Note: Read Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 before reading this post.
5.) Differences in commissions regarding baptism
Christ's earthly ministry
John 1:31-33 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Luke 7:29-30 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
Mark 16:15-16, Matthew 28:19 And he said unto them, Go ye 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 shall be damned......Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Acts 2:38 Then 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 receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
First, I will list all the different baptisms in the Bible. (there are at least 7)
#1.) God pouring out the flood in judgment [a water pouring with the end result being immersion] according to 1 Peter 3:20-21. ("baptism doth ALSO NOW")
#2.) The identification of the Israelites with Moses, God's messenger. (1 Corinthians 10:1-2) There was no immersion, the baptism was completely dry.
#3.) Water baptism as a "like figure" of the washing away of sins (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21, Matthew 3, etc.)
#4.) Baptism with fire, another judgement baptism. This one being into hell fire (Matthew 3:10-12, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, Revelation 20:15).
#5.) Baptism of suffering/death (Matthew 20:22, Mark 10:38, Luke 12:50).
#6.) Baptism BY Christ WITH the Holy Ghost ONTO a person (Matthew 3:11, Acts 2:38, Ezekiel 36:27, Joel 2:28, Jeremiah 32:39, Acts 8:15-17, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:6, etc.)
#7.) Baptism BY the Spirit WITH a person INTO Christ, an "operation of God" (Colossians 2:10-12, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Galatians 3:26-28, Romans 6:3-4).
Let's look at water baptism. There are not a whole lot of verses describing the aspects of water baptism in the Bible--I am not even sure what mode it was done in.
Mode: Here is what I know about the mode of baptism......
Matthew 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
John 3:23-26 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not yet cast into prison. Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
Matthew 3:11 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 shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Mark 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
John 1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
John 1:31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.
John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Those are just a few references to water baptism in the Bible. Some people say that baptism "in Jordan" must mean immersion. I would not disagree, especially with the reference to "much water". However, baptism "with water" seems to imply pouring. Christ baptized "with the Holy Ghost" and that is a pouring (Joel 2:28-29). But the baptism with fire is an immersion (Matthew 3:10).
Another point to consider is that the pharisees were EXPECTING the Messiah to baptize (John 1:25, "....Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ....")....why would they be doing that? Why would the Jews expect Christ Himself to do the baptizing? I would assume they would expect it because of Old Testament prophecy.
Isaiah 52:15 So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.
Ezekiel 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
If sprinkling was going to be the mode of baptism, it would take "much water" to baptize thousands of people as seen in the Gospels and Acts. It would also make sense for both the baptizer and the one getting baptized to stand in the water to do the baptizing (to cup water into your hands). It is possible to be "in Jordan" and only have your feet in the water (Joshua 3:8-15). However, we can't really prove the mode of water baptism in the Bible.
We can know that it was ALWAYS done in the name of Christ. Though baptizing in the "name of..." is NOT a formula that you repeat before baptizing--it is simply the authority in which you are baptizing.
John the baptist baptized in the name of Christ according to Paul in Acts 19:4-5. Then said Paul, "John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus". Some people say that John baptized in his own name, but that is silly. Paul said that John baptized in the name of Christ (Acts 19:5) and John is the one who made the statements "he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear" and "I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water". John was manifesting CHRIST to Israel, not himself!
Other places where it is said that baptism was in the name of Christ: Acts 2:38, 8:16, 1 Corinthians 1:13.
However, Christ commanded His disciples to baptize in the name of the trinity (Matthew 28:19). So what is the deal with that? Did all the Spirit-filled apostles disobey Christ? No! The answer to this is simple. In Christ "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." (Col. 2:9) It does not matter if you baptize in the name of Christ or the trinity because Christ is the FULNESS of the Godhead.
Now let's discuss the purpose of water baptism. We find this in 1 Peter 3:21.
"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:"
Here are the facts about baptism:
1.) Water baptism only saved people in a "like figure"--a like figure is not REAL salvation. FIGURATIVELY baptism saved them.
2.) Baptism did not put away the filth of the flesh, it did not wash away sins. It was only a figure of the washing away of sins.
3.) Baptism was the answer of a good conscience toward God. The cross reference to this is Hebrews 10:22,
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."
Water baptism was an outward sign ("our bodies washed with pure water") of an inward grace ("our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience "). Nobody could answer God with a good conscience if they were not already saved (Titus 1:15). Also see Acts 8:37.
Here are 3 posts I did awhile back proving the Church of Christ baptismal regeneration theory wrong. (in green font)
Baptismal regeneration heresy and the failures of the COC. (Part 1)
Baptismal regeneration heresy and the failures of the COC. (Church of Christ)
Basic false premises:
A.) The Church of Christ (COC) does not recognize how many types of baptism are in the Bible.
#1.) God pouring out the flood in judgment [a water pouring with the end result being immersion] according to 1 Peter 3:20-21. ("baptism doth ALSO NOW")
#2.) The identification of the Israelites with Moses, God's messenger. (1 Corinthians 10:1-2) There was no immersion, the baptism was completely dry.
#3.) Water baptism as a "like figure" of the washing away of sins (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21, Matthew 3, etc.)
#4.) Baptism with fire, another judgement baptism. This one being into hell fire (Matthew 3:10-12, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, Revelation 20:15).
#5.) Baptism of suffering/death (Matthew 20:22, Mark 10:38, Luke 12:50).
