CHRISTIAN people are in agreement in understanding that the New Testament teaches baptism, although there is a great diversity and confusion of thought respecting its mode and significance.
The great falling away from the faith, alluded to by the apostles in the New Testament, had gained such headway by the second century that very superstitious views respecting baptism had gained control in the nominal church by that time. Water baptism was supposed not only to bring the subject into relationship with God by canceling past sins, but also to bring to him certain graces or favors from God as a member of the Church of Christ which could not otherwise be secured. Hence, at that early day, not only did believers seek baptism for themselves, but also for their children; and because infants could neither believe nor enter into covenant promises for themselves, an arrangement was made by which other than the parents might become sponsors for such children–“spiritual parents.” They solemnly promised that the children should believe in the Lord and walk in his ways, and obligated themselves to see to their religious training. These were called godfathers and godmothers.
I never obtained baptism with regards to the organization of Jw’s as they declined to do so due to me not conforming to all their requirements & teachings, looking back I feel it was meant to be this way as I learned the full implications of getting baptized into a man made organization & glad that I didn’t. I am yet to be baptized with water as a public show of my dedication to my Father in Heaven & Jesus Christ but I have done so in my heart. I found This article by Pearl Doxsey is very helpful:
Devotion Requires Endurance….
God promises to draw near to all who desire to draw close to Him.
James 4:8 reads;
“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
James includes within that verse, what is required along with our desire.
To “wash our hands” and “purify our hearts”. This refers to bringing our deeds into conformity to the teachings of Christ, and doing so from the heart, which is a condition we can ask God for (Ps.51:10; 24:4; Eze.36:26; Deut.30:6; Luke10:27).
God is the refiner of hearts (Prov.17:3; Mal.3:3; Zech.13:9), and can make it pure with His spirit (Rom.2:29; Col.2:11; Phil.3:3).
But note what we must contribute in this regard.
James refers to it when he says, “you double-minded”.
This refers to the first command, which tells us that we must love God with our whole soul, strength, and mind (Mark12:29,30).
We all start out from a place where we have other loves, which compete with our love of God (1John2:15; Matt.6:24)…keeping our devotion to God, ambivalent (Luke9:62; Phil.3:13). Our devotion to God is then divided…. “double-minded”.
As Jesus told us, if something within our heart is holding us back, it is better to cut it out, then to lose out on life (Matt.18:9).
This is the meaning of baptism (1Pet.3:21). It is for repentance of your former course…a symbol of being washed clean of it, and leaving your former life and desires, behind (1Pet.1:14,15; Eph.4:22,23; Acts22:16; 1John3:9; 5:18).
Coming up from the water is a symbol of starting a new life (Acts5:20; Rom.6:4)…
a life lived for Christ and the Will of God (1Pet.4:2; 2Cor.5:15; Matt.28:19,20; 1John2:17).
This life never ends (John11:26; 6:47; 8:51), but is generated from Holy Spirit (Rom.8:11; John5:21; Gal.6:8), which gives life within our mortal bodies, and eternity to our souls (John6:63; Rom.8:2,11; 1Pet.1:23; Luke8:11).
The actual baptismal “water” which washes us, and the “seed” which gives us life, is the Word of God (Eph.5:26; John15:3; 17:17; James1:18).
We accept God’s Truths into our heart as the good ground accepts fine seed (James1:21; Luke8:15), and we cultivate it within us, daily striving to care for and water it. We feel it grow stronger, until we reach the full stature of Christ (Matt.13:8; John12:24; 1Cor.15:36; Col.3:3; Gal.4:19; Eph.4:13).
This means eternal life to all… both chosen and not.
This is the essence of baptism, which is only a physical symbol.
John the Baptist performed it in symbol of repentance among the Jews (Mark1:4).
Jesus commanded it as a symbol of salvation from the crooked and twisted generation, attained by means of his commands, centrally being, to love (Matt.28:19,20; John13:34).
Remember that John the Baptist told those he baptized…
“I baptize you with water, but he who follows me will baptize with spirit and fire.” (Luke3:16)
This baptism of anointing oil is for the chosen, but points to which baptism has more force.
If we are on a path that imitates Christ, this is our new life… not physical water.
God does not reproach a sincere heart (James1:5; Isa.42:3; 2Chron.16:9 A).
