Doctrine of the Present: Acceptance and Identification of Christ’s Authority

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 of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

The Gospel is centered around Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection.

Christ in the Past - deals with Redemption - How Christ relates to sinners.

Delivered from the Penalty of Sin.

Christ in the Present - deals with Sanctification - How Christ relates to saints.

Delivered from the Power of Sin.

Christ in the Future - deals with Glorification - How Christ relates to Satan.

Delivered from the Presence of Sin.

After you repent from dead works and have faith toward God salvation takes place. At that very moment, an indwelling of the Holy Spirit takes place. The Holy Spirit takes up residence in the believing sinner and abides within them forever.

Acts 2:41

41 Then they that gladly received his word [Salvation, Justification] were baptized [Immersed]: and the same day there were added unto them [Church Membership] about three thousand souls.

Romans 8:9 KJV 1900

9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Ephesians 1:13–14 (KJV 1900)

13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Baptism of Israel: Washings

Ceremonial immersions pictured cleansing from uncleanliness, restoration of fellowship, being consecrated to or set apart or separated to God, and a new identity.

According to Dwight Pentecost, Jewish converts form paganism (known as proselytes) underwent “baptism” to signify “that he was terminating his relationship in his old society, including his allegiance to his old gods. He was joining himself with the community of Israel and submitting himself to Israel’s God.”

That is the idea we see in

Hebrews 9:8–10 (KJV 1900)

8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:

9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;

10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

The word “figure” is parabalae, from which we get the word “parable.” The whole thing was only a parable. It was only an object lesson to explain the reality. So, the Spirit meant to teach by that very thing itself that it had limits because it couldn’t bring access and it couldn’t bring perfect cleansing.

No matter what the ritual of worship was, it was external and physical—a mere act of man using some physical substance to help him worship God. And nothing that is earthly and external—physical and imperfect—can make us acceptable to God. Nothing on this earth can give us access, fellowship, and communion with God.

So the first covenant wasn’t satisfactory. It couldn’t set things straight. Oh, its sanctuary was meaningful. Its services were meaningful. But the significance was as a picture of Christ and a lesson in itself of inadequacy. And if you don’t have Jesus Christ, all you have is an inadequate system into which the Spirit of God has built the inadequacy so that you can see it right there. So the old, sure, divine services, a divinely ordained sanctuary, but earthly, passing, temporary.

Hebrews 9:11 (KJV 1900)

11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;

Then comes the beginning of the New Covenant. God begins to usher in His Kingdom and with this kingdom, we see the forerunner’s message and washing.

Baptism of John the Baptist: Repentance

Matthew 3:11 (KJV 1900)

11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he [Christ] shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

John was making a prediction of this spiritual baptism.

John baptized with water for repentance.

Christ baptizes with the Holy Spirit for Salvation.

Christ baptizes with fire for judgment (yet to come) this has to do with He future ministry that we will discuss in a couple of weeks.

“Shall” means the Holy Spirit and fire baptism has yet to happen.

Notice: John baptize (immersed) in water unto repentance. Redemption.

This is where Repentance from dead works and Faith toward God.

The greek word “Baptizo” means to immerse, to dip, or to dye.

Cloth was dipped into bleach to emerge pure and white. It was only then, after being cleansed, dipped into the dye, changed in appearance and thus “Identified” with the new color.

The parallel is obvious! We are first cleansed by the blood of Christ and only then baptized in order to be identified with Christ.

John’s baptism was a public confession of sin, uncleanness, and unacceptability before God.

Mark 1:5 (KJV 1900)

5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

It was a public confession of Repentance from sin.

It was a public confession of Remission of sin [brought about by the repentance, not by the baptism].

Mark 1:4 (KJV 1900)

4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

Understand this about John’s baptism, It was a public confession of faith in, acceptance of, and allegiance to the coming Messiah.

It was a public confession of preparation for entrance into the coming Kingdom of Heaven.

Now here is the key: This preparation for the entrance of His part in the coming Kingdom (which He would rule as King).

He was not a sinner not ever sinned so the first four reason of confession of Sin, confession of repentance, confession of remission, and acceptance and allegiance of the Messiah was not necessary for Him.

His baptism served as a pattern or example for us. If we wish to follow Christ’s example, to obey Christ’s Command, to identify with Christ and His Church, and “to fulfill all righteousness”, then we must be scripturally baptized by a local New Testament Church.

John’s baptism looked forward to the coming of Christ and His Kingdom.

Church baptism looks back to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

Remember, John the Baptist (dipper or immerser) baptized under the authority of God.

Jesus and His disciples baptized with water upon their repentance, under the authority of Himself and God.

This brings us next to another baptism.

Baptism of Christ: Holy Spirit

Remember, the baptism of the future.

Matthew 3:11 (KJV 1900)

11 I [John the Baptist] indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he [Jesus Christ] that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

Let me give you a couple facts about this baptism.

Fact 1. The Holy Spirit does not baptize anyone.

Every scripture dealing with the baptism with the Holy Ghost (which there is only 6) all make Jesus Christ the baptizer and the Holy Spirit as the medium. Just like the medium was water for John the Baptist.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV 1900)

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Galatians 3:26–28 (KJV 1900)

26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

After Redemption, Repentance from dead words and Faith toward God, We are identified with Jesus Christ.

Galatians 2:20 KJV 1900

20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Fact 2: Each verse is referring to a specific future event.

All 6 of these verse point to the future, “He shall baptize”, “ye shall be baptized”.

