Lesson 711

(Lesson 711)(07-31-13) Today's lesson concerns the usage of the term "baptism" as it is applied in Colossians 2:12.

Our quote includes verses 6 through15 of Colossians, "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 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. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it."

Those who contend that water "baptism" (immersion) is one step in "the operations of God", toward the salvation of ones eternal soul, should pay very close attention to this lesson.

Paul makes it immaculately clear that FAITH in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the ONLY element in "the operation of God" so far as remittance of all sin is concerned. He also warns against those who would distort the gospel by trying to force tradition into the gospel of Jesus Christ, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." (Water "baptism" was an established Hebrew tradition by God's command and under the law of Moses. That law was "fulfilled" when Jesus completed His "baptism")
Those who make the above contention supposedly believe that water "baptism" (immersion) remits sin. They rely on one statement Peter made in Acts 2:38 as a foundation for this misguided contention, "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 assertion that this statement demands that one be immersed in water, in order to receive remission of sins, is simply and horribly wrong. Peter very clearly states the the medium into which those seeking remission of sins were to be "baptized" was THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST. Water is not mentioned in that statement. The "baptism" to which Jesus referred in Luke 12:50 is the "baptism" that eternally remits sin and ultimately saves the eternal soul. That is made very clear in Acts 10:42, "To him give all the prophets witness, that THROUGH HIS NAME whosoever BELIEVETH in him shall receive remission of sins.". If water immersion were necessary to achieve salvation, this writer would have most certainly included it in that statement. There are many, many other passages of scripture that provide that belief, or faith, are the only required elements within "the operations of God" that apply to the salvation of ones soul.

The only scenario which allows both Acts 2:38, and Acts 10:42, et al, to be correct is the one providing that the term "baptism" as applied in Acts 2:38 has the exact same definition as the term "baptism" as it is applied in Luke 12:50.

The term "baptism", as it is intended in today's lesson, has the same meaning and intent as the term "baptism" is was applied in Luke 12:50.~

Lesson 710

(Lesson 710)(07-30-13) Today's "baptism" example is found in Ephesians 4:5. Our quote will include verses 1-5, "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all."

The phrase "one baptism", as it is applied in this quote, is clearly in reference to the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, seeing that His action alone allowed us to be redeemed. Therefore, this usage has the same intent as the usage applied in Luke 12:50 wherein Jesus said "But I have a 'baptism' to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!"
In contrast to what many "scholars" contend, there is indeed ONE "baptism" so far as that term is associated with the salvation of ones eternal soul. Within that "baptism", the sacrifice of the only begotten Son of God, water plays absolutely NO part.

When studying any New Testament text that contains the term "baptism" or one of its grammatical variations, we must remember that the Greek term "baptizO", which simply means to immerse for an effect, with all it's differing intents, was transliterated to the English word "baptize" without clarification as to what the term really implies with each different usage. The word "baptize", as it is applied in the New Testament, rarely means to dip into water then remove. In most applications it means to place an item, or person, into some medium and leave them there. In the case of the living soul, true "baptism", in the sense that the term is applied in the above quote, binds the soul of the believer to Jesus Christ forever. The soul is not dipped into Christ and then taken out.

Therefore, the usage of the term "baptism" as it is applied in Ephesians 4:5 defines a binding to the sacrifice of Christ through faith in Him.~

Lesson 709

(Lesson 709)(07-29-13) Today's lesson comes from the application of the term "baptized" as it appears in Galatians 3:27.

Our quote will include verses 22-29, "But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

Paul, in this lesson, was teaching the Corinthians that the perfection of Jesus and His subsequent death, burial, and resurrection, had fulfilled the requirements of the law and was sufficient to atone for ALL sin. This atonement applied to all those who would place their faith in, or immerse (baptize) themselves into, the (one time serves all) sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The term "baptized" that appears herein, simply symbolizes an immersion, through faith, into the perfection of the body of Jesus Christ so that through His perfection, those of us who place total faith in Him, will be presented perfect without sin before God. Water immersion, or water "baptism", is NOT implied by this usage.
The text is self explanatory in that Paul said, "For as many of you as have been baptized (immersed) into Christ have put on Christ.", implying that those of us who are saved by His grace, are wrapped within the perfection of Jesus Christ Himself.
Those who contend that Paul implied that, in order to be saved, one must be first immersed, (baptized) into water and thereby immersed (baptized) into Christ, or that through being immersed into water one is somehow also immersed into Christ, grossly distort the intent of Paul's message. To so distort that message would be to take the credit for ones eternal salvation away from Christ and place in water.~

Lesson 708

(Lesson 708)(07-28-13) Our next two examples of usages of the term "baptize" are found in 1 Corinthians 15:29. In order to establish what this usage of the term "baptize" really means, we must study this entire chapter. Therefore our quote today is the 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians.
"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed. Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith, all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
[29] Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead? And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body. All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit. Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

When, in verse 29, Paul speaks of they "which are baptized for the dead", he is talking about those Apostles and teachers who preach the gospel of Jesus Christ for remission of sins. Those Apostles, including Paul, immersed (baptized) themselves into an all out effort to educate everyone about eternal life that was made possible by the grace of God through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of His only Son, Jesus.

