I Was Not Sent to Baptize - What Exactly Did Paul Mean?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

GRACE_ambassador

Well-known member
Feb 22, 2021
3,242
1,641
113
Midwest
#41
It's as though Christ's commission via the original apostles was old school,
and in time, Christ's commission via Paul became the new school. I realize it
seems impossible; but I'm hard pressed to think of any other reason why
Paul's message would de-emphasize ritual baptism unless the Lord
instructed him to.
Precious friend, yes, seems impossible because most assume Peter and
Paul had the SAME commission, which they did not. Please see:
God's Approval/TWO Different Gospels

My summary for three baptisms, showing ONLY ONE Baptism
for today, is here: #30

Please Be Richly Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, and Edified!
God's Simple Will!
 
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
3,691
113
#42
Saving faith is accepting Jesus' sacrifice as the sole means of salvation. It is applied to each one individually through repentance, (death to sin) water baptism (burial) and being indwelt by the Holy Spirit. (new life in Christ)
You're possibly conflating water baptism with Holy Spirit baptism. Sometimes it is not explicitly stated that the immersion that is taking place is with water.

Another clue is that water baptism is often completely omitted from the text when telling people how to receive salvation.

I tend to think in "either/or" terms. Either something is true or isn't. Fundamentally that's how everything is. If something is true then it needs to be consistent through scripture. Salvation through water baptism is completely omitted from numerous examples of salvation.

Either baptism is a prerequisite for salvation, as you suggest, or it isn't. I think this actually matters because apparently placing your faith in anything or anyone else besides Jesus is not part of the narrow gate that leads to life.

I plan on studying the history of water baptism. So far, from what I understand, it is a symbol of spiritual things, not the reality of spiritual things themselves.
 

Webers.Home

Well-known member
May 28, 2018
5,895
1,084
113
Oregon
#43
.
It's as though Christ's commission via the original apostles was old school,
and in time, Christ's commission via Paul became the new school. I realize it
seems impossible

I shouldn't be surprised that the details of Paul's commission were different
than the eleven's. Christ had done so before.

Matt 10:5-10 . .These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions:
Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. Go
rather to the lost sheep of Israel. Do not take along any gold or silver or
copper in your belts; take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals
or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.

Later; his instructions were quite different; plus, he ordered them to take a
weapon.

Matt 28:19 . . Go and make disciples of all nations

Luke 22:35-36 . . But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and
if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.

My unsolicited spiritual counseling is this: If someone is experiencing inner
conflicts about the necessity of ritual baptism, then I suggest they locate a
full service church and have it done if for no other reason than to settle the
issue for themselves once and for all.
_
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
#44
You're possibly conflating water baptism with Holy Spirit baptism. Sometimes it is not explicitly stated that the immersion that is taking place is with water.

Another clue is that water baptism is often completely omitted from the text when telling people how to receive salvation.

I tend to think in "either/or" terms. Either something is true or isn't. Fundamentally that's how everything is. If something is true then it needs to be consistent through scripture. Salvation through water baptism is completely omitted from numerous examples of salvation.

Either baptism is a prerequisite for salvation, as you suggest, or it isn't. I think this actually matters because apparently placing your faith in anything or anyone else besides Jesus is not part of the narrow gate that leads to life.

I plan on studying the history of water baptism. So far, from what I understand, it is a symbol of spiritual things, not the reality of spiritual things themselves.
I did not understand the full import of water baptism. I believed the entire gospel message and obeyed the command to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Afterward the Lord led me to do an exhaustive search of water baptism in the bible. I searched out all references to baptism, baptize, baptized, etc.

If you decide to do this take notice to the context of the scripture references.

One last point, consider that it is through his name that believers will receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:43) Just as His literal name was required to heal the sick, cast out demons, etc.
 

ResidentAlien

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2021
8,433
3,684
113
#45
What many fail to realize is that the commands to repent and be water baptized are part and parcel of the gospel message. Belief and obedience to the entire gospel message is what brings about one's spiritual rebirth according to Jesus. (John3:3-5, Mark 16:15-17)
I agree. If a person has the opportunity to be baptized and they refuse, I don't think they understand the gospel; perhaps it hasn't been explained to them adequately. Like those perhaps who think baptism is a mere formality, a way of joining the club so to speak. This is a big error.
 
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
3,691
113
#46
Afterward the Lord led me to do an exhaustive search of water baptism in the bible. I searched out all references to baptism, baptize, baptized, etc.

