Book number: M63. Dr James Van Zyl

Transcription

1 Book number: M63 Book number: M63 Dr James Van Zyl Dr James Van Zyl Faith in the Word Ministries PO Box 112 Stanger,4450 Tel. (032) / Fax (032) ISBN NO: Printed April 2003 Faith in the Word Ministries PO Box 112 Stanger,4450 Tel. (032) / Fax (032) ISBN NO: Printed April 2003

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3 Since the start of our Ministry here in Stanger we have often been asked the question: how and when does God expect a person to be baptized? As we have continued to bring the TRUTHS of Gods Word to people s attention, the above question has begun to appear more often in our readers letters. We believe that the time is now ripe for us to tell our readers the TRUTH ABOUT BAPTISM from the WORD OF GOD. For just as satan has used traditions and human philosophies to completely mislead people about Gods will in relation to sickness and healing, he has also used these same avenues to deceive Children of God about Water Baptism, and thus the reason why many cannot live in victory. Come let us consider what the Bible says, though it is actually WHAT GOD SAYS, and the prayer of my heart is that you will allow THE WORD and THE HO- LY SPIRIT to guide you. I would once again like to remind you that: God is not going to hold you accountable for your 3 Since the start of our Ministry here in Stanger we have often been asked the question: how and when does God expect a person to be baptized? As we have continued to bring the TRUTHS of Gods Word to people s attention, the above question has begun to appear more often in our readers letters. We believe that the time is now ripe for us to tell our readers the TRUTH ABOUT BAPTISM from the WORD OF GOD. For just as satan has used traditions and human philosophies to completely mislead people about Gods will in relation to sickness and healing, he has also used these same avenues to deceive Children of God about Water Baptism, and thus the reason why many cannot live in victory. Come let us consider what the Bible says, though it is actually WHAT GOD SAYS, and the prayer of my heart is that you will allow THE WORD and THE HO- LY SPIRIT to guide you. I would once again like to remind you that: God is not going to hold you accountable for your 3

4 Faith in the Word obedience to your minister or to your church, but He will hold you accountable for YOUR OBEDIENCE TO THE BIBLE. There are MANY MORE TREASURES in store for the Child of God besides repentance and rebirth however wonderful these in themselves are. If we cease to move on after repentance, we are not only going to lose out on indescribable abundance and victory in our spiritual lives (which increases the danger of cooling-off or loss of interest in our walk with God) but we are also being DIRECTLY DISOBEDIENT TO GOD! Can either you or I afford such a situation? Over the years, literally hundreds of different Christian denominations have come into existence, due to the fact that people differ about the details concerning the commandments of God in His Word. In their commitment to establishing these details, they have lost sight of the original command and this is exactly what happened with respect to Water Baptism. In this booklet we are going to discuss this COMMAND i.e.: Water Baptism, and look at all 4 Faith in the Word obedience to your minister or to your church, but He will hold you accountable for YOUR OBEDIENCE TO THE BIBLE. There are MANY MORE TREASURES in store for the Child of God besides repentance and rebirth however wonderful these in themselves are. If we cease to move on after repentance, we are not only going to lose out on indescribable abundance and victory in our spiritual lives (which increases the danger of cooling-off or loss of interest in our walk with God) but we are also being DIRECTLY DISOBEDIENT TO GOD! Can either you or I afford such a situation? Over the years, literally hundreds of different Christian denominations have come into existence, due to the fact that people differ about the details concerning the commandments of God in His Word. In their commitment to establishing these details, they have lost sight of the original command and this is exactly what happened with respect to Water Baptism. In this booklet we are going to discuss this COMMAND i.e.: Water Baptism, and look at all 4

5 the ensuing details issuing from this command. Let s read Colossians 2:9 12 together For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power: In Him your were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who has raised Him from the dead. Please read this scripture portion again. Did you know that the entire teaching of the traditional churches about infant baptism is based upon these very verses? The whole teaching of the Reformed world about infant baptism rests upon this scripture yet every theologian with a thorough knowledge of Greek will confirm that these verses are actually the last that should be quoted in order to justify infant baptism, because they ACTUALLY PROVE THE OPPOSITE! Let us investigate. Verse 11 speaks of the cir- 5 the ensuing details issuing from this command. Let s read Colossians 2:9 12 together For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power: In Him your were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who has raised Him from the dead. Please read this scripture portion again. Did you know that the entire teaching of the traditional churches about infant baptism is based upon these very verses? The whole teaching of the Reformed world about infant baptism rests upon this scripture yet every theologian with a thorough knowledge of Greek will confirm that these verses are actually the last that should be quoted in order to justify infant baptism, because they ACTUALLY PROVE THE OPPOSITE! Let us investigate. Verse 11 speaks of the cir- 5

