Recently heard a sermon on the virtues of the Ordinances. NO! Virtues is not the right word; this word means "goodness", as in something that is good. Baptism, one of the two ordinances presented, is a good practice. However, the way baptism is often presented is like this: "If you do not get baptised, how can you call yourself a Christian? After all, it is Christ's first command for all who profess faith in Him." I firmly believe that most proponents of baptism would not say that it is a condition of salvation, however the emphasis and subtle (sometimes not so subtle!) nuances that pervade some evangelical messages is clear: Jesus commands us to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Water. John baptized with water (Acts 1:5, 11:15-18) as a foreshadowing of the baptism of the Holy Spirit brought by Jesus. Jesus commands baptism not IN water but IN the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). So why is water baptism emphasized so heavily?
7 comments:
Could the emphasis be there because of Jesus own baptism...entering the water and then coming up from it?
The choice to do the same as him...as the example.
I don't know for certain.
I did find this article
http://www.hornes.org/theologia/rich-lusk/jesus-baptism-the-fount-of-life
(the author admits it to be an unofficial compilation of thoughts) to be interesting and thought provoking.
Again though...in my ignorance of all things theological and philosophical I lean on my life verse at this point...you know the one.
I've always been taught that the word used for baptism hold within it the meaning of being totally immersed in water signifying our willingness to die to self and be raised to a new life. Baptism is not for the forgiveness of sins. Baptism is an act of obedience.
Jesus was baptized by John. It is interesting that Jesus, who was the perfect Son of Man having no need to repent and be baptized, however, chose to let John baptize him.
The Ethiopian Eunuch saw water and asked to be baptized right there.
Being baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost would then signify ownership, right?
Just further thoughts...
Karin - So if I get baptized with water, God owns me? If I don't get water baptism, who owns me then?
I have no idea why I wrote 'ownership' as I meant to say that it would signify 'obedience'. I keep having those brain fluffs lately.
If you have given your life to Christ in faith, yet have not had the chance to follow in baptism and die without being baptized, you do belong to the Lord. If, however, you are saved but refuse to be baptized then I would question whether you truly believe in Him.
Besides that, I don't have all the answers......It's God who sees the heart!
So it's salvation through faith in Christ AND baptism with water? Yes, obedience to Christ is important, but how often do we disobey Him by not loving our neighbor (by what we have said, done or left undone). On this commandment hang the law and prophets.
After posting I realize I didn't finish my thought: perhaps we should rather question a person's profession of faith when they disobey Christ in this matter (love your neighbor).
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