Lesson TWO
Book A
BAPTISED IN WATER
"Go into all the world and preach the gospel
baptising them in the name of the Father,
and of the son, and of the Holy Spirit". Mat. 28:19
WATER BAPTISM
Being baptised in water is a symbolic confession that we died with Christ to the human nature and live with Him in the nature of God.
"Therefore we were buried with him, through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life". Romans 6:4
The word baptism means to be thoroughly immersed. In fact it designates death. To die, symbolically. To confess that you are no longer going to walk according to the human nature or the flesh, but according to the nature of god, given to you through asking Jesus into your heart and becoming "born-again", by the spirit of God.
God places the new nature within you and your baptism shows your confession to walk in it, and not according to the old nature any longer.
THE ORIGIN OF WATER BAPTISM
God purified the earth by the flood in Noah's time. Everything that sinned against God had to die by drowning.
Later the Israelites came through the waters of baptism, through the Red Sea. (This symbolised that which was prevented from death by dying to Egypt, the type of the flesh nature). Whilst the Egyptians all had to drown, so the earthly part of these people had to drown. then, left behind in the water, was death to the flesh, symbolically.
"There is also an anti-type which now saves us, namely baptism(not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ". 1 Peter 3:21
"All were baptised into Moses in the cloud and in the sea". 1 Cor 10:2
BAPTISED IN THE NAME OF JESUS
In Moses' time they were baptised through water by following Moses. In effect then they left behind the ways of the world system, its selfishness and sin, following Moses through the waters of the Red Sea. This was their baptism. A complete break from the past/sin nature. A following of God through Moses.
So also now we do the same through the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a faith walk. We follow Jesus through the confession of the water baptism, into His word. the gospel!
Ephesians 4:5 "One Lord, one faith, one baptism".
Acts 19:3-5 "Into what then were you baptised?" So they said "Into John's baptism". then Paul said "John indeed baptised with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is on Christ Jesus". When they heard this, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ".
BAPTISM IS YOUR CONFESSION
The outward confession and symbolism therefore stood for more than dying to the old life. It also stood for walking in the new life. Namely the way that Jesus walked and ordered His life, or His teachings on how to go through life.
so the baptism was the turning point whereby an individual turned fully to the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Living in newness of life. the Jesus life.
John's baptism was pure repentance but Jesus' stood for more. It stood for rising out of the waters into the resurrected life style. We are now seated with God in heavenly places. Eph 2:6
We are sons and not slaves. Hebrews 2:10
He has made us kings and priests. Revelation 1:6
We walk in victory in this newness of life, not defeat, and all that this stands for is embraced in the name of Jesus. We are baptised into His name.
WHAT DID JESUS SAY ABOUT IT?
Jesus was Himself baptised in water, though He did not need to repent of anything. John 1:32. He did it to fulfil all righteousness, He Said.
Then Jesus Himself taught water baptism as the entry into His brand of teaching the Word. Which is the only brand now.
"Jesus made and baptised more disciples than John". John 4:1
then the last commission included "baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit". Matthew 28:19
These three are one and summed up in the name of Jesus which is really the Word of God, or the gospel of the New Testament. This includes the baptism of the Holy Spirit which is different from water baptism.
THE GREAT COMMISSION
"Then Jesus came and spoke to them saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age". Matthew 28:19
The baptism was into the teaching/Word.
HOW CAN YOU BE BAPTISED?
Well, ask your church leaders. If they suggest sprinkling, reject it vehemently. Water is not holy. Full immersion is required as the symbol.
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