Acts 11:15–16 (KJV 1900)

15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Something happened between the gospels and Acts chapter 11.

Let’s go back to Acts 1

Acts 1:4–5 (KJV 1900)

4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

That single event where the Holy Spirit happened in Acts 2 when Jesus Christ immersed the believers (church) with the Holy Spirit. It was a once only event.

Therefore, seeking the baptism with, in, or by the Holy Spirit is of no use. It has already happened.

John 14:17 KJV 1900

17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Before Pentecost the Spirit dwelled “with” the disciples, after Pentecost the Spirit dwelled “in them.”

Fact 3: The Prophecy of John is Synonymous with the Promise of the Father.

John 14:26 KJV 1900

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Therefore, the “Baptism with the Holy Spirit” was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit that was not individually but rather was collectively upon the church; all gathered, assembled, blood-bought believers.

Now, lets look at 1 Corinthians 12:13

1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV 1900)

13 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.

Let’s ask some questions for clarification of this verse.

Does the Holy Spirit Baptize anyone?

We have seen Not!

Is “Baptism with the Holy Spirit” a continuing event?

We have seen Not!

Is the “Body of Christ” A universal, Invisible thing?

It is not! This verse makes it clear that Paul was addressing himself to the Church at Corinth - a local, visible, entity.

Is there One Baptism - or several baptisms?

Ephesians 4:5 (KJV 1900)

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Now, if this “one baptism” is Spirit baptism, as so many think, what becomes of believer baptism in water?

The context of Ephesians 5 is church related.

So, how do we interpret 1 Corinthians 12:13 ?

1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV 1900)

13 For by one Spirit {Salvation] are we all baptized [believer baptism] into one body [church membership], whether we be Jews or Gentiles [no racial distinction], whether we be bond or free [no class distinction]; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit [no favoritism in the blessings of Christ].

Baptism of the Church: Water

So, that brings us to the final baptism.

Let’s look quickly at our doctrinal statement.

17 THE CHURCH

We believe that Jesus Christ established His church during His ministry on earth and that it is always a local, visible assembly of scripturally baptized believers in covenant relationship to carry out the Commission of the Lord Jesus Christ,

and each church is an independent, self-governing body, and no other ecclesiastical body may exercise authority over it. We believe that Jesus Christ gave the Great Commission to the New Testament churches only, and that He promised the perpetuity of His churches.

Matthew 4:18-22; Matthew 16:18; Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 1:14-20; John 1:35-51; Ephesians 3:21

18 CHURCH ORDINANCES

We believe that there are two pictorial ordinances in the Lord's churches: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Scriptural baptism is the immersion of penitent believers in water, administered by the authority of a New Testament church in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Water baptism is the outward symbol and picture of the inward reality of the Spirit’s baptism.

1 Corinthians 15:1–4 KJV 1900

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

And, if you haven’t been baptized with the Spirit, water baptism is absolutely, totally meaningless.

It is the outward evidence, the outward sign, the outward token, the outward manifestation, the outward illustration of what took place in your heart when you repented from dead works [of your sin] and had faith toward God [received Christ as your personal Savior], and were baptized by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ. There is one baptism.

Therefore,

There has to be a Proper Candidate for baptism.

Baptism is for believers, those who have been born again through a personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

There has to be a Proper Mode for baptism.

Immersion is the only acceptable form of immersion to represent the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sprinkling and pouring are neither effective in the symbolism of your identification in Christ.

Romans 6:4–5 (KJV 1900)

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:

There has to be a Proper Motive for Baptism.

Scriptural baptism is SYMBOLISM.

You are not saved by baptism, that is another gospel. For the gospel says you are saved by grace, through faith [repentance from dead works and faith toward God].

Scriptural baptism is an IDENTIFICATION.

The act of baptism declares the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The actor (candidate, believer) in baptism declares this identification.

The believer is personally and publically identifying with the finished work of Christ.

The believer is publically declaring his own death to sin and new life in Christ.

Therefore, Baptism becomes an act of obedience, an evidence of your salvation, an acceptance of the whole counsel of God. Baptism actually becomes your first witness of your salvation.

There has to be a Proper Authority for Baptism.

This is the most divisive issue in Christianity today, even amongst the different flavors of Baptist churches.

The question is, “Who has the scriptural authority to baptize?”

There are two major groups.

“Open Baptists” - those who accept alien immersion.

“Closed Baptists” - those who only receive into membership people coming from churches of like faith and order - i.e. other Baptist churches or them groups that preach and practice the true gospel of Jesus Christ.

Salvation is only by grace, through faith.

The answer come down to who was given the Great Commision?

Matthew 28:18–20 KJV 1900

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 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: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

The Great Commission was given Institutionally to the Apostles that were authorized to be build the church upon the foundation of Christ that we see gathered with 120 in Jerusalem in an upper room when the Holy Spirit empowered them Holy Spirit to accompany this authority through the church thereby making it an ordinance of the church, not individuals giving the church the authority to administer the Lord’s Supper and Baptism.

Baptism is the door for Church Membership. It is a photograph of the gospel.

Therefore, baptism is the identification with Christ and the Acceptance of the authority of the church through the submission of the believer.

Baptism becomes a 2-way door - Baptism lets many in, but keeps some out!

It is all designed to protect the purity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the repentance from dead works and faith toward God.

The question becomes:

Have you repented of your sins and placed your faith toward God through Jesus Christ?

Have you or are you ready to identify with Jesus Christ through the administration of baptism?

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