Baptism is the arche or foundation principle of the gospel for mankind: without the remission of sins there is NO good news.
What is the beginning of the gospel according to Mark 1: to us the key to the kingdom is baptism. The beginning of the gospel is the word arche or the most important thing for believers."the idea of an unbaptized Christian is simply not entertained in the New Testament" (F.F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, p. 77).
Matthew recorded the absolute direct commad of Jesus:
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Matt 28:18
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name (singular) of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matt 28:19NKJV
Matheteuo (g3100) math-ayt-yoo'-o; from 3101; intrans. to become a pupil; trans. to disciple, i.e. enrol as scholar: - be disciple, instruct, teach.
"teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. Matt 28:20
-
Paul tells about His own baptism and connects it to the great Commission
- For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. Acts 22:15
- And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Acts 22:16
Calling on the name of the Lord is what happens when one REQUESTS a clear conscience according to Peter in 1 Pet 3:21. This calling always involves baptism.
It is not possible to be a DISCIPLER without being a DISCIPLE.
- Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. Acts 14:20
- And when they had
- preached the gospel to that city,
- and had taught (discipled) many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Ac.14:21
- After preaching the Good News there and making many disciples, they returned again to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, Acts 14:21LIV
According to the command of Jesus MAKING DISCIPLES is parallel to BAPTIZING them. Again, so we keep the context:
- "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name (singular) of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Matt 28:19NKJV
- Ethnos (g1484) eth'-nos; prob. from 1486; a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; spec. a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually by impl. pagan): - Gentile, heathen, nation, people.
Baptism is not a PUNCHED TICKET to heaven. Rather, much like proselyte baptism or "commercial" baptism into disciple ship to one who HAD SECRETS no one else had. Discipling includes the participles BAPTIZING and TEACHING.
- Matheteuo (g3100) math-ayt-yoo'-o; from 3101; intrans. to become a pupil; trans. to disciple, i.e. enrol as scholar: - be disciple, instruct, teach
- However, only by becomming the PUPIL of God in Christ can you benefit from His purpose to teach you. And without becomming a disciple you repudiate Jesus as the One Master Teacher. Believeth not defines you as treacherous and an infidel.
This gives the lie to the Zwiglians who claim that the FIRST death and FIRST gospel was for the Jews only. After 1525 Zwingli's radically new FAITH ONLY and believer's baptism believes that one must WORK and STRUGGLE with Law, believe and then have Christ come and DIE for them personally. Or, perhaps, they BECOME Christ and die for their own sins.
Before Paul the Master Tentmaker would share his trade secrets or mysteries with you you must take on his name and he baptizes you. Why would Jesus teach you the deep mysteries of the faith before you became his CHILD in the faith. After baptizing them as the first step of DISCIPLING then Jesus said:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matt 28:20
- Aion (g165) or the whole Messianic period (present or future)
- For the truths sake, which dwelleth in us, and shall be with us for ever.2Jn.1:2
The gospel of Mark records the same commandment:
- And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15
- He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mark 16:16
There are two participles which relate to the verbe "to disciple." They are: BAPTIZING and TEACHING. The command of Jesus to DISCIPLE all nations demands these two steps: Baptizing and Teaching.
Is it some kind of weird accident that Mark shows how the GOSPEL had its beginning as the MOST IMPORTANT thing for we WHO ARE NOT CHRIST begis with baptism:THE beginning (Arche, most important) of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; Mark 1:1
<>As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Mark 1:2Henry George Liddell, Robert Scott, A Greek-English Lexicon
archê , hê, (v. archô) beginning, origin
beginning, from the first, from of old, lay a foundation,
from the beginning, from the first, from of old,
logos the original argument,
the principal sum, first principle, element
The ARCHE or foundation of the gospel is also THE WAY God predestined to save mankind FROM the race of wicked men:
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye THE WAY of the Lord, make his paths straight. Mark 1:3
The foundation was the COUNSEL of God to prepare a tiny remnant as an offering on the day of Pentecost:
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Mark 1:4
And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. Mark 1:5
Because the rich and famous wanting to sell more books and bookings, baptism is being attacked with malice aforethought. The peddlers of the free Word and the urge to "get rich" automatically leads them to assuming that God was not able to make HIS Word survive the Y2K experience. However, they in a partnership with God are "working our your own salvation" which, Shelly claims, means to help God reveal His message for their culture. Did Jesus ever sell a book for 28 dollars?
