Last night my son told me we would be going to his children’s baptism during our visit over the summer. His wife is a non-practicing Catholic and I come from a Catholic background and have a good Polish Catholic name. My son and his wife had to go for an interview with the local priest to confirm their faith as they have not been attending mass. At the end of the interview the priest said, “So you say you’re Catholics?”
My son replied, “Well, we may not be good Catholics, but we’re good Christians.”
My son wants his kids to be able to attend the good Catholic school in the town where he lives. But in order to attend, they need to be Catholics. So, he’s pushing to get the kids baptized, in order that they will be able to go to that better school and hopefully have a better education.
My son said, “Dad, Maybe you can have a word with the priest?”
“Oh, no,” I thought. “What would I say?”
As I was running along the beach this morning doing a 5km run, I began thinking about “baptism.” I guess it was like the film “Brother Sun.” Francisco’s friends are talking about what “truths” they would tell the Bishop who would be coming to town if they had a chance.
And so as I ran, I was thinking about water baptism both infantile and adult, Catholic and Protestant doctrines. Here’s what I was thinking.
What does the Bible say? Well, here we have the words of John the Baptist. Of all people, he should know, shouldn’t he?
John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.[1]
“He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire!” In other words, he is not going to baptize you with water as you see I am doing. Water baptism is merely a way to illustrate a desired change in one’s life, or a desire for transformation and the acknowledging of one’s need for repentance and forgiveness. Like Peter later said, it is “not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God.”[2]
But what does water do to fire? It puts it out, as we all know. That’s what these church doctrines of compulsory water baptism do. They put out the fire of the Holy Ghost by forcing the new “on fire” convert to conform to traditional church doctrine. Here’s what we’re told.
“We mustn’t get caught up in too much zeal. Fire is good, but too much fire can get things out of control. And we do not want that, do we? You need to burn as we tell you, according to the doctrines of our particular denomination. You can’t burn free beloved. You need to burn according to our guidelines. We know what’s best. After all, we are the elders of the church.”
But what did Paul do after he had his experience with Jesus on the road to Damascus? Did he go to Jerusalem to get indoctrinated by the church Fathers and get his fire quenched? Let’s read from Galatians where he tells us himself what happened.
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.[3]
Paul is not interested in pleasing men. He’s only interested in pleasing God. He is not interested in the correct Church doctrine. He is interested in following what Jesus has shown him.
13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.[4]
Paul is making the point that he is following God, not man! He’s trying to teach his followers to follow God also, not traditions of man, whether old or new.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. 21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; 22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 24 And they glorified God in me.[5]
Paul didn’t go down to Jerusalem to get baptized and ordered in the faith. If he had, we probably would not be here today as Christian believers. But Paul obeyed God and went into Arabia and then back to Damascus no doubt getting some training from humble Christians like Ananias and Barnabas. Here’s the account from the book of Acts.
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.[6]
But, Dennis, doesn’t it say he got baptized. Yes, that’s true. But the important point is that he got baptized with the Holy Ghost, because he straightway goes and preaches Christ that he is the son of God.
In beginning of Acts we see the same point being made by Jesus.
4 And, being assembled together with them, (Jesus) commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.[7]
In other words, Jesus is telling them they are going to be baptized with the Holy Ghost. He tells them that they should wait in Jerusalem, even though it was dangerous, until they receive it.
6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.[8]
As we see from the above verses, the Holy Ghost was given so that the disciples would have power to witness. Receiving of the Holy Ghost had nothing to do with water baptism which some of the disciples had experienced during the ministry of John the Baptist. Nevertheless, the water baptism of John the Baptist was so rooted already in the apostles traditions that they found it hard to see that the baptism of the Holy Ghost was what was important.
Afterwards, when the apostles receive the Holy Ghost or are baptized with the Holy Ghost, they are all united in one place. Maybe the upper room mentioned is the same upper room where they had held the last supper with Jesus. In any case, it is a pretty big room or house because it can hold at least an hundred and twenty people. Let’s read from the account in Acts.
13 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the woman, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of the names together were about an hundred and twenty).[9]
2 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.[10]
When the apostles get baptized with the Holy Ghost, they are no place near water. But they were together united in heart and spirit.
In another account in the book of Acts we see that the Holy Spirit was received by new believers after the apostles had laid hands on them to receive it.
