Baptism should accompany confessions of faith

[ResidentAlien]

If water baptism is essential, why would God have made Paul not have it be an integral part of his message?

When Paul said he wasn't sent to baptize, it's clear from the context he's talking about the physical act itself; but some of his letters do teach baptism. Even if he doesn't mention baptism every other sentence, we know it's important because of all the examples we have from Acts. And not three months later, but immediately.

 

[ForgiveMeGod]

In the New Testament churches, confessions of faith were always accompanied by baptism. What happened? How did we get away from this practice? I'm not saying getting wet saves us; we're saved by the Lord through faith. But how and why did we get away from the practice of baptizing together with confessions of faith?

We have confessions of faith with baptisms at my church. I’m not sure about other churches.

 

[ResidentAlien]

We have confessions of faith with baptisms at my church. I’m not sure about other churches.

I'm not exactly sure if we're on the same page. I've also been in congregations where a confession of faith was part of baptism; however, the correct order of things is first repentance and confession of Christ for forgiveness, then baptism following as soon as possible, not weeks, months or years later. Someone may come to believe in Christ for salvation and make a confession of faith, then make another confession months later in some public baptismal ceremony when it's convenient for others. This isn't the way.

 

[ForgiveMeGod]

I'm not exactly sure if we're on the same page. I've also been in congregations where a confession of faith was part of baptism; however, the correct order of things is first repentance and confession of Christ for forgiveness, then baptism following as soon as possible, not weeks, months or years later. Someone may come to believe in Christ for salvation and make a confession of faith, then make another confession months later in some public baptismal ceremony when it's convenient for others. This isn't the way.

Okay, I get you. What if someone gets baptized at the age of 6 after finding out about Jesus but they don’t remember if they repented from anything?

and then that same person repents and confesses Jesus is lord in private, has a spiritual awakening and transformation, then starts going to church, without a baptism, because there is suppose to be only one baptism?

 

[ResidentAlien]

"Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he recovered his sight forthwith; and getting up he was baptized, and upon receiving food he was strengthened." Acts 9:18-19

Paul was baptized. So he was baptized himself but didn't feel it was important enough to teach others to get baptized? I've heard some pretty lame ideas about this, like baptism was for the Jews but not required for gentiles. But this isn't what Jesus taught:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;" Matthew 28:19-20

Also, Cornelius and his household were baptized and they were gentiles.

 

[ForgiveMeGod]

Okay, I get you. What if someone gets baptized at the age of 6 after finding out about Jesus but they don’t remember if they repented from anything?

and then that same person repents and confesses Jesus is lord in private, has a spiritual awakening and transformation, then starts going to church, without a baptism, because there is suppose to be only one baptism?

20 years later

 

[ForgiveMeGod]

"Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he recovered his sight forthwith; and getting up he was baptized, and upon receiving food he was strengthened." Acts 9:18-19

Paul was baptized. So he was baptized himself but didn't feel it was important enough to teach others to get baptized? I've heard some pretty lame ideas about this, like baptism was for the Jews but not required for gentiles. But this isn't what Jesus taught:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;" Matthew 28:19-20

Also, Cornelius and his household were baptized and they were gentiles.

Yes, all nations. I also feel kinda blind spiritually at the moment, like I can’t focus properly at the moment.

i’m currently weaning off of an antipsychotic medication at the moment and I’m not in the right mind to be giving any feedback of these statements. I pray I don’t get separated from God.

 

[GWH]

At the moment of repentance/acceptance, God’s Holy Spirit enters their spiritual hearts (RV 3:20), uniting them with God as heavenly Father (RM 8:9) and identifying them with Christ’s worldwide/catholic body or church (CL 1:18). This manifold event is called spiritual birth or baptism (1CR 12:13).