6 Faith in the Word cumcision of Christ. What is this? This is RE- PENTANCE AND REBIRTH, because then the old man dies, is buried (thus the symbol of immersion) and the new man is raised up! This is exactly what these verses say: You have received the fullness of God because when you lay down your sinful nature through repentance and rebirth, you by faith, were buried and raised up with Him in baptism. NOTHING is mentioned here about baptism coming to replace circumcision (it is neither mentioned anywhere else in the Bible). Here a circumcision of the heart is spoken of, and where that has taken place, baptism follows. Can you see how this actually cancels infant baptism? A baby cannot possibly experience this circumcision of the heart. (I will refer to this again later.) The moment a person is baptized in water, God severs his old life and old nature, which wants to serve sin. THIS IS CIRCUMCISION IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. Many people say, I don t believe that baptism is so important, just as long as I believe in Jesus, I will go to heaven. Let us 6 Faith in the Word cumcision of Christ. What is this? This is RE- PENTANCE AND REBIRTH, because then the old man dies, is buried (thus the symbol of immersion) and the new man is raised up! This is exactly what these verses say: You have received the fullness of God because when you lay down your sinful nature through repentance and rebirth, you by faith, were buried and raised up with Him in baptism. NOTHING is mentioned here about baptism coming to replace circumcision (it is neither mentioned anywhere else in the Bible). Here a circumcision of the heart is spoken of, and where that has taken place, baptism follows. Can you see how this actually cancels infant baptism? A baby cannot possibly experience this circumcision of the heart. (I will refer to this again later.) The moment a person is baptized in water, God severs his old life and old nature, which wants to serve sin. THIS IS CIRCUMCISION IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. Many people say, I don t believe that baptism is so important, just as long as I believe in Jesus, I will go to heaven. Let us 6

7 not judge too hastily. What happened in Old Testament days if the parents did not circumcise their young son? The seal of circumcision in the Old Testament was the seal of the Covenant; it was a Covenant relationship. In the New Testament circumcision is the Covenant of Christ, by being buried together with him in baptism, and by being raised up again to a new life. For further information read: Phil12: 2 & 3, Gen. 17: 1-14, Gal. 3:26 and Jos. 5:19. Baptism is thus the time when you identify with Christ, when you accept that Name, whey you identify with His death, burial and resurrection, when the seal of the covenant of the New Testament is placed upon your life. It makes no difference if you have been saved for 20 years. IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN BAPTISED AFTER YOUR REPENTANCE, YOU ARE NOT ON A BIBLICAL FOUNDATION! On the other hand if you as an adult were baptized by immersion without having come to TRUE REPENTANCE, and having truly had a desire to lay aside and bury the old man, your baptism is invalid, because A BURIAL always follows 7 not judge too hastily. What happened in Old Testament days if the parents did not circumcise their young son? The seal of circumcision in the Old Testament was the seal of the Covenant; it was a Covenant relationship. In the New Testament circumcision is the Covenant of Christ, by being buried together with him in baptism, and by being raised up again to a new life. For further information read: Phil12: 2 & 3, Gen. 17: 1-14, Gal. 3:26 and Jos. 5:19. Baptism is thus the time when you identify with Christ, when you accept that Name, whey you identify with His death, burial and resurrection, when the seal of the covenant of the New Testament is placed upon your life. It makes no difference if you have been saved for 20 years. IF YOU HAVE NOT BEEN BAPTISED AFTER YOUR REPENTANCE, YOU ARE NOT ON A BIBLICAL FOUNDATION! On the other hand if you as an adult were baptized by immersion without having come to TRUE REPENTANCE, and having truly had a desire to lay aside and bury the old man, your baptism is invalid, because A BURIAL always follows 7

8 Faith in the Word a DEATH. So baptism follows the death of the old man. You see the danger exists that the baptism after confession or (Adult Baptism) could also just become another tradition or habit of Pentecostal and Baptist Churches! If He is the LORD JESUS CHRIST to you, then baptism is no longer a choice: IT IS A COM- MAND! Sometimes we are incorrectly told that when we are baptized, we become heirs of the Covenant with Abraham, and that we can expect all the blessings of Abraham to follow. Nowhere in the Bible were these blessings ever cancelled God s only condition for our becoming heirs, is that we must be saved THROUGH CHIRST. Galatians 3:13,14 & 29 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. AND IF YOU ARE 8 Faith in the Word a DEATH. So baptism follows the death of the old man. You see the danger exists that the baptism after confession or (Adult Baptism) could also just become another tradition or habit of Pentecostal and Baptist Churches! If He is the LORD JESUS CHRIST to you, then baptism is no longer a choice: IT IS A COM- MAND! Sometimes we are incorrectly told that when we are baptized, we become heirs of the Covenant with Abraham, and that we can expect all the blessings of Abraham to follow. Nowhere in the Bible were these blessings ever cancelled God s only condition for our becoming heirs, is that we must be saved THROUGH CHIRST. Galatians 3:13,14 & 29 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. AND IF YOU ARE 8

