Chapter 10.2
Baptism
Emersion
– Pour – Dip – Sprinkle – Lay Hands
Who
was John the Baptist?
First
Word
Question: Where did the concept of baptism come from? To understand this we need to know who John the
Baptizer was. Let’s look at what was going on during the
time of John to set the stage: Other writings indicate that there was a sect
of “worshipers
of God” that had removed themselves from the cities and were living
just outside the city in the desert.
Such a sect was the Essenes who lived in the Qumran
desert community where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. They had
separated themselves from the apostate Israel and were totally devoted to God and considered
themselves to be THE NEW ISRAEL. It is possible John was a member of this
society; it is in this desert setting that we find John the Baptist preaching.
Now let’s park here for a moment and look at the appearing of an angel
to a priest
named Zechariah
whose wife Elizabeth
was barren.
BIRTH OF
JOHN THE BAPTIST
Luke 1:12-17 – God
names the child; John
13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be
afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
and you are to give him the name JOHN.
14 He will be a
joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,
15 for he will be
great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other
fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from
birth.
16 Many of the
people of
17 And he will go on
before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their
children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a
people prepared for the Lord."
NIV
Although John knew the Essenes way of life, it seems his calling was
not of their secluded lifestyle, but that the “Repentance” should be preached
openly to ALL mankind.[1] I would also point out that Jesus did not rebuke nor promote the Essenes withdrawn lifestyle, but
took His message into the streets. In my
BS it
seems both are a calling from God and have their place.
The Birth
of John was six months before the birth of Jesus. Let’s park here for a minute and go get a
partial story of the birth of Jesus, as an angel appears to Mary to
tell her about her new baby. She then
goes into seclusion with her relative Elizabeth who is six months pregnant
with John the
Baptizer[2]
and Elizabeth’s
baby leaps in her womb at the presence of Jesus in the womb of Mary.
BIRTH OF
JESUS
Luke 1:26-35 – God
addresses Jesus as the “Son of God”
26 In the sixth
month, God
sent the angel Gabriel to
27 to a virgin
pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's
name was Mary.
35 The angel
answered,
"The Holy Spirit
will come upon you,
and the power of the Most High will
overshadow you.
So the holy one to be born will be called the
Son of God.
NIV
Luke 1:39-41 – Mary
tells Elizabeth about her baby
39 At that time
Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of
40 where she
entered Zechariah's home and greeted
41 When Elizabeth
heard Mary's greeting,
the baby leaped in her womb,
and Elizabeth was filled with the
Holy Spirit.
NIV
So now we have an angel stating that the Priest Zechariah will have a son named John
that will go before Jesus and prepare the way. John would carry in him the “spirit” of Elijah the prophet.[3] Thus fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi
stating that God will send Elijah before the Messiah comes. John makes his home out in the desert[4]
with the same dress and mannerism as Elijah did as was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah.[5]
Matthew 3:1-3 - John’s
message is repentance
1 In those days John the
Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea
2 and saying,
"Repent,
for the kingdom of heaven is near."
3 This is he who
was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
"A voice of one calling in the
desert,
`Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.'"
NIV
John the baptizer gets
his name from his message of “Repentance” of sin and the symbolism of his “BAPTISM”
in water; it was always referred to as “John’s Baptism”.[6] I would like to note here that people did
not flock to the desert to see a wild man
dressed in camel hair and eating locust, they came because they
believed that John was a prophet of God [7] bringing the message of repentance.
I stand amazed that today most folks don’t
go anywhere to hear about God and with that, maybe only as far as the TV if
nothing else is on and perhaps there is some jumpin’ music that gets their
attention.
Matthew 3:4-6 - John
dressed funny and ate bugs
4 John's clothes
were made of camel's hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist.
His food was LOCUSTS and wild honey.
5 People went
out to him from
6 CONFESSING THEIR SINS, THEY WERE BAPTIZED BY HIM in the Jordan
River. NIV
Baptism
of Water
Let’s look at Baptism. Water had a heavy symbolism of purity
and was used in purification rites. There are two similar words in Greek for Baptize;
Bapto meaning
to dip
or immerse
and the other Baptizo meaning a change that has taken place by some
means. The latter was used most of the
time in the scriptures.
Before Jesus came on the scene,[8]
John was using water
baptism as the symbol of a
person’s testimony of “repenting of sin” and their changed life.[9] They certainly knew the story of Noah’s
family being SAVED;[10] raised up above the
waters in the ark and the
Israelites being SAVED; delivered
through the waters of the Red Sea.
