Baptism's Deeper Meaning
Baptism is undoubtedly
the most important decision one can make on this earth. Because our future is
determined by it, we should be alert to all its conditions and significance. In
the following study we will seek a deeper meaning of baptism according to
Yahweh’s word. We should comprehend what baptism accomplishes and seek to
ensure our baptism is approved by Yahweh. Furthermore, we should know what to
expect upon being baptized, for it is the foundation-stone of the promised salvation
given us through our Savior Yahshua.
From
time to time we all have realized how far we have fallen from the high
expectations of Yahweh’s word, and felt we were the lost generation much like
those Peter was preaching to. When the Jews in Acts chapter two realized it was
their sins which put the Savior to death, they asked, "What can we
do?"
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of
you in the name of Yahshua Messiah for the remission of sins, and ye shall
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is unto you, and to your
children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as Yahweh our Elohim shall
call." Acts 2:38-39 AV
Baptism in the Only Name
Most
baptisms done throughout churchianity are done according to Matthew 28:19, "In the name of the Father, Son and
Holy Spirit." However, not one of these is a name, but only a title.
There are many "fathers" on this earth, and all of us have a human
father. Fathers are also sons, as are all males. The Holy Spirit is the power
emanating from Yahweh, and shared by the Son. A number of scholars believe this
verse is spurious, including the Catholic Jerusalem Bible. (For a deeper study
of this verse, request your copy of our mini-study, "Trinitarian Baptism and
Matthew 28:19.")
Other church groups baptize in the name
of "Jesus," a meaningless name by which the Savior was never called
in His life. It certainly is improper to be baptized into a name that did not
exist until about the time of
Baptisms in the book of Acts were done in
the name of the Savior Yahshua, not Jesus. (For further information, write for
our mini-study "Why Be Baptized In The Name
Yahshua.") The Bible clearly tells us that salvation is in the name of
Yahshua only; “Neither is there salvation
in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men,
whereby we must be saved." Acts
Why are we making so much of a proper
baptism? As already mentioned above, baptism is the most important event in
your life! Baptism has a bearing upon what you will be doing until the Savior
returns and where you will spend eternity. Baptism is the doorway to everlasting
eternity and to a life that is out of this world. All the promises made to
Abraham and his Seed culminate in the person of Yahshua Messiah. It is through
Him that we have this present life, plus the greater promises in the life yet
to come. Paul himself stated all the promises made to Abraham come only through
Yahshua. Upon baptism into Yahshua’s name we become a part of His body and are
then partakers of those promises; “Now to
Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He saith not, and to seeds, as of
many; but as of one, And to thy Seed, which is
Messiah." Galatians
The Savior’s Example
Yahshua
came to be baptized by John the Baptist (Immerser). John felt he himself should
be the one to be baptized and questioned why the Savior deemed His own baptism
was necessary. His reply was to fulfill all righteousness and for an example to
us! Notice, “Then
cometh Yahshua from Galilee to
Notice that Yahshua’s baptism is an
example that we might follow in His footsteps. Because He submitted to being
immersed, so we should also be baptized. It was at this time the Holy Spirit
descended upon Yahshua. Being now filled with the Holy Spirit, Yahshua could
begin His 3½ year ministry. No doubt the Savior was well versed in the
Scriptures being taught by His mother Miriam and Joseph from childhood. He was
able to discuss the deeper things of the Word with the priests when He was
about 13, ready for His "Bar Mitzvah," (Son of the Covenant) Luke
2:42-49. Yet, it was following baptism that the Holy Spirit descended upon the
Savior in its fullness and He became fully prepared for the task of proclaiming
the Evangel.
Laying on of Hands
By
the laying on of hands following baptism we are also given the Holy Spirit. The
Holy Spirit is the invisible power of Yahweh which is given to us. His indwelling
Spirit gives us a new direction in our lives and draws us closer to Him. Our
goals and attitudes are changed and we no longer defer to the pulls of the
flesh. A strong, spiritual outlook is given us which binds us together with
those seeking the narrow way.
