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Abraham's Covenant and Baptism
The subject of the covenant and promise that God swore by himself to uphold, and gave to our fleshly father Abraham is a very interesting subject indeed. Throughout the Bible starting with Abraham, this covenant is carefully "woven and threaded" from book to book; especially in the New Testament, as this booklet will explain. This booklet will not agree with the accepted theory that the world's churches have concerning the Abrahamic covenant. This booklet will also not agree with what is accepted and believed by the modern churches on what is called "baptism", as it relates to this covenant. The modern-day churches have completely discarded this covenant, and are under the false belief that the Abrahamic covenant could never be the basis of the modern-day Christian faith.
The fact is, this covenant is without a doubt the purpose of the death of Jesus Christ; and is at the heart and core of the Christianity of the Bible, as we shall see. Generally if sincere Christians are asked if their belief is based on what God promised to Abraham, they would without hesitation deny that this covenant has anything to do with their belief. It is a shame that sincere people have unknowingly rejected the very covenant that has provided for them the eternal inheritance along with eternal life! This profound statement will offend many Christian people, but as we progress in this study it will become very obvious why I made such a statement. This booklet will explain that this was the covenant that God swore to uphold for Abraham's physical descendants through their faith and belief in Christ. This covenant is sure and steadfast and is the hope for true believers, which will anchor their souls! The faith and belief in the Abrahamic covenant will anchor the souls for modern-day believers in Christ! Read and believe Heb. 6:13, 19.Hebrews 6:13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, (KJV)
Hebrews 6:19 Which [hope] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; (KJV)The vast majority of well meaning Christians have been deceived to believe that God has discarded this covenant, in spite of the fact that God swore by himself to keep what he had promised to Abraham and to the descendants of Abraham. To understand who the people are that are in line to inherit these promises, it is a must that you read my booklet entitled "Lost Israel and the Gentiles".
It is very important for sincere truth seeking people to reject the commonly accepted theory that the world's churches have concerning the Abrahamic covenant. It is time we look at this subject from God's point of view and begin to believe the Bible, which explains in detail what the faith was that founded the New Testament Church. It is also important to understand how this very important covenant given to a man called Abraham, is the foundation and basis of why a symbolic "ceremonial work" known as baptism was called for in the New Testament. What is baptism all about, and why is the example of baptism of such profound importance in the New Testament? This is a very interesting subject, and the New Testament is certainly not silent when it comes to talking about this very important ceremonial "washing" called baptism. It is interesting to note that baptism is not mentioned in the Old Testament, and there is a very important reason for this, as we shall see.
Baptism is a subject that is on the minds of many sincere Christian people. What is baptism supposed to accomplish for Christians? For that matter, what is the spiritual harm for Christians not to be baptized? The Bible is the only source of knowledge and information that we can go to, and learn the truth about this very important subject. The Bible explains what caused our tragic and sinful condition, and the legal action that believers must take that will cancel, and is the "remedy" (from God's point of view), for this sinful condition. This booklet will address why the "ceremonial work" of baptism was commanded by Jesus Christ, and why baptism is very necessary today for believers to obey. This booklet will also attempt to explain the difference in John's baptism with that of the baptism that Peter preached in the book of Acts.
This Christian society with its many divided churches has many theories and ideas of attempting to explain what baptism is all about. It is a fact that the modern churches generally treat baptism as a casual religious formality. It is generally accepted among Christians that baptism is just something one has to do to become a Christian. The Abrahamic covenant is never addressed, and therefore is of no significance to a believer that is about to be baptized. This is very serious! The promise given to Abraham is rejected by the world's churches as a valid promise for the modern-day Christian, and it is believed that this covenant and promise does not apply for baptized believers. This is the very reason that baptism cannot be understood by believers that are deceived by the lie and false doctrine that the Abrahamic covenant does not apply to them.
The world's churches do not seem to understand the theological background that called for the "ceremonial work" of baptism in the New Testament. This truth is directly linked and related to what is called circumcision that was given to Abraham, as this booklet will explain. Therefore the world's churches will never explain and teach the truth that baptism is directly linked to the covenant and promise that God gave to Abraham many centuries ago. This physical law of circumcision had to be obeyed in order to make it possible for Abraham's descendants to inherit the promise of the covenant. The purpose of the covenant of circumcision that was given to Abraham will be explained shortly.