First, we have to decide what the gospel IS NOT. Do you remember that Jesus "fired" the experts in the law because they TOOK AWAY the KEY to knowledge and made liturgical prayers and wrote books to steal the houses of widows? To solve the problem, Jesus gave the KEYS to Peter, the big fisherman, who would not TAMPER with the Word. This masculine man could never get "one hour with the king" and his lecturship.The key is not "just Jesus": That would be Anti-Christ. When Peter preached he went back to the Testament. Without that foundation his sermon would make no sense. Peter opened the church by repentance and baptism to those who already believed. People who respond are seekers.
What led those "who would get rich" peddling the Word to lead so many to reject Christ and His Words? They use old science to cunningly devise fables that all Bible truth expired. They say that we slipped into the Postmodern world where all trut--before them--was so uncertain and "sifted" that there were only seven truths ABOUT Jesus left. They called this the "core gospel" but it had no "apple." Strong delusions has sifted this down to Just Jesus. See Dennis Downing under Max Lucado at Oak Hills. Just Jesus And Rubel Shelly
- WHY WE NEED THE TRUTH about the beginning of the gospel in Mark 1.
Review of Max Lucado's Creed on baptism: Part One: The Thief on the Cross Saved without Baptism! No: Christ had not yet preached to the pre- Cross faithful nor ascended into heaven.Part Two: Baptism is just a pledge that you have been saved? No: Baptism is our REQUEST TO God; not OUR guaranteeing OUR faith and future conduct to gain "church" membership.
Part Three: Salvation by Trust Only or Prayer Only? 12/5/02 See how the GA, Shelly, Lucado Trithism as A Family of Gods leads naturally to despising the counsel of the human Jesus and how Baptists Baptism denies that Christ came FULLY in the flesh.
Part Four: Romans 6: Baptism DOES NOT save?
Another reason for the attack on Scripture and baptism is a very weird misunderstanding of science (the flat earth society). Doctor of Philosophy, Rubel Shelly, claims to understand the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle announced in 1927. This says that if you shoot a sub-atomic particle with another sub-atomic particle you move it and can never know its location. Like a comedy routine, they claim that when we "shoot" our culture-evolved eyes at a scroll Jesus may have read we cause "truth" to change its meaning. Therefore, baptism has expired along with basic honesty. Why do people love it? Click to see below what has replaced the Bible for all of the look-alikes delibertely sowing discord.PAUL spread the news: FOOLS LOVE TO BE FOOLED!
Carroll D. Osburn, a "leading" pseudo-scholar at a once-Christian university says that men with advanced degrees are being trained as prophets, chanellers and facilitators and sent out to change YOUR church. He reveals the change agent's plan by reporting on feminists with the same agenda.
"Much of what is held as 'truth' by patriarchalists seems actually to be nothing more than cultural bias" (p. 43).
By lumping churches of Christ with Feminists he reveals the GUILT CLAUSE;
"Feminist hermeneutics stands over against patriarchal hermeneutics" its goal achieved
.......... "by small, often unnoticed acts of SUBVERSION. Numerous such incremental changes,
.......... like erosion, will eventually BRING DOWN the fortress." (Meaning male Father-Son)"The Bible is not so much a 'heaven-sent answer book' as a historical book produced within and for a historical community--
.......... yet it serves as Scripture today because people find themselves accountable to it.
.......... That is what make its Scripture" (p. 46)."There is major disagreement on whether one should use the Bible to undergird doctrines in a "proof-texting way, or whether one should allow doctrine to emerge from understanding texts in their literary and historical contexts. Certainly these differing views of Scripture lie behind differing views of women in the church" (p. 90)
Men who have no shame take the pay of a college or church and then deny that the beginning of the gospel is baptism. Jesus said that unless you are born AGAIN of water and Spirit or water and the Word you SHALL NOT, CANNOT enter into the kingdom. But Jesus took away the keys to knowledge from the doctors of the law:
Carroll D. Osburn contends that "when one teaches that baptism is "for the remission of sins," and insists this truth is a test of Christian fellowship, he is an advocate of "sectarianism" (Carroll D. Osburn, The Peaceable Kingdom, Abilene, TX: Restoration Perspectives, 1993, p. 52). He says "that whether one believes that baptism is "for" the remission of sins, or "because of" the remission of sins, is wholly irrelevant (p. 91).
Yes, Jesus said that Doctors of the Law "Take away the key to knowledge." The conclusion to such a statement is that IT JUST DOESN'T MATTER. When this happens Paul told the Hebrews that by rejecting the beginning of the gospel people fall from grace and they are guilty of blaspheming the SPIRIT as the Word of God.
Rubel Shelly and John York "take liberties" and read "work our your own salvation" and NARRATE it to mean that the old people in partnership worked out their own SCRIPTURE for their culture. However, we live in a different CULTURE (didn't everyone). Therefore, WE have to partner with Go to get a new set of TRUTH.