It is worth noting: Noah and the
Israelites were brought through the waters, NEVER to go back. This is an intense statement: CHANGED, NEVER
TO GO BACK.
Jesus is baptized
Jesus being sinless
did not need forgiveness, but submitted to John’s baptism; a) to
authenticate John’s
message, b) to confess sin on
behalf of the nation, c) to inaugurate
His public ministry, d) to identify
with all humanity and e) to give us an example
to follow.
John did
not realize that Jesus was the Messiah when
he saw him even though He was his own cousin.
This was revealed to him ONLY when he saw the
Spirit of
God come down on Him.[11] It is then that John points out a NEW BAPTISM that is to come, that of the Holy Spirit.[12]
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a whole word study into itself and it
will be briefly touched on later. In a nut shell, John’s baptism was a “one time”
outward physical action;
a testimony that everyone
present witnessed. The Holy Spirits baptism is an inward
Spiritual action producing a body life change that is a “continuous”
witness to others.
Method
vs: Change
The Jews, as a SIGN of
their commitment to God, were circumcised to show that they were different than
all the other nations. It was not the outward symbolization of circumcision that made them a Jew; but it was
their inward CHANGE of
heart.[13]
Faith in Jesus Christ is the necessary condition to receive baptism; baptism
is a sacramental SIGN of new life through and in Christ. Baptism is symbolic of “CHANGE”;
we die to our old life and “born again” to a new life.[14] The use of water is a physical sign of
baptism and is the public “symbol” witnessing to our “change”
and commitment to God, much like the symbol of circumcision is an outward and
inward change to the Jew. Although it is not a command, we see Gentiles today
desiring to be circumcised.
Because of the proximity of a body of water, “submersion” was not always an
option; poured
or sprinkled
carried the same symbol of “change” as submersion. It’s not the method; it’s the change
of heart and our public commitment of dying to our old way of life and being
raised up into a newness of life in Christ.
Submersion,
Immersion, Dip, Pour, Sprinkle; all
methods have been used down through the centuries. Archeologists have uncovered basins that the
believer stood in, or knelt, as water was poured over their heads from a
pitcher. It’s interesting how the word “wash”
(baptize) was used; the
Pharisees were astonished that Jesus did not “ceremonially” wash (baptize) Himself before He
ate bread.[15]
This was a partial immersion or baptism of
their wrist and hands. The same word is
used for “dip”
as when they dipped
(baptize) a morsel of
bread.
Jesus was baptized by submersion,[16]
not because He was a sinner, but for the symbolism of a “change” in life for the believer and
for a witness
to John’s followers.[17] Three thousand were baptized in one day,
probably with water
poured over their heads.[18] Paul was baptized in a house;[19] The jailer and his family were baptized in their house.[20] The Israelites were baptized in a cloud.[21] The thief on the cross was NOT BAPTIZED AT ALL, but had a change
of heart.[22]
(Water doesn’t save)
Baptism of the Holy Spirit - all believers RECEIVE IT
The baptism of the Holy Spirit
could not be FULLY realized until
after Jesus had died on the cross, not even to the twelve chosen disciples; but
now we see this symbolism much more clearly. The BAPTISM of the Holy Spirit happened only once[23] for
ALL
of us on the Day
of Pentecost, and He lives within us, but “the filling” process happens over
and over
and over
again because “We
Leak”.
There is no special race or elite people that get the baptism of the Holy Spirit; there is not two
“Classes” of Christians; those baptized with the Holy Spirit and
those that are not.[24]
WHEN
WE ARE SAVED,
we are ALL
baptized into one body, once and forever.[25]
The Holy Spirit tugs on our heart; and we become convicted of our sins; we repent
and receive
Christ and the Holy Spirit and then make a public confession (admission, acknowledgement,
declaration) and profession of our intentions (work, career, vocation, occupation,
business) through the symbolism
of BAPTISM.
Baptism – A Public Commitment
The scriptures show
that a PUBLIC confession and commitment is
required. When you fall in love with
someone; you act differently; what’s in your heart overflows your mouth, you
want everyone to know; otherwise you’re not really in love.
LOVE IS THE WAY YOU ACT.
For sure, Faith is something you have, but it is expressed through your
actions or you don’t really have the faith.