Confusion may arise from the fact that in Ephesians 4:5 Paul says there is only one baptism, but elsewhere the NT seems to refer to two types of baptism: one by water and another by the Holy Spirit. In His “Great Commission” Jesus tied saving faith closely to the work of water baptism when He said “Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them” (MT 28:19). Yet, in 1 Corinthians 12:13 Paul wrote that “We were all baptized by one Spirit into one body.” This suggests that spirit baptism occurs at the moment of conversion, when the Holy Spirit unites the new saint (saved sinner/soul) with Christ, because “if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” (RM 8:9)

Any confusion is resolved by understanding that the two types of baptism are united if baptism with water is viewed as a symbolic way of portraying baptism by the Holy Spirit. The details for this work are vague, but the mode of immersion best portrays a Believer’s spiritual union with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection to eternal life (CL 2:12, RM 6:4).

Although Paul did not command baptism, he administered it in ACTS 16:33, 18:8, 19:5 & 1CR 1:114-16, even though he said Christ did not send him to baptize but to preach the gospel (1CR 1:17) IOW, Paul's focus was on preaching (spirit baptism) and he probably left the water baptizing to his assistants.

Both outward confession and water baptism may be seen as works manifesting love for God that every new Believer will want to (but we cannot say “must”) perform as soon as possible following his/her decision to have saving faith (cf. MT 3:13-15, ACTS 2:38).

 

[Slimsumo]

Did Jesus tell people to get baptized immediately?

I did not see that command..

The Apostle Peter did. When he was preaching on Pentecost he told people the Gospel and told them to be baptized. It happened immediately.

The same thing with the Jailer and Paul, immediately got baptized.

Cornelius household same thing.

Ethiopian eunuch got baptized immediately.

 

[ForgiveMeGod]

At the moment of repentance/acceptance, God’s Holy Spirit enters their spiritual hearts (RV 3:20), uniting them with God as heavenly Father (RM 8:9) and identifying them with Christ’s worldwide/catholic body or church (CL 1:18). This manifold event is called spiritual birth or baptism (1CR 12:13).

Confusion may arise from the fact that in Ephesians 4:5 Paul says there is only one baptism, but elsewhere the NT seems to refer to two types of baptism: one by water and another by the Holy Spirit. In His “Great Commission” Jesus tied saving faith closely to the work of water baptism when He said “Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them” (MT 28:19). Yet, in 1 Corinthians 12:13 Paul wrote that “We were all baptized by one Spirit into one body.” This suggests that spirit baptism occurs at the moment of conversion, when the Holy Spirit unites the new saint (saved sinner/soul) with Christ, because “if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.” (RM 8:9)

Any confusion is resolved by understanding that the two types of baptism are united if baptism with water is viewed as a symbolic way of portraying baptism by the Holy Spirit. The details for this work are vague, but the mode of immersion best portrays a Believer’s spiritual union with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection to eternal life (CL 2:12, RM 6:4).

Although Paul did not command baptism, he administered it in ACTS 16:33, 18:8, 19:5 & 1CR 1:114-16, even though he said Christ did not send him to baptize but to preach the gospel (1CR 1:17) IOW, Paul's focus was on preaching (spirit baptism) and he probably left the water baptizing to his assistants.

Both outward confession and water baptism may be seen as works manifesting love for God that every new Believer will want to (but we cannot say “must”) perform as soon as possible following his/her decision to have saving faith (cf. MT 3:13-15, ACTS 2:38).

Thanks for clearing that up!

 

[GWH]

Thanks for clearing that up!

Perhaps I have the gift of editing GW?

 

[ForgiveMeGod]

Perhaps I have the gift of editing GW?

It truly is an amazing gift.

 

[Bingo]

Yes, all nations. I also feel kinda blind spiritually at the moment, like I can’t focus properly at the moment.

i’m currently weaning off of an antipsychotic medication at the moment and I’m not in the right mind to be giving any feedback of these statements.

Yes, all nations. I also feel kinda blind spiritually at the moment, like I can’t focus properly at the moment.

i’m currently weaning off of an antipsychotic medication at the moment and I’m not in the right mind to be giving any feedback of these statements. I pray I don’t get separated from God.

