Baptism in the Bible Part 2 | Rightly Divided Bible Study


Father God, thank you that we can spend time together reading and studying your holy word. Lord I pray for all listening to this study to gently and sincerely consider the things that we will be continuing to talk about regarding baptism today and baptism throughout the Bible. I know, dear Lord, that this is a difficult subject for many, but may we put aside the traditions of men and simply see what your word rightly divided has to say on this subject. In Jesus's name we pray, amen. 


Romans chapter six talks about baptism, so let's study this topic before we dive into this chapter verse by verse.


The next baptism is the Baptism of the Holy Ghost in Acts 2. After Christ's death, burial and resurrection, the Lord Jesus Christ appeared to the Jews again for a little while, but then he explained to them that he must go and prepare a place for them and that the Holy Ghost would now come to them. 


Acts 1:5

5 "For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."


Acts 1:8

8But 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.


Acts 2:1-4

1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.


This baptism of the Holy Ghost at this time was upon believing Jews ONLY. No gentiles were baptized by the Holy Ghost at this particular time. These believers were also to go out and preach to Jews only at this time. 


Acts 2

37 Now when they heard this, [Jews] they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then 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.


The Holy Ghost enabled the believers at this time with apostolic sign gifts including speaking in tongues, prohecying, healing the sick, raising the dead, and casting out devils. Speaking in tongues meant being able to speak in various languages that the person may not have been able to speak previously, in order to preach the gospel to the other Jews that were "afar off".


Acts 2:6-8

6Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

7And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

8And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?


Act 2:

43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.


Acts 10 | Gentiles Baptized Too


In Acts chapter 10, Peter shares the good news about the Lord Jesus Christ with gentiles (as He now had permission to do so). They believe and are immediately baptized by the Holy Ghost, even before they are actually water baptized. This was a huge shock to the believing Jews. 


Acts 10:44-48

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. [Gentiles]

45And they of the circumcision [Jews] 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.

46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.


Peter couldn't think of any reason for the Gentile believers to not also be water baptized, so they water baptized them as well. It's important to note that during this particular time, two programs were running at the same time. The Dispensation of Grace had only just begun when God saved and commissioned Paul to be our Apostle for the dispensation of grace. God had set the nation of Israel aside in Acts chapter 7 after they had stoned Stephen, however for a little while they would continue to save people into the Kingdom by the Gospel of the circumcision until Acts 28. One program was diminishing (the Gospel of the kingdom) while another had just begun (the gospel of the grace of God). God will resume His program with Israel after the rapture of the Church the Body of Christ. The Dispensation of grace has been in effect for nearly 2,000 years now and may be coming to a close soon! The little flock would still evangelize primarily to Jews especially after Peter and the other Apostles realized and understood that a new, mystery dispensation was now in effect.


Gal 2:7 KJV - 

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; 


Why was Paul baptized?


Initially, Paul was water baptized and he also water baptized others for a time until the Lord Jesus Christ revealed to him that water baptism is no longer needed to be practiced. 


Acts 9

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:

16For 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.

18And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.


First, Paul was saved on the road to Damascus by the risen and ascended Lord Jesus Christ. Then, he was filled with the Holy Ghost and given the apostolic sign gifts. He was then also water baptized. He needed these sign gifts in order that some Jews might be saved. The Jews require signs in order to believe. 


1Co 1:22 KJV - 

22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:


Paul also later on had circumcised Timothy in the hopes that some Jews might believe the gospel. 


Acts 16

1¶Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:

2Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

3Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.


Paul water baptized believers, took a Nazarite vow (and shaved his head!) and even circumcised Timothy at one point in order that some Jews might also believe and to "provoke them to jealousy". 


Rom 11:11 KJV - 

11 I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.


This was also the same reason why the Gentiles were given apostolic sign gifts for a time, as well as for the purpose of them understanding the new mystery grace doctrine and to complete the Bible. 


1 Corinthians 13:10

But when that which is perfect is come, [the complete Bible] then that which is in part [apostolic gifts] be done away.


Sign gifts have ceased.


1Co 13:8 KJV - 

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.


The sign gifts ceased and anyone claiming to have these gifts today is a liar and/or has been deceived.


Circumcision is not required at all.

Gal 5:2 KJV - 

2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, [or water baptized or any other work!] Christ shall profit you nothing.


Act 15:24 KJV - 

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:


Water baptism was NEVER required for salvation in the dispensation of grace but was practiced for a time to hopefully get some Jews saved, but the practice of water baptism ALSO CEASED.


1 Corinthians 1:

13Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

14¶I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;

15Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.

16And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

17For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.


