Historical Posts
Blinded by a False Theology
Starting with a False Theology in mind blinds us to the Truth of God’s Word.
One would be hard pressed to find any doctrine in the New Testament more clearly set forth than the doctrine of baptism. Both Jesus and his disciples spoke plainly about it. This is seen in the fact that, with the exception of the Quakers and Christian Scientists, every other “Christian” group practices some kind of baptismal rite involving water. It is hard to overlook the facts. Jesus, himself, was baptized (Matthew 3:16). He commissioned his disciples to go throughout the world teaching and baptizing (Matthew 28:19). Every account of conversion in the book of Acts culminates in baptism. And, the epistles remind us of the place and importance of baptism (Romans 6:3,4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 4:5; 1 Peter 3:20-21). Still, there are those who seek to minimize the place of baptism in man’s response to Christ.
Billy Graham, in his book Approaching Hoofbeats, wrote: After the people had heard Peter’s great sermon at Pentecost, “they were pricked in their heart and said unto Peter and the other apostles, `Brothers, what shall we do?'” (Acts 2:37). Then “Peter replied, `Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'” We cannot escape that word repent. (Page 147).
Did you notice the conclusion, “We cannot escape that word repent?” What happened to the words “be baptized”? Apparently they did escape notice. Ironically, baptism has escaped the attention of a large segment of the “Christian” world in its preaching and teaching. This has occurred, as I mentioned earlier, in spite of the emphasis placed upon it in the New Testament.
How can folks be blind to what the Scriptures say on the subject? The answer is really quite simple. They go to the Bible with their minds already made up. Having embraced the false theology of the concept of justification by faith alone, they ignore anything which demands some action or response on man’s part in addition to faith. That is why Martin Luther rejected the epistle of James. In that epistle a clear correlation between faith and works is set forth. This was contrary to Luther’s theology, so it he rejected it.
No honest Bible student could ever forcefully argue that a man can earn, achieve, or merit his salvation by good works. And, no honest Bible student can ever demonstrate a living faith apart from works (James 2:17-20).
Baptism is intrinsic to the whole scheme of redemption as set forth in the New Testament. It is neither more nor less important than the other commands of Christ. It is, like the others, an essential part of His plan, and those who ignore it commit a serious error. One which will have eternal consequences.
Have you been baptized? If we can help, please let us know.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Water and Blood
Water and Blood: Water Baptism Contacts Christ’s Blood.
1 John 5:6: “This is He who came by water and blood – Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood…” Jesus Christ naturally came by water and blood when He was born of this world of a virgin. However, both of these elements are also present in later events in his life, at His death. These events are very significant for our lives as well.
Water and blood were both present at Jesus’ death. John records, “But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, ‘Not one of His bones shall be broken.’ And again another Scripture says, ‘They shall look on Him whom they pierced (John 19:34-37).’”
This event is significant because “…without shedding of blood there is no remission (Hebrews 9:22).” When Christ died, His blood was shed for the remission of our sins. We come in contact with His saving blood and our sins are washed away when we are baptized… in water.
Jesus told Nicodemus one must be born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5). The Ethiopian eunuch understood, for when he saw water he wanted to be baptized (Acts 8:36). Jesus was baptized in the Jordan by John (Mark 1:9-11), and washes us from our sins in His own blood (Revelation 1:5). We come in contact with His blood, washing away our sins when we are baptized (Acts 2:38; 22:16).
Both water and blood have a role in God’s plan for man’s salvation from sin. Baptism puts us into Christ (Galatians 3:27), where His blood cleanses us from all sin. His blood continues to cleanse us when we continue to walk in the light as He is in the light (1 John 1:7).
Salvation in Christ requires both water and blood. Have you been immersed in water to come into contact with His saving blood?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Ye Must Be Born Again
Nicodemus, a Pharisee, came to Jesus one night. He said, “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him” (John 3:2). Jesus responded: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). “Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again” (John 3:7). Nicodemus thought only of a literal birth, but of course that was not what Jesus meant!
What is the New Birth?
Whatever the “new birth” is, it is clear that it is essential to our spiritual and eternal well-being. Do you remember a few years back when there was so much talk about “born again” Christians? I should point out that there is no other kind of Christian. In fact, the phrase “born again Christian” is redundant. It is impossible to be a Christian in the New Testament sense without experiencing the new birth!
The new birth signifies the beginning, not the consummation of our response to Jesus Christ.
The process is clearly illustrated in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus (Paul). He underwent a change in thinking from doubter to believer! He demonstrated a change in conduct from persecutor to preacher! He experienced a change in relationship from being a religious Jew to that of being a Christian! The elements of this birth are water and the Spirit.
The new birth consists of two elements – water and the Spirit.
Water can have reference to but one thing – BAPTISM! No honest and fair-minded person has trouble connecting the new birth with baptism given the emphasis in the New Testament on the subject (Matthew 3:13-17; 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:1-6; etc).