The indwelling Holy Spirit draws us
closer to Yahweh in thought and deed, and we find our interest is now in a
greater movement. We become a part of the growing body of the Messiah, the body
of believers, which makes up the Ekklesia, "the called out ones." Our
concern is for the other saints in the Assembly who hunger for fellowship and
are also seeking to mature into the image and likeness of the Savior.
To each believer baptized into the body
is given a spiritual gift from Yahweh. This gift is to be used for the benefit
of the Assembly. The laying on of hands is found in the Old Testament and is
indeed an important practice that follows baptism. Notice the following account
in which the Holy Spirit was given only when the Apostles Peter and John laid
hands upon the baptized ones: "Then
laid they their hands on them, and they received the
Holy Spirit. And when Simon saw that through laying on
of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money [Simon
Magus was an infidel]." Acts
8:17-18 AV
Paul reminds Timothy that we should be
ever mindful of the presence within us of the Holy Spirit. The gifts of the
Spirit are passed on to others by the presbytery, that is, the Elders of the
assembly: "Do not neglect the gift in you, which was given you by prophecy,
with the laying on of the hands of the body of elders [presbytery
KJV]." 1 Timothy
Furthermore, Paul reminds Timothy to
revive the gift of the Spirit from Yahweh which was given him by the laying on
of Paul’s hands: "Therefore I remind
you to inflame anew the gift of Yahweh, which is in you by the putting on of my
hands." 2 Timothy 1:6 MKJV
Notice that baptisms were carried out by
those specially called of Yahweh. The presbytery is responsible for the
guidance of the Assembly and better able to discern who is ready for baptism.
Baptism itself does not promise immediate miracles. We rely on answered prayer
and the promises of our Heavenly Father Yahweh and His tender mercies. Baptism
is followed by the laying on of hands by which we are given the spiritual gifts
and become Yahweh’s spiritual sons and daughters.
Deuteronomy 34:9 relates that the passing
of leadership from Moses to Joshua was through Moses’ laying his hands on
Joshua. Thus, the wisdom and leadership abilities Yahweh had given Moses were
now passed on to Joshua. The laying on of hands is to acknowledge the
acceptance of the baptized convert into the body of Messiah, who then is given
a special gift for strengthening, expanding, and making the
"ekklesia" the true body of believers Yahshua is seeking.
Gifts of the Spirit
While
there are different gifts, they are all from the same source, Yahweh’s Spirit.
The gifts are manifestations of the Holy Spirit functioning in different
workings, different tasks, different operations, but all are to be used to the
advantage of the Assembly. Paul sums up the matter as follows, "For as we have many members in one
body, and all members have not the same office; so we, being many, are one body
in Messiah, and every one members one of another. Having then gifts differing
according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy
according to the proportion of faith; Or ministry, let us wait on our
ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; Or he that exhorteth, on
exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth,
with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without
dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be
kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one
another." Romans 12:4-10 AV
Paul is here describing the result of
those who are baptized into Yahshua’s name. Some misguided ones have the
concept that upon baptism one would be given the gift of tongues. They have
been told that "speaking in tongues" is the proof one has the Holy Spirit, however, tongues appears to be the
least of the gifts. Paul clearly states that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are
to be used to up build, strengthen, encourage, teach, guide, and help give the
body of believers to attain the sterling and loving character that the Head of
the body, Yahshua Himself, displayed.
There are a number of spiritual gifts
which members of the body of Messiah are given and the pericope of Romans 12
mentioned above shows there are eight gifts given to the saints. Paul describes
the body of believers as a living, organic unity, a body. Each member of the
body is given gifts to be used properly and not abused within the overall
framework of love by which sin and evil is overcome with good. At every turn,
Paul urges we all have love for the brethren to show true humility in dealing
with the problems that arise.