If you have the light, you will let it shine.[26]
If you do
not confess it,[27] you do not
possess it.[28]
Baptism is “A Filling”
It must be pointed out
that the term baptism of the Holy Spirit is mentioned in the
scriptures only by
John this one
time. The rest of the time we
see the term “FILLED” with the Holy
Spirit. We are not actually commanded to
be baptized with the Holy Spirit, but to be filled with the Holy Spirit. I don’t mean to beat a dead horse, but just
look at the following scriptures.
Ephesians 5:18 -- Do not get
drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. NIV
Acts 2:3-4 -- All of them
were filled
with the Holy Spirit and began to
speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. NIV
Acts 4:8 -- Then Peter, filled with the
Holy Spirit, said to them:
"Rulers and elders of the people! NIV
Acts 4:31 -- After they
prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the
Holy Spirit and spoke the word of
God boldly. NIV
Acts 6:3-4 -- Brothers, choose
seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over
to them
4 and will give
our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."
5 This proposal
pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit
NIV
Acts 7:54-55 -- Stephen, full of the
Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus
standing at the right hand of God. NIV
Acts 9:17-18 -- Then Ananias
went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said,
"Brother Saul, the Lord-Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were
coming here-has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
NIV
Acts 11:24 -- He was a good
man, full of
the Holy Spirit and faith, and a
great number of people were brought to the Lord. NIV
Acts 13:8-9 -- Then Saul,
who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight
at Elymas NIV
Baptism is a “Change” in Life
Baptism
is a change from one state to another, like a civilian putting on a
soldier uniform; we put on the garments of Christ, we are baptized into Christ;
we are identified in Christ.[29]
Baptism
is death and burial to our past life with change to a new
resurrected life in Christ.
Baptism
is something that we do, but it is also something that has been done to us; Change.
Baptism
in water is not necessary for Salvation; otherwise the thief on the
cross was lost.[30] Our salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ
alone; Jesus
Christ plus nothing else.
It’s interesting to note here, Baptism does not always refer to water;[31] during
the exodus, the Israelites were baptized by a cloud unto life and the Rea Sea baptized the Egyptian Soldiers unto death;
both experienced A CHANGE. Soon after the baptism of Jesus, John was put
in prison and would soon be beheaded.[32] John’s ministry is short, but his message of
baptism and repentance continues.[33]
Baptism
Does Not Save
While baptism is a
commandment, it is neither a requirement nor a guarantee of a person
receiving the gift of eternal life. About
35 years ago I was shocked when my pastor was preaching on baptism and spoke to
the method used; he said, “I’ll use a water gun if that’s
all I have”; he was implying that what really counted was the work of the Holy Spirit
that “changed” the heart on the
inside.
The act of baptism must be accompanied by a heart attitude of faith in
Jesus Christ Paul gives us an example
of heart attitude. I repeat this
scripture because of its intense statement about the Spirit.
Romans 2:28-29 - A man is not a
Jew if he is ONLY ONE
OUTWARDLY,
nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a man is a Jew if he is one INWARDLY; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the
written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God.
NIV
John Was Their Elijah
Jesus testifies of John the
Baptist, this is a powerful statement: “no man
born of a woman is greater than John on earth.”[34] The Hebrew’s were looking for Elijah to
come in order to fulfill the scriptures.
John was their TYPE of “Elijah” and had his spirit. John was the last of the OLD COVENANT prophets; this began a new era; thus the NEW COVENANT began with John
and the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.[35]
Interestingly, Looking at John’s DIET, the ministry
of Jesus was altogether different from that of John. Myself, not caring so much for honey dipped
bugs[36],
I like the diet of Jesus better; I enjoy bread, meat, vegetables and a little
Southern Comfort now and then.[37]
Matthew 11:11-15 – John was their type of Elijah
1 I tell you the
truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John
the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
12 From the days
of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully
advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it.
13 For all the
Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.
IF YOU ARE WILLING TO ACCEPT IT, HE IS THE ELIJAH
WHO WAS TO COME.
15 He who has
ears, let him hear.
NIV
The
Take Away
Baptism is a doctrine that
divides denominations. At the
base of every denomination are differences on church doctrine, usually legalism. We should not judge them because they
are different from us, but work out our own salvation with fear and
trembling. It’s not US and THEM; God has only ONE CHRUCH.
Water is symbolic of purity; we are commanded to be baptized with water.[38] Faith in Jesus Christ is a requirement;
baptism does not save, it is a symbol and sign of a “change” of heart; that you are “born again”. It is a public statement that you are dead to
your old life; raised to a newness of life in Christ, never
to go back to your old ways.
