Understanding Baptism – Part 4 of 4 – By Tom Buckle

Understanding Water Baptism

Part IV

 

Modes of Water Baptism

 

Ablution can be defined as the use of water.  In Christian churches water is used for baptism in three different ways: immersion, affusion and aspersion.

 

Immersion:  The recipient enters a body of water and is dipped totally under the water. Some churches practice dipping the recipient under three times (in each name of the Trinity), some also baptize with the face forward dipping three times but most practice dipping only once.  Immersion is taken from the Greek verb, baptizein, defined as “to dip” or “immerse”.  Those who hold to this mode of baptism will refer to the examples of John the Baptist and Jesus’ own baptism.  Since this mode was vividly used in the New Testament examples, the belief in any other mode used in baptism seems invalid.  Besides, holders of this view see no other reason to accept another view because “believers’ baptism” is only for those old enough to accountably accept Jesus as their Savior.  Immersion, where the whole body and head are plunged beneath a pool of water, gives a clearer picture of the cleansing of the soul from the pollution of sin.  Dipped beneath and surrounded by water better illustrates the metaphors of burial/resurrection and also that of being fully surrounded by the cloud that baptized the Israelites (I Corinthians 10:2; Romans 6:4Romans 6:4
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4 We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.

WP-Bible plugin; Colossians 2:12Colossians 2:12
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12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

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Affusion:  where the recipient either stands on dry land or in water and water is poured on the head.    Those who practice affusion believe that it is a more descriptive symbolism of the giving of the Holy Spirit.  Those holding to this view argue that the word for dip in Greek is baptein and that the verb word form, baptizein, has a broader meaning that also includes the Jewish ceremonial rite of pouring water on the hands (Mark 7:4Mark 7:4
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4 They don’t eat when they come from the marketplace, unless they bathe themselves, and there are many other things, which they have received to hold to: washings of cups, pitchers, bronze vessels, and couches.)

WP-Bible plugin; Luke 11:38Luke 11:38
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38 When the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that he had not first washed himself before dinner.

WP-Bible plugin).   They also suggest that it is impossible to conclude from the word baptizein that immersion is the only correct mode for baptism.

 

From the Didache (manual of the apostolic fathers) we read that the early church preferred immersion.  However, in instances where pools of water were not available for baptism, affusion was used.  History records that the Anabaptists, later the Mennonites and the earliest Baptists also used the affusion mode of baptism.

 

Aspersion:  For the first twelve centuries the church administered baptism by immersion and affusion.  In the thirteenth century the mode of aspersion or sprinkling became the universally used mode in the Roman Catholic Church.  Before the thirteenth century it was used exclusively for the sick and infirmed who were too weak for immersion or affusion. 

 

The Roman Catholic church took the position that baptism administered this way is valid and quoted Old Testament texts that claim the purifying results of water sprinkled (Ezekiel 36:25Ezekiel 36:25
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25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

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5 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, ⁶ “Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them. ⁷ Thus shall you do to them, to cleanse them: sprinkle the water of cleansing on them, let them shave their whole bodies with a razor, and let them wash their clothes, and cleanse themselves.

WP-Bible plugin).  Further, Cyprian (Bishop of Carthage and martyr, ca. 248-258) declared that it is not the amount of water or the method of application that can cleanse from sin: “Whence it appears that the sprinkling also of water prevails equally with the washing of salvation . . . and that where the faith of the giver and receiver is sound, all things hold and may be consummated and perfected by the majesty of God and by the truth of faith.”  It was not until the thirteenth century that the Roman Catholic Church accepted his argument.   

 

Baptism Is an Ordinance and a Sacrament

 

Water baptism symbolizes an inward work of a person who has come to Christ in repentance and seeks to follow His righteousness.  It is also a testimony to the church that he or she is a part of the family of God.  Evangelicals believe it is an ordinance. It is not a requirement for salvation but rather a visible sign and command for every Christian.    Baptism physically symbolizes what has already taken place spiritually.  