The Power of His Blood
Romans, chapter six, is certainly one of the clearest explanations concerning
baptism’s effectiveness and the results it achieves for us. This exposition of
baptism is perhaps one of the most profound ever given. Paul raises the
question; if we are forgiven our sins because of the grace of Yahweh, should we
sin all the more so grace will be even greater; "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin so that grace
may abound? Let it not be! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in
it?"
Paul
answers his own question by asking. "If we have died to sin through
baptism, why should we go back to sinning again?” He makes the point that as
Yahshua died, we also symbolically died by entering
the watery grave of baptism. We are then cleansed from our sins and are to
overcome and steer clear of future sinning.
Resurrected to Newness of Life
Just
as Yahshua was dead and placed in the tomb, through baptism, we spiritually
mimic His death in dying to the old way of life. We turn from our old ways of
the past and seek to walk on higher ground as we follow in His footsteps. "Do you not know that as many of us as
were baptized into Yahshua were baptized into His death? Therefore we were
buried with Him by baptism into death, so that as Messiah was raised up from
the dead by the glory of the Father; even so we also should walk in newness of
life."
When Yahshua arose from the tomb, His
body was changed to spirit. He moved through walls, entered rooms without
coming through the doors; He appeared before the witnesses and then disappeared
before them. All this He could do because He now had a glorified body. "The life of the flesh is in the
blood," Lev.
Now Yahshua had Spirit energy flowing
though His veins which gave Him the resplendent picture found in Revelation
1:13-16! He is a bright, shining individual whose face shines forth like the
noonday sun. Just as He is a changed individual and no longer hindered by the
flesh, so we upon being baptized into His Name, are no longer living with our
desires governed by the material world. Our thoughts are now on a higher plane
where Yahshua and Yahweh think and act! We think in the spiritual realm.
The Old Man Dies - Body of Sin Destroyed
"For if we have been joined
together in the likeness of His death, we shall also be in the likeness of His
resurrection; knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him in order
that the body of sin might be destroyed, that from now on we should not serve
sin."
When we come up out of the watery grave
we will still be human and have to face human problems in this physical realm.
The person we once were has been impaled with Messiah, but our attitude has
been changed. The difference is that we have a new outlook on life, and have
Yahweh’s Spirit within which strengthens us. Paul says "the body of sin might be destroyed," that is, the old
nature is inoperative. We now can call upon Yahweh’s help to overcome our own
shortcomings; overcome the world as well as the wiles of the Tempter.
"For he who died has been justified
from sin. But if we died with Messiah, we believe that we shall also live with
Him, knowing that when Messiah was raised from the dead, He dies no more; death
no longer has dominion over Him."
The New English Bible renders verse 7, "A dead man is no longer answerable for
his sin." Death pays all debts, so the man who has died with Messiah
has his slate wiped clean, and is ready to begin his new life with Messiah, his
past forgotten. Upon arising from the baptismal waters, one’s past is washed
away, he is a new creature, as Paul emphasizes, "So that if any one is in Messiah, that one is a new creature; old
things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2
Corinthians
No
matter what sins he has committed, or what commandment he has broken, the past
is forgotten. This also includes divorce and remarriage. If such sins are not
washed away, then Messiah’s sacrifice is not the cleansing blood the Bible says
it is. Paul emphasizes, "For in that
He died, He died to sin once; but in that He lives, He lives to Yahweh.
Likewise count yourselves also to be truly dead to sin, but alive to Yahweh
through Yahshua Messiah our Sovereign." Romans 6:10-11 MKJV
One Spirit, Many Gifts
Paul
goes into detail describing the body of Messiah which he likens to the physical
human body. The brethren making up the body of Messiah have various talents and
gifts all of which complete the body and make it function smoothly.
