Study notes by the elders compiled into one study
There is one true Lord and one true baptism as Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:5. Yet that Scriptures speak of several baptisms that are all experiences we will have as we live out every word God spoke (Mat 4:4). We begin with Paul’s words to the Hebrews speaking on these truths.
Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
Heb 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: [partakes and continues only on milk] for he is a babe.
Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Heb 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,
Heb 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Heb 6:3 And this will we do, if God permit. [ God willing!]
In our study – “repentance from dead works” – we learned that it is crucial to first acknowledge that we are sinful human beings and all our best efforts in the flesh are all dead works in the sight of God. We also learned that our confession of this Truth will eventually grant us repentance from those dead works and that it is after this repentance that Faith toward God is given to us. Finally, we learned that this gift of the Spirit is to bring us to God, our Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, a fiery process until the end.
In this study, we will see the spiritual significance of baptisms and how we live and will be living by the Word of God. Understanding the doctrine of baptisms will equip us to go unto perfection in Christ Jesus.
Let us first recognize that the plural of the word – baptismS – is used above. The reason behind this is revealed to us in the sum of God’s Word. The first question we need to answer is:
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
As with all things in Scripture, there is a physical example given to us before we are given the spiritual meaning and fulfillment. We are caused first to live the earthy, carnal, natural type before it is given to us to fulfil the spiritual. The word translated ‘BAPTISMS’ in Heb 6:2 is the Greek word ‘Baptismos’– Strongs concordance # G909.
It appears four times in the New Testament and is usually translated as “washing” or “washings” as in the examples below:
- Mar 7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash(G907 baptizo) they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing(G909 baptismos) of cups, and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables.
- G907 – baptizo – Translated as baptize {76x} and wash {2x}
b. G909- baptismos – Translated as washing {3x} and baptism {1x} - Mar 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing(G909 baptismos) of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
- Heb 9:10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, (G909 baptismos) and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
- Heb 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, (G909 baptismos) and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of “eternal judgment”/age lasting condemnation.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BAPTISM OF JOHN
There are two kinds of baptisms, the first being the type and shadow, the example, and the second being the spiritual reality, in SPIRIT. In the first kind of baptism, several shadows are given to us throughout Scripture, including the baptism of the flood of Noah, the crossing of the Red Sea, the crossing of the river Jordan and, in the New Testament, the baptism by John the Baptist.
Just as Moses told the fathers to hearken to the One that should come after him:
Deu 15:15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
Act 3:22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
Likewise, the first baptizer introduced to us in the New Testament was quick to announce to all people the significance of his ministry and the purpose of his baptism. The ministry of John the Baptist, were and are for the sole purpose of directing us to the One that is coming AFTER, namely Christ Jesus and “His Christ”. This baptism is preparing the way for the true baptism of fire through Christ and “His Christ”.
Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Joh 1:26 (MKJV) John answered them, saying, I baptize with water, but One stands among you whom you do not know.
Joh 1:27 He it is who, coming after me, who has been before me; of whom I am not worthy to loosen the thong of His sandal.
Act 19:4 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.
Thus, the ministry of John and his baptism was and is to prepare the way of Truth, to prepare the way of the fiery baptism to follow, the baptism into Christ into His death, because as He is so are we (1 John 4:17).
To prepare the path to the righteousness and LOVE of God, and the eventual revelation of Jesus Christ, the baptism of John and his ministry, and all physical water baptisms, was not in itself the way of Truth and righteousness of God.
Though John the Baptist is declared as the greatest prophet born of women by Jesus Christ.
Mat 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Luk 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
Nevertheless, John confessed out of his own mouth that he did not know who Jesus Christ, the Truth, is! We are doing well to take heed to this most significant of confessions:
Joh 1:30 (MKJV) This is He of whom I said, After me comes a Man who has been before me, for He preceded me.
Joh 1:31 And I did not know Him {confession #1}, but that He be revealed to Israel, therefore I have come baptizing with water.
Joh 1:32 And John bore record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove, and He abode on Him.
Joh 1:33 And I did not know Him {confession #2}, but He who sent me to baptize with water, that One said to me, Upon Whom you shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining upon Him, He is the One who Baptizes with the Holy Spirit.
HOW DO WE LIVE OUT OUR FIRST BAPTISM?
As we briefly mentioned in our study, “faith toward God”, our faith is initially placed in the wisdom of religious men of this world, and was and is not the faith of God’s sons.
