Usurper (lat. usurpare = to seize for use, to use) is a derogatory term used to describe either an illegitimate or controversial claimant to the power; often, but not always in a monarchy, or a person who succeeds in establishing himself as a monarch without inheriting the throne, or any other person exercising authority unconstitutionally. It may also be applied to an official acting ultra vires, outside his authority or jurisdiction.
God sent John to baptize and cleanse Jews of their sins. Before Jesus, God gave His Chosen Children a means of REDEMPTION. There should be no disputing this, but there is. If God had not sent John to baptize and forgive human being of their sins, then why did Jesus ask to be baptized, and why were all Jesus’ disciples baptized by John of God – who continued to baptize – even after Jesus stopped baptizing? This question begs to be asked, and has been asked by a legion of Biblical scholars – WHAT NEED OF JESUS? And where are the astute answers to this question – all through the four gospels! The effort to explain away John, wash away the Baptist sent by God – are tedious – and do not work!
Paul resorts to a baptism by death, by fire, then by a resurrection, and alas, by being washed in the blood of the lamb. But the fact that THE JEWS owned a means of SALVATION before Jesus offered his version – remains!
Many Jews believed in John the Baptist, and that his baptism could cleanse them of their sins, after they confess of their sins – and then they are REBORN! John submerged Jews in water, and when they surfaced, the Holy Spirit in the form of a Dove descended fro heaven – which ALL BAPTIZED JEWS got a glimpse of, including Jesus – THE BAPTIZED JEW! All male Jews – are Sons of God! After John’s baptism they were now – SONS OF HEAVEN joined to the NAME of God in a New Heaven and Earth!
This New Redemption from the God of the Jews was extremely democratic because it made common human beings equal, and one with the One God as we read in John 17. Combine this with the Jubilee Abolition that was first preached by John, then the Roman world began to quake with fear – because every dog and wolf – has their day, because John’s Baptizers are all over the known world baptizing Gentiles! What need of Paul?
That Satan Saul-Paul did much evil to make sure that New Freedom never arrive – which it did not – is proof he is the Anti-Baptist who invented a fictional savior, the meaning of the name Jesus! John was the Savior of Souls, who prepared many to meet their Lord – in heaven!
Jon Presco
‘Son of Heaven’
Copyright 2012
The History of Baptism
The New Testament places great emphasis upon baptism. The words, Baptist, baptism, baptize, baptized are used a total of 113 times in the New Testament.
THE STORY OF BAPTISM BEGINS WITH JOHN THE BAPTIST
The first mention of baptism in the entire Bible is found in Matthew 3:4-6.
“And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
“Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan.
“AND WERE BAPTIZED OF HIM IN JORDAN, CONFESSING THEIR SINS.”
Without any explanation or previous mention the New Testament simply states that those who came to John “were baptized of him in Jordan.” THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF BAPTISM. There is absolutely no mention of baptism in the Bible until John the Baptist.
John stated that he had been sent to baptize.
“And I knew him not: BUT HE THAT SENT ME TO BAPTIZE WITH WATER, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.” -John 1:33
Thus we see that John the Baptist was sent forth by God to baptize. Jesus stated by inference in Mark 11:30 that the baptism of John was from heaven.
John the Baptist was the first voice from God for almost 400 years. He came to “prepare … the way of the Lord.” (Isa. 40:3.) He was the “voice of one crying in the wilderness.” (Matt. 3:3.)
John the Baptist ushered in the Christian era.
“The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.” -Luke 16:16
ALL TWELVE OF THE DISCIPLES WERE BAPTIZED BY JOHN THE BAPTIST
It is evident, from the Bible, that all twelve of the disciples were baptized by John the Baptist.
“Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
“BEGINNING FROM THE BAPTISM OF JOHN, unto that same day that he was taken from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.”-Acts 1:21, 22
This is the record of the selection of one to take the place of Judas Iscariot, the one who had betrayed his Lord with a kiss and then committed suicide. The new disciple had to be one who had been with the disciples “all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, BEGINNING WITH THE BAPTISM OF JOHN.” The fact that the successor to Judas must have been baptized by John certainly indicates that all the other disciples were baptized by John.
John 1:35-45 clearly states that some of the original twelve had first been disciples of John and had thus been baptized by John. It is clearly taught that all the disciples were baptized by John the Baptist.
JOHN THE BAPTIST BAPTIZED JESUS CHRIST
“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.” -Matt. 3:13.
“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.” -Mark 1:9
Jesus Christ walked sixty miles to be baptized by John the Baptist in the river Jordan.
JESUS CHRIST AND HIS DISCIPLES BAPTIZED THEIR FOLLOWERS
“After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea; and THERE HE TARRIED WITH THEM, AND BAPTIZED.” -John 3:22.
“When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples.) -John 4:1, 2
WHETHER Jesus himself personally baptized with water is not made entirely clear in the New Testament. John 3:22 says:
“After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea, and there he tarried with them, and baptized.”
Again it is related in John 3:25-26:
“Then there arose a question between {some} of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all {men) come to him. ”
But John 4:1-3 says:
“When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. ”
Some authorities take these passages to mean that Jesus personally administered the rite of baptism during the early days of his ministry. The Synoptics – Matthew, Mark and Luke – are silent on the subject. Matthew 3:13-17 tells us:
“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, 1 have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him Suffer, {it to be so} now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him.. and lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. ”
Apparently the Pharisees expected the Messiah to baptize, perhaps from certain hints in the prophets, for John 1:25 says:
“And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?”
John answered that he baptized with water, but that there stood among them one who “baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 3:11 quotes John as saying:
“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than 1, whose shoes 1 am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and {with} fire.”
Luke 12:49-50 quotes Jesus:
“I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will 1, if it be already kindled? But 1 have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am 1 straitened till it be accomplished!”
According to Mark 10:38-39:
“But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that 1 drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that 1 am baptized with? And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that 1 drink of; and with the baptism that 1 am baptized withal shall ye be baptized.”
It appears from these passages that, while Jesus administered the rite of baptism with water in the early days of his ministry, it was merely a temporary practice and not a vital part of his mission.
1 Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— 2 although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. 3 So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.
4 Now he had to go through Samaria. 5 So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.
7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.[a])
10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”
11 “Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”
13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”
16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”
17 “I have no husband,” she replied.
Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”
19 “Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. 20 Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”
21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”
26 Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”
The Disciples Rejoin Jesus
27 Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”
28 Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.
31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.”
32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”
33 Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?”
34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 36 Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. 37 Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. 38 I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”
) Baptize them. “Matt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” Jesus Christ says that as they preach the gospel, they also baptize the believers. They should baptize them “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
. Water Baptism in the Preaching of Jesus Christ
Acts 8:34 And the eunuch answered Philip — 35 Then Philip — preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, –
Philip was preaching Jesus Christ to the eunuch. As they saw a pool of water, the eunuch requested Philip to baptize him. By this, we know that the teaching of water baptism was included in the preachings of Jesus Christ. As Philip has done it, we must also teach water baptism as we preach Jesus Christ. Water baptism is part of the life of Jesus Christ as well as the part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“Luke 18:15 And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” Almost every church has child dedication service. In the service the parents promise God that they will raise the baby in godly ways.
“Luke 20:3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: 4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?” Jesus Christ pointed to the Pharisees that water baptism is from heaven.
Luke 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. 29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. 31 And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like? 32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept. 33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. 34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! 35 But wisdom is justified of all her children.
The Bible says water baptism is the counsel of God. Even by different methods, both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ could not convince the ungodly people about water baptism. The representation of religious people rejected baptism for their own condemnation. Even now, we cannot convince the religious people, but the children of God will justify the wisdom of God by obeying in the water baptism.
“Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” God looks into the hearts of everybody and he chooses the righteous people for himself. “Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers — 47 — And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” The Holy Spirit reveals the word of God to the chosen to help them obey God. They will obey in water baptism. God will join them in the church where the Holy Spirit will teach them the doctrine of Jesus Christ and give them the power of the Holy Ghost.
Mark 16:15 — he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;—” Many preachers say that those who are saved shall be baptized. But the word of God says that he that he who is baptized shall be saved. Sure, baptism is one of the conditions to be saved. Without baptism, there is no salvation.
“1Peter 3:20 — in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us…” Does the word of God say that baptism has nothing to do with our salvation, OR does it say that baptism doth also now save us? Those who believe the word of God, if they have desire to be saved, they will take water baptism.
“John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” The ceremonial meaning of ‘born of water’ is water baptism, even though it has another deeper meaning. Receiving the ‘spirit of man’ is ‘born of the Spirit.’ However, nobody can enter into heaven without water baptism.
“Acts 2:38 — Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, —” Many preachers say that nobody have to be baptized for the remission of sins. But the word of God says that every one of you must be baptized for the remission of sins. This means that without baptism there will be no remission of sins. However, water baptism is just one of a few conditions for the remission of our sins. Therefore, be baptized also, along with other conditions, for the remission of your sins.
“Acts 22:16 — now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Many preachers laugh at the principle of washing away our sins by water baptism. They say that just the ceremony of water baptism will not wash away sins whereas the word of God tells us to be baptized and wash away our sins. This also means that our sins will not be forgiven without baptism.
“Col 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting
12. See the Kingdom of God
“John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…. 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus believes Jesus. Jesus Christ insists that a person must be ‘born again’ in order to see the kingdom of God. In this context ‘born again’ means ‘born of water’ and ‘born of the Spirit.’ Here, ‘born of water’ refers to ‘water baptism’ and ‘born of the spirit’ refers to the receiving of ‘spirit of man’, which is the ‘spirit of life,’ which is the life of the soul. If we truly believe Jesus Christ for our salvation, we will do what he asks us to do. As we do what he asks, which is to obey him in water baptism also, God gives us the ‘spirit of man’, which is the ‘spirit of life.’ Those who have not received the ‘spirit of man’, God considers them as spiritually dead.
When a person is born, he/she is born with flesh and soul, but not with the spirit, which is the spirit of man. “John 3:6 — which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 1Cor 2:11 — what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him?–” Jesus Christ teaches that a person must be born a second time with the spirit. When a person truly obeys Christ, he gives the person the spirit, which is the ‘spirit of man.’
Now we are ‘born of the spirit,’ by which our dead souls become living souls. Being ‘born of water’ and ‘born of the spirit’, now we are ‘born again.’ So now we can see, with our spirit man, the Kingdom of God. Since a person has obeyed God and received the ‘spirit of life’, he/she is truly spiritual and is lead by the Holy Spirit. As the person continues to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will lead the person into the deeper spiritual life of Jesus Christ, which is to enter into the kingdom of God, while living on this earth.
13. God opens the heart of the Humble
Acts 16:14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. 15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
God opens the heart of sincere humble people. They understand the significance of water baptism. God is not opening the hearts of religious people. It maybe because they think they know it all, while they are twisting the word of God to suit their own understanding.
14. Water Baptism for Salvation
“Mark 16:15 — he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved;—” Many preachers say that those who are saved shall be baptized. But the word of God says that he that he who is baptized shall be saved. Sure, baptism is one of the conditions to be saved. Without baptism, there is no salvation.
“1Peter 3:20 — in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us…” Does the word of God say that baptism has nothing to do with our salvation, OR does it say that baptism doth also now save us? Those who believe the word of God, if they have desire to be saved, they will take water baptism.
“John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” The ceremonial meaning of ‘born of water’ is water baptism, even though it has another deeper meaning. Receiving the ‘spirit of man’ is ‘born of the Spirit.’ However, nobody can enter into heaven without water baptism.
