John 3:23 "John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim,
because there was much water there; and people were coming and were being
baptized"
We have looked so far at the significance of Biblical Believer's Baptism as it pertains to the following two truths:
1. It was mandated by Jesus Christ
2. Its method is faith first, then baptism
Today we want to consider a third reason why baptism is significant: its meaningful mode. The mode of Baptism is inseperable from its meaning. Below we will consider why this case, and why the mode of baptism contributes to its overall significance for the child of God.
The word itself means "to immerse".
Every standard Greek Dictionary of every time period has always made "immerse" the primary meaning of the word baptize. Derived from the Greek word "baptizo" and "baptismos", this word was used in ancient secular Greek for the sinking of ships in times of war, or the dipping of things into honey.
Why else would John the Baptist be baptizing at a point in the Jordon River where there was "much water"? That phrase in John 3:23 translated "much water" is the identical Greek phrase and wording in Revelation 1:15, where the same author heard the voice of Christ as the sound of "many waters". Clearly, the imagery here is of an over abundance of water.
The Jews before Jesus understood "baptizo" to mean "immerse"
In the area surrounding the Dead Sea scholars have discovered the ruins of Jewish Colonies where "Essene Jews" occupied and studied. These Jewish communities were looking forward to the expectation of the coming Messiah and their writings are among the now famous "Dead Sea Scrolls". (1)
The Early Church understood "Baptizo" to mean immerse
Early Christian documents such as the "Didache, The Teaching of the twelve Apostles", affirmed the mode of baptism being that of immersion.(2) I read of a fifth century church where archaeologists had discovered these curiously hand dug holes in the shape of crosses on the church grounds. Upon further investigation it was discovered that these "holes" were baptistries where the participant would "lay down" in a watery grave, shaped like a cross, and come up again, signifying that they had died with Christ, were buried with Christ and were raised with Christ.(3)
In other readings, most churches all over Europe, even those who practiced infant baptism, were still designed with baptismal tanks up until the end of the 1600's.
The Mode communicates the meaning, and the meaning is tied to the mode
Consider the conversion of the Ethiopian in Acts 8:36-38, where in verse 38 we read: "38And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him."(3)
Or how about Romans 6:3-4, wherein we read - "3Or do you not know that all of us who have been
baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? 4Therefore we have been buried with Him through
baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory
of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life." Then consider Colossians 2:12 "having been buried with Him in baptism, in which
you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised
Him from the dead."
There is no doubt about it, the meaning of baptism is included in the mode. Christ's death, burial and resurrection is the intended picture, with my prior reception of that reality by faith communicated to those who witness it. Is it no wonder the enemy's persistence in clouding the communication of this ordinance in the church. May we be ever faithful in proclaiming the gospel through the preaching of the Word and picturing the gospel through the ordinance of Biblical Believer's Baptism.
End Notes: ______________________
1. In communities such as these, there were hand dug pools called "mikvah" baths where Gentiles desiring to convert to Judaism would be immersed. In a sermon Dr. John MacArthur pointed out the process one underwent when converting to Judiasm prior to Christ.
One first had to be circumcised or what was called "Meela" in the Hebrew Language. Then the candidate, called a Proselyte, would go through a second stage called "tebula". It was here where they would come to the pool and be immersed or "baptized", signifying his break with the former gentile life, effectively rendering himself "dead to it" and "alive" to what was already his new found faith in the expectation of the coming Messiah. The final stage would then be the offering of a sacrifice or "corban", a gift to the God of Israel.
2. The "Didache" was an early second century document written scarcely 50 years after the death of the Apostle John. Many believe this text to be a clear demonstration of what the Apostles taught "off the record" so to speak. Believer's baptism by immersion predates other forms of so-called baptism by a century.
3. I listened to a sermon by Dr. Charles Stanley, wherein he spoke of having visited the sight of one of the oldest churches in the world, where he witnessed similar holes dug out for the express purpose of baptism by immersion
4. The Greek word is translated "into". They did not merely go "in" water, but "into" a body of water.
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Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
Why Baptism is no Chicken or the Egg story
Acts 2:41 So then, those who had received his word were
baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.
Baptism's method is not a chicken or egg story
You have heard of the old question: "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?" In many Christian circles, the issue of Baptism can many times be treated as a "chicken or egg affair" - meaning: which comes first? Baptism or conversion? In previous blogs we have considered baptism's significance due to it being mandated by Jesus Christ. Today we want to consider a second general heading: namely that there is a particular method, or order advocated in Biblical believer's baptism. Unlike the chicken or the egg story, a survey of the Biblical record yields a clear order of conversion to faith first, followed by believer's baptism.
So how can we tell that saving faith necessarily precedes one's obedient submission to water baptism? Please take note of the following truths revealed in scripture:
1. Saving Faith appears first, followed by the teaching of Baptism in the Four Gospels
This curious pattern is evident when we consider Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. For instance, in Matthew we see the Gospel of faith and repentance demonstrated in Matthew 1:21 and 3:2; followed by people being baptized as a result of their repentance in 3:6. In Mark 1:4 we see John preaching the Baptism of repentance. In the original language that could be rendered "the baptism that comes from repentance". Soon thereafter we see John baptizing people who have already repented, followed of course by Jesus's baptism. Luke 1:38 records Mary confessing her faith in the Messiah, with Luke 3:18 recording John baptizing people who had repented.
Then the Gospel of John not only records this pattern once but twice! In John 1:12-13 we see a clear statement on the necessity of receiving Christ by grace through faith alone, followed by John the Baptist's testimony of baptism in John 1:19-34. Then in John 3:1-21 we see Jesus teaching about the necessity of being born again through faith; followed by another testimony by John in connection to questions about Jesus and baptism in John 3:22-36.
