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Baptism in Scripture The need for correct belief
BASIC BIBLE PRINCIPLES
BAPTISM — ESSENTIAL FOR SALVATION
“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 Pet. 3:21).
In the passage quoted above, the saving of Noah in the Ark of refuge which he built is likened to baptism. The water saved Noah and his family because it lifted them above the destruction that swept away the ungodly world in which he lived. The waters of baptism can save us from the judgements that Christ will shortly bring upon all the wickedness of the age we live in (1 Pet. 3:20; Mt. 24:37).
Baptism in Scripture
Baptism is first mentioned in Scripture in relation to John the Baptist’s ministry (Mt. 3:5,6,11). His baptism was one of repentance (this means a change of heart, leading to a changed way of life). It anticipated the baptism of the Lord Jesus and was intended to prepare the Jewish people to believe in Christ (Acts 19:4,5). Israel had already been nationally baptized into Moses when they crossed the Red Sea (1 Cor. 10:2), but now Christ commissioned the apostles to baptize individual believers of the gospel, both Jew and Gentile, into his name (Mt. 28:19,20; Mk. 16:16). Baptism into Christ identifies believers with the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ, which, having been accomplished, render this baptism of more significance than either Moses’ or John’s baptisms, which it replaced (Rom. 6:3-6; Acts 2:37, 38).
The need for correct belief
Jesus said in Mark 16:16: “He that believeth [the gospel] and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned [condemned]”. Belief of the one gospel (Gal. 1:6-9; 3:7-9,26-29) and baptism are both necessary. The Acts of the Apostles gives us several impressive examples of correct belief preceding baptism:
There is no record in Scripture of the repentant thief on the cross (Lk. 23:40-43) being baptized. Jesus promised he would be in the Kingdom. But he might have been baptized earlier by either John or the disciples of the Lord (Jno. 4:1,2).
But the example of Christ must be our guide. He said, on the occasion of his baptism: “thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness” (Mt. 3:15). There can be no exceptions; all who wish to be saved must believe and be baptized.
BAPTISM — ESSENTIAL FOR SALVATION
“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 Pet. 3:21).
In the passage quoted above, the saving of Noah in the Ark of refuge which he built is likened to baptism. The water saved Noah and his family because it lifted them above the destruction that swept away the ungodly world in which he lived. The waters of baptism can save us from the judgements that Christ will shortly bring upon all the wickedness of the age we live in (1 Pet. 3:20; Mt. 24:37).
Baptism in Scripture
Baptism is first mentioned in Scripture in relation to John the Baptist’s ministry (Mt. 3:5,6,11). His baptism was one of repentance (this means a change of heart, leading to a changed way of life). It anticipated the baptism of the Lord Jesus and was intended to prepare the Jewish people to believe in Christ (Acts 19:4,5). Israel had already been nationally baptized into Moses when they crossed the Red Sea (1 Cor. 10:2), but now Christ commissioned the apostles to baptize individual believers of the gospel, both Jew and Gentile, into his name (Mt. 28:19,20; Mk. 16:16). Baptism into Christ identifies believers with the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ, which, having been accomplished, render this baptism of more significance than either Moses’ or John’s baptisms, which it replaced (Rom. 6:3-6; Acts 2:37, 38).
The need for correct belief
Jesus said in Mark 16:16: “He that believeth [the gospel] and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned [condemned]”. Belief of the one gospel (Gal. 1:6-9; 3:7-9,26-29) and baptism are both necessary. The Acts of the Apostles gives us several impressive examples of correct belief preceding baptism:
- Acts 2:14-41 - Jerusalem Jews on the day of Pentecost
- Acts 8:12 - The Samaritans
- Acts 8:27-39 - The Ethiopian Eunuch
- Acts 10:1,2,34-48 - Cornelius and his companions
- Acts 16:14-34 - Lydia and the Philippian jailor and his family
- Acts 19:1-5 - The Ephesian disciples of John the Baptist
There is no record in Scripture of the repentant thief on the cross (Lk. 23:40-43) being baptized. Jesus promised he would be in the Kingdom. But he might have been baptized earlier by either John or the disciples of the Lord (Jno. 4:1,2).
But the example of Christ must be our guide. He said, on the occasion of his baptism: “thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness” (Mt. 3:15). There can be no exceptions; all who wish to be saved must believe and be baptized.
BASIC BIBLE PRINCIPLES ANGELS
BASIC BIBLE PRINCIPLES
ANGELS
“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Heb. 1:14).
