The Basics (Part 7): Baptism is a Spiritual Act

The Basics (Part 7) continues with basic #3, the Doctrine of Baptisms. In it we address water baptism being preceded by Spirit baptism.

 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

   Through the agency of Holy Spirit we are baptized into Jesus. A Roman Centurion, named Cornelius, serves as an example of baptism being a spiritual act, and how it precedes water baptism.

   Acts 10:44-47 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days (Read entire chapter for full context).

   Upon hearing the Gospel through Peter, Cornelius and his household received the gift of Holy Spirit, before being water baptized. Revealing once again that water baptism is not the prerequisite for salvation. Nevertheless, it is important to be baptized in water, as it is the Lord’s desire. Moreover, it serves as a public confession of Jesus Christ. In the early Church, there was great importance placed on it.

   1 Peter 3:21 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 (please read verses 8-22 for full context).

   Notice the phrase, the answer of a good conscience toward God. What do you suppose is its significance? Answer in the Greek (EPEROTEMA 1906) comes from EPEROTAO (Strong’s 1905), to question, or inquire.

    In the New Testament, this verse speaks of a question put to a convert at baptism. It’s a process of question and answer, or examination, or the response to the inquiry, a pledge or confession. They made sure those being baptized understood that it was spiritual in nature, and not some mere external rite. For the one being baptized, it was both a profession of faith and a vow to continue to follow Jesus.

   In essence, when a person is baptized, he or she is confessing the Lord Jesus, along with making a vow to remain bound or connected to Him. In short, it’s a confession and a vow, as the result of an internal work done through the Spirit.

   Galatians 3:26-27 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

   Colossians 2:11-12 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.

The Baptism with The Holy Spirit

   Earlier, we read about Cornelius and his household receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit, and as the result they spoke in tongues, exalting God. This refers to the Baptism with Holy Spirit. John the Baptist prophesied about Jesus baptizing those who believe with the Holy Spirit and with fire (Matthew 3:11). Later, Jesus confirmed this prophecy just before His ascension to the Father.

   Acts 1:4-5 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

   He goes onto say, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

   In these few verses of Scripture, we find a major purpose for this baptism: to receive power to be His witnesses. To do what Jesus called us to do requires power beyond ourselves. To do spiritual things, and actually be spiritual people, we require Holy Spirit. Apart from Him, neither of these are possible.

   How did Holy Spirit first manifest in believers? It happened in the Upper Room where 120 disciples met in one accord.

   Acts 2:1-4 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.

   Be sure to read Acts 1 and 2 for a much fuller picture. These two chapters mark the beginning of the Church, and what a beginning it was. After receiving Holy Spirit, Peter preached the Gospel that day, which happened to be The Day of Pentecost. What was the result of that first day?

   Acts 2:41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.

   3,000 were added to their number. If you recall, prior to Pentecost, Peter denied Jesus three times, before He was crucified. He was afraid then, but after receiving Holy Spirit, he was endued with power and boldness to speak.

   There are numerous ways Holy Spirit manifests through believers. At this juncture we will not address them. Suffice to say, He empowers us to do things far beyond our natural capabilities. Perhaps in the next installment, we can go in more detail.

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Transitioning into Basic #2: Faith Toward God

   Hebrews 6:1 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.

   As we shift into faith toward God, there’s one more area to cover in relation to repentance from dead works, which will make for a great transition. In part one, we discovered dead works are anything not of faith, or outside of Jesus. Some could be considered religious acts rooted in self-righteousness and hypocrisy. Much of it leans toward unbelief.

   Okay, here is one part to really consider as we begin to focus more on faith, because it can have an adverse effect on your walk. Be wary of trying to add things to the righteousness that is of faith. The religious dos and don’ts take away from the relational value of faith. In fact, it can move you into doubt and self-righteousness.

    Moreover, don’t allow others to place you into bondage by projecting their idea of righteousness on you. This refers to those things not backed up by Scripture, and rooted in the traditions of men. Something Jesus talked about in the Gospels. To be clear, we need to give each other latitude in terms of exhortation and correction. Just be aware of bondage.

   It is important to remember; Jesus alone is our righteousness. There is nothing on our part that can be done that can make us righteous, much less, increase it. It’s faith in Him alone.

   Colossians 2:6-8 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 (elementary principles) of the world, and not after Christ.

   Colossians 2:16-17 Let no man therefore judge you in meat (food), or in drink, or in respect of an holyday (festival), or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Defining Basics #2: Faith Toward God

   By definition, faith is assurance, firm persuasion, or conviction by inward certainty, which is PISTIS (Strong’s 4102) in the Greek (New Testament language). Scripture defines it this way: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

   As we examine this passage in the Greek text, we find that faith is the substance or foundation, the essential nature or essence of the things hoped for, the evidence or proof of things not perceived by the natural senses. Or simply put, God’s unseen reality.

   Faith pleases God, not our works. Unless of course, they are works of faith, which we’ll touch on later.

   Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

   Faith toward God means our faith rests on Him alone. Without God, we would have no faith. He provided us with faith; we could not manufacture it.  

   Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith (but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith -NASB).

Righteousness is of Faith

   It is important to understand that our works could never make us righteous before God. Without righteousness and holiness, none of us would have access to Him. This is one thing that makes the Gospel so powerful: God provided us way when there was no way. This is why faith toward God is such an important component to the Doctrine of Christ.

   Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By Whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

   In a world filled with works and earned love, this idea of not earning salvation, much less God’s love, is foreign to many. This really calls for trust on our part. This proves difficult for those who want to be in control, because it means they have to relinquish all control over their destiny. He is God and we are not, which means we have to come to Him on His terms. Faith is a part of them.

   Some have the idea their works can balance out the scale of justice. In their mind, they place their “good works” on one side of the scale, and their sins on the other. If their good outweighs the bad, they’re good to go, but what does God say?

   Romans 3:10-12 as it is written, “There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God; all have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good, there is not even one.”

   Do you see a problem with the idea of having good to put on the scale? No one does good! Sin is the separator, which means sin had to be removed from the equation, and our works would never get the job done. Our righteousness comes by faith in Jesus Christ alone. But if you want to work for it, knock yourself out.

   Romans 3:21-26 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

    Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a Propitiation through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

   One thing is for certain: repentance from dead works is connected to faith toward God. You cannot have one without the other. Where do works come into the picture? They are the result of faith. Lord willing, we will address this in more detail in the installment of The Basics.

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