What is Baptism? by Jeff Himmel

The Greek word rendered baptize means to dip or immerse. But you don’t have to know Greek to know that baptism is immersion. Consider these indicators.

John 3:23 says that John the baptizer was baptizing at Aenon near Salim "because there was much water there."

Acts 8 tells of Philip teaching the gospel to a man from Ethiopia. The man’s baptism is described in verses 38-39. They both went down into the water, Philip baptized him, and they came up out of the water.

Baptism is a burial, a likeness of Jesus’ burial and resurrection following His death. "Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). "[H]aving 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" (Colossians 2:12).

Some religious groups "baptize" people by sprinkling or pouring water on them. But that is not the same thing as dipping or immersing. Nothing in these verses or any others even remotely suggests sprinkling or pouring as the action in baptism. Those practices did not begin until several centuries after the time of Jesus.

What Is Its Purpose?

Again, let the Bible answer.

"He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16).

"Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38).

"Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name" (Acts 22:16).

"Or do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?" (Romans 6:3).

"For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body . . ." (1 Corinthians 12:13).


"For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ" (Galatians 3:27).

"And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you . . ." (1 Peter 3:21).

Baptism is an act of faith which puts us into Christ, whose blood washes our sins away. It unites us with Christ; we die to sin and are raised to "newness of life" (Romans 6:4-5). We become members of His body, which is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). Our sins are forgiven; we are saved.

Who Is It For?

The purposes of baptism are to save or wash away sins, and to add one to Christ or to His body, the church. These purposes indicate that baptism is for the lost -- those outside of Christ. Yet not every lost person is ready to be baptized. Other things must come first.

When the Ethiopian asked, "What prevents me from being baptized," Philip answered that he could if he believed (Acts 8:36-37). So baptism is for those who believe. Belief or faith comes by hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17). Before a person is ready to be baptized, he must hear and believe the gospel. Baptism without faith is just getting wet.

On the day of Pentecost, Peter told those who believed in Jesus to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38). So baptism is for those who repent. Repentance is a change of heart, a determination to turn away from sin. One who is not ready to live as Jesus directs is not yet ready to be baptized. Baptism without repentance is just getting wet.

Applications

The practice of baptizing babies is foreign to the New Testament. As we’ve seen, baptism is for penitent believers. Babies have no capacity to understand or believe the gospel, nor have they committed any sins of which to repent.

The practice of being baptized to show that one is already saved is also contrary to the Bible. Not a single passage says that is baptism’s purpose. Besides, salvation is only in Christ, and baptism is what puts the believer into Christ (Romans 6:3). If a person is saved without baptism, then he is saved outside of Christ.

The Ethiopian confessed his faith in Christ, as all who would be saved must (Romans 10:9-10). At that point nothing prevented him from being baptized and enjoying salvation in Christ. He took advantage of the first opportunity. How about you? What prevents you from being baptized?

What is Baptism? by Jeff Himmel

The Greek word rendered baptize means to dip or immerse. But you don’t have to know Greek to know that baptism is immersion. Consider these indicators.

John 3:23 says that John the baptizer was baptizing at Aenon near Salim "because there was much water there."

Acts 8 tells of Philip teaching the gospel to a man from Ethiopia. The man’s baptism is described in verses 38-39. They both went down into the water, Philip baptized him, and they came up out of the water.

Baptism is a burial, a likeness of Jesus’ burial and resurrection following His death. "Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4). "[H]aving 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" (Colossians 2:12).

Some religious groups "baptize" people by sprinkling or pouring water on them. But that is not the same thing as dipping or immersing. Nothing in these verses or any others even remotely suggests sprinkling or pouring as the action in baptism. Those practices did not begin until several centuries after the time of Jesus.

What Is Its Purpose?

Again, let the Bible answer.

"He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16).

"Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" (Acts 2:38).

"Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name" (Acts 22:16).

"Or do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?" (Romans 6:3).

"For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body . . ." (1 Corinthians 12:13).


"For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ" (Galatians 3:27).

"And corresponding to that, baptism now saves you . . ." (1 Peter 3:21).

Baptism is an act of faith which puts us into Christ, whose blood washes our sins away. It unites us with Christ; we die to sin and are raised to "newness of life" (Romans 6:4-5). We become members of His body, which is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). Our sins are forgiven; we are saved.

Who Is It For?

The purposes of baptism are to save or wash away sins, and to add one to Christ or to His body, the church. These purposes indicate that baptism is for the lost -- those outside of Christ. Yet not every lost person is ready to be baptized. Other things must come first.