The Spirit here has reference to the Holy Spirit, and the Spirit’s role in bringing about the new birth. Conversion is a process involving faith derived from the Word leading to obedience (Romans 10:17). Peter acknowledges this to be true when he wrote of our being born again, not of corruptible seed, but incorruptible, through the word of God (1 Peter 1:23).
The Lord’s command to Nicodemus is as relevant now as ever.
I cannot improve on Jesus’ own words: “Ye must be born again!” The new birth necessitates an immersion, or baptism, in water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). That’s what the Bible teaches. Will you accept it?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Can People Be Baptized in the Holy Spirit?
Can people be baptized in the Holy Spirit?
This question has been asked with great frequency, since I first started answering questions on the radio, twenty years ago. It seems to be of keen interest to those who are not members of the church of Christ, as it relates directly to a popular denominational doctrine. There are a great many people in the modern religious world who believe that baptism in the Holy Spirit (either in addition to, or instead of baptism in water) is what saves a person from sin. Believers in this teaching may be seen regularly on television; waving their arms in the air and calling for the Holy Spirit to be “poured out” upon them. Sometimes, you may hear people talk about the “direct operation of the Holy Spirit,” which is thought by some to be a term, which describes what the Holy Spirit does, when a believer is immersed in Him. Is this teaching Biblical? What does the Bible say about the role of the Holy Spirit in salvation?
The Bible plainly teaches that Jesus promised baptism in the Holy Spirit to a specific group of individuals and, aside from one important exception, they were the only people ever to be baptized in such a way. Just before His ascension into Heaven, Jesus gathered together His apostles, and told them to wait in Jerusalem for the fulfillment of certain promises, saying, “John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:4-5). A short time later, when the apostles were gathered together in a secluded place, the Lord’s promise was fulfilled (Acts 2:1-4). Some argue that there were more than just the twelve apostles present in the place where they received the fulfillment of the promise that Jesus had made, but a careful reading of Acts 1:26 reveals that only the twelve apostles were present. Others argue that John promised baptism in the Holy Spirit to all who heard him (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16), but this is not necessarily so. These verses reveal that John also promised a baptism in “fire” to those who heard him (indicating a great degree of suffering to be endured), yet not everyone who heard John received it. Clearly, he had in mind only those for whom it was intended. The same may be said about the promise of baptism in the Holy Spirit.
The only reasonable objection to the idea that the apostles were the only people to whom baptism in the Holy Spirit was promised is to argue that, since the Holy Spirit “fell on[Cornelius and his household] as on [the apostles] in the beginning” (Acts 11:15), in Acts 10, it must follow that the same thing can happen to believers today. However, this objection is impossible to prove. First of all, because it must be admitted that the primary reason why the Holy Spirit “fell” upon Cornelius and his household was to show the members of the ancient church that Gentiles could be Chris-tians too (Acts 10:44-48; 11:15-18). Secondly, because it must be admitted that there is no other account of anything like this happening to anyone else, in all of Scripture. Every indication is that this event was exceptional and atypical of what was happening to those who were being converted in the first century.
Every other verse in the New Testament plainly teaches that only baptism in water can remit the sins of mankind. Ephesians 4:5 indicates that that there is only one baptism, which the Lord recognizes. A host of passages in the New Testament affirm that this “one baptism” is baptism in water (John 3:23; Acts 8:36; 10:47). Passages like Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12 describe baptism as “burial” in water. This is an obvious reference to immersion in water, and it shows how baptism mimics the burial of Christ, following His death on the cross. Peter preached that people are baptized “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38), and Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). In view of these truths, it is no small wonder that the apostle Peter would eventually write, “baptism doth also now save us” (1 Peter 3:21).
The role played by the Holy Spirit in the conversion of lost souls is understandable. Ephesians 6:17 says that the “sword of the Spirit” is “the word of God,” and Hebrews 4:12 says that the Word of God is living and active in the conversion of lost souls, whenever the Word of God is used to persuade people to be saved. It is the medium used by the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, in the accomplishment of any aspect of the will of God, including the conversion of lost souls, (1 Corinthians 1:21; Romans 10:17). I would never presume to argue that that the Holy Spirit does not play a role in the conversion of lost souls, but I do take exception with the assertion that people must be baptized in the Holy Spirit to be saved.
Content by Russell Kline
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A New Man
The concept of being a new man has spiritual connotations.
“He started an exercise program a few months ago, and now he is a new man.” “He had by-pass surgery two years ago, and he’s been a new man ever since.” “Since he met her he’s a new man.” I’m sure you’ve heard those, or similar statements, many times. They reflect the change brought about in the life of an individual by some special act or set of circumstances. In each case the new man is better than the old. The concept also has spiritual connotations.
