A different view...
Probably two
of the biggest reasons for the
misinterpretation of scripture is the failure to recognize dispensational
truth and to confuse Israel with the Church. Failure to recognize these
pitfalls, I believe, accounts for many errors, one of which, I feel, is water
baptism.
Let me begin with the Gospel of Matthew. Surely it has
much to say to us, but we should never forget it gives the account of God's
dealings with Israel. We read of John the Baptist preaching a baptism of
repentance: "Repent, for the Kingdom of
Heaven is at hand." Israel had the opportunity as a nation to see the
Kingdom set up right then and there, as it ultimately will be in the
millennium. (It's interesting that only in Matthew is the term "kingdom
of heaven" used, I think because it only applies to Israel, a kingdom
visible to the world, in contrast to the kingdom of God which is unseen.) We
know that when Christ came to Israel the dispensation of the law was in
effect; after his resurrection he revealed through Paul the gospel of his
grace, apart from the law, to Jews and gentiles alike. Confusion results when
Christians apply scriptures addressed to Israel rather than obeying the gospel
given to us. Instead of rejoicing in the assurance of our acceptance in the
Beloved, many believers still try to keep the law and follow other Jewish customs, including water baptism.
Matthew
3:11,13 is instructive. We see John preparing the way for the Lord, in short, waking up Israel to its need to repent and receive their Messiah.
While Jesus consented to be baptized by John, not exempting Himself, His reply
to John, "Suffer it to be so for now" seems significant--"for
now," I
think, points to water baptism instituted for Israel at that time. But John’s
declaration that He who would come after him would baptize with the Holy
Spirit and fire is something else, related to the giving of the Holy Spirit
after the resurrection of Christ and marking the birth of the Church and the
age of grace. Incidentally, a question arises in John 4:2 where it
makes the point that Jesus himself did not baptize. Something to ponder.
Scripture shows us there was a gradual transition from
the views of believers prior to Christ's ascension to the time when God fully
revealed the mystery of His plan for His Church through Paul.
Without question, we see many instances of water baptism
performed not only during Jesus' ministry but in the book of Acts as well. How
to explain this? Acts 3:6-9 is instructive. Immediately before
Christ is taken up, the disciples asked whether He would then restore the
Kingdom to Israel (not the kingdom of God but the kingdom of heaven). Even at
the time of Christ's ascension, the disciples were looking for One to sit on the throne of
David and fulfill God's promises of the Kingdom to Israel then and there. They
were told it was not for them to know, but they were promised they
would receive power, which was fulfilled in Acts 2:1-4. As the story
continues we see God working mightily, yet it is obvious believers still were
still in need of light yet to be revealed.
Peter's episode with
Cornelius is an example. When after
Cornelius had received the Holy Spirit, Peter then baptized him with water.
Clearly this was opposite to the order of
John's preaching concerning the two baptisms, the first being with water unto
repentance and the second by the Holy Spirit. Quite characteristically the
loveable but impetuous Peter took unneeded action on his own. And who of us
will point fingers? Traditional presumptions still influence us, and we need
to take care evaluating the views, acts and practices of
early believers that so often affect Church
doctrine. The acts of followers in the gospels and Acts must be seen in the light of
their limited insight at the time. They were living up to the truth
they knew, but the full picture was yet to come.
The early chapters of Acts where Jewish believers’
conceptions---still centered on Israel and the kingdom of heaven---await the gradual unfolding of God's
plan to reach the Gentiles. The stoning of Stephen appears to have been the
turning point after which Paul comes on the scene and ultimately turns from
Israel to the gentiles.
When referring to the gospel in Romans 1:16, Paul's mention "to
the Jew first" is interesting. Although called to the gentiles, he began his ministry,
as Christ did, by
going to the synagogues of the Jews until finally he had had a bellyful and
declared in Acts 13:46, "...lo,
we turn to the Gentiles."
Two passages come to mind that illustrate the failure of
early believers to apprehend the gospel fully. First, there is the incident in
Acts 18:24-26 involving Apollos, who though eloquent and mighty in
scripture, "knew only the baptism of John." What did that mean? We
see that after being more fully instructed by Aquila and Priscilla, he was
made so effective in Achaia. Then, immediately following in Acts 19:1-6 there appears what I consider to be the perfect picture of the baptism by the Holy
Spirit as opposed to John's baptism:
1)
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at
Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and
finding certain disciples, 2) 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.'
3) And he said unto them, 'Unto what then were ye baptized?' And they said,
'Unto
John's baptism.' 4) 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.' 5)When
they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6)
And when Paul
had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and
they spoke with tongues, and prophesied. [Note: no mention of a follow-up with
water]
During the transition God appears to patiently bear with
the early apostolic thought; but surely, though not immediately, He brings the
truth to bear. We see instances when Paul who, ready to become all things to
all men that he might win some, acquiesced to Jewish thought and custom; but
the gospel becomes increasingly clear. The passing from the dispensation of
the Law to that of Grace is noted by Paul in Ephesians 3:1-5.
Here, through Paul we see the advent of the truth, the
whole truth and nothing but the truth. Paul offers the revelation by which he
lived as a pattern to them who should hereafter believe on him to life
everlasting. (1 Tim 1:16). So how does this pattern bear on water
baptism?
Paul's view in
I Cor. 1:17-18 surely is no
commercial for water baptism. Yes, he was baptized himself when he first
believed---before his three years under God's tutelage---and he confessed to baptizing a few others, somewhat apologetically it seems.
Paul's emphasis in verse 18 is on preaching the gospel which to those who are
saved is the power (baptism?) of God. (Aptly illustrated in Acts 19:1:6 above)
We also should take note of what Paul
didn't
command. Not once in all of his letters does he ever command us to be
baptized. When things are vital and important to do, God owes clear orders.
Where are they regarding water baptism? I do know from personal experience
that I was baptized (identified with, made one with) by the Holy Spirit years
ago, completely free of any H20 agent.
God has made me ONE with HIM in my spirit, though my soul has a lot of catching up to do. He has fulfilled His promise
beyond anything I originally ever dared to hope for; he has cleansed me,
forgiven me, bought me, taught me, sustained me and given me a hope simply out
of this world. Of the various baptisms, that's the ONE that interests
me.
In closing, a final verse comes to
mind---Ephesians 4:5---"One Lord, one faith, one baptism..."
If there is only one baptism, which is
it---John's or
the Spirit's?
Mine is surely a minority view, but it's
scriptural, and that's what counts. I respect the opinions of others and don't
wish to offend any who in sincerity and love for Christ have been immersed.
God looks upon the heart, not upon our religious correctness. However, as His
children, we are encouraged to grow in the knowledge of Him and the ways that
please him.
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