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 6:4; Colossians 2:12).  

 

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 7:4; Luke 11:38).   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 36:25f.; Numbers 8:5-7).  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 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 3:18-22).

 

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 2:11-12 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 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13).  Its usage may be based in these passages on the use of the word “anointed” (2 Corinthians 1:21).

 

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 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 16:16-17)  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, 14).

 

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: 18-20).

 

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, 41).

 

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 8:12).  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 8:36-38).

 

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 9:18).

 

In the epistle of Galatians we are told, “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).  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 6:3-5).     

 

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, 24 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. 3:11).  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 1:5).  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; 21:25).

 

(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. 3:16-17). 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.  

 

 

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 12:1-2 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 6:7-8 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 6:10-20; 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 5:13-26). 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 3:1-4)

 

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 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 31:19-20)

 

In the New Testament we find a more advanced view of sin as Jesus is viewed as the standard for righteousness. He is the perfect example of a life of righteousness from which you can judge what is sinful.

 

Jesus taught that sin starts in the heart when he taught, “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies, These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man” (Matthew 15: 19-20 NKJV). Jesus taught in a straightforward manner that sin comes from the condition of the heart. It is the wrong desires of the heart that lead to sin. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus states that anger in the heart is the same as murder (Matthew 5:21-22 NKJV) and the impure look is adultery (Matthew 5:27-28 NKJV). He was teaching that the condition of the heart of man is filled with sin. His teachings are also seen as expounding the deeper meanings of the Ten Commandments.

 

The New Testament warns throughout against the sin of unbelief. One must believe that Christ is the Savior of mankind and this belief accounts for one’s righteousness in the sight of God. Speaking to the Jews He said, “Therefore I said that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24 NKJV). The writer of the book of Hebrews writes about unbelief (a lack of belief and trust) in these terms: “Without faith (belief) it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrew 11:6 NKJV). Jesus challenged his audience, “Repent (of your sins) and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15b NKJV).

 

Hebrews 3:16-18 reminds us of an earlier account of unbelief and its results. The children of Israel experience a miraculous deliverance from Egypt’s bondage. They had seen the hand of God in the parting of the Red Sea, the destruction of Pharaoh’s pursuing army, God leading Israel with a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day, feeding them en mass and providing for their needs. Forgetting their miraculous deliverance and concentrating on the negative, it didn’t take long for them to murmur against Moses and God. Murmuring leads to unbelief and the writer of Hebrews points out that because of their unbelief those over forty years of age were denied entrance into the Promised Land.

 

In the Ephesians epistle (letter) the great missionary and Apostle calls the church’s attention to some of the sins of the flesh in relationships by naming the sins. He wants them to live as vessels that testify to a life of holiness. The Apostle Paul needs them to understand that sins of the flesh will do them harm, so he lists some sins. (31) “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. (1) Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. (2) And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. (3) But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; (4) neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. (5) For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God” (Ephesians 4:31; 5:1-5 NKJV). In other words, he wants Christians to walk in purity and holiness before God and each other.

 

Jesus taught that His followers had to make a choice between the world and him when he said, “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon” (Luke 16:13 NKJV).

 

In the epistle of James he wants the Christian to know that there is a difference in the way the world lives and the way a Christian lives. The world lives to satisfy the flesh and its appetites. It is selfish and short-lived. He makes his point certain by asking, “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4 NKJV).

 

The Apostle John is also concerned that love of the world and the flesh will cause some to fall from the faith. He writes, (15) “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (16) For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. (17) The world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (I John 2:15-17 NKJV).

 

Two verses from Romans contrast the Christian’s walk from the world’s walk. (1) “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (13) For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:1, 13).

 

When the Apostle James wrote, “To him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17 NKJV) he must have had the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself in mind. This scripture is rightly referred to as “the sin of omission,” not doing what you know you ought to do. (The parable of The Good Samaritan is a good illustration of this Scripture, Luke10:30-37.)