 

Baptism is also a sacrament.  Originally the Latin “sacramentum” meant both “a thing set apart as sacred” and “a military oath of obedience as administered by the commander”.  The early church theologian, Augustine, defined sacrament as a “visible word” or an “outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace”.   

 

Someone summarized it succinctly by saying, “Baptism is never the event but, rather, the picture of the event.”

 

Have you been baptized since you believed?  

Understanding Baptism – Part 3 – By Tom Buckle

Understanding Water Baptism

Part III

 

Three Old Testament Examples in NT

 

The first example likens baptism to Noah and the flood.  (18) “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, (19) by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison, (20) who formerly were disobedient, when once the Divine longsuffering waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water. (21) There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (22) who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers have been made subject to Him” (I Peter 3:18-22r 3:18-22
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18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” ¹⁹ Now we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God. ²⁰ Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight. For through the law comes the knowledge of sin. ²¹ But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets; ²² even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction,

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Noah and his family were safe in the ark as they entered into the new world.  Those who rejected Noah’s warning met their judgment in the flood.    The water that saved Noah also damned in judgment those who refused the invitation to join him.  “In the same way, the Christian passes through God’s judgment on sin into security with Christ.  As the waters of the flood pounded the ark it could not harm those inside.  Likewise, the judgment of God fell upon the Lord Jesus Christ, who died, the Just in place of, and so shielding, the unjust.  After being brought ‘to God’ the Christian lives in the sphere where the risen Christ reigns.  The flood was the type; baptism is the antitype.  Baptism therefore represents a covenant” and receiving its blessings. (New Bible Dictionary, Douglas, Eerdmans Press, 1962, p.131)

 

The second New Testament comparison likens baptism to the Abrahamic covenant that centers on circumcision.  In Colossians 2:11-12Colossians 2:11-12
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11 in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ; ¹² having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

WP-Bible plugin we read, “In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.”  Circumcision is used as a spiritual example to symbolize the old life separating from the new; circumcision not made with hands, by cutting off the sins of the flesh and becoming a new person in Christ.  The next verse of Colossians equates being dead in trespasses with uncircumcision.

 

Baptism is a seal, representing a covenant made with God to follow Him and live by His teachings.  It is a “seal” in the believer’s life that he/she has committed their life to follow Christ.  Someone said it this way: “What circumcision was in the covenant of Abraham, baptism is to the Christian.”  Baptism is called a “seal” (2 Corinthians 1:21-222 Corinthians 1:21-22
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21 Now he who establishes us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God; ²² who also sealed us, and gave us the down payment of the Spirit in our hearts.

WP-Bible plugin; Ephesians 1:13Ephesians 1:13
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13 in whom you also, having heard the word of the truth, the Gospel of your salvation,—in whom, having also believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

WP-Bible plugin).  Its usage may be based in these passages on the use of the word “anointed” (2 Corinthians 1:212 Corinthians 1:21
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21 Now he who establishes us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God;

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Summarizing the comparison of baptism to circumcision, we can simply state that Christians are blessed with “the circumcision of Christ not made with hands”.  A total life changing experience, baptism symbolizes Christ’s death and resurrection whereby followers are putting to death the sins of the flesh and are raised new persons. Baptism stands as the beginning of a covenant relationship with the Lord.

 

The third comparison of baptism in the New Testament is found in I Corinthians. The Apostle Paul reminds the Jews that when their fathers came out of Egypt and passed through the Red Sea under the cloud they were baptized into Moses in the cloud and the sea. “Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea” (I Corinthians 10:1-2).

 

By linking circumcision with baptism the Apostle Paul issues a stern warning on the believer depending on this outward sign of an inward work for his salvation (see I Corinthians 10).   Unfortunately, the Israelites did not stay true to their God.  They were disobedient, worldly and followed the lust of the flesh.  They displeased God and perished in the wilderness.  The outward signs of God’s intervention in parting the Red Sea, destroying the pursuing Egyptians, and baptizing them in the cloud could not save them from their disobedience after their deliverance.  Likewise, baptism alone will not save.  It is an ordinance and a symbol of what has already transpired in a person’s life when he or she was born anew in Christ Jesus.

