptism is a symbol of one’s willingness to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ, it is a conscious decision.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mark 16:16
Infants cannot make a conscious decision, and infant baptism is never propagated in the Scriptures. The doctrine of infant baptism is of pagan origin and was brought into the church by Roman Catholicism. As with most Catholic doctrines, infant baptism has its origins in the Babylonians mysteries.
In Babylon, new birth was conferred by baptism of infants. European pagans sprinkled their newborns or immersed them and to this day, the “holy water” used for baptism is in some circles still prepared according to the pagan custom of plunging a torch from the altar into the water.
Having introduced infant baptism, the Roman Catholic Church was vehemently opposed to adults being baptized and even issued the following decree:
Let him be accursed who says adults must be baptized.4
Some modern Bible translations are also written in such a way as to leave leeway for subversive doctrines. The King James Version of the Bible was translated from the Greek Textus Receptus in 1611, but modern Bibles also make use of other texts of which the context may be dubious. Origen was one of the first Biblical scholars (200AD) to corrupt Biblical manuscripts to accommodate his humanistic and allegorical ideas. Throughout the ages, many of these manuscripts have been tampered with to create a highway for pagan philosophies.
In Acts, chapter 8, the King James Version gives a full description of the Baptism of the eunuch. The eunuch was a high official from Ethiopia (Acts 8:27) and had come to worship in Jerusalem. He was reading the book of Isaiah when Phillip was sent to him and explained to him the passages pertaining to the Messiah and when he had grasped their significance and recognized Jesus Christ in these verses, he was ready to be baptized. (Acts 8:17-35) The KJV continues with the following verses:
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water. And the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water. What doth hinder me to be baptized?’ And Phillip said, ‘If thou believest with all thine heart, thou may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ And he commanded the chariot to stand still. And they went down into the water, both Phillip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. Acts 8:36-38
The question of the eunuch, “What doth hinder me to be baptized?” (vs 36) is answered by Phillip in verse 37.
If thou believeth with all thine heart, thou mayest. Verse 37
Modern translations leave out verse 37, and the eunuch is thus denied his answer. It is stated in these translations that certain manuscripts do no contain this verse, but if this is so, then they do not do justice to the chiastic structure of the passage in question. The passage is written in question-answer chiasm and leaving out verse 37 would destroy this literary structure. Omission of the verse is however convenient for those who propagate infant baptism, as the condition for baptism, believing with one’s whole heart, cannot be met by infants. Both infant baptism and baptism by infusion (pouring of water) have been introduced by Roman Catholicism into the church, but they find no support in the Scriptures.
Baptism Through the Ages
The numerous ruins of early Christian churches bear a silent testimony to early baptismal practices in the church. Early Byzantine churches were equipped with baptismal fonts which were designed for baptisms by immersion and for adults, both men and women.
But when they believed Philip preaching the gospel, the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (Acts 8:12)
Jesus Himself was baptized at the age of 30 at the time He started His ministry, (Luke 3:23) and that practice of adult baptism and by immersion was thus still practiced by the early church. Even Roman Catholic sources admit to this fact as can be seen by the writings of Cardinal Gibbons. He states in his book Faith of Our Fathers:
For several centuries after the establishment of Christianity, baptism was usually conferred by immersion; but since the twelfth century, the practice of baptising by infusion has prevailed in the Catholic Church, as this manner is attended with less inconvenience than baptism by immersion. 5
It was not until the Council of Revenna in 1311, that the Roman Catholic Church declared sprinkling as official. It was then that the Greek Orthodox Church parted ways with the Catholics, so they could continue to administer baptism for infants by immersion, which they practice to the present day. Johannes Warns in his book on baptism states:
The so‑called baptisteries or baptismal chapels in the oldest Catholic churches are further proof that all churches for centuries performed baptisms by immersion. They contain great baptismal basins, (with descending steps), and often, in addition, a room for baptismal instruction . . . In the Italian work Il Battistero di Parma, by Michaele Lopez, no fewer than sixty‑six such baptisteries in Italy are named, the construction of which falls between the fourth and fourteenth centuries.6
Baptism has also been portrayed in art through the centuries.
The oldest baptismal pictures date, perhaps, from the second century, coming from the most ancient part of the catacomb of St Calixtus. 7
On the baptismal font of Verona is a picture of the baptism of Christ.
The water of the Jordan is raised into a hillock, and our Saviour is being immersed in it. 8
The baptistery of Pisa has a scene of Jesus in the Jordan with water up to His neck. 9
Down through the centuries, baptism by immersion has been practiced by various religious groups. Anabaptists, Mennonites, and eventually the great Baptist movement spread the doctrine of Bible baptism.