When the Ethiopian asked, "What prevents me from being baptized," Philip answered that he could if he believed (Acts 8:36-37). So baptism is for those who believe. Belief or faith comes by hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17). Before a person is ready to be baptized, he must hear and believe the gospel. Baptism without faith is just getting wet.

On the day of Pentecost, Peter told those who believed in Jesus to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38). So baptism is for those who repent. Repentance is a change of heart, a determination to turn away from sin. One who is not ready to live as Jesus directs is not yet ready to be baptized. Baptism without repentance is just getting wet.

Applications

The practice of baptizing babies is foreign to the New Testament. As we’ve seen, baptism is for penitent believers. Babies have no capacity to understand or believe the gospel, nor have they committed any sins of which to repent.

The practice of being baptized to show that one is already saved is also contrary to the Bible. Not a single passage says that is baptism’s purpose. Besides, salvation is only in Christ, and baptism is what puts the believer into Christ (Romans 6:3). If a person is saved without baptism, then he is saved outside of Christ.

The Ethiopian confessed his faith in Christ, as all who would be saved must (Romans 10:9-10). At that point nothing prevented him from being baptized and enjoying salvation in Christ. He took advantage of the first opportunity. How about you? What prevents you from being baptized?

Are Denominational Differences Minor? by Jeff Himmel

A while back, someone wrote to Billy Graham asking if he thought all the churches would ever get together. The questioner complained that he was confused by all the different churches and did not know which one to believe.

The answer included this statement "Don’t let minor differences between denominations confuse you, for they are just that -- minor." Is that true?

Denominations differ on the standard of morality. Some permit homosexuality; others disapprove (1 Corinthians 6:9). Some condone divorce and remarriage for most any reason (but see Matthew 19:1-9); others (at least officially) do not allow it at all. Some march in favor of abortion, others march across the street against it. Some oppose gambling; others make it a regular part of their fund-raising.

In view of the fact that sin separates us from God, I have a difficult time categorizing questions of what constitutes sin as "minor differences." What do you think?

Churches disagree about what we must do to be saved. Some say we can do nothing; it is wholly a matter of divine predestination, a choice God made irrespective of any response on our part. Some say all will be saved (but see Matthew 7:13-14, 21-23). Some say we must receive the sacraments. Some say we are justified by faith only (but see James 2:14-26). Some say we need to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. Many say all we have to do is accept Jesus as our personal Savior, without ever explaining exactly how to do that. One church says that people can be saved for their ancestors who did not themselves obey the gospel.

In view of the fact that my eternal destiny hangs in the balance, I have a difficult time considering the question, "What must I do to be saved?" as a minor matter. What do you think?

Religious groups do not agree about the condition of the saved, either. Some affirm that once you are saved, you cannot subsequently ever do anything that would cause you to be lost. Others say the opposite. Some teach that you may go through a partial punishment after this life for your lesser wrongs, but following that you can go to heaven.

Again, in view of the fact that this issue directly affects my eternal destiny, I have a difficult time putting it into the realm of "minor differences." What do you think?

Worship is another matter of discrepancy. Not all churches worship on the same day. Some limit music to singing, others use instruments. Some say God requires a tithe; others say He does not. Some eat the Lord’s Supper weekly, others quarterly or even less often. Some allow their members to eat only the bread, and one or two omit it altogether. Some have only men preachers; others use women in that role. Some leap and shout, others are quite stoic. Some pray to Jesus’ mother. Some have people speaking gibberish that no one can understand.

In view of the fact that the Bible plainly teaches that not all worship is acceptable to God, and some is even an abomination to Him, I have a difficult time dismissing these contradictions as "minor differences." What do you think?

Conclusion

The attempt to sweep away the problem of religious division as "minor differences" is futile. These are major disagreements on matters of the greatest import. Do not be deceived. Read your Bible and learn the truth about these and similar questions. Abandon the false religions of men and follow Jesus. He will add you to His church, the saved.

If you want to know what the Bible says about the answers to these questions, please email me.

What the Bible Says About What the Bible Doesn’t Say by Jeff Himmel

What the Bible says is important. Our attitude toward what it says is important. So is our disposition toward what it does not say. What does the Bible say about what the Bible doesn’t say?

There is a reason for silence

God had a purpose in speaking to us through the written word. He hasn’t spoken just to satisfy our curiosity. He has spoken to guide us: "I know, O Lord, that a man’s way is not in himself; nor is it in man who walks to direct his steps" (Jeremiah 10:23). He has spoken to show us how to be acceptable to Him: "For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe" (1 Corinthians 1:21).