But, history knows that effeminate males and females always produce a charismatic, musical work as opposed to the MASCULINE mind focused on the WORD in the synagogue of Christ.
Max Lucado says that neither faith, repentance, confession nor baptism has any thing to do with salvation: people love to be fooled. Max, along with Lynn Anderson, is promoting Promise Keeper's Shepherding or Discipling. They use "prayer circles" to answer their own prayers to "bring down your church." Rubel Shelly speaks of Accountability Groups. He depends on Bob Mumford who is the father of the Shepherding groups around Crossroads in Florida: fools love to be fleeced.
Tertullian: b. c. 155, /160, Carthage [now in Tunisia] d. after 220, Carthage
The consequence is, that a viper of the Cainite heresy, lately conversant in this quarter,
has carried away a great number with her most venomous doctrine,
making it her first aim to destroy baptism.
.......... Which is quite in accordance with nature; for vipers and asps and basilisks
.......... themselves generally do affect arid and waterless places.WHAT IS THE KEY to the kingdom WHICH Change Agents ARE trained to take away?
By the Spirit of Christ (1 Pet 1:11, Rev 19:10), we have the testimony of Malachi, Zacharias, Mark, John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, Peter, Paul and 1525 years of history to defend baptism as the way to glorify God's grace. Mark began his gospel account:
THE beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God; Mark 1:1
Of FIRST IMPORTANCE, the GOSPEL exists as a FORM or PATTERN. The word "First," is the Greek "PROTOS." This gospel pattern of "first importance" means the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Jesus Christ along with the other proofs of His full Deity (Col 2:9) and doctrinal teachings. (1 Cor 15).
As an example, a famous dress designer CREATES a PATTERN for the rich, but the poorest lady might follow the PATTERN free of charge. Christ gives grace only to those who follow His Steps.
Jesus called this PATTERN-GOSPEL the "BAPTISM of suffering and death" with which He must be baptized. Only those baptized with that FORM of baptism of death will be translated into a Christ's spiritual body or clothed with Him.
The GOSPEL means that Jesus Christ gives REST. The burden which God wanted removed was "spiritual anxiety created by religious ritual."
Speaking of Judas who would not live to TRIUMPH OVER Jesus, the Psalmist predicted that the enemies of Christ would attempt to remove His name from the earth.
- Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish? Ps.41:5<>
- <>All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt. Ps.41:7
- Hurt is:
- Ra (h7451) rah; from 7489; bad or (as noun) evil (nat. or mor.): - adversity, affliction, bad, calamity
- Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. Psa 41:9
- By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me. Ps.41:11
Triumph- over is quite identical to EXTERNAL MELODY. Both are related to literal and spiritual warfare against God. Jesus cast out the musical minstrels "more or less violently" as one "ejects dung." Furthermore, because the thief's bag or Judas Bag was for "carrying the mouthpieces or reeds of wind instruments" when Jesus RUBBED OF the SOP for him this was his MARK that Satan would enter into him and lead him to betray him. The mocking was musical mocking of the Warrior Levites:
ALL ROOTS MAKE WAR ON GOD
ALL ROOTS MARK THE ENEMY
ALL musical words in a religious sense derive from Satan, prostitution, sodomy, silencing the WORDS of God and therefore betraying him just as surely as all BELIEVETH NOTS repudiate baptism and MARKET their treachery are SUPPLANTERS and take "compensation" (h6118) from "heel."Psallo (psao)
- I. to touch sharply, to pluck, pull, twitch, Aesch.; toxou neuran ps. to twang the bow-string, Eur.; belos ek keraos (musical instrument) ps. to send a shaft twanging from the bow
- a carpenter's red line, which is twitched and then suddenly let go, so as to leave a mark
- II. to play a stringed instrument with the fingers, NOT with the plectron, Hdt., Ar., Plat.<>
- <>2. later, to sing to a harp, SING NTest.
<>
The REASON for the GOSPEL which frees from MAKING WAR AGAINST GOD is that no man and certainly no theatrical performer can intercede (as they claim) for you:
- None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. Isa 59:4
- They hatch cockatrice eggs, and weave the spiders web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper. Is.59:5
- Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey. And the Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no judgment. Isa 59:15
- And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. Isa 59:16
- And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn (convert) from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord. Isa 59:20
- As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord;
- My spirit that is upon thee,
- and my words which I have put in thy mouth,
- shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever. Isa 59:21
This is important because becoming a disciple of Christ frees the believer to be a student. The refreshing brought by baptism gives us rest:
Refreshing : Andronikos (g408) an-dron'-ee-kos; from 435 and 3534; man of victory [Nike]
The word REST Jesus promised us is relief from RITUALS and programs. Pauo means: bring to an end, stop! have done! be quiet!, take one's rest, cease, have done of one singing or speaking
SECONDLY, we are not Jesus Christ so the gospel for us is defined by Mark who used the Greek word "ARCHE" to reveal the mystery which Malachi prophesied about refining and washing:BEHOLD, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the WAY before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. Malachi 3:1
But who may abide (comprehend or receive) the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a REFINER'S FIRE, and like FULLER'S SOAP: Malachi 3:2 (To Wash)
The refiner's fire made silver and gold to become a water vessel pure enough to enter into the temple. Our spirit is the temple of God. Fuller's Soap makes Crimson garments as white as snow.
