"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 made an astounding statements when he said "I thank God I baptized none of you" and "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel".
In yesterday's lesson I correctly said that the term "baptized" as it was generally applied in the quote, was not in reference to a water immersion. The assertion was correct in that when Paul quoted the Corinthians as saying, "I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ" he made the assertion that Christ must have been one of the baptismal options. Therefore, knowing that Christ never administered water baptism to anyone, Paul's reference to baptism must have been in regard to something other than immersion in water.
In today's quote, however, the use of the term "baptize" has mixed meanings and intents. When in today's quote, Paul said, "I thank God I baptized none of you" he was expressing gratitude for the fact that he had not been responsible for some of the Corinthians contentious and misguided beliefs. He was ALSO speaking to the water immersions that the Corinthians had been subjected to by whomever had administered their water "baptism".
NOTE: It behooves us to remember that water immersion "baptism" was, and still is, an ancient Jewish tradition and plays no part in the remission of sins nor the eternal salvation of the soul. The "baptism" that DOES remit sins and is indeed responsible for the salvation of the eternal soul is an immersion into the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and NOT an immersion into water.
When Paul said, "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel", he was clearly saying that immersing lost souls in water was not a part of the gospel nor was the responsibility of a preacher to teach it. He then explained why it is so difficult for many to grasp the simplicity of God's plan. "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
It has always been the habit of mankind to try and make him/herself a part of their own salvation, just as the Corinthians were attempting to do. That is just one of the absurdities of mankind as Paul eloquently said, "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." No truer words have ever been spoken.~
This subject will be further examined as we continue these lessons.
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