Since the Scriptures are sufficient to equip us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16ff), we can reasonably conclude that if the Bible doesn’t tell us something, it isn’t essential to our happiness or living to please God. Deuteronomy 29:29 sums it up: "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us ...."

Speculation is foolish

Many discussions about religious matters are filled with conjecture about some detail that God has not revealed. People often get "hung up" on such things. Many disagreements in religious teaching and practice are over matters about which the Bible is silent. People are divided less over what is in the Bible than over what isn’t in it.

This problem is evidently not new. Consider these warnings from Paul to Timothy and Titus: "For some men . . . have turned aside to fruitless discussion, wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions" (1 Timothy 1:6ff). "But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels" (2 Timothy 2:23). "But shun foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law; for they are unprofitable and worthless" (Titus 3:9).

Silence is prohibitive

Sometimes people try to use the silence of the Scripture to justify what they do in religion: "The Bible doesn’t say not to." Does that mean we are free to do anything and everything that God does not specifically prohibit? Is silence permissive?

We certainly don’t think so in other areas. I ordered a part from a tool company a few weeks ago. I simply told them which part I wanted. Happily, I didn’t have to go through the entire parts inventory list and say, "I don’t want that, or that, or that, . . ." The company understood, as we all do, that I wanted only what I asked for.

Now apply that common sense to the Bible. God does not need to specify everything He does not want. He simply tells us what He does desire, and that rules out everything else. If not, why not? Remember, the purpose of revelation is to guide us, to let us know how to please Him.

The Bible itself confirms that this is the correct approach. Consider a couple of examples.

Under the Mosaic Law, God specified the tribe of Levi as the tribe from which the Jewish priests were to be taken. He did not itemize all the other tribes as unqualified; He just instructed that Aaron and his sons (of the tribe of Levi) be set apart as priests (Exodus 28:1). Yet the author of Hebrews, writing by inspiration, affirmed that God’s silence with reference to the other tribes banned anyone from their number being a priest (Hebrews 7:13-14). Thus God’s silence is prohibitive.

Many direct statements of Scripture warn against acting outside the bounds of God’s revealed will. "Every word of God is tested . . . Do not add to His words lest He reprove you, and you be proved a liar" (Proverbs 30:5-6). God cautioned the Israelites, "You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it" (Deuteronomy 4:2). As John concluded his prophecy in Revelation, he wrote, "I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are written in this book" (Revelation 22:18). If our teaching and practice go beyond God’s revelation, we "add to" His words — and we act presumptuously. "For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct Him?" (1 Corinthians 2:16).

Many churches do things in their work and worship which the New Testament gives us no authorization to do. "The Bible doesn’t say not to" is not sufficient reason for us to engage in this or that activity. Let’s be content to focus on what God has commanded.

Study carefully what God says. Don’t fret over what He chose not to reveal. And in the words of Paul, "Learn not to exceed what is written" (1 Corinthians 4:6).

How to Establish Bible Authority by Bill Blue

The U.S. Census Bureau’s Statistical Abstract dated September 29, 1998, lists 76 faiths in America that had 60,000 or more members. Of this number, 59 considered themselves Christian. Of the 59 "Christian" faiths, there are no two that agree 100% of the time on all issues.

Considering such diversity, one must ask, "How can I be sure that I am interpreting the Bible correctly?" One church uses instrumental music in worship; another does not. Some churches have gymnasiums and dinners on the grounds; other churches condemn such practices. Women preach in some churches; in other churches women are not permitted to preach. How do we establish Bible authority to determine which of these practices, if any, are permitted?

Jesus provides us an example. When confronted by Satan and tempted in the wilderness, Jesus answered each temptation with the phrase, "It is written" (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10). Thus, we should seek to answer Bible questions with Bible answers because, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

Knowing where to find the answer is only half the battle. Knowing which Scriptures to use and how to apply them is the other half. Fortunately, Jesus and the Apostles provide us with additional examples of how they interpreted Scripture. When referring to the Scriptures to answer Bible questions, Jesus and the Apostles used direct statements or commands, examples, and necessary inferences.

For example, in Acts 11 Peter was confronted by Jews who were unhappy about the fact that Peter had shared the Gospel with Cornelius and other Gentiles. To resolve the controversy, Peter referred to the command of the Holy Spirit to go to Cornelius (Acts 11:12). Peter then tells the Jewish brethren that the Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius and the others as it had fallen, "upon us at the beginning," (Acts 11:15) referring to the example of the Apostles’ baptism of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2. Peter then necessarily inferred that because Cornelius and the others received the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the same manner as the Apostles, that God intended for the Gentiles to hear the Gospel (Acts 11:17). After hearing Peter’s use of command, example, and necessary inference authority, "those of the circumcision" (Acts 11:2) believed that "God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life" (Acts 11:18).