THE WASHING PROCESS BY JESUS CHRIST WAS PROPHESIED TO BE:
Kabac (h3526) kaw-bas, to trample; hence to wash (prop. by stamping with the feet)... WASHING. The Greek Louo (g3068) means to bathe the whole person.
And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, Re.1:5
Paul defined this WASHING:
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water (H20). Heb.10:22
God does something in CLEANSING and PURIFYING the Spirit which we cannot comprehend. Like the TYPES of the flood and the Red Sea, baptism has a destructive element which repels. Moses said: "Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord." God responded "Why call out to me, raise your hands and move move through the death waters."
ZACHARIAS prophesying of JESUS CHRIST explains the MOST IMPORTANT meaning of the gospel for mortals.
That we should be (1) saved from our enemies, and (2) from the hand of all that hate us (Satan); Luke 1: 71
(3) To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and (4) to remember his holy covenant; The oath which HE sware to our father ABRAHAM, Luke 1: 72-73
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; Lu 1:76
(4) To give KNOWLEDGE of salvation (A new spirit) unto his people
.......... (5) BY the REMISSION of their SINS, Lu.1:77Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, Lu 1:78
To give light to them that sit in darkness (ignorance) and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:79
Epiphaino (g2014) ep-ee-fah'ee-no; from 1909 and 5316; to shine upon, i.e. become (lit.) visible or (fig.) known: - appear, give light.
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Tit.2:11
Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Tit 2:12
.......... But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Tit.3:4Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Tit 3:5 (Our spirit becomes A holy spirit)
Works are Ergon (g2041) er'-gon; from a prim. (but obsol.) ergo, (to work); toil (as an effort or occupation); by impl. an act: - deed, doing, labour, work
Righteousness: Dikaiosune (g1343) dik-ah-yos-oo'-nay; from 1342; equity (of character or act); spec. (Chr.) justification: - righteousness.
Mercy is: Eleos (g1656) el'-eh-os; of uncert. affin.; compassion (human or divine, espec. active): - (/ tender) mercy.
And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. Ro.15:9
Paul is speaking of Baptism as a washing of regeneration.
Loutron (g3067) loo-tron'; from 3068; a bath, i.e. (fig.) baptism: - washing.
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, Ep.5:26
Louo (g3068) loo'-o; a prim. verb; to bathe (the whole person; whereas 3538 means to wet a part only, and 4150 to wash, cleanse garments exclusively): - wash.
Regeneration is:
Palig-genesia , hê, rebirth, regeneration, of the world, palingenesias hêgemones, of Noah and his sons, of persons, beginning of a new life,
III. in NT.,
<>1. resurrection, Ev.Matt.19.28.
2. regeneration by baptism, dia loutrou palingenesias Ep.Tit.3.5 .Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 1 Pet 3:20
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the an1 Pet 3:21swer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
To the general assembly and church (ekklesia, synagogue) of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, Heb.12:23
THE Holy Spirit does not need renewing: it is OUR spirit or mind which needs to be enlightened when we are given A holy spirit.
Dayspring is:
Anatole (g295) an-at-ol-ay'; from 393; a rising of light, i.e. dawn (fig.); by impl. the east (also in plur.): - dayspring, east, rising.
Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. Mt.2:2
Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things alway in remembrance. 2 Peter 1:15
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 2 Peter 1:16
God does not tolerate men to be a priest between you and God's Word.
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: 2 Pet 1:19
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 2 Peter 1:20
That means that it is UNLAWFUL to further expound the inspired Word of God. You must never let anyone stand between you and faithful reading and study of the Bible. Peter did not leave an office of the POPE to define what the Bible should say. Instead He wrote:
Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things alway in remembrance. 2 Peter 1:15
For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 2 Peter 1:16
For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. 2 Peter 1:17
And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. 2 Peter 1:18
Click to read Rubel Shelly and John York quoting from this passage without seening baptism. They agree that Mary was a sexually questionable woman: like Cherokee Sal, the prostitute of Roaring Camp.
