THE MILK DOCTRINES: The Doctrine of Baptisms

Transcription

1 THE MILK DOCTRINES: The Doctrine of Baptisms All scriptures are quoted from KJV unless otherwise indicated. By Ayo Fabiyi Heb 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. Heb 5:13 For every one that useth milk [partakes and continues only on milk] is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. Heb 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Heb 6:1 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Heb 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Heb 6:3 And this will we do, if God permit. [God willing!] In our first study, Repentance from Dead Works, we learned that it is crucial to first acknowledge that we are sinful human beings and all our best efforts in the flesh are all dead works in the sight of God. We also learned that our confession of this truth will eventually grant us repentance from those dead works and that it is after this repentance that faith toward God is given to us. Finally we learned that this gift of the Spirit is to bring us to God our Father through our Lord Jesus Christ. In this study we will see the spiritual significance of baptisms and how we live and will be living by the Word of God. Understanding the doctrine of baptisms will equip us to go unto perfection in Christ Jesus. Let us first recognize that the plural of the word, baptisms, is used above. The reason behind this is revealed to us in the sum of God s word. The first question we need to answer is: WHAT IS BAPTISM? As with all things in the Holy Scripture, there is a physical example given to us before we are given the spiritual meaning and fulfilment. We are caused first to live the earthy, carnal, natural type before it is given to us to fulfil the Spiritual. The word translated BAPTISMS in Hebrews 6:2 is the Greek word baptismos Strong s concordance #G909. It appears four times in the New Testament and is usually translated as washing or washings as below: 1

2 1. Mar 7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash (G907 baptizo) they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing (G909 baptismos) of cups, and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables. a. G907-baptizo-Translated as baptize {76x} and wash {2x} b. G909-baptismos Translated as washing {3x} and baptism {1x} 2. Mar 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing (G909 baptismos) of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. 3. Heb 9:10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, (G909 baptismos) and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. 4. Heb 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, (G909 baptismos) and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE BAPTISM OF JOHN There are two kinds of baptisms, the first being the type and shadow, the example, and the second being the spiritual reality, in the SPIRIT. In the first kind of baptism, several shadows are given to us throughout scripture, including the baptism of the flood of Noah, the crossing of the Red Sea, the crossing of the river Jordan and, in the New Testament, the baptism by John the Baptist. Just as Moses told the fathers to hearken to the One that should come after him: Deu 15:15 The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken; Act 3:22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. Likewise the first baptizer introduced to us in the New Testament was quick to announce to all people the significance of his ministry and the purpose of his baptism. The ministry of Moses and John the Baptist was for the sole purpose of directing us to the One that should come AFTER them, Christ Jesus. Mar 1:7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 2

3 Joh 1:26 (MKJV) John answered them, saying, I baptize with water, but One stands among you whom you do not know. Joh 1:27 He it is who, coming after me, who has been before me; of whom I am not worthy to loosen the thong of His sandal. Act 19:4 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. Thus the ministry of John and all his baptisms, was to prepare the way of the truth, to prepare the way of a hearty repentance, to prepare the path to the righteousness and Love of God, and the eventual revelation of Jesus Christ. The baptism of John and his ministry, (and all physical water baptism/washings as John) was not in itself the way of truth and the righteousness of God. Though John the Baptist was declared as the greatest prophet born of women by Jesus Christ Mat 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Luk 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.... Nevertheless John confessed out of his own mouth to all who will hear that he did not know who Jesus Christ, the Truth is! Those he and those fulfilling his ministry until this day will do well to take heed to this most significant of confessions: Joh 1:30-33 (MKJV) This is He of whom I said, After me comes a Man who has been before me, for He preceded me. 31 And I did not know Him, [confession #1] but that He be revealed to Israel, therefore I have come baptizing with water. 32 And John bore record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove, and He abode on Him. 33 And I did not know Him, [confession #2] but He who sent me to baptize with water, that One said to me, Upon Whom you shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining upon Him, He is the One who Baptizes with the Holy Spirit. 3