We should understand that the body of
Messiah, the Ekklesia, is made up of brethren who are specially selected of
Yahweh. Paul now goes on to show the various gifts of the Spirit are needful
for the body, yet given by the same Spirit. He emphasizes in chapter 13 that
agape love is the more excellent way. Evidently there were some Corinthian
brethren who mistakenly assumed ecstatic speech was favored, which encouraged
many to attempt to acquire that gift. Paul clarifies that every gift is
important and needed for the good of the body, "But there are differences of gifts, but the same Spirit. And
there are differences of ministries, but the same Sovereign. And there are
differences of workings, but it is the same Elohim working all things in
all." 1Cor. 12:4-6 MKJV
Paul goes to great lengths to show the
Ekklesia, the body of Messiah, is made up of many different people with diverse
backgrounds. But all have the same goal which is to be in the Kingdom. We are
to help others along the way, as we seek to be kings and priests in the
Kingdom, Rev. 5:10. Paul lists the various gifts which are given to make the
body of believers a viable group, all working together for the good of the
brethren comprising the Ekklesia, referred to as the "called out
ones."
Diversity in Unity
But to each one is given the showing
forth of the Spirit to our profit. For through the Spirit is given to one;
(1) a word of
wisdom; and to another
(2) a word of
knowledge, according to the same Spirit; and to another
(3) faith by
the same Spirit; and to another the
(4) gifts of
healing by the same Spirit; and to another
(5) workings of
powers (miracles), to another
(6) prophecy;
and to another
(7) discerning of spirits; and to another
(8) kinds of
tongues; and to another
(9) the interpretation of tongues.
"But the one and the same Spirit
works all these things, distributing separately to each one as He
desires." 1Cor. 12:7-11 MKJV
Paul ranks certain gifts in order. With
the various members having their own gift for the Ekklesia, it is necessary the
members work together as a body or as a well-oiled machine. We are not to allow
differences to divide us, but to forbear one another,
knowing that we are to tolerate each member of the body, for Yahweh has placed
each one in the assembly as He saw fit. "For
as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of that one body,
being many, are one body; so also is Messiah. For also by one Spirit we are all
baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free, even all
were made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.
If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am
not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it
therefore not of the body? If all the body were an eye, where would be the
hearing? If all hearing, where would be the smelling? But now Yahweh has set the members, each one of them, in the body as it has
pleased Him. And if they were all one member, where would be the body?" 1 Corinthians 12:12-19 MKJV
Yahweh Sets Those in the Assembly
Again,
Paul emphasizes that each baptized member of the assembly will likely have a
different gift and goes to some length to make his point. He indicates that
even the most humble parts of the body are necessary. We are to strive after
the better gifts, and to do so with agape love.
And
Yahweh set some in the assembly, firstly, apostles; secondly, prophets;
thirdly, teachers, then works of power, then gifts of healings, helps,
governments, kinds of languages. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all
teachers? Are all workers of power? "Do
all have gifts of healing? Do all speak languages? Do all interpret? But
zealously strive after the better gifts. And yet I show to you a more excellent
way." 1 Corinthians 12:28-31 MKJV. Paul then goes on to give his
classic exposition of agape love found in 1Corinthians chapter 13.
Gifts are Given to the Assembly
Ephesians 4:8-9 tell of Yahshua’s ascending up on high after his death and resurrection
and gave special gifts unto mankind. Then follows the various gifts He has
given to the assembly, His body, for which he died.
Note these are gifts for guidance and
leadership of the assembly. First mentioned is the office of apostles. However,
this has been fulfilled as the apostles were to have seen the risen Messiah,
(Acts
A prophet in the New Testament was
considered one who received a direct message from Yahweh Himself and then
delivered it to those concerned. This was before the New Testament was written,
and such guidance was needed by the infant Ekklesia. There are a number of
examples such as, "In
Since we now have the completed New
Testament, most scholars feel the prophets and
apostles are not as needful today as when the early assembly was getting
started. But evangelists, pastors and teachers are indeed a part of needful
guidance of the Ekklesia. "And truly
He gave some to be apostles, and some to be prophets, and some to be
evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of the
saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Messiah.
