Subject: the one baptism
Date: Wed, 30 May 2001 18:10:14 -0500
From: xxxxxxx@zzzzzzzzzz
To: Yourcomm@panama.gulf.net
In your statement of faith you believe in water baptism and holy spirit baptism. Yet, the apostle Paul says there is but one baptism (Eph 4:5).
Which is the one? Water, or Holy Spirit? Or, will you say the two are one?
Xxxxxxxxxx
________________________________
Subject: Re: the one baptism
Hi xxxxxxxxx,
You say:
Question:
Answer:
I will show below that there are different meanings in the Greek for the word "baptize" and other form of the same word, all of which are translated into English as "baptize, baptized, baptism, etc." I will show below the main ones used in the Bible, and the verses that use them. The Strong's definition for the word in those verses is listed at the start of each group of verses.
Please understand that I am NOT a Greek scholar. And I claim no special insight or revelation from God. I will give it to you as I understand it.
First:
There are many who claim that the baptized here means water baptism, but it does not. There are some who claim that baptized here means baptism in the Holy Spirit, but they are wrong also. This baptized has a different meaning as you may see below.
We know from other scripture that salvation is ONLY by Faith. Since the Bible tells us that this is the only way to salvation, then you do not have to have water baptism to have salvation. Neither do you have to have the baptism in the Holy Spirit to have salvation. Therefore, The word "baptized" in Mark 16:16 must be a different kind of baptism or have a different meaning than either water baptism, or baptism in the Holy Spirit. {see
http://www.barr-family.com/godsword/mark1616.htm for a fuller explanation}
The meaning of "baptized" here in Mark 16:16 is to be totally immersed in Jesus Christ.
The meaning of the word "baptism" in Ephesians 4:5 has basically the same meaning, that is, there is only One immersion in Jesus, and that is a total immersion. Partial immersion is not accepted. If you had both total immersion in Christ and also partial immersion in Christ acceptable before God then you would have more than one way to Christ. All of the Bible tells us that there is only one way to Christ, and that way is total immersion, or worship of Jesus Christ all the way to the end. So this verse is declaring, when we put it back into context, that there is only One body of Christ, only One Holy Spirit, Only one Lord (Jesus Christ), only One way of believing, only One way to salvation, and only One God the Father.
I see in these verses, Paul telling the Ephesians that there is only One God who is a Trinity, One body of believers, One faith, and One way of serving God.
The following is for your reference:
In the following, the Strong's dictionary listing is given.
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911 baptw bapto bap'-to
a primary word; TDNT-1:529,92; v
AV-dip 3; 3
1) to dip, dip in, immerse
++++ Not to be confused with 907, baptizo. 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 'baptised' (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 baptising the vegetable, produces a permanent change.
Luke 16:24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip <911> the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
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907 baptizw baptizo bap-tid'-zo
from a derivative of 911; TDNT-1:529,92; verb
AV-baptize (76), wash 2, baptist 1, baptized+2258 1; 80
1) to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk)
++++ Not to be confused with 911, 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 'baptised' (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 baptising 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. e.g. #Mr 16:16. 'He that believes and is baptised 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! (Bible Study Magazine, James Montgomery Boice, May 1989).
Matthew 3:6 And were baptized <907> of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
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908 baptisma baptisma bap'-tis-mah
from 907; TDNT-1:545,92; n n
AV-baptism 22; 22
1) immersion, submersion
++++ In #Ro 6:3 Paul states we are "baptised unto death" meaning that we are not only dead to our former ways, but they are buried. To return to them is as unthinkable for a Christian as for one to dig up a dead corpse! In Moslem countries a new believer has little trouble with Moslems until he is publicly baptised. It is then, that the Moslems' know he means business, and then the persecution starts. See also discussion of baptism under No. 907.
Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism <908>, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
May God Lead You into All His Truth
Rev. Jack Barr
Date: Wed, 30 May 2001 23:10:04 -0500
From: Jack Barr
To: xxxxxxxxxx@zzzzzzzz
In your statement of faith you believe in water baptism and holy spirit baptism. Yet, the apostle Paul says there is but one baptism. (Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism <908> ) { The number is a Strong's reference number to his lexicon [dictionary one language to another] for this word, and will be delt with below.}
Which is the one? Water, or Holy Spirit? Or, will you say the two are one?
No, I will not say that the two are one, for they are not. There is more than one meaning to the word translated as "baptism." The use of "baptism" in this verse falls very near the same meaning of the word "Baptized" in Mark 16:16. (Neither water Baptism, nor Baptism in the Holy Spirit.)
For understanding, A quick look at Mark 16:16. "He that believeth and is baptized <907> shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."
2) to dip into dye, to dye, colour
John 13:26 Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped <911> it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.
Revelation 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped <911> in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
2) to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one's self, bathe
3) to overwhelm
Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize<907> you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize <907> you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Matthew 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized <907> of him.