The point of Paul's message to the Corinthians was to assure them that just as surely as Jesus had risen from the dead, through belief and faith in the testimony of Jesus, through the gospel message they taught, all who believe will likewise be resurrected when time on earth has come to an end and Jesus returns to deliver his Church to the Father.

The term "baptized", as it is applied in verse 29, describes the absolute devotion, demonstrated by the Apostles, to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ crucified.

Through that devotion ("baptism"), the resurrection of the believing dead is assured.~

Lesson 707

(Lesson 707)(07-27-13) Todays example usage of the term "baptized" is found in 1Corinthians 12:13.

Our quote is taken from verses 1-14, "Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. 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, but many."

The term "baptized", as it is applied in today's lesson, represents an immersion into the body of Christ, as the same term is applied in Galatians 3:26-28, "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

The text clearly defines the body of Christ as the medium into which the "spirit" immerses (baptizes) those who accept, and become a part of, the testament of Jesus Christ. We, the saved, are bound together, united, or "baptized" within the body of Christ, His Church.

The term "baptized", as it appears in this text, has nothing to do with water.~

Lesson 706

(Lesson 706)(07-26-13) Today's lesson concerns the usage of the term "baptized" as it is found in 1 Corinthians 10-2.

To establish context, we will quote verses 1-4, "Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ."

In the quote, the term "baptized" is used to describe the common belief that existed among the followers of Moses, and has nothing to do with being immersed, or bathed, in water. They were all bound "baptized" (immersed within, or bound to) the leadership of Moses by a common belief in God as Moses divinely led them out of Egyptian captivity. This contention is made evident by what is stated in verses 2-4, "And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ."

Even then, the true deliverer was Jesus Christ, just as He is today. Moses led by, and through, his faith in God and the Hebrew people followed him because they held that same belief.~

Lesson 705

(Lesson 705)(07-25-13) This lesson concerns the six applications of the term "baptized" as they appear on 1 Corinthians 13-17. In order to properly establish the context in which the term was applied and the intended medium into which these Corinthians were "baptized" (immersed), we must quote verses 3-18, "Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."

Paul wrote this letter because some of the Corinthians had misunderstood how "baptism" should be applied to the gospel of Christ and were subsequently preaching the wrong message. This contention is borne out by what Paul said in verses 10-11, "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you."

Paul, in essence, reprimanded the Corinthians for distorting the gospel of Jesus Christ by inserting the physical actions (baptisms) of men into the plan of salvation. The Corinthians had obviously attempted to connect their salvation to the person who had "baptized" them and had failed to give Jesus ALL the credit and praise.

Verse 13 says, "Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" The term "baptized", as it is used here, defines salvation. The context will allow no other definition. Paul, if he had spoken modern English, would have said, Did I die for you? Did I save your eternal souls?

In verse 14-15 Paul says, "I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name."

These two usages of the term "baptized" describe the doctrine that had been mistakenly taught by Appolos and others. In modern English Paul would have said, I thank God that I didn't mislead you like this. You might have wrongfully thought I had something to do with your salvation!

Verse 16 says, "And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other." In this usage water IS the intended medium to which Paul was referring. The confusion comes when the scholars who transliterated term "baptizO" into the term "baptism" applied the term to describe both the water immersions that John the Baptist administered as well as, and inclusive of, the message John taught. That crossover definition carries throughout the New Testament and is the main cause for the confusion concerning "baptism", and salvation.

In verse 17 Paul says, "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect."
This usage definitely describes a water "baptism", (immersion). It also demonstrates the insignificance Paul placed on water immersion, as it pertained to the gospel of Christ.
If water immersion played any part in the salvation of ones soul, the Apostle Paul would have NEVER made the statement, "I thank God I baptized none of you", nor would he have said "For Christ sent me not to baptize".~

Lesson 704

(Lesson 704)(07-24-13) The next three usages of a form of the term "baptized" are found in Romans 6:3-4.

We will quote verses 1-14, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 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. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."

In this lesson, Paul is teaching clearly what we would refer to as, the security of the believer. He was assuring his audience that those who had truly placed their faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ had "likewise" taken on Christ or was "baptized" into him through that faith they had placed in Him and were, in essence, buried and resurrected with him.
Paul devoted much of his ministry in an attempt to persuade the Jews that Jesus had fulfilled the old Law and that those who had accepted Jesus Christ as redeemer were no longer bound by it.