9 CHRIST S, THEN YOU ARE ABRAHAMS SEED, AND HEIRS ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE. (please also read of all the blessings and curses in Deut. 28:1-14 and then 15 onwards). Speaking about Abraham: Circumcision has national symbolism, but it applies specifically to the tribe of Israel, and their specific country of Canaan. Genesis 17:7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. (do take the time to read the whole chapter). The verse that is applicable to ALL WHO CALL UPON THE LORD FOR THEIR SALVA- TION and which also relates to the blessings that God promised to Abraham is Gen. 12:3 (see also Gal. 3:13,14 & 29). I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. 9 CHRIST S, THEN YOU ARE ABRAHAMS SEED, AND HEIRS ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE. (please also read of all the blessings and curses in Deut. 28:1-14 and then 15 onwards). Speaking about Abraham: Circumcision has national symbolism, but it applies specifically to the tribe of Israel, and their specific country of Canaan. Genesis 17:7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. (do take the time to read the whole chapter). The verse that is applicable to ALL WHO CALL UPON THE LORD FOR THEIR SALVA- TION and which also relates to the blessings that God promised to Abraham is Gen. 12:3 (see also Gal. 3:13,14 & 29). I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. 9

10 Faith in the Word Therefore we find that when a Jew becomes a Christian, the command to be baptized also applies to him, even though he was circumcised as an eight-day infant according to Jewish law. The same procedure was followed in the New Testament church of Acts, although the opposite applied. Even if a Jew was a Christian, Paul insisted that he be circumcised, because this was Jewish tradition. (/Read Acts 16:3 and 19:5) THUS BAP- TISM DOES NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF CIR- CUMCISION! Please note that Jesus Christ himself also fell into this category: He was circumcised as a Jewish boy, but was also baptized as an adult. Thus if water baptism was only a dead work or tradition in our lives in order to prove something then it has already lost its effect, because dead works are useless to God! Baptism was a command of Jesus and not an optional extra. Through baptism the converts identified that they had repented and had believed the Gospel. Baptism is definitely not a meaningless namegiving ceremony or ritual, but rather a definite experience in the life of a New Testament Chris- 10 Faith in the Word Therefore we find that when a Jew becomes a Christian, the command to be baptized also applies to him, even though he was circumcised as an eight-day infant according to Jewish law. The same procedure was followed in the New Testament church of Acts, although the opposite applied. Even if a Jew was a Christian, Paul insisted that he be circumcised, because this was Jewish tradition. (/Read Acts 16:3 and 19:5) THUS BAP- TISM DOES NOT TAKE THE PLACE OF CIR- CUMCISION! Please note that Jesus Christ himself also fell into this category: He was circumcised as a Jewish boy, but was also baptized as an adult. Thus if water baptism was only a dead work or tradition in our lives in order to prove something then it has already lost its effect, because dead works are useless to God! Baptism was a command of Jesus and not an optional extra. Through baptism the converts identified that they had repented and had believed the Gospel. Baptism is definitely not a meaningless namegiving ceremony or ritual, but rather a definite experience in the life of a New Testament Chris- 10

11 tian. These events are recorded for us in the Gospels, Acts and the Epistles. Acts 2:38-41 Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call. And with many other words he testified and exhorted them saying, Be saved from this perverse generation. Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. Hebrews 6:1 & 2 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Here the FOUNDATION for our Christian 11 tian. These events are recorded for us in the Gospels, Acts and the Epistles. Acts 2:38-41 Then Peter said to them, Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call. And with many other words he testified and exhorted them saying, Be saved from this perverse generation. Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. Hebrews 6:1 & 2 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Here the FOUNDATION for our Christian 11

12 Faith in the Word lives is prescribed, and a foundation is always at the BASE or the BEGINNING. PLEASE NOTE THE ORDER we should follow recorded for us in the letter to the Hebrews: - repentance, faith in God, baptisms etc. So should we daily be striving towards perfection the life of faith is a progressive one! Why then do we honour the institution of Baptism? Here follow 5 good reasons:- A) IT WAS A COMMAND OF JESUS. Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned. Matt 28:19 &20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the end of the age. B) JESUS HIMSELF WAS BAPTIZED Matt. 3:13-17 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him saying, I 12 Faith in the Word lives is prescribed, and a foundation is always at the BASE or the BEGINNING. PLEASE NOTE THE ORDER we should follow recorded for us in the letter to the Hebrews: - repentance, faith in God, baptisms etc. So should we daily be striving towards perfection the life of faith is a progressive one! Why then do we honour the institution of Baptism? Here follow 5 good reasons:- A) IT WAS A COMMAND OF JESUS. Mark 16:16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned. Matt 28:19 &20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the end of the age. B) JESUS HIMSELF WAS BAPTIZED Matt. 3:13-17 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him saying, I 12

