The 5 B’s of Baptism

There is much confusion about baptism. Many do not believe that a person must be baptized to be saved from his sons. Others say baptism is necessary for salvation. Some say sprinkling or pouring are acceptable forms of baptism. Others say only immersion in water is acceptable. There is only one way to settle the confusion about baptism. We must go to the New Testament, which is the law for all men today. What does the Bible tell us about baptism? Its teaching is clear on this subject. Let us notice the five “B’s” of Bible baptism.

First, baptism is a BURIAL. Notice the apostle Paul’s statement in Romans 6:3-4: “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were into His death? 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.” Paul states clearly that baptism is a burial. To bury something is to cover it completely. Sprinkling or pouring will not substitute for the burial which baptism demands. In fact, the word “baptism” itself means “to immense, dip, plunge.” Bible baptism is a burial.

Second, baptism is for BELIEVERS. Bible baptism is for those who can show they believe in Jesus, the Son of God. In Mark 16:16, Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” No where in the New Testament will one find a person baptized who was not able to express his belief in Christ. In Acts 8:12 we read, “But when they believed Philip as preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.” Notice that “both men and women” were baptized, not little children. Why? Because baptism is for believers, not babies. Babies are born innocent. They are not guilty of the sins of their parents, as some teach (Ezekiel 18:20). Jesus used little children as examples of humility, and said we must become like them to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:1-5). Would Jesus use sinful children as examples of what we must become to be pleasing to God? Certainly not!

Third, baptism is BEFORE the forgiveness of sins. Jesus made this clear in His statement, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Jesus said belief AND baptism bring salvation. He did not say belief brings salvation, and then one is baptized. One cannot be saved without baptism. In Acts 22:16, Saul of Tarsus, a man who believed in Christ, repented, and confessed Jesus as Lord, still had to be baptized to wash away his sins. There  is not a single instance in the New Testament where anyone was said to be saved until he was baptized. Baptism comes BEFORE forgiveness.

Fourth, baptism is the BIRTH of the Christian. It is the beginning of the Christians’s life. In John 3:5, Jesus told a man named Nicodemus, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” To be born of water and the Spirit involves being baptized in water in obedience to the teaching of the Holy Spirit. How does the Spirit teach us? He does so through the Word of God. In the New Testament we learn of the importance of being baptized in water. So it is the Spirit who teaches us to be baptized as we read His Word. This is what the apostle Paul meant in I Corinthians 12:13. “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free – and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” Paul says all must be baptized into the body of Christ, which is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). It is by the teaching of the Spirit through the Word that we learn of our need to do this. Then, we must “drink into one Spirit,” which means we are to continue to study the Word which the Holy Spirit has given – the New Testament. We must grow in our knowledge of God’s Word, and we must remain faithful in the one church (Revelation 2:10).

The final “B” is that Bible baptism is where the BLOOD of Christ is applied to cleanse us from our sins. Can a person be saved from his sins without the blood of Christ? No! But only in baptism is the blood applied from Heaven to take away our sins. The blood of Jesus was shed in His death. The soldier pierced the side of the slain Savior of the world, and “...immediately blood and water came out” (John 19:34). Then, in Romans 6:3-4, Paul speaks of being buried in the “likeness” of Christ’s death through baptism. The blood that was shed in Christ’s death is reached only in the likeness of His death – baptism. In Revelation 1:4-5, John says Jesus washed us from sins in His blood. When does that washing take place? It is the washing of baptism. Remember what Ananias said to Saul of Tarsus: “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” When we look at Acts 22:16 and Revelation 1:4-5, we conclude that in baptism the blood of Jesus is applied to wash away our sins.

We should never forget the five “B’s of baptism. They remind us of what the Bible teaches about this very important subject. The Bible says baptism is a BURIAL. It is for BELIEVERS, those who can express their belief in Christ. It comes BEFORE forgiveness of sins. It is the BIRTH of the Christian, and it is where the precious BLOOD of Jesus is applied to wash away our sins. Have you received BIBLE baptism?