In 1806, John Smyth, a pastor in the Church of England left the church and joined the separatists who emigrated to Holland, to escape the persecution of James the First.
[He] formed the first Church composed of Englishmen that is known to have stood for the baptism of believers only.10
The Meaning of Baptism by Immersion
Besides being a symbol of one’s willingness to accept the gospel of justification and sanctification and entrance into the body of Christ, baptism by immersion conveys deep spiritual truths. These truths are expounded upon in the writings of Paul.
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. Colossians 2:12
Know ye not that so many of us as were baptised into Jesus Christ, were baptised unto His death? Therefore we were buried with Him in 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. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. Romans 6:3-6 NKJV
These verses point out that the old life of sin is buried by baptism. The candidate for baptism should be immersed beneath the surface of the water in order to bury the old life of sin in the watery grave.
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27
The other modes of baptism, such as sprinkling and pouring, rob the ordinance of its meaning. Only baptism by immersion can rightly symbolize the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. The apostle Peter ties in baptism with salvation by using these words.
There is also an antitype which now saves us – baptism (not the removal of the filth of flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 3:21 NKJV
As there is only one method of baptism described in the Scriptures, any baptism other than by immersion must be based on non-scriptural sources. There is only
One Lord, one faith, one baptism. Ephesians 4:5
Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Spirit
As baptism brings one into the covenant relationship with God, the promises of God become applicable to the believer.
‘Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. ‘Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’ 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. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.’ Acts 2:36-39 NKJV
The promise of the Holy Spirit to those who believed and were baptized is here made to the whole of spiritual Israel. As baptism is an acceptance of the conditions of salvation – obedience to God – so the promise of the Holy Spirit is conditional to repentance and obedience.
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promises for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39
And we are His witnesses of these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God hath given to them that obey Him. Acts 5:32
If ye love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another comforter, that He may abide with you forever – the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him; but ye know Him, for He dwells with you, and shall be in you.
John 14:15-17
“To obey is better than sacrifice.” 1 Samuel 15:22
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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. Romans 6:3,4.
Baptism is thus not just accepting the forgiveness of Jesus, it is accepting the transforming power of Jesus.
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. Romans 6:6
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
The Holy Spirit has two functions in the believer:
1) Molding the character and bringing the life back into harmony with God.
2) Fitting the believer for service.
The old nature must die and the new nature bearing fruits of righteousness must be put on. In Galatians chapter 5, Paul compares the fruits of the flesh with the fruits of the Spirit. The new man is totally transformed by the workings of the Spirit.
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. Galatians 5:17 NIV
The acts of the sinful nature are:
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 NKJV
The fruits of the Spirit are:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22,23 NKJV
Baptism is the sign of the crucifixion of the old man of sin and as such the sinful nature is buried in the waters of baptism.
And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. Galatians 5:24-26 NKJV
…knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Romans 6:6,7
…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… Titus 3:5 NKJV
Fitting for service is achieved firstly by instruction through the Spirit of truth, (John 14:17) who would remind you of that which you have learnt regarding the word of God (John 14:26). Then He would also impart gifts of service so as to expand the work and spread the gospel. These gifts are listed in Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-11, 28,31, and Ephesians 4:11,12.
The promise of restoration thus restores us in totality, making us once again children of God and co-workers together with Him.
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1 John 3:1-3 NKJV
In these last days, God is calling a people out of Babylon to stand in the breach and to help with the rebuilding of the wall. The restoration of the truth as it is in Jesus requires labourers together with God who will be will take their place in His vineyard and help with the work of the harvest.
Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Matthew 9:37, 38
Acceptance of truth is not passive, it requires a stand for principle and it involves a cross. To truly follow Jesus has never been popular, it has always required picking up ones cross. Moreover, truth causes division, but this should not deter one from following it.
And he that doth not take his cross and follow after me, is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:38
Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matthew 10:34-37.
And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:16 NKJV
REFERENCES
1 Works of Martin Luther, Vol.2, p.226.
2 John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, Book 4, Chapter 15, section 9, Vol.2, p.434.
3 J. H. Blunt, Dictionary of Sects, Heresies, Ecclesiasticai Parties and Schools of Religious Thought, p.320.
4 History of Romanism, p. 510
5Cardinal James Gibbons, Faith of Our Fathers, 76th edition, p.266.
6Johannes Warns, Baptism, p.327, 328.
7 Philip Schaff, Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, p.36.
8 Wolfred N. Cote, The Archaeology of Baptism, p. 195 .
9Martiru, Theatrum Basilicae Pisanae, Appendix, cited in Cote, p.203.
10 Henry C. Vedder, Short History of the Baptists