To quote verse 3 in modern English, it says, "Don't you know that everyone of you that have immersed yourself into Christ have also immersed yourself into His death?" (Remember, baptizO, the Greek term from which the word baptize was transliterated, simply means immerse.)

Verse four, in modern English would read, 'Therefore, we are buried with Him by our immersion into His death so that, as Christ was lifted up, we too will be lifted up to be walk, reborn, into a new and everlasting life.'

It is very safe to say that NONE of these three usages infer that water is the intended medium into which we are to be "baptized" (immersed), we are clearly commanded to immerse ourselves into Jesus Christ crucified in order to attain eternal life.~

Lesson 703

(Lesson 703)(07-23-13) Our next example of the term "baptized" is found in Acts 22:16. To provide context we will quote verses 6-16 of Acts 22, "And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."

This is Paul's own account of what happened to him as he traveled to Damascus to retrieve and imprison the followers of Jesus.

The usage of the term "baptized", as it is applied in verse 16, describes Paul's "baptism" into Christ. In my opinion, this reference has nothing to do with water. Here's why. We know that Jesus died on the cross to remit sins, 1 John 1:7, "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

1 John 1:7 perfectly describes Paul's experience. After he had believed in Jesus and had accepted his saving grace (baptism), Paul was told to "arise, and be baptized, and WASH away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Who "cleanseth" us of our sins? "Jesus Christ His son"! NOT water.

There is no doubt in my mind that the term "baptized", as it is applied in this lesson, refers to the "baptism" into Jesus Christ as it is described in Galatians 3:26-27, "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized" (immersed) "into Christ have put on Christ."~

Lesson 702

(Lesson 702)(07-22-13) The next five applications of a form of the term "baptized" are found in Acts 19:3-5.

Our quote will include verses 1 through 7 of Acts 19, "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. And all the men were about twelve."

None of the quoted grammatical variations of the term "baptize" are applied as an explicit reference to water immersion. One could reasonably conclude that when the term "baptism" is used in reference to the overall ministry of John the Baptist, the usage could infer some acknowledgment of the water "baptisms" administered by John and required under Hebrew law, but ONLY as a PART of his ministry. However, I don't believe that rationale applies to the above applications.

The twelve Ephesians, mentioned in the above quote, had only heard, and obviously accepted, the message John preached concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus. They had probably also subjected themselves to the traditional Jewish water washing, by immersion, (baptism) that was administered by John the Baptist. They had NOT, as Paul determined, been taught salvation by grace through faith in the completed sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the remission of ALL sin. Remember, John did NOT preach salvation through faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, since that had not yet been completed.

Therefore, having not been yet "saved", those Ephesians had, "not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost." When Paul heard that he immediately taught them about the death, burial and resurrection of Christ and how His sacrifice had atoned for all sin for those who would simply believe in Him.

The fact that, after obviously accepting Christ, Paul had to lay his hands on those twelve Ephesians in order for them to receive the Holy Ghost, is a mystery seeing that others had received the Holy Ghost without the laying on of hands. (Acts chapter ten.)

The last application of the term "baptized" in this reference is found in verse five of the quote, "When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
By this usage, Paul was simply affirming that those twelve Ephesians had indeed been "baptized" into, accepted the doctrine of, or had put on the "name of" Christ Jesus. ~

Lesson 701

(Lesson 701)(07-21-13) Today's lesson concerns the usage of the term "baptism" that is found in Acts 18:25. Out quote is taken from verses 24-26, "And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly."

The term "baptism", as it is applied in this passage, is in clear reference to the message John the Baptist taught in preparation for the coming of the Lord, as well as the traditional water (baths) immersions, John administered. In short, the term encompasses any and all of John's religious activities and practices.

I am convinced that Apollos, in the above passage, was preaching water immersion, "baptism", as a pre-requisite to being saved, or at least as a part of the process of being saved. As any concentrated study will clearly expose, that contention is scripturally and factually wrong.

We must remember that the message, John the Baptist was divinely inspired to preach, was to PREPARE for the COMING of the Lord Jesus. He DID NOT preach the message of eternal salvation by grace through faith that would be accomplished by, and preached AFTER, the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, Priscilla and Aquila, upon hearing that error in Apollo's message, took him aside and taught him the doctrine of grace, through faith, established when Jesus was sacrificed on the cross, rose from the dead on the third day, and ascended to the Father fulfilling the old law and it's requirement for water "baptism".

Evidence of my original contention that Apollos was teaching water "baptism" as part of salvation, is borne out in 1 Corinthians 1:11-13 wherein Paul says, "For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name."