#6.) Baptism BY Christ WITH the Holy Ghost ONTO a person (Matthew 3:11, Acts 2:38, Ezekiel 36:27, Joel 2:28, Jeremiah 32:39, Acts 8:15-17, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:6, etc.)
#7.) Baptism BY the Spirit WITH a person INTO Christ, an "operation of God" (Colossians 2:10-12, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Galatians 3:26-28, Romans 6:3-4).
B.) The Church of Christ (COC) does not recognize Paul as the distinct "apostle to the Gentiles", "the pattern to them which should hereafter believe", and the one who Christ dispensed the revelation of the mystery and gospel of the grace of God to (Romans 11:13, Galatians 1:11-12, Galatians 2:7-8, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 2 Timothy 2:7, 2 Timothy 2:15, Ephesians 3:1-9, Romans 16:25-26, Colossians 1:25-27, Ephesians 5:22-32, 1 Timothy 1:12-16, Romans 11:25, 1 Corinthians 3:10, 1 Corinthians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 11:1-2, 1 Corinthians 4:1, etc.)
If the COC's would recognize those truths they would find their answers to buptismal regeneration. Let's examine their proof texts and refute the heresy of baptismal regeneration.
1.) Acts 2:38 Then 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 receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (ditto Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3)
In none of those passages (Acts 2:38, Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3) has the revelation of the mystery and gospel of the grace of God been dispensed yet. The body of Christ had not yet begun and Peter was looking FORWARD to the 2nd coming of Christ for remission of sins (Acts 3:19-26, 1 Peter 1:7-11) and the restoration of Israel (Acts 3:19-26, Acts 1:6). Peter knew nothing about preaching Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery which had been kept secret since the world began nor the blindness of Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in (Romans 11:13, 25, 16:25-26). Peter was preaching the Old Testament prophecy of the New Covenant which brought Israel remission of sins at the 2nd coming after the tribulation period (Jer. 31:31-34, 32:37-42, Ezek. 36:24-31, 1 Pet. 1:7-10, Acts 3:19-26).
So to apply Acts 2:38 to this age (Eph. 2:13) is out of the question. But even in this context of the gospel of the kingdom (Matt. 4:23, 9:35, 24:14, Mark 1:14), the water baptism would not regenerate the soul. That is the work of the Holy Spirit and the blood of Christ. Water baptism was only a "like figure" of the washing away of sins that did not put away the filth of the flesh (Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 1:18-25, 1 Peter 3:21).
Here are some irrefutable facts about Acts 2: Peter knew nothing about the dispensation of grace, The body of Christ, the pre-trib rapture of the body of Christ, complete salvation before the 2nd coming (he thought it came at the 2nd coming), Peter would not preach to Gentiles without Jews present until Israel repented (Luke 24:47), Peter did not preach that Christ died for sins in Acts 2 (he only preached a murder charge against the Jews), Peter and the apostles were still keeping the law (Acts 2:46, Acts 10:1-14, Acts 15), those in Acts 2 were keeping Christ's commandment to sell all that they had (Matthew 19:16-23, Matthew 10:9-10, Acts 2:44-45, Acts 4:34-37, 5:1-11).
Those are irrefutable facts about Acts 2.
Also, the plan of salvation was already given before verse 38....
Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Then Peter proves that Christ rose from the dead and is God and King over Israel (v. 22-36). So before we even get to verse 38 the plan of salvation has been given. Now look at verses 37-38.
"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then 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 receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Clearly these Jews had already called on the name of the Lord and believed that Christ was God and King over Israel, or else they would not have felt "pricked in their heart". These Jews did not ask "what shall we do to be saved" because Peter already declared in verse 21 that "whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved". What these Jews ARE ASKING is what should they do now....since they crucified their Messiah, which was Peter's charge against them (Acts 2:22-36).
The answer to that was the following:
1.) Repent of it
2.) Get water baptized to answer God with a good conscience (1 Peter 3:21)
"FOR the remission of sins" does not mean "to obtain the remission of sins". It means 'BECAUSE OF' the remission of sins......look at the references yourself.
Those three posts probably cover water baptism well enough. Basic false premises:
A.) The Church of Christ (COC) does not recognize how many types of baptism are in the Bible.
#1.) God pouring out the flood in judgment [a water pouring with the end result being immersion] according to 1 Peter 3:20-21. ("baptism doth ALSO NOW")
#2.) The identification of the Israelites with Moses, God's messenger. (1 Corinthians 10:1-2) There was no immersion, the baptism was completely dry.
#3.) Water baptism as a "like figure" of the washing away of sins (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21, Matthew 3, etc.)
#4.) Baptism with fire, another judgement baptism. This one being into hell fire (Matthew 3:10-12, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-10, Revelation 20:15).
#5.) Baptism of suffering/death (Matthew 20:22, Mark 10:38, Luke 12:50).
#6.) Baptism BY Christ WITH the Holy Ghost ONTO a person (Matthew 3:11, Acts 2:38, Ezekiel 36:27, Joel 2:28, Jeremiah 32:39, Acts 8:15-17, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 19:6, etc.)
#7.) Baptism BY the Spirit WITH a person INTO Christ, an "operation of God" (Colossians 2:10-12, 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Galatians 3:26-28, Romans 6:3-4).