Understanding Water Baptism – Part 2 – By Tom Buckle

Understanding Water Baptism

Part II

 

    The Law and the Gospel of the Kingdom

 

John preached a message of preparation for the kingdom of God.  Jesus said, “The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it. And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.” (Luke 16:16-17Luke 16:16-17
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16 The law and the prophets were until John. From that time the Gospel of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. ¹⁷ But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tiny stroke of a pen in the law to fall.

WP-Bible plugin)  The gospel of Matthew quotes Jesus saying, “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to receive it, he is Elijah who is to come” (Matthew 11:11, 13, 14Matthew 11:11, 13, 14
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11 Most assuredly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer; yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. ¹³ For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. ¹⁴ If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come.

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John’s Baptism

 

The Holy Spirit within is often called the “spirit of burning”.  Fire is symbolically used to identify God’s presence, representing both judgment and purification from sin.   When one asks Jesus to come into his life, the Holy Spirit comes with His presence and cleanses the heart with a spiritual baptism.  Jesus’ own baptism was different than John’s, in that the Holy Spirit descended upon Him with a voice from heaven proclaiming Jesus to be God’s son.

 

In keeping with John’s example, the preaching of the baptismal message was to first repent and then be baptized as a seal or covenant of obedience to Christ.  The reign of the Kingdom of God was coming through the Messiah (Anointed One).  Only the obedient righteous were to be a part of that Kingdom.

 

Jesus Instructs His Disciples  

 

The resurrected Jesus instructs His disciples to teach and baptize followers in His name. “(18) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. (19)  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (20) 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’” (Matthew 28: 18-20Matthew 28: 18-20
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18 Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Therefore go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

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Believers Are Baptized

 

Baptism is for the person who has come to Christ.  Peter, preaching on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit fell, challenged his audience to repent and be baptized.  (38) “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”(41) “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:38, 41Acts 2:38, 41
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38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ⁴¹ Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.

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Philip, the evangelist, was a preacher that God used mightily.   In Samaria, the people believed when they heard him preach and saw the miracle he did.  “But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized” (Acts 8:12Acts 8:12
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12 But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

WP-Bible plugin).  Later, in the same chapter of Acts, Philip receives instruction from an angel of the Lord to join up with an Ethiopian traveling near Gaza in the desert.  Philip obeys the angel’s charge and the Spirit’s instruction.  He preaches Christ to the Ethiopian and he believes in Jesus.  The Ethiopian immediately wants to be baptized and sees water near by.  (36b) “‘See, here is water.  What hinders me from being baptized?’ (37) ‘Then Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’  (38) So he commanded the chariot to stand still.  And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him” (Acts 8:36-38Acts 8:36-38
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36 As they went on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Behold, here is water. What is keeping me from being baptized?” TR adds “Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ He answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’”^{37  38} He commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

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After the Apostle Paul’s conversion (before his name was changed from Saul) on the Damascus road, he was baptized three days later.  “Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized” (Acts 9:18Acts 9:18
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18 Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was baptized.

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In the epistle of Galatians we are told, “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27Galatians 3:27
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27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

WP-Bible plugin).  The Apostle tells the believer that baptism is symbolized as being clothed with Christ.  It is an important act for a Christian to do.

 

Baptism is compared to Christ’s death and resurrection.  First, coming to Christ is burying past sins and mistakes in the grave, represented by immersion into water.  Secondly, coming up out of the water illustrates a cleansed new person with new life in Christ.  It is a perfect example of what happens when one comes to Christ. (3) “Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? (4) Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (5) For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection” (Romans 6:3-5Romans 6:3-5
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3 Or don’t you know that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ⁴ We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. ⁵ For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection;

WP-Bible plugin).     

 

Understanding Water Baptism – Part 1 – By Tom Buckle

Understanding Water Baptism

Part I

 

A First Step of Discipleship

 

The twenty-first century has brought about many changes in our protestant worship styles that vary greatly from past generations.   Amazing developments in communication technology and the emphasis on stage settings, maximum sound systems and video screens have changed the manner of church worship.  Many evangelical churches have become focused on staying contemporary with the culture more than teaching the important doctrines of the Christian faith, including the doctrine of baptism.