Author Unknown

“Am I Therefore Become Your Enemy, Because I Tell You the Truth?”

Truth as defined by Webster is: “that which is true; that which accords with fact or reality; an established or verified fact, or principle.” Truth as defined by the Bible is the Word of God (John 17:17).

Paul, in his entreaty in Galatians 4, is making the brethren aware that “now after ye have known God,” some were turning from following God, and were turning back to the world. He went on to say, “I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain.” Paul was letting them know of his concern for those who were once close to him. Then he makes this statement in Galatians 4:16, “Am I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” Paul was simply asking them if he had made an enemy out of them by pointing out, based on the truth of God’s Word, what they were doing wrong. No longer were they following the Truth, but they were turning again to “the weak and beggarly elements.”

So many times today, we see brethren who are doing as did the Galatians, they are turning from the Truth of God, and to keep from upsetting them, or hurting their feelings, we do not tell them the truth of their condition. Brethren, we are commanded in Galatians 6:1 that if we see a brother “overtaken in a fault,” or in other words, straying from the Truth, we are to try our best to restore him. Let’s look together at some areas that we are commanded to tell the Truth.

“Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the Truth” on what it takes to be saved? From the Word of God, we find by example, commandment, and by inference, that for a person to be saved, they must hear the Truth of God’s Word (Romans 10:17); they Believe that Word (Hebrews 11:6); they must repent of their sins (Luke 13:3); they must confess Christ as the Son of God (Matthew 10:32); they MUST be baptized in the name of Christ for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16; I Peter 3:21). Many want to try and be saved by other means and ways, but this is the Truth on what it takes to be saved and nothing else is acceptable.

“Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the Truth” on how you should live? As a child of God, we cannot live as we please. God has given us instructions on Christian living. We are to live faithfully unto death (Revelation 2:10); we are to live soberly, righteously, and godly (Titus 2:12); we are to put the kingdom of God and His righteousness first in our lives (Matthew 6:33); we are to abstain from the very appearance of evil (I Thessalonians 5:22); we are to avoid the works of the flesh, and put on the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-26); we are to add to our faith the Christian graces (II Peter 1:5-10); we are to pray without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17); we are to be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (I Corinthians 15:58); and we are not to forsake the assembly (Hebrews 10:25). Brethren, this is the way we are to live to be pleasing to God, and nothing else is acceptable to Him.

“Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the Truth” that there is only one church? Ephesians 4:4 states, “There is one body,” and Colossians 1:18 lets us know that the body is the Church. This Church is the one that was prophesied by Isaiah and Daniel, and it is the one that the Lord promised to build (Matthew 16:16-18), and it is that one that came into existence on Pentecost, in Jerusalem, A.D. 33. It is to the Church that the Lord added to those “as should be saved,” and only those who are in this Church will be saved. Many would have you to believe that there are good “Christians” in the denominational bodies, but unless you are a part of the Body of Christ, you will not be saved based on the Truth found in God’s Word.

“Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the Truth” that a child of God can be lost? Contrary to popular belief, “once saved, always saved” is not in the Bible. In fact, we have numerous Scriptures which teach otherwise. One in particular is found in I Corinthians 10:12, “Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.” Peter, in his writings, encouraged us to “give diligence to make our calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (II Peter 1:11). The Bible over and over again encourages us to examine ourselves to be sure that we are remaining steadfast in the faith. Brethren, we can stumble and fall due to trials and temptations in our lives, and this is the Truth.

And finally, “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the Truth” on where we will be for all eternity? There are only two places prepared as a dwelling place for the souls of man after judgment. All that have ever lived will be in one of these two places. There is no middle ground, and there is no probation period of 1000 years as some teach. When we die, and the judgment comes, we will either be allowed to enter Heaven, that place of beautiful rest, ready for the “good and faithful servant” of the Lord, or we will be condemned to Hell, that place of torment “where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched.” One is a place of eternal reward, while the other is a place of eternal punishment. There are many that think they have a spot reserved in Heaven just waiting for them, but what did our Lord say? “Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Where we live for all eternity is conditional, based on whether or not we have done God’s Will in this life, and that is the Truth.