The confusion among those Corinthians to whom Paul wrote is evidenced by Paul's desire to correct it. I am convinced that the confusion was caused by some, Apollos in particular, who, like Apollos, were wrongly connecting water immersion to the salvation of the eternal soul that is offered, with NO strings, to all who will only believe and place their faith in Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 700

(Lesson 700)(07-20-13) Today's example usage of the term "baptized" is found in Acts 18:8.

We will quote verses 5 through 19 of Acts 18, "And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized."

The context of today's example provides very little to help establish the medium into which these Corinthians were "baptized". However, applying the definition of the term "baptized" that is provided to us in Galatians 3:27, "For as many of you as have been 'baptized' into Christ have put on Christ.", the conclusion reached in verse eight of today's lesson would read, 'and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and put on Christ' (were baptized into Christ).

Therefore, it is my conclusion that the intended medium into which those Corinthians were "baptized" was Christ." They had simply accepted the soul saving gospel of Jesus Christ that Paul had preached. There is no water mentioned or otherwise implied by this usage of the term "baptized".~

Lesson 699

(Lesson 699)(07-19-13) Today's "baptism" example is found in Acts 16:33. We will quote verses 16 through 34 to establish the context in which this usage of the term "baptized" is applied.

Acts 16:16-34, "And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house."
These passages of scripture tell us that Paul and Silas were imprisoned, by the Jewish hierarchy, for preaching the gospel of Christ to other Jews. The prison warden became so afraid after an earthquake, caused by God in answer to the prayers of Paul and Silas, had potentially freed all his prisoners, prepared to take his own life. Paul, seeing the guards distress, consoled him by telling him that no prisoners had escaped. The warden, realizing his circumstances, then asked Paul and Silas, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" To which Paul and Silas answered, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
The text of this quote tells us that Paul preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to that warden and his family after which they were "baptized". Knowing that the term "baptizO", from which this usage was transliterated, basically means to immerse oneself within any one of many mediums, there is NOTHING in this quote that can positively establish that the term "baptized", as applied herein, pertains to a water immersion. It can just as easily, and more probably be determined to describe the acceptance, taking on of, or binding oneself within, the saving grace of God through Jesus Christ crucified. Again I refer to Galatians 3:27, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

Therefore, I believe this usage of the term "baptized" refers to that warden and his family having been saved by the grace of God through the sacrifice of Jesus, and has nothing to do with water immersion. ~

Lesson 698

(Lesson 698)(07-18-13) Today's reference to a usage of the term "baptized" is found in Acts 16:15. We will begin our quote at verse 12, "And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us."

It is reasonably obvious that the woman mentioned in this quote and her family were "baptized", or immersed into water, seeing that they were gathered by the side of a river.

This is yet another example further establishing that water baptisms administered AFTER Jesus had ascended were only allowed AFTER the candidate had accomplished the "baptism" into Jesus Christ as demanded in Galatians 3:27, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

In this example the woman, "whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul." had already accepted the sacrifice of Christ BEFORE she and her family were immersed in water.

I was raised to believe that Christians are to be "baptized" in water after having accepted Christ and His sacrifice as the remitter of all sins, or as commonly said, after having been saved by grace.

That doctrine provides that water "baptism" authorizes Church membership and identifies the newly "baptized" believer as a follower of Christ. There are those who even contend that if one is not "baptized" in water, that one cannot receive the Holy Ghost.

We know that part to be wrong since Cornelius and his family received the Holy Ghost BEFORE they were immersed in water. Acts chapter 10.

I have, in my very intense study of the New Testament, never been able to find sufficient scriptural evidence to affirm the above assumption. If any one of you can help me with establishing this doctrine, please do so. Give me the references that establish that premise.

Today's example of the term "baptized" clearly indicates that the medium into which the woman and her family were immersed, was water.~

Lesson 697

(Lesson 697)(07-17-13) Today's example of the term "baptism" is found in Acts 13:24. To establish context we will quote verses 16-26, "Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it. And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot. And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose. Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent."

This lesson draws a clear distinction between the water "baptism" offered by John the Baptist and the eternal, soul saving, "baptism" offered by and through Jesus Christ.

This usage of the term "baptism" as is applied here by Paul, ("When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.") is a definite reference to the message John preached to the Jews laying the groundwork for the coming of Jesus, the Messiah.

The following portion of that quote, ("And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.") Herein, Paul makes it very clear that the "baptism of repentance" was a doctrine preached to prepare the Jews for the coming of the Lord.

When we make a full study of John the Baptist and all the things he did and said, we also find that John did indeed administer traditional Jewish water immersions (baths) to cleanse those willing candidates in preparation for their coming encounter with their, and our, Savior.