B.) The Church of Christ (COC) does not recognize Paul as the distinct "apostle to the Gentiles", "the pattern to them which should hereafter believe", and the one who Christ dispensed the revelation of the mystery and gospel of the grace of God to (Romans 11:13, Galatians 1:11-12, Galatians 2:7-8, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 2 Timothy 2:7, 2 Timothy 2:15, Ephesians 3:1-9, Romans 16:25-26, Colossians 1:25-27, Ephesians 5:22-32, 1 Timothy 1:12-16, Romans 11:25, 1 Corinthians 3:10, 1 Corinthians 4:16, 1 Corinthians 11:1-2, 1 Corinthians 4:1, etc.)
If the COC's would recognize those truths they would find their answers to buptismal regeneration. Let's examine their proof texts and refute the heresy of baptismal regeneration.
1.) Acts 2:38 Then 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 receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (ditto Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3)
In none of those passages (Acts 2:38, Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3) has the revelation of the mystery and gospel of the grace of God been dispensed yet. The body of Christ had not yet begun and Peter was looking FORWARD to the 2nd coming of Christ for remission of sins (Acts 3:19-26, 1 Peter 1:7-11) and the restoration of Israel (Acts 3:19-26, Acts 1:6). Peter knew nothing about preaching Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery which had been kept secret since the world began nor the blindness of Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in (Romans 11:13, 25, 16:25-26). Peter was preaching the Old Testament prophecy of the New Covenant which brought Israel remission of sins at the 2nd coming after the tribulation period (Jer. 31:31-34, 32:37-42, Ezek. 36:24-31, 1 Pet. 1:7-10, Acts 3:19-26).
So to apply Acts 2:38 to this age (Eph. 2:13) is out of the question. But even in this context of the gospel of the kingdom (Matt. 4:23, 9:35, 24:14, Mark 1:14), the water baptism would not regenerate the soul. That is the work of the Holy Spirit and the blood of Christ. Water baptism was only a "like figure" of the washing away of sins that did not put away the filth of the flesh (Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 1:18-25, 1 Peter 3:21).
Here are some irrefutable facts about Acts 2: Peter knew nothing about the dispensation of grace, The body of Christ, the pre-trib rapture of the body of Christ, complete salvation before the 2nd coming (he thought it came at the 2nd coming), Peter would not preach to Gentiles without Jews present until Israel repented (Luke 24:47), Peter did not preach that Christ died for sins in Acts 2 (he only preached a murder charge against the Jews), Peter and the apostles were still keeping the law (Acts 2:46, Acts 10:1-14, Acts 15), those in Acts 2 were keeping Christ's commandment to sell all that they had (Matthew 19:16-23, Matthew 10:9-10, Acts 2:44-45, Acts 4:34-37, 5:1-11).
Those are irrefutable facts about Acts 2.
Also, the plan of salvation was already given before verse 38....
Acts 2:21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Then Peter proves that Christ rose from the dead and is God and King over Israel (v. 22-36). So before we even get to verse 38 the plan of salvation has been given. Now look at verses 37-38.
"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then 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 receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
Clearly these Jews had already called on the name of the Lord and believed that Christ was God and King over Israel, or else they would not have felt "pricked in their heart". These Jews did not ask "what shall we do to be saved" because Peter already declared in verse 21 that "whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved". What these Jews ARE ASKING is what should they do now....since they crucified their Messiah, which was Peter's charge against them (Acts 2:22-36).
The answer to that was the following:
1.) Repent of it
2.) Get water baptized to answer God with a good conscience (1 Peter 3:21)
"FOR the remission of sins" does not mean "to obtain the remission of sins". It means 'BECAUSE OF' the remission of sins......look at the references yourself.
Bring forth therefore fruits meet FOR repentance . . . --Matt. 3:4
Offer the gift that Moses commanded, FOR a testimony unto them . . . -- Matt. 8:3, 4
They cried FOR fear . . . --Matt. 14:26
Offer FOR thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded . . . -- Mark 1:11
They could not come nigh unto him FOR the press . . . --Mark 2:4
He looked . . . being grieved FOR the hardness of their hearts . . . -- Mark 3:3
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized everyone of you IN THE NAME of Jesus Christ FOR the remission of sins . . . --Acts 2:38
What the COC's have done is they have built an entire system of theology based on a verse that they pulled out of context and didn't compare scripture with scripture on.
2.) Mark 16:15-16 and Matthew 28:19. "And he said unto them, Go ye 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 shall be damned......Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
I agree that in this kingdom gospel context that water baptism was a requirement, but in no way do I believe that water baptism ever had spiritual significance. It was a symbolic ("like figure") of the washing away of sins (Acts 22:16) but it NEVER put away the filth of the flesh (1 Peter 3:21). It was the answer of a good conscience toward God (1 Peter 3:21) and they could not have a good conscience if they were not already saved (Titus 1:15). Mark 16:15-16 and Matthew 28:19 did NOT say "he that is baptized not shall be damned". But I do realize that the kingdom gospel was based on the faith of man and not the faith of Christ like we have in the dispensation of grace (http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-washing-of-regeneration-refuting.html)
John 3 makes it clear that in the gospel of the kingdom, that initial faith in Christ (His position in the Godhead..."NAME") was enough for salvation. But of course since the gospel of the kingdom is based on man's faith for justification, that faith had to be proven by works and made perfect by trial (James 1-2, 1 Peter 1) i.e. "endure to the end" since they would be going through the tribulation (Hebrews 6, 10, Matt. 24).
