The inside and outside of the matter I. The Outward Act: Dipping in Water and Bringing Out. A. We believe the most biblical physical act of baptism to be immersion in water. 1. The primary meaning of the word baptizo/bapto suggests this. a. Bapto Baptizo b. Ex. 12:22 2 Kings 5:14 c. Lev. 14:6, 16, 51 Isa. 21:4 d. Josh. 3:15 e. Ruth 2:14 2. Narratives of biblical baptisms suggest this. a. John 3:23 b. Acts 8:38-39 B. The significance of this outward physical act. 1. Burial and resurrection (Rom. 6:3-4; Col. 2:12). 2. New creation (2 Cor. 5:17; Gen. 1:1-2). 3. … [Read more...]
BAPTISM — A CLOSER LOOK MAKING A FRESH START
A conscience washed clean I. Imagery of Forgiveness as "Washing". A. Objectively (in God's sight). 1. The blood of Christ (Rev. 1:5). 2. The Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:11; Titus 3:5). 3. The word of God/Christ (John 15:3 - logos; Eph. 5:25-26 - rhema). B. Subjectively (for "clean" conscience): baptismal water (Heb. 1:22; Acts 22:16; see also 1 Pet. 3:21). 1. The outer is meaningless without inner. 2. The inner calls for form in meaningful personal experience. II. Old Testament background of forgiveness (lit. "release"). A. Scapegoat "released" into desert (Lev. … [Read more...]
BAPTISM — A CLOSER LOOK BAPTISM & LIFE FROM ABOVE
Washing God's newborn childI. How We Understand and Interpret Scripture Depends on our Perspective/Framework. Remember: the Reality is Larger Than Any Window's View of It. A. Sacerdotal ("right" words + "correct" motions = desired result) vs. evangelical (God meets words and deeds done in faith). B. Sacramental (God acts in the ordinance) vs. symbolic (the ordinance only points to God's action). C. Reformed/Calvinist (Christ's atonement accomplished salvation for all who will finally be saved = the elect) vs. Arminian/Wesleyan (Christ's atonement made salvation possible for … [Read more...]
BAPTISM — A CLOSER LOOK BAPTISM IN THE GREAT COMMISSION
"Meet me at the water" A. As risen Messiah of the end-time with universal sovereignty granted by God himself, Jesus sends out the 12 to bring all nations into discipleship to him. B. The inclusive scope: all authority; all the nations; all I commanded; all the days. C. "All authority given" (see Daniel 7:13-14). D. The commission: "going, make disciples" bring the people into submissive relationship with Jesus the risen Messiah. 1. Two participles elaborate on disciple-making. a. Baptizing. (1) "Into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit". (a) No example of Trinitarian … [Read more...]
BAPTISM — A CLOSER LOOK JESUS’ BAPTISM AND OURS
The Savior and the sinners I. The Accounts of Jesus' Baptism. A. Matthew 3:13-17 (Jesus is the Righteous Remnant of Israel who does the Father's will). "In this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness" (Matt. 3:15; see Isaiah 64:5). B. Mark 1:9-11 (Jesus is God's Son). "The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (Mk. 1:1). C. Luke 3:21-22 (Jesus is the Second Adam who redeems humankind). "When all the people were being baptized, Jesus also was baptized" (Lk. 3:21). II. The Signs at Jesus' Baptism. A. The heavens open (Matt. 3:16; … [Read more...]