And this until we all come into the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of
the Son of Yahweh, to a full-grown man, to the measure of the stature of the
fullness of Messiah; so that we no longer may be infants, tossed to and fro and
carried about by every wind of doctrine, in the dishonesty of men, in cunning
craftiness, to the wiles of deceit. But that you, speaking the truth in love,
may in all things grow up to Him who is the Head, even Messiah; from whom the
whole body, fitted together and compacted by that which every joint supplies,
according to the effectual working in the measure of each part, producing the
growth of the body to the edifying of itself in love." Ephesians
4:9-16 MKJV
Become Part of His Body
It
is clear that those immersed into the body of Messiah become a part of His body
and are to interact and work with brethren of like faith. We are not baptized
and then expected to be aloof from the body of Messiah! Baptism is the door to
become an active part of the body of Messiah. We are not to go off in the woods
somewhere in a hermitlike existence without staying in contact with those in
the body of Messiah.
We are a part of the body no matter where
we are and we should have the same love and concern for the Assembly as Yahshua
does. He said His true Assembly would never die out. We should do what we can
to strengthen, encourage, help, and make the Assembly a focal point of our
prayers for its spiritual and physical well-being. With letters, E-mail, phone
calls and visits, this can be done more easily today than at any time in
history.
A growing number seek the truth of the
Bible, ignoring the pagan practices that have crept into the customs of
churchianity. Yahshua has believers all around the world. We strive to reach
out to those who have expressed interest in Yahweh’s name and His way of life.
Due to the Internet, many of those who contact us are from third-world
countries and contact us through the computer from their place of employment, a
library, or a friend. Sending literature overseas gets to be costly, but is a
necessary expense for most are unable to be a help to us or their countrymen.
We feel a compulsion to help those requesting literature even though their
financial situation is in dire straits. This is likely what Yahshua was
referring to, "And the King shall
answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, Inasmuch
as you did it to one of the least of these My brothers, you have done it to Me.
Then He also shall say to those on the left hand, Depart from Me... Truly I say
to you, Inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not
do it to Me. And these shall go away into everlasting
punishment, but the righteous into everlasting life." Matthew 25:
40-41; 46 MKJV
Feeding the Lost Sheep
We
have a great opportunity to reach the lost sheep around the world who also seek
deeper truth. We send literature, tapes and our magazine freely to all
continents worldwide. This is in fulfillment of the great commission (Mat.
28:19-20) to reach out to all nations with the Good News. The more people we
reach and instruct in Yahweh’s truth, the more glory He gets and His blessings
flow throughout the world. We make visitation trips about the country
counseling those considering baptism into Yahshua’s saving name.
Conclusion
We
conclude our study with the following summation concerning Baptism:
·
True baptisms are
done in Yahshua’s saving name, placing us in the body of Messiah.
·
"Baptism is
from the Greek word meaning to immerse, dip, or soak into a liquid so what is
dipped takes on the qualities of what it is dipped into; for example, cloth in
dye, or leather in tanning solution." (David Stern’s New Testament
Commentary, Mat. 3:1)
·
Pouring (Greek
cheo), sprinkling (rantizo), spraying are not a baptism, (burial).
·
All baptisms in
Scripture were done by the presbytery, or those specially called of Yahshua.
·
Baptism is a
sacred and serious event, entered into carefully and joyfully.
·
Baptisms not done in the saving name of Yahshua
are a type of John’s baptism of repentance. (Acts 19:1-5); done in sincerity,
but lacking the full knowledge now available. Only baptisms into Yahshua’s Name
are baptisms of salvation.
·
Spiritual gifts
are given at baptism through the laying on of hands of the Elders. Therefore,
one should seek to exercise his gift with a body of believers that is
Biblically sound and continues reaching out to others.
Join
the brethren of Yahweh’s Assembly in Yahshua as together we strive to be in
Yahshua’s coming Kingdom. You can have a part in making it happen!
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