“Acts 2:38 — Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, —” Many preachers say that nobody have to be baptized for the remission of sins. But the word of God says that every one of you must be baptized for the remission of sins. This means that without baptism there will be no remission of sins. However, water baptism is just one of a few conditions for the remission of our sins. Therefore, be baptized also, along with other conditions, for the remission of your sins.
“Acts 22:16 — now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Many preachers laugh at the principle of washing away our sins by water baptism. They say that just the ceremony of water baptism will not wash away sins whereas the word of God tells us to be baptized and wash away our sins. This also means that our sins will not be forgiven without baptism.
“Col 2:11 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: 12 Buried with him in baptism,..” Water baptism is explained as the burial of the believer with Jesus Christ, which is also explained as Jesus cuts the body of sin and throws it away. This is how the body of sin is removed and Christ is united. As a ceremony, like a marriage, water baptism is the vow of God that he removes your body of sin from you and your vow that you unite with Christ. Because you are baptized, now you are buried with him in baptism. “2Tim 2:11 … For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:” Those who look forward to be with him in heaven will take water baptism.
15. Exemption for Water Baptism
However, there is always exemption for most things. Water baptism also has exemption. “Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him (one of the malefactor), Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” This malefactor, who was nailed to the cross, had the exemption from the water baptism, since his cross did not let him go to take the water baptism. Whoever are in such a predicament, can apply this exemption. But God will take vengeance on the disobedient at the time of his righteous judgment. “2Thess 1:8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:”
16. Baptism to receive Spiritual gifts
Acts 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 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. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Water baptism is required even to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Apostle Peter tells believers to save themselves from the untoward generation, who stood against water baptism, so that God may save them from their sins. Those who have accepted the calling of God will gladly receive the word of God and will eagerly obey in water baptism to obtain the promise of God. But there will always be rebellious people.
17. Repeated Water Baptism
Acts 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, — that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Matt 1:21 — call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Paul baptized the believers a second time so that they may receive the gifts and the Holy Ghost. Believers must take the true baptism of Jesus Christ. Repentance of sins and the belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, who can save them from their sins, must precede the true baptism. All other baptisms are false baptisms. They are the tradition of men and rebellion against God.
18. Whose Name should we be Baptized?
Matt 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
The above two verses are in the word of God. We cannot reject one to choose the other, but we must accept both of them. As the Lord Jesus Christ commands the disciples to baptize, he gives instructions how to baptize a person. The disciples obey the Lord and give baptism “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” The event was recorded as “they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” to mean that they were giving water baptism in the authority given to them by the Lord Jesus Christ. The first one is the instruction how to baptize a believer and the second is the recording of the information. God’s word will not contradict in itself, but the devil will try to confuse people as he confused Eve. If we love the truth, we will not believe the lies of the devil.
Acts 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. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized?
Apostle Paul asked them “Have ye received the Holy Ghost.” They replied, “We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.” Please notice that they have not even heard the name of the Holy Ghost. Immediately the apostle asked the next question, “Unto what then were ye baptized?” The truth is that if they have not heard the name of the Holy Ghost, they have not taken the true baptism. The true baptism is the one given in the name of the Holy Ghost along with the name of the Father and the Son. That is, they were not baptized “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” So, they did take the baptism again “in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” The book of Acts records the incident as “they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” because they were giving the baptism in the authority that Jesus Christ has given them.
Acts 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.
According to the above verse John the Baptist baptized people by mentioning just the name of Jesus Christ only, “John verily baptized —saying unto the people, that they should believe — on Christ Jesus.” This baptism is called the baptism of repentance. This baptism was the ‘Jesus only baptism’ and was done away with, because the purpose of the ministry was only to prepare the way of the Lord Jesus Christ.