The apostle Paul wrote, “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Colossians 3:9-10). It was also Paul who wrote, “…if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
When one becomes a Christian, he becomes a new man. The change should be evident to all. The old life with all of its sin and folly must be forgotten, and a new life, patterned after that of the Lord, must begin. We must rid ourselves of anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language and lying (to name a few), and in their place add compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:8-17). Our success in the Christian endeavor is measured by how well we conform to the life and example of our Lord.
Too many people want the benefits of Christianity without any of the responsibilities. Becoming a new man is not optional. When we believe, repent of our sins, and confess our faith in Christ, we must be baptized, buried with him that we might rise to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). Have you become a new man?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Baptism is a Burial
Thanks to Johnny O. Trail from the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ for the content of this post.
Baptism is an immersion, or a burial, in water.
I was reading a 1936 history of Beech Grove, Tennessee a few years ago. It revealed an interesting fact about certain Confederate Soldiers who and their burial around the region. It seems that farmers in the area were complaining about the improper burial of soldiers who had died in battles around the small community.
In their haste to escape from advancing Union Soldiers, the Confederate Army placed their dead comrades in shallow, insufficient graves. In some cases, these deceased soldiers were barely covered with dirt and left to be ravaged by the elements. Needless to say, this created a morbid, grotesque scene for farmers and citizens of the region to contend with on a regular basis. Moreover, it was a constant reminder of a terrible war that cost so many American lives.
As late as 1935, farmers were complaining of having to farm around the remains of these soldiers that were, in some cases, above the ground. They wanted these men to be exhumed and have a proper burial, so they would not be continually farming around the remains of dead soldiers. In response to the complaints, the bodies were exhumed and placed in a Confederate Cemetery that is located just off of I-24 on the Coffee County / Bedford County line in Tennessee. To this day, one can see that particular cemetery from the interstate that runs parallel to the graves.
This reveals a very important principle about baptism that many in our world fail to realize. Baptism is a burial. The very word that is used to describe the process along with certain passages makes this fact apparent.
The dictionary does the Bible student a disservice in defining the word “baptism.” One dictionary defines baptism as “a religious ceremony in which somebody is sprinkled with or immersed in water…” Sprinkling is one way the word is defined by people in our age. This might also be termed baptism by effusion.
First, the Bible makes it plain that baptism required much water. John 3:23 makes this point in regards to the baptism of John. “And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.”
As a matter of fact the same point is made regarding the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch. Acts 8:37-39 says, “And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.” From this text, we learn that there was enough water for both the eunuch and Philip to go down into and be baptized. The implication is clear. Baptism required “much water,” because it is an immersion, a burial, in water.
In the book of Romans, Paul makes it clear that baptism is a burial. Consider his words in Romans 6:4: “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” When Jesus was buried, He was completely encapsulated within a new tomb. Matthew 27:59-60 says, “And Joseph took the body [of Jesus—J.O.T.] and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away.” Thus, it becomes ostensible that any imitation of Christ’s burial would include a complete and total burial under water.
Finally, one might consider the linguistic arguments regarding the proper method of baptism. For this discussion, we need to look at the Septuagint translation of Leviticus 14:15-16. These passages say, “Then the priest shall take some of the log of oil and pour it into the palm of his own left hand and dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand and sprinkle some oil with his finger seven times before the LORD.” The three words considered from these scriptures are pour, dip, and sprinkle. In the Greek, these words are cheo (pour), rhantizo (sprinkle), and bapto (dip). This makes it obvious that the scholars who translated the Septuagint version of the Bible knew that there were three separate and distinct Greek words for these different actions.¹
From these arguments, it becomes apparent that baptism means immersion, or burial. As a matter of fact, Dr. Hugo McCord in his translation of the Bible, The Everlasting Gospel, IV ed., consistently renders the word bapto as immersion. Brother McCord does this because the word means “to immerse.” McCord avers in his appendix:
Likewise, the word “baptism” is eliminated, because it is not a translation: “baptism” only anglicizes the Greek word baptisma, using English letters to replace Greek letters, and does not tell what the word means. The root of bapto, “dip” is seen in Luke 16:24: “Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue.”
Thus, the scriptural and linguistic arguments make it apparent that immersion, or burial in water, is in mind when the inspired writers use the term “baptism” in scripture. Still, there are those who reject the truth on this matter. The American Bible Society refuses to translate the word baptisma as immersion. When pressed on the matter they responded. “No translation should employ a word which would rule out one or the other of the interpretations as to the mode of baptism.”²
We should desire the truth in regards to translating words and develop an understanding of their meanings. The translation of baptisma should be of no exception!
¹ Jackson, Wayne (1993). Notes From the Margin of my Bible, Volume I. Courier Publications, Stockton, pgs. 14, 15.