Paul in Galatians shows the promise to Abraham fulfilled at baptism which was"BECAUSE Abraham obeyed me and kept my requirements, my commands, my decrees and my laws." (Gen 26:5). .
Why did Jehovah-Saved, Joshua or Jesus visit in the flesh although we live, move and have our being in Him?
No human was able to intercede between man and God. That is why He does not need, cannot tolerate, a human priesthood. Jehovah- Saved as the ARM of God came to rescue a tiny remnant:
Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world (Satan's kingdom), according to the will of God and our Father: Ga.1:4
Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to TAKE OUT of them a PEOPLE for his NAME. Acts 15:14
Satan has the majority in the grip of his grudge against Christ. Therefore, God only SEEKS those who can worship Him in the new PLACE of the human spirit (John 4:23). Only baptism explains how Christ purchases the believers.
And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you PURCHASED men for God FROM every tribe and language and people and nation. Re.5:9
For many are called, but few are chosen. Matt 22:14
Water baptism by faith puts you on the cross, in the tomb, arising with a new regenerated spirit and leaving the old "death rags" behind. Baptism is the only thing which puts on the pure garments of Christ:
for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed (sink into) yourselves with Christ. Ga.3:27
There is no second chance: don't get fooled by the change agents of Anti-Christ who WANT you to be LEFT BEHIND because,
Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, Heb 9:27
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Heb 9:28
When Christ suddenly appears, the offer will have expired.
MARK then says that the BEGINNING or the MOST IMPORTANT meaning of the GOSPEL to believers is that God will WASH us and make us WHITE AS SNOW. Refining silver or taking crimson out of a white garment is a LABOR INTENSIVE effort: only God can do that TO us and FOR us.
Jesus insisted that John baptize Him to fulfill all righteousness. Fulfill means to "coincide with a prediction, verify, fully preach baptism." His baptism was a visual aid where "Father" recognized Jesus Christ as the "SON" and not the Babylonian Mother of the Daughter. It is a permant sign of God's grace.
This was the SIGN to many. Therefore, again:
THE BEGINNING of the GOSPEL of Jesus Christ, the S.O.N. of God; Mark 1:1
Liddell and Scott note: "Arche means the beginning, origin, lay a foundation, LOGOS (Word) the WORD of the THOUGHT, principles of knowledge
Jesus the WORD OR SON spoke the THOUGHT of the FATHER. His ARCHE or most important commandment to the Apostles was to GO, PREACH and BAPTIZE those with FAITH.
Therefore, Mark looks back to the GOSPEL prophesied by Malachi and forward to "THE" faith or the Christian system.
As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy WAY before thee. Mark 1:2
The voice (shouting) of one crying in the wilderness (a very lonely place), Prepare ye the WAY of the Lord, make his paths straight (level at once). Mark 1:3
Mark then reveals the most important principle of the gospel for those who are not Jesus the Christ.
John DID baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance FOR the remission of sins. Mark 1:4
This was the MARK of the presence of God in the flesh. Many Jews saw this baptizer as a SIGN of Messiah:
And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. Mark 1:5
And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John 1:25
<>John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; John 1: 26
He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoes latchet I am not worthy to unloose. John 1: 27These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. John 1: 28And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel,
therefore am I come baptizing with water. John 1:31Jesus never baptized with water because that was to be a human act of the faithful.
After John and the disciples of Jesus showed the WAY, and after Jesus Christ fulfilled the PATTERN gospel of "baptism" in His death, He promised to return in Spirit (John 14:18) to guide the Apostles into all truth. John said that only Jesus Christ could wash our spirit and make it holy or pure.
BAPTISM OF WATER: As a human, John the Baptist and Jesus through his disciples prepared the WAY among those who REPENTED and were baptized for the forgiveness of their sins.
1. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ Acts 2:38a
2. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, 1 Pet 3:21a
WASHING OF SPIRIT: However, only the ascended Christ could give baptized believers a "washed" new spirit so that they could become as "little children." This "baptism" does not give supernatural powers unless Jesus picked you to reveal His Word and die for your faith.
1. for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the (A) Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38b
2. but the answer (request for) of A good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 1 Pet 3:21b
People after Pentecost were baptized in WATER in order to receive the washing or sprinkling of the HEART so that they had A holy spirit. History does not think that water was done away with.
Jesus Christ sets up two FORM to show that without BAPTISM which means CONVERSION you CANNOT, SHALL NOT enter the kingdom. Luke will record the new Christians being BAPTIZED or born of Water and also being CONVERTED.JESUS CHRIST ILLUSTRATED THE MEANING OF BAPTISM as CONVERSION
<>And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, Matthew 18:2
And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted,and become (be born) AS little children,ye SHALL NOT enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3
JESUS TOLD NICODEMUS THE SAME THING USING BORN AGAIN
Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mothers womb, and be born? John 3:4
The question is how can Nicodemus a grown man be BORN AGAIN. The new birth does not involve the physical birth. Therefore, to be born again is to be born of water which involves water baptism: we are born OUT of the water.