In short, John the Baptist gave the Jesus only baptism, which is obsolete. The disciples of Jesus Christ gave baptism in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Since they were baptizing in the authority that Jesus Christ has given them, it was recorded as it was given in the name of Jesus Christ.
19. Believer’s Right and Privilege
Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them, which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision, which believed, were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
God told Peter to baptize them in water by pouring the Holy Ghost upon them. Water baptism is the right and privilege of a believer, who believe the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Apostle Peter commanded the gentile believers should be baptized, even though he knew that he would be confronted.
20. Conditions for Baptism
Matt 3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
Baptism of John was for forgiveness of sins. In order to receive the baptism of John, people had to repent, reconcile and confess their sins. John the Baptist demanded from the religious people, who had a form of godliness, that they should bring proof for repentance for baptism.
Romans 6:4 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. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Jesus Christ commissioned his disciples to give water baptism for salvation from sins. Baptism of Jesus Christ requires the believers to commit their life to walk in the newness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If John the Baptist demanded proof for repentance to give his baptism, how much more the baptism of Jesus Christ should demand proofs for repentance, for belief and also for commitment?
21. Circumcision and Baptism
Col 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 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: 12 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. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses:
God’s word explains our immersion in water baptism to the burial of our body of sin, which is our sinning nature. That is, as we immerse in baptism, Jesus Christ spiritually cuts off the body of sin, which is nature of the flesh. It is known as the spiritual circumcision of Christ. Again, God explains our coming out of the water as our resurrection, not with the old body of sin, but with a new body of life with the presence of Christ. Though it is a ceremony, by faith through the operation of God, we have a newness of life by the mysterious working of God in us. After the baptism, having our sins forgiven, we should live a holy life as of the life of Jesus Christ because of the supernatural power of God.
22. One of the Foundation Doctrines
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, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and —
Matt 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 — the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
God advises the believers to build above the foundation of the principles of the doctrine of Christ. However, they have to lay the foundation strong in order to build the house upon it. The doctrine of baptisms is an integral part of the foundation of which water baptism is the primary one. We have not started the foundation until we obey in water baptism. If we build a house on the sand of disobedience and not on the rock of obedience, it will fall and the fall will be great.
23. Significance of Water Baptism
“Romans 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” Apostle Paul rebukes believers who took water baptism but still live in sin. He demands proof for their commitments.
“Romans 6:4 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. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:” Baptism has two elements, which have two symbolic meanings. (1) We immerse under water. Our going under water represents the death and burial of our body of sin. Symbolically we should burry this body of sin under the water and we should not bring it out of the water. (2) We come out of water. Our coming out of water represents the resurrection of our body of life, which is spirit in the likeness of Christ, which has the newness of life.
“Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Since this body is not the body of sin, it should not commit sin. Now, we are dead to sin but we live for righteousness. Symbolically, we are dead with Christ and if we are dead with him we also live with him. “Romans 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:” Water baptism is the ceremonial commitment of our life and the symbolic supernatural exchange of our body of sin for the body of life. According to the sincerity of the commitment of the believer, God will do his marvelous work. The supernatural exchange is sure if our commitment is genuine. Then the person who comes out of the water will be the true newborn (born again) person.
Water baptism is like a ceremony of marriage. As the bride commits her life to the groom to live for him and with him, as the bride of Christ, we should commit our life to Christ to live for him and with him by this ceremony. Most religious people think that they are living together with Christ without the ceremony of marriage, which is water baptism. They are deceiving themselves. Jesus Christ does not live together with any disobedient person. Those who do not take water baptism may have a form of godliness, but they are not true followers of Jesus Christ.
24. False Preachers Oppose Water Baptism
John 12:39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.
Most theologians and religious people are confused and are ashamed of water baptism. There is no verse in the Bible cautioning against water baptism. Yet they preach as if the word of God is against water baptism. Our Lord Jesus Christ, in his last commission, told his disciples to preach the gospel baptizing the believers. Many preachers argue that Jesus Christ was not telling his disciples about water baptism, just because he did not mention the word ‘water.’ They bring so many kinds of silly arguments against the water baptism for no reason. They do not even realize the fact that Jesus Christ proclaimed damnation for those who do not believe him to obey in the water baptism.