Therefore, the usage of the term "baptism", in today's lesson, refers to the doctrine John the Baptist taught and has nothing to do with water.~

Lesson 696

(Lesson 696)(07-16-13) There is an issue involving yesterday's lesson I feel might be cause for some confusion. I will address that matter up front today in hopes of clearing up any misunderstanding that might evolve.

Yesterday, I erroneously stated that the usage of the term "baptized" applied in Acts 10:48, "And he" Peter "commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." I was probably mistaken by implying that Peter told Cornelius and his family to be "baptized" in water. Although it is possible that Peter could have been been referring to water, by his usage of the phrase, "be baptized in the name of the Lord" it is more probable that he was exhorting Cornelius and his family to continue in their devotion to Christ Jesus, in the same sense that Paul arose and was "baptized" after Ananias had by laying his hands upon Paul and praying, caused Paul to be "baptized" in the Holy Ghost.

The context within which this usage is applied leaves open the possibility that Peter could have been referring Cornelius and his family to a water "baptism", that scenario is highly unlikely since the phrase "in the name of", as it is generally applied in the New Testament, refers to the doctrine proposed by the person identified, in this case, Jesus.

My synopsis about this matter will become more clear when we address the usages of the term "baptize" in Corinthians where Paul is addressing those who have identified themselves with the person who "baptized" them, instead of being wholly identified with Christ, as of course, they should have been all along.

The next two applications of a variation of the term "baptize" appears in Acts 11:16. For context we will quote Acts 11:1-18, "And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. And the spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life."

The first of these usages certainly refers to the water "baptisms" administered by John. The second refers to the "baptism", immersion into, or granting of, the power of the Holy Ghost.

In this quote, Peter was recounting what had occurred at the home of Cornelius, and the circumstances that led him to go there. He assures his Jewish brethren that God had bestowed His grace upon the Gentiles also, and that they too, had been "baptized" by, or into the Holy Ghost.~

Lesson 695

(Lesson 695)(07-15-13) Today's lesson is based on the next three usages of a form of the term "baptize" as those usages are applied in Acts 10:37, 47 and 48.

Again, for purposes of context, we will begin the quote with verse 34 and continue through verse 48, "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 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."

We should pay very close attention to the words Peter said to Cornelius concerning the life of Jesus Christ, he said, "That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the BAPTISM which JOHN PREACHED;"

By using the term "baptism", Peter was referring to the doctrine that John taught, not water immersion. John didn't preach about water immersion, he preached a message that was in itself a "baptism", something his listeners could immerse themselves into, or learn.

The usages that are found in verses 47 and 48 both obviously intend water as the medium into which Cornelius and his family were to be immersed, this is evidenced by the fact that Peter asked, "Can any man forbid WATER, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?"

It is especially important to note that the Holy Ghost was bestowed upon Cornelius and his family BEFORE they received water "baptism". Since it it scripturally impossible for the unsaved to receive the Holy Ghost, it is obvious that Cornelius and his family were saved (Baptized into the name of Jesus Christ and had, through faith, put on Christ.) before receiving water "baptism" thereby disproving the notion that the lost (Nonbelievers) must be immersed into water before that they can receive eternal salvation.

The last two of these usages relate to water as the intended medium, the first implies a doctrine ("baptism which John preached.") as the medium.~

Lesson 694

(Lesson 694)(07-14-13) Today's lesson concerns the usage of the term "baptized" that is found in Acts 9:18, but, for context we will include the entire lesson in context with this application.

Acts 9:10-18, "And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 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. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized."

This application has special meaning as for as these lessons are concerned, in that, although almost every "Christian" will say that the word "baptized", as it was applied to Paul in this text, intends water as the medium into which Paul was immersed "baptized". That notion is simply not true and I believe I can prove it by the instructions Jesus gave Ananias, and by what Ananias did after receiving those instructions.

Beginning in verse 10 we find why Jesus sent Ananias to see Paul, "And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, THAT HE MIGHT RECEIVE HIS SIGHT.

We should note that there is no mention herein that Ananias is to "baptize" Paul in water. However, if we read verses 17-18 we find that Paul indeed was "baptized", but it was with, or into, the Holy Ghost, NOT water, "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. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was" (Past tense) "baptized."

There is nothing within this text that implies that Paul was ever immersed in water, Paul was clearly immersed into the Holy Ghost. Jesus sent Ananias to "baptize Paul in the Holy Ghost as per verse 17.

NOTE: There is no concrete scriptural evidence that ANY of the Apostles were ever "baptized" (immersed) into water.~

Lesson 693

(Lesson 693)(07-13-13) The next usage of the term "baptized" is found in Acts 8:38, for context we will verses 36-40, "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 Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. 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 both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea."

