The One Baptism #6

The one baptism of Ephesians 4:4 is a burial, an immersion in water (Rom. 6:3; Col. 2:12), in the name of Christ (Acts 19:5; Mat. 28:19),  in order to receive the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16) administered only to a penitent believer (Acts 2:38; 8:37; Mark 16:16). When one of theses element is lacking, a “re-baptism” is commanded (cf. Acts 19:1-5).

The importance of this one baptism cannot be biblical denied due to the fact that is has several significant attachments. Baptism is attached one to the blood of Jesus (Rom. 6:3; Jho. 19:34), the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:13; Eph. 5:25; cf. 1:22-23), all spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3; Gal. 3:27), the resurrection of Christ (1 Pet. 3:21; Col. 2:12), the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38) and becoming an heirs of God (Gal. 3:26-29; 1 Jho. 3:1).

Herein are five positive principles involved in this one baptism, without which, baptism is of little or no value to the one who has become a child of God.

¶ Baptism demands a new life (Rom. 6:4).

¶ Baptism demands new affections and interest (Rom. 13:14; Col. 3:1-2).

¶ Baptism demands a new spirit (Jho. 3:3, 5; 2 Tim. 1:7; Gal. 5:22-23).

¶ Baptism demands a new perspective (2 Cor. 4:18; 5:7; 1 Jho. 1:7; Phi. 2:5).

¶ Baptism demands a new God (1 The. 1:3, 8-9).

For far too long men have overlooked the most significant thing regarding baptism, which is a yielded spirit (Rom. 6:16-17). This is the initiatory and primary step regarding any God-given command. God is not looking for a set of mindless, heartless drones. He is looking for men who will worship Him in spirit and in truth (Jho. 4:23-24).

Rick

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The One Baptism #5

Most people do not pause to consider the spiritual significance of baptism in the plan of salvation. Often, in our own eagerness to defend the truth, we fail to teach and to preach on baptism’s spiritual importance. It is the perfect spiritual representation of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-5).

Many years ago, brother Perry B. Cotham rightly identified three spiritual imperatives with regards to salvation:

 There must be a change of heart (i.e., the intellect and emotions) by faith. This is the accepted element of salvation.

‚ There must be a change of mind (i.e., the will) by repentance. This is the most difficult and often lost element of salvation.

ƒ There must be a change of state/relationship by baptism. This is the rejected element of salvation.

There are many religious people in this world, good people, who have altered their hearts by faith; they have altered their minds by repentance; but they have been deceived into thinking that they are already in a right relationship with God, either without or before baptism. This is not just a lie - it is a false lie.

The authority of men should be set aside and the authority of Jesus (Mat. 28:18; Col. 3:17) should be restored to the people. The doctrines of men must go - and the apostolic doctrine must remain (Acts 2:42). “Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold now is the day of salvation… so why tarriest thou? arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (2 Cor. 6:2; Acts 22:16).

Rick