But this does not prove the COC position. It does not say that water baptism regenerates the soul. This isn't even a passage of scripture dealing with the body of Christ of the gospel of the grace of God (see point number 1 on Acts 2:38). I can prove that Paul did not follow Mark 16 and Matthew 28.
1 Corinthians 1:
[14] I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
[15] Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
[16] And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
[17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
[15] Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
[16] And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
[17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Christ did not even tell Paul to baptize! Compare what Paul says to what Matthew 28 and Mark 16 say.
Mark 16:15-16 and Matthew 28:19. "And he said unto them, Go ye 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 shall be damned......Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:"
1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
The difference is between the gospel of the circumcision and the gospel of the Gentiles (Galatians 2:7-8). Paul got saved and became the pattern for them which should believe his gospel after him (1 Tim. 1:16, 1 Cor. 15:1-4, Gal. 1:11-12) and IMMEDIATELY doctrine concerning water baptism changed!
Acts 10:
[38] How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
[39] And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
[40] Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
[41] Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
[42] And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
[43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
[44] While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
[45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
[47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
[48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
[39] And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
[40] Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
[41] Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
[42] And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
[43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
[44] While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
[45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
[47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
[48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Also, Mark 16:16 could be a reference to the baptism with the Holy Ghost. Not that it matters....we are in a new dispensation (Ephesians 3:1-9).
3.) 1 Peter 3:20-21 "Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 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:"
Here are the facts about 1 Peter 3:20-21.
A.) Noah was not saved by getting immersed in water. The water saved him by separating him from the world and God's judgment. Similar to water baptism, "Then 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 receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.....And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." (Acts 2:38, 40) Noah did not get water baptized. Hebrews 11:7 says "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." and again 2 Peter 2:5 "And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;".
Noah got saved by the water because it separated him (floated the ark) from the ungodly and the condemnation of the ungodly. In the like figure, water baptism provides kingdom gospel saints with a separation from the ungodly that Christ will baptize with fire.
Luke 7:
[29] And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
[30] But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
[29] And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.
[30] But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
Acts 2:
[38] Then 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 receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
[40] And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
[39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
[40] And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
B.) The water baptism saved the kingdom gospel saints in a "like figure"...a 'like figure' is not an actual salvation of the soul
C.) The water baptism did not wash away sins, ("not the putting away of the filth of the flesh"). It was only a FIGURE of the blood of Christ (Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21).
D.) Water baptism was "the answer of a good conscience toward God" and one could not have a good conscience toward God if he was not ALREADY saved (Titus 1:15)
Baptismal regeneration heresy and the failures of the COC. (Part 2)
Baptismal regeneration heresy and the failures of the COC. (Part 2)
In my previous post I pointed out some basic false premise errors of the Church of Christ (also known as "campbellites" or "water dogs"). I also looked at their verses of scripture that they claim teach that water baptism is needful for salvation. I critiqued their beliefs based on right division and the revelation of the mystery (2 Tim. 2:15, Eph. 3:1-9, Rom. 16:25-26, Rom. 11:13, 25). While also noting that Christ gave the new dispensation through Paul for a pattern to them that would believe the gospel after him (1 Tim. 1:13-16, Gal. 1:10-12, 2:7-8, 1 Cor. 15:1-4, 1 Cor. 3:10, Eph. 3:1-9, 5:22-32, Rom. 16:25-26, Col. 1:25-27, 1 Cor. 4:1, 1 Cor. 2:7).
Meanwhile, the COC's also claim verses that are NOT even talking about water baptism. Here are those verses.
1.) John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Most COC's use "born of water" to mean water baptism. But that is obviously a private interpretation, just look at the context.
John 3:
[3] Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. [Notice this is "born again", not "born again and again". This is ONE second birth.]
[4] Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? [Nicodemus mistakes this for the first birth, the physical birth of a child out of the mother's womb.]
[5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. [Based on the context, "born of water" is obviously referring to the FIRST birth.]
[6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh [There it is again, the first birth.]; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit [The second birth, "born again". If the COC's were correct, this would be a third birth.].
[7] Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
[8] The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
2.) Romans 6:
[3] Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
[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:
[6] Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
(ditto Galatians 3:27)
The COC's say that this is talking about WATER baptism.....but it is NOT. There is no reference anywhere in the Bible to anyone being water baptized "into" anything. It is always "UNTO repentance". The only baptism that puts a person INTO CHRIST is done by the Spirit through the operation of God.
1 Corinthians 12:
[12] 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.
[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.
The Holy Spirit baptizes us into Christ, from that moment on we are "complete in him", crucified, buried, risen, and seated with Him through the faith of the operation of God.
Colossians 2:
[10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
[11] In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
[12] Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Galatians 2:
[16] Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
[17] But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
[18] For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
[19] For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
[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.
[21] I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Galatians 3:
[1] O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
[2] This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
[3] Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Galatians 3:
[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.
Ephesians 1:13 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,
This baptism into Christ by the Spirit makes us PUT ON Christ, spiritually speaking we are CRUCIFIED, BURIED, RISEN, and SEATED with Him. When we have that, it causes us to walk in newness of life and helps us to be CONFORMED to the image of the Son!
Philippians 3:
[9] And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
[10] That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
[11] If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
[12] Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
I had rather have that ANY DAY than some water buptism!!! I would be FOOLISH to think that I got that through my own works, I was made perfect by the Spirit! (Galatians 3:1-3)
The COC's say "water baptism is the LAST act of a lost sinner" and that after baptism the sinner is now saved.....but how could that be? How could God accept the deed of a lost person?
