INFANT BAPTISM
Baptism; the water that
divides. - Is it something you do, or
something you receive?
First Word
·
I am a student of the
scriptures
and read many commentaries, gleaming a synthesis of thoughts and arguments of which
conclusions I distill down into layman’s terms, which lets me side step the
technical and minute peculiarities and counter arguments and grammatical
controversies that just drive you crazy and present the results with just plain
talk.
·
Christians of many
denominations
are NOT UNITED on the subject of Infant Baptism, but have so much common ground
on the things they do agree on, such as: the Bible is the errorless word of God
– God is the creator of the universe – Jesus is the Son of God - The Holy
spirit is the third person of the Trinity and we all are baptized in the name
of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. - With that said we should walk
with a sense of love towards those who have a different conviction on Infant
Baptism especially since the Bible is silent on this subject. – If it
was a command, God would have told us so.
·
Paedo-Baptism, Covenant Baptism,
Household Baptism or Infant Baptism, is a form of baptism that does not
require the active participation of the baptized, but does require
the active commitment of the parents. - Many
denominations that do not support Infant Baptism still have solemn, but yet joyful
“Dedication Ceremonies” for their children. - This is different from the
Believer’s Baptism which does require active participation.
·
Infant Baptism is conspicuously
absent in the Bible; there is not one incident of it, not even a description of
it, nor is there a mandate for it. – No one in the New Testament wrote about
it; Jesus never baptized any children and nobody else in scripture did either;
nor were they instructed or taught to do so. - To link this 2000 year old TRADITION
of infant baptism to the Bible, you would have to literally put it into the
Bible yourself or use “Inferential Evidence”.
Inferential
Evidence
·
God said I will establish
my covenant
between Me and you and your offspring after you throughout
their generations for an everlasting covenant; to be God to you and to
your offspring after you. – The word COVENANT is mentioned some 270 times in
scripture. – The covenant is extended to children on the basis of parental
faith.
·
I want to paint a picture
here
of how infant baptism could be inferred in scripture. There is the mention of whole
households being baptized which brings on the assumption that the total household
family usually contained children.
·
Stephanas whole household
was baptized by Paul. – Cornelius and his entire household was saved –
Lydia was baptized and her whole family, as well as the suicidal Jailer
and his whole family was baptized.
·
Infant Faith was evident when the baby
“John the Baptizer” leaped in the womb of his mother when Mary entered the room
with Jesus still in her womb. – Psalms says; from the womb you made me
trust you. – Jesus Himself said children can have faith and He took infants
into His arms who were not necessarily of believing parents and He blessed them.
Faith is not a product of just reason, but of a relationship which is
not limited to the mind. The principal
of Family Unity is clear in scripture.
·
A Hebrew child was
circumcised as an infant and became part of the Covenant Family, likewise
an infant born to a Christian Believer should be baptized and become part of
the Covenant Family.
·
There is no evidence or
record
in the Bible that baptism was forbidden on the basic of age, nor does it
prescribe an age for it. – There is no evidence of anyone delaying the baptism
of their children because of their age, nor is there evidence of anyone being
against the baptism of an infant, nor was any parent challenged who wanted to do
such.
·
When Christianity began, we only had scriptures
of adults that were converted to the faith; there were no “Cradle Christians” who
had been brought up from childhood in a Christian home; there just wasn’t any
to be recorded in scripture.
·
Jesus said the promise is for you
and for your children. - “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to
such belongs the kingdom of God”. – There is a universal call to rise
and be baptized; EVERYONE, not just adults.
·
What scriptural principal is violated when a child
is baptized and is brought along in their maturity of faith? – The covenant
faith of the parents qualifies a child to be baptized; brought into the kingdom
of God and taught the principals of the faith.