From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are full of the work of the angels. The first and last books of the Bible, in particular, show us angels dealing with individuals and nations; but they are featured throughout the whole of Scripture because this is the way God has chosen to work with His creation and to fulfil His purpose. This world is under the direction of the angels, who now receive their authority and power from Christ; and this will remain so until the Kingdom is established, when Christ and the saints will rule.
The work of the angels can be divided into three sections:
The Hebrew word (malak) and the Greek word (aggelos) for ’angel’ both mean ‘messenger’, ‘one sent’, and relate to the function and not the nature of the one involved. The context and event will identify whether Scripture is describing a messenger who is a Divine being or a human being. For example, Malachi 2:7; 3:1 and James 2:25 clearly use these words of human beings, and Judges 13:20 and Acts 12:7 clearly use them of Divine beings. Hence in the first case the translation ‘messenger’ is used, and in the second, ‘angel’.
Angels that excel in strength
These Divine beings that come from the presence of God and Christ have been involved with this earth since they created it on the instructions of God. They are immortal, not influenced by evil, and carry out the commands of God and Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit which has been given to them. They have the ability to appear and disappear at will, and can manifest themselves as human beings or glorious beings, as a burning bush or a hand that writes on a wall, or a pillar of cloud or fire. The Scripture shows us that they have names, for angels called Gabriel and Michael are mentioned, and that they have different ranks, for some are called archangels.
(Dan. 10:13,21; 12:1; 1 Thess. 4:16; Jude v. 9; Ex. 3:2; Judg. 13)
Representing God
In the Old Testament there is the Name-bearing angel that represents God. On occasions the angel is referred to as LORD (Yahweh), on other occasions as God. The word ‘God’ is often used of the angels; the plural Hebrew word elohimmeans ‘mighty ones’. It was the angels (‘God’; elohim) that said: “Let us make man in our image” (Gen. 1:26). It was an angel that spoke to Moses at the burning bush and said: “I am the God of thy father . . .”; and in the same passage we read: “And when the LORD [Yahweh] saw that he [Moses] turned aside . . .”, which teaches us that God was being represented by this angel. Jesus has now become the one who represents his Father, and the angels go forth under his command and in his power.
(Ex. 3:1-6; 23:20-23; Heb. 1:1-5; 1 Pet. 3:22; Rev. 1:1)
ANGELS
“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Heb. 1:14).
From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures are full of the work of the angels. The first and last books of the Bible, in particular, show us angels dealing with individuals and nations; but they are featured throughout the whole of Scripture because this is the way God has chosen to work with His creation and to fulfil His purpose. This world is under the direction of the angels, who now receive their authority and power from Christ; and this will remain so until the Kingdom is established, when Christ and the saints will rule.
The work of the angels can be divided into three sections:
- Representing God (Ex. 3:1-6)
- Directing the nations (Dan. 4:35)
- Ministering to the saints (Heb. 1:14)
The Hebrew word (malak) and the Greek word (aggelos) for ’angel’ both mean ‘messenger’, ‘one sent’, and relate to the function and not the nature of the one involved. The context and event will identify whether Scripture is describing a messenger who is a Divine being or a human being. For example, Malachi 2:7; 3:1 and James 2:25 clearly use these words of human beings, and Judges 13:20 and Acts 12:7 clearly use them of Divine beings. Hence in the first case the translation ‘messenger’ is used, and in the second, ‘angel’.
Angels that excel in strength
These Divine beings that come from the presence of God and Christ have been involved with this earth since they created it on the instructions of God. They are immortal, not influenced by evil, and carry out the commands of God and Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit which has been given to them. They have the ability to appear and disappear at will, and can manifest themselves as human beings or glorious beings, as a burning bush or a hand that writes on a wall, or a pillar of cloud or fire. The Scripture shows us that they have names, for angels called Gabriel and Michael are mentioned, and that they have different ranks, for some are called archangels.
(Dan. 10:13,21; 12:1; 1 Thess. 4:16; Jude v. 9; Ex. 3:2; Judg. 13)
Representing God
In the Old Testament there is the Name-bearing angel that represents God. On occasions the angel is referred to as LORD (Yahweh), on other occasions as God. The word ‘God’ is often used of the angels; the plural Hebrew word elohimmeans ‘mighty ones’. It was the angels (‘God’; elohim) that said: “Let us make man in our image” (Gen. 1:26). It was an angel that spoke to Moses at the burning bush and said: “I am the God of thy father . . .”; and in the same passage we read: “And when the LORD [Yahweh] saw that he [Moses] turned aside . . .”, which teaches us that God was being represented by this angel. Jesus has now become the one who represents his Father, and the angels go forth under his command and in his power.
