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Romans 6:4-7 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: 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. (5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (6) 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. (7) For he that is dead is freed from sin. (KJV)
When our Lord does something or asks something of us it is for our benefit, a change that will be long lasting. While mankind and their doctrines fall short and bring short term solutions to eternal issues, like for instance the old law, it could never take away sin but rather just covered it up, like a cheap deodorant. The living waters cleanse us from all sin, doesn’t just cover it up, but rather it cleans it up and removes it from us. So which realm are you walking in today and which law do you hold to; a spiritual law of faith that brings new life to the believer, or the letter of the old law which is dead and keeps those that are following it dead as well? Acts 1:4-5 And, being assembled together with them, 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. (KJV) John the Baptist was considered one of the greatest prophets, yet he was still under the old law and limited by the carnal rituals of it. Even though our Lord separates the two baptisms in the above verses, encouraging the disciples that a better one was on the way, I am amazed today at how many grasp and cling to the old rather than take hold of the new life that is available in Christ. Here is a tidbit and something to chew on; you know, if you hold someone under water long enough it cuts off the source of life and results in physical death. Now if we take a different look at baptism from a spiritual aspect we can see a similar pattern, if one immerses themselves in the living spiritual waters, which is what baptism truly means and what Paul is teaching, then that too will result in death to an area of our flesh that has been hindering our walk with the Lord. Could it really be that simple people; when you really stop and pray and ask the Lord, you may find out that mankind and his limited carnal thinking is the one that made it so complicated and confusing. The Lord made His word simple, so simple in fact that man doesn’t comprehend it, they distort the scriptures to make it fit into their way of thinking. The Lord said the words that He spoke are Spirit and they are life. So are you able to see the spiritual meaning of the word of God that will bring new life within you, or are you like so many that hold to outward dead rituals which end up watering down the true meaning? Hebrews 9:8-14 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: (9) Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; (10) Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (11) But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; (12) Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. (13) For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: (14) How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (KJV) If you so desire you can go back to the beginning of Hebrews Chapter 9 and read it in its entirety, I just wanted to highlight a few points today. The things in the Old Testament were a figure, a representation or symbol of something new that would take place in the spiritual realm. The question being asked today is ‘have you taken your place where you belong which is in the Spirit as well so that you can see the true meaning and intent of the word of God for yourself’? It’s just as idiotic to think that the blood of goats and of calves, or any other ritual from the old law is going to bring you any closer to the Lord than what the blood of Christ has done to make a permanent way into His realm. And it is just as much of a waste of time, let alone missing the mark and the true meaning of God’s word, to think that pouring water or dunking someone in it is going to make one more spiritual when verse 10 says these things were imposed until the time of reformation, a time that ended once the Lord paid the price for His people. You want the old law, then why stop at water baptism, how about building alters in your back yard and offering sacrifices? Oh guys, instead of a super bowl party how about a circumcision one instead? Hey wait a minute, where are you guys going? Sound silly and ridiculous? Not anymore ridiculous than the way you try to serve a spiritual God with carnal ordinances. Since when do you get to pick and choose which ones you are going to institute? You want to purge a conscience from dead works, then you best get some living waters in there if you wish to achieve this, otherwise you are just all wet. --Bible Study Magazine, James Montgomery Boice (May, 1989) 907 baptizo- to overwhelm Not to be confused with 0911, bapto. The clearest example that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text from the Greek poet and physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B. C. It is a recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be `dipped' (bapto) into boiling water and then `baptized' (baptizo) in the vinegar solution. Both verbs concern the immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the first is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a permanent change. When used in the New Testament, this word more often refers to our union and identification with Christ than to our water baptism. For example, Mark 16:16. `He that believes and is baptized shall be saved'. Christ is saying that mere intellectual assent is not enough. There must be a union with him, a real change, like the vegetable to the pickle! Take some time and pray about where you truly stand with the Lord, or should I say if you are truly standing with Him. The things of this realm are referred to as temporal, temporary; while the things of God are referred to as eternal. If you desire a change, to walk in a new life which is in Christ, then you will need to operate in the realm of the Spirit in order to make the permanent change. Get out of the old people and get into the new. God bless and keep the faith. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. (KJV)
Strong’s definition of ‘cleanse’: OT:2135 zakah (zaw-kaw'); a primitive root [compare OT:2141]; to be translucent; figuratively, to be innocent: KJV - be (make) clean, cleanse, be clear, count pure. When most people think of the word ‘cleanse’ what first comes to mind is washing with water, or as in most of today’s religious organizations, baptism. Yet, if you look at the rest of the verse above you see that it is by taking heed to the Word of God is what will continue to cleanse one’s way before God. Cleansing with water is only temporary; now, think about that for a moment. So why do many think that by baptism (meaning the physical dunk tank routine) it keeps one clean before the Lord? One can cleanse themselves with water every day and yet one will begin to get soiled and start to stink if they don’t keep doing it. The physical baptism was temporary until the permanent baptism in Christ was given. And it is only in Him that we can remain clean of all filthiness and unrighteousness (Spiritually). In the end, it is the inward cleansing that enables one to be counted pure before God. The cleansing being spoken of above is an inward cleansing of one’s heart and mind by the washing of the Word which brings about our innocents before God. It also brings about a translucency which enables others to see the pure river of living waters that flow within you, and that not being of yourself, but Christ in you continually cleansing your way, as you continue to abide in Him. 1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: (KJV) It is the Spiritual baptism that begins the cleansing process within us, and we make the choice if we will continue to cleanse our way by taking heed thereto according to the Word of God. Taking heed in Psalms 119:9 means to observe, attend to, to guard or to protect. It is speaking of your clean way of living before God. There are many things in this world that can defile one if allowed in, so enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men; avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. Let the cleansing by the Word of God continue in you. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Philippians 3:8-10 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; (KJV)