Genesis 17:7 – Covenant
between God, Abraham & his children
7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. (ESV)
7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. (ESV)
Romans 4:11 – The Sign and
Seal extended to all who believe
11 He received the SIGN of circumcision as a SEAL of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of ALL WHO BELIEVE without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, (ESV)
11 He received the SIGN of circumcision as a SEAL of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of ALL WHO BELIEVE without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, (ESV)
1 Corinthians 1:16 – Stephanas
whole household Baptized
16 I (Paul) did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else. (ESV)
Acts 11:13-14 – Cornelius was saved and his household.
13 And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter;
14 he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ (ESV)
16 I (Paul) did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else. (ESV)
Acts 11:13-14 – Cornelius was saved and his household.
13 And he told us how he had seen the angel stand in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa and bring Simon who is called Peter;
14 he will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ (ESV)
Acts 16:15 - Lydia was baptized, and her household as well
15 And after she (Lydia) was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us. (ESV)
15 And after she (Lydia) was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us. (ESV)
Acts 16:31-33 – Jailer was baptized and his whole family
31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
32 and they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. (ESV)
31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
32 and they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. (ESV)
Luke 1:44 – The Baby John
recognized Jesus in the womb
44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby (John the Baptist) in my womb leaped for joy. (ESV)
44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby (John the Baptist) in my womb leaped for joy. (ESV)
Mark 9:42 – Children can believe on Christ
42 Whoever causes one of these little ones who BELIEVE in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. (ESV)
42 Whoever causes one of these little ones who BELIEVE in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. (ESV)
Psalm 22:9 - From the
womb; you made me trust you
9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts. (ESV)
9 Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts. (ESV)
Matthew 19:14 - Let the little children come to me
14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (ESV)
14 but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (ESV)
Luke 18:15 – Infants were brought to Jesus
15 Now they were bringing even INFANTS to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
15 Now they were bringing even INFANTS to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
(ESV)
Mark 10:14-16 – Children belong in the kingdom of
God
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
16 And he TOOK THEM IN HIS ARMS and blessed them, laying his hands on them. (ESV)
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
16 And he TOOK THEM IN HIS ARMS and blessed them, laying his hands on them. (ESV)
Acts 2:38-39 – Be Baptized – You and your children
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
(ESV)
Acts 22:16 – Universal call – Rise and be baptized
16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ (ESV)
16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ (ESV)
Joshua 24:15 - Family Unity – My whole house will serve
God
15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (ESV)
15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (ESV)
Background
Noise
·
There are a few things that
are making noise in the background that people Believe and think are in the
Bible, but in fact they have no scriptural reference at all; we need to look at
a few of these and MUTE the sound.
·
Baptism has mysterious and magical Divine powers
that Saves – MUTE - A child that dies before he is baptized will not go
to heaven. – MUTE - Baptismal water
washes away original sin; this is called Baptismal Regeneration – MUTE - Jesus
was baptized when he was 30; so teenagers, those in their 20’s and
certainly infants should NOT be baptized. – MUTE - The Bible says that the age
of accountability is set at 13. – MUTE – With infant baptism, you cannot
distinguish between the believer and the non-believer – MUTE –
·
Hit the MUTE button; place your “BS”; your Belief System on hold
for a little while.
·
The real issue is; what does the Bible say
about the status of children of Godly parents?
Two Sacraments
·
Baptism and the Lord’s
Supper
are the only two solemn sacraments that the Lord has appointed for us to
observe.
·
The OT Passover is a meal that is restricted
and reserved for those who can understand God’s redemptive act and is
meant to nurture and grow the believer; it is a renewing of the Covenant
of Grace.
·
The NT Lord’s Supper is an observance that is restricted
and reserved for those who have confessed Jesus as Lord of their life
and have been baptized into the community of believers. There is one
body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith,
and ONE BAPTISM.
Baptism is a
Command
·
On the day of Pentecost, Peter gave God’s COMMAND
to repent and be baptized.
·
You can be indifferent, unwilling, defiant or
uninterested in Baptism, or just be completely opposed to the thought of openly
confessing Jesus Christ, but it’s still a COMMAND.