² Ibid, pg. 698-699. The word “mode” in their response is not a proper term to use in connection with the topic under consideration. Hugh Fulford has an excellent discussion of this term in an issue of the Spiritual Sword.
Works Cited:
Jackson, Wayne (1993). Notes From the Margin of my Bible, Volume I. Courier Publications, Stockton.
McCord, Hugo (2000). The Everlasting Gospel, IV ed. Gospel Light Publishing Company, Delight.
Johnny O. Trail preaches at the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ
2699 Old Clarksville Pike
Ashland City, TN 37015
615-746-8624
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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Just a Symbol
Baptism is much more than just a symbol.
Over the years I have written many times regarding the subject of baptism. It is no secret that we in churches of Christ preach that baptism is essential to our salvation, not just a symbol of salvation. We believe this to be plainly declared in Scripture (Acts 2:38; 22:16; etc.). Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:16). He preached baptism (Mark 16:16). He made and baptized more disciples than John (John 4:1). Few would dispute these assertions. Yet, when these things are called to the attention of folks, they are ignored.
The common refrain today is “believe and invite Jesus into your heart.” Nothing more is demanded. Anything more, it is argued, would make salvation a matter of works, and it is asserted that work has no relationship to man’s salvation. I do not dispute the fact that we are undeserving of the sacrifice of Jesus. Nor do I dispute the fact that there is nothing we can do to save ourselves. We are wholly dependent upon Christ. However, that is not to say that we have no obligation to Him beyond the acknowledgement of His divinity. The devil would not argue with us regarding His identity, but the devil would never submit to His will. Those who claim to believe but will not obey are siding with Satan.
Further, when we teach that baptism necessitates a burial in water, we are told that we are merely dealing with symbolism, and we should not confuse the symbol with the substance.
- First, from a linguistic standpoint there is no doubt that baptism involves an immersion or submersion. Sprinkling and pouring do not satisfy the true meaning of the word.
- Second, baptism is described as a burial in the New Testament (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12).
- Third, in the detailed accounts of baptism in the Bible there is a going down into and a coming up out of water (Acts 8:38-39).
I do not deny the symbolism involved in baptism. Again, according to the Bible, baptism is a symbol of the death and burial of the old man and the resurrection of the new man in Christ (Romans 6:3-14). How can this be symbolized by sprinkling or pouring a few drops of water on someone’s head? That does not constitute a burial or a resurrection! And, if it is all a matter of symbolism, why not drop the water altogether? Surely, if a few drops are sufficient to satisfy the symbolism, can it not be completely eliminated? Some have already done so!
If I have misrepresented what the Bible teaches, then it should be ignored. But, if the truth on this subject has been presented, and I am convinced that it has, ignoring it jeopardizes our hope of heaven.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Indisputable Facts – I
Although baptism is said to involve the sprinkling, pouring or immersion of one in water, it is admitted that in the New Testament baptism involved a burial or immersion of the convert in water. Baptism is called a burial (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). John baptized at Aenon near Salim because much water was available there (John 3:23). When Jesus was baptized the record says He came immediately out of the water (Matthew 3:16). Obviously, if He came out of the water He had to go down into it. The only reason for Him to do that was the fact that His baptism required a burial in water. The same can be said for the account of the Ethiopian’s baptism (Acts 8:38). In the New Testament baptism was indisputably an immersion in water! One who has undergone sprinkling or pouring has not been baptized.
Further, there is not one single account of infant baptism in the New Testament. That practice has no Scriptural authority. It developed in response to the false doctrines of total depravity and original sin. These are indisputable facts, neither of which can be sustained in the Bible!
Any student of the New Testament knows that music was an important element in the worship of the church (Matthew 26:30; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). The introduction of any mechanical instruments of music into the worship of the church came centuries after the close of the New Testament and came without any New Testament authorization. According to the Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature (Volume VI, page 759): “The general introduction of instrumental music can certainly not be assigned to a date earlier than the 5th and 6th centuries; yea, even Gregory the Great, who towards the end of the 6th century added greatly to the existing Church music, absolutely prohibited the use of instruments.” Music in the church, at least through the first five centuries of her history, was undisputedly singing without musical accompaniment of any kind.
If, as some argue, the use of mechanical instruments is authorized in the New Testament, it is clear that the disciples through the first five centuries of the church’s existence were unaware of it. That defies belief! Now you may reason that this is not a matter of any great concern to believers, but for those who believe that it is important to respect the Divine will, these are matters of grave importance. These are indisputable facts. Now we must determine how we will respond to them.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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John 03:01-07 – You Must be Born Again – audio
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Text: John 3:1-7 (reading by Don Treadway)
Introduction
A. Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night, and confesses that He is a teacher come from God.
B. Jesus used this opportunity to teach him a lesson:
1) One must be born again to see the kingdom of God.