Sin Is Ultimately Against God

All attempts to define sin are inadequate because the main ingredients of sin in all of its different word forms are directed against God. We can rightly teach that all sins are directed towards the first commandment and are ultimately traced to it. “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3 NKJV). Deuteronomy’s quote of the commandment is more definitive and later used by Jesus: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5 NKJV).

Sin is a disruption of a relationship between persons. Theologian C. E Brown’s writing on this subject illustrates this commandment. Brown writes, “If there were only one man in the entire world it would be impossible for that man to commit nearly every sin one could name. He could not steal, he could not lie and he could not be guilty of murder. The only sins he could commit would be sins against God because there would still be a relation between him and God. Such thoughts as this will show us that the soul of man comes first before human law, and the being of God comes first before any law regulating the relation of his creatures to him. The relation of man to God comes before any other law. It is the basis of all law.”

God insists on being number one in your life. He does not want anything to come in-between Him and you. He wants your devotion, your trust and companionship. He is your “frame of reference” in values and in the way you live.

Jesus repeats two commandments to show how loving God is connected to loving your neighbor. (37)“’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ (38) “This is the first and great commandment. (39) “And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39 NKJV). This second commandment is a hard one to put into practice. Invariably, someone will disturb your peace and the flesh will want to rise up and assert feelings of contempt to the offender. It is in these instances of being offended that you will call upon God and refocus on His mercy and forgiveness offered to you. You will extend forgiveness to the offender, remembering God’s merciful forgiveness offered to you. Because of God’s forgiveness to you, it is important for you to try and see others as God sees them, lest you fall into conflict and sin.

One of the best examples to show that sin is really against God is found in David, King of Israel. After the prophet Nathan confronted David about his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband to cover up his sin, David acknowledges his sin and cries out in repentance to God. In his plea for forgiveness he says, “Against you only, have I sinned and done this evil in Your sight . . .” (Psalm 51:4 NKJV). As with other passages in the Bible clarifies that whatever our sin, it is ultimately against God.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia’s definition of sin is one that King David fully understood. “Sin is to be defined primarily in relation to God. It is disobedience, unbelief, ignorance, the positive assertion of usurped autonomy, and the wicked deviation from, or violation of, God’s righteous will and law. The breach of a right relationship with God carries with it the disruption of a right relationship with others and the disintegration of self. But this is the derivative, for it is because of sin against God that there is sin against others and oneself.” (Vol. 4, p. 456). David acknowledges that his sin was against God and pleaded for God’s mercy and forgiveness.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NKJV).

In a recent L.A. Times newspaper article a popular television preacher of a large church stated, “I was called to start a mission, not a church. There is a difference . . . You don’t try to preach . . . what is sin and what isn’t sin. A mission is a place where you ask non-believers to come and find faith and hope and feel loved. We’re a mission first, a church second.”

I don’t know how you feel about this rationalization of mission and church in regards to not being willing to preach and teach about sin, but I have difficulty with it. I am always provoked when any religious leader tries to redefine a basic orthodox doctrine of the Christian faith to justify leaving out what Jesus did on Calvary to atone for our sins. I wonder, “How can you have faith in Christ without repenting of your sins—and how can you repent of sin if you are not taught what sin is?” How can you pass on eternal hope to an unbeliever unless you tell the story of Christ’s love for mankind in giving His life at Calvary as a sin sacrifice, paying the penalty for your sins?

The church is a mission and we should feed the poor but not to the exclusion of talking about the need for redemption in Christ. The Church needs to feed the starving with food and share the message of salvation and hope. Feeding the poor would be a great time for personal testimonies of redemption and eternal hope through Christ’s forgiveness of sin.