Acts 2:38 - Repent and be Baptized
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (ESV)
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (ESV)
Baptism Defined
·
The Bible is clear on what
Baptism is,
who it is for and what it accomplishes. – Only Believers in Jesus Christ are
baptized as a public testimony of their submission and covenant relationship
with Him; identifying with His life, death, burial and resurrection.
·
Baptism is an action or
works
of man and scripture is clear that through works, we can do nothing to merit
salvation. – So Baptism does not save even though some denominations say
that it does. – Simon the Sorcerer believed and was baptized, but was
not saved.
·
First is repentance for your sins and
acceptance that Jesus Christ is your Lord, then a public observance through
baptism and a turning away from the old sinful nature.
·
Baptism is a sign of
belonging
– Jesus is the vine, we are the branches that belong to the vine and so are the
little twigs on the branches. – All are alive in the vine; at some point
if there is any dead wood or make-believers, they will be pruned and CUT OFF.
·
Infant Baptism Dedication should only be extended
to Covenant Infants; children of active professing believers. – We don’t
wait until the child grows up to see if he chooses to be part of the family,
but is treated as part of the family right away.
·
God’s Covenant involves
two things;
Family Solidarity and Personal Responsibility; Not one or the
other, but both. – The Covenant extends to the believer, their family and the
future generations to come.
Acts 2:38 - Repent then be
Baptized
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
(ESV)
Galatians 2:16 – We are
not justified by what we do
16 yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified
16 yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified
(ASV)
Acts 8:13 – Simon believed and was baptized, but
NOT SAVED
13 Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed. (NLT)
13 Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed. (NLT)
Acts 8:18-23 – Simon offered money to buy the Holy
Spirit
18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power.
19 Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!”
20 But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought!
21 You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God.
22 Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts,
23 for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.” (NLT)
18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power.
19 Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!”
20 But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought!
21 You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God.
22 Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts,
23 for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.” (NLT)
Ephesians 2:8 – Salvation
is a GIFT from God
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is A GIFT from God. (NLT)
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is A GIFT from God. (NLT)
Acts 2:38-39 - First Repent then be baptized – Promise children
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins …
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins …
39 For the promise is for
you and FOR YOUR CHILDREN and for all who are far off, everyone whom the
Lord our God calls to himself.”
John 15:5 - I am the vine; you are the branches
5 I am the vine; you are the BRANCHES. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (ESV)
5 I am the vine; you are the BRANCHES. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (ESV)
John 15:1-2 – The dead wood in the vine is pruned
away
1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.
2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (ESV)
1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.
2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (ESV)
Deuteronomy 7:9 – Covenant extends to thousands of
generations
9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, (ESV)
9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, (ESV)
Age of
Accountability
·
The age of accountability for a
Jewish boy according to Jewish law is 13 years of age when he becomes
a “bar mitzvah” and is then accountable for his actions. - According to
Orthodox and Conservative Jews; a girl becomes a “bat mitzvah” at the
age of 12, and according to Reform Jews, she is accountable at the age of 13;
until then they are considered INNOCENT and INCAPABLE of sin.
- Wikipedia
·
However; scripture teaches that
we are ALL sinful at any age, – We are born in Sin - David confessed that
he was sinful at conception – We can be sinful, but not accountable. -
Psalm 51:5 – We are sinful from conception
5 surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. (NIV2011)
5 surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. (NIV2011)
One Baptism
·
There is one body and one
Spirit,
one hope, one Lord, one faith, and ONE BAPTISM.
·
Baptism is a SIGN and a
SEAL
of a Believer entering into the family of God.
·
Believer’s Baptism assumes that the person has received
Christ, renounced his former life, embraces Jesus as Lord of his
life, and is now willing to make it a public profession. – The
doctrine of salvation is by Grace alone through Faith alone in Jesus
Christ alone. This is personal confession that cannot function in an
infant.
·
Infant Baptism is considered symbolic as
well as the mysterious act of God by which a claim or mark is placed on the
child’s life by God and the Church.
·
There is a distinction
between the two baptisms; one needs to repent, the other does not.