2) Nicodemus does not understand;
a) he thinks physically
b) Jesus is teaching spiritually.
Body
I. One must be born of water and the Spirit.
A. Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch in water (Acts 8:36-39).
B. Peter commanded those on Pentecost to be baptized for remission of sins, and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).
C. Ananias told Saul of Tarsus to “arise and be baptized, washing away his sins (Acts 22:16).”
D. God saves us through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).
II. One must be born of incorruptible seed.
A. We purify our souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit (1 Peter 1:22).
B. We are not born again of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23).
1) We were born of corruptible seed (Ecclesiastes 3:2; Job 14:5; Hebrews 9:27).
2) We can be born of incorruptible seed (John 3:15-18; 5:39; 10:28; 11:25-26; 1 John 5:11-13; Galatians 3:26-27).
III. Those born again must possess certain characteristics:
A. They have the right to become children of God (John 1:12-13); what a blessing (1 John 3:1-3)!
B. They love God and others; they know God (1 John 4:7).
C. They believe Jesus is the Christ (1 John 5:1).
D. They overcome the world through faith (1 John 5:4).
E. They do not continue to live in sin (1 John 5:18). Instead, they keep themselves pure, unspotted from the world (James 1:27).
F. They are new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17), walking in newness of life (Romans 6:3-6).
G. The Spirit of God dwells in them, and they in the Spirit (Romans 8:9).
Conclusion
A. One must be born again in order to enter the kingdom of God!
B. Are you truly born again?
C. Are you living the new life in Christ?
Content by Richard Dillon
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2 Corinthians 05:14-17 All Things Become New – audio
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Text: 2 Corinthians 05:14-17
Introduction
The apostle Paul summarizes what the Christian life is all about. He begins telling the Corinthians that as Christ died for everyone, we should all live for Him and not ourselves. To be a Christian, we must:
1) Be in Christ
2) Allow the former things to pass away
3) Let all things become new
(2 Corinthians 5:14-17)
Body
I. We must be in Christ.
A. There is only one way to get into Christ: baptism.
(Galatians 3:26-27)
B. One must be in Christ in order to receive all spiritual blessings.
(Ephesians 1:3)
C. Being in Christ means that one must wear the name of Christ.
(Acts 11:26)
II. The former things have passed away.
A. We must die to sin in order to live a new life in Christ.
(Romans 6:1-11)
B. The Corinthians were living in sin, but did not have to any longer.
(1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
C. Paul died to the law, being crucified to Christ.
(Galatians 2:19-20)
D. Paul was crucified to the world, and the world to him.
(Galatians 6:14; Colossians 2:20-22)
III. All things have become new.
A. We no longer think like the world; rather, we are transformed by renewing our minds.
(Romans 12:2)
B. The old man is put off with his deeds, and we put on the new man.
(Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:5-15)
C. We no longer follow after fleshly things; now we walk after the Spirit.
(Romans 7:4-6; 8:1-11)
Conclusion
As the new year unfolds, so should the Christian! The old man is gone, and now we must wear the name of Christ.
Let us put on the new man every day, and lead many souls to Christ!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Cleanse Your Way
Here is a “dirty joke”: A pig wallowed in the mud.
Here is the clean version: The pig took a bath!
Baths physically cleanse us from dirt that we may either see or not see.
We go a lot of places during the day; outdoors, all over the house, and who knows where else. A nice bath or shower afterward is the perfect way to clean up.
What if we get dirty spiritually?
There are a lot of places where we can go to get dirty. The Psalmist said, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word (Psalm 119:9).”
To clean up where we’ve gone and what we’ve done, we need to pay close attention to the Word of God. Though study, we learn who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for us. He died on the cross to save us from our sins; therefore His blood was shed that our sins can be taken away. When we are baptized into Christ, we come in contact with His blood to wash away our sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Hebrews 10:22).
There is no joke about it; we can cleanse our way by following God’s Word!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Missing Words
Billy Graham, in his book Approaching Hoofbeats, wrote: After the people had heard Peter’s sermon at Pentecost, “They were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Then “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,’ “We cannot escape that word repent. (Page 147)
Did you notice the conclusion, “We cannot escape that word repent”? What happened to the words “be baptized”? Apparently they did escape notice. Ironically, baptism has escaped the attention of a large segment of the “Christian” world. This has occurred in spite of the emphasis placed upon it in the New Testament (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 8:36-39; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21).
Baptism is intrinsic to the whole scheme of redemption as set forth in the New Testament. It is neither more nor less important than the other commands of Christ: faith (John 8:24), repentance (Luke 13:3), confession (Matthew 10:32, 33), and faithfulness (Matthew 10:22). It is, like the others, an essential part of His plan, and those who ignore it commit a serious error.
Baptism in no way makes salvation a matter of works. It is simply man’s loving and obedient response to the demands of a loving God. When man responds faithfully to God’s commands, he is then the beneficiary of God’s promises.
