Thursday, 7 May 2015
Wednesday, 6 May 2015
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
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