In fact, if you practice physical circumcision or water baptism today in the dispensation of grace, God will profit you NOTHING. It is a WORK OF THE FLESH today!


Paul was the greatest evangelist of all time except for the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Yet, he can't even remember the people he baptized! If it were imperative to either our salvation, sanctification OR to our edification, Paul would have been baptizing people left and right! He also would have mentioned water baptism in every single epistle, not only mentioning it but emphasizing it, but he doesn't!


But this doesn't mean that there isn't ANY baptism at all. The Holy Spirit baptizes us into Christ's death, burial and resurrection the moment that we believe the gospel. This is NOT a water baptism, but a dry, Spirit baptism performed by the Spirit of God. 


Romans 6:3-11 in the KJB says, 

3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

4 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:"


Baptize means to be identified with. We are identified with Christ's death, burial and resurrection the moment that we believe the gospel. 


Colossians 2:11-12 also says,

11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:

12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.


**by the way burying someone is not the same as dunking them or sprinkling them with water!**


Physical circumcision and water baptism were also both "shadows of things to come" (Col 2:17). In Israel's program they were physical requirements, but in the dispensation of grace, they are performed spiritually by the Spirit of God Himself the very moment that we simply believe the gospel. 


That being said, if you were water baptized in your past, just be sure that you have NOW trusted in Christ's death, burial and resurrection as atonement for your sins without works of any kind. If you are including water baptism as part of your salvation, then you are adding works to grace and you are not saved! Simply trust in the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ as atonement for your sins and you will be saved unto eternal life!


Why does church tradition continue to teach water baptism today?


Typically throughout many, if not most, churches in Christendom today they:

• Give you a false gospel

• Have you join their church and they use water baptism to entice you to join. Water baptism today pleases our flesh and makes us think that we have just done something for God in our own fleshly efforts. 

• Seduce you with teachings that tickle your ears (anything from sugar coated health and wealth gospel, to a weekly motivational speech, to extreme legalism and "holiness" movements) and with strobe lights and loud music, or candles and statues, or fake healings and fake charismatic gifts.

• Put a guilt trip on you to pay tithes


The apostasy in the church began during Paul's time. 


2Ti 1:15 KJV - 

15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.


It included teaching works for salvation, water baptism long after it had ceased (water baptism never saved anyone in the dispensation of grace but was practiced for a time to hopefully convert Jews), teaching that there is no pre-tribulation rapture of the Church, worshipping angels (and today many also worship Mary), denying Paul as our Apostle today and other such things that CONTINUE to be taught today in many churches! The apostasy has only gotten worse, however in the last 100 plus years there has also been a recovery of the grace doctrine being taught in churches. It's still a small percentage of believers that understand God's word rightly divided. There have ALWAYS been Midacts Rightly Dividing Dispensational Grace believers throughout the dispensation of grace, but they have been a small minority and have been persecuted throughout history. Just like only 8 people who got on the boat before the flood in Noah's time. And only a few people stood by the Lord when he was being crucified!


2Ti 3:13 KJV - 

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.


Baptism of Fire

The final baptism I want to talk about is the Baptism of Fire. This is also greatly misunderstood in Christendom today. 


Matthew 3:11-12 says,

11 I [John the Baptist] indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me [the Lord Jesus Christ] is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.


In the continuation of Israel's program after the church the Body of Christ is raptured out, Jewish believers will go through the "refiners fire" of the tribulation period. 


Malachi 3:2

2But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:


They will be purged as gold and silver so that they enter the kingdom on earth.


Malachi 3:3

3And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.


The unbelieving Jews and all unbelievers since the creation of man that die in their sins, will be burned with the unquenchable fire in the lake of fire for all of eternity.


Mark 9:43-48

43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

44Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

45And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:

46Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.

47And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

48Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.


Homework: What were you taught about baptism in the past? Can you see the differences in the baptisms in the Bible? If you have time, do a side study for yourself on the issue of baptism in your own King James Bible. Please don't just believe whatever I say about it, or what your church tradition says, study it out more for yourself in the holy King James Bible. 


Here are some articles and videos by other Grace believers that teach on this topic as well, if you are interested in learning more.


Grace Ambassadors 

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQYBWRRNbg4bqL_i4SjSW7574LxHb9hDT&feature=shared


Berean Bible Society 

https://youtu.be/o7pwcTIRtwk?feature=shared


Eric Neumann on baptism 

https://youtu.be/TCCbm-XpE_4?feature=shared


https://youtu.be/fCYrtDAMgnM?feature=shared


Shawn Brasseaux

https://forwhatsaiththescriptures.org/2016/04/16/immersion-water-baptism/


https://forwhatsaiththescriptures.org/2013/12/10/why-did-paul-water-baptize/


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