Jesus, in a conversation with Nicodemus, clearly revealed the essentiality of baptism when he said: “Ye must be born again” (John 3:7). The “new birth” and “baptism” are inseparable (John 3:5). We cannot escape that word (baptism) either!
Have you been baptized?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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The Meaning of Baptism
Webster’s Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines “baptism” as a “Christian sacrament marked by ritual use of water and admitting the recipient to the Christian community.” The word “baptize” is defined as, 1) to administer baptism to, 2) to purify or cleanse spiritually especially by a purging experience or ordeal. Neither word is properly defined in its New Testament setting. The act of baptism has come to mean the sprinkling, pouring, or immersion of an individual in water for the purpose of obtaining membership in a religious body. But, such was not the case in the first century.
Our English word “baptism” is a transliteration of the Greek word “baptisma“, meaning immersion or submersion. The word “baptize” meant to dip repeatedly, to immerge, or submerge. These words find there origin in the Greek “bapto” which meant to “dip, dip in, immerse” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon, pages 94, 95). There is no word in the Bible whose meaning is more certain and yet more disputed.
In the New Testament baptism is described as “a burial” (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). It involved a “going down into” and a “coming up out of” water (Acts 8:38-39). It never implied the sprinkling or pouring of water upon an individual. And, not one single account of infant baptism can be found in the Bible!
According to the New Testament, baptism was for “the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38), and necessary for one’s salvation (Mark 16:16). Saul of Tarsus was told, “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
Have you been baptized?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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The Lord’s Command
One of the clearest statements made by the Lord is found in Mark 16:16. Jesus said: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” In spite of that clear command from Christ, many persist in denying the importance of baptism. Baptism is said to play no part in a person’s salvation. It is argued that one need not be baptized to go to heaven. This argument is made even though Jesus made faith and baptism prerequisites to salvation.
It is sometimes argued that because Jesus did not say, “He that believeth not and is not baptized shall be damned,” baptism is not a necessary ingredient in man’s salvation. Be assured the Lord expressed himself clearly. He knew that if a man truly believed he would not refuse baptism, and if he did not believe he would not desire baptism. One who rejects the command to believe and be baptized stands in rebellion to the authority of God’s only begotten Son. We cannot be saved and at the same time reject his commands (John 12:48). Not one single argument against the necessity of baptism is found in the New Testament, but there are many for it!
Someone will usually charge that if baptism is essential to salvation, then salvation becomes a matter of works. Such could not be further from the truth. Baptism is the logical expression of one’s faith. Through it (baptism) one is brought into Christ (Galatians 3:27). It is in no way meritorious! It is a loving response to the commands of a loving Savior. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” Jesus said it! Do you believe it? Will you obey it?
— Roger
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Must We Be Baptized?
Jesus said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 28:19). “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom…Ye must be born again” (John 3:3, 5, 7).
Peter said: “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” (Acts 2:38). “Once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:20, 21).
Ananias said to Saul, “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
Paul wrote: “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” (Romans 6:3, 4). “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:4, 5).
The question of whether or not we must be baptized was answered by the Lord and His disciples twenty centuries ago. Will we accept their answer and obey? That is the real issue today.
–Roger
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Have You Been Baptized?
I doubt that there is anything more clearly stated in the New Testament than the command to be baptized. John, the son of Zacharias and Elizabeth, commanded it. In fact, for nearly two thousand years, he has been identified as John the baptizer. Jesus, himself, was baptized. He sent his disciples out to preach and baptize (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16).
Every account of conversion in the book of Acts culminated in baptism.
Saul of Tarsus (the apostle Paul) was asked, “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16 NIV).
If there is one thing Christendom agrees on, it is the fact that water is the element used in baptism. However, that’s probably where the agreement stops. The religious world is divided on what action constitutes baptism.
- How much water is required?
- Must a person merely have some water poured or sprinkled upon him, or must he be completely immersed?
- Is it really essential to one’s eternal well-being?
Although perfectly acceptable, many “believers” would argue that it is not essential to salvation. Further, who exactly should be baptized? Are infants proper candidates for baptism?
Why is there so much disagreement regarding this matter?
Is the Bible really unclear on the issue? Quite frankly, the Bible could not be clearer. The confusion stems, not from any failure on the part of the inspired writers to communicate clearly, but from an unwillingness to accept what the Bible teaches.
From the Scriptures one can readily see what constituted baptism, who was to be baptized, and why they were baptized.
The confusion stems from a failure to accept what the Scriptures clearly teach.
Baptism was an immersion in water. A complete burial was involved. There is not one single account of infant baptism in the text. Not one! And, the purpose is clearly stated.
- Baptism was for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)
- It washed away sins (Acts 22:16)
- It put one into Christ (Galatians 3:27)
- It saved (1 Peter 3:21)
What the Bible says about baptism is not confusing.