Brethren and friends, to the best of my ability, using God’s Word as my guide I have told you the Truth. Now let me ask you “Am I therefore become your enemy?”

Danny L. Box

IF…

If you are searching for the TRUTH, please read every word, answer every question, and look up each Scriptural reference, and learn truth that you may obey (Matthew 7:21). Be fair to yourself and search the Scriptures (Acts 17:10-11).

IF all churches are right, why does the Bible make it so plain that there is only one (I Corinthians 12:20; Ephesians 4:4; I Corinthians 12:13; Colossians. 1:18-24; Ephesians 1:22-23; Matthew 16:18)?

IF all ways are acceptable, why did Jesus say that only those who follow the strait and narrow way will receive eternal life (Matthew 7:13-1.4)?

IF Jesus is the head of all churches (plural), why did He say, “I will build my church” (singular) (Matthew 16:18)?

IF Christ wanted different denominations, why did He pray for unity (John 17:21)?

IF we can show you proof that Jesus Christ was the founder of the true and only church, His church, will you accept the Bible and it alone (Matthew 16:13-19; Luke 24:45-47; Ephesians 1:22-23; Acts 2:14-47)?

IF God has promised salvation out of the church, why did Christ die for it (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25-27)?

IF the church has nothing to do with our salvation, why does the Lord add us to the church (Acts 2:47)?

IF one is saved by faith only, why were the devils not saved?  They believed and trembled (James 2:19)?

IF one can be saved without faith, why did Paul say it was impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6)?

IF one becomes a Christian when he believes, why was not King Agrippa a Christian (Acts 26:27-28)?

IF faith comes in answer to prayer, why are we told that faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17; John 20:30-31)?

IF “faith alone is a most wholesome doctrine and very full of comfort” (as one denomination’s discipline states) why did James say, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:20)?

IF one can be saved without complete obedience to the Gospel of the Lord, why did Paul say that Christ is to take vengeance on them that obey not the Gospel (II Thessalonians 1:8)?

IF man can be saved by obeying the doctrines and commandments of men, why did Christ say it was vain worship to follow them (Matthew 15:6-9; Mark 7:7)?

IF one can be saved by just believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, why did Jesus say that “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 7:21)?

IF Christ will save anyone as long as they are sincere and good, why did the Hebrews writer state explicitly that Christ is the Saviour of those who obey Him (Hebrews 5:8-9)?

IF the Lord will save us without baptism, why did He command it (Acts 10:47-48)? 

IF the Lord has promised us salvation without baptism, why did Peter say that baptism saves (I Peter 3:21)?

IF we can receive remission of sins without baptism, why did Simon Peter say baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38)? 

IF baptism has nothing to do with salvation, why did one of the Lord’s inspired preachers tell a sinner to “arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16)?

IF a man can be saved and not be baptized, why did not Jesus say, “He that believeth and is NOT baptized shall be saved” (Mark16:16)?

IF we can get into Christ without baptism, why did Paul say we are baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27)?

IF the Lord will save without baptism, why did Paul put “newness of life” after baptism, and not before (Romans 6:4)?

IF sprinkling, pouring and immersion are scriptural baptism, why did Paul say there is one baptism and that it is a burial (Ephesians 4:5; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:11-12)?

IF we can get into the body of Christ without baptism, why did Paul say we are baptized into the body (I Corinthians 12:13)? Remember the, body and the church are one and the same (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23).

IF baptism is a Christian duty, please name the place in the Bible that gives ONE example where a Christian was ever commanded to be baptized.

IF one is saved before baptism, he is saved before his sins are remitted (Acts 2:38).

IF one is saved before baptism, he is saved before his sins are washed away (Acts 22:16).

IF men have a right to make laws, change them, or delete them, why did Christ say that He had all authority (Matthew 28:18-20)?

IF the Word of God is able to save men, what need have we of anything else (John 8:32; Acts 20:32)?

IF the Word of God is complete and furnishes us unto every good work, how can we make it better by adding to or taking from (Revelation 22:18-19; II Timothy 3:16-17)?