He has His eye upon those of complete heart, and has a purpose for them. We let Him guide us on the road of life. Be sensitive to His spirit, and let go of your own goals. Obey His direction, and become like a child who trusts his father. Let Him lead the way. He loves you more than we humans can imagine.
Shake off the dead dust of false prophets from off you, and go forward to greater light. Do not be anxious. Persevere toward the Kingdom, free of the past. God is coming with retribution for those who exploited and tormented those searching for the way. Be comforted.
Often… God’s undeserved kindness is sufficient for us (2Cor.12:9,10; 1Cor.10:13). During this time of test, we may not receive all we wish from Him, because it is a time of testing by Satan.
Remember that Jesus asked, while on the torture stake, “My God, my God, Why have you abandoned me?” (Matt.27:46)
This teaches us, that it may seem as if God is not with us. This is not true, just as it was not true of Jesus. The reason we may feel this way, is because God knows that we must reach a point where we are faithful on our own choice, integrity, and resolve. Satan demands it, just as he did with Job (Job1:8,9,10,11,12).
Can you see that if God carried us through our testing period, it would be cheating?
So do not feel that God is not answering your own prayers. He hears them. He is protecting us from more than we can deal with (1Cor.10:13).
The rest, is now up to each of us.
When this is all over, God will be free to lavish upon us, blessings beyond our imagination (1Cor.2:9).
For now, we are in a spiritual wilderness, with all it’s perils (Matt.4:1; Luke22:31). But we are not alone (Matt.28:20; 18:20). There is God’s “pillar” of “fire” and “cloud” (Ps.68:7; 105:39; Neh.9:12; Jer.23:29; Rev.19:13,14; 1:7; Heb.12:1). God, through his Temple, will guide us (1Cor.3:16; Rom.8:4,14; Gal.5:16,25), and we also have each other (1Thess.5:11). That is a lot… enough to be successful (Prov.3:6; Josh.1:8; Deut.6:6,8).
…successful enough to make it home (Heb.13:14; 11:10,16; 2Pet.3:13; Ps.37:29).
(Rev.14:12; Heb.6:12)
I believe in water baptisim I was baptised as a Jehovah’s witness years latter I was rebaptized in the name of Jesus because I realized that when I was baptised first that my promise in my heart was to dedicate my life to Jehovah’s witnesses and that I had never done it in the name of jesus Christ I now have a peace that I just never had before than I obeyed the bible I was baptised calling on the name of Jesus. I don’t know how or why but I’m the adopted son of god and I know I’m not condemned anymore! I can’t answer you why my baptism as Jehovah’s witness just did not fulfill what jesus wanted as I had honest intentions. Perhaps one of you can email me and explain that better to me. I’m just glad I was baptised in jesus name
Ari, I too, got baptized into Christ death for the first time in my 66 yrs. When the witnesses immersed me at 12yrs old I see it was to an organization, I didn’t even know it at the time but now I do. Take Care dear Arimatthewsdavies.
3 Baptized today. 7-23-13
To Jerome;
Acts 11:16;1:5,”baptised with water, but you will be baptized in holy spirit.””Because John, indeed, baptized with water, but you will be baptized in holy spirit not many days from now.”
John 1:26,33,”I baptize in water.” “the very one who sent me to batize in water.” Mat 3:11,”I, for my part baptize you with water.”
Mark 10:38,39,”Are you able to drink the cup I am drinking, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am being baptized? They said to him: “We are able.” “The cup I am drinking you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am being baptized you will be baptized.”
Diaglott Mark 10:38,39,”or under go the immersion with which I am being overwhelmed? “and undergo the immersion with which I am being overwhelmed.”
and the dipping which I am dipped. The words under the Greek words in the Diaglott.
BLE reads,”or go under the water that I am going under?
EXplain please Jerome.
This is the problem, the statement in the introduction: “CHRISTIAN people are in agreement in understanding that the New Testament teaches baptism …”
The “New Testament” teaches? What about what “Jesus” teaches.
Jesus did not teach that “WE” get baptized in water. We NEVER read anywhere when he was alive on earth and during his ministry where his disciples were baptized in water. We do not see it. One would think that if this was a requirement, we would read of it during his ministry.
Yet, John the Baptizer fully understood. He (John the Baptizer) had followers and he baptized his followers in water. Yet, there would be another that would come AFTER him who would have a different and GREATER baptism. Notice what John the Baptizer says at Mark 1:8:
“I baptized YOU with water, but he will baptize YOU with holy spirit.”