The confusion comes from trying to reconcile what the Scriptures say with what men say on the subject. That’s not possible because many “believers” do not believe what the Bible teaches on the subject.
Jesus said, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16 NIV).
The devil says, “Whoever believes and is not baptized will be saved.”
Who are you going to listen to?
— Roger
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Decision Tree – Take Action
(Did you jump into the middle of this? Please start at the beginning of the decision tree.)
Right now you are still just sitting in front of a computer screen. The guilt of your past sin will remain until you actually take action and are immersed in water for the forgiveness of your sins.
Start that action now by contacting us:
Phone
614-500-7757Richard Dillon 614-769-4334
Don Treadway 614-738-5016
Richard@GJCOC.us
Don@GJCOC.us
Street Address
7816 Havens RoadBlacklick, Ohio 43004
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 307408Gahanna, Ohio 43230
Proceed after taking action!
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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Requirements for Baptism – audio
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Introduction
1. One of the Devil’s greatest tools is misinformation.
2. After all, he is the Father of lies – John 8:44
3. If he can convince people that they are saved when they really are not, then he has won.
4. One way that he accomplishes this is by “muddying” the waters in regard to baptism.
5. Today, let us notice some of the requirements for Scriptural baptism.
6. Before we get started, let me say that I have no one in mind in delivering this lesson.
7. Looking back at my life, I wish I had heard a sermon like this.
Body
I. BELIEF IS REQUIRED.
A. Mark 16:15-16 – And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
1. Jesus puts belief on an equal footing with baptism.
2. That which we are to believe is the gospel.
3. The gospel is the story of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus – Romans 15:1-4
B. How does the devil use this to lead people astray?
1. Put simply, many are baptized who are not capable of believing.
2. We are talking about infant baptism.
3. These children grow up hearing about the necessity of baptism and feel that they are ok.
4. Without belief, baptism is meaningless.
C. Nowhere in the Scriptures do we have an example of infant baptism.
1. No infants are mentioned in Lydia’s household – Acts 16:15
2. No infants in the jailer’s house were baptized – Acts 16:33-34
II. REPENTANCE IS REQUIRED.
A. Acts 2:38 – Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
1. Speaking to people who had come to believe the gospel, Peter told them that they needed to repent and be baptized.
2. Peter puts repentance on an equal footing with baptism.
B. But what is repentance?
1. It is a change of behavior based upon a change of heart – 2 Corinthians 7:10
2. A wonderful example of repentance is given in Matthew 21:28-31.
C. Baptism without repentance does us no good.
1. There must be a mental decision on a person’s part to turn and serve God.
2. Granted… a new Christian does not know everything there is to know when he or she is baptized.
3. There are often things they are doing that they don’t even realize are sin.
4. But when God’s word convicts them of a sin in their life, they have already made the mental decision to turn from it.
III. PROPER UNDERSTANDING IS REQUIRED.
A. Acts 19:1-5
And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” So they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. – Acts 19:1-5
1. These individuals had been baptized.
2. Yet for some reason, they felt compelled to be immersed again.
3. What was that reason?
4. They had been taught incorrectly.
a) They had been taught by Apollos who knew only the baptism of John when he had passed through that area.
b) He had (At that point) not heard of Christ’s baptism.
B. How does the devil use this tool today?
1. Many, many people have been baptized but have been taught incorrectly.
2. I was brought up in the Church of Christ in Christian Union.
a) I was taught that baptism was an outward sign of an inward grace.
b) I was taught that baptism was simply a means of showing the world that I was already a Christian.
3. The Baptist church teaches that one is saved and then baptized to become a member of the Baptist church.
a) “Baptism is not essential to salvation for our churches utterly repudiate the dogma of baptismal regeneration”; but it is essential to obedience, since Christ commanded it. It is also essential to membership in the church which is his body” – Standard Manual for Baptist Churches. Pg.21.
b) Hence, it is easier to get to heaven than it is to get into the Baptist church.
c) Many Baptists don’t even realize that this is what their church teaches.
d) Yet many of these same Baptists convince their selves that (Despite being a member of a church that teaches otherwise) they were baptized for the right reason.
C. You cannot be taught incorrectly about baptism and be baptized correctly.
IV. IMMERSION IS REQUIRED.
A. Some Greek Definitions.
1. Baptidzo.
a) Thayer: To dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge.
b) Vines: Consisting of the process of immersion. To dip. Was used among the Greeks to signify the dyeing of a garment, or the drawing of water by dipping a vessel into another, etc.
c) Therefore, we see that baptism is an immersion.
d) The New Testament describes it as a burial.