IF preachers have the right to preach their opinion, why then did Paul say to “Preach the word” (II Timothy 4:2)?

IF creeds and manuals are necessary, why are we told to follow and obey the “perfect law of liberty” (James 1:25; Matthew 7:21)?

IF you can be a Christian, worship God acceptably, practice every principle of Christianity, live, die and go to heaven without ever hearing of, belonging to, or in any way supporting a denomination, then why arc not these denominational groups useless and unnecessary (I Corinthians 12:27; Matthew 16:18; Acts 2:47)? 

IF when you search the Bible you fail to find the name of your denominational church in the pages of inspired Scripture, why should you remain in it (I Corinthians 1:10-13)?

IF you think a man has a right to prefix his name with “Reverend,” “Father,” “master,” etc., be sure and read Psalm 111:1-9 and Matthew 23:8-12.

IF instrumental music is to he used in the church services, why was it omitted by Paul as he wrote “In the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee” (Hebrews 2:12)? If the instrument should be used, why did Paul omit it in Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19?

IF there is nothing in a name, why did Peter say salvation is in the name of Christ (Acts 4:10-12) and why did Paul declare that whatever we do is to be done in the name of Christ (Colossians 3:17)?

IF the Word of God authorizes elders to oversee, (Acts 20:28) and deacons (as servants, workers, I Timothy 3; Titus 1), what Scripture gives the authority for ecclesiastical heads, councils, synods, (as various religious groups are so organized)?

IF a man cannot fall from grace, why did Peter say that one can be “entangled again therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning” (II Peter 2:20-22)?

IF one can be eternally saved without being faithful (once in grace, always in grace), why did the Lord say to be “faithful unto death”(Revelation 2:10)?

IF Hebrews 10:9 teaches that the old law established, why do some today continue to keep the Sabbath Day (Saturday)?

IF the kingdom of God (the church) is yet to be built, why did Paul and John say they were in it (Colossians 1:13-14; Revelation 1:9)? Why did Jesus say that it would come in the lifetime of His apostles (Mark 9:1)?

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

IF it doesn’t make any difference what a man believes so long as he is sincere, why are we told that we will be damned if we believe not the truth (II Thessalonians 2:12)?

IF God promises to save all, regardless of what they do, why did Paul say, “we persuade men” (II Corinthians 5-11)?

IF there is no punishment for the wicked after death, why did Christ say certain ones would go into everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46)?

IF you are lost, condemned in judgment, it will not be the fault of either God, Christ or the Holy Spirit. They want you to obey the Gospel, and be saved (II Peter 3:9).

IF you enjoy simple New Testament worship, attend the services at the church of Christ. “Come now, and let us reason together (Isaiah 1:18). “Come thou with us, and we will do thee good” (Numbers 10:29).

Author Unknown

 

Church Discipline Equals Saving Souls

Since the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Christ, God recognizes only faithful members of the church of Christ as the saved of the earth (Acts 2:47). These persons who heard the Word of God, had faith in Christ formed in them by their correct understanding of the Word (the Gospel; Mark 16:15-16; Romans 1:16), repented of their sins, confessed their faith in Christ, and baptized (immersed) in water by the authority of Christ into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in order to obtain the remission (forgiveness) of sins (Romans 10:17; Acts 17:30; Romans 10:10; Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38; Romans 6: 3-4; I Peter 3:21; Acts 22:16). This is God’s plan of salvation. It is obligatory upon man. Less than these steps in God’s plan one cannot do and be saved from his sins. More than what this plan of salvation requires God does not demand of one in order for him to be saved from sin. Only persons who have complied with the preceding plan of salvation are authorized to be fellowshipped by other children of God (Acts 2:41; Ephesians 5:23).

In order to remain in fellowship with God, church members must continue to live according to the New Testament teaching regarding Christian living (Acts 2:42; I John 1:7). Since space does not allow for a detailed discussion of obligatory matters in Christian living, suffice it to say that obligatory matters relating to faithfulness pertain to what Christians must do to remain saved. A child of God who ceases to submit to any or all of God’s obligatory laws (New Testament principles that one must abide by in order to remain saved or faithful) must have any relationship between himself and faithful members of the Lord’s church terminated.