Acts 13:8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. 9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, 10 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
Probably Elymas the sorcerer could have done the same thing with full of subtlety and mischief preventing the deputy from taking water baptism. As Elymas has done, these preachers are also perverting the right ways of the Lord. As Elymas was blinded, God also has blinded the hearts of these preachers so that they shall never be converted.
http://www.truegospel.com/baptism.html
Jesus’ Disciples Do Baptizing and John “Decreases” (John 3:22-36; 4:1-3)
Submitted by admin on Sun, 2007-07-15 09:41.
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Jesus and his disciples went into the region of Judea, where he spent some time with them, and they did baptizing, evidently at his direction or with his approval. (John 3:22; 4:1, 2) As there was abundant water in Aenon near Salim, John did baptizing there, and people continued coming to him to be immersed. (John 3:23, 24)
In the minds of the Jews who disputed with John’s disciples about purification, baptism would have been associated with cleansing, especially in view of the call to repentance. The nature of the argument is not specified in the account. In view of what his disciples later said to John, it would appear that the dispute centered on what seemed to be competing baptisms. John had ceased to be the only one doing baptizing. The disciples of John called to his attention that the one concerning whom he had testified was baptizing and that “all” were going to him. They attributed to Jesus what his disciples were doing and appear to have been disturbed by the decreasing number of people coming to John. (John 3:25, 26)
Responding to their concern, John told them that a man cannot receive anything unless it has been given him from above or by God. As he reminded them, they knew full well that he had said, “I am not the Christ,” and that he had been sent to prepare the way before him. Likening himself to the bridegroom’s friend, John continued, “The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The bridegroom’s friend stands and hears him, rejoicing greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore, this, my joy, has been made complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:27-30)
The Son of God had come from above and so was above all. Although a prophet, John had not come from the realm above. He was from the earth and was limited to conveying information that related to the earthly sphere. Although God’s unique Son had come from heaven and is above all and could testify about things that no one from the earth had seen or heard, people generally did not accept his testimony. (John 3:31, 32)
The person accepting this testimony placed his seal upon it, certifying that God is true or that he had kept his word to send the one who was promised to come. With the fullness of God’s spirit operating upon him (unlike the prophets to whom the spirit had been given by measure), Jesus spoke his Father’s words. As the one whom he dearly loved, the Father had given everything into the hands of his Son—everything relating to the eternal future of the world of mankind. To have faith in the Son would result in coming into possession of eternal life or a life distinguished by an abiding relationship with the Father. Those who reject the Son will not see life or experience an abiding life as persons whom the Father approves and loves. As persons against whom a record of sin remains, they continue to be the objects of God’s wrath or disapproval. (John 3:33-36)
Whereas Jesus’ disciples and not he himself did baptizing, the news reached the Pharisees that he was making and baptizing more disciples than John. Learning about this development, Jesus left Judea and returned to Galilee. (John 4:1-3) According to Matthew 4:12 and Mark 1:14, Jesus’ departure coincided with John’s arrest and imprisonment for having exposed the wrongness of Herod Antipas’s incestuous relationship with Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip. (Mark 6:17, 18) This suggests that the apparent jealousy of the Pharisees and John’s imprisonment created an environment hostile to Jesus. As his time for laying down his life had not yet come, he may have left for Galilee, where the potential personal dangers would not have been as great.
Notes:
There is a question as to whether the words of John 3:31-36 are part of John the Baptist’s testimony. The revelatory nature of the comments about God’s Son would seem to indicate that this is a summation of the gospel writer. As in the case of verses 16-21, translators vary respecting the placement of the closing quotation marks, either including verses 31 through 36 or ending the quotation with verse 30.
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