“The doctrine of baptisms” (Hebrews 6:1-2)

[SoGrateful]

Hebrews 6:1-2

Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ,

let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation

of repentance from dead works and

of faith toward God,

of the doctrine of baptisms (plural),

of laying on of hands,

of resurrection of the dead, and

of eternal judgment.

This kind of throws a monkey-wrench into the theory of only “one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5).

There are several theories about what Paul was talking about, which can be researched.

The following is my "doctrine of baptisms" …

Baptism into the church (salvation) --- Baptizer: the Holy Spirit

This does not refer to a phony salvation, which has always been quite prevalent,

i.e. merely an intellectual belief, or conversion of one’s thinking.

But this refers to being “born again (from above)” with the Holy Spirit entering the person.

“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body (the church)

… and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:13)

The Holy Spirit takes up residence INSIDE the believer … John 14:16-23, Romans 8:11,

1 Corinthians 3:16, Galatians 4:6, 2 Timothy 1:14, 1 John 3:24, 1 John 4:12-16.

So, I classify this baptism as the one where the Holy Spirit comes “inside” people.

Baptism in water (a symbolic demonstration of faith) --- Baptizer: man

Full-immersion baptism in water is symbolic, being the outward expression of inward faith.

Any other type of water baptism is unscriptural and just dreamed up by man.

Paul said, “Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 1:17).

We are justified by God’s gift of grace through faith, and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Baptism with the Holy Spirit (an anointing power for ministry) --- Baptizer: Jesus Christ

John the Baptist proclaimed that Jesus is the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit

(Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1:33).

This does not refer to salvation.

But this refers the Holy Spirit coming UPON the believer … Luke 24:49, Acts 1:4-8,

Acts 2:1-4, Acts 8:14-19, Acts 10:44-48, Acts 11:15-17, Acts 19:5-6.

This baptism with the Holy Spirit comes after a person is born again (or at the same time).

So, I classify this baptism as the one where the Holy Spirit comes “upon” people.

Note: Approx. 8 times in the OT, the Spirit came UPON God's prophets as an ANOINTING to prophecy, etc.

I believe only twice did a prophet say the Spirit came INSIDE of him.

Now I ask you, wasn't it a tad difficult for them to know if the Spirit was upon them or inside of them?

IMO, only if God told them directly, would they know for sure. In those 2 cases, the prophet was mistaken.

[Muslims would love this ... a prophet mistaken! They insist that all of God's prophets were sinless.]

Baptism with fire (extreme suffering for the gospel’s sake) --- Baptizer: Jesus Christ

John the Baptist proclaimed that Jesus is the One who baptizes with fire (Matthew 3:11, Luke 3:16).

Jesus asked His 12 disciples if they were able to be martyrs after Him:

“Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with

the baptism that I am baptized with?” (Matthew 20:22-23).

Jesus told His 12 disciples that they would be martyrs after Him:

“You will indeed drink My cup, and be baptized with

the baptism that I am baptized with …” (Mark 10:38-39).

All of the baptisms are glorious blessings, even the baptism with fire:

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake” (Matthew 5:10).

Edited June 17, 2012 by SoGrateful

[OneLight]

Not really. Which of those baptisms baptize into Christ. This is the one baptism Ephesian 4:5 is speaking of.

[SoGrateful]

Not really. Which of those baptisms baptize into Christ. This is the one baptism Ephesian 4:5 is speaking of.

Yeah, you're right ...

let's just throw all of those other verses into the trash, and sleep happily ever after with the big E45.

Thanks ... thou art a great blessing indeed.

Edited June 17, 2012 by SoGrateful

[OneLight]

Not really. Which of those baptisms baptize into Christ. This is the one baptism Ephesian 4:5 is speaking of.

Yeah, you're right ...

let's just throw all of those other verses into the trash, and sleep happily ever after with the big E45.

Thanks ... thou art a great blessing indeed.

I usually avoid sarcastic answers , but so others don't get the wrong idea, I was just stating that there is no real monkey wrench at all.

[Mila Friiele]

I'm not sure where you're going with this, but Ephesians 4:5 is a two-fold baptism. Firstly by the Spirit into the body. Secondly, by water as a believer's confession of identification with Christ's death, burial and resurrection.

Hebrews 6:1,2 speak to the Old Testament doctrines. Works that were at one time right, but because of the presence of Christ, they are no longer. They are dead. Doctrine of baptisms speaks not to Christian baptism, but it refers to the ceremonial washings that were so prominent among the priests...and the Israeli people. Hebres 9:10 It compares the Old with the New, and how what was once acceptable without Christ, now is not, because of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

[OneLight]

Ephesians 4 does not mention water baptism once. This chapter is about the Spirit and how the Spirit brings us to be more like Christ..

[Mila Friiele]

Ephesians 4 does not mention water baptism once. This chapter is about the Spirit and how the Spirit brings us to be more like Christ..

Study and do some research about these verses. The bible is filled with symbolic messages. And just because it doesn't say "water", does not mean any less about water baptism. You seem to be looking through a tunnel, and you cannot do that when studying the word of God.

[OneLight]

Ephesians 4 does not mention water baptism once. This chapter is about the Spirit and how the Spirit brings us to be more like Christ..

Study and do some research about these verses. The bible is filled with symbolic messages. And just because it doesn't say "water", does not mean any less about water baptism. You seem to be looking through a tunnel, and you cannot do that when studying the word of God.

Funny how the first thing someone tells you to do is study, while, at the same time, they know nothing about the person they are writing about. I can guarantee you that I have studied baptism over and over again, inside and out, up and down, frontwards and backwards, and Eph 4 is not speaking about water baptism. It seems that it is not I who is looking through a tunnel ... you cannot read into scripture what is not there in order to fit a belief.

[Mila Friiele]

I've no intention of saying anymore. I've said what I've wanted to say. Anything more would just be argumentative.

[SoGrateful]

I'm not sure where you're going with this, but Ephesians 4:5 is a two-fold baptism. Firstly by the Spirit into the body.

Secondly, by water as a believer's confession of identification with Christ's death, burial and resurrection.

Hebrews 6:1,2 speak to the Old Testament doctrines.

Works that were at one time right, but because of the presence of Christ, they are no longer. They are dead.

Doctrine of baptisms speaks not to Christian baptism, but it refers to the ceremonial washings that were so prominent among the priests

...and the Israeli people. Hebrews 9:10 It compares the Old with the New, and how what was once acceptable without Christ, now is not, because of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

I really appreciate your post ... and, yes, I've heard this before.

However, there are obviously more than one baptism mentioned in the NT.

You might speak to the baptism with fire verses ... and the baptism with the Holy Spirit verses

in which the Spirit comes UPON people, which has nothing to do with salvation.