Christians must understand that all the processes or means by which the church teaches and trains its members to “walk in the light” is disciplinary in nature. However, I am emphasizing the responsibility of faithful members to restore wayward members and to keep the church pure by withdrawing fellowship from those who are determined to live disorderly lives (lives not in submission to the obligatory matters of the Gospel of Christ or those who create factions by making laws for God and splitting the church by striving to make other Christians submit to them as if they were obligatory in nature). The design of all church discipline is to save erring brethren and to keep the church pure in life and teaching.

When the church fails to discipline her members she is not doing all God demands her to do and be. It is a sin of omission (James 4:17). God intends for the church of Christ to be His influence for good on the earth. When church members are allowed to be impure, it is impossible for the mission of the church to be accomplished as God intended. Hence, when members of the church persist in sin, faithful brethren must labor to get the unfaithful to repent. However, if in time a church member adamantly refuses to repent, the church is to withdraw itself from the rebellious member. This means that this person is not to enjoy the fraternal association that exists between and among faithful members of the church of Christ (Romans 16:17-18; I Corinthians 5; II Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; Galatians 6:1-2). Sins that have their beginning in private between two brethren are taught by Christ to be handled according to Matthew 18:15-17. Furthermore, elders who will not demand that such be routinely preached and practiced are themselves sinning and need to repent. If they refuse to amend their ways, they become subjects for corrective church discipline themselves.

David P. Brown

If One Were Save Before Baptism

  1. He would be saved before his sins are remitted. “The 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 received the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38).
  2. He would be saved before his sins are washed away. “And now why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
  3. He would be saved before he is born again. “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee. Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
  4. He would be saved outside of Christ. “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).
  5. He would be saved before he is saved. “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 3:21).

He would be saved sooner than the Lord promised. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16).   

Author Unknown

An Abomination to God

On one occasion when Jesus was warning His disciples about the peril of riches and materialism, the money-loving Pharisees heard His teaching and ridiculed Him: “And he said unto them, Ye are they that justify yourselves in the sight of men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15). 

It is obvious that the Lord referred to their love of money when he spoke of that which was “highly esteemed among men.” Perhaps more souls (both worldlings and God’s people) will be sentenced to Hell because of the love of money than any other sin. No wonder the Bible warns of dishonesty, materialism, and greed, and exalts benevolence, generosity, and honesty on almost every page. No wonder Paul wrote, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil” (I Timothy 6:10). We are not to understand that materialism is an abomination to God merely on the ground that men highly esteem it (some things highly esteemed of men are pleasing to God—Galatians 5:22-23). It is abomination because it damns the soul. We must ever guard against the abomination of “covetousness, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5). 

Notice now the broader application of the Lord’s statement: Just because a thing is highly esteemed by men does not mean God favors it. In fact, throughout history, it is almost axiomatic that if most men esteem something highly, God does not. (At present, we should not be surprised at this, since the vast majority of men are atheists and/or agnostics, and even among professed believers, most give only lip service to His law.) Let us make some applications. 

  1. The Muslim religion is highly esteemed by teeming millions, but it is an abomination unto Jehovah because it represents error, sin, and blasphemy. The Christ alone (not Christ and Mohammed) is the only way to God and salvation (John 14:6).
  2. The doctrine of salvation by faith alone is “highly esteemed” by the millions in the Protestant denominations, but it is an abomination to God. Men are saved by faith and cannot be saved without it (Romans 10:9-10), but not by faith only. One’s sins are not forgiven and one is not saved before baptism (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; I Peter 3:21; et al.). 

A list of highly esteemed items would include fornication, drinking, abortion, using instruments of music in worship, elevating a man to be a “pope,” and such like. Will men never learn that the only way to please God is to do what He authorizes in His Word, rather than doing something because they like it? The only things God “highly esteems” are those things which He authorizes in His Word. 

Dub McClish