John the Baptizer says similarly at Matthew 3:11:
“I, for my part, baptize YOU with water because of YOUR repentance; but the one coming after me is stronger than I am, whose sandals I am not fit to take off. That one will baptize YOU people with holy spirit and with fire.”
We do have evidence that Christ disciples where baptized with Holy Spirit. (Never water) We see this at Pentecost 33 where a group of 120 of Jesus disciples had Holy Spirit poured out upon them; in other words, they were baptized in Holy Spirit. (See Acts 1:5)
Many will use the ONE instance of the Ethiopian Eunuch who was a proselyte to the Jewish religion.
His baptism in water was not a baptism into Christ as he was not a follower of Christ. Recall from where this proselyte was reading: Out of Isaiah. He was not being taught as “a disciple of Christ.” His baptism was in the manner of John the Baptizer, not of the Christ. It is possible that he later became a disciple and received an outpouring (baptism) of Holy Spirit. We do not know.
Water baptism was not commanded by Christ as the baptism his followers would receive would not be like John the Baptizer. His baptism would be with Holy Spirit.
Even Jesus at Matthew 3:15 shows that his baptism “by John” would be a ONE-TIME thing never to be repeated as he says: “Let it be this time.”
Water baptism is a ritual and that is all it is. The baptism with Holy Spirit by Christ is not a ritual as Christ gives it freely to all who would become “his” disciples. It is this baptism with Holy Spirit that will open up our eyes to see and understand him; it unstops our ears so that we “recognize” his voice (teachings) and it gives us a mouth to speak beyond what is humanly possible. (Recall the great things those men did on Pentecost 33 in the upper room when they were baptized with Holy Spirit.)
Water baptism cannot do this.
So what is the truth about baptism?
For more, see my article:
http://www.e-prophetic.com/articles/has-the-world-been-misled-with-regards-water-baptism/
A witness (close family member) said the family would be attending the Circuit assembly in my area on Saturday to attend the baptism of one our relatives. The child is 9 yrs old. I said nothing except listen as one relative expressed concern that at 14 or 15 the teenager can get DF’d for going thru things that teenagers go thru.
I said I don’t believe in infant or child baptism. I asked who would be the Godparent to make sure the child walked in the way. She was shocked. I said the 9yr old does not understand what she is doing. One replied she answered all the questions with the elders so she knows what she is doing. I replied I could answer every question at 5 since I could read and memorize anything I read. Memorization is not proof that a child understands the ramifications of their actions. I asked, is she aware that if she decides as a young adult that this isn’t for her, does she know there is no dignified way to leave? Does she know she is joining an organization that will now make all decisions for her or she will be penalized? It is so sad to see this child that I know is being pushed in this by a family that wants the father to advance to elder. The father does not have the mental capacity to advance but the wife pioneers and now she is doing this to get the elders to take notice. The child isn’t even an advanced child she is a very normal child hardly able to understand why she can’t do as she pleases, she just obeys like all children at that age. Maybe I will be dead when she gets DF’d as a teenager maybe I won’t but I will be there for her. Most of the close family members in this segment of the family barely know or cares about the bible, I feel so sorry for this baby. I thought I would just bring this up as I will have members in my home for the baptism. I will not attend.
And shame on the elders for accepting this, they all know the family, but, they are getting a new number to show increase. They know better, friends will gasp when they see it. So sad.
Im trying to study with a sister. But i can’t attend the convention to get baptized then what happens, and how can i get baptized
Tessy – Did you want to get baptized at a Bible Student Convention? If you would like, I can email you so that you can respond and let me know what city you are from, so that I can try to find the closest convention having a baptismal service.
yes i do. I am from queens ny area code 11357. But i am not done studying what the bible teach book. My family is strict when comes to me not becoming baptized. Do i need to talk to an elder for them to know i take in knowledge.
Hi Tessy, Are srudying “What does the Bible really teach book?. Are you studying with a Jehovah Witness. Do you go to the Kingdom Hall? This will help us to direct you better. If you will go to contact tab and leave your phone number or email I will call you to see exactly where you are in your study of the bible. Will wait on your answer to the questions.
yes im im the bible teach book. I can’t go to the kingdom hall cause my family wants me to remain catholic. Im only up to chapter 2. I haven’t been studying i been busy and the sister i been studying with she sprained her ankle. I am trying to do it over the phone. my e-mail is——-(edited) and last time i tried i got in trouble.