It is very important to recognize from the Bible the background and the reason why the symbolic "work" of baptism was called for under the new covenant. Sincere people realize the necessity and seriousness of baptism, therefore they will get baptized without really knowing what they have done. It is nevertheless an act of faith which God does honor! I do believe that baptism done in faith is indeed valid; even if it was done under a deception and a misunderstanding concerning the Abrahamic covenant. However it must be understood that God does expect newly baptized believers to repent of sin, grow in knowledge and learn the truth about baptism; and what they have done in the name of Jesus Christ. Growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ is what baptism is all about, and is a major part of the Christian walk. See 2 Pet. 3:18.2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen. (KJV)
Baptizing in the name of Christ is the same as doing this very important "ceremonial work" with Christ's authority and permission! It is important that we never misuse the name of Christ, since it is the only name under heaven that can bring salvation to believers as it shows in Acts 4:12.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (KJV)
It is certain that believers would never intentionally want to misuse the powerful name of Jesus Christ. However misusing Christ's name is still misusing it, and must be repented of if a believer is made aware of this error! The danger of treating baptism as just another casual religious ceremony might cause this very important symbolic "work" to loose its value and meaning for the believer.
Generally speaking, sincere people realize the waters of baptism did not really solve the sin problem for them. Indeed, the act of baptism was never designed to help believers overcome sin; as we shall see. Baptism in the name of Christ only deals with a sin that we have all inherited from our birth that we cannot repent of. This is the sin that must be "washed away" in order to clear the way for the Spirit of God to come into the life of a believer. I realize the subject of baptism must be treated very carefully, and I must confess I do not fully comprehend what happens in the spirit world when one is baptized. It is important that you read this booklet very carefully, and I stand corrected if something is not biblically correct. It is my sincere desire to show from the Bible what the "ceremonial work" of baptism is designed to accomplish for the believer, and I welcome any comments or suggestions you feel I should know about.The "Pattern" Law of Circumcision
I want to first cover the subject of circumcision, because as we progress in this study you will understand why circumcision needs to be addressed. Circumcision actually points toward a tragic sin that happened in the Garden of Eden; which in turn then explains what baptism is all about, as we shall see. There is an element of mystery with circumcision; however there need be no mystery if we can with open minds and honest hearts believe what the Bible has to say about this subject. The Bible indeed has a lot to say about circumcision as we all know, and it is important that we look at circumcision from God's point of view.
Why was their a need for circumcision? It is evident that circumcision started and revolved around a man called Abraham, and this question needs to be answered from the Bible as to why God commanded the covenant of circumcision to Abraham. We need to understand how the covenant of circumcision is now applied to us since this was an everlasting covenant, as we shall see. The correct basis for understanding this "unusual" covenant is to try and recognize what circumcision was designed to show and what it pointed toward. We also need to understand why God had to physically instill in the minds of his people the cause of their sinful condition. God provided the laws and the covenants for his people to have a temporary "remedy" for their sin, and to be legally in right standing with him. This legal status and condition had to be "worked out" through a system of laws that showed "patterns" and "pictures" that were to be obeyed by God's people. The old covenant laws under Moses if obeyed by the Israelites, provided the temporary "remedy" for their sinful condition. However when the real remedy and the real sacrifice for sin finally did come (sacrifice of Christ), the application of these "pattern" and "picture" laws changed; since these laws found their fulfillment and became useless. This is very important to understand, and always keep in mind that from God's point of view he was only interested in "legally" canceling the sinful condition of his people. By being in obedience to these laws would cause God's people to be in right standing with their God.
What purpose did God have in mind by commanding this strange law called circumcision? There is a very logical reason and purpose for the "pattern" law of circumcision from God's point of view, as we shall see. Why do I call it a "pattern law"? Because it is "patterned" after something that happened in the Garden of Eden, which is where and when sin reared it's ugly head so to speak. We all know circumcision was something very important, and it started with a man called Abraham. This is so important to understand because the Christian faith also revolves around a man called Abraham. This fact is clearly demonstrated in the New Testament, as we shall see. We all know God does not impose laws and commandments unless there is a very important reason for God to do so. Why would God impose the law of circumcision upon Abraham? We all know and are aware of what circumcision is. Why could not God ask Abraham to cut a corner of his ear, or some other part of the body that would be visible for all to see? No, it had to be a part of the body that is very private and personal. God started the plan of redemption with Abraham, and the law of circumcision played a major role in this plan! This is very important to understand! You could say it was a constant sexual reminder to Abraham in his flesh of a sin that he did not commit. Since all males are born with foreskins, God does not hold this against any male.