 

With the development of Para-church ministries (e.g. Inter-Varsity, Child Evangelism, World Missions, etc.) and Inter-denominational evangelists, the focus has been on individuals being saved.   Nothing then is said about the need to follow Christ in baptism.

 

Baptism is important and stands as a symbol whereby the body, spirit and soul become more involved with Christ’s life.  It is similar to the use of our body to praise and worship the Lord in a church service.  By proclaiming Christ through baptism we become related to the events of the gospel in a living way through faith.  

 

Many Christians today have not been baptized.  Either they have been putting it off or they lack knowledge of its importance.  It is my intention to show the scriptural importance of baptism for the Christian and to provide a historical background of the different modes of baptism.

 

The New Testament’s strongly emphasizes the baptism of a Christian.  Although it is not an issue of salvation, it is an act to follow soon after conversion.  It is described as a covenant, a seal and is a witness to the church that a new believer is following Christ in obedience.  The first step of discipleship should be following Christ in baptism.

 

The experience of following Christ in baptism can be exciting.  I remember one lady coming up out of the baptismal water being so touched with the Holy Spirit that she continually shouted praise to God with overwhelming joy.  Whatever the baptismal experience, there is great joy that results in a sense of peace by obeying the Lord.

 

Let’s examine the subject and doctrine of water baptism in the New Testament.

 

Baptism and Its Early Usage in Judaism

 

The Greek verb for “baptize,” is baptizein, and is taken from baptein which means to “immerse, plunge, to dye, dip, dip frequently or intensively.”   In Plato’s era and forward we find the word used figuratively, such as, “baptized (soaked) in wine.”  In Jewish purification rites, Baptizein and baptein are also used.  For instance, touching a corpse was considered unclean and immersion (baptism) to wash away one’s defilement was warranted.  The same process was required for a woman after her menstrual period to be cleansed before worship (Lev. 15).

 

It is in the Jewish rules of purification from paganism’s uncleanness that baptism signifies a cleansing of the body.  Ritual purification was important to observe in preparation for Sabbath worship and service in Judaism.  In Leviticus 16:4, 24Leviticus 16:4, 24
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4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches on his body, and shall put on the linen sash, and he shall be dressed with the linen turban. They are the holy garments. He shall bathe his body in water, and put them on. ²⁴ Then he shall bathe himself in water in a holy place, and put on his garments, and come out and offer his burnt offering and the burnt offering of the people, and make atonement for himself and for the people.

WP-Bible plugin the high priest used immersion before and after the rites of atonement. 

 

During the Diaspora (Jews taken from their homeland and made captive in foreign lands after the Babylonian captivity) some Gentiles sought admittance into the Jewish religion.  In order to be accepted into Judaism these proselytes were required to be circumcised, make public repentance and accept Mosaic Law.  Lastly, they were immersed in water, symbolizing a ritual cleansing from the defilements of the taboo and paganism. 

 

 

John the Baptist  

 

In the Diaspora period the synagogue buildings were developed for worship, instruction and baptism.  Closer to Jesus’ time the Jews placed more emphasis on ceremonial washings as a cleansing from impurity.  John the Baptist’s baptism went beyond the Jewish proselyte’s baptism.  He preached a call to repentance to persuade Jews and Gentiles to live righteously in the coming reign of God’s Kingdom.   John also proclaimed that one coming after him would be greater than he and that the coming Messiah would baptize with the Spirit and fire (Matt. 3:11Matt. 3:11
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11 I indeed baptize or, immerse you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit. TR and NU add “and with fire”

WP-Bible plugin).  He was the forerunner of Christ’s earthly ministry.

 

The gospel of Mark records that John drew great crowds.  Many came out to hear him, repented and were baptized by him (Mark 1:5Mark 1:5
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5 All the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins.