4 HOW DO WE LIVE BY JOHN S BAPTISM? As we briefly mentioned in our second study, Faith toward God, our faith was initially placed in the wisdom of religious men of this world, and was not of the faith of God s elect. 1Co 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. The above verse is not written because we have always had the faith of Jesus Christ, but rather because we all first stand in a faith guided by man s wisdom. We first regard Jesus Christ after natural perception, from a human point of view, the flesh, established in Church denominations and the sects of men. Under this, the Law, we are baptized by ministers in the churches according to their doctrines, using the Bible. It is at this point, while under the schoolmasters and guardians of the Law, that the baptism of John is fulfilled in our lives, even as Jesus Christ himself in the day of his flesh was baptized by John: Mat 3:13 (MKJV) Then Jesus came from Galilee to Jordan, to John, To be baptized by him. Mat 3:14 But John restrained Him, saying, I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me? Mat 3:15 And answering Jesus said to him, Allow it now, for it is becoming to us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he allowed Him. John asked the Lord why this has to be so and again we ask why this has to be so? Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Col 1:25 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; To the end purpose that all righteousness be fulfilled within us and because we live by every word of God, this is a necessary first baptism for you and I This is in accord with this Godly principle: 1Co 15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, [baptism] but that which is natural; [baptism] and afterward that which is spiritual. 4

5 Remember what John the Baptist himself and Paul told us earlier: Mar 1:7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. Joh 1:26 (MKJV) John answered them, saying, I baptize with water, but One stands among you whom you do not know. Joh 1:27 He it is who, coming after me, who has been before me [the spiritual]; of whom I am not worthy to loosen the thong of His sandal. Act 19:4 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. As Apollos was, so were we in times past under our ministers in the Christian churches, being instructed in the way of the Lord after the flesh, having a zeal for God, and maybe even knowing the letters of the scriptures and its many verses. We may have even participated in many denominational activities and evangelized many on the streets and in the wilderness in the name of Jesus, as John the Baptist did. Act 18:24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. Act 18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. Regardless of what faction of Christianity we come from, we first know the baptism of John and this is fulfilled in us when we are taught diligently the ways of the Lord in the flesh. We may have even been physically baptized -- dunked in water in a pool or river or sprinkled with water as some churches do -- to typify our acceptance of Jesus. This is a type, an example of us being baptized into Moses, the LAW, and is what the scripture calls the wisdom and traditions of men. 1Co 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 1Co 10:2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 5

6 This physical baptism by physical water is a type, example for us today: 1Co 10:6 Now [TODAY!] these things [baptized unto Moses] were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: (G tupos - types, typical of us) and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. THE FIRST BAPTISM OF MEN or FROM HEAVEN? So the baptism of John and the Old Testament types are for the purpose that we should depart from them and not lust after evil things. This first baptism (though it is hidden from many), prepares many for the ultimate conversion of the heart and does not itself convert the heart to God. All such baptism is according to the commandments and doctrines of men with its many contrasting and differing varieties rather than from our latter baptism which is from heaven. As with all things of men, it is a shadow of things to come. It nevertheless does have a great appearance of wisdom and conversion, but has no profit and no value against the indulgence of the flesh (Col 2:23). Mat 21:25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? Mat 21:26 But if we shall say, of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. The latter baptism we receive is from heaven, from the Father by Christ Jesus: Joh 6:32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses [John s Baptism] gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread [baptism] from heaven. Joh 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me Joh 6:48 I am that bread of life. 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. Joh 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever. 6

7 Howbeit, through this physical washing/baptism of men, physical evils and filthiness of the flesh such as smoking, drug addictions, alcoholism, physical adultery and fornications, rage, sexual perversions and many more outward evil infirmities of the flesh are washed away from the old man. Outward dirt, sins and weakness that once had dominion over us are cleansed away from our lives. But the old man of sin and the root of it still dwell in the heart of men after this first typical baptism. But as Jesus Christ in the flesh was first baptized of John for all righteousness to be fulfilled, even so we in Christ Jesus suffer to first go through this same experience as an example of the spiritual baptism which is to come. Mat 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. Mat 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? Mat 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. WHY MUST WE SUFFER JOHN S BAPTISM TO BE SO NOW? We all begin by being baptized by John, under the Law, into Moses. There are multitudes that only know of the baptism of John even until this day. This truth is hidden from their sight, and they do not know the baptism from the heavens, the Spirit, while proclaiming they know Christ and God. Act 19:1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, Act 19:2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. Act 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. While under John s baptism, imposed under this carnal religious ordinance, we have no conversion of the heart. The root of sin is still intact. It is not a sin to be physically water baptized, however it is a grave error for one to think that it is profitable in the Spirit and that it converts your heart. Though many physical sins of the flesh may be forsaken, this does not separate the individual s heart from those people of the land, who do not know the true God, but are only outwardly clean. Our heart is no different from anyone else s in the world. It is the same as the Gentiles (Not God s people). The heart is what truly matters and our 7