If you decide to do this take notice to the context of the scripture references.
The Lord has also lead me to specifically study the history of baptism. He has confirmed to me, not that I required it because the Bible already says so, that forgiveness of sins comes through Jesus Christ.

Why I am being lead to study the history of water baptism is due to confusion on the topic. I believe this search will clarify all I need to know.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
#47
The Lord has also lead me to specifically study the history of baptism. He has confirmed to me, not that I required it because the Bible already says so, that forgiveness of sins comes through Jesus Christ.

Why I am being lead to study the history of water baptism is due to confusion on the topic. I believe this search will clarify all I need to know.
Just a helpful suggestion: study out when and by whom the way believers were to be water baptized was altered. You may be surprised.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
#48
The Lord has also lead me to specifically study the history of baptism. He has confirmed to me, not that I required it because the Bible already says so, that forgiveness of sins comes through Jesus Christ.

Why I am being lead to study the history of water baptism is due to confusion on the topic. I believe this search will clarify all I need to know.
I agree. Forgiveness of sins does come through Jesus. By what means is the question.

Peter states it is through Jesus' name that believers will receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:43) What many fail to realize is the apostles did not repeat, but obeyed Jesus' command in Matt. 28:19.
 

GRACE_ambassador

Well-known member
Feb 22, 2021
3,242
1,641
113
Midwest
#49
If someone is experiencing inner
conflicts about the necessity of ritual baptism, then I suggest they locate a
full service church and have it done if for no other reason than to settle the
issue for themselves once and for all.
Precious friend, does the FULL SERVICE assembly actually have a
"class" explaining the FULL Sound Doctrine Of God, From The Scriptures?

If NOT, {and only SHOW a small "section" of their tradition}, then the
"inner conflict" shown by Many Divided Denominations will hardly
be resolved, Once And For ALL, Correct?

If they "feel better" {like I thought I did!} because they went through
the motions, then it will probably be emotional {sight}, Instead of
obeying God, "in faith" {see
2 Corinthians 5:7 KJB!}

The FULL "class" for this doctrine:
12 baptisms & ONE Baptism

Please Be Richly Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, and Edified!
God's Simple Will!
 

GRACE_ambassador

Well-known member
Feb 22, 2021
3,242
1,641
113
Midwest
#50
Why I am being lead to study the history of water baptism is due to confusion on the topic. I believe this search will clarify all I need to know.
Will it be the Scriptural history, or the history of the development of Confusion
of traditions practiced by Many Differing denominations?

This may save you some time, I don't know:
12 baptisms & ONE Baptism
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
#52
Was the Greek Baptismos in Hebrews 9:10 one of them?
The scripture you reference pertains to the washings, etc. associated with the Old Testament Law. Water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus is a command instituted in the New Testament.
 

GRACE_ambassador

Well-known member
Feb 22, 2021
3,242
1,641
113
Midwest
#55
Water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus is a command instituted in the New Testament.
Which verse(s)?:
(Acts 2:38-41, 8:12-18, 10:44-48, 19:1-6, 22:16)
Disagree, the "acts of the apostles {including Transition}" Was
the obedience to the command Instituted in the OT!:

(A) the "NT" is a man-made label INSERTED into The Bible; John the
baptizer, and CHRIST were both born, Under The LAW {OT}:

Gal_4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth
His SON, made of a woman, made under the law

(B) Had to be instituted before Acts, and Before CHRIST was water baptized?

(C) Was it instituted with John the baptizer? Or, before?
Partial "study" from 12 baptisms:

(ONE of Israel's various washings! Greek: Baptismos = Hebrews 9:10):

4. Levitical priesthood baptism (Exodus 29:4;
Leviticus 8:6; Numbers 8:7!). This washing was The Second
Requirement {The First being: "NO blemish!" (Leviticus 21:21!)},
in order to become a priest under the Law of Moses!

Is this baptism in any way connected To baptism # 9?
--------------------
9. "water" baptism of repentance that John preached (Before The Cross),
And Peter continued (After The Cross!), to preach!
(Matthew 3:5-6; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; John 1:31; Luke 7:29-30;
Acts 10:37; Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16;
Ezekiel 36:25).

a) Does this baptism “save” anyone (Luke 7:29-30?)?
-------------------------------------------------
b1) Is this baptism in any way "connected" to baptism # 4?

b2) Wasn't John preparing National Israel for God's Promise For
them “to be a nation of priests unto God" (Exodus 19:6!)?

b3) Was not The Second Requirement for priesthood induction,
Washing? { may require re-review of baptism #4! }.

b4) Did not CHRIST And The Twelve “heal” everyone in Israel who came to
them, in order to meet “The FIRST Requirement” For the priesthood, that
Of "NO blemish!”? (Matthew 4:24; Acts 5:16 cp Leviticus 21:21!).