2. Saving Faith precedes Baptism in the Book of Acts
When we come to Acts, we see the same method or order of faith in Christ first, followed by Baptism. In Acts 2:38-41; 8:12; 8:38; 9:18; 10:44-48; 16:15 and 16:33 we see this repeated method: faith first, then baptism. Acts 8:36-38 is just one clear example:"36As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 37[And 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.”] 38And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him."
3. Saving Faith precedes Baptism in the Epistles
As testimony to the consistency of God's Word, the teaching on salvation by grace through faith, followed by believer's baptism, continues unbroken through the New Testament letters. In Romans 1-5 we see the presentation of man's utter sinfulness (1-3) and the doctrine of justification by faith alone (4-5). In Romans 6 we first meet the doctrine of baptism as picturing the believer's already prior identification with Christ's death, burial and reusrrection.
Galatians 3:26 speaks of faith, with 3:27 speaking of baptism. Consider this same order in Ephesians 4:5 - "one Lord, one faith, one baptism." For those who might think that only Paul championed this order, the Apostle Peter in his first letter speaks of saving faith in 1 Peter 1:3-5, with mention of water baptism in 1 Peter 3:21. He even goes to the pains of qualifying baptism as not: "the removal of dirt from the conscience, but rather the pledge of a good conscience to God."
4. The above observations also reveal that all who are converted to faith in Christ always got baptized
The method of "faith - then baptism" yields another pattern: namely that in every case of saving faith from Acts onward, every Christian got baptized! We never see one instance of unbaptized Christians.
When we consider this consistent pattern, or method of baptism in the scriptures, from beginning to end, the pattern is unwavering. Those who try to place baptism before saving faith, or who try to make baptism simultaneous with saving faith, are only listing particular texts that suit their purposes. Furthermore, the pattern reminds us to never have a flippancy towards believer's baptism. We as Christians and the church need to get the gospel right and Baptism right. The method shows us the importance of baptism, since saving faith necessarily comes before baptism, and that those who are converted to faith in Christ must and should desire to follow obediently in believer's baptism.
Baptism's method is not a chicken or egg story
You have heard of the old question: "Which came first, the chicken or the egg?" In many Christian circles, the issue of Baptism can many times be treated as a "chicken or egg affair" - meaning: which comes first? Baptism or conversion? In previous blogs we have considered baptism's significance due to it being mandated by Jesus Christ. Today we want to consider a second general heading: namely that there is a particular method, or order advocated in Biblical believer's baptism. Unlike the chicken or the egg story, a survey of the Biblical record yields a clear order of conversion to faith first, followed by believer's baptism.
So how can we tell that saving faith necessarily precedes one's obedient submission to water baptism? Please take note of the following truths revealed in scripture:
1. Saving Faith appears first, followed by the teaching of Baptism in the Four Gospels
This curious pattern is evident when we consider Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. For instance, in Matthew we see the Gospel of faith and repentance demonstrated in Matthew 1:21 and 3:2; followed by people being baptized as a result of their repentance in 3:6. In Mark 1:4 we see John preaching the Baptism of repentance. In the original language that could be rendered "the baptism that comes from repentance". Soon thereafter we see John baptizing people who have already repented, followed of course by Jesus's baptism. Luke 1:38 records Mary confessing her faith in the Messiah, with Luke 3:18 recording John baptizing people who had repented.
Then the Gospel of John not only records this pattern once but twice! In John 1:12-13 we see a clear statement on the necessity of receiving Christ by grace through faith alone, followed by John the Baptist's testimony of baptism in John 1:19-34. Then in John 3:1-21 we see Jesus teaching about the necessity of being born again through faith; followed by another testimony by John in connection to questions about Jesus and baptism in John 3:22-36.
2. Saving Faith precedes Baptism in the Book of Acts
When we come to Acts, we see the same method or order of faith in Christ first, followed by Baptism. In Acts 2:38-41; 8:12; 8:38; 9:18; 10:44-48; 16:15 and 16:33 we see this repeated method: faith first, then baptism. Acts 8:36-38 is just one clear example:"36As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” 37[And 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.”] 38And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him."
3. Saving Faith precedes Baptism in the Epistles
As testimony to the consistency of God's Word, the teaching on salvation by grace through faith, followed by believer's baptism, continues unbroken through the New Testament letters. In Romans 1-5 we see the presentation of man's utter sinfulness (1-3) and the doctrine of justification by faith alone (4-5). In Romans 6 we first meet the doctrine of baptism as picturing the believer's already prior identification with Christ's death, burial and reusrrection.
Galatians 3:26 speaks of faith, with 3:27 speaking of baptism. Consider this same order in Ephesians 4:5 - "one Lord, one faith, one baptism." For those who might think that only Paul championed this order, the Apostle Peter in his first letter speaks of saving faith in 1 Peter 1:3-5, with mention of water baptism in 1 Peter 3:21. He even goes to the pains of qualifying baptism as not: "the removal of dirt from the conscience, but rather the pledge of a good conscience to God."
4. The above observations also reveal that all who are converted to faith in Christ always got baptized
The method of "faith - then baptism" yields another pattern: namely that in every case of saving faith from Acts onward, every Christian got baptized! We never see one instance of unbaptized Christians.
When we consider this consistent pattern, or method of baptism in the scriptures, from beginning to end, the pattern is unwavering. Those who try to place baptism before saving faith, or who try to make baptism simultaneous with saving faith, are only listing particular texts that suit their purposes. Furthermore, the pattern reminds us to never have a flippancy towards believer's baptism. We as Christians and the church need to get the gospel right and Baptism right. The method shows us the importance of baptism, since saving faith necessarily comes before baptism, and that those who are converted to faith in Christ must and should desire to follow obediently in believer's baptism.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Why Baptists call Baptism an ordinance
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me
in heaven and on earth. 19“Go
therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded
you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
In Baptist churches you will hear baptism (and the Lord's Supper) being referred to as "ordinances of the church".1 As we saw yesterday, the first reason why baptism is important is because it was mandated by Jesus Christ. In other words, Christ modeled it and then commanded it. It is on this last thought that I want to unfold to you why we refer to Baptism as an "ordinance", and why that matters.