1Co 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom
1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
The above verse is not written because we have always had the faith of Jesus Christ, but rather because we all first stand in a faith guided by man’s and our own wisdom. We first regard Jesus Christ/” another Jesus” after natural perception, from a human point of view, the flesh, established in Church denominations and the sects of men. Under this “Law”, we are “baptized” by ministers in the churches according to their doctrines, using the Bible. It is at this point whilst under the schoolmasters and guardians of the Law that the baptism of Moses (our baptism in Orthodoxy) are fulfilled in our lives, even as Christ and “His Christ” in the days of His and “our flesh” (yet carnal) was and is being baptized by “John”:
Mat 3:13 (MKJV) Then Jesus came from Galilee to Jordan, to John, to be baptised by him.
Mat 3:14 But John restrained Him, saying, I have need to be baptised by You, and do You come to me?
Mat 3:15 And answering Jesus said to him, Allow it now, for it is becoming to us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he allowed Him.
John asked the Lord why this has to be so and again we ask why does this need to be so?
Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Col 1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
To the end purpose that all righteousness be fulfilled within us and because we live by every word of God, this is a necessary first baptism for us in accord with this godly principle:
1Co 15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, [baptism] but that which is natural; [baptism] and afterward that which is spiritual.
Remember what John the Baptist himself and Paul told us earlier:
Mar 1:7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.
Joh 1:26 (MKJV) John answered them, saying, I baptize with water, but One stands among you whom you do not know.
Joh 1:27 He it is who, coming after me, who has been before me [the spiritual]; of whom I am not worthy to loosen the thong of His sandal.
This baptism of John is the baptism that must be before the baptism of fire, it is the baptism of repentance from dead works, which leads to the Faith of Christ:
Act 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptised 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.
We are the “Jews” that is believing on Him but not abiding in Him in this season of our walk (John 8) and only know the baptism of John (repentance from dead works) only.
Act 18:24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
Act 18:25 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.
We know the baptism of JOHN and this is being fulfilled in us, His elect sons, when we are being taught diligently the way of the Lord but we are yet carnal; we are yet carnal. We still have many idols of the heart that needs to be purged out. “Apollos” in us is teaching well and diligently. The baptism of John (repentance i.e. change of mind) prepares the way for our baptism of fire, this is the true washing of water by the Word and purging by fire through the …… Words that I speak to you …… John 6:63 through the Living Word and in the mouths of God’s elect which devours the enemy!
As an example, or type of us being baptized into MOSES, the LAW, the Old Covenant, and what Scripture calls “the wisdom and traditions of men”, is our water baptism in Orthodoxy.
1Co 10:1 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;
1Co 10:2 And were all baptised unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
This physical baptism by physical water is a type, example for us today:
1Co 10:6 Now [TODAY!] these things being baptised unto Moses] were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: [G5179- tupos- types, typical of us] and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
THE FIRST BAPTISM … OF MEN OR FROM HEAVEN?
So, the baptisms of John and the Old Testament types and shadows are for the purpose that we should depart from and not lust after evil things. This first baptisms (though it is hidden from many), prepares many for the ultimate conversion of the heart and does not itself convert the heart to God. It is a shadow of things to come. It nevertheless does have a great appearance of wisdom and conversion, but has no profit and no value against the indulgence of the flesh (Col 2:23) or said otherwise “idols of the heart”.
Mat 21:25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
Mat 21:26 But if we shall say, of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
The latter baptism we deal with is from heaven, from the Father by Christ Jesus:
Joh 6:32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread [baptism] from heaven.
Joh 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
Joh 6:48 I am that bread of life. Joh 6:49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. Joh 6:50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
Joh 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever.
WHY MUST WE SUFFER JOHN’S BAPTISM TO BE SO NOW?
We all have our beginning being under the Law, into Moses. There are multitudes that only know of the baptism of Moses until this day. The Truth is hidden from their sight, and they do not know any truths while proclaiming they know Christ and God. Even baptized into John’s baptism, a type of hearing the Truth, we still are not DOERS of the Word. Christ IS not come yet.
Act 19:1 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,
Act 19:2 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.
Act 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptised? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
While under John’s baptism, we have no conversion of the heart either. The root of sin is still intact. It is a grave error to think that this baptism converts our hearts. Though many physical sins of the flesh may be forsaken and although we know the way of the Lord, this does not separate our hearts from being “Jews that believe in Him but not abide in Him” those that are only outwardly clean and have an appearance of righteousness.