Consider the acts and practices of your local church. Most churches meet on Sunday because that is when the Christians in the First Century, under the guidance of the Apostles, met to share the Lord’s Supper and collect the contribution of the saints (Acts 20:7, 1 Cor. 16:2). Most churches share unleavened bread and fruit of the vine when taking the Lord’s Supper because those are the materials used by Christ when He instituted the observance (Matt. 26:26-28, Luke 22:19-20) and Paul instructs us to follow the same command (1 Cor. 11:23-29). Churches sing during worship because Paul commanded Christians to sing (Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16).

Whether or not one realizes it today, churches participate in these activities in these ways because someone sometime ago was concerned with authority. Churches observed the commands and examples of the Apostles because they realized that the commands were written for all churches (2 Pet. 3:15-16). Churches also realized that the commands were recorded in the New Testament so that they would be preserved after the Apostles died (2 Pet. 1:15). Over time, however, authority gave way to traditions, and in some corners, traditions have given way to convenience and preferences (2 Tim. 4:3-4).

Consider all of the acts and practices of your local church. Look at each worship activity in minute detail. What is being done, by whom, and in what manner? Can you cite Scriptural authority for the practice? Is there a command, example, or necessary inference that supports the activity? Can you answer, "Because ‘it is written’?"

Although there are more than 59 "Christian" faiths, unity is not only possible, but expected (1 Cor. 1:10). Unity, however, can only come through God’s divine standard – the Scriptures. Unity will come when we decide to set tradition, preference and convenience aside, do Bible things in Bible ways, and honor Paul’s admonition that, "whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Col. 3:17).

The Limits of Old Testament Authority by Bill Blue

In last week’s article we read about many reasons why the Old Testament is still of value to Christians today. At the conclusion of the article, I asked the following question: "May we use examples of Old Testament worship activities [such as observing the Sabbath or the use of musical instruments] to justify the same activities today?" I respectfully suggest that the answer is no.

The purpose of the Old Testament was fulfilled in Christ’s death. Paul wrote that Christ "wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross" (Col. 2:14). Paul then says that as a result of this "wiping away" or "nailing to the cross," that the Colossians should "let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance is of Christ" (Col. 2:16-17). No longer do we have to worry about clean and unclean food from a spiritual point of view, nor do we have to observe the three festivals or a sabbath because they were part of the old law. We are not under the old law (Gal. 3:24-25). Paul wrote that those who seek to justify themselves by the old law estrange themselves from Christ (Gal. 5:4).

Sometimes Christians err by trying to authorize an act or practice in worship today by pointing to an Old Testament example where Israelites performed the same act or practice, forgetting that the old law governed Israel’s worship. Paul addressed such issues in the First Century because the church originated in Jerusalem (Acts 2), and many, if not all, of the church’s first converts were Jewish. Some of the Jewish brethren insisted that Christians had to keep both the old law and the Law of Christ.

In multiple letters, Paul addressed the issue of whether Christians had to keep the Law of Moses (Rom. 3-7, Gal. 2:11-5:4). He concludes that the old law was "abolished" (Eph. 2:15), and that anyone "who becomes circumcised," [or keeps part of the old law – Blue] "is a debtor to keep the whole law" (Gal. 5:3). Why then do people resort to the Old Testament as authority for observing sabbaths, paying tithes, or using musical instruments when worshipping God?

Although the Law of Moses has been abolished, the Old Testament is still useful for Christians today. We can benefit from studying its passages. Although we cannot cite it as authority for a particular act or practice of worship today, nor consult it to determine how one is to be saved, we can still learn from it (Rom. 15:4). Studying the Old Testament can make us wise (2 Tim. 3:15) because "All Scripture [not simply the New Testament] is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The Old Testament serves to warn us of the consequences of sin (1 Cor. 10:11), supports our belief in the inspiration of the Bible, and helps us better understand the need for the New Testament. However, our failure to understand its proper place in our spiritual lives can prevent us from "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15).