1. Ordinances are those things commanded by Christ
The word "ordinance" comes from the Latin "ordo" meaning "to command, set in arrangement, to commission". Thus you may have heard of a minister or a Deacon (or in some churches elders) being "ordained". Many cities have city "ordinances". When we come to the New Testament, Christ of course gave commands to his church. However, there were two specific commands that included certain practices and pictures - namely Lord's Supper and Baptism.
When Christ commanded baptism, it was to be practiced by the church. One writer has noted this about the proper administrator of believer's baptism: "The local church is commissioned to do this and the pastor who baptizes is merely acting on behalf of the church."2 Thus whether it be primarily the Pastor, a Deacon or even on occasion that of a father immersing his believing child, the point is that Christ ordained baptism to be done by the local church or those representing the church over which Christ rules as Savior and Lord.
Second, it was to picture that believer's prior identification of faith in His death, burial and resurrection. (Romans 6:4-5) To use older language, baptism was a sign pointing to something that was being signified - namely the event of Christ's death, burial and resurrection and the believer's prior experience of faith in that event.
2. Ordinances are those things taught in the Gospels, preached in Acts and Explained in the Epistles
Ordinances carry the weight of authority, and that authority is most chiefly expressed in their reappearance throughout the New Testament. In the nearly 100 places where see Baptism occur, it is mentioned nearly 40 times in the Gospels, almost 25 times in Acts and close to 20 times in Romans, 1 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, Hebrews and 1 Peter. Baptism, along with the Lord's Supper, are the only two practices that were commanded by Christ, preached by the Apostles and Acts and explained in detail in the Epistles.
3. Ordinances picture or communicate the Gospel
Baptism is used by God to encourage the saints to reflect on what is being pictured before them: Christ's death, burial and resurrection. For the child of God getting baptized, they are getting an opportunity to publically profess their faith in Jesus Christ in order to not be guilty of being ashamed of Him before men. (Luke 9:26) For the New Christian, baptism gives them a chance to pledge a good conscience to God, emphasizing the truth that true saving faith results in good works. (James 2:17-18; 1 Peter 3:21)
Adrian Rogers notes about all that is pictured in believer's baptism: "Just think of what this pictures. I have been delivered from my sin! My sin is buried in the grave of God's forgetfulness, hallelujah! I am a new person. Baptism not only pictures my death with Him, my resurrection life with Him, but it pictures my ultimate glorification with Him."3
4. The ordinance is used to remind Christians that baptism does not convey salvation, but rather is done as a result of salvation
Some people are under the impression that water baptism is the cause of salvation in a person's life. In most (not all) other circles where baptism is termed "a sacrament", the idea is that some measure of God's saving grace is communicated to the recipient whether it be through the waters themselves or the act itself.4
For sake of clarity, Baptists have preferred the term ordinance over the term "sacrament".5 This move ensures to all who attend or join our churches that from convictions gained from scripture, we by no means advocate baptism as being the means or agency of salvation. Rather, baptism primarily functions to picture one's salvation, desire for obedience and participation in Christ's Lordship, eagerness for His return and preference for walking under an open heaven rather than returning to their former pre-conversion love affair with sin.
End Notes________________________
1. In surveying the historic Baptist Doctrinal Confessions dating back before the Reformation period beginning at 1517, I noticed that coming out of the reformation, self-identified Baptist Groups began to use the term "ordinance' to distinguish themselves from the Roman Catholic belief system. The first instance of this is in the 1596 Baptist doctrinal statement simply entitled: "A True Confession". As a general pattern, most other Baptist groups from that time to present have used the term "ordinance" as opposed to "sacrament". For current examples of baptists doctrinal statements using this word, go to the Southern Baptist Website: www.sbc.net
2. Frank Barnes. Church Membership Orientation for Baptist Churches.
3. Adrian Rogers. What Every Christian Ought to Know. B & H Press. Nashville, TN. 2005
4. Presbyterian and most Reformed churches use the term "sacrament", however they do not advocate baptismal regeneration. Otherwise one can compare doctrinal statements of the following groups which advocate salvation through baptism or "baptismal regeneration" as stated in this blog: "The Formula of Concord" on website of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod at www.lcms.org. The official website of the Roman Catholic Church, which advocates an even stronger view of baptismal regeneration, is found at the Vatican website: www.vatican.va There one can look at the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Any viewpoint which advocates baptismal regeneration does so from tradition mixed with biblical convictions, rather than strictly biblical-only convictions.
5. Most Baptist bodies stuck with the term "ordinance" in order to communicating the non-saving character of baptism.
In Baptist churches you will hear baptism (and the Lord's Supper) being referred to as "ordinances of the church".1 As we saw yesterday, the first reason why baptism is important is because it was mandated by Jesus Christ. In other words, Christ modeled it and then commanded it. It is on this last thought that I want to unfold to you why we refer to Baptism as an "ordinance", and why that matters.
1. Ordinances are those things commanded by Christ
The word "ordinance" comes from the Latin "ordo" meaning "to command, set in arrangement, to commission". Thus you may have heard of a minister or a Deacon (or in some churches elders) being "ordained". Many cities have city "ordinances". When we come to the New Testament, Christ of course gave commands to his church. However, there were two specific commands that included certain practices and pictures - namely Lord's Supper and Baptism.
When Christ commanded baptism, it was to be practiced by the church. One writer has noted this about the proper administrator of believer's baptism: "The local church is commissioned to do this and the pastor who baptizes is merely acting on behalf of the church."2 Thus whether it be primarily the Pastor, a Deacon or even on occasion that of a father immersing his believing child, the point is that Christ ordained baptism to be done by the local church or those representing the church over which Christ rules as Savior and Lord.
