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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | Ephesians 4:5 | Eph 4:5 | bible believer | 200822 | ||
you've picked a verse that even the "experts" can't agree on.....and understandably so. but, as with all of God's word, this verse must be looked at in context. as we know, the Bible speaks of several baptisms, 2 of which are Baptism of the Holy Spirit and water Baptism. Baptism of the HS is imparted to all believers at the moment of conversion (an internal event) and water baptism is commanded of all believers as a public demonstration (an external event)of the internal transformation that has transpired. the message of ephesians 4:1-6 is one of unity. eph 4:4-6 speaks of unity that is ours through the spirit (verse 4), through Christ (verse 5) and the father (verse 6). there is only one spirit, the holy spirit of God, who is possessed by every believer and who is therefore the inner unifying force in the body. spiritual baptism, by which all believers are placed into the body by the Holy Spirit, is implied in verse 4. knowing this and considering the context (topic of unity)the baptism of verse 5 is best considered to refer to water baptism. water baptism was extrememly important in the early church, not as a means of salvation or special blessing but as a testimony of identity with, and unity in, Jesus Christ. i pray this information is helpful. perhaps someone else can provide additional clarity. God bless you and stay in the Word! |
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2 | Ephesians 4:5 | Eph 4:5 | jlhetrick | 200827 | ||
BB- as important as is it to not enter into a useless debate that offers no edifying potential I cautiously ask this. You seem to offer a fine, biblical argument that focues on the Holy Spirit (a person, not a force) as the One who unites believers. Then suddenly you seem to switch geers and say that the "baptism of verse 5 is best considered to refer to water baptism". Was that a typo? If not, how do you arrive at your conclusion please? Water baptism isn't even referenced or inferred in the immediate context. If the text says there is "one baptism" and the focus of the "context" is the unifying work of the Spirit, how would we arrive at water baptism one verse later? Consider again: Ephesians 4:4-6 (KJV) "4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." I believe it fair to argue that these statements in Scripture are speaking of essentials (of which water baptism is not). That is, the triune nature of God and the unifying work of the Spirit as He produces and works faith in us. I'm not looking for debate, but would like clarification. If I'm wrong, I would like to be set right. In all my years as a believer I have always understood this baptism to be that of the unifying work of the Holy Spirit and not water baptism. If this is a debate of the "experts" I have missed it. I have only heard this taught as the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Admittedly though, there is much out there that I haven't accessed as of yet. 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 spake with tongues, and prophesied. God bless, Jeff |
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