13 need to be baptized by You, and You are coming to me? But Jesus answered and said to him, Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he allowed Him. Then Jesus when He had been baptized, came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. C) THE APOSTLES COMMANDED IT: - Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, Repent and let every one of you be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 10:48 And he (Peter) commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days. D) IF WE LOVE JESUS, WE WILL OBEY HIS COMMANDMENTS. John 14: 15 If you love me, keep my commandments. 13 need to be baptized by You, and You are coming to me? But Jesus answered and said to him, Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he allowed Him. Then Jesus when He had been baptized, came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. C) THE APOSTLES COMMANDED IT: - Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, Repent and let every one of you be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 10:48 And he (Peter) commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days. D) IF WE LOVE JESUS, WE WILL OBEY HIS COMMANDMENTS. John 14: 15 If you love me, keep my commandments. 13

14 Faith in the Word E) WE STRENGTHEN OUR FAITH THROUGH OUR OBEDIENCE. James 2:17 & 18 In the same way, faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. Who does the command to be baptized apply to? As we read the Bible we notice that people always heard, believed and received the word and then were baptized. REPENTANCE AND FAITH always PRECEDE Water Baptism. Thus we call it the believers baptism. a) HE THAT BELIEVES AND IS BAP- TIZED..Mark 16:16 b) The Samaritans BELIEVED and were BAP- TIZED. Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Faith in the Word E) WE STRENGTHEN OUR FAITH THROUGH OUR OBEDIENCE. James 2:17 & 18 In the same way, faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say You have faith, and I have works. Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. Who does the command to be baptized apply to? As we read the Bible we notice that people always heard, believed and received the word and then were baptized. REPENTANCE AND FAITH always PRECEDE Water Baptism. Thus we call it the believers baptism. a) HE THAT BELIEVES AND IS BAP- TIZED..Mark 16:16 b) The Samaritans BELIEVED and were BAP- TIZED. Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized

15 c) The eunuch BELIEVED and was BAP- TIZED. Acts 8:36-38 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized? Then Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answered and said I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he ordered the chariot to stop. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. d) Peter commanded that the Gentiles who had BELIEVED should be BAPTIZED. Acts 10:47 & 48 Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have. So he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. e) The disciples in Ephesus BELIEVED and were BAPTIZED. Acts 19:4 & 5 Then Paul said, 15 c) The eunuch BELIEVED and was BAP- TIZED. Acts 8:36-38 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized? Then Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answered and said I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he ordered the chariot to stop. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. d) Peter commanded that the Gentiles who had BELIEVED should be BAPTIZED. Acts 10:47 & 48 Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have. So he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days. e) The disciples in Ephesus BELIEVED and were BAPTIZED. Acts 19:4 & 5 Then Paul said, 15

16 Faith in the Word John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Also read Acts 9:17,18, Acts 16:30 34 and Acts 18:8. The reason why we experience so many problems with baptism is that our salvation is aimed at recognizing JESUS AS DELIVERER from our sins, and we neglect the most important fact namely, that JESUE IS ALSO LORD of our lives! Rom. 10:9 says: That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart..you will be saved. According to the New Testament you cannot come to Jesus Christ with out crowning Him as LORD (KING & MASTER). We often think of Him as the one who provides us with a ticket to heaven, that He is going to bless us all the way there and all that we have to do is believe. Oh, yes I believe, that He is Lord, I believe in Jesus they say. The devil 16 Faith in the Word John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Also read Acts 9:17,18, Acts 16:30 34 and Acts 18:8. The reason why we experience so many problems with baptism is that our salvation is aimed at recognizing JESUS AS DELIVERER from our sins, and we neglect the most important fact namely, that JESUE IS ALSO LORD of our lives! Rom. 10:9 says: That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart..you will be saved. According to the New Testament you cannot come to Jesus Christ with out crowning Him as LORD (KING & MASTER). We often think of Him as the one who provides us with a ticket to heaven, that He is going to bless us all the way there and all that we have to do is believe. Oh, yes I believe, that He is Lord, I believe in Jesus they say. The devil 16

