Lesson 712

(Lesson 712)(08-01-13) The application of the term "baptisms" as it applies to today's lesson, is found in Hebrews 6:2.

For context, we will quote verses 1-6 of the Hebrews 6, "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame."

In this quote, Paul was substantiating the eternal security of those who place their faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the remittance of all sin.

One must pay careful attention to what Paul says herein, "Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection".

Paul, in essence said, we are stepping outside and away from the "doctrine of Christ" so as to "go on to perfection", perfection having been required to maintain salvation under Hebrew law. To accomplish that separation, Paul metaphorically abandoned the discussion of things contained in the "doctrine of Christ" in which he listed, "the doctrine of baptisms" (NOTE: The term baptism is pluralized, (baptismS) clearly establishing that, in the language Paul applied to this text, not only is there more than one application for the term but also that the term "baptism" can be applied to, or describe, a "doctrine".)

Paul was stating that if one could "fall away" from the redemption achieved by faith in Christ through imperfection, that one could never again regain redemption without bringing Jesus back and re-crucifying Him.

There are many who contend that those of us who are saved by the grace of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, must live a sinless life, or, in essence, return to the old law just as those Hebrews were trying to do, in order to maintain their salvation. This contention is firmly and simply nullified by Ephesians 4:30, "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby YE ARE SEALED UNTO THE DAY OF REDEMPTION."

The usage of the term "baptisms", as it is applied in today's lesson, clearly denotes a doctrine, and in no way refers to water immersion.~

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.~