(1) Colossians 2:12 – Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
(2) Romans 6:4 – Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
2. Sprinkling is not baptism.
a) Greek as a word that means sprinkle.
b) Rhantizo : to sprinkle.
c) Hebrews 9:19-21 – For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, “This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.” Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry.
d) If God wanted us to be sprinkled, He could have used this word.
3. Pouring is not baptism.
a) Greek has a word that means to pour.
b) Eckchuno : To pour forth.
c) Acts 2:17 – And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams.
d) If God wanted us to have water poured over our heads, He could have used this word.
4. Sprinkling and pouring were not the original modes of New Testament baptism.
a) The first instance of its use was in 251 A.D.
b) A sick man by the name of Novatian who feared dying unbaptized had his friends lay bed sheets all around him and they poured water all over him in a attempt to baptize him.
c) This came to be called clinical baptism.
d) In 753 A.D., pope Stephen II legislated that in “cases of necessity” pouring water on the head was acceptable.
e) In 1311, a council of bishops meeting in Ravenna, Italy voted that either sprinkling or immersion was acceptable.
B. Someone who has been sprinkled on or poured on has NOT been baptized.
1. Yet, so many religious groups allow or even force people to forego immersion in favor of sprinkling or pouring.
2. These people will often tell you that they have been baptized when, indeed, they have not.
3. Once again, the Devil convinces them they are saved when they are not.
Conclusion
1. Have you met the above requirements?
2. Have you been SCRIPTURALLY baptized?
3. If not (Or if you are not sure)… don’t gamble with your soul.
4. Contact Us for assistance – Do it right and KNOW that you are saved.
Delivered on: August 5, 2012. Streetsboro.
Content by Ralph Price
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Should I Be Baptized Again?
In Acts 18:24-28, there is a record of an encounter between Aquila and Priscilla and a preacher named Apollos. Apollos had preached mightily in the city of Ephesus; spreading the word about Jesus, but knowing only the baptism of John the baptist. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and helped him to understand what his preaching had been lacking. Later, Apollos went to Corinth and became the preacher for the church of Christ in that city.
In Acts 19:1-7, there is a record of an encounter between the apostle Paul and twelve men who had been baptized in accordance with the message of John the baptist. Paul supplied them with the knowledge they were lacking and then baptized all of them in accordance with the teaching of Jesus Christ. Why did these twelve men have to be baptized again, but Apollos did not?
What they had been taught
The answer lies in knowing when these men were baptized and what they had been taught. Apparently, Apollos had been baptized either by John, or by one of his disciples. Somehow, he had not been involved in the Earthly ministry of Jesus (perhaps he was in Alexandria or Asia at the time). When he encountered Aquila and Priscilla, he was in a right relationship with God, for none of John’s disciples needed to be baptized again, but he needed further training, so he could preach the full gospel. The men that Paul encountered had apparently been taught and baptized by Apollos, while he was still preaching the baptism of John. They had to be baptized again, because the baptism of John was no longer in effect, after the day of Pentecost, recorded in Acts 2. They had been taught the wrong doctrine, and could not, therefore, be baptized rightly.
Have I been baptized rightly?
The same principle applies today. One cannot be taught false doctrine, and somehow be baptized rightly. If you were taught and baptized according to denominational doctrine, I submit that you have not really been baptized at all. The question is not really “Do I need to be baptized again?” but, “Have I been baptized rightly?”
“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ…” – 1 Peter 3:21
Content by Russell Kline
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Should Babies Be Baptized?
Infant baptism is an unauthorized practice
The practice of infant baptism is most ancient. Its history can be traced all the way back to the end of the second century, but no further. Therein lies the problem with infant baptism: it is a practice, which is not authorized by the Scriptures. Nowhere in the New Testament may we read of anyone who was ever baptized at a preadolescent age; much less at infancy. That is why, whenever I am asked if babies ought to be baptized, I always say, “No!”
There is no Scriptural authority for the practice of baptizing babies
Advocates of infant baptism sometimes point to passages like Matthew 19:14 and Acts 16:15, as proof of their assertion that the practice is Biblical, but these verses offer them no support, at all.
- In Matthew 19:14, Jesus did say that little children should be allowed to come to Him, for every Christian ought to emulate the desirable characteristics of a little child (Matthew 18:3), but He did not ever teach that infants ought to be baptized.
- As for Acts 16:15, it does tell of Lydia and her entire household being baptized for the remission of their sins, but it is the height of presumption to say that her household included babies or little children.
If one goes strictly by the Bible, then one must admit that there is no Scriptural authority for the practice of baptizing babies.
People who are old enough to know that they must be saved need to be baptized
In the minds of many people tradition outweighs the authority of the Bible. But, God is not going to judge us based upon whether or not we kept with tradition, but whether or not we obeyed His Word (Mark 7:9; John 12:48). Infants do not need to be baptized, but people who are old enough to know that they must be baptized to be saved 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.” – Acts 2:38
Content by Russell Kline
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