This example clearly indicates that the usage of the term "baptized" implies that water was one of the mediums into which Philip baptized the eunuch.

In reality, the eunuch was baptized into two distinctly different mediums during his encounter with Philip, although the first was not verbally described as a "baptism". The first was his being taught, and accepting (being baptized into) the doctrine of Jesus Christ. This is evidenced by the fact that he accepted the doctrine that was taught to him by Philip as he so stated, " I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.".

(It has already been established, by these lessons, that the term "baptized" can also be applied to describe the acceptance of a certain truth, or event to be, or that has already been, accomplished. Refer to Luke 12:50, "But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!")

The second "baptism" undergone by the eunuch was accomplished when Philip allowed him to be immersed into water.~

Lesson 692

(Lesson 692)(07-12-13) The next two usages of the term "baptized" are found in Acts 8:36-38, however for contextual purposes, we will include verses 26 through 38, "And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 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 Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. 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 both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him."

The medium into which the eunuch was "baptized" was clearly water as evidenced by the fact that the text states they, "went down both into the water".

The significance of this lesson is expanded by the fact that Philip insisted that the eunuch confess that he believed with all his heart, clearly placing the water "baptism" AFTER a confession of faith, or acceptance of the doctrine of Christ.

Remember that we made a point earlier in this series of lessons, that until the ascension of Christ, all water "baptisms" were performed BEFORE salvation, or UNTO repentance. This text provides one of the examples that water immersions (baptisms) were performed ONLY AFTER a candidate had made a profession of faith, or had be "baptized" INTO, or put on "the name of" Jesus Christ.~

Lesson 691

(Lesson 691)(07-11-13) Today's lesson is a reference to the usage of a form of the term "baptize" that is found in Acts 8:16, however, for context we will quote verses 14-17, "Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost."
In this reference, the term "baptized" refers to what those Samaritans had been taught, which was the doctrine off Jesus Christ. But, had not yet received the power of Holy Ghost. In our modern English it would read, 'those Samaritans had been taught of, or "baptized" in, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for remission of sins, but had not yet received the gift of the Holy Ghost'.

Again, this usage of the term "baptized", deals only with the doctrine (baptism) of, or into, Christ, and has nothing to do with water Immersion.~

Lesson 690

(Lesson 690)(07-10-13) Today's lesson is found in Acts 8:9-17 and concerns the next two applications of the term "baptized, "But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done."

In both of these two applications, the term baptized is used in reference to, and defines repentance, or conversion from one doctrine, or lifestyle, to another. More explicitly, in this example, the repentance of those who had believed Philip's message concerning the "kingdom of God" and his doctrine, "the name of", or concept of, Jesus Christ, as in the following quote, "But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ," they were "baptized".

It behooves us to remember that "the name of Jesus Christ" is something that can be taught, seeing that Philip did just that, he preached, or taught, "the name of Jesus Christ". In other words, the "name of Jesus Christ" was considered a lesson that could be taught, or a concept that could be adopted. The term "baptized" as it is applied in this lesson, defines the acceptance of that lesson by those who heard Philip preach. They were, in fact, "baptized" within that message by acceptance of it.

To more firmly establish my analysis, we refer back to what Jesus said in Matthew 28:19, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them IN THE NAME OF the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:". Therein, again, we find that the "NAME OF" the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost, IS that intity into which Jesus required all who would follow Him, to be baptized.

Therefore, when one accepts or converts to a particular doctrine or concept, that one has effectively been "baptized" into, or has taken on, that doctrine or concept.

Water is in no way referenced by these two usages of the term "baptized".~

Lesson 689

(Lesson 689)(07-09-13) Today's lesson will refer back to Acts 2:36-42 with an emphasis on clarifying the use of the term , "baptized" as it is applied in verse 41, "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls."

I believe this usage also disallows water as the medium into which those who believed Peter's message were "baptized".

The disciples that Peter and the other Apostles made during the Pentecost celebration, became disciples by repenting of, or turning away from the old law and tradition, and subsequently accepting, having their sins remitted by, or being "baptized" into the new law of faith in the divine virgin conception, life, death, burial and resurrection, of Jesus, the Son of God, one third of the Holy Triune.

Verse 41 says, in essence, that after these were immersed into, or had taken on the doctrine of Jesus Christ (converted), they were added to the number of who had already believed, the total addition being near five thousand.

Verse 42 tells us, "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." This passages implies that the "apostles' doctrine" was the what remained with those new converts, not the memory of a water "baptism".

One should note also that there is no reference to a water source anywhere within this passage. I bring that out because in almost every reference to a baptism that requires, or refers to water as the medium, contains some information as to the water source.~

Lesson 688

(Lesson 688)(07-08-13) The next two applications of a form of the term "baptize" are found in Acts 2:36-42, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."