8 heart is not yet converted. During this stage of our walk, we think we are spiritual and we truly believe that John s baptism is a spiritual baptism. We will let our Lord tell us the reason why: Mar 7:14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand: Mar 7:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man. Mar 7:16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear. The Lord will rebuke us for thinking that the outward baptism is more important than a converted heart towards God. We may look outwardly clean and righteous to the men of this world, but we are really just hypocrites and our heart is not right in the sight of God. Therefore as babes in Christ, all our efforts should henceforth be toward seeking to please God the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Mat 23:25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. Mat 23:26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. Cleaning ourselves by outward baptism does not clean or reveal our inward sins and faults. For example, many are first baptized of John and are caused to give up smoking, drug addictions, sexual perversions etc. and eventually come to acknowledge Jesus Christ in the flesh. They then give praise and glory to God, but at the same time, if asked what will happen to those still struggling with the same sins and addictions, if not overcome before physical death, the answer is most likely to be that they are ensued to go to hell and suffer the endless agony and pain to be burned in literal fire for all eternity without mercy of God, while they themselves go to a physical place called heaven to rejoice for their own repentance and salvation. Their heart has not been converted one bit, but instead led, astonished and baptized by great men of God just like the unconverted Simon the Sorcerer (see Acts 8:9-25). Act 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. [ but ] Act 8:18-22 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may 8

9 receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. This wickedness is the hidden, presumptuous sins within the heart of men, full of false teachings of the world, with innumerable, creeping secret evils and wicked thoughts towards our fellow men and many harsh things spoken against the Lord. Though outwardly baptized, many do not know they are still guilty of this great transgression of false doctrines having dominion over them, even as we also are ignorant of these sins before our second baptism of the Spirit. Lev 5:17 If a person sins, and commits any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD, though he does not know it, yet he is guilty and shall bear his iniquity. Psa 19:12 Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Psa 19:13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous (prideful) sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. As in a court of law, the Judge, Jesus Christ, will not take ignorance as a defence! For this very reason, God calls this first typical baptism a carnal ordinance, not having the power to convert the heart of man nor to cleanse his evil conscience, and calls it a shadow of the good things, the second baptism that is to come. God therefore has NO PLEASURE in it. Heb 9:9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; Heb 9:10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, (baptisms) and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. Heb 10:1 For the law [and all its divers washings/baptisms...] having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect. Heb 10:8 Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; 9

10 For this cause, Christ Himself did not baptize anyone with physical water: Joh 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, Joh 4:2 (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) The disciples were still under the law (John s baptism), until the spirit (second baptism) was given to them at Pentecost (Acts 2). Mar 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Mar 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing [baptism from men, not heaven] of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. Paul and the apostles themselves began with the typical baptism of men like John the Baptist, with physical water of the Law, but as they grew in understanding they stopped, for it was revealed to them: 1Co 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, [as under the Law with typical water] but to preach the gospel: [true baptism] not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. John the Baptist had already confessed that he did not know Jesus Christ and that he must decrease. He then directs us all to the true baptizer and converter of the heart, Jesus Christ, even as Paul did. Joh 1:26 (MKJV) John answered them, saying, I baptize with water, but One stands among you whom you do not know. Joh 1:27 He it is who, coming after me, who has been before me; of whom I am not worthy to loosen the thong of His sandal. Act 19:4 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. THE BAPTISM OF TRUTH OF THE HEART Mat 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: Mat 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner (barn); but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. 10

11 As opposed to the earlier baptism that washes away only outward dirt and sins, this baptism/washing cleanses the threshing floor of the heart from all its secret, hidden faults and great transgressions. Psa 51:2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Psa 51:7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Isa 1:16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; WHO will be doing the baptism/washing of our sins? Joh 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 1Jn 2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. Act 22:16 (ESV) And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.' WHAT types of sins are being washed/cleansed from the heart of men? Mar 7:20-23 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: 23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. 1Jn 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [what sins?] 1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. ALL men will be cleansed and be baptized by the Lord in due time and in order (1 John 2:2). Very few people are the chosen elect of God undergoing this baptism in the Spirit this day. If we are not washed by the Lord at this time, He has no part with us and we will not be heirs and partakers of His fruit or His righteousness until the appointed time. 11