Tessy, Did you get my email? Wouild you like to talk? Let’s explain the difference between Jehovah witnesses and the Bible Students. Share with us how you came to this site. Also you mention your parents are Catholic and object. What prompts you to get baptized, it seems urgent to you. Maybe we can help.
Tessy,so you’re in the Bible teach book, I have one of those….interesting and as Jacqueline said you must be studying with the JW’s.
first of all I do think Ken is right, and you’re studying with the Jehovah’s Witnesses, from their number one book to study…
First of, be absolute certain if you want to get baptised… Else, if you can’t attend a convention, in your district, there are a lot of others, and by JW you have two other conventions in the year (sorry I don’t know their English terms), so all is not lost… If you want to get baptised there are a lot of opportunities… Further I have to say, within JW if you want to get baptised you still have to study with three elders about the questions found in the “organised” book.
Br. ZenoDotus please call back in to wednesday study. The distortion is gone now. Thanks
Thanks sister… I will come back next week, because I think I was a little late… I send a private message to the owner of this website to get a little bit more clearance… Sorry for my ignorance.
I haven’t used skype that often too :$.
Well we enjoyed seeing you on my brother. Love to hear from you next week. Those on the site are from all over. There was one Catholic also on. I will give all your love now.
PS. I gave your love and they will look forward to hearing from you next week. Sometimes we have a Br. on from Sweden also. Such a time difference.
Peter,
thank you very much for your answer.
sidgi, Thank you so much for asking this question until you got an answer. Br. Peter, thank you for the most concise and easily understood answer that I have seen to this question. Thanks to both of you
I guess that no one wishes to answer my question. Let me try it another way. Am I correct in believing that I also have the authority to baptize in Jesus name?
Sidgi – Baptism is a symbol of the commitment taking place in the heart. “Authority” to baptize is not an issue, as baptism relates to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Heavenly Father, Jehovah, is the authority that determines whose baptism is authentic and who will be anointed with the indwelling Holy Spirit. I think that the symbol of baptism would best be performed by an anointed brother.
JW baptisms are different than what is described in the Bible, as they call it “dedication” and are baptized into the “Organization,” not into Christ (Rom 6:3). “There is one hope of our calling,” a heavenly hope into Christ’s body and this is the only baptism available. Other baptisms for an earthly hope are perhaps recognized by Jehovah as sincere with commenserate blessings, if he so choses, however, this is not the Christian baptism described in the Bible. This may be more similiar to John’s baptism.
Christian baptism has many elements that are similar to John’s baptism and some elements that are different. As with the Jews baptized by John’s baptism, Christians are to confess and repent from their sins.
Acts 19:18 – And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. (NKJ)
Luke 24:46-47 – 46 Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 “and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (NKJ)
Remission of sins was another element similar between John’s baptism and Jesus baptism.
Acts 2:38 – Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (NKJ)
This baptism was for Jews only, who had already been baptized into Moses in the sea and the cloud. Sins thus figuratively washed away did not include original sin, but merely minor transgressions against the Mosaic law.
John could only provide typical remission. The Christian receives a real remission of sins through actual justification by Jesus blood. (Rom 5:9)
John’s baptism pointing the Jews to Christ, but the Christian is to actually believe in Christ and accept Him as their Savior. Let’s see how this is shown in scripture.
Acts 8:36-37 – 36 Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” 37 Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (NKJ)
Acts 18:8 – Then Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. (NKJ)
So faith in Jesus Christ is a requirement for the Christian baptism.
Although those baptized into John’s baptism were to bear fruit, the Christian’s death to sin, walking in newness of life and drinking of the cup is a far deeper action. Christian Baptism is more than the pursuit of righteousness, it is the total death of self will and a total commitment to sacrifice ALL of ones time, talent and possessions to the Lord, often at the cost of suffering and persecution. In this connection, we are told in…
2 Tim 3:12 – Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (NKJ)
Rom 6:3-13 – 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 11 Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. (NKJ)
So we see from Romans 6 that lowering the candidate into the water represents the death of the Old Man with his sinful ways and the raising up of the candidate shows our walk in newness of life as New Creatures in Christ Jesus.
where does the authority to baptize in Jesus name come from, today? Who has that authority, and where did they acquire it?
sidgi