Second, it was to picture that believer's prior identification of faith in His death, burial and resurrection. (Romans 6:4-5) To use older language, baptism was a sign pointing to something that was being signified - namely the event of Christ's death, burial and resurrection and the believer's prior experience of faith in that event.
2. Ordinances are those things taught in the Gospels, preached in Acts and Explained in the Epistles
Ordinances carry the weight of authority, and that authority is most chiefly expressed in their reappearance throughout the New Testament. In the nearly 100 places where see Baptism occur, it is mentioned nearly 40 times in the Gospels, almost 25 times in Acts and close to 20 times in Romans, 1 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, Hebrews and 1 Peter. Baptism, along with the Lord's Supper, are the only two practices that were commanded by Christ, preached by the Apostles and Acts and explained in detail in the Epistles.
3. Ordinances picture or communicate the Gospel
Baptism is used by God to encourage the saints to reflect on what is being pictured before them: Christ's death, burial and resurrection. For the child of God getting baptized, they are getting an opportunity to publically profess their faith in Jesus Christ in order to not be guilty of being ashamed of Him before men. (Luke 9:26) For the New Christian, baptism gives them a chance to pledge a good conscience to God, emphasizing the truth that true saving faith results in good works. (James 2:17-18; 1 Peter 3:21)
Adrian Rogers notes about all that is pictured in believer's baptism: "Just think of what this pictures. I have been delivered from my sin! My sin is buried in the grave of God's forgetfulness, hallelujah! I am a new person. Baptism not only pictures my death with Him, my resurrection life with Him, but it pictures my ultimate glorification with Him."3
4. The ordinance is used to remind Christians that baptism does not convey salvation, but rather is done as a result of salvation
Some people are under the impression that water baptism is the cause of salvation in a person's life. In most (not all) other circles where baptism is termed "a sacrament", the idea is that some measure of God's saving grace is communicated to the recipient whether it be through the waters themselves or the act itself.4
For sake of clarity, Baptists have preferred the term ordinance over the term "sacrament".5 This move ensures to all who attend or join our churches that from convictions gained from scripture, we by no means advocate baptism as being the means or agency of salvation. Rather, baptism primarily functions to picture one's salvation, desire for obedience and participation in Christ's Lordship, eagerness for His return and preference for walking under an open heaven rather than returning to their former pre-conversion love affair with sin.
End Notes________________________
1. In surveying the historic Baptist Doctrinal Confessions dating back before the Reformation period beginning at 1517, I noticed that coming out of the reformation, self-identified Baptist Groups began to use the term "ordinance' to distinguish themselves from the Roman Catholic belief system. The first instance of this is in the 1596 Baptist doctrinal statement simply entitled: "A True Confession". As a general pattern, most other Baptist groups from that time to present have used the term "ordinance" as opposed to "sacrament". For current examples of baptists doctrinal statements using this word, go to the Southern Baptist Website: www.sbc.net
2. Frank Barnes. Church Membership Orientation for Baptist Churches.
3. Adrian Rogers. What Every Christian Ought to Know. B & H Press. Nashville, TN. 2005
4. Presbyterian and most Reformed churches use the term "sacrament", however they do not advocate baptismal regeneration. Otherwise one can compare doctrinal statements of the following groups which advocate salvation through baptism or "baptismal regeneration" as stated in this blog: "The Formula of Concord" on website of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod at www.lcms.org. The official website of the Roman Catholic Church, which advocates an even stronger view of baptismal regeneration, is found at the Vatican website: www.vatican.va There one can look at the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Any viewpoint which advocates baptismal regeneration does so from tradition mixed with biblical convictions, rather than strictly biblical-only convictions.
5. Most Baptist bodies stuck with the term "ordinance" in order to communicating the non-saving character of baptism.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Baptism was mandated by Jesus Christ
Matthew 3:16-17 After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the
heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove
and lighting on Him, 17and
behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am
well-pleased.”
Why Jesus was baptized
In the course of studying Jesus' life, a key event marked the end of Jesus' private preparation from birth to age 30 and the beginning of his public ministry from age 30-33: namely his baptism. When Jesus comes to the Jordon river, John the Baptist, his cousin and the last prophet of the Old Testament era, stops him and states in Matthew 3:14 - "I have need to be baptized by you." Jesus' response to John reveals his purpose for getting baptized: "it is fitting for us to fulfilll all righteousness". (Matthew 3:15)
What Jesus was saying in the original language was that he wanted to show the people what it looked like to not only be right with God positionally, but to show them by example the very righteousness they would need credited to them to be made right with God - namely Christ Himself. The promise to which they were believing, and the message to which John had been preaching, was now standing before them.
Christ's Baptism served as an example to not only the Jews of His day, but set the precedent for his final instructions to His church
Christ mandated baptism by both modeling it and commanding it. In Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-23 and John the Baptist's testimony in John 1:19-34 we see the event of Christ's baptism. As we already mentioned, Christ's baptism marked the beginning of His public ministry. Additionally, Christ's Baptism signalled the beginning of the end of John's ministry, since John's preaching of the promised Messiah had been shown to be made complete.
The main differences between John's baptism and New Testament baptism is of perspective. The former looked forward to Messiah and the other pictures the believer's prior identification by faith in what Christ had accomplished. However when we consider the similarities, we can note how Jesus mandated baptism's main elements by modeling and commanding it:
1. Conversion by faith in Jesus Christ must occur before
Luke's version of John's Baptism in Luke 3:7-22 has various people from the crowds coming for baptism. As the crowds come, some of the people begin to question John about the meaning of what he was doing. Although he was baptizing, he did not baptize people who had not first already expressed faith and repentance in the Messiah. In Luke 3:18 we read that "with may other exhortations he preached the gospel".