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man (already born of the flesh)
be born of WATER (H20) and of the SPIRIT,he CANNOT ENTER into the kingdom of God. John 3:5
Jesus has connected being CONVERTED to BEING BORN of water and the Spirit.
<>Palingenesia 1 [genesis] a being born again, new birth; used by Cic. of his restoration after exile:-- hence, in NTest.,1. the resurrection.
2. regeneration by baptism.Anazogr-êsis , eos, hê, restoration to life, Agath.1.13.
Peter connected the Spirit with the Word as did Jesus in John 6:63:
Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 1 Peter 1:22
Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. 1 Peter 1:23
For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: 1 Peter 1:24
But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. 1 Peter 1:25
Word is: Rhema (g4487) hray'-mah; from 4482; an utterance (individ., collect. or spec.); by impl. a matter or topic (espec. of narration, command or dispute); with a neg. naught whatever: - / evil, / nothing, saying, word.
Rheo (g4482) hreh'-o; a prim. verb; for some tenses of which ... is used; to flow ("run", as water): - flow
In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. John 7:37
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. Jn.7:38
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) John 7:39
The test of the new birth is an urgent need for the Milk and Waterof the Word:
<>WHEREFORE laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 1 Pet 2:1
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 1 Pet 2:2If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 1 Pet 2:3
As Jesus said My WORDS are SPIRIT and LIFE, His words convey GRACE and becoming joint heir with Him:
And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. Ac.20:32
Paul to the Hebrews warned of the tragic results of not loving the Word as the Holy Spirit:
For it is impossible for those who
> were once enlightened,
> and have tasted of the heavenly gift,
> and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, Heb.6:4
> And have tasted the good word of God,
> and the powers of the world to come, Heb 6:5If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh,
.......... and put him to an open shame. Heb 6:6For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: Heb 6:7
But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. Heb 6:8
Now, pick up Peter again:
<>To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, 1 Pet 2:4
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. 1 Pet 2:5Pneumatikos (g4152) pnyoo-mat-ik-os'; from 4151; non-carnal, i.e. (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concr.), or divinely supernatural, regenerate, religious: - spiritual. Comp. 5591.
The same Peter cannot be so absent minded that he has two new births in mind. Remember that he obeyed the Great Commission of Jesus Christ:
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38
This means the gift of A holy spirit because the name of the Spirit is Jesus of Nazareth. A new spirit is a regenerated spirit and with a new mind and spirit we experience the NEW BIRTH because the old body must be considered dead.
In his epistle the same Peter said:
Baptism, which corresponds to this (Ark), now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a clear conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 1 Pet 3:21RSV
The WORD of God is the bearer of the Spirit or Mind of Christ. When the word germinates and gives a NEW spirit or A holy spirit or A clear conscience then we are the children of God. Of the church:
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, Ep.5:26
Therefore Jesus lays a stumbling block for those who would deny that baptism is necessary because it calls God a liar and marks one as a traitor.
If you can be saved before Baptism then you can be saved before conversion and OBEYING the direct commands of Jesus:
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Matt 7:21
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Matt 7:22
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Matt 7:23
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: Matt 7:24
AS A FOUNDING PRINCIPLE OF THE GOSPEL TO MANKIND JESUS CHRIST PUT FAITH AND BAPTISM FIRST:And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not SHALL be DAMNED. Mark 16:16
Jesus knew that His Baptism of suffering, death, resurrection and ascension as the pattern or form would DRAW those to Himself who walked by faith. This is the same meaning as CANNOT ENTER into the kingdom of God and SHALL NOT enter into the kingdom of heaven. If you cannot or shall not enter the kingdom of God as manifest in some churches then you shall not enter into the eternal spiritual kingdom when this world burns up. Therefore, if you cannot enter the kingdom than you SHALL BE DAMNED.
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 2 Cor 4:4
For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor 4:6
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels,
that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 2 Cor 4:7Why is refusing to believe which means rejecting baptism such a TERMINAL fork in the road between those who shall be saved and those who shall be damned? Is not believing such a bad thing? Is CLAIMING to believe without baptism perfectly alright as false AGENTS claim? The fact is that God is selecting out those who will move into the spiritual dimension while this earth is being consumed perhaps by the next solar flare. Those who BELIEVETH belong to Satan's team as he seeks to build a secular KOSMOS kingdom by recruiting with wine, women and music. No, it does not matter how sweet and sincere they appear: the more cunningly crafty they appear the more they bear the MARK of Cain: Cain means a "musical note."
