First Principles: The Doctrine of Baptisms

6 March 2011

1. Introduction

Heb. 6:1-3 “Let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundations …”

• The foundation of any building is unseen, but it determines the size and capacity of the building.
• Our life and relationship with God must also have solid foundations for us to grow and mature.
• In order to grow and ‘go on’ there are two conditions (i) Hope foundations (ii) Permission of God.
• Heb. 6:1-3 Lists foundations essential to build our relationship and life with God.

(i) Repentance from dead works - turn away from activities that have not the

life or love of God.

(ii) Faith towards God - trust in the word and character of God, expressed in words and obedience.

2. Doctrine of Baptisms

• The Doctrine of baptisms forms the next part of the foundation.
• Doctrine = NT1322 = teaching or instruction (about the meaning of baptisms)
• Western thinking “doctrine” is about knowledge or information.
• Hebrew thinking “doctrine” is about teaching that is lived out experientially (Act 1:1)
• Baptisms = NT909 = Baptismos Greek It is a Greek word written in English and not translated.
• Mk 14:20 “…it is one of the 12 who dips with me in the dish” Dip = bapto = to immerse.
• Lk 16:24 “..send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water …” Dip = bapto = to immerse.
• Baptize = to dip or totally immerse one object into something.
• Bapt = NT9:11 = to overwhelm, cover wholly with a fluid, to stain with a dye.
• Baptism is the immersion of one thing into another so that it becomes changed.
• Baptism is meant to impart to you a foundation of change.

3. Different Baptisms (4x)

• Baptisms – is plural, there is more than one baptism – each one is to bring change.

(i)   Baptism by Holy Spirit into Christ

1 Cor 12:13 “For by one Spirit we were all baptised into one Body…”

• The Holy Spirit brings about a change in identity and destiny when we receive Jesus Christ.
• We become joined to Jesus Christ and become part of a Body of people representing Him.

(ii) Baptism in Water

Rom. 6:3 “…as many of us were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his

death.”

• Water Baptism is a declaration of our change in identity to spiritual powers.  The old life of Adam no longer rules, we are no longer a sinner but have died to that old life and been replaced by a new person joined to Jesus Christ.

(iii) Baptism in Holy Ghost

Lk. 3:16 “…He will baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.”

• Baptism in the Holy Ghost is a change from being powerless to being powerful.  It is an entrance experience into a realm of supernatural living and power.

(iv) Baptism in Fire

Lk. 3:16 “…He will baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.”

• Baptism in fire is an experience that changes our soul so we let go control and learn how to flow with the leading and directing of the Holy Spirit.

4. Baptized into Christ

• To be baptized into Christ means to have a change in identity and destiny.
• It means the following becomes a spiritual reality.

(i) The Spirit of Christ Himself is imparted into you. (Jn 20:21)

(ii) You become ‘joined’, one spirit with Jesus Christ (1 Cor 6:17)

(iii) You become a new creation, no longer a sinner but a child of God

      (2Cor.5:17)

(iv) You are placed by the Spirit of God into a Body of People

      (1Cor 12:13-18,27)

· Instead of living your life independent, alone, your own way, you are connected to Jesus Christ and placed in a Body of People with a destiny to fulfil.

· God has made you in a unique way so He can live His life through you and extend His Kingdom through you in a unique way.

· Embracing and living out these truths lays a foundation for growth.

· Embracing this truth you become connected to a local church or expression of Body of Christ.

5. Baptism in Water

(1) The example of Jesus

Mt. 3:13-15 “Jesus came from Galilee to John and the Jordan to be baptised by him”

• John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance into remission of sins (Mk.1:4)
• John made 2x requirements (i) Repentance (ii) Confession of sins (Mk1:3-5)
• Jesus had committed no sins. He was baptized to “fulfil all righteousness” i.e. He established an example and pattern for all believers to follow.

(2) The Conditions for Water Baptism

• There are two conditions to be met before people are baptized in water.

(i) Repent Act. 2:37-38 Repent and let everyone of you be baptized in the

name of Jesus Christ.

(ii) Believe Mk 16:15-16 He who believes and is baptized shall be saved.

• Water Baptism is built upon the foundation of repenting and believing.
• Water Baptism is the public response to an inner change (Act. 8:12/35-39)

(3) The Spiritual Significance of Water Baptism

• Baptism is the immersion of one thing into another so that it is changed.
• Baptism is meant to result in change – not just something you do – go into water.
• Baptism is meant to impart to you a foundation of change:

(i) The old corrupt sinful nature has been crucified and is dead (Rom. 6:6)

(ii) You have died with Christ when He died on the Cross                 (Rom. 6:6)

(iii) You are freed from the power of sin                                             (Rom. 6:7)

(iv) Sin has no more dominion over your life (old you is dead)   (Rom. 6:11,14)

(v) The resurrection power of the Holy Spirit is within you giving you

     spiritual life                                                                                     (Rom. 8:10)

(vi) You are stating and declaring by water baptism that reality to spiritual

powers.

· Old Life under power of sin is dead and buried (Col.2:12)

· New resurrection life of power and victory has begun.

· Embracing and living these truths lays a foundation for growth.

· Embracing these truths – you refuse condemnation and embrace grace and life of God.