-------------------------------------------------------------------
c) Is this baptism “for today”? IF this baptism is FOR US Today, we have
Several More Questions:

c1) Why does NO ONE Today, “teach,” as “John ( Under The LAW! ),
Claimed: it is FOR “making CHRIST Manifest To Israel” (John 1:31!)?

c2) Why does {Almost} NO ONE Today, “Confess their sins,”
when they come to This baptism (Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:5!)?

c3) Why do not ALL Divided “denominations who WATER baptize” today,
agree AS ONE, And “teach” water as John, CHRIST, And The
Twelve ( Under The LAW! ), “taught” That “water baptism Is FOR The
Remission Of sins!” (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 2:38!).

{ instead of each one’s own “symbolic Re-Interpreted Traditions!” }? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baptism Of Anointing?:

10. Pentecostal Spirit baptism

This is the baptism "WITH" The Holy Spirit, BY JESUS CHRIST,
From Heaven, Poured Out Upon the believing remnant of Israel with
signs and powers following. (Isaiah 44:3; Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8, 16:17-18;
Luke 24:49; Acts 2:17-18, 38; Acts 8:15-17; Acts 11:16).

And, is not THIS The THIRD Requirement For "priesthood induction" =
Anointing? (compare Exodus 29:7; Leviticus 8:10-12).

Is God Performing "This" Baptism On us TODAY?
------------------------
Conclusion: IF you, precious friend, believe you have been water baptized
into the Israeli priesthood, Are you Absolutely SURE you Have MET The other
TWO Requirements Of God? IF you haven't, then does this apply TODAY?:

God Superseded TWO baptisms, Under Law, With ONE Baptism , Under GRACE!
---------------------------
Please Be Richly Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, and Edified!
God's Simple Will!
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
#56
.
Eph 4:4-5 . .There is . . . one baptism,

Which baptism is the one one baptism; ritual baptism or Spirit baptism?
_
Water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus. See Luke 24:47
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
#57
It is God who Baptizes unto Salvation. We are given baptism in Holy Spirit when Born Again. We are cleansed by the Blood of jesus. Nothing but the Blood of Jesus.


Correct.
Please quote what I actually posted. Do not cut and paste to make my comment state something I did not say. (your post #39) This is the portion of my post that you copied and pasted,..."water baptism is not an essential part of the NT spiritual rebirth process."

My actual comment, "What did Paul mean by his comment that he was not sent to baptize? (1Cor. 1:17) Paul’s comment has been taken out of context by many. Primarily by those who promote the idea that obedience to water baptism is not an essential part of the NT spiritual rebirth process."... (Portion of post #1)

Water baptism IS an essential part of the NT spiritual rebirth process:
 

Aaron56

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2021
3,044
1,799
113
#58
Water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus. See Luke 24:47
There are different baptisms: Hebrews 6:1,2 "Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment."

The four types of baptism are water, fire, by the Spirit, and of the Spirit.

But there is ONE baptism that makes us part of ONE body: the baptism by the Spirit.

The baptism in Ephesians 4 is the baptism by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ. He knows which part of the Body we are and He places us in the Body.

1 Corinthians 12: 13 "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
#59
Which verse(s)?:

Disagree, the "acts of the apostles {including Transition}" Was
the obedience to the command Instituted in the OT!:

(A) the "NT" is a man-made label INSERTED into The Bible; John the
baptizer, and CHRIST were both born, Under The LAW {OT}:

Gal_4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth
His SON, made of a woman, made under the law

(B) Had to be instituted before Acts, and Before CHRIST was water baptized?

(C) Was it instituted with John the baptizer? Or, before?
Partial "study" from 12 baptisms:

(ONE of Israel's various washings! Greek: Baptismos = Hebrews 9:10):

4. Levitical priesthood baptism (Exodus 29:4;
Leviticus 8:6; Numbers 8:7!). This washing was The Second
Requirement {The First being: "NO blemish!" (Leviticus 21:21!)},
in order to become a priest under the Law of Moses!