In Abraham's fallen sinful condition, God commanded circumcision to show Abraham the cause of his fallen and sinful condition. It pointed back to the Garden of Eden and the sin that caused the fall of Adam, and all of Adam's true descendants. It is logical to assume that this "pattern" law of circumcision pointed to a sin that is sexual in nature. If we have spiritual eyes to see we will understand what Adam's sin was, and what brought on the fall of Adam; and why all of Adam's true descendants are born in sin. The fact that we are all born in sin (at birth) is important to understand when we discuss baptism, and how baptism is connected and related to circumcision. It is not the purpose of this booklet to go in detail and explain what the sin was in the Garden of Eden. However I do want to point out that Eve was beguiled (deceived), and became a defiled women as a result of a cunning lie and a seduction by a fallen angel called Satan the devil. I believe this fallen angel appeared to Eve as a man (he was called a serpent). It is therefore very evident that Eve's sin was a sexual sin because of what the apostle Paul implied in 2 Cor. 11:2-3.2 Corinthians 11:2-3 For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present [you as] a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. (KJV)
Study these verses very carefully, and understand how and why Paul warned the Church not to become beguiled and corrupted as Eve was. Paul stated that he wanted to present the Church as a chaste virgin to Christ, which is the Church's one husband. This is very important, because why would Paul compare the Church's "virginity" to Eve's deception and corruption? Eve was deceived to commit this sin, and became corrupted and lost the cover of her one husband (Adam). The Church is espoused to one husband (Christ), therefore the Church must remain faithful and pure to Christ. It is very evident that Eve became sexually defiled as a direct result of her deception and sin. It is important to understand what Paul was referring to in these verses, and it would be very helpful to read my booklet "What is the Church?" to know how the wife of Christ (the Church) is compared to Adam's wife Eve. Adam did a very noble and self-sacrificing act by taking Eve back as his defiled wife, since Adam was not deceived as it clearly shows in 1 Tim. 2:4.
1 Timothy 2:14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. (KJV)
Adam in a sense gave up his life and "died" for his wife. Adam's sin caused all of Adam's true descendants to also spiritually "die", simply because they were all genetically created in Adam before Adam committed this sin. God provided for Abraham this physical "pattern" law which is known as circumcision, to be strictly obeyed in order for the plan of redemption to be in force. God needed to look on Abraham and his seed after him as legally able to inherit the promises that God promised to Abraham. These are the same promises that the New Testament Church was built upon! This is very important to understand! The "pattern" law of circumcision by itself was not the "remedy" for Adam's sin. Circumcision only showed the cause of Abraham's fallen sinful condition. The true remedy for Adam's sin did not come until Christ shed his blood, and became the perfect sacrifice for this sin. This is all covered under baptism, which I will show later. I want to now go in Gen. 17:11-14 where circumcision was first introduced.
Genesis 17:11-14 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. 12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which [is] not of thy seed. 13 He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. 14 And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant. (KJV)
Notice that circumcision was to be a token of the covenant between God and Abraham (verse 11). The word "token" is no. 0226 in Strong's Lexicon, and means sign or signal and a distinguishing mark. Also notice the word "proof", which means circumcision was a physical proof in Abraham's flesh.
0226 'owth {oth} probably from 0225 (in the sense of appearing); TWOT - 41a; n f
AV - sign(s) 60, token(s) 14, ensign(s) 2, miracles 2, mark 1; 79
1) sign, signal 1a) a distinguishing mark 1b) banner 1c) remembrance 1d) miraculous sign 1e) omen 1f) warning 2) token, ensign, standard, miracle, proofWhat did circumcision prove, and what was it to be a sign or a distinguishing mark of? The covenant that circumcision proved, and was to be a token of, is explained in Gen. 17:4-9 which we will see shortly. All eight day old (and older) male children of Abraham's generations, and all males born in Abraham's house, and all males bought with Abraham's money from "strangers" were to be circumcised (verse 12). This covenant was to be in Abraham's flesh for an everlasting covenant (verse 13). The word "stranger" in verse 12 is no. 05236 in Strong's Lexicon, and means foreign or alien to Abraham's physical seed.
05236 nekar {nay-kawr'}' from 05234; TWOT - 1368b; n m
AV - strange 17, stranger + 01121 10, stranger 7, alien 1; 35
1) foreign, alien, foreignness, that which is foreign 1a) foreignness, foreign gods 1b) alien, foreigner 1c) foreign (vanities)These "strangers" were not circumcised, since they were not of Abraham's physical seed (verse 12). However all the males that Abraham bought from these "strangers" were circumcised, since they no doubt were also of Adam's true descendants. This means any male of Abraham's physical seed line (including true Adamites) were to be circumcised in order for them to qualify for this covenant given to Abraham. Gen. 17:4-9 explains what the covenant and promise was, which the "pattern" law of circumcision was to be a proof or a token of in Abraham's flesh; and also in the flesh of Abraham's continuing physical seed line.