(Ex. 3:1-6; 23:20-23; Heb. 1:1-5; 1 Pet. 3:22; Rev. 1:1)
Saturday, 2 May 2015
"YOUR PRAYERS ... HAVE ASCENDED" Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings May 2nd
"YOUR PRAYERS ... HAVE ASCENDED" Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings May 2nd D.Caudery Does God hear prayer? Yes! But Scripture makes it clear that it depends on the spirit of mind in which prayers are offered. God sees all, "The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good." [Prov. 15 v.3] In Ecclesiastes today we read, "Rejoice … in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment." [11 v.19]
So what is the nature of the things we rejoice about? Remember the parable Jesus told about the son who asked for - and received - his share of the inheritance - and 'rejoiced' in squandering it! (Luke 15 v.12,13) A remarkable man who was seeking the right way to 'rejoice', was none other than a Roman Centurion! We read of him, Cornelius, in Acts ch. 10 today.
` He was a man of prayer, he was seeking a relationship with the true God, the only God, and "prayed continually to God." [v.2] He receives a vision and is told by an angel, ""Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God." [v.4] Does God 'receive' our prayers like that? Are we generous in giving alms?
He is told to "send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter" [v.5] and wastes no time in doing this. The events which follow are also a learning curve for Peter, it had not entered his mind that a Roman Centurion could be saved and put on the name of Jesus! After hearing the testimony of Cornelius Peter declares, "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him." [v.34,35]
Peter declares to him the "good news of peace through Jesus Christ” explaining that, “to him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." [v.36,43] At this the gift of the Holy Spirit falls on the hearers, this leaves Peter in no doubt that God is accepting the Gentiles equally with the Jews, "and he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ." [v.48]
It was the Holy Spirit that inspired the writing of the Bible, and guided the writers; today we have that word in print to guide and inspire us - and bring us ever closer to God - and one day, maybe soon, we will be told "your prayers … have ascended" – when God sends “out the angels (to) gather his elect" [Mark 13 v27] and our godless world is dramatically transformed as our Lord reigns in Jerusalem – see Isaiah 2 v.2-4
So what is the nature of the things we rejoice about? Remember the parable Jesus told about the son who asked for - and received - his share of the inheritance - and 'rejoiced' in squandering it! (Luke 15 v.12,13) A remarkable man who was seeking the right way to 'rejoice', was none other than a Roman Centurion! We read of him, Cornelius, in Acts ch. 10 today.
` He was a man of prayer, he was seeking a relationship with the true God, the only God, and "prayed continually to God." [v.2] He receives a vision and is told by an angel, ""Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God." [v.4] Does God 'receive' our prayers like that? Are we generous in giving alms?
He is told to "send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter" [v.5] and wastes no time in doing this. The events which follow are also a learning curve for Peter, it had not entered his mind that a Roman Centurion could be saved and put on the name of Jesus! After hearing the testimony of Cornelius Peter declares, "Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him." [v.34,35]
Peter declares to him the "good news of peace through Jesus Christ” explaining that, “to him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." [v.36,43] At this the gift of the Holy Spirit falls on the hearers, this leaves Peter in no doubt that God is accepting the Gentiles equally with the Jews, "and he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ." [v.48]
It was the Holy Spirit that inspired the writing of the Bible, and guided the writers; today we have that word in print to guide and inspire us - and bring us ever closer to God - and one day, maybe soon, we will be told "your prayers … have ascended" – when God sends “out the angels (to) gather his elect" [Mark 13 v27] and our godless world is dramatically transformed as our Lord reigns in Jerusalem – see Isaiah 2 v.2-4
Thursday, 30 April 2015
".... TO CARRY MY NAME" Thoughts from Today's Bible Readings - May 1st
Our
chapters in Deuteronomy and Acts today link together to give us a
challenging message. Moses continues his final message, his warning to
God's nation who are about to leave the wilderness, "you shall not learn
to follow the abominable practices of those nations" that are
presently in the land they are about to enter. We cannot help seeing
some parallels with the abominable practices in today's world, before
God's kingdom is established. Moses is then told, "The LORD your God will raise up
for you a prophet like me from among you" [v.15] I will put my words in
his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him." [v18]
The prophet Moses was told about - is Jesus! We read on Monday in Acts 3 v.22,23, how Peter quoted these very words when he was preaching in Jerusalem. Today in Acts ch. 9, we have the account of Saul, soon to be called Paul, being challenged by the voice of Jesus in an overwhelming bright light - before he reaches Damascus - and then is led blind into the city.
