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NASB | John 4:2 (although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were), |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | John 4:2 (although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were), |
Subject: Why didn't Jesus perform baptisms? |
Bible Note: Hello Ray, Acts 15 is well connected with Acts 10. As the discussion of the need for circumcision among the gentiles that are christians is being raised, the example of gentiles converted that are given as the basis of Peters argument is that of the house of Cornelius. The very quote you mention is by Peter in reference to what he had experienced in the house of Cornelius Acts 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now if you read the story of the conversion of the gentiles in Cornelius house they are all saved by faith and have evidence of such by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and even the gift of tongues. Then afterwards they are baptized in water. This baptism in water is after their hearts have been cleansed by faith, and yet they still follow through with water baptism. Why? We could discuss it until Jesus comes again but I think that based on the verse we have on baptism we conclude that there are two major points in obeying this command. 1) It is an ACT of faith that is external and not just internal, by doing it we make ourselves accountable. We put the world and the devil on notice, that we are following Christ. It is all about Following the Lord Jesus Christ and not just saying we believe in GOD. We are not just saying we are going to get religious. We are not even just saying that we are following the God of Abraham. We are stating by baptism that we believe in JESUS CHRIST and that there is no other way than the death burial and resurrection of JESUS CHRIST that a man is saved. It is a declaration that THIS is the true salvation and no other. It is also a way of making ourselves accountable. When the enemy comes against us to discount what God has done, the public confession of baptism gives you the fortitude of character to follow through with your decision. An action on the part of the new convert such as water baptism can make the difference between a short lived emotional experience and a true "going all the way" laying down your life walk day by day following Jesus Christ salvation that we all want. The only problem I have with modern day baptism in protestant evangelical churches is that it is not frequent enough. If I pastored a church I would baptize every week and if not I would wonder why we were not getting anyone saved. |