"And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins -- wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience, among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
[Why?] That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:1-10)
Sadly, however, there are some within modern day religious circles who oppose baptism. Not just one baptism but both baptisms. In fact, you may encounter some of these folks as you proceed forward in your faith journey. Still, it is helpful to be aware of these alternative perspectives so that you can respond accordingly with scriptures. And, as well, so that you are not led astray.
The Word of God being the foundation of our faith.
So that "now therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone -- in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord -- in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:19-22)
Still, there are those who attempt to keep believers in a state of ignorance -- speaking to the Christian community of believers as if they were unlearned, and in so doing, forgetting that Jesus not only called us, but He ordained us too. (John 15:16) But I digress.
In terms of baptism, a verse that is often cited by those who oppose the foundational teachings of the Spirit of God can be found in Ephesians 5:26.
This scripture states that Christ loved the church, and gave Himself for it so that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle but that the church should be holy and without blemish.
So that there is no confusion, Ephesians 5:26 specifically states:
"That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."
That He might present to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish, for no man ever hated his own flesh but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord nourishes and cherishes the church for we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones.
It is this scriptural reference - that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word - that opponents use as evidence against baptism. The washing of water by the Word - at least in the opponents' mind - offers sufficient reason for laying aside the importance and validity of both water baptism and Holy Spirit baptism. The question is this. How far will some go to oppose the Holy Ghost teachings as outlined in the scriptures?
But that is a subject for another day. What should be happening is that rather than trying to eliminate or erase important scriptural teachings, including those of baptism, we should recognize that the scriptures are establishing Christian teachings for a reason. For it is the application of the Word that accomplishes the washing of water by the Word and subsequently, sanctifies and cleanses us.
Therefore, if the Word does indeed sanctify and cleanse us, what hinders these opposers of the Word from repenting and being baptized into the name of JESUS? Is it not in the performance of the Word that results in the removal of spots and wrinkles from our sinful record?
As the scripture points out, we are His flesh, His bones, His body and if indeed we are redeemed and born again believing persons, then we ought to become subject to the mind of His Spirit.
My sheep hear My voice! (John 10:27-28)
The same instructions apply to John 15:3. "Now you are clean through the Word that I have spoken to you."
We need to remember that which is written after Jesus ascended up into the heaven emanates from the very same JESUS who gave commands to His apostles through the Holy Ghost. (Acts 1::4)
Indeed, it was (and is) the same JESUS -- through His own holy Spirit (the ghost writer) -- who spoke through the Apostles' mouths. The same teachings that were delivered in Acts 2 when men, women, boys and girls were instructed to repent and be baptized into the name of JESUS for the REMISSION of SIN so that they, in so doing would receive the PROMISED GIFT of HIS HOLY SPIRIT!
Therein, the three thousand plus asked the most critical question of all time. That is, "What must we do to be saved?"
And Peter (standing with the eleven) did not hold back in responding. Rather, he said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sin and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:37-42)
Hear what the Spirit of JESUS has to say to your heart today. Peace to all those who obediently submitted to the wholesome Word of JESUS. The same Jesus who is the WORD OF GOD - whose WORD was in the beginning with God, and is now being proclaimed to all nations throughout this world.
Remember too that the scriptures offer us guidance and direction in our Christian walk. We need to delve into His Word because His Word not only sanctifies us but His Word is truth.
The disciples once asked, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." (John 6:68)
Yes, Jesus alone can save us. He is the Bread of Life. He is the Door to Eternal Life. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The same Lord that was crucified on the cross was later declared by all the apostles as both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36)
Get to know Jesus through His Word today. Stand in the offering plate.
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