9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.[11]
Simom in the above testimony had been baptized with water, but because his heart was not right it hadn’t made any change in his life. Peter in his first epistle states that baptism is “not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God.”[12] Many of those baptized in water in the churches go through the actions because of peer pressure, but they go down into the water a dry sinner and come up a wet one. There is no deep spiritual change, because their heart is not right, like the Simon in the above excerpt.
In Paul's letter to Titus we find the following:
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Lord.[13]
Paul seems to be relating "washing," as in water, to the process that the Holy Ghost works in our lives.
Later in the book of Acts we see God calling Peter up to Caesarea to witness to a Roman Centurion, his family and friends. Peter gives the following discourse before them.
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.[14]
So here we see that the new Gentile disciples receive the Holy Ghost and even begin speaking in tongues like the apostles had experienced when they received the Holy Ghost back in Jerusalem. Peter gets the point that God is accepting them even though they are not Jews. The disciples of the circumcision from Jerusalem who are accompanying Peter are astonished that the Gentiles receive the Holy Ghost. Those of the circumcision, though they believed in Jesus as the Christ, were also zealous of the law and felt it was necessary to continue to keep the traditional Jewish religious laws commanded by Moses. It is over this very point that leads to Paul's arrest and eventual beheading by Caesar. Let's read from Acts.
17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders present. 19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: 21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither walk after the customs. 22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. 23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; 24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderçy, and keepest the law.[15]
Paul in this case decides to yield to the wishes of the Jerusalem leadership, although in Antioch he had withstood Peter over this very point. Perhaps it was Paul's way of trying to win them, like he himself wrote:
20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law.[16]
Maybe he should have had the faith to confront the brethren which he seems to do in his writings. Whatever the reason he decided otherwise, Paul ends up in a Roman jail and finally off to Rome itself.The difference in interpretation of how to follow their new faith is a point of disagreement between Paul and the Jerusalem leadership of Peter and James. Peter, at times, seems to get the point that God is pouring out his Spirit on the Gentiles. They even receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit before the baptism of water, which seems to incur that water baptism is only a ceremonial event.
I believe water baptism was a tradition left over from the period of John the Baptist. Peter in other occasions seems to have a hard time standing up to those of the circumcision and ends up compromising. God, knowing Peter’s weakness, anoints Paul who audaciously speaks the truth letting the chips fall where they may most of the time. However in the above passage Paul compromises his own position. We assume he did so in an attempt to win those Jews under the law. But the argument over grace and law and its ramifications and application continues to be a cause of discord among many Christian sects and denominations.
In the next incident we are going to look at Peter & James impose only a minimal of commandments on the new Gentile disciples prior to the above incident. Let us go again to the book of Acts.
15 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.[17]
Paul and Barnabas are confronted with believers from the circumcision, who believed it was still necessary to keep the laws of Moses to be saved. The circumcision accepted Christ, but held onto the old Judaic laws. Paul and Barnabas decide to go down to Jerusalem to get things straightened out with the leaders of the new movement, Peter and James.
3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. 4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. 6 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. 8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; 9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: 14 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. 15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, 16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: 17 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. 18 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. 19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: 20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren: 23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: 25 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: 31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.[18]
However, Paul relates another event which took place with Peter while he was visiting with Paul in Antioch. Let’s read from Galatians.
1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. 3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: 4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: 7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; 8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) 9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. 10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.[19]
Wow, Paul had some convictions and clearly understood the New Testament or the new rule book which God was working by. We now have a religion of grace and love, not laws and rules.
Paul goes on to say,
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.[20]
In fact Paul tells us, he himself baptized only between 3 to maybe ten people. It is not really clear if he is talking about water baptism or the baptism of the Holy Spirit. However, the way he differentiates between water baptism and preaching the gospel makes it sound more logical that he's talking about water baptism. We read from Paul's epistle.
14 I thank God I baptized none of you, but Cripus and Gaius; 15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in my own name. 16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with the wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.[21]
Therefore we can conclude that water baptism is indeed not part of preaching the gospel, or Paul would not have said that. He differentiates water baptism from the preaching of the gospel. Paul was an iconoclast and not interested in old Jewish customs and doctrine. He was interested and totally dedicated to trying to bring every man he met into relationship with Jesus Christ.
Peter’s doctrine of water baptism seems to me to be a hangover from the past and contrary to both John the Baptist’s and Jesus’ own words. Even Peter admits it is only a symbolic ceremony. I propose that the doctrine of water baptism is a doctrine of men. It is used by churches to get their believers to submit to their church doctrine and interpretation of the scriptures, rather than seek a clear understanding of what the scriptures teach.