17 also believes and he shudders! Therefore, as we said previously, we CON- FIRM our faith through water baptism because JESUS COMMANDED US TO DO SO and IF HE IS OUR LORD, WE WILL DO WHAT HE SAYS. Luke 6:46 says And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not do the things which I say? Once we have come to repentance, turned away from sin and have believed in Jesus Christ as LORD it is obvious that you should be obedient to Him! The first thing that our LORD says that we should do after we have believed, repented, had faith in Him and confessed Him as LORD, is to be baptized. If you believed that your home were going to be destroyed in an explosion within 10 minutes, and you continued to remain inside; you know what the consequences would be! The conclusion that one would draw is that either you did not believe that it was going to happen or you just didn t 17 also believes and he shudders! Therefore, as we said previously, we CON- FIRM our faith through water baptism because JESUS COMMANDED US TO DO SO and IF HE IS OUR LORD, WE WILL DO WHAT HE SAYS. Luke 6:46 says And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not do the things which I say? Once we have come to repentance, turned away from sin and have believed in Jesus Christ as LORD it is obvious that you should be obedient to Him! The first thing that our LORD says that we should do after we have believed, repented, had faith in Him and confessed Him as LORD, is to be baptized. If you believed that your home were going to be destroyed in an explosion within 10 minutes, and you continued to remain inside; you know what the consequences would be! The conclusion that one would draw is that either you did not believe that it was going to happen or you just didn t 17

18 Faith in the Word care! The exact same reasoning applies to the commands of Jesus: IF YOU REALLY BELIEVE, THEN YOU WILL ACT UPON HIS COM- MANDS! In another place Jesus says, If you love me, keep my commandments. (Jn 14:15). Obedience is motivated by Love. LOVE is the heart of the Church. We react upon the Word of God as proof of our love. John 14:21 He who has my commands and keeps them, it is he who loves me. The conclusion of what we have just said is: THAT THE CONDITIONS FOR BAPTISM ARE THUS: REPENTANCE, FAITH IN GOD AND CONFESSION THAT CHIRST IS LORD. It is obvious that no baby or infant is able to make this statement of faith, and thus the possibility of infant baptism is ruled out. Let us delve a bit further. Baptism symbolizes a very real spiritual experience. We are baptized into the DEATH of Jesus Christ, we are BURIED 18 Faith in the Word care! The exact same reasoning applies to the commands of Jesus: IF YOU REALLY BELIEVE, THEN YOU WILL ACT UPON HIS COM- MANDS! In another place Jesus says, If you love me, keep my commandments. (Jn 14:15). Obedience is motivated by Love. LOVE is the heart of the Church. We react upon the Word of God as proof of our love. John 14:21 He who has my commands and keeps them, it is he who loves me. The conclusion of what we have just said is: THAT THE CONDITIONS FOR BAPTISM ARE THUS: REPENTANCE, FAITH IN GOD AND CONFESSION THAT CHIRST IS LORD. It is obvious that no baby or infant is able to make this statement of faith, and thus the possibility of infant baptism is ruled out. Let us delve a bit further. Baptism symbolizes a very real spiritual experience. We are baptized into the DEATH of Jesus Christ, we are BURIED 18

19 WITH HIM and are RAISED up with Him from the grave of sin, unto a new life. The scriptures relating to this experience are: DEATH: Rom 6:3,4,5 & 11: Or do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His DEATH? Therefore we were BURIED with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was RAISED from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of his death, certainly we also shall be united with him in His resurrection. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. BURIAL: Col. 2:12 having been BUR- IED with him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 19 WITH HIM and are RAISED up with Him from the grave of sin, unto a new life. The scriptures relating to this experience are: DEATH: Rom 6:3,4,5 & 11: Or do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His DEATH? Therefore we were BURIED with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was RAISED from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of his death, certainly we also shall be united with him in His resurrection. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. BURIAL: Col. 2:12 having been BUR- IED with him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 19

20 Faith in the Word RESURRECTION: Col 3:1 Since, then, you have been RAISED with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. (also Rom.6: 4 & 5). Baptism is thus the event through which you identify with Christ. Jesus Christ Himself was the First to be baptized I already mentioned the scripture. You will notice that Jesus never expects anything from us that He has not done Himself. This step of baptism was also the will of the Father, because Jesus said, I have come to do Your will. Keep in mind that Jesus was circumcised as a Jewish baby and that if baptism had come in the place of the circumcision, as our traditional churches teach, why then was Jesus baptized? This same question can be asked of all the disciples and apostles of the New Testament. They were all Jews, circumcised according to their tradition why then were they also baptized as adults, if baptism had taken the place of circumcision? Maybe they had something to do with a 20 Faith in the Word RESURRECTION: Col 3:1 Since, then, you have been RAISED with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. (also Rom.6: 4 & 5). Baptism is thus the event through which you identify with Christ. Jesus Christ Himself was the First to be baptized I already mentioned the scripture. You will notice that Jesus never expects anything from us that He has not done Himself. This step of baptism was also the will of the Father, because Jesus said, I have come to do Your will. Keep in mind that Jesus was circumcised as a Jewish baby and that if baptism had come in the place of the circumcision, as our traditional churches teach, why then was Jesus baptized? This same question can be asked of all the disciples and apostles of the New Testament. They were all Jews, circumcised according to their tradition why then were they also baptized as adults, if baptism had taken the place of circumcision? Maybe they had something to do with a 20