At the end of Matthew, when Jesus gives His great commission, He commands baptism to be done to those who had been "made disciples". A Disciple was a follower of Jesus Christ who had been "born again' by the Spirit of God to conversion. (John 3:3-6) John 1:12-13 speaks of having to receive and call on the name of Christ by faith. Quite simply, by God's grace, through faith, one turned and followed Jesus Christ in discipleship and thus was termed to had received the gift of eternal life. (John 3:16; 17:3)
2. Jesus Christ, not the baptism, was the author and finisher of faith
This was a baptism of repentance - that is - it was a baptism that came as a result of repentance. Christ's modeling of baptism before the people was to show with whom they were following. He being the object of their faith prior to their entry into the water was also to be the subject of their public profession of faith before other witnesses. It was Christ, not the baptism, that is the center point of both this first mention of baptism and His final command for all true believers to be baptized. It is Christ, and faith in Christ, which is the cause of one following through with believer's baptism. Whenever we make baptism to be the cause of salvation, or the event of salvation, we make baptism, not Christ, the author and finisher of faith.
3. Christ's baptism revealed the importance of baptism for the Christian
The late Adrian Rogers writes these words: "Think of the Ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. He had a ministry of three and a half years. How did He commence His ministry? By being baptized. How did He conclude His ministry? By commanding baptism - the Great Commission."1 Christ modeled it for us, and then commanded it to us. Christ would not command what He had first not willingly carried out by His own example. Every Christian's aim is to be like the Master. Baptism is that essential first step of Christian obedience.
4. Baptist churches affirm the significance of baptism being for believers
The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 states: "Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus."2 This is why we are using the term "believer's baptism", since the Bible knows of no other type of people who are fit candidates for this practice - namely believers.
Thus biblical believer's baptism matters because it was mandated by Jesus Christ. It was modeled by Him at the beginning of His earthly ministry and it was commanded by Him at the conclusion of His earthly ministry prior to His ascension.
___________________________________
1. Adrian Rogers. What Every Christian Ought to Know. B & H Publishing Group. Nashville, TN. 2005. Page 112
I would highly recommend this book to new converts and older Christians. It most clearly and completely explains the whole of Christian faith and experience. Dr. Rogers was a wonderful Southern Baptist Pastor and leader for decades before his passing in 2005.
2. Baptist Faith and Message 2000
This doctrinal statement of the Southern Baptist Convention is available at www.sbc.net. Once you are on the site, go to your left and click on the tab marked: "statement of faith".
Why Jesus was baptized
In the course of studying Jesus' life, a key event marked the end of Jesus' private preparation from birth to age 30 and the beginning of his public ministry from age 30-33: namely his baptism. When Jesus comes to the Jordon river, John the Baptist, his cousin and the last prophet of the Old Testament era, stops him and states in Matthew 3:14 - "I have need to be baptized by you." Jesus' response to John reveals his purpose for getting baptized: "it is fitting for us to fulfilll all righteousness". (Matthew 3:15)
What Jesus was saying in the original language was that he wanted to show the people what it looked like to not only be right with God positionally, but to show them by example the very righteousness they would need credited to them to be made right with God - namely Christ Himself. The promise to which they were believing, and the message to which John had been preaching, was now standing before them.
Christ's Baptism served as an example to not only the Jews of His day, but set the precedent for his final instructions to His church
Christ mandated baptism by both modeling it and commanding it. In Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-23 and John the Baptist's testimony in John 1:19-34 we see the event of Christ's baptism. As we already mentioned, Christ's baptism marked the beginning of His public ministry. Additionally, Christ's Baptism signalled the beginning of the end of John's ministry, since John's preaching of the promised Messiah had been shown to be made complete.
The main differences between John's baptism and New Testament baptism is of perspective. The former looked forward to Messiah and the other pictures the believer's prior identification by faith in what Christ had accomplished. However when we consider the similarities, we can note how Jesus mandated baptism's main elements by modeling and commanding it:
1. Conversion by faith in Jesus Christ must occur before
Luke's version of John's Baptism in Luke 3:7-22 has various people from the crowds coming for baptism. As the crowds come, some of the people begin to question John about the meaning of what he was doing. Although he was baptizing, he did not baptize people who had not first already expressed faith and repentance in the Messiah. In Luke 3:18 we read that "with may other exhortations he preached the gospel".
At the end of Matthew, when Jesus gives His great commission, He commands baptism to be done to those who had been "made disciples". A Disciple was a follower of Jesus Christ who had been "born again' by the Spirit of God to conversion. (John 3:3-6) John 1:12-13 speaks of having to receive and call on the name of Christ by faith. Quite simply, by God's grace, through faith, one turned and followed Jesus Christ in discipleship and thus was termed to had received the gift of eternal life. (John 3:16; 17:3)
2. Jesus Christ, not the baptism, was the author and finisher of faith
This was a baptism of repentance - that is - it was a baptism that came as a result of repentance. Christ's modeling of baptism before the people was to show with whom they were following. He being the object of their faith prior to their entry into the water was also to be the subject of their public profession of faith before other witnesses. It was Christ, not the baptism, that is the center point of both this first mention of baptism and His final command for all true believers to be baptized. It is Christ, and faith in Christ, which is the cause of one following through with believer's baptism. Whenever we make baptism to be the cause of salvation, or the event of salvation, we make baptism, not Christ, the author and finisher of faith.
3. Christ's baptism revealed the importance of baptism for the Christian
The late Adrian Rogers writes these words: "Think of the Ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. He had a ministry of three and a half years. How did He commence His ministry? By being baptized. How did He conclude His ministry? By commanding baptism - the Great Commission."1 Christ modeled it for us, and then commanded it to us. Christ would not command what He had first not willingly carried out by His own example. Every Christian's aim is to be like the Master. Baptism is that essential first step of Christian obedience.
