Subject: "need" for baptiam |
Bible Note: To All: We should not take a few scripture verses in isolation and build a doctrine. In fact Peter tells us "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." (1 Peter 1:20) In other words we must consider the interpretation of a verse in the context of the chapter, in the context of the book, in the context of the testament and in the context of the whole word of God. What does God teach us about the remission or forgiveness of sins? a)"without shedding of blood is no remission." (Heb.9:22) From the beginning of Genesis throughout the Old Testament God has shown this principle through types and shadows that there is no forgiveness apart from the shedding of blood. All of these pictures pointed forward to the coming redeemer who would give the ultimate sacrifice for sin. These types and shadows were fulfilled in Christ. b) There is no other way to have sins forgiven. "But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God" (Heb. 10:12) Peter also reminds us "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:" (1 Peter 1:18-19) Paul reminds us in (Eph 2:8-8) "For by grace are you saved through faith ; and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God; not of works lest any one should boast" What about Peter's words in Acts 2:38? Is he teaching us that baptism is essential for the forgiveness of sins? If so is he not contradicting 1 Peter 1: 18-19? First who is he speaking to: He is preaching the first message of the gospel to Israel, many whom were eyewitness to Jesus on earth and to his death upon the cross. They were also those who were looking for the Christ or the Messiah. What is he telling them? He reminds them of the life of Christ on earth, his miracles and wonders. He tells them that it was God's plan that Christ would be crucified and slain. He shows them how Christ is the fulfilment of old testament prophecy and that he died, but more wonderful, God raised him from the dead and that "God hath made that same Jesus , whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ."V36 In other words the one you have hated, rejected and crucified is none other than the messiah whom God had promised. How did they react? Their conscience was pricked and they asked "What shall we do?" Peter continues and teaches them that guilt is not enough! Feeling sorry for your mistakes will not give you forgiveness! What was his message? a) "Repent ye"(metanohsate) is in the active imperative tense. It demands action at once! You must change your mind and your life immediately. You must see yourself as God sees you and see Christ as God sees him. The one whom you rejected you must crown as Lord and Christ of your life. If indeed they followed this teaching the moment they turned to Christ by faith and acknowledge him as Lord and Christ they were given eternal life. What next? "And be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ" Why did Peter insist that they be baptised. Were they not saved when they believed which was part of repentance? Absolutely! However, it was the command of the Jesus Christ and it was by his authority that they were baptised. Their baptism at this time was an outward expression of the inward change. They identified with Jesus Christ whom they once hated and yet now loved. The Lord Jesus made it very clear that there is a divine order to getting saved. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" Mark 16:16 What is he saying? "He that believeth" At this point the person is forgiven the moment they rest by faith on Jesus. "And is baptised" He wants those who believe in him to be baptised. "He that believeth not" "shall be damned" nothing is said about being baptised not. Baptism would have no merit if a person who had not believed were baptised. We know that there are hundreds of verses support the theme of God's word which is redemption through Christ alone. To try and add something to the work of Christ is an insult to that precious one who paid the price in full and in doing so open the life gates to all who will enter by faith. I plead nothing more than the precious blood of Christ shed for me for eternity. I was baptised as a step of obedience to Christ with the intention of honoring him and proclaiming outwardly the change which he by his spirit had made within. May we walk worthy of him. Robert |