Romans 8:[8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
If water baptism is the act of a lost sinner than when he is raised up from the buptistery HE IS STILL LOST.....HE WAS IN THE FLESH AND COULD NOT PLEASE GOD. We are complete by SPIRITUAL means!
Romans 8:
[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.
[10] And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
[11] But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
[12] Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
[13] For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
[14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
[15] For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Galatians 3:
[1] O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
[2] This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? [ANSWER: 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, (Ephesians 1:13) ]
[3] Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Galatians 4:
[4] But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
[5] To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
[6] And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
[7] Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Believing the gospel of the grace of God is the only thing that can save you. That gospel is found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"
"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." (Acts 13:38-39)
"...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved...." (Acts 16:31)
Ephesians 2:
[5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
[6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
[7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
2 Timothy 1:
[8] Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
[9] Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
[10] But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
[11] Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
3.) Titus 3:
[3] For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
[4] But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
[5] 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;
After Paul says "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us" the COC's have the AUDACITY to say that the "washing of regeneration" is WATER BAPTISM. Now wouldn't that be contradictory??? Yes. But I have great news....this washing is NOT water baptism!
1 Corinthians 6:
[9] Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
[10] Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
[11] And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
The washing is NOT by water baptism but BY THE SPIRIT!
Conclusion:
Romans 4:
[1] What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
[2] For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
[3] For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
[4] Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
[5] But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
[6] Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
[7] Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
[8] Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
[9] Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
[10] How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
[11] And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
[12] And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
[13] For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
[14] For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
[15] Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.
[16] Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
[17] (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
[18] Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
[19] And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:
[20] He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
[21] And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
[22] And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
[23] Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
[24] But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
[25] Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
In my previous post I pointed out some basic false premise errors of the Church of Christ (also known as "campbellites" or "water dogs"). I also looked at their verses of scripture that they claim teach that water baptism is needful for salvation. I critiqued their beliefs based on right division and the revelation of the mystery (2 Tim. 2:15, Eph. 3:1-9, Rom. 16:25-26, Rom. 11:13, 25). While also noting that Christ gave the new dispensation through Paul for a pattern to them that would believe the gospel after him (1 Tim. 1:13-16, Gal. 1:10-12, 2:7-8, 1 Cor. 15:1-4, 1 Cor. 3:10, Eph. 3:1-9, 5:22-32, Rom. 16:25-26, Col. 1:25-27, 1 Cor. 4:1, 1 Cor. 2:7).
Meanwhile, the COC's also claim verses that are NOT even talking about water baptism. Here are those verses.
1.) John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Most COC's use "born of water" to mean water baptism. But that is obviously a private interpretation, just look at the context.
John 3:
[3] Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. [Notice this is "born again", not "born again and again". This is ONE second birth.]
[4] Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? [Nicodemus mistakes this for the first birth, the physical birth of a child out of the mother's womb.]
[5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. [Based on the context, "born of water" is obviously referring to the FIRST birth.]
[6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh [There it is again, the first birth.]; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit [The second birth, "born again". If the COC's were correct, this would be a third birth.].
[7] Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
[8] The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
2.) Romans 6:
[3] Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
[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:
[6] Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
(ditto Galatians 3:27)
The COC's say that this is talking about WATER baptism.....but it is NOT. There is no reference anywhere in the Bible to anyone being water baptized "into" anything. It is always "UNTO repentance". The only baptism that puts a person INTO CHRIST is done by the Spirit through the operation of God.
1 Corinthians 12:
[12] 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.
[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.
The Holy Spirit baptizes us into Christ, from that moment on we are "complete in him", crucified, buried, risen, and seated with Him through the faith of the operation of God.
Colossians 2:
[10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
[11] In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
[12] Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Galatians 2:
[16] Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
[17] But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
[18] For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
[19] For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
[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.
[21] I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Galatians 3:
[1] O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
[2] This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
[3] Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Galatians 3:
[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.
Ephesians 1:13 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,
This baptism into Christ by the Spirit makes us PUT ON Christ, spiritually speaking we are CRUCIFIED, BURIED, RISEN, and SEATED with Him. When we have that, it causes us to walk in newness of life and helps us to be CONFORMED to the image of the Son!
Philippians 3:
[9] And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
[10] That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
[11] If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
[12] Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
I had rather have that ANY DAY than some water buptism!!! I would be FOOLISH to think that I got that through my own works, I was made perfect by the Spirit! (Galatians 3:1-3)
The COC's say "water baptism is the LAST act of a lost sinner" and that after baptism the sinner is now saved.....but how could that be? How could God accept the deed of a lost person?
Romans 8:[8] So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
If water baptism is the act of a lost sinner than when he is raised up from the buptistery HE IS STILL LOST.....HE WAS IN THE FLESH AND COULD NOT PLEASE GOD. We are complete by SPIRITUAL means!
Romans 8:
[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.
[10] And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
[11] But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
[12] Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
[13] For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
[14] For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
[15] For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Galatians 3:
[1] O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
[2] This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? [ANSWER: 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, (Ephesians 1:13) ]
[3] Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Galatians 4:
[4] But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
[5] To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
[6] And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
[7] Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Believing the gospel of the grace of God is the only thing that can save you. That gospel is found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:"
"Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses." (Acts 13:38-39)
"...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved...." (Acts 16:31)
Ephesians 2:
[5] Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
[6] And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
[7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
2 Timothy 1:
[8] Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
[9] Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
[10] But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
[11] Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
3.) Titus 3:
[3] For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
[4] But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
[5] 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;
After Paul says "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us" the COC's have the AUDACITY to say that the "washing of regeneration" is WATER BAPTISM. Now wouldn't that be contradictory??? Yes. But I have great news....this washing is NOT water baptism!
