One Baptism? - Yes, Only One! Ephesians 4:5

Water baptism in scripture was practiced as long as God was still working through or with Israel. God is not dealing directly with Israel today, although He still cares for them, as for us, providentially behind the scenes. And while, admittedly, Gentiles were also baptized, as shown in the scripture record, nevertheless it happened while God was still keeping His eye and heart open toward a repentant Israel as a nation. This repentance never came, yea has still not come!

Instead, as God the Father was rejected by Israel at the preaching of the prophets, so also God, the Son, on earth was rejected by Israel. Then God, the Holy Spirit was again rejected by the same people, shown particularly in the stoning of Stephen. However, God, until the last chapter of Acts, continued to deal with them; but Israel held fast to their decision of rejection. Thus, while today Israel is not cast away permanently, (Romans 11:1,2), still they were blinded, (Rom. 11:7-25), they fell (Rom11:12), and were cast away for a time (Rom. 11:15).

The Apostle Paul was given a special mission, as we can see in Gal. 1:11-12, received from the risen Lord Jesus Christ, and in 1 Corth. 1:17 Paul tells us that he did not come to baptize, but to preach the gospel. Yes, he had baptized Crispus, Gaius and the household of Stephanas because God had not completed His dealings with Israel as yet. We can see from 1 Corth. 14:21, that signs, tongues, gifts of healing and other miracles were still in evidence because "the Jews require a sign......" 1 .. 14:22. By the time Paul wrote Ephesians however, these outwardly evidential miracles had passed from the scene along with water baptism. Eph. 4:5....one baptism.

A number of reasons why water baptism is not for today as far as God's program is concerned, and only two are listed below, and I realize that this study will not make the writer popular in most Christian circles, but then, popularity is not my goal. But to get the reader back to an impartial honest thorough study on the subject. We must be good students of the Word (2 Tim. 2:15) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman, that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

1) Many say that we should follow Christ in water baptism.

"Jesus was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers. (Rom 15:8) In 2 Corth. 5:16 we are told "Though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we Him no more". God gave to Paul the revelation that we are not under the law, but under grace, Rom. 6:14,15. We are to follow Paul as he followed Christ (1Corth. 11:1), the risen, ascended Christ in Heaven at the Father's right hand.

(2) In Colossians 2:10 we are clearly told that we "Are complete in Him"-in Christ. What can possibly be added by sprinkling, pouring, or immersing to one who is already crucified, buried, and raised with Christ glorified with Him, "Accepted in the beloved", and seated with Christ Himself in the Heavenlies, and all these present blessings or situations are only part of our position in and with Christ the Lord!

3) Many verse in Acts speak of baptism but these where all during the time that God was still working with the Nation Israel. As we can see in Acts. 2:36 - 38, they were informed that they had crucified both Lord and Christ, their Messiah, and asked Peter what they could do to be saved and he answered in verse 38, they must repent, and be baptized and then they would receive remission of sins, and the gift of Holy Spirit. (They did not receive the person of the Holy Spirit only the gift of special tasks to do).

4) Today during the age of Grace, we are saved as stated in Eph. 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God: Not of woks, lest any man should boast."

There is however a lot more that could be stated, perhaps as you study through on your own you will see the difference in the program for the Nation Israel, which is the Kingdom of Heaven, to be on the earth, and the Body of Christ, which each are a member of today and seated in the heavenlies. 

How God Saves Men
Believing Christ DIED, that’s HISTORY.
Believing Christ DIED for YOU SINS and Rose again that’s SALVATION.
Read Romans 1:16, Romans 10:9-10 and 1. Corinthians 15:1-4

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Posted By Cecil and Connie Spivey

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