12 Joh 13:8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. WHAT is the cleansing/washing agent? Soaps, hyssop and nitre are some of the Old Testament words used to tell us of what washes and cleanses. (Lev 14:3-4, Jer 2:22) These are all pointing to the one and same agent of the Holy Spirit of God, Fire, and Living Water, that is, the Word of God. Mat 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: Mat 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner (barn); but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. This word from the mouth of John the Baptist is nothing but exaltation and edification (Luke 3:18) of the Spirit to those it is given to understand. What is this unquenchable fire? Luk 12:49 I am come to send fire on the earth; [fiery baptism!] and what will I, if it be already kindled (happening now)? Jer 23:29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Jer 5:14 Wherefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, Because ye speak this word, behold, I will make my words in thy mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them. What form are my words? Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth (gives life); the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. They are also pure water by which all is to be made clean and white as snow. Eph 5:26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water [by physical water? No but ] by the word, 12

13 Heb 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. There is only one way we will all be cleansed from our sins: Joh 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. As we go on to the stronger meat of God s word, we will see that this Word is also symbolic of His blood, His Spirit by which we are cleansed of our self righteous filthiness of the flesh and spirit. Heb 9:14 (NKJV) how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Rev 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. HOW IS THE WASHING/CLEANING/BAPTISM OF THE LORD ACHIEVED? As we go deeper into the word of God, we will see what is central to the Lord s work: the forsaking of all things of the flesh. This is the cleansing process, a death of the flesh process: the vessel that contains all sins the BODY OF SIN is done away with and we attain freedom from sin. Rom 6:6 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. Rom 6:7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. As babes in Christ, we become partakers of the Lord s own baptisms. We saw earlier that in order that all righteousness was fulfilled, the Lord was first baptized by John the Baptist. The Lord however does not regard this as baptism in the Spirit and he later shows us His true baptism, in which we will indeed also be baptized. Mat 20:22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. Mat 20:23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father. 13

14 The drinking of the cup of baptism is seen in the deep distress and agony prior to the eventual death of the flesh of Jesus Christ: Mat 26:37 (NKJV) And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Mat 26:38 Then He said to them, My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me. 39 Mat 26:39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup [of baptism with fire] pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will. Luk 22:42 (NKJV) saying, Father, if it is Your will, take this cup [of baptism with Fire] away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done. Luk 22:43 Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. Luk 22:44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Being baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with is what is scripturally known as, being baptized into His death. BAPTISM LEADS TO THE DEATH OF FLESH. Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Rom 6:4 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. As we learned in our second study, Faith toward God, this death process is not an instantaneous event in our lives that happens in twelve seconds or with a dunk in water, but is rather a dying daily process of baptism. Through this process a new nature is birthed and raised in us - a newness of life - and we are being caused to come out of the dominion of inward, secret sins and many false doctrines so that the inside (our hearts and minds), and the outside (our works) will be clean. 1Co 15:31 I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 2Co 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 14

15 END PURPOSE OF BAPTISM As Peter came to see, after the issue with Simon the Sorcerer, being physically water baptized does not convert the heart of any man. Simon was still as carnal as any Gentile of the land after John s baptism. Peter came to see that the true baptism that converts the heart is when fiery trials come upon us, the unquenchable consuming fire of God, the pure water, the Holy Spirit of God, all one and the same WORD OF GOD. 1Pe 4:12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 1Pe 4:13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; [His baptism by fire] that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. This is the only baptism which saves us from our sins and produces a good conscience toward God. 1Pe 3:18-21 (MKJV) For Christ also once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, indeed being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit; 19 in which also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 to disobeying ones, when once the long suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared (in which a few, that is, eight souls were saved through water); 21 which figure now also saves us, baptism; not a putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ; Heb 9:14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? Heb 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. 15

16 CONCLUSION It is by means of death that the life of Jesus Christ will manifest in us. This baptism from heaven is fulfilled in us by dying daily. It is the Spirit that profits. All earthly baptisms from without a man (Mark 7:15-23) are of no value in converting the heart and producing the fruit of the Spirit in us. The Father has no pleasure in those carnal ordinances, imposed until Christ comes in you and I in the Spirit. The first earthy/shadow in the wisdom and tradition of men is taken away, so that the spiritual baptism by the Spirit of God can be established (1 Cor 15:46). The first has and produces no glory, because there is a spiritual baptism which is more excellent in the sight of God. For this reason, in keeping the singleness and unity of the Spirit, there is truly only ONE BAPTISM: Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Eph 5:26 That he (Jesus Christ) might sanctify and cleanse it [the church, His body/wife, you!] with the washing of water by the word, The end purpose of that one baptism is Eph 5:27 That he might present it [the church, His Body/wife, you!] to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 16