This is another one of the most misunderstood and misapplied passages of scripture to be found in the New Testament.

There are many who profess that the term "baptized", as it is applied in verse 38, is in reference to a water immersion, that notion is simply wrong, the context of the passage does not allow it,

therefore, we will inject the established context.

After hearing Peter's message, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." Those who believed that Jesus was the son of God, asked the Apostles, "what shall we do", Peter then said "Repent" (Turn away from the old and accept the new), "and be baptized" (Immersed) every one of you in the NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS". In essence, Peter told them to enwrap themselves in the saving grace of Jesus Christ crucified.

We should pay very close attention to exactly what Peter answered, he told them to immerse themselves in THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, not water. Peter did not say, 'immerse yourselves into water into Jesus, he very clearly stated that they were to immerse themselves in the name of Jesus Christ.

NOTE:The English word "in" that appears in Peter's instruction, "and be baptized every one of you "IN", is transliterated from the Greek term, "eIpio" to "epi", which, in the King James version of the bible is translated to our English word "in". Be sure to emember that this application refers to the same medium into which the listeners were to be "baptized" (immersed), which was "in the name of" or concept of.

For comparison and clarification refer to that same word "in", as it is applied in Matt. 28:19, the words uttered by Jesus Himself, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them "IN" the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:". In this example, "in" is transliterated from the original Greek term "eiIv" to "ies", then to our English "in".

My point is that when Jesus used the term "in" it meant into, or toward, and in contrast, when Peter used the same term, it implied by, or upon.

Demonstrating that the context of this message, in comparison to what was taught by Jesus, Himself, we find that the context would have to be greatly altered to allow for the term "baptized", as it is applied herein, to suggest that water is the medium into which Peter instructed these Jews to be "baptized" since Jesus had commanded they be "baptized" (immersed, or placed)" INTO the concept of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

I know that this is getting very complicated and will be hard for some to understand, however, if one mistakenly places their faith in water immersion, as opposed to placing their faith wholly in the concept of the divine appointment, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, ones soul remains lost for eternity.~
*Since this has run long, I will cover the usage in verse 41 tomorrow, it ties directly in to today's lesson in that it tells us what those Jews did with that "baptism".

Lesson 687

(Lesson 687)(07-07-13) The next New Testament applications of some form of the term "baptize" are found in Acts 1:5 "For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."and 22, "Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection."

In the first portion of verse 5 Jesus said, "John truly baptized with water", the context in which this statement is made clearly indicates that water was one of the mediums into which John "baptized". We have already determined in previous lessons that John also "baptized" his listeners with the doctrinal message he was foreordained to preach. This reference is clearly to the water immersions John the Baptist administered.

The second usage in verse 5 "but ye shall be 'baptized' with the Holy Ghost" defines their upcoming empowerment by the Holy Ghost. The term "baptized", as it is applied in this portion of verse 5, in modern English, could be, But you will empowered by, bathed in, or cloaked by, the Holy Ghost. This application of the term "baptized" has nothing to do with water.~

Lesson 686

(Lesson 686)(07-06-13) Our next lesson is found in a reference in John 4:1-3, "When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee."

I should have included these two examples in yesterdays lesson since the same reasoning is applicable to both these usages.

Therefore, for today's purposes, I am going to include the application of the term "baptize" that appears in John 10:39-40, "Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode."

This example describes both the traditional water "baptisms" administered by John, and the message (baptism) John taught. It describes his full intent to prepare the Jews for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus, first by preaching the message of His coming and then offering the traditional water bath (baptism) required under God's command and the Law of Moses.~

Lesson 685

(Lesson 685)(07-05-13) The next three appearance of a form of the term "baptize" are found in John 3:22-36, "After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not yet cast into prison. Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him."

Today's lesson is another very clear example wherein the term "baptize" describes, not only an immersion into water, but also, the introduction to a doctrinal message that was, is being, or is to be taught. This is very important in that there is much misunderstanding as to what is meant by the phrases "baptized into Christ" or "baptized in the name of Christ", both of which imply an acceptance of His doctrine as fact, therefore placing their faith in it.

This quote establishes that Jesus did indeed "baptize" however, the baptism He administered DID NOT imply water as the medium into which that baptism is, or was, to occur. The scholars, who translated this quote, whom in most applications implied water as the medium into which a "baptizO" is to occur, obviously confronted a dilemma when trying to translate this particular text when that same term defined the doctrine that Jesus taught as well as the water immersions John the Baptist administered. They even saw fit to clarify that Jesus DID NOT baptize with water, "John 4:2, "(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

It is clearly evident that when the term "baptizeth" was referenced to something Jesus did, it was in regard to His teaching His doctrine and NOT to the water baptisms administered by John.