4. Baptist churches affirm the significance of baptism being for believers
The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 states: "Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus."2 This is why we are using the term "believer's baptism", since the Bible knows of no other type of people who are fit candidates for this practice - namely believers.
Thus biblical believer's baptism matters because it was mandated by Jesus Christ. It was modeled by Him at the beginning of His earthly ministry and it was commanded by Him at the conclusion of His earthly ministry prior to His ascension.
___________________________________
1. Adrian Rogers. What Every Christian Ought to Know. B & H Publishing Group. Nashville, TN. 2005. Page 112
I would highly recommend this book to new converts and older Christians. It most clearly and completely explains the whole of Christian faith and experience. Dr. Rogers was a wonderful Southern Baptist Pastor and leader for decades before his passing in 2005.
2. Baptist Faith and Message 2000
This doctrinal statement of the Southern Baptist Convention is available at www.sbc.net. Once you are on the site, go to your left and click on the tab marked: "statement of faith".
Friday, July 6, 2012
God Created the Higgs Boson
Isaiah 46:9 “Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no
other; I am God, and there is no one like Me
How Science has been understanding the world of the extremely small for the past century
In the world of physics a major announcement was made that a new particle called "The Higgs Boson" was observed on July 4, 2012 for the first time. Over the course of the past century scientists have been developing how we understand the underlying structure of physical reality. For roughly fifty of those years, a model called "The Standard Model" has been used. From the discovery of the existence of the electron in 1893 to the supposed discovery of this newest particle, science in general, and the Standard Model in particular, have been useful in helping us understand our sub-atomic world. This model identifies objects such as protons, neutrons and electrons (stuff that we learned in school) and nearly sixty other different types of sub-atomic particles are categorized according to their mass, their characteristics and interractions with one another.
A Brief Look at the Higgs Boson or what scientists call "The God Particle"
Like the periodical chart of the elements we all had to memorize in our highschool chemistry courses, the standard model of particle physics has its own chart. For decades we've experimentally demonstrated the existence of every particle predicted by the model except one - "The Higgs Boson".
In short, "The Standard Model" suggests that the sizes, shapes and masses of the particles that make up everything we see from tables to toddlers is based upon how those particles interract within a field of energy that pervades the entire universe called the "Higgs field". The reason for this nickname "the God particle" is due to the Higgs' property (as a field, and then as a particle) of supplying mass and shape to every other particle described in the standard model.
In one way of illustrating, picture a school cafeteria where the entry of certain people will cause the rest of students to act and behave differently. Whether it be the captain of the football team, the class bully or the Principal will determine whether the students go along the wall, crowd to sit at the same table or line up single file in a neat line. In the minds of many scientists, this constitutes finding the "Holy Grail" of particle physics, since such a particle may unlock further mysteries of creation itself.
What the God Particle is and is not - putting this discovery into perspective
Just like the discovery of the laws of Gravity, first articulated by Sir Isaac Newton 500 years ago, the supposed discovery of the Higgs Boson is man's exploration of a property of our universe God Himself wrote into the fabric of creation. God has given mankind the ability to explore, discover and describe the universe. (Proverbs 2:6) Despite man's fallen condition, the ability to discovery both the underlying structure and meaning of our universe constititutes partially of what it means to to be made in God's image. (Genesis 1:26-28)
In our current understanding of the universe, the amount of material reality defined by the Standard Model as discussed above only covers 5% of what we know and observe. To illustrate, lets say I was to give you a puzzle composed of 20 pieces that when completed, would picture the entire universe. With the discovery of the Higgs Boson, we now have a complete understanding of one of those pieces. The other 19 pieces are either incompletely understood by our laws of physics or are not understood at all. We to this day still do not know what occupies the over 90% remaining stuff and energy holding together all of our galaxies and stars (scientists have given the remainder such vague names as "dark energy" and "dark matter")
The truth still remains - God created the heavens, the earth and yes - the Higgs Boson
If anything, the discovery made this past week is a very important one, but it is one that won't overturn what the scripture asserts in 60 places: That God created the Heavens and the Earth. Certainly there is nothing wrong in discovering the fact that there could be a special energy field that pervades the universe that is used as a means of supplying the matter we know of its size and shape. Yet the "Higgs Boson" represents an area that comprises a small amount of what is yet to be discovered. As long as we don't make the philosophical leap and say that all existence, life and humanity sprang from that field, we will retain the much needed humility and sound reasoning required in both scientific and theological understanding. To say that the Higgs Field is responsible for the universe, life and humanity itself begs the question: from whence came the Higgs field, life and the universe itself?
Keep focusing upon Christ, the Author and Finisher of Creation and Redemption
Colossians 1:16-17 tells us the true Power, or rather, the Person behind fields of energy such as the Higgs Field - Christ Himself: "For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."
As God's people, living in this unprecedented age of discovery and knowledge, may we ever strive to focus our eyes on Jesus Christ, the "Author and Finisher of the Creation" and "The Author and Finisher of our Faith". (1 Corinthians 8:6; Hebrews 12:1-2)
How Science has been understanding the world of the extremely small for the past century
In the world of physics a major announcement was made that a new particle called "The Higgs Boson" was observed on July 4, 2012 for the first time. Over the course of the past century scientists have been developing how we understand the underlying structure of physical reality. For roughly fifty of those years, a model called "The Standard Model" has been used. From the discovery of the existence of the electron in 1893 to the supposed discovery of this newest particle, science in general, and the Standard Model in particular, have been useful in helping us understand our sub-atomic world. This model identifies objects such as protons, neutrons and electrons (stuff that we learned in school) and nearly sixty other different types of sub-atomic particles are categorized according to their mass, their characteristics and interractions with one another.
