The Bible: It's All About Jesus
Introduction: Baptism - The Real Story
All too often when we Christians have been taught a view dealing with an important Bible issue, we form an immediate position that is nearly impossible to change from that time forward. This is especially true for baptism where just a very few Scriptures are used to support each of the vastly different teachings. To understand what God wants us to know regarding this important subject, we should listen to all that He has to say about it. This section attempts to present a more complete picture of baptism. It points out the historical roots; considers the specific audiences to which the messengers were sent; and identifies where baptism fits into our Christian lives.
Most of us think that baptism started with the Great Commission. But actually, its roots are found in the Old Testament laws of ceremonial washings. There were washings for just about everything from removing mildew from walls, to purification after child birth, to acceptance of a leper back into the community.
Each of God's messengers had very specific and relevant messages that were aimed at target audiences. First we will look at John who was told by God (the Father) to identify Jesus (His Son) as the Messiah to the nation of Israel using baptism. Next, Peter and the other apostles who were to deliver a message that sounded similar to John's, but it emphasized the concept of the Trinity. Then there was Jesus who was said to have baptized in the Jordan river. Lastly, when Paul saw Jesus in a vision, he was told to deliver a different message to a different people.
In Acts chapter 10 there is a story about some Gentile (pagans) who heard the message of God's salvation in their own language when Peter was speaking. It says that they received the Spirit (the seal of the promised eternal life) and later elected to be baptized with water. It was their desire to go through the same ritualistic washing that the Jews had been observing. Obviously, since they received the Spirit first, water baptism is not a requirement for salvation.
One of the major dividing issues that splits Christians apart --even to the extent of creating denominations-- is based on what name is spoken during baptism ("I baptize you in the name of ..." ). There are several places in Acts that refer to "baptizing in the name of Jesus", yet in Matthew the instruction is to "baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit". But the significance of what name was spoken can be better understood through the viewpoint of a Jew.
For a Christian to lead a healthy spiritual life, he must be grounded on solid conclusions regarding the fundamental Bible topics. Unfortunately, many of us merely repeat whatever we have heard from influential people over the years rather than reading what God's word has to say --in context-- and then allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal its meaning to us. Baptism deserves serious consideration far beyond common church teachings and traditions.
The History of Baptism
Baptism is Rooted in Jewish Law
Sooner or later, no matter how much care is taken to keep something clean, everything gets dirty. God provided a set of standards to demonstrate this principle. That set of standards, the Levitical Law, provides the instructions on how to recognize the dirt --uncleanliness-- and also the procedures for ceremonially cleaning them. The cleansings, or baptisms, were for everything from mildew on walls (Lev 14:33-53), to purification after child birth (Lev 12:1-8), to acceptance of a healed "leper" back into the community. (Lev 13:1-36, 14:1-32). So when the people saw John baptizing at the river Jordan, they thought that he was just following those traditions of cleansing.
...Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized. (This was before John was put in prison.) An argument developed between some of John's disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.
They came to John and said to him, 'Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side the Jordan, the one you testified about-- well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him." To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.'" (John 3:22-28)
John quickly corrected the observers when they tried to compare what he was doing to a new and more popular event that was taking place nearby!
Jesus Used Washing Jars
Since these washings were so common, it shouldn't be surprising that Jesus performed His first miracle using some nearby ceremonial washing jars for containers to hold the wine that He converted from water.
Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water" ; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, " Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet." They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. (John 2:6-9)
The laws regarding cleansings, along with all the other laws, were observed year after year because they couldn't really make a person clean --take away their sins. They were only shadows providing hints about how Christ was going to deal with our sins once and for all.
Note: Some have asked why there were six jars for cleansing. Six is the number for man. He was created on the sixth day; and the supreme man (totally fallen, totally corrupt) has the number 666. So the there are six jars to show that it was not the animals that crawled on the ground, fish that swam or birds that fly that needed to be cleansed. It's only man that is in need of purification. And why were they stone rather than clay? It's to demonstrate that the vessel was from God's creation. If it was mans' creation, it would have been made of clay. Our purification must come exclusively from God.
These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. (Colossianns 2:17)
The Reality
The system of laws first showed how to recognize the various violations of purity. Then the priest examined the situation to confirm the presence of impurity and he provided instructions for cleansing. Later, after the physical cleansing was completed and after the impurity was eradicated, additional rituals were performed for ceremonial cleansing. When all of this was completed, the priest could finally declare that cleanliness had been re-established.
Through our "20/20 hindsight", the parallel becomes obvious. The law (whether written on stone for the Jews or on the heart for all), convicts man of his unrighteous, dead condition. He can then choose to go to the true Priest in order to be cleansed from all unrighteousness and gain eternal life. It's the same Priest who gave him the law, who examined him, who sprinkled him and who declared --and continues to declare-- him righteous.
A Curious Irony
Jesus began His ministry with a miracle --water which became wine. Remember the last supper when He explained that wine represented His blood? It's ironic that on the last day of His ministry, when He was pierced for our transgressions, out of His body (our cleansing jar) flowed those same two elements (blood followed by water). It started on a day celebrating the fulfillment of a wedding promise and now we look forward to our own wedding day --as His bride!
Insights from Leviticus
The law was observed year after year without ceasing because it was only a shadow of the coming Christ. But that law --found in Leviticus-- can also provide insights about how Christ was going to deal with our sins: once and for all.
The law showed that first the problem had to be recognized as a violation, whether it be mildew on a wall, an infectious disease, etc. The priest then went to the person to examine the problem. After the problem was eradicated, the person underwent the ritual of ceremonial cleansing as directed by the priest. Finally, the priest declared the person (or his possession) clean.