1 Corinthians 6:
[9] Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
[10] Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
[11] And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
The washing is NOT by water baptism but BY THE SPIRIT!
Conclusion:
Romans 4:
[1] What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
[2] For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
[3] For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
[4] Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
[5] But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
[6] Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
[7] Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
[8] Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
[9] Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
[10] How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
[11] And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
[12] And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
[13] For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
[14] For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
[15] Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.
[16] Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
[17] (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
[18] Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
[19] And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:
[20] He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
[21] And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
[22] And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
[23] Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
[24] But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
[25] Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
Baptismal regeneration heresy and the failures of the COC. (Part 3)
Read these posts before reading this one:
Baptismal regeneration heresy and the failures of the COC. (Part 1)
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2014/09/baptismal-regeneration-heresy-and.html
Baptismal regeneration heresy and the failures of the COC. (Part 2)
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2014/09/baptismal-regeneration-heresy-and_11.html
Here is an excerpt from a message I got from a COC (Church of Christ).
"Believing in water baptism doesn’t mean that the church doesn’t acknowledge other baptisms found in the Bible. I believe in water baptism because that is the example we have of the kind of baptism required for salvation under Christ’s law. If any other example is given to us, I invite someone to give me the passages that prove it. Of course those passages would have to come from the new testament in order for us to be following Christ’s law."
Hmm. Well the COC is not "THE church". It is a denomination that believes in baptismal regeneration. The body of Christ (Eph. 2, 3, 5, 1 Cor. 12, etc.) is THE church of this present dispensation, believers assembled in Christ in heavenly places (Rom. 12:5, Eph. 2:6, 1 Cor. 6:15-17).
Also, I have corresponded with dozens of COC's and none of them acknowledged the seven baptisms, if you are an exception than I apologize. But the exception doesn't change the rule. Secondly I doubt you acknowledge the baptism by the Spirit into Christ through the faith of the operation of God (Col. 2:10-12, 1 Cor. 12:12-13, Rom. 6:3-4, Gal. 3:26-28, Eph. 4:5) or else you probably wouldn't be a COC.
As for your statement, "I believe in water baptism because that is the example we have of the kind of baptism required for salvation under Christ’s law", you are talking about the wrong dispensation as seen in the previous posts on this subject. You need Christ's latest dispensational commandments, not old ones. You wouldn't try and keep the Old Testament and ignore the New Testament would you? Likewise with the dispensations (Gal. 1:11-12, 2:7-8, Rom. 11:13, 25, Eph. 3:1-9, Col. 1:25-27). Paul received the latest revelation from Christ, the dispensation of grace. (for more information on this, see Pastor David O'Steen's mystery series http://kjbstudy.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-mystery-introduction.html)
We know that Paul did not follow Christ's baptism commission, he plainly says that he didn't.
CHRIST'S WATER BAPTISM COMMISSION TO APOSTLES
"And he said unto them, Go ye 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 shall be damned......Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" (Mark 16:15-16, Matthew 28:19)
APOSTLES POLICY ON WATER BAPTISM
"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." (Acts 10:47-48) PAUL'S POLICY ON WATER BAPTISM
"I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." (1 Cor. 1:14-17)
Paul clearly says that Christ didn't tell him to baptize (or else he would have been sent to do it). Some people say that Paul was not sent to baptize because he was a missionary and not a pastor. However, WHERE are pastors told to baptize? Isn't it always APOSTLES that are sent to baptize? The twelve apostles were missionaries to "EVERY CREATURE" and "ALL NATIONS" and they were sent to baptize. In fact, I have never even see in the scriptures where a pastor is told to baptize, only apostles.
So Paul is obviously not following Christ's commission due to the dispensational changes. We know that this change in God's plan occurred between Acts 2 and Acts 10. Compare the two passages.
Acts 2:
[36] Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
[37] Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
[38] Then 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 receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
[40] And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
[41] Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Acts 10:[43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
[44] While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
[45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
[47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
[48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
In Acts 2 water baptism was a requirement for receiving the baptism with the Holy Ghost, but in Acts 10 Christ gives the Holy Ghost baptism upon the hearing of faith to the Gentiles. Peter and the apostles of the circumcision were amazed that this had happened. But why did this happen? What happened between Acts 2 and Acts 10 that would make this change happen? It was Paul's salvation in Acts 9.
Acts 9:
[1] And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
[2] And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
[3] And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
[4] And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
[5] And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
[6] And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
Acts 26:
[13] At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
[14] And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
[15] And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
[16] But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
[17] Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
[18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
[19] Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
[20] But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Paul received a new gospel in Acts 9.
1 Corinthians 15:
[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:
Galatians 1:
[11] But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
[12] For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
This gospel that Paul received is called the gospel of the uncircumcision.
Galatians 2:
[7] But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
[8] (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
It is called "the gospel of the uncircumcision" because it was given to Paul first, the apostle of the Gentiles, to preach to Gentiles.
Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
This gospel was offered through Israel's fall rather than rise.