Is this baptism in any way connected To baptism # 9?
--------------------
9. "water" baptism of repentance that John preached (Before The Cross),
And Peter continued (After The Cross!), to preach!
(Matthew 3:5-6; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; John 1:31; Luke 7:29-30;
Acts 10:37; Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16;
Ezekiel 36:25).

a) Does this baptism “save” anyone (Luke 7:29-30?)?
-------------------------------------------------
b1) Is this baptism in any way "connected" to baptism # 4?

b2) Wasn't John preparing National Israel for God's Promise For
them “to be a nation of priests unto God" (Exodus 19:6!)?

b3) Was not The Second Requirement for priesthood induction,
Washing? { may require re-review of baptism #4! }.

b4) Did not CHRIST And The Twelve “heal” everyone in Israel who came to
them, in order to meet “The FIRST Requirement” For the priesthood, that
Of "NO blemish!”? (Matthew 4:24; Acts 5:16 cp Leviticus 21:21!).

-------------------------------------------------------------------
c) Is this baptism “for today”? IF this baptism is FOR US Today, we have
Several More Questions:

c1) Why does NO ONE Today, “teach,” as “John ( Under The LAW! ),
Claimed: it is FOR “making CHRIST Manifest To Israel” (John 1:31!)?

c2) Why does {Almost} NO ONE Today, “Confess their sins,”
when they come to This baptism (Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:5!)?

c3) Why do not ALL Divided “denominations who WATER baptize” today,
agree AS ONE, And “teach” water as John, CHRIST, And The
Twelve ( Under The LAW! ), “taught” That “water baptism Is FOR The
Remission Of sins!” (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 2:38!).

{ instead of each one’s own “symbolic Re-Interpreted Traditions!” }? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Baptism Of Anointing?:

10. Pentecostal Spirit baptism

This is the baptism "WITH" The Holy Spirit, BY JESUS CHRIST,ou
From Heaven, Poured Out Upon the believing remnant of Israel with
signs and powers following. (Isaiah 44:3; Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:8, 16:17-18;
Luke 24:49; Acts 2:17-18, 38; Acts 8:15-17; Acts 11:16).

And, is not THIS The THIRD Requirement For "priesthood induction" =
Anointing? (compare Exodus 29:7; Leviticus 8:10-12).

Is God Performing "This" Baptism On us TODAY?
------------------------
Conclusion: IF you, precious friend, believe you have been water baptized
into the Israeli priesthood, Are you Absolutely SURE you Have MET The other
TWO Requirements Of God? IF you haven't, then does this apply TODAY?:

God Superseded TWO baptisms, Under Law, With ONE Baptism , Under GRACE!
---------------------------
Please Be Richly Encouraged, Enlightened, Exhorted, and Edified!
God's Simple Will!
As you stated both Jesus and John the Baptist were born under the Law of the Old Testament.
John the Baptist introduced God's mandate of water baptism of repentance for the remission of sin. (Luke 3:3-7) However, water baptism was modified to include the use of the name of the Lord Jesus for the remission of sin. This occurred as Jesus prophesied after his death, burial and resurrection that ushered in the New Testament. (Luke 24:47)

Many believe that the Acts of the Apostles is a transitional book. And as such water baptism is no longer a requirement for the remission of one's sin in association with Jesus' sacrifice. However, the fact is that Paul preached of its necessity to the Ephesus disciples in Acts 19:1-6. Why command the twelve to be rebaptized in water in the name of the Lord Jesus? This record gives credible evidence that water baptism is more than an empty ritual. When one accepts what is written within the word rather than accepting what is commonly preached it becomes clear.


Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Acts 10:43
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

Mark 16:15-16
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
 

Wansvic

Well-known member
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
1,110
113
#60
There are different baptisms: Hebrews 6:1,2 "Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment."

The four types of baptism are water, fire, by the Spirit, and of the Spirit.

But there is ONE baptism that makes us part of ONE body: the baptism by the Spirit.

The baptism in Ephesians 4 is the baptism by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ. He knows which part of the Body we are and He places us in the Body.

1 Corinthians 12: 13 "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.
The point was Paul's statement speaks of foundational doctrine. Clearly his comment parallels the gospel message initially given by Peter on the Day of Pentecost.

Also noteworthy is the fact that Jesus talks about the need to lay a proper foundation in Matthew 7:21-27. Most importantly Jesus says those who hear my sayings and does them is a wise man.

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."