The purpose of this week’s study was to show the difference between the old outdated doctrine of water baptism and the new spiritual baptism so that we could learn to be immersed in the new living spiritual waters that our Lord has made available to mankind. Knowing our Lord personally and experiencing His power will only take place when your old nature is nailed to the cross of Christ. There is power in the resurrection because you are no longer influenced by the outward sight. Galatians 2:18-21 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 lives 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 comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (KJV) The old law is a death sentence to many believers who begin so well in the Spirit, but then go back to old things to try and perfect their walk with God instead of doing those things that are pleasing in our Lord’s sight. It is frustrating to God to see His people who were set free for a season walk right back into the snare of the devil by the works of the law which are now considered vain and outdated. Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (KJV) Instead of being stuck on water baptism, how about immersing yourself into the living spiritual waters which are the only ones that can get out spiritual stains. Given the fact that we need to clean up our act before showing up at the throne someday, why not find out what our Lord considers clean as compared to what mankind thinks will work. John 15:3-5 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (KJV) It’s the simplicity of the gospel that gets missed and overlooked by people who claim to be spiritual, yet still operate in the flesh. We have been engrafted into the tree of life and we are required to bear the fruit of the Spirit; and the best way for that to happen is to water it with living waters, which again Church are spiritual and not carnal. Ezekiel 36:25-27 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. (KJV) All this week we have been showing the difference between John’s baptism and the one our Lord desires to see us immersed in. It is up to you personally to decide which realm you want to walk in, because only one will work, and that would be the spiritual one. Titus 3:4-6 But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior; (KJV) John baptized with water, now you have access to the Holy Ghost, so grab what is rightfully yours for the taking and be renewed in the spirit of your mind. God bless dearly loved, and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Isaiah 44:2-3 Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: (KJV)
God is described as a Spirit, and those that are truly going to worship Him must, from this point forward, do so in spirit and in truth. Things we see written in the Old Testament now take on a new and entirely different meaning when one hears with their spiritual ears and looks beyond the literal into the realm of the Spirit. Hebrews 9:8-10 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: 9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; 10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. (KJV) A time of reformation is upon us Church and has been for about two thousand years when the Holy Spirit was poured out for all of mankind. Up until that point things were done in the outward realm to symbolize what was to come in the Spirit. The term figure above refers to symbol as well as parable, an earthly analogy with a heavenly meaning. Take note of verse 9; it clearly states that the outward realm is imperfect and not able to cleanse the inward man the way that our Lord intended for us to be clean in His sight. When we were born again, the eyes of our understanding were opened so that we could hear what these symbols represent, and how they now pertain to our walk in the Spirit. Ephesians 5:25-27 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. (KJV) The reason God sent His Son was so that the Holy Spirit would be made available to all of mankind; and we see clearly that it is the word of God through the Holy Spirit that cleanses His church and gets out any spots or wrinkles. Psalm 51:1-3 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. (KJV) You may find you have a few skeletons in your closet that you think no one sees, and the longer you keep them hidden the more they stink. So how does the Church come clean today? Well, by examining yourself and asking our Lord to cleanse you from your sin. Dearly loved have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. (KJV)
Today, right now, this moment you are considered clean in the Lord’s eyes. No, not by what you think you can do to impress Him, or by some outdated watered down ritual, but by the Word the Lord is speaking that is alive and powerful, showing you how to be cleansed from within. Ezekiel 36:25-27 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. (KJV) The forecast today calls for showers, a downpour from above. However, most of mankind is not aware of this because they keep looking outward instead of within to see where it is truly taking place. The Lord also gave you a new heart, one of clay that He could mold and shape into the person He desires to see you grow up into. Clay works much better with some water added to it; otherwise it has a tendency to harden. Hebrews 10:19-22 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (KJV) Only living spiritual waters can get inside and cleanse that polluted conscience, that no matter what many may try, it can never find peace or justification through the flesh. 1 Peter 3:20-21 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: (KJV) Some people look to the book of Acts and see that the disciples were still carrying out the outward baptism. However, Peter eventually realized, like you should also, that the time in which these things took place (book of Acts) was a time of transition, where God’s people were moving out of the old law and into the new realm of the Spirit. For all you traditionalists, do keep in mind that the disciples were still holding to the doctrine of circumcision also, so if you are going to put one part of the law into play, do you really want to deal with all of it? Acts 1:4-5 And, being assembled together with them, 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. (KJV) John, who was still under the old law and the works of it, was now being considered outdated, giving way to something new and more effective. You have a choice today whether you are immersing yourself in the outward, or the new living waters from above. God bless dearly loved, and have a very prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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