A Brief Look at the Higgs Boson or what scientists call "The God Particle"
Like the periodical chart of the elements we all had to memorize in our highschool chemistry courses, the standard model of particle physics has its own chart. For decades we've experimentally demonstrated the existence of every particle predicted by the model except one - "The Higgs Boson".
In short, "The Standard Model" suggests that the sizes, shapes and masses of the particles that make up everything we see from tables to toddlers is based upon how those particles interract within a field of energy that pervades the entire universe called the "Higgs field". The reason for this nickname "the God particle" is due to the Higgs' property (as a field, and then as a particle) of supplying mass and shape to every other particle described in the standard model.
In one way of illustrating, picture a school cafeteria where the entry of certain people will cause the rest of students to act and behave differently. Whether it be the captain of the football team, the class bully or the Principal will determine whether the students go along the wall, crowd to sit at the same table or line up single file in a neat line. In the minds of many scientists, this constitutes finding the "Holy Grail" of particle physics, since such a particle may unlock further mysteries of creation itself.
What the God Particle is and is not - putting this discovery into perspective
Just like the discovery of the laws of Gravity, first articulated by Sir Isaac Newton 500 years ago, the supposed discovery of the Higgs Boson is man's exploration of a property of our universe God Himself wrote into the fabric of creation. God has given mankind the ability to explore, discover and describe the universe. (Proverbs 2:6) Despite man's fallen condition, the ability to discovery both the underlying structure and meaning of our universe constititutes partially of what it means to to be made in God's image. (Genesis 1:26-28)
In our current understanding of the universe, the amount of material reality defined by the Standard Model as discussed above only covers 5% of what we know and observe. To illustrate, lets say I was to give you a puzzle composed of 20 pieces that when completed, would picture the entire universe. With the discovery of the Higgs Boson, we now have a complete understanding of one of those pieces. The other 19 pieces are either incompletely understood by our laws of physics or are not understood at all. We to this day still do not know what occupies the over 90% remaining stuff and energy holding together all of our galaxies and stars (scientists have given the remainder such vague names as "dark energy" and "dark matter")
The truth still remains - God created the heavens, the earth and yes - the Higgs Boson
If anything, the discovery made this past week is a very important one, but it is one that won't overturn what the scripture asserts in 60 places: That God created the Heavens and the Earth. Certainly there is nothing wrong in discovering the fact that there could be a special energy field that pervades the universe that is used as a means of supplying the matter we know of its size and shape. Yet the "Higgs Boson" represents an area that comprises a small amount of what is yet to be discovered. As long as we don't make the philosophical leap and say that all existence, life and humanity sprang from that field, we will retain the much needed humility and sound reasoning required in both scientific and theological understanding. To say that the Higgs Field is responsible for the universe, life and humanity itself begs the question: from whence came the Higgs field, life and the universe itself?
Keep focusing upon Christ, the Author and Finisher of Creation and Redemption
Colossians 1:16-17 tells us the true Power, or rather, the Person behind fields of energy such as the Higgs Field - Christ Himself: "For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. 17He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."
As God's people, living in this unprecedented age of discovery and knowledge, may we ever strive to focus our eyes on Jesus Christ, the "Author and Finisher of the Creation" and "The Author and Finisher of our Faith". (1 Corinthians 8:6; Hebrews 12:1-2)
Biblical Believer's Baptism
Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me
in heaven and on earth. 19“Go
therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all that I commanded
you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
As Jesus gives His final set of instructions, one of the commands that He issues pertains to the practice of baptism. As we survey the entirety of the New Testament, we discover that baptism is mentioned nearly 100 times. Over the course of church history there have been some beliefs and confusion that have entered into this important command of Jesus to His apostles and church.
Attempting a more thorough treatment of the subject of baptism
I want to survey a larger selection of texts, and trace as closely as possible the entire testimony of scripture - aiming to present the whole counsel of God on the subject of baptism.
In order to handle the large number of scriptures and directions one could take in studying this issue of believer's baptism, I will propose four headings in answering this simple question: What is the significance of Believer's Baptism?
Believer's Baptism's significance is discovered under the following four headings:
1. It was Mandated by Jesus Christ. That is, it was modeled and commanded by Christ. We will discover what is meant by the term "ordinance", as well as who is scripturally qualified to administer baptism.
2. It has a Method to follow. As we will survey the Gospels, Acts and Epistles, we will discover that baptism was a practice done following one's commitment of faith to Christ. When done biblically, faith is first, followed by believer's baptism.
3. It has a Meaningful Mode. The mode or manner in which baptism is done is closely linked to communicating its meaning.
This writer will contend that immersion is the only proper mode that fits both the original meaning of the words for "baptize" and "baptism".
4. It is a Must for believers. Baptism is not optional, but essential for obedience. Since only Christian's were baptized in the New Testament, we will advocate the idea of calling baptism "believer's baptism". All Christians need to be baptized. We will explore the blessings that come to both the participant and to those witnessing the ordinance.
My prayer is that those reading this blog will find this survey helpful. I would also encourge the reader to search this blog and explore the past treatments written on this subject. If anything, if any clarity is achieved as a result of this blog - all glory goes to God alone.
As Jesus gives His final set of instructions, one of the commands that He issues pertains to the practice of baptism. As we survey the entirety of the New Testament, we discover that baptism is mentioned nearly 100 times. Over the course of church history there have been some beliefs and confusion that have entered into this important command of Jesus to His apostles and church.
Attempting a more thorough treatment of the subject of baptism
I want to survey a larger selection of texts, and trace as closely as possible the entire testimony of scripture - aiming to present the whole counsel of God on the subject of baptism.
In order to handle the large number of scriptures and directions one could take in studying this issue of believer's baptism, I will propose four headings in answering this simple question: What is the significance of Believer's Baptism?
