Since Jesus is the way the truth and the life, obviously you would look at His example and His revealed will, especially on being baptized. The scriptures are our guide, and through them we can learn to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and we begin at his commision to preach the gospel to the world.
...Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not will be condemned. Mark 16:15,16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Mark 16:16
It is not enough to believe the gospel and stand on the sidelines. One must accept it and live it.
Not everyone who saith unto Me, 'Lord, Lord', shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name, cast out demons in Your name, and in Thy name done many wonders?' And then I will profess unto them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, ye that work iniquity!' Matthew 7:21-23
There will be many who profess faith in Jesus, they preach His name, they even profess to have done great works in the name of Jesus, but they practice iniquity. The word iniquity that is used here is translated from the Greek "anomia", which means lawlessness or transgressing the law, and transgression of the law is the only definition of sin in the Scripture.
Whosoever commiteth sin transgresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4
Obedience is the fruit of a relationship with God. Those who enter into the new covenant relationship with God will wish to keep the law because they understand the principle of love embodied in the law.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making the simple wise. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandments of the Lord are pure, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether, more to be desired than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. And Your servant is warned by them; in keeping them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7-11.
It is not enough to to have a just a intellectual or factual knowledge of the law or to keep it because we know it is right (this is legalism). The law must be kept from the heart, it must become part of the mind or character, and with the Holy Spirit this change is possible to enable us to reflect the love of Christ to a world in need. The believer must be brought into harmony with God's law.
...for not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. Romans 2:13
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken unto a wise man which built his house upon a rock... Matthew 7:24
Baptism is the symbol of the changed life. It is the symbol of rebirth, a demonstration of the death of the old man of sin and the resurrection of the transformed man - the man that lives in harmony with the law of God.
And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
Before being touched by the grace of God and the workings of His Spirit, it is impossible to obey God and keep His requirements. There may be a theoretical keeping of the law, but without Christ this translates into a form of salvation by works.
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then, they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8: 7,8
It is the spirit of God that enables us to live in harmony with the will of God. Jesus discusses the nature of the spiritual rebirth with Nicodemus, and He says:
...Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. John 3:5 NKJV
The spirit works inwardly to transform us so we can bear fruit, and baptism by water is the outward symbol of one's willingness to accept the transformation process. Obedience to God and his Law are gifts which we receive through faith in the Son of God.
...Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;. Titus 3:5
Being washed means being justified before God because of the merits of Jesus Christ. The text however, continues by saying:
... and renewal by the Holy Ghost
This is sanctification. Acceptance of justification and sanctification is a package deal. One cannot accept one without the other. Refusal to accept sanctification is a demonstration of false justification.
Wherefore by their fruits, ye shall know them. Matthew 7:20
Baptism is the outward sign of the acceptance of the covenant relationship with God, the new covenant that God promised to spiritual Israel.
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, which My covenant they brake, although I was a husband unto them, saith the Lord. But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Jeremiah 31:31-33
Spiritual Israel will keep the law, but they will keep it from the heart. The fear of the Lord is that reverence which develops when God is seen in His glory, when His character is made manifest. Paul applies these texts to the new covenant in Hebrews 8:8-10.
For finding fault with them, He said to them, Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, and I will make an end on the house of Israel and on the house of Judah; a new covenant shall be, not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day I took hold of their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they did not continue in My covenant, and I did not regard them, says the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their mind and write them in their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Hebrew 8:8-10
Baptism is a very serious step to undertake and requires an understanding of the issues involved. Baptism is also more than the outward symbol of rebirth. It is also the outward sign of entrance into the body of Christ, His church.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13.
And you are the body of Christ, and members in part. 1 Corinthians 12:27
Those who accept Jesus become part of the church.
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:47
If by being baptized we demonstrate our acceptance of the covenant relationship with God, then we become a part of the covenant people of God. As there is only one body, it is essential that careful consideration be given to this choice.
... so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone members of one another. Romans 12:5
For as the body is one and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body - whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free - and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member by many. But now are they many members, yea but one body. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 20
There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. Ephesians 4:4
The true body of Christ must teach obedience to the law of God and must have faith in the transforming power of the Spirit of God. One cannot be baptized and live apart from the true body of Christ. Baptism is a symbol of the following:
1. It is a symbol of one's willingness to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. Baptism commemorates Christs death, burial and resurrection.
3. It symbolizes the death and burial of the old man of sin.
4. It represents the resurrection to newness of life in Christ Jesus, the washing of rebirth through justification and sanctification.
5. It is a symbol of entrance into the body of Christ, His church, the Israel of God.
Now what about the mode of Baptism, the Greek word 'baptizo' means 'I immerse' and 'baptisma' means 'immersion'. As with all things, Christ should be our example. When Jesus was baptized, He was baptized by immersion.
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. Matthew 3:16,17
Jesus was baptized in the river. Also John baptized in the river because he needed water that was deep enough.
Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there... John 3:23 NIV
A further example of the mode of baptism given in the Scriptures is that of the baptism of the eunuch by Phillip.
And he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Phillip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Phillip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:38,39 NKJV
They went into the water and then came up out of the water. This baptism was then also by total immersion.
...Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth not will be condemned. Mark 16:15,16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Mark 16:16
It is not enough to believe the gospel and stand on the sidelines. One must accept it and live it.
Not everyone who saith unto Me, 'Lord, Lord', shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name, cast out demons in Your name, and in Thy name done many wonders?' And then I will profess unto them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, ye that work iniquity!' Matthew 7:21-23
There will be many who profess faith in Jesus, they preach His name, they even profess to have done great works in the name of Jesus, but they practice iniquity. The word iniquity that is used here is translated from the Greek "anomia", which means lawlessness or transgressing the law, and transgression of the law is the only definition of sin in the Scripture.
Whosoever commiteth sin transgresseth also the law, for sin is the transgression of the law. 1 John 3:4
Obedience is the fruit of a relationship with God. Those who enter into the new covenant relationship with God will wish to keep the law because they understand the principle of love embodied in the law.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making the simple wise. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandments of the Lord are pure, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether, more to be desired than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. And Your servant is warned by them; in keeping them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7-11.
It is not enough to to have a just a intellectual or factual knowledge of the law or to keep it because we know it is right (this is legalism). The law must be kept from the heart, it must become part of the mind or character, and with the Holy Spirit this change is possible to enable us to reflect the love of Christ to a world in need. The believer must be brought into harmony with God's law.
...for not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. Romans 2:13
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken unto a wise man which built his house upon a rock... Matthew 7:24
Baptism is the symbol of the changed life. It is the symbol of rebirth, a demonstration of the death of the old man of sin and the resurrection of the transformed man - the man that lives in harmony with the law of God.
And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
Before being touched by the grace of God and the workings of His Spirit, it is impossible to obey God and keep His requirements. There may be a theoretical keeping of the law, but without Christ this translates into a form of salvation by works.
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then, they that are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8: 7,8
It is the spirit of God that enables us to live in harmony with the will of God. Jesus discusses the nature of the spiritual rebirth with Nicodemus, and He says:
...Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. John 3:5 NKJV
The spirit works inwardly to transform us so we can bear fruit, and baptism by water is the outward symbol of one's willingness to accept the transformation process. Obedience to God and his Law are gifts which we receive through faith in the Son of God.
...Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;. Titus 3:5
Being washed means being justified before God because of the merits of Jesus Christ. The text however, continues by saying:
... and renewal by the Holy Ghost
This is sanctification. Acceptance of justification and sanctification is a package deal. One cannot accept one without the other. Refusal to accept sanctification is a demonstration of false justification.
Wherefore by their fruits, ye shall know them. Matthew 7:20
Baptism is the outward sign of the acceptance of the covenant relationship with God, the new covenant that God promised to spiritual Israel.
Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah; not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, which My covenant they brake, although I was a husband unto them, saith the Lord. But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord: I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Jeremiah 31:31-33
Spiritual Israel will keep the law, but they will keep it from the heart. The fear of the Lord is that reverence which develops when God is seen in His glory, when His character is made manifest. Paul applies these texts to the new covenant in Hebrews 8:8-10.
For finding fault with them, He said to them, Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, and I will make an end on the house of Israel and on the house of Judah; a new covenant shall be, not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day I took hold of their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they did not continue in My covenant, and I did not regard them, says the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their mind and write them in their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Hebrew 8:8-10
Baptism is a very serious step to undertake and requires an understanding of the issues involved. Baptism is also more than the outward symbol of rebirth. It is also the outward sign of entrance into the body of Christ, His church.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Corinthians 12:13.
And you are the body of Christ, and members in part. 1 Corinthians 12:27
Those who accept Jesus become part of the church.
Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:47
If by being baptized we demonstrate our acceptance of the covenant relationship with God, then we become a part of the covenant people of God. As there is only one body, it is essential that careful consideration be given to this choice.
... so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone members of one another. Romans 12:5
For as the body is one and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body - whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free - and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member by many. But now are they many members, yea but one body. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 20
There is one body and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. Ephesians 4:4
The true body of Christ must teach obedience to the law of God and must have faith in the transforming power of the Spirit of God. One cannot be baptized and live apart from the true body of Christ. Baptism is a symbol of the following:
1. It is a symbol of one's willingness to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ.
2. Baptism commemorates Christs death, burial and resurrection.
3. It symbolizes the death and burial of the old man of sin.
4. It represents the resurrection to newness of life in Christ Jesus, the washing of rebirth through justification and sanctification.
5. It is a symbol of entrance into the body of Christ, His church, the Israel of God.
Now what about the mode of Baptism, the Greek word 'baptizo' means 'I immerse' and 'baptisma' means 'immersion'. As with all things, Christ should be our example. When Jesus was baptized, He was baptized by immersion.
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. Matthew 3:16,17
Jesus was baptized in the river. Also John baptized in the river because he needed water that was deep enough.
Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there... John 3:23 NIV
A further example of the mode of baptism given in the Scriptures is that of the baptism of the eunuch by Phillip.
And he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Phillip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Phillip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:38,39 NKJV
They went into the water and then came up out of the water. This baptism was then also by total immersion.
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