Perhaps you believe in keeping the Sabbath (which is Saturday), or you like to use instrumental music in your worship to God. Why? When we remember (1) that worship in the Jewish era was governed by the old law, (2) that the old law has been fulfilled, and (3) that we are not under the old law, it should become obvious that simply because something occurred in the Old Testament does not necessarily mean that the same act or practice is authorized today. Perhaps you have other reasons for performing these acts or practices. If so, where is your authorization?

We will continue to discuss authority over the next two weeks. These articles will discuss how to find authority in the New Testament, and whether silence can be authority for an act or practice. In the meantime, should you want to discuss this week’s article, please do not hesitate to telephone me.

The Use and Value of the Old Testament by Bill Blue

"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning" (Romans 15:4).

Paul was referring to the Old Testament when he wrote the above verse. Even so, some Christians say that the Old Testament is of no value today. On the other hand, other Christians err when they justify a practice today by showing that it was authorized in the Old Testament. Because Christians are responsible for "rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15), it is important for us to understand the proper use and value of the Old Testament.

We can learn a lot about God in the Old Testament.

The Old Testament provides insights into the nature of God. For example, we learn that God hates divorce (Mal. 2:16) and homosexuality (Lev. 20:13), and that God does not change. (Mal. 3:6, "For I am the Lord, I do not change").

Through the punishments God inflicted upon people like Nadab and Abihu (Exo. 27:20-21), King Saul (1 Sam. 13:3-14), Uzzah (2 Sam. 6:2-7), and King Uzziah (2 Chron. 26:16-20), we learn that God does not compromise where sin is concerned.

Paul also stressed the importance of studying Old Testament scripture for understanding God’s attitude toward sin when he wrote that, "all these things happened to them [the children of Israel] as examples, and they were written for our admonition" (1 Cor. 10:11).

Scientific and historical facts in the Old Testament can support our faith.

Scientific and historical truths recorded in the Old Testament thousands of years ago prove the inspiration and inerrancy of the Bible. Some of these truths include facts about the universe such as the "circle" of the earth (Isa. 40:22), space ("He [God] hangs the earth on nothing," Job 26:7); the cycle of water from rain to rivers to oceans and back to the clouds through evaporation (Eccl. 1:7 and Job 36:27), and the existence of ocean currents (Psa. 8:6-8).

The Old Testament also informs us about events that occurred in antiquity. Many of these accounts have been proven true by archaeologists and none have been proven false. Facts such as how the walls of Jericho fell (Joshua 6), and the burning of Hazor (Joshua 11) – both proven true - reinforce our faith in the accuracy of the Scriptures.

The Old Testament instructs us with eternal wisdom.

The Old Testament is full of wisdom that ranges from the practical to answering the biggest questions of life. It warns us about the effects of alcohol (Prov. 20:1; 24:29-35) and it also tells us the meaning of life: "Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is the whole duty if man" (Ecc. 12:13). These truths are eternal, and just as accurate today as when they were first uttered.

The Old Testament explains the need for the Gospel of Christ.

The Old Testament records man’s fall from grace, which occurred when Adam and Eve sinned (Gen. 3). From that point forward, the Old Testament, indeed the whole Bible, is concerned with restoring man’s relationship to God.

In Genesis 12, we learn about God’s promises to Abraham. In one of these promises, God promised Abraham (then Abram) that, "all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Gen. 12:3). In the New Testament we learn that this promise was fulfilled in Christ (Gal. 3:16). The Old Testament is full of other prophecies about Christ.

God also promised to make Abraham "a great nation" (Gen. 12:2). This promise was fulfilled in the nation of Israel, to whom was given the Law of Moses, which is recorded first in the second book of the Old Testament – Exodus.

The Law of Moses, or "old law," was given because of transgression (Gal. 3:19), and through the old law man learned the consequences of sin (Rom. 7:7).

The old law was incapable of saving man from sin (Gal. 3:11-13; Heb. 10:1-4). Rather it was a curse (Gal. 3:10) that served to condemn sinners (Rom. 3:19-23; 2 Cor. 3:7, 9).

The old law was a shadow of the Law of Christ (Heb. 10:1; Col. 2:16-17). In this sense, it served as a bridge between the time of the separation of man from God, which occurred when Adam and Eve sinned, and the current era that began at Christ’s resurrection (Gal. 3:19-24).

Thus, if we did not study the Old Testament we could not verify the prophecies of Christ and we would lose some of the greatest faith-building facts recorded in the Bible. In addition, without the Old Testament it would be difficult to appreciate the true value and meaning of the Gospel of Christ, having lost a keen perspective from which to view God’s mercy. But, may we use examples of Old Testament worship activities to justify the same activities today? For the answer to this question, please read next week’s article.