·
It is a dedication of an infant by “Professing
Christian parents” making a public commitment that they will raise the child up
in the Christian Faith with the admonitions of the Lord and are asking the community
of believers to help them to do just that, with the belief and
anticipation that one day, the child of his or her own “Free Will Choice”, will
make a public profession of faith and receive salvation. – Sometimes it
is called a “Confirmation”, which is the culmination of mentoring or church
classes that “confirm” his or her understanding and commitment.
Ephesians 4:4-5 – One
Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—
5 one Lord, one faith, ONE BAPTISM, (ESV)
4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—
5 one Lord, one faith, ONE BAPTISM, (ESV)
Anabaptist
·
History would point out that the
Catholic Church baptized Infants into SALVATION and into the Church membership.
They believed that “Tradition” carried the same weight as the
Scriptures. - There arose a sect which believed “sola scriptura” or scripture alone should govern the
life of a Christian, not Tradition. – You cannot read Tradition into the
scriptures. The sect was against
baptizing children who had not yet come to the age of accountability;
they were known as the anti-baptizers or the Anabaptist.
·
Anabaptists
are Christians who believe in delaying baptism until the candidate confesses
his or her faith in Christ, as opposed to being baptized as an infant. They
required that baptismal candidates must be able to make a confession of faith
that is freely chosen, thus they rejected baptism of infants.
·
They insisted upon the
"Free Course" of the Holy Spirit in worship, which included the operation
of the “Gifts of the Spirit”, yet still maintained that it must all be judged
according to the Scriptures.
·
They were early promoters
of a “Free Church” and argued for the interdependence of the church and secular
authorities which we refer to as the “separation of church and state”.
·
Anabaptists were heavily
persecuted
during the 16th century and into the 17th century because of their views on the
nature of baptism and largely because of their interpretation of scripture, “sola scriptura”; scripture
alone which put them at odds with the official state Catholic Church
interpretations and the government.
·
At one time there was no separation
of Church and State; there were countries where everyone was a Catholic because
they had been baptized as an infant as a Catholic; and there were countries
where everyone was a Protestant because as an infant they had been baptized as
a protestant; you were under both Political and Religions laws.
·
Ana means “again”;
Anabaptist became a nick name for re-baptizers. - They were against being baptized once as an
infant then baptized again when you reached the age of accountability. - In the
year of 391AD the civil code of law made it a capital offence to Baptize
twice. “Whoever forsakes the Holy faith
and desecraters the Holy baptism through heretical superstition shall be
excluded from human society”; you were “persona
non-grata” in your own society. - Today the successors of the
Anabaptist are the Mennonites, Amish, Hutterites, and Schwarzenau Brethren.
·
From about the 4th
century on,
the parents of Methodist, Presbyterians, Lutheran, Episcopalian and Anglican
denominations still practice this ceremony of publically announcing their
intent of bringing their children up in the admonition of the Lord through the
“Dedication Ceremony” of Infant Baptism; MARKING the child for the family of
God.
SIGN and SEAL
of the Covenant
·
To understand baptism in the New Testament, we
must first understand circumcision of the Old Testament.
- There
were three kinds of covenants. - NYOBS 05.34 - BLOOD COVENANT
- One
sided
– I make an agreement with you because I want to – You agree to the
conditions.
- Two
sided
- The two of us make an agreement – We both participate fully.
- Self-imposed. – Covenant is with
God – He seeks us out – Remains faithful when we are not.
·
God made a covenant with
Abraham
and his offspring; the Nation of Israel and children were a part of this
covenant. – This covenant was extended to the “never to believe” Ismael
and to the “not yet believing” Isaac and to all of Abraham’s servants.
– The sealing ordinance was for “all who believe”
·
Male Children were to be circumcised on
the 8th day as a SIGN
of the everlasting Covenant between God, Abraham and his descendants,
marking them with a sign of their entrance into the covenant community. – It
was a cutting off of Abraham and his children from the rest of the heathen
world.
·
Jesus was born into a
covenant community and was circumcised, and later was baptized into the New
Covenant community of believers.