Romans 11:[25] For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
[26] And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
[27] For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
[28] As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
[29] For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
[30] For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
[31] Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
[32] For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
Old Testament prophesy, Christ's earthly ministry, and Acts 1-7 all spoke of Gentiles being blessed through Israel's RISE, not fall. This was a mystery revealed to Paul. Gentiles getting an open door to accept a gospel of grace APART from Israel and the earthly kingdom is NOWHERE found in prophecy, Christ's earthly ministry, or Acts 1-7. That was a mystery that Christ committed to Paul (as seen above). I know this to be true because Paul said that Christ gave the new dispensation through him, until then it was a mystery.
Ephesians 3:
[1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
[2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward:
[3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
[4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
[5] Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
[6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
[7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
[8] Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
[9] And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Colossians 1:
[23] If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
[24] Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
[25] Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
[26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
[27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Paul became the first one to accept this new gospel and placed in the body of Christ, which was before a mystery. "According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." (1 Timothy 1:11-16) "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon." (1 Cor. 3:10) That is what happened between Acts 2 and Acts 10 that would cause this shift in the manner of receiving the baptism with the Holy Ghost. Peter and his friends ("of the circumcision") were astonished because they didn't know what had happened with Paul. They were still keeping the law! (Acts 2:46, Acts 10:9-17) In Acts 15 Peter acknowledges Paul's distinct ministry and that is when he understands why the Gentiles received the baptism with the Holy Ghost WITHOUT water baptism. Acts 15:
[1] And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
[2] When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
[3] And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
[4] And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
[5] But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
[6] And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
[7] And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
[8] And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
[9] And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
[10] Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
[11] But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
[12] Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
(Also see Galatians 2)
Now let's continue with examining the COC statement.
"Believing in water baptism doesn’t mean that the church doesn’t acknowledge other baptisms found in the Bible. I believe in water baptism because that is the example we have of the kind of baptism required for salvation under Christ’s law. If any other example is given to us, I invite someone to give me the passages that prove it. Of course those passages would have to come from the new testament in order for us to be following Christ’s law."
In this dispensation, we are not under "law"...we are under grace!
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
The dispensation that Christ gave through Paul is GRACE (Eph. 3:1-9), not LAW.
I think I have already covered the rest of the COC statement. Also read these posts:
Baptismal regeneration heresy and the failures of the COC. (Part 1)
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2014/09/baptismal-regeneration-heresy-and.html
Baptismal regeneration heresy and the failures of the COC. (Part 2)
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2014/09/baptismal-regeneration-heresy-and_11.html
Read these posts before reading this one:
Baptismal regeneration heresy and the failures of the COC. (Part 1)
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2014/09/baptismal-regeneration-heresy-and.html
Baptismal regeneration heresy and the failures of the COC. (Part 2)
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2014/09/baptismal-regeneration-heresy-and_11.html
Here is an excerpt from a message I got from a COC (Church of Christ).
"Believing in water baptism doesn’t mean that the church doesn’t acknowledge other baptisms found in the Bible. I believe in water baptism because that is the example we have of the kind of baptism required for salvation under Christ’s law. If any other example is given to us, I invite someone to give me the passages that prove it. Of course those passages would have to come from the new testament in order for us to be following Christ’s law."
Hmm. Well the COC is not "THE church". It is a denomination that believes in baptismal regeneration. The body of Christ (Eph. 2, 3, 5, 1 Cor. 12, etc.) is THE church of this present dispensation, believers assembled in Christ in heavenly places (Rom. 12:5, Eph. 2:6, 1 Cor. 6:15-17).
Also, I have corresponded with dozens of COC's and none of them acknowledged the seven baptisms, if you are an exception than I apologize. But the exception doesn't change the rule. Secondly I doubt you acknowledge the baptism by the Spirit into Christ through the faith of the operation of God (Col. 2:10-12, 1 Cor. 12:12-13, Rom. 6:3-4, Gal. 3:26-28, Eph. 4:5) or else you probably wouldn't be a COC.
As for your statement, "I believe in water baptism because that is the example we have of the kind of baptism required for salvation under Christ’s law", you are talking about the wrong dispensation as seen in the previous posts on this subject. You need Christ's latest dispensational commandments, not old ones. You wouldn't try and keep the Old Testament and ignore the New Testament would you? Likewise with the dispensations (Gal. 1:11-12, 2:7-8, Rom. 11:13, 25, Eph. 3:1-9, Col. 1:25-27). Paul received the latest revelation from Christ, the dispensation of grace. (for more information on this, see Pastor David O'Steen's mystery series http://kjbstudy.blogspot.com/2014/07/the-mystery-introduction.html)
We know that Paul did not follow Christ's baptism commission, he plainly says that he didn't.
CHRIST'S WATER BAPTISM COMMISSION TO APOSTLES
"And he said unto them, Go ye 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 shall be damned......Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" (Mark 16:15-16, Matthew 28:19)
APOSTLES POLICY ON WATER BAPTISM
"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." (Acts 10:47-48) PAUL'S POLICY ON WATER BAPTISM
"I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." (1 Cor. 1:14-17)
Paul clearly says that Christ didn't tell him to baptize (or else he would have been sent to do it). Some people say that Paul was not sent to baptize because he was a missionary and not a pastor. However, WHERE are pastors told to baptize? Isn't it always APOSTLES that are sent to baptize? The twelve apostles were missionaries to "EVERY CREATURE" and "ALL NATIONS" and they were sent to baptize. In fact, I have never even see in the scriptures where a pastor is told to baptize, only apostles.
So Paul is obviously not following Christ's commission due to the dispensational changes. We know that this change in God's plan occurred between Acts 2 and Acts 10. Compare the two passages.