When churches and modern day ministries are given to promoting growth, performance and popularity, the focus is on what man can accomplish under man’s power. The subject of sin is banned from the message. It is not in vogue to talk about sin because it would stir up a sense of guilt, shame and this would likely make some feel uncomfortable. After all, the modern church trend wants everyone to feel good about self and comfortable in worship. Self help in philosophy is called “humanism” and is easily transferred into religion as motivational messages. The message is mostly about how you can help yourself in your own strength with positive thinking and action. Its focus is self-centered.

In church Christians come together to honor Christ in corporate worship. They are hungry to hear an oracle from God with the pastor in the pulpit preaching a message from God’s Word. Self-help is an ingredient that is helpful but alone it lacks the goal of trusting in God rather than self. It does not speak of being reconciled to God by repenting of sin and being born again spiritually into a new person. Living under one’s own strength is no match for living under the infusion of God’s power.

John the Baptist preached a message of repentance to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus the Christ. People by the droves went into the wilderness to hear John’s message of repentance and they responded by repenting. Jesus began His ministry preaching,

“. . . Repent: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17 NKJV).

Why repentance? Sin is what displeases God. Repentance of sin is the first step to having a relationship with God. It is turning away from your sins to have a relationship with Him. Christ gave his life on Calvary’s cross as a sacrifice for your sins. You can accept His sacrifice as your atonement and be born into a new spiritual life by following Him.

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8 NKJV), shedding His own blood as our sacrifice so we can be right with God. “. . . Without the shedding of blood there is no remission (of sin)” Hebrews 9:22 NKJV).

Jesus shed his blood as a “sin sacrifice” for you and as many who will come to Him. “. . . He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself” (Hebrews 9:26b NKJV).

(9) “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (10) For with the heart on believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (13) Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10: 9-10, 13 NKJV).

God recognized that His people needed to be reminded of their waywardness and their temptation to drift from Him. He told Moses to once a year set aside a special day to call attention to the people’s sins. Moses called it “The Day of Atonement” (Leviticus 23:26-32 NKJV). It was a day of “holy convocation” to collectively fast. People were to remain in their houses and treat the day as a Sabbath, remembering that the high priest was entering the Most Holy Place praying for the atonement for the sins of all of Israel’s tribes, whose names were borne on his breastpiece. The Day of Atonement was a good time to prepare for the Feast of Tabernacles that followed a week later.

The Old Testament also speaks of a sin offering and a guilt offering. These two offerings are very similar and both are sacrifices that are offered for the removal of sin. The difference between these offerings is that the guilt offering required restitution. For instance, if a person stole something from his neighbor he would have to return it to his neighbor. After returning the item he would then be qualified to have a guilt offering made for his sin. Both the sin offering and the guilt offering forgave the transgressor of his sin.

History says St. Augustine, Martin Luther and John Wesley all grew up with godly parents who taught and drilled them in the Bible teachings. Although St. Augustine rebelled in his youth and backslid into sin and debauchery, his sense of sin and shame was heavy and he repented of his sins to become one of the great theologians of the early church. Martin Luther and John Wesley both had mothers who taught them the Bible. Each of these men at an early age had consciences with great “sin sensitivity” that helped to deepen their faith in God.

Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758), the great early American Calvinist, revivalist and theologian was known for making listeners quake with his fiery message, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” The messages of sin and hell were usually proclaimed without any concern for political correctness or worry about making congregants feeling comfortable. Edward’s eminent concern was about the souls of sinners getting right with God. The message against sin was a message about choosing one’s destiny, heaven or hell. The message was not how to find “happiness” but rather on repenting of sins and living a righteously redeemed new life.

I grew up hearing about the suffering and damnation that sin brings on lives and relationships. Those early teachings strengthened my faith and resolve to live for God. It gave me a keen sensitivity between right and wrong. From the pulpit I was taught that the end result of sin is eternal punishment in hell (another subject that seems to be banned from today’s contemporary preaching).

Here’s the solution for sin that I need to repeat. Acknowledge you are a sinner. Repent of your sins and receive forgiveness through Christ Jesus. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9 NKJV).