Matthew 3:14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized <907> of thee, and comest thou to me?
Matthew 3:16 And Jesus, when he was baptized <907>, went up straightway out
of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
Matthew 20:22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized <907> with the baptism that I am baptized <907> with ? They say unto him, We are able.
Matthew 20:23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized <907> with the baptism that I am baptized <907> with : but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.
Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing<907> them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mark 1:4 John did baptize <907> in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Mark 1:5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized <907> of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
Mark 1:8 I indeed have baptized <907> you with water: but he shall baptize <907> you with the Holy Ghost.
Mark 1:9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized <907> of John in Jordan.
Mark 6:14 And king Herod heard of him; (for his name was spread abroad:) and he said, That John the Baptist <907> was risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works do shew forth themselves in him.
Mark 7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash <907>, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.
Mark 10:38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized <907> with the baptism that I am baptized <907> with ?
Mark 10:39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized <907> withal shall ye be baptized <907>:
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized <907> shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Luke 3:7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized <907> of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Luke 3:12 Then came also publicans to be baptized <907>, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?
Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize <907> you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize <907> you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
Luke 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized <907>, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized <907>, and praying, the heaven was opened,
Luke 7:29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized <907> with the baptism of John.
Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being <907> not baptized <907> of him.
Luke 11:38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had <907> not first washed <907> before dinner.
Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with <907>; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
John 1:25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou <907> then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?
John 1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize <907> with water: but there
standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
John 1:28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing <907>.
John 1:31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing <907> with water.
John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize <907> with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth <907> with the Holy Ghost.
John 3:22 After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized <907>.
John 3:23 And John also was baptizing <907> in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized <907>.
John 3:26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth <907>, and all men come to him.
John 4:1 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized <907> more disciples than John,
John 4:2 (Though Jesus himself baptized <907> not, but his disciples,)
John 10:40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized <907>; and there he abode.
Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized <907> with water; but ye shall be baptized <907> with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized <907> 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 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized <907>: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized <907>, both men and women.
Acts 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized <907>, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Acts 8:16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized <907> in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Acts 8:36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized <907>?
Acts 8:38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized <907> him.
Acts 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized <907>.
Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should <907> not be baptized <907>, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized <907> in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized <907> with water; but ye shall be baptized <907> with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 16:15 And when she was baptized <907>, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
Acts 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized <907>, he and all his, straightway.
Acts 18:8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized <907>.
Acts 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized <907>? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized <907> 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.
Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized <907> in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized <907>, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized <907> into Jesus Christ were baptized <907> into his death?
1 Corinthians 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized <907> in the name of Paul?
1 Corinthians 1:14 I thank God that I baptized <907> none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
1 Corinthians 1:15 Lest any should say that I had baptized <907> in mine own name.
1 Corinthians 1:16 And I baptized <907> also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized <907> any other.
1 Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize <907>, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
1 Corinthians 10:2 And were <907> all baptized <907> unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are <907> we all baptized <907> into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
1 Corinthians 15:29 Else what shall they do which are baptized <907> for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized <907> for the dead?
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized <907> into Christ have put on Christ.
1a) of calamities and afflictions with which one is quite overwhelmed
1b) of John's baptism, that purification rite by which men on confessing their sins were bound to spiritual reformation, obtained the pardon of their past sins and became qualified for the benefits of the Messiah's kingdom soon to be set up. This was valid Christian baptism, as this was the only baptism the apostles received and it is not recorded anywhere that they were ever rebaptised after Pentecost.
1c) of Christian baptism; a rite of immersion in water as commanded by Christ, by which one after confessing his sins and professing his faith in Christ, having been born again by the Holy Spirit unto a new life, identifies publicly with the fellowship of Christ and the church.
Matthew 20:22 But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism <908> that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able.
Matthew 20:23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism <908> that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.
Matthew 21:25 The baptism <908> of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism <908> of repentance for the remission of sins.
Mark 10:38 But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism <908> that I am baptized with?
Mark 10:39 And they said unto him, We can. And Jesus said unto them, Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism <908> that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:
Mark 11:30 The baptism <908> of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.
Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism <908> of repentance for the remission of sins;
Luke 7:29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism <908> of John.
Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism <908> to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!
Luke 20:4 The baptism <908> of John, was it from heaven, or of men?
Acts 1:22 Beginning from the baptism <908> of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
Acts 10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism <908> which John preached;
Acts 13:24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism <908> of repentance to all the people of Israel.
Acts 18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism <908> of John.
Acts 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism <908>.
Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism <908> of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism <908> 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.
Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism <908>,
Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism <908>, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism <908> 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:
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