After 3 days a believer named Ananias is told where to find Paul and to lay "his hands on him so that he might regain his sight."[v.12] Ananias is horrified - "Lord" he says, "I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem." But he is told, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." [v.13-16] It helps to also understand “name” in the sense of “reputation.”
As soon as Paul "regained his sight ... he rose and was baptised." [v.18] This makes plain that the act of baptism, of going "down into the water" [8 v.28], is the essential act to show to oneself as well as others that you now belong to Christ - see Romans 6 v.3-5.
Paul wastes no time in serving Jesus, he now "confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ ... and ... preached boldly in the name of Jesus." [v.22,27] Jesus is still, today, asking all who are willing and committed in heart and mind "to carry my name." Does that include you? Yes? Paul's words in 2 Cor. 13 v.5 challenge our heartfelt meditation, "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?"
The prophet Moses was told about - is Jesus! We read on Monday in Acts 3 v.22,23, how Peter quoted these very words when he was preaching in Jerusalem. Today in Acts ch. 9, we have the account of Saul, soon to be called Paul, being challenged by the voice of Jesus in an overwhelming bright light - before he reaches Damascus - and then is led blind into the city.
After 3 days a believer named Ananias is told where to find Paul and to lay "his hands on him so that he might regain his sight."[v.12] Ananias is horrified - "Lord" he says, "I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem." But he is told, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." [v.13-16] It helps to also understand “name” in the sense of “reputation.”
As soon as Paul "regained his sight ... he rose and was baptised." [v.18] This makes plain that the act of baptism, of going "down into the water" [8 v.28], is the essential act to show to oneself as well as others that you now belong to Christ - see Romans 6 v.3-5.
Paul wastes no time in serving Jesus, he now "confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ ... and ... preached boldly in the name of Jesus." [v.22,27] Jesus is still, today, asking all who are willing and committed in heart and mind "to carry my name." Does that include you? Yes? Paul's words in 2 Cor. 13 v.5 challenge our heartfelt meditation, "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?"
"AND WENT ON HIS WAY REJOICING" Thoughts from the Bible Readings - April 30th
"AND WENT ON HIS WAY REJOICING"
How many times do we go on our way rejoicing? What is there to rejoice about in today's world? We mean - genuine rejoicing? Yes, the birth of a child to genuine godly parents who will bring it up to know and love the Lord is agenuine cause for rejoicing. But other causes of rejoicing today seem to occur less and less in the experience of those who genuinely love God and fully accept and serve His Son as their Saviour.
These reflections were prompted by the closing words of today's chapter 8 in Acts. A eunuch, which is a man who dedicates his life to remaining single, had been "to Jerusalem to worship" [8 v.27]; God's Spirit caused Philip to "Go over and join" his chariot. He "ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, 'Do you understand what you are reading?' And he said, 'How can I, unless someone guides me?' And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him." [v.29-31]
We identify the passage in Isaiah quoted in the text here as coming from ch.53 v.7,8. "Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. In his humiliation justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth." The Eunuch asks Philip to explain this and Philip, "opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus." [v.35] This is a wonderful prophecy of the trial of Jesus made centuries earlier.
When they came to some water, the Eunuch asks, "What prevents me from being baptised?" [v.37] Older versions of Acts then have the words, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." Obviously nothing prevents Philip from baptising him, so "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. " [v.38,39]
Clearly this baptism was complete immersion, it was only centuries later than an apostate church started to call ‘sprinkling’ baptism. John baptised in the Jordon because “water was plentiful there”[John 3 v.23] This is the best kind of rejoicing there is - it becomes - if we remain faithful, a lifelong rejoicing - a life that continues eternally in God's kingdom.
A final thought - remember the attitude of the disciples we read of in Acts 5! The Jewish council condemned them for preaching about Jesus – but they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name.” [v.41] Let us go on our way rejoicing in every situation in which we are able to truly and faithfully serve our Lord.
Monday, 6 April 2015
The God Of Israel: Manifesto For Change - Who should win our vote?
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