Essentially having its origin with the criminal crucified next to Jesus given entry to Heaven, even though other examples are given, there is now a view water baptism is no longer necessary, so we should look into this as our salvation may depend on it. But what did Jesus say on the subject? Unless a man is born of ‘water’ and ‘the spirit’ he cannot enter into the kingdom: (John 3:5)
That’s a fairly definitive statement, in fact He led by example.
Jesus insisted John baptize Him, and went to him with that express purpose. When the Baptist said no it should be the other way round, Jesus told him to suffer it, as it was their duty to fulfil all righteousness. John was sent to announce the one to come, to prepare the people for the LORD proclaiming: the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matthew 3:2) He was also, at the instruction of Jesus, to wash the Sacrificial Lamb of God. It saw the Heavens open, and the Voice and the Spirit make known the Christ He had sent.
Later in His ministry Jesus said: he that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned. (Mark 16:16) And at Pentecost Peter showed us how it must be done: be baptised every one of you into the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38) And as Paul confirms: for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Gal 3:27)
So, we are to be baptised into His Name.
Now, when Peter was in Caesarea with the Centurion, Cornelius and the Holy Ghost fell upon them that heard the Word of God, Peter asked: Can any man ‘forbid water’ that these should not be baptised. (Acts 10:47) Peter did not say they have the baptism of the Spirit, so they don’t need water; he says if the Spirit has been received, then baptize with water also. Either the Holy Spirit is given or it is not. If not, Peter says repent and be baptized, and it shall be given. (Acts 2:38) If a person believes, then who can forbid water that the command of Jesus not be satisfied?
Water baptism is a requirement; it is for our washing into Christ’s death and Resurrection, through repentance. It is not for the redemption of sin, which was done by the Blood of Christ. But there is something else for us to consider.
And he showed me a pure river of water of life … proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. (Rev 22:1)
When Jesus met the woman at the well, He said to her: whoever drinks of this water shall thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water I shall give him shall never thirst; the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:14) Jesus said unless we are ‘born’ of water and the Spirit we cannot enter the Kingdom so, through belief, we can now enter as a new creature born of the Water of Life. The ‘pure river’ John was shown, and the ‘well of water’ Jesus spoke of is the unadulterated Gospel, and every word of God. (Luke 4:4)
Water baptism is a sign and a rite of passage; it is for the showing of trust a declaration of faith. It is a freewill outward sign of an inward conviction and belief in Jesus Christ. And by it we are put to death in Christ and then raised to life through the Water and the Blood. Eternally cleansed, and sealed by the Spirit in His Name, now enjoying the well of Living Waters flowing freely within us.
On these matters the Apostle John wrote in his first letter: For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater… (1John 5:7-9)
In peace and love as always,
James