21 certain sect, as the church calls them, who CHRISTENED them as babies but did not BAP- TIZED them (by full immersion under water) but who later were obedient to the Word of God, and were baptized! 1) The church has been arguing about the details of baptism, for centuries: namely, should one be sprinkled or immersed, but the uncertainties are immediately solved when we look at the command: Repent, believe and be baptized. 2) Nowhere in the Bible was a baby every sprinkled or baptized, so this is totally unscriptural. It is often said that Cornelius and his whole household were baptized and it is assumed that there must have been a baby in the house. The Bible says that they Holy Spirit came upon them and that they all spoke in other tongues this certainly will exclude the baby! There are similar instances in Acts chapters 16 and 18, but in each case we read of groups of people rejoicing in the fact that they had come to faith in God, had believed in the Lord and had become believers. A baby in not capable of this. 21 certain sect, as the church calls them, who CHRISTENED them as babies but did not BAP- TIZED them (by full immersion under water) but who later were obedient to the Word of God, and were baptized! 1) The church has been arguing about the details of baptism, for centuries: namely, should one be sprinkled or immersed, but the uncertainties are immediately solved when we look at the command: Repent, believe and be baptized. 2) Nowhere in the Bible was a baby every sprinkled or baptized, so this is totally unscriptural. It is often said that Cornelius and his whole household were baptized and it is assumed that there must have been a baby in the house. The Bible says that they Holy Spirit came upon them and that they all spoke in other tongues this certainly will exclude the baby! There are similar instances in Acts chapters 16 and 18, but in each case we read of groups of people rejoicing in the fact that they had come to faith in God, had believed in the Lord and had become believers. A baby in not capable of this. 21

22 Faith in the Word Thus the texts which the traditional churches try to use to prove that babies were baptized in the early church, on the contrary prove that just the opposite is true! There is also an incorrect doctrine that should a baby die before it is christened, that it would be lost forever. There is no Scripture to substantiate this because 1 Cor. 7:14 says For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: otherwise your children would be unclean, but as now they are holy. Through the faith of one parent in Christ Jesus the children are protected (that is, while they can still be classified as children, but when they come of age, they are expected to carry their own spiritual responsibility). What did Jesus do with the children? He surely had many opportunities to baptize these children, because we read that the mothers brought their children to Him, for him to bless them. He could have commanded His disciples to baptize them, if He did not want to do it Himself! But 22 Faith in the Word Thus the texts which the traditional churches try to use to prove that babies were baptized in the early church, on the contrary prove that just the opposite is true! There is also an incorrect doctrine that should a baby die before it is christened, that it would be lost forever. There is no Scripture to substantiate this because 1 Cor. 7:14 says For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: otherwise your children would be unclean, but as now they are holy. Through the faith of one parent in Christ Jesus the children are protected (that is, while they can still be classified as children, but when they come of age, they are expected to carry their own spiritual responsibility). What did Jesus do with the children? He surely had many opportunities to baptize these children, because we read that the mothers brought their children to Him, for him to bless them. He could have commanded His disciples to baptize them, if He did not want to do it Himself! But 22

