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NASB | Ephesians 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, |
Subject: Is baptism done only once? |
Bible Note: Ac 11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Ac 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Acts 10:44-48 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. You have Peter saying That the Baptism of the Holy Spirit of all those believers gathered in Cornelius house was a fulfillment of what Jesus told them,and even with that knowledge Peter has them baptized in water also which serves a purpose (though you do not see the purpose). Then you do not have any apostle ever saying that one know longer needs to be baptized in water but you are willing to make that leap in you doctrine. This is adding to the scripture. Acts 19:2-7 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. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 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. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve. So here we have Paul making a difference between being Baptized under John's ministry (who was not baptizing them in the Name of Jesus but did not even know the name of Jesus until after Jesus came to be baptized of John. So afterwards the disciples of Christ baptized in Jesus name and that baptism is a fuller revelation of what God was doing in reconciling man to God through Christ of which John only had hints or but not the full understanding. These 12 men had been baptized in Johns baptism, and yet they still needed a revelation of Christ. Paul undoubtedly preaches Christ to them and has them Baptized in the name of Jesus, though I do not think Paul did the baptizing but rather he had helpers. After these 12 were baptized then Paul laid hands on them to recieve the Holy Ghost and they spoke in tongues and prophecied. God is still doing this today. New Believers are saved by believing, and if they will go all the way with God they will publically pledge allegiance to Christ (which in that day they were truly taking a stand to be willing to die if need be) Today baptism in water and publically pledging allegiance to Christ is acceptable, in that day it was like stepping over the line and saying you are now ready to die for your faith. This sort of commitment is the purpose behind baptism in water. It is the initiation rite into this elite organization of zealots for God. You are either with Christ or you are against Him The Baptism in the Holy Ghost is also available to all believers that will ask and expect it. God Bless you All in the Study of His Word! |