Our hearts are no different from anyone else’s in the world. It is the same as the gentile’s hearts (not God’s people). The heart is what truly matters, and our hearts is not yet being converted. During these seasons of our walk we think we are spiritual, and we truly believe that John’s baptism is a spiritual baptism, with “many signs and wonders” keeping us in DELUSION.
Mar 7:14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
Mar 7:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
Mar 7:16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
We may look outwardly clean and righteous to the men of this world and to our brothers in fellowship, but we are hypocrites, and our hearts are not right in the sight of God. Therefore, as babes in Christ, all our efforts and whom we should be seeking to please henceforth are God the Father, through the Living Word and “His Christ” (Joh 14:6).
Mat 23:25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Mat 23:26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
We do not have converted hearts and we behold many signs and wonders just like the unconverted Simon, the Sorcerer (see Act 8:9-25). The signs and miracles of hearing the Truth deceives us, we have the righteousness of the Pharisees at this point who sit in the “seat of Moses” and Christ says …. do as they say and do not do what they do, because they say and do not (Matt 23:2).
Act 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptised, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. [… but…]
Act 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Act 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
Act 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Act 8:21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
Act 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
Our hearts are not being converted and our sins are the hidden, presumptuous sins within, full of idols of the heart, with innumerable, creeping secret evils and wicked thoughts towards our fellow men and many harsh things spoken against the Lord (not being able to obey the Truth from the heart). We do not know that we are still guilty of the great transgression of false doctrines of demons having dominion over us even as we are ignorant of these sins before our baptism of fire, of the Spirit. The man of sin, is sitting on his throne in God’s Temple, which TEMPLE we are.
Lev 5:17 If a person sins, and commits any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD, though he does not know it, yet he is guilty and shall bear his iniquity.
Psa 19:12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
Psa 19:13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous (prideful) sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
As in a court of law, the Judge, Jesus Christ, is not taking ignorance as a defense! For this reason, God calls this first typical baptisms a “carnal ordinance” not having the power to convert the hearts of men nor to cleanse our evil consciences, and calls it a “shadow of the good things”, the second baptism, that is to come. God therefore has NO PLEASURE in it. It does not make us perfect!
Heb 9:9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
Heb 9:10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, [baptisms] and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
Heb 10:1 For the law [and all its divers washings/ baptisms] having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
Heb 10:8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law;
For this cause, Jesus Christ himself did not baptize anyone with physical water or convert anyone whilst He was in the clay:
Joh 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptised more disciples than John,
Joh 4:2 (Though Jesus himself baptised not, but his disciples,
The disciples were still under the law (John’s baptism, baptism of repentance), until the Spirit (second baptism) was and is given to them and us at Pentecost (Act 2), the GIFT of Faith.
Mar 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Mar 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing [baptism from men, not heaven] of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
It was revealed to Paul and the apostles as they grew in understanding, to preach the GOSPEL not in wisdom of words but with POWER from the Holy Spirit and fire.
1Co 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: [true baptism] not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
John the Baptist had already confessed that he did not know Jesus Christ and that he must decrease. He then directs us all to the true baptizer and converter of the heart, Jesus Christ, even as Paul did. WE HAVE TO MOVE ON UNTO MATURITY!
Joh 1:26 (MKJV) John answered them, saying, I baptize with water, but One stands among you whom you do not know.
Joh 1:27 He it is who, coming after me, who has been before me; of whom I am not worthy to loosen the thong of His sandal.
Act 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptised 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.
CONCLUSION PART ONE:
The law of Moses with its ritual baptisms are for those still under the law of Moses in Orthodoxy cleaning the outside of the cup and the baptism of John make us feel so righteous but the Truth is it is not cleaning us from the inside and is our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ. We believe on Christ but faith has not come yet. These are shadows of the true baptism that is only in Christ and into His death.
Gal 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Gal 3:23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Gal 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
In Part Two we will cover the following additional points which together comprise the sum of the Word that is the truth regarding Baptisms.
- The second baptism, baptized into Christ, into His death
- Who is baptizing us?
- What is being washed away?
- Spirit and Fire
- How is this baptism achieved?
- More Lord willing
Click here to go on to Part 2 of this 2 part study