Believer's Baptism's significance is discovered under the following four headings:
1. It was Mandated by Jesus Christ. That is, it was modeled and commanded by Christ. We will discover what is meant by the term "ordinance", as well as who is scripturally qualified to administer baptism.
2. It has a Method to follow. As we will survey the Gospels, Acts and Epistles, we will discover that baptism was a practice done following one's commitment of faith to Christ. When done biblically, faith is first, followed by believer's baptism.
3. It has a Meaningful Mode. The mode or manner in which baptism is done is closely linked to communicating its meaning.
This writer will contend that immersion is the only proper mode that fits both the original meaning of the words for "baptize" and "baptism".
4. It is a Must for believers. Baptism is not optional, but essential for obedience. Since only Christian's were baptized in the New Testament, we will advocate the idea of calling baptism "believer's baptism". All Christians need to be baptized. We will explore the blessings that come to both the participant and to those witnessing the ordinance.
My prayer is that those reading this blog will find this survey helpful. I would also encourge the reader to search this blog and explore the past treatments written on this subject. If anything, if any clarity is achieved as a result of this blog - all glory goes to God alone.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Grace available for making hard decisions - Pt 2
Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom; From His
mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Yesterday we looked at the foundation that God provides in granting grace to every Christian for making hard decisions. We discovered that God has grace readily available to us by His Word and indwelling Holy Spirit. We also found out that it is the Father's pleasure to do so, and that as Christians, when we "step into" such grace by simple obedience, we prove to be effective listeners.
Today I want to get more specific, since many readers of this blog may be getting ready to make a hard decision or are in the middle of one or perhaps just finished. I guarantee that all of us occupy one of those three catagories. In Proverbs 2:9-22 we see specific graces promised to the child of God who takes God at His word in their decision making.
What specifically is available to Christians in making hard decisions?
1. Discernment. Proverbs 2:9
Discernment is the grace of God available for knowing what to do before entering into the hard decision. This is the God-given ability to get a "lay of the land" or "knowing where potential mindfields or opportunities" may lie. Furthermore, the peace of God functions as my compass, giving me a sound mind to excercise the necessary steps in walking through whatever choices that need to be made. (Philippians 4:6-7)
2. Delight in God's Word. Proverbs 2:10
As you excercise yourself in God's Word, your relationship to it will change from that of duty to delight. This is especially necessary when making hard decisions. Overtime, the child of God will think of the scriptures first rather than last when faced with a "tough call". Practically, just simply asking: "What does the Bible say" invites God into the center of the conversation. Most Bibles today include a topical index in the back to aid the Christian in knowing where to look. If anything, the desire for God gained through the stress of hard decision-making is a greater reward than even the alleged solution to the problem. (1 Peter 1:6-7)
3. Discretion. Proverbs 2:11
Discretion means I have gained wisdom as a result of having walked out an area of obedience in my life. If discernment speaks about the grace made available before I enter the decision, and delight speaks to what I discover as I'm wrestling over the decision, then discretion describes what takes place after the decision. By God's supernatural grace I mature in the midst of pressure. Maturity in God is marked by retaining the ability to discern good from evil. (Hebrews 5:13-14)
4. Deliverance. Proverbs 2:12-22
Deliverance is God's grace working daily in the life of the believer who has taken God at His word. Deliverance is promised to deliver the believer from the way of evil (2:12-15) and from temptation (2:16-22). What we learn about God and His ways during a tough time far exceeds the solution we may reach in solving the issue. As we walk out in deliverance, God Himself is confirming to us that He is always available.
Yesterday we looked at the foundation that God provides in granting grace to every Christian for making hard decisions. We discovered that God has grace readily available to us by His Word and indwelling Holy Spirit. We also found out that it is the Father's pleasure to do so, and that as Christians, when we "step into" such grace by simple obedience, we prove to be effective listeners.
Today I want to get more specific, since many readers of this blog may be getting ready to make a hard decision or are in the middle of one or perhaps just finished. I guarantee that all of us occupy one of those three catagories. In Proverbs 2:9-22 we see specific graces promised to the child of God who takes God at His word in their decision making.
What specifically is available to Christians in making hard decisions?
1. Discernment. Proverbs 2:9
Discernment is the grace of God available for knowing what to do before entering into the hard decision. This is the God-given ability to get a "lay of the land" or "knowing where potential mindfields or opportunities" may lie. Furthermore, the peace of God functions as my compass, giving me a sound mind to excercise the necessary steps in walking through whatever choices that need to be made. (Philippians 4:6-7)
2. Delight in God's Word. Proverbs 2:10
As you excercise yourself in God's Word, your relationship to it will change from that of duty to delight. This is especially necessary when making hard decisions. Overtime, the child of God will think of the scriptures first rather than last when faced with a "tough call". Practically, just simply asking: "What does the Bible say" invites God into the center of the conversation. Most Bibles today include a topical index in the back to aid the Christian in knowing where to look. If anything, the desire for God gained through the stress of hard decision-making is a greater reward than even the alleged solution to the problem. (1 Peter 1:6-7)
3. Discretion. Proverbs 2:11
Discretion means I have gained wisdom as a result of having walked out an area of obedience in my life. If discernment speaks about the grace made available before I enter the decision, and delight speaks to what I discover as I'm wrestling over the decision, then discretion describes what takes place after the decision. By God's supernatural grace I mature in the midst of pressure. Maturity in God is marked by retaining the ability to discern good from evil. (Hebrews 5:13-14)
4. Deliverance. Proverbs 2:12-22
Deliverance is God's grace working daily in the life of the believer who has taken God at His word. Deliverance is promised to deliver the believer from the way of evil (2:12-15) and from temptation (2:16-22). What we learn about God and His ways during a tough time far exceeds the solution we may reach in solving the issue. As we walk out in deliverance, God Himself is confirming to us that He is always available.
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