This parallels what Jesus did. Man recognized his dead condition through the law. He then chose to be changed in order to gain eternal life. Lastly, he went before the same priest who spoke the law to him, who examined him, who sprinkled him and who declared him righteous.
Baptizing for Different Purposes
There Were Four!
As the four gospels were written using four authors to four different groups of people, baptism was used as a vehicle to carry the message of salvation using four different messengers to various groups of people. Yet each messenger was focused on one single message: Salvation is only through Jesus Christ; and man's only part is to surrender from his feeble efforts.
The Purpose of John's Baptism
God plainly told the people that they were not pleasing Him by their attempts at being obedient to the Law. Then Jesus --the Messiah who was prophesied about hundreds of years earlier-- came into the world to show them what was really required to be righteous by God's standards and how they could achieve that perfect righteousness. That leads us to John the Baptist's purpose for baptizing. God the Father told John to use baptism to identify Jesus as the Messiah to the nation of Israel. John's message was "Beholdthe Lamb of God."
Jesus
Jesus' message was simple: "I am the way, the truth and the life!" Although he came first to the Jews --and was rejected by most-- He also came to the whole world.
Peter and the Other Apostles
The message that Peter and the other apostles carried to the Jews was for them to have one final washing (baptism) with water to mark the end of their part in trying to keep the Law. It was a way of providing closure to their former way of life.
Paul's Baptism
Paul's message was for the Gentiles and it did not include baptism. The Gentiles didn't need to end their relationship with the Law, they needed to begin a relationship with God.
Like the Four Gospels
The four gospels were written to four different groups of people. One of the ways they are described is:
Matthew was to the Jews, Mark to the Romans, Luke to the common people, and John to the Greeks.
Baptism was also given to four different audiences:
John to the Jews basing their relationship with God through the Law; Jesus to all who would listen; the Apostles to Jews leaving the Law and traditions behind; and Paul to the Gentiles.
Is Water Baptism Essential to Salvation?
Yes! But which baptism is required: Spirit or water?
The Bible says that there is one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, God and likewise, there only one baptism!
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:3-6)
Don't you have to be born of the water and the Spirit?
Yes! But that's not about baptism. It's about being born physically (flesh gives birth to flesh) and then spiritually (the Spirit gives birth to spirit --born again).
In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. (John 3:3-6)
Who wasn't baptized before being saved?
Some Gentiles received the Spirit and were recognized to have been saved --and then they were baptized after the fact!
All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. (Acts 10:43-48)
But doesn't the Bible say that water saves?
There is a passage in First Peter about water baptism. But it says that the water is only a symbol. Being baptized by the Spirit is the Real Thing!
For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also -- not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand-- with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. (1 Peter 3:20-22)
There is only one baptism that saves --and that is with the Holy Spirit!
Baptism Demonstrates Our Identity
What happens to white cloth that is immersed in purple dye? It emerges with a brand new new identity: Purple Cloth! The white cloth is gone.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
(2 Cor 5:17)
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Col 1:13-14)
We were baptized (united together) to form one body. No more Jews or Gentiles -just One Body and Jesus is the Head!
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.
For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body- whether Jews or Greek, slave or free- and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. (1 Cor 12:12-13)
Baptizing in One Name or All Three
Baptized In the Name of Jesus
In several places in Acts, the Bible says people were to be baptized in the name of Jesus. And so during baptism ceremonies, those words are spoken in order to follow Biblical principles.
Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)
But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (Acts 8:12)
When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 8:15-16)
"Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. (Acts 10:47-48)
Baptized in the Name of All Three
Yet in chapter 28 of Matthew (in the :great commission) the Bible says people were to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And some speak these words during the ceremony, partly because it sounds more authoritative and partly because it covers both cases (just in case God might consider one to be one to be better than the other).
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
(Matthew 28:19-20)
In His Name
The people who heard these words ("be baptized in the name of ..." ) were Jews. They were leaving behind their old system: Follow the Law to be acceptable to God. The Law included temple worship, offerings and sacrifices and standards for living.
It seemed to provide a way to God's forgiveness and acceptance. Actually, it was only a shadow of what was coming. The reality was Christ Jesus.
The Jews could say His name alone: "baptized in the name of the Messiah Jesus" (calling him Messiah) or in conjunction with the rest. It really didn't matter. The important issue was for them to confess (agree) that Jesus was God --equal with the Father and the Spirit. To say the name of Jesus in their last ceremonial washing caused them to renounce their own efforts and accept his!
Conclusions
Only Spiritual Baptism Is Required
The only baptism that is required is the one done by God (the Holy Spirit) when He joins us into the body of Christ. And it is required!
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit-- just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:3-6)
That baptism is when we are spiritually born --born again.
In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." "How can a man be born when he is old?" Nicodemus asked. "Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!" Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. (John 3:3-6)
Does Water Baptism Still Have a Purpose Today?
Absolutely! It's not that it's required in any way --but it can serve very well as a point of reference. Water baptism is a way of providing a point in time to which a person can refer to and internally say: That's the day I became a Christian; that's when I was born again.
That's the day that I died with Christ; was buried with Him; and was raised to new life with Him. It's the day I became a new creation. When confronted by the enemy in times of weakness or doubt, with confidence I can say: Flee from me Satan, I'm a child of God; a brother of Christ; an heir to the kingdom! "And I remember the day it happened!"
Having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. (Colossians 2:12-14)
A Second Blessing?
Although some will agree that salvation begins with spiritual baptism, they have been taught that there is a second blessing that occurs at the time of water baptism.
But that can't be true when the Bible clearly says that everyone who is in Christ has received every spiritual blessing in heaven? If we have received every spiritual blessing, it makes no sense that God is holding back the second one. He already gave us them all.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. (Ephesians 1:3-4)