23 Jesus BLESSED THE CHILDREN! This is thus the example that we are to follow with our babies. We are to BRING THE CHILDREN TO JESUS TO BE BLESSED BY HIM. To raise them in the ways of the Lord, and then the day that your child BELIEVES for himself, he/she will be BAP- TIZED, because he will want to be obedient to the commands of Jesus in his life. (This depends largely upon you, whether you as his parent have taught him correctly according to the Bible!). Where then did the infant christening originate from, seeing that it is not mentioned anywhere in the Acts church? According to thorough research it appears that for up to 200 after Christ no evidence of babies being sprinkled, was found. I will make a few guesses according to the knowledge that I have gathered: Christening possibly imitated Jewish customs where baby boys were circumcised on the eighth day, and were also given their names, or it could possibly be the imitation of one of the many heathen religions, of which Baal worship was the strongest. They used to sprinkle their babies as part of the initiation rite whereby they entered 23 Jesus BLESSED THE CHILDREN! This is thus the example that we are to follow with our babies. We are to BRING THE CHILDREN TO JESUS TO BE BLESSED BY HIM. To raise them in the ways of the Lord, and then the day that your child BELIEVES for himself, he/she will be BAP- TIZED, because he will want to be obedient to the commands of Jesus in his life. (This depends largely upon you, whether you as his parent have taught him correctly according to the Bible!). Where then did the infant christening originate from, seeing that it is not mentioned anywhere in the Acts church? According to thorough research it appears that for up to 200 after Christ no evidence of babies being sprinkled, was found. I will make a few guesses according to the knowledge that I have gathered: Christening possibly imitated Jewish customs where baby boys were circumcised on the eighth day, and were also given their names, or it could possibly be the imitation of one of the many heathen religions, of which Baal worship was the strongest. They used to sprinkle their babies as part of the initiation rite whereby they entered 23

24 Faith in the Word their religion. During the Dark Ages there was an amalgamation of many Christian and heathen practices. (For those of you who would like to read more about this, do order the cassette entitled THE CATHOLIC CHURCH from the Centre. The informative book called THE CHURCH EN ROUTE TO PERFECTION is also available.) Whatever the case may be, christening (infant baptism) remains totally unscriptural, and there is NO SCRIPTURE WHATSOEVER TO JUSTIFY IT. We know that baptism after repentance always brings about persecution it has been so from the beginning, right up to now. (You can belong to a traditional church and literally get away with ANYTHING whist being an active member of the church, or even being a church official. But just don t repent and GET YOUR- SELF BAPTIZED! The is a 99% chance that you will lose your membership. Friends, I speak from my own experience as I personally walked this same road.) You know that I have never heard of anyone being persecuted as a result of being christened 24 Faith in the Word their religion. During the Dark Ages there was an amalgamation of many Christian and heathen practices. (For those of you who would like to read more about this, do order the cassette entitled THE CATHOLIC CHURCH from the Centre. The informative book called THE CHURCH EN ROUTE TO PERFECTION is also available.) Whatever the case may be, christening (infant baptism) remains totally unscriptural, and there is NO SCRIPTURE WHATSOEVER TO JUSTIFY IT. We know that baptism after repentance always brings about persecution it has been so from the beginning, right up to now. (You can belong to a traditional church and literally get away with ANYTHING whist being an active member of the church, or even being a church official. But just don t repent and GET YOUR- SELF BAPTIZED! The is a 99% chance that you will lose your membership. Friends, I speak from my own experience as I personally walked this same road.) You know that I have never heard of anyone being persecuted as a result of being christened 24

25 have you? If you as a Jew were to become a Christian and were baptized, your family would MOURN over you, because to them you have died! In certain Islamic countries you stand the chance of being murdered by your family if you convert to Christianity and are baptized after being a Moslem their religion allows them the right to murder under these circumstances. We know that many of the followers of great reformers like Luther and Zwingli s followers were horribly persecuted or even killed, after their baptism. Why would the devil so hate this baptism after repentance? Is it not because is holds such a strong element of OBEDIENCE TOWARDS GOD? You see when Adam and Eve fell into sin in the Garden of Eden, it was the FIRST ACT OF DISOBEDIENCE TOWARDS GOD. When a person comes to repentance and is BAPTIZED it is a PUBLIC DECLARATION THAT THE PER- SON HAS ONCE AGAIN BECOME OBEDIENT TO GOD. This once again only emphasizes Satan s defeat, thus he tries with all that is available 25 have you? If you as a Jew were to become a Christian and were baptized, your family would MOURN over you, because to them you have died! In certain Islamic countries you stand the chance of being murdered by your family if you convert to Christianity and are baptized after being a Moslem their religion allows them the right to murder under these circumstances. We know that many of the followers of great reformers like Luther and Zwingli s followers were horribly persecuted or even killed, after their baptism. Why would the devil so hate this baptism after repentance? Is it not because is holds such a strong element of OBEDIENCE TOWARDS GOD? You see when Adam and Eve fell into sin in the Garden of Eden, it was the FIRST ACT OF DISOBEDIENCE TOWARDS GOD. When a person comes to repentance and is BAPTIZED it is a PUBLIC DECLARATION THAT THE PER- SON HAS ONCE AGAIN BECOME OBEDIENT TO GOD. This once again only emphasizes Satan s defeat, thus he tries with all that is available 25