WP-Bible plugin).  The rite of baptism gained greater significance and authority when Jesus came to John to be baptized.  In coming to John, Jesus recognized that John’s ministry was “from heaven”.   Jesus showed John’s ministry to be the fulfillment of an act of righteousness (Matthew 3:15; 21:25Matthew 3:15; 21:25
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15 But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. ²⁵ The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?” They reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

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(16) “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. (17) And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’” (Matt. 3:16-17Matt. 3:16-17
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16 Jesus, when he was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to him. He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on him. ¹⁷ Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

WP-Bible plugin). By this example Jesus was able to identify with unrighteous men and set an example for others to follow.  The voice from heaven and the coming of the Spirit symbolized by the dove, witnessed God’s revelation of Himself in Jesus.  

 

Sin – Part 7 of 7

By Tom Buckle
Shutting Sin Out of the Temple

 

The Apostle Paul teaches that your body is to be given to God as a living sacrifice. (1) “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and the perfect will of God” Romans 12:1-2Romans 12:1-2
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12 ¹ Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. ² Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

WP-Bible plugin NKJV). Again he reminds the Corinthian that the Christian’s body is the house the Holy Spirit: (19) “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? (20) You were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (I Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV). Declaring the same emphasis on the body-temple teaching, the Apostle Paul adds a judgment for ignoring this teaching that the body of the Christian believer is the temple of God. (16) “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (17) If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are” (I Corinthians 3:16-17 NKJV).

 

Writing to the church in Galatia, Paul warns each professing member to examine the seriousness of their faith and service to God. Do not be a hypocrite. How you live and the example you set is eternally important. The Apostle writes, (7) “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever man sows, that he will also reap. (8) For he who sows to the flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Galatians 6:7-8Galatians 6:7-8
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7 Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that will he also reap. ⁸ For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

WP-Bible plugin NKJV).

 

Scripture promises that God will not let you be tempted more than you can stand. God will always provide you with strength to overcome the temptations that come your way. (13) “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (14) Therefore, my beloved, flee idolatry” (I Corinthians 9:13-14 NKJV).

 

Throughout the Bible you cannot escape the massive warnings against sin. Equally, there are even more teachings concerning God’s provisions to overcome sin, such as putting on the whole armor of God to fight the righteous battle against the devil (Ephesians 6:10-20Ephesians 6:10-20
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10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. ¹⁴ Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ¹⁵ and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; ¹⁶ above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. ¹⁷ And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; ¹⁸ with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints: ¹⁹ on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Gospel, ²⁰ for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

WP-Bible plugin; also chapter 5). Romans 6 speaks of the Christian’s status in battling the flesh and sin. In Galatians’ the epistle speaks about living in the Spirit to overcome the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:13-26Galatians 5:13-26
English: World English Bible - WEB
13 For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another. ¹⁴ For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ¹⁵ But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you don’t consume one another. ¹⁶ But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one other, that you may not do the things that you desire. ¹⁸ But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. ¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, ²⁰ idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, ²¹ envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God. ²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. ²⁵ If we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit. ²⁶ Let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.

WP-Bible plugin). In the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi he reminds the bishops and deacons in the church of the way they should live and think in Christ. He tells them of the obstacles they will come against and how to overcome them.

 

A sure way to live a victorious life in Christ is to control your mind. Keep it focused on the work that Christ did for your salvation and where He now resides. (1) “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. (2) Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (3) For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God, (4) when Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4Colossians 3:1-4
English: World English Bible - WEB
3 ¹ If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. ² Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. ³ For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.

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“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23Romans 6:23
English: World English Bible - WEB
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

WP-Bible plugin NKJV). Clearly stated, the final results for a life of sin are death and separation from God for eternity. The final result of serving Christ is gloriously different. It is eternal life (forever) with the Savior.

 

Keep the doors of your temple closed to sin and grow in His grace. Choose life with eternity in view with God.

 

As God said to His people, Israel, He says to you: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and length of days;” (Deuteronomy 31:19-20Deuteronomy 31:19-20
English: World English Bible - WEB
19 Now therefore write you this song for you, and teach you it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel. ²⁰ For when I shall have brought them into the land which I swore to their fathers, flowing with milk and honey, and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and grown fat; then will they turn to other gods, and serve them, and despise me, and break my covenant.

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