"Often times while browsing through threads, certain words stand out that are meaningful
and of great importance. ("I pray I don’t get separated from God.") Many there are who should
seriously pray for this regularly. This restless world can easily and quickly disrupt and
disfigure a Christian life. Never doubt, that the adversary is cunning and powerful."

 

[ForgiveMeGod]

Thanks @Bingo . I ended up stepping off here and watching a sermon, to have God speak to me about some life struggles. I haven’t spent enough time with God alone this week. Been to busy fellowshipping on here and possibly forming idols of you guys on here, which God is making me aware of.

 

[Bingo]

Thanks @Bingo . I ended up stepping off here and watching a sermon, to have God speak to me about some life struggles. I haven’t spent enough time with God alone this week. Been to busy fellowshipping on here and possibly forming idols of you guys on here, which God is making me aware of.

"Guard the heart carefully."

 

[GWH]

It truly is an amazing gift.

I know that the gifts of editing and logic are not specifically listed in 1CR 12, but I think they might be included in v. 8, "To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit."

Could wisdom not include the gift of right reasoning/logic? And could knowledge not increase by editing or organizing GW--sewing disparate Scriptures together with spiritual thread?

 

[ForgiveMeGod]

I know it’s good to fellowship but I agree, alone time with God is probably what I should be doing most. Before I came here, all I was doing was having alone time with God, for most of the day, every day for a year but fellowship and even relationships, if you don’t put God first, He gets jealous, sabotages the thing you idolize and bring you back into His perfect peace.

Trust me, I’m a slave of righteousness and I’m allergic to sin. It currently pains me being on here cause I know God wants to spend time with me.

So I guess I’ll just call it a night.

 

[ForgiveMeGod]

I know that the gifts of editing and logic are not specifically listed in 1CR 12, but I think they might be included in v. 8, "To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit."

Could wisdom not include the gift of right reasoning/logic? And could knowledge not increase by editing or organizing GW--sewing disparate Scriptures together with spiritual thread?

I’m not sure but you definitely sharpen my iron.

I just know that when I read your posts, they are thorough and precise, you would think that some type of super computer wrote it. So I give it you, It’s quite a gift.

 

[Wansvic]

It has meaning consider this and it’s conformity think of the core foundations of our faith

“For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

and that he was buried,

and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:3-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

now consider baptism , a man of God buries you beneath the water in Jesus name because you believe he died for your sins . Then you are raised up again from the water in Jesus name who rose again because you believe he rose again after he died for our sins which is the price for sin , death .

now listen to pauls doctine regarding those who were baptized into Jesus by his name

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? ( he died for our sins )

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: ( when we’re buried beneath the surface of the water in his name )

that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.


For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, ( buried beneath the surface in his name ) we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin,( death ) but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”( resurrection or “new birth “ fresh start without your sin that was remitted in jesus name )
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:3-6, 11‬ ‭KJV‬‬


It’s an action of faith we do it only because we heard and believe the gospel and that’s part of the doctrine . If god tells us to do something and we do it because we believe what he told us will happen , it’s not ritual it’s an act of faith because and only because we believe jesus died for our sins was buried and rose again .

Paul writes more about baptism and those who were baptized on his name but the above there shows how what we believe jesus does and rose for us . And what we then do based on that belief get baptized into his name for remission of sins

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, ( what we do )


and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”( what God gives us )
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Your comment is definitely a WINNER!

"It’s an action of faith we do it only because we heard and believe the gospel and that’s part of the doctrine . If God tells us to do something and we do it because we believe what he told us will happen , it’s not ritual it’s an act of faith because and only because we believe jesus died for our sins was buried and rose again ."

 

[Wansvic]

At the moment of repentance/acceptance, God’s Holy Spirit enters their spiritual hearts (RV 3:20), ...

Your assertion concerning when the indwelling of the Holy Spirit takes place does not align with the word of God:

"Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:

(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." Acts 8:12-17



"He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (water baptism)
And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
And all the men were about twelve." Acts 19:1-7



"...Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38