Acts 2:
[36] Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
[37] Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
[38] Then 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 receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
[40] And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
[41] Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Acts 10:[43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
[44] While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
[45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
[47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
[48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
In Acts 2 water baptism was a requirement for receiving the baptism with the Holy Ghost, but in Acts 10 Christ gives the Holy Ghost baptism upon the hearing of faith to the Gentiles. Peter and the apostles of the circumcision were amazed that this had happened. But why did this happen? What happened between Acts 2 and Acts 10 that would make this change happen? It was Paul's salvation in Acts 9.
Acts 9:
[1] And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
[2] And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
[3] And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
[4] And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
[5] And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
[6] And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
Acts 26:
[13] At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
[14] And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
[15] And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
[16] But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
[17] Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,
[18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
[19] Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
[20] But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Paul received a new gospel in Acts 9.
1 Corinthians 15:
[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:
Galatians 1:
[11] But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
[12] For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Romans 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
This gospel that Paul received is called the gospel of the uncircumcision.
Galatians 2:
[7] But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
[8] (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
It is called "the gospel of the uncircumcision" because it was given to Paul first, the apostle of the Gentiles, to preach to Gentiles.
Romans 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
This gospel was offered through Israel's fall rather than rise.
Romans 11:[25] For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
[26] And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
[27] For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
[28] As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
[29] For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
[30] For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
[31] Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
[32] For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
Old Testament prophesy, Christ's earthly ministry, and Acts 1-7 all spoke of Gentiles being blessed through Israel's RISE, not fall. This was a mystery revealed to Paul. Gentiles getting an open door to accept a gospel of grace APART from Israel and the earthly kingdom is NOWHERE found in prophecy, Christ's earthly ministry, or Acts 1-7. That was a mystery that Christ committed to Paul (as seen above). I know this to be true because Paul said that Christ gave the new dispensation through him, until then it was a mystery.
Ephesians 3:
[1] For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
[2] If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to youward:
[3] How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
[4] Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
[5] Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
[6] That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
[7] Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
[8] Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
[9] And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
Colossians 1:
[23] If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
[24] Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
[25] Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
[26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
[27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Paul became the first one to accept this new gospel and placed in the body of Christ, which was before a mystery. "According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." (1 Timothy 1:11-16) "According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon." (1 Cor. 3:10) That is what happened between Acts 2 and Acts 10 that would cause this shift in the manner of receiving the baptism with the Holy Ghost. Peter and his friends ("of the circumcision") were astonished because they didn't know what had happened with Paul. They were still keeping the law! (Acts 2:46, Acts 10:9-17) In Acts 15 Peter acknowledges Paul's distinct ministry and that is when he understands why the Gentiles received the baptism with the Holy Ghost WITHOUT water baptism. Acts 15:
[1] And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
[2] When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
[3] And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
[4] And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
[5] But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
[6] And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
[7] And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
[8] And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
[9] And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
[10] Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
[11] But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
[12] Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
(Also see Galatians 2)
Now let's continue with examining the COC statement.
"Believing in water baptism doesn’t mean that the church doesn’t acknowledge other baptisms found in the Bible. I believe in water baptism because that is the example we have of the kind of baptism required for salvation under Christ’s law. If any other example is given to us, I invite someone to give me the passages that prove it. Of course those passages would have to come from the new testament in order for us to be following Christ’s law."
In this dispensation, we are not under "law"...we are under grace!
Romans 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
The dispensation that Christ gave through Paul is GRACE (Eph. 3:1-9), not LAW.
I think I have already covered the rest of the COC statement. Also read these posts:
Baptismal regeneration heresy and the failures of the COC. (Part 1)
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2014/09/baptismal-regeneration-heresy-and.html
Baptismal regeneration heresy and the failures of the COC. (Part 2)
http://av1611studyblog.blogspot.com/2014/09/baptismal-regeneration-heresy-and_11.html
Christ according to the revelation of the mystery
1 Corinthians 1:13-18 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
Ephesians 1:13 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,
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
2 Timothy 1:8-11 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
Galatians 3:1-3 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Colossians 2:10-14 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 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.
Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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.
Galatians 3:27-28 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
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.
1 Corinthians 6:10-17 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
We do not have to be baptized with water in this mystery dispensation (Romans 3-5, 11:6, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Galatians 2:16-3:29, Ephesians 1:7, 13, 2:8-9, 2 Timothy 1:9, 2:11-13, Titus 3:5). In this age, there is only ONE baptism that God has made part of our "calling" that we are to "walk worthy of"--that baptism is BY the Holy Spirit into Christ through the faith of the operation of God (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Colossians 2:10-13, Galatians 3:1-3, 3:27-28, Romans 6:3-4). Christ did not tell Paul to baptize (1 Corinthians 1:17) and it is not commanded in this present dispensation. Our "one baptism" is part of the "unity of the Spirit" making it spiritual and not physical.
WHAT PAUL WAS SENT TO DO (ACTS 26:16-18)
"But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me." v. 20 " But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance."
WHAT PAUL WAS SENT NOT TO DO (1 CORINTHIANS 1:14-17)
"I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect."
Therefore water baptism has nothing to do with the following:
#1 Opening somebody's eyes to spiritual matters
#2 Turning somebody from darkness into light
#3 Turning someone from Satan unto God
#4 Receiving the forgiveness of sins
#5 Receiving inheritance with the saints
#6 Doing works meet for repentance Part 6 coming soon
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