"BELIEVETH NOT" means that they disobeyed by rejecting baptism.
Apisteo (g569) means to be unbelieving, meaning to disobey
Apistos (g571) disbelieving, i.e. without Christian faith, a heathen, untrustworthy (person), faithless, infidel.He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself:
.......... he that believeth not God hath made him a liar;
.......... because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 1 John 5:10There are two teams in the present STAR WARS: those who sign up with Jesus Christ while everyone else, sincere or not, serves Satan.
The Pharisees and doctors of the law were enemies of God and the Old Testament. Pharisees wrote their own laws specifically to repudiate the Words of God and steal widow's houses. There were three destructive SECTARIAN groups: the Pharisees (selling false doctrine and living off widows), Scribe (book writers for the false teachers) and Hypocrites. The hypocrites were a SECT. In the Greek literature they were "rhetoricians, sOPHISts (serpents), singers, musicians and craftsmen which included plotters of heresy as well and theatrical performers. In the book of Revelation they play the roles of sorcerers or enchanters. As the OPHIS is the serpents of the end time the NACHASH was the serpent or MUSICL ENCHANTERS in the garden of Eden:
But the Pharisees and experts in the law REJECTED God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John. Luke 7:30
"Rejected" means that they call God a liar and are still damned because they are still on Satan's team. Rejecteth is:
Atheteo (g114) means to DISESTEEM, DESPISE, disannul, frustrate, bring to nought, reject. It means a TREACHEROUS PERSON. It includes Kategoros an accuser, a BETRAYER.
David Lipscomb: Baptism is an act of more sacred import than other acts of obedience. It is the act which first manifests and declares faith in Christ Jesus and that consecrates man to the service of God. It is a more sacred act, just as the oath of allegiance that a foreigner takes to a human government is more sacred than the ordinary observance of the laws of the land. To violate the laws of the land is a misdemeanor; to violate the oath of allegiance is treason to the government.
As Jesus Christ ses up two FORMS to show that without BAPTISM which means CONVERSION you CANNOT, SHALL NOT enter the kingdom, Luke now shows that baptism confirms the STUMBLING BLOCK for those who would be traitors and not suitable for the eternal kingdom of God in another dimension.
PETER WAS NOT A TRAITOR TO JESUS CHRISTThen Peter said unto them (believers), Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ FOR (in order that) the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38
Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 NRSV 1989
NOTHING BUT WATER BAPTISM CONNECTS TO THE SHED BLOOD OF CHRIST.
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Matt 26:28
Did Jesus shed His blood BECASE sins were already remitted? People who tell you otherwise are out to hurt you "real bad."
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Rom 6:3
NOTHING BUT BAPTISM CONNECTS TO "FAITH" AND "BEING CLOTHED WITH" THE RESURRECTED CHRIST:
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:26
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gal 3:27Then Luke recorded the experience with the apostles and said that to BE CONVERTED is for the remission of sins.
Therefore, being baptized means to be converted.
Jesus said that unless we become like little children and become converted we SHALL NOT enter the kingdom of God.
Nicodemus was told that he must be born again of water and Spirit or he COULD NOT enter.You cannot have remissions of sins BEFORE conversion.
In another form to confirm the two forms Jesus identified.
Repent ye therefore, and be CONVERTED, that (in order that) your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; Ac.3:19
Refreshing means that we become a NIKE: a new man of victory. Born again. That means that the Nike-laitians or Nicolaitains: Clergy wins over Laity has ceased as part of the GOSPEL.
The word "That" means FOR the remission of sins. The word THAT proves it as it is used elsewhere. "That" cannot mean "because of." Therefore, "for" remissions of sins means that we are baptized or converted IN ORDER or THAT our sins may be remitted. Here are some examples:
Ye have not eaten bread, neither have ye drunk wine or strong drink: that ye might know that I am the Lord your God. De.29:6
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you. 2 Co.2:4
Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts. Ep.6:22
We are baptized IN ORDER THAT we might have our sins washed away by Jesus Christ.
The Spirit Christ caused BAPTISM and CONVERSION to be associated with the remission of sins: If you can be saved before Baptism then you can be saved before conversion.
If you reject or teach others to reject baptism IN ORDER TO the remission of sins then Jesus' words show that the TRAP HAS BEEN SPRUNG and you are caught and cannot get loose.An ANGEL told Philip to go where he would meet the Ethiopian Eunuch.
The eunuch was reading Isiah the prophet and the SPIRIT told Philip to join to the chariot. Philip heard him reading from Isaias and asked him if he understood what he was reading. Isaiah could not understand the fulfilment without someone who understood the fulfillment:
So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider. Isa 52:15
To sprinkle has the meaning of TO SPIRIT. Man washes the body in baptism but God sprinkles our hearts.