This example is evidence that the transliteration of the term "baptizO" does not adequately describe all the intents implied by its many applications in the bible text.

The body of this quote is a very important study within itself in that it defines the difference in John's divine purpose and that Jesus.

Again, I would be happy to answer any questions anyone might have concerning this matter.~

Lesson 684

(Lesson 684)(06-04-13) The next three appearances of a form of the term "baptize" are found in John 1:29-34, "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God."

This quote depicts John's first meeting with Jesus, "the Son of God". John identifies Jesus as, "This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water." Herein, John acknowledges that God had foretold him of Jesus' coming and that the water baths (baptisms) that he administered was to, according to law, prepare the Jews for that coming.

In the above quote, John clearly identifies Jesus as the source for remittance of sin, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." There is nothing within this statement that presumes that immersion into water is, in any way, responsible for the remittance of ones sin.

There will be those who refer to John's having preached the "baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins" as recorded in Mark 1:4, and Luke 3:3, as being examples of how water "baptism" remits sins. That notion is woefully incorrect.

Indeed, repentance, or the changing of ones mind from belief in the Law of Moses to professing faith in Jesus Christ, remits sins. However the usage of the term "baptism", in the above references, has nothing to do with water, they are clearly used in reference to the message John preached and not the water immersions he administered.

When we engage in bible study, we should ALWAYS determine the intent of the term "baptize" by the context within which it is applied, and not just assume that the term implies water as the medium in to which the "baptism" is to occur.~

Lesson 683

(Lesson 683)(07-03-13) Today's examples of the New Testament applications of term "baptize" are found in John 1:25-26, I will include verses 19-27 to provide context for this lesson.

The Jewish hierarchy was questioning John the Baptist, "And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose."

John, after stating the he was not the Messiah (Christ) and being asked if he was Elias or "that" prophet, John said he was a messenger sent to "make straight the way of the Lord". He was then asked "why baptizeth thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?"
The term "baptizeth", as it is applied in this text, is in regard to the preparatory message John was offering, "Make straight the way of the Lord", and had nothing to do with the ritual water immersions John administered. The difference between the two intents is clarified by John in his very next statement, "John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose."
John is making it very clear to those priests and Levites, that there is a distinct difference between the traditional water immersion (baptism) he offered and the message (baptism) of the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Jesus IS the baptism John preached, water immersion was the preparatory bath required by Hebrew law and command.
Again, this lesson provides two very different intents of the term baptism.~

Lesson 682

(Lesson 682)(07-02-13) The next reference to "baptism" is found in Luke 20:4, "The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

This reference is again denotes the message John preached rather than the water immersion he performed. This is evidenced by the response of the priests, scribes and elders, which we find in verse five of that same chapter, "And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then BELIEVED ye him not?" As I have previously stated, one cannot "believe" a water baptism since it is a physical act that is either performed or not performed. It does not require a belief either way.
Therefore, Jesus was obviously using the term "baptism" to describe the message John preached.~

Lesson 681

(Lesson 681)(07-01-13) The next two times we find variations of the term "baptize" is in Luke 12:50, however, in order to establish the context within which the term was applied, one needs to read from verse 41 of that same chapter.

"Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I if it be already kindled? But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!"

When Jesus used the terms "baptism" and "baptized" in this passage, He was clearly referring to His upcoming death, burial, and resurrection. This is evidenced by the knowledge that He had already subjected Himself to the water immersion (baptism) administered by John the Baptist.

Therefore, the "baptism" Jesus refers to herein, is the very "baptism" (sacrifice) that remitted all sin and saved the eternal souls of all those who would put their faith in Him.

Jesus, during His entire ministry, used a form of the term baptize a total of *seven times, not once did He use the term in reference to water as being the medium into which a believer is to be immersed. A candidate for eternal salvation is to be "baptized" (immersed), through faith, into the soul saving "baptism" (sacrifice) of Jesus Himself. There is no scriptural foundation for the belief that one is to be "baptized" into water, in order to be "baptized" into Christ. One is "baptized" into Christ through their belief in Him and His soul saving sacrifice.

Somehow, since the gospels were recorded, probably because of the massive influence Roman Catholicism forced upon early Christians, the term "baptism" has been wrongfully associated with water as the medium into which one is to be immersed "for the remittance of sins". Nothing, however, could be further form the truth as we can clearly see demonstrated in the above quote. We have already learned that the Greek term BaptizO, in that language, was used to imply ones involvement or immersion, in almost anything, it's usage was most certainly NOT restricted to water. ~

*(This figure does not include all the different accounts of the same message.)