Paul said, "Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."[22] We are free from the ceremonial religions of men to follow God “in Spirit and in truth.”[23]The truth of God’s word, which we learn by being steadfast in it, has set us free from man’s religious doctrines and traditions. "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."[24] Paul admonishes us to "use not liberty to the occasion of the flesh, but by love serve one another." [25] Jesus also said the following:
6 ...,Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. 13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.[26]
In Luke we find Jesus explaining how to receive the Holy Ghost and he says nothing of water baptism.
9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 10 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. 11 If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? 12 Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him.[27]
Jesus seems to be saying that to receive the Holy Spirit all we need to do is ask for it, no mention of a water baptism ceremony here. Even in Jesus’ commandment called the Great Commission is he talking about water baptism?
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:[28]
Or does he mean get them baptized with the Holy Spirit?
Before closing I need to go over another passage in John which is often used to justify water baptism and show how in fact, it does not. Let’s read the passage:
1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
9 Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?
10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? [29]
Nicodemus has come to Jesus secretly for private consultation. Jesus right away gets into a deep conversation with him emphasizing the need for spiritual birth. Nicodemus does not seem to understand. Jesus says man must be “born of water and of the Spirit.” Jesus continues and says man must be born of the flesh and of the spirit. The verses seem to equate “born of water” with “born of the flesh,” as in water-birth or the breaking of the water bag at the beginning of labor. The second half of the verse equates “born of the Spirit” with the spiritual birth. The phrase “born of water” cannot be referring to water baptism because in the following comparative phrase it is equivalent to “born of the flesh.” Jesus is simply defining the awakening of one’s spirit in the receiving of Christ as a being “born of the Spirit,” or as called by Jesus, being “born again.”
In the next chapter of John we read,
1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples then John, 2 (though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples), he left Judea, and departed again into Galilee. [30]
What is interesting to note here is that Jesus himself does not do any of the baptizing. He knows that water baptism is only symbolic. He also knows that the Holy Ghost will baptize the disciples after his death and resurrection with power to witness as we have seen in an earlier comment.
Finally in Paul we read,
6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.[31]
Because of the way I have seen water baptism misused by the churches to manipulate and condemn new converts to submit to their Biblical authority; because of my knowledge of God’ word and the spiritual realities Jesus was ushering in which we see in his own words and those of apostle Paul; I make the following conclusion.
For in Jesus Christ neither infant water baptism avails anything, nor adult water baptism; but faith which works by love.[32]
I don't mind praying over the new born for his protection and that he will grow up in the knowledge and love of God. That's fine. If that is what you really are doing at infant baptism, then okay. Or if you are baptizing an adult as a ceremony of their desired commitment to Jesus and not in a way to condemn others, I am not going to say it is wrong. I understand that there can be made a defense for water baptism from the scriptures and I do not condemn those that practice such. However, those that preach water baptism is necessary for salvation or for receiving the Holy Spirit, I will have to contend with fervently as it seems to my understanding of the Scriptures to be contrary to sound doctrine.
Maybe that’s what I tell the priest at my grandchildren’s baptism next month. But I'm not sure he would understand.
Footnotes:
[1] Luke 3:16
[2] 1 Peter 3:21
[3] Galatians 1:10-12
[4] Galatians 1:13-17
[5] Galatians 1:18-24
[6] Acts 9:10-22
[7] Acts 1:4,5
[8] Acts 1:6-8
[9] Acts 1:13-15
[10] Acts 2:1-4
[11] Acts 8: 9-21
[12] 1 Peter 3:21
[13] Titus 3:5,6
[14] Acts 10:34-48
[15] Acts 21: 17-24
[16] 1 Corinthian 9:20
[17] Acts 15:1,2
[18] Acts 15:1-31
[19] Galatians 2:1-21
[20] Galatians 3:24-29
[21] 1 Corinthians 1:14-17
[22] 2 Corinthians 3:17
[23] John 4:23
[24] John 8:31,32
[25] Galatians 5:13
[26] Mark 7:6,7,9,13
[27] Luke 11:9-13
[28] Matthew 28:19
[29] John 3: 1-10
[30] John 4:1-2
[31] Galatians 5:6
[32] Dennis Edwards 3:16
Nadav Weiman. Photograph: Quique Kierszenbaum
Tal Wasser. Photograph: Quique Kierszenbaum
Avner Gvaryahu. Photograph: Quique Kierszenbaum
Gil Hillel. Photograph: Quique Kierszenbaum
Nadav Bigelman. Photograph: Quique Kierszenbaum