·
The Old Covenant with Abraham was one
sided; Abraham did not have to do anything, it was initiated and completed
by God, but it had an IF clause in it… If you obey God’s commands,
THEN you will receive the full blessings of the covenant.
·
It goes without saying that some who were
circumcised were not really of the faith. - Ishmael,
the son of Abraham left the covenant community and renounced his faith in the
one God of Abraham and embraced Allah and started his own religion of
Islam. - So you can be brought into the community of Believers and over time leave
because you were just a Make-Believer. – Today many have a mental assent to God
and only have a form of godliness that denies His power. – It’s in the book -
·
Old Testament SIGN and
SEAL;
if you were a MALE, Circumcision was required if you wanted to become
part of the family of Jews and worship the one God of Israel. - Circumcision of
Jewish adults was rare since there were few converts to Judaism, you were born
into it and circumcised as an infant.
·
New Testament SIGN and
SEAL;
if you were a MALE or FEMALE, Baptism was required if you wanted to
become part of the family of God and worship God and Jesus Christ His Son. The Spiritual meaning of circumcision
in the Old Covenant is fulfilled in the Baptism of the New Covenant.
·
Baptism is Circumcision made without bloody hands;
the cutting off of the sinful nature and is made available to all, male and
female, Jew and Gentile. – A BETTER COVENANT. Baptism replaced Circumcision as
the SIGN and SEAL of the covenant of grace and righteousness.
·
On the day of Pentecost, Peter said that the
Covenant promise was for them and their Children. – As a side note;
at the very young age of 13 a boy and a girl of 12 could marry, so it is
reasonable to assume that the preadolescence were part of this promise.
·
If the New Covenant excludes our children
from the promise, then the New Covenant is less generous to us than the Old
Covenant.
Romans 4:11 – Circumcision
is God’s seal of righteousness
11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, (ESV)
11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, (ESV)
Colossians 2:11-12 - Christ performed a spiritual circumcision
11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.
12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
11 When you came to Christ, you were “circumcised,” but not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual circumcision—the cutting away of your sinful nature.
12 For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
(NLT)
Genesis 17:12 - He who is eight days old shall be circumcised
12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring, (ESV)
12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring, (ESV)
Luke 2:21 – Jesus was
circumcised
21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. (ESV)
21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. (ESV)
Matthew 3:16 – Jesus was
Baptized
16 And Jesus when he was baptized, went up straightway from the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him; (ASV)
16 And Jesus when he was baptized, went up straightway from the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him; (ASV)
Exodus 12:48 – Let the Gentile
be circumcised – Become a native
48 If a stranger shall sojourn with you and would keep the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised. Then he may come near and keep it; he shall be as a native of the land. But no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. (ESV)
48 If a stranger shall sojourn with you and would keep the Passover to the LORD, let all his males be circumcised. Then he may come near and keep it; he shall be as a native of the land. But no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. (ESV)
Colossians 2:11-12- Circumcision made without hands
11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,
12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. (ESV)
11 In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,
12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. (ESV)
Deuteronomy 10:16 –
Circumcise the foreskin of your heart
16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. (ESV)
16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. (ESV)
Deuteronomy 30:6 - God will circumcise your heart
6 And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul that you may live. (ESV)
6 And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul that you may live. (ESV)
Acts 8:12 - Baptized, both men and women
12 But when they believed Philip preaching good tidings concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both MEN AND WOMEN. (ASV)
12 But when they believed Philip preaching good tidings concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both MEN AND WOMEN. (ASV)
Acts 2:38-39 - The promise is for you and for your children
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and BE BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 For the promise is for you and for YOUR CHILDREN and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (ESV)
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and BE BAPTIZED every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 For the promise is for you and for YOUR CHILDREN and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (ESV)
Exodus 19:5-6 – IF you
obey my covenant
5 Now therefore, IF you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine;
6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” (ESV)
5 Now therefore, IF you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine;
6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” (ESV)
1 John 2:19 – Make Believers that did not really belong to us
19 they went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us. (NIV2011)
19 they went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us. (NIV2011)
2 Timothy 3:4-5 – Having only a form of godliness
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. (NIV2011)
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. (NIV2011)
The Conundrum
·
With the advent of the
Gospel message
presented on radio, television, crusades and camp meetings; salvation has
always been on the forefront, but Baptism has taken a back seat to the Great
Commission to Go Preach, Teach and Baptize.