Baptism is a deeply
felt sacrament; if you were baptized by sprinkling as a Methodist or
Presbyterian and then join a Baptist church, your
baptism will not be accepted, you must be submerged
completely. This is a hurtful requirement
as it makes your deeply personal experience in
baptism seem null and void, that you must crucify Jesus Christ all over again
and be baptized again in order to be accepted into a local body of believers.
Many are divided on this issue; some in the same family will
attend and work in a Baptist Church but not be a member,
and others will just be baptized again so they can throw themselves into the
work of the Lord, thereby removing all division.
The method of baptism is any way you can; the way
you are baptized does not change your salvation; read the scriptures, and then
follow the Holy Spirit’s convictions of your heart.
We are to WORK OUT our own salvation with fear and trembling [39]
[1] Isaiah 40:5 – God says
that ALL mankind should see the Lord. -- Matthew 9:35-36 – Jesus preaches
openly everywhere the good news of the kingdom; healing every disease and even
teaching in the temple
[2] Luke 1:36-37– Jesus is the COUSIN of John the
Baptizer
[3] Malachi 4:5-6 – Prophecy;
John would have the spirit of Elijah
[4] Luke 1:80 – John lives in
the desert until he appeared publicly to Israel
[5] Isaiah 40:3 – John
preaches in the desert; A voice of one calling: In
the desert “prepare the way for the LORD”
[7] Mark 11:30-32 – John was
a prophet -- Luke 7:24-26 – John is more than a prophet
[8] Matthew 3:11 – Jesus
baptism is with the HOLY SPIRIT
-- Acts 19:4-6 – Paul baptizes with the Holy Spirit
[9] Luke 3:3 - John uses the SYMBOL of “baptism” for repentance -- Acts 13:24-25- John
preached repentance and baptism
[10] 1 Peter 3:20-21 – Water “SYMBOLIZES” baptism that now saves you
as Noah’s Ark saved the animals and Noah’s family
[11] John 1:28-34 – John
didn’t know Jesus was the Messiah until he saw the Spirit come down from heaven
as a dove and remain on Him.
[12] Acts 1:4-5 – Jesus Christ
baptized with the Holy Spirit
[13] Romans 2:28-29 –
Circumcision doesn’t make you a Jew; it’s CHANGE
[14] Romans 6:3-4 – Baptism
symbolizes death to the old life and born again into a new life
[15] Luke 11:38 - He sat down to eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony required by Jewish custom. -- Mark
7:3 - The Jews do not eat until they have poured
water over their cupped hands, as required by their ancient tradition.
[17] Luke 3:16 – John baptizes by submersion
[18] Acts 2:40-41 – Three
Thousand got baptized in one day
[19] Acts 9:17-19 – Paul was baptized in a house
[20] Acts 16:31-34 – Jailers family baptized in a house
[21] 1 Corenthians 10:1-2 –
The Israelites were baptized in a cloud
[22] Luke 23:42-43 – The Thief – No baptism; water
does not save
[23] Ephesians 4:5-6 – One
Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and
Father
[24] Galatians 3:26-29 – There are not two classes of Christians, we are all ONE in Christ
[25] 1 Corenthians 12:13 – we
were All baptized by one Spirit into one
body -- Romans 6:3-4 – Baptized into death to the old life; buried and raised
to a new life
[26] Matthew 5:14-16 – You are
the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden; Let your light shine
[27] Romans 10:9-10 - It is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and
it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved --Matthew 10:32-33
- Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my
Father in heaven.
[28] Joshua 24:14-15 – Public
commitment; as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD
[29] Galatians 3:26-27 – We
are clothed and identified in Christ
[30] Luke 23:42-43 - The thief on the cross was saved, but not baptized
[31] 1 Corenthians 10:1-3 –
They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and
in the sea
[32] Mark
[33] Mark 1:14-28 – Jesus
starts his traveling ministry preaching the Good News
[34] John 3:30 - John’s wish
was to become less and Jesus greater. --
John 1:6-9- John was a witness to the light of Jesus the Messiah
[35] Luke 16:16-17 – The Good
News started with John
[36] Matthew
[37] Matthew
[38] Ephesians 4:4-6 – There
is one body and one Spirit one Lord, one faith, ONE BAPTISM, one God and Father
[39] Philippians 2:12-13 – WORK OUT your salvation
with fear and trembling
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