Nazah (h5137) naw-zaw'; a prim. root; to spirt, i. e. besprinkle (espec. in expiation): - sprinkle.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. (meaning to musically mock) Isa 53:4
Hagar represented Egypt, Mount Sinai and Jerusalem which is identified as Sodom. Jerusalem was inhabited by the SEED of Abraham but they were not the children of Sarah. While Jesus spoke in parables to the people in Jerusalem the pilgrims heard Him gladly. Jerusalem would shortly come to an end and a false Jewish nation of Hagar would be destroyed or dispersed if they didn't believe to be BORN AGAIN as children of Abraham and become spiritual Israelites:
He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Isa 53:11
And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; Lu. 1:76
<>To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Lu.1:77
Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, Lu. 1:78
To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace Lu. 1:79John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Mk.1:4
Only those baptized received A holy spirit. And remember that the SPIRIT which would rest on the BRANCH was not a little person.
AND there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: Isa 11:1
And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; Isa 11: 2
And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: Isa 11: 3
But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. Isa 11: 4
These are the SEVEN SPIRITS represented by the Menorah in the Holy Place as a type of the body or church of Christ. Quick understanding is the word:
Ruwach (h7306) roo'-akh; a prim. root; prop. to blow, i. e. breathe; only (lit.) to smell or (by impl. perceive (fig. to anticipate, enjoy): - accept, smell, * touch, make of quick understanding.
FAITH ONLY never promises that God will sprinkle our HEART (internal only, please) FROM evil and make iA holy spirit or a clear conscience which means consiousness. That word means a CO-PERCEPTION of the Word of God.
FAITH includes OBEDIENCE or it is Apistos--treachery. THE FAITH is God's method to save versus THE LAW the Jewish converts were worried about.
SING, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord. Isa 54:1
For this is as the waters of Noah unto me: for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with thee, nor rebuke thee. Isa 54:9
Tehowm is the Babylonian DISTORTION in the form of TIAMAT. She is the MATRIARCHAL goddess. She was, as I remember, the FRESH WATER. Tiamat or Tehowm conspired to murder the noisy next generation of the Babylonian Triad. Ea, the patron god of MUSIC, got wise and conspired to murder the OLDER GENERATION. And so the story goes on and includes the Epic of Gilgamesh about the flood. Later it involves Inanna the musical goddess who stole the powers from Ea after getting him drunk. She is now ZOE. She had the skills to control the SEVEN GATES OF HELL. So, you see, Jesus came to defeat the Jewish system which was a Babylonian system built on MYTH.
The Depthos or BATHUS of baptism does not mean LIFE but DEATH. In baptism we submit ourselves to the evil system represented by water (Flood, Red Sea, Baptism). We must CONFRONT and die before the blood of Christ will REgenerate us so that the MYTHS of religion (in all churches) do not drag us down because Satan still rules everything in the PHYSICAL or carnal world.
Peter says that baptism is a FORM or anti-type of the flood. While we deserve to be the sinners drowned by the flood, baptism is the INSTEAD OF. By being baptized we REQUEST A clear conscience of A holy spirit. Therefore, it is GRACE that we do not have to DROWN for our own sins.
The enuch understood prophecy but he had seen but did not under the events in Jerusalem.
And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. Acts 8:31
Beginning at that scripture, Philip preached unto him JESUS. The prophesied BRANCH would be both KING and PRIEST sitting on one throne:
Iesous (g2424) ee-ay-sooce'; of Heb. or. [3091]; Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Isr.: - Jesus.
Yehowshuwa (h3091) yeh-ho-shoo'-ah; or yhowsua yeh-ho-shoo'-ah; from 3068 and 3467; Jehovah-saved; Jehoshua (i. e. Joshua), the Jewish leader: - Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Comp. 1954, 3442
Yehowshuwa would be understood to be the BRANCH or the Messiah: God in Jesus Christ.
Because there has been no change in the Gospel preached about baptism by Jesus, and understanding that Philip was sent out from Peter the baptizer, we know for certain that preaching the gospel demanded baptism as THE MOST IMPORTANT thing a believer MUST do or they CANNOT, SHALL NOT enter into the kingdom of Christ in the church and the eternal spiritual kingdom when this earth is burned up.
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? Acts 8:36
Philip is not surprised because he had preached baptism to the Eunuch who had understood that Jesus was Jehovah- Saved: The king/priest who would rule over the spiritual Israelites while the SEED of Abraham through Hagar would be dispersed.
And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Acts 8:37
"Believeth" is not relying on FAITH for salvation