26 Faith in the Word to him to prevent a believer from getting baptized! (Once again a baby does not understand anything about either obedience or disobedience). Church tradition, together with the manmade doctrine, that baptism has come in place of circumcision, also implies that baptism makes us Covenant children, and that we have not only received salvation and rebirth, but also the blessings of Abraham. Unfortunately both of these doctrines are contradictory to the Bible. A person is born-again on the day that you repent of your sins and ask Jesus Christ to become your Savior and Lord. The Gospel of John chapter 3 is very clear about this fact, for as in the case of Nicodemus who was a circumcised Jew, a leader in the church and definitely a Covenant child, Jesus clearly explained to him, that he still had to be BORN AGAIN, in order to inherit eternal life. In order to further emphasize the importance of Baptism and it s far reaching implications throughout OUR SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES, 26 Faith in the Word to him to prevent a believer from getting baptized! (Once again a baby does not understand anything about either obedience or disobedience). Church tradition, together with the manmade doctrine, that baptism has come in place of circumcision, also implies that baptism makes us Covenant children, and that we have not only received salvation and rebirth, but also the blessings of Abraham. Unfortunately both of these doctrines are contradictory to the Bible. A person is born-again on the day that you repent of your sins and ask Jesus Christ to become your Savior and Lord. The Gospel of John chapter 3 is very clear about this fact, for as in the case of Nicodemus who was a circumcised Jew, a leader in the church and definitely a Covenant child, Jesus clearly explained to him, that he still had to be BORN AGAIN, in order to inherit eternal life. In order to further emphasize the importance of Baptism and it s far reaching implications throughout OUR SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES, 26

27 please take note of the following: 1) When we are BORN AGAIN and accept Jesus as out LORD and SAVIOUR, we are baptized into the Body of Christ and the PENALTY FOR SIN is broken over our lives. Here THE BLOOD plays a pertinent roll (1 John 5:8). 2) When we are BAPTISED IN WATER the POWER OF SIN in our lives is broken. Thus many of those who did not progress beyond rebirth, still remain under the power of sin in their lives, and lead a seesaw Christian existence. Here the WATER plays a pertinent roll (1 John 5:8). 3) When we are BAPTISED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, we are baptized by Jesus himself and we RECEIVE POWER over Satan and all his rulers. Here the SPIRIT is pertinent. (1 John 5:8). It is clear from Hebrews 6:1 & 2 that ALL THREE of these BAPTISMS are ESSENTIAL for a VICTORIUS LIFE. Is it now plain to you why YOU HAVE NEVER PROGRESSED IN YOUR 27 please take note of the following: 1) When we are BORN AGAIN and accept Jesus as out LORD and SAVIOUR, we are baptized into the Body of Christ and the PENALTY FOR SIN is broken over our lives. Here THE BLOOD plays a pertinent roll (1 John 5:8). 2) When we are BAPTISED IN WATER the POWER OF SIN in our lives is broken. Thus many of those who did not progress beyond rebirth, still remain under the power of sin in their lives, and lead a seesaw Christian existence. Here the WATER plays a pertinent roll (1 John 5:8). 3) When we are BAPTISED IN THE HOLY SPIRIT, we are baptized by Jesus himself and we RECEIVE POWER over Satan and all his rulers. Here the SPIRIT is pertinent. (1 John 5:8). It is clear from Hebrews 6:1 & 2 that ALL THREE of these BAPTISMS are ESSENTIAL for a VICTORIUS LIFE. Is it now plain to you why YOU HAVE NEVER PROGRESSED IN YOUR 27

28 Faith in the Word WALK WITH THE LORD? Up until now you may not have realized why, because traditional doctrines only proclaim half of these truths, and they are usually a twisted version too. But know you do know! My challenge to you is WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS KNOWLEDGE? Let us look for scriptures to support the above mentioned 3 points: Acts 2:38 The Peter said unto them, REPENT, and BE BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. 1 John 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the SPIRIT, the WA- TER, and the BLOOD, and these three agree in one. Acts 1:8 But you shall receive POWER, AFTER THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT is come upon you. ` In closing I would like to point out something very interesting to you. In Galatians 5:2-5 the following is written, Behold I Paul say unto 28 Faith in the Word WALK WITH THE LORD? Up until now you may not have realized why, because traditional doctrines only proclaim half of these truths, and they are usually a twisted version too. But know you do know! My challenge to you is WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS KNOWLEDGE? Let us look for scriptures to support the above mentioned 3 points: Acts 2:38 The Peter said unto them, REPENT, and BE BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. 1 John 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the SPIRIT, the WA- TER, and the BLOOD, and these three agree in one. Acts 1:8 But you shall receive POWER, AFTER THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT is come upon you. ` In closing I would like to point out something very interesting to you. In Galatians 5:2-5 the following is written, Behold I Paul say unto 28