·
The world is full of
people
who have accepted Christ, but have never been baptized, likewise the world is
full of people who were baptized as infants, and marked for the kingdom,
but have never accepted Christ after hearing and understanding the Word of God.
·
Presbyterians who were “sprinkled” at
their Believer’s baptism are not accepted into the Baptist Church which
requires full submersion; they must be RE-BAPTIZED as if their faith at their
first baptism was not sincere and was of no effect. - With much emotion many reject this
second baptism, and worship God in the church without ever becoming a member.
Matthew 28:19-20 – Great
Commission; Preach, Baptize, Teach
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (ESV)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (ESV)
Total new
thoughts
·
To drive you further crazy; Baptism is not something
that you do, but it is something that happens to you - Baptism is received
from God.
·
Baptism of the New
Covenant
is God’s claim on a person, just as Circumcision of the Old Covenant is God’s
claim on a person. – Both are a
sacrament indicating that a person was set aside and MARKED for the family of
God. – A child of the Old Covenant was not expected to have faith or be
instructed in the law because they were incapable of manifesting faith or
receiving instructions. Likewise the
expectations of a Child of the New Covenant is not expected to express
faith and receive instructions. – It was not necessary for children to believe
in order to be brought into the family of God.
·
We must move away from
thinking
about coming into the community of believers as something that was OUR DECISION
and move to the place where we believe that it was GOD’S DECISION to bring us
in. – It was a one sided covenant where God did it all, we just receive
the grace gift.
·
Children of the Promise were marked with CIRCUMCISION
only once; Hold that thought.
·
If you have never been
baptized,
then this is the opportunity for you to share God’s decision and finished
work in your life through the sacrament of baptism that is witnessed by the
community of believers who will covenant with you to help you to grow in
your faith.
·
If you were baptized as a infant and have now come to the
place in your life as a believer that you chose to be in the family of God;
there is NO NEED TO BE RE-BAPTIZED, just as Jesus does not have to be re-crucified;
you have already been marked for the family of God.
·
I know this upsets some
folks…
but, just as there was only one circumcision,
there
is only ONE BAPTISM.
Ephesians 4:4-5 – One
Lord, One Faith, One Baptism
4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—
5 one Lord, one faith, ONE BAPTISM, (ESV)
4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—
5 one Lord, one faith, ONE BAPTISM, (ESV)
In the multitude of counselors,
there is wisdom.
Proverbs 11:14
I am grateful to those that went before me
providing concepts, ideas, historical
information, and scripture verses. Because of them I can stand on their
shoulders
and see further that I otherwise ever could
have.
Antiquity of the Jews – Flavius Josephus Matthias
Apocrypha - Goodspeed
Bible Almanac; The – Packer-Tenney-White
Bible Dictionary – Harper and Row
Dake’s Annotated Bible – Dake
English Standard Version
Bible – ESV
Expositor’s Bible
Commentary – Frank E. Gaebelein
Illustrated Bible
Dictionary – Nelson’s
Illustrated Bible
Dictionary; The – Tyndale
Infant Baptism – John MacArthur
Infant Baptism – John Piper
Interlinear Greek-English
New Testament - Baker
King James Version Bible –
KJV
Mysteries of the Bible –
Readers Digest
Nave’s Topical Bible - Zondervan
New International
Dictionary of the Bible; The – Douglas -
Tenney
New International Version
Bible – NIV
Thru the Bible – J. Vernon McGee
Who’s Who in the Bible – Paul D. Gardner
Wikipedia –
Zondervan Pictorial
Encyclopedia of the Bible; The – Tenney
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