Genesis 17:4-9 As for me, behold, my covenant [is] with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. 5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. 6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. 8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. 9 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. (KJV)
This covenant was made to Abraham and his seed after him in their "generations" for an everlasting covenant (verse 7). This is a racial statement, since it is a physical seed line that's being discussed here. The word "seed" in these verses is no. 02233 in Strong's Lexicon and means offspring, descendants and posterity that genetically proceeded and came from Abraham.
02233 zera` {zeh'-rah} from 02232; TWOT - 582a; n m
AV - seed 221, child 2, carnally + 07902 2, carnally 1, fruitful 1, seedtime 1, sowing time 1; 229
1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)This implies a continuing physical seed line throughout all of the generations of Abraham's seed. This is important! The "pattern" law of circumcision called for all of Abraham's physical offspring and descendants to have a sign or a distinguishing mark in their flesh, to prove that they would be in line in inherit the promises given to Abraham. If any of Abraham's seed did not have this sign or mark in their flesh they were cut off from inheriting the promise, as we have seen in Gen. 17:14. I want to say at this time that circumcision is also called a covenant. See Acts 7:8
Acts 7:8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs. (KJV)
However circumcision was a covenant within a covenant, and it was the physical evidence in the flesh and a token of another covenant. This other covenant was a certain everlasting inheritance that was promised to Abraham and to Abraham's physical seed forever. The fact that it was an everlasting covenant is directly tied to the gift of everlasting life that is promised through Christ! This is very important to understand since this is the faith and belief that the early Church was built upon! This certain inheritance is mentioned in Acts 7:5 and Gal. 3:18, and this promise of inheritance has far-reaching implications for modern-day believers in Christ; as we shall see!
Acts 7:5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. (KJV)
Galatians 3:18 For if the inheritance [be] of the law, [it is] no more of promise: but God gave [it] to Abraham by promise. (KJV)This covenant of inheritance, given and promised to Abraham and his physical seed line, would not be of any value if there was not a precious price required to make this inheritance possible. It is important to understand that a covenant is of no value if it has no price, and is not bought and paid for in some way. Indeed, the precious price that this covenant required was God himself! Notice in Gen. 15:1 that it states God would defend and protect Abraham by being Abraham's "shield", and God himself would be Abraham's exceeding great "reward".
Genesis 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I [am] thy shield, [and] thy exceeding great reward. (KJV)
The word "reward" is no. 07939 in Strong's Lexicon. As we can see from this meaning it is evident that God himself was the "wages", therefore God was the price that would purchase this covenant for Abraham and his descendants after him.
07939 sakar {saw-kawr'} from 07936; TWOT - 2264.1b; n m
AV - hire 9, reward 9, wages 6, price 2, fare 1, worth 1; 28
1) hire, wages 1a) wages 1b) reward, pay 1c) fare, fee, passage-moneyGod himself was also Abraham's "shield" by defending and protecting Abraham. Therefore Abraham believed that God would perform what he had promised, and it was imputed to Abraham for righteousness as it explains in James 2:23.
James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. (KJV)
However this covenant was not bought and paid for, and was not confirmed until Christ came and gave himself to be the sacrifice for Adam's sin on behalf of Abraham's physical descendants. The shed blood of Christ was the price that this covenant required in order for Abraham and Abraham's seed to inherit the everlasting promises that this covenant promised! This is very important to understand! See Rom. 15:8 and realize why Christ was called a minister of the circumcision to confirm the promises made to Abraham, and then to Isaac and Jacob (the fathers).
Romans 15:8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises [made] unto the fathers: (KJV)
Circumcision was the proof and token marked in the flesh of Abraham's physical seed line, so that this seed line could inherit the everlasting promises that were given and promised to Abraham! According to Rom. 15:8 these were the promises that the early believers had faith in, since it was these promises that Christ came to confirm for them! The word "confirm" in Rom. 15:8 is nos. 950 and 949 in Strong's Lexicon and means to establish, make firm or make sure.
950 bebaioo {beb-ah-yo'-o} from 949; TDNT - 1:600,103; v
AV - confirm 5, establish 2, stablish 1, 8
1) to make firm, establish, confirm, make sure
949 bebaios {beb'-ah-yos} from the base of 939 (through the idea of basality); TDNT - 1:600,103; adj
AV - stedfast 4, sure 2, firm 1, of force 1, more sure 1; 9
1) stable, fast, firm 2) metaph. sure, trustyAs you can see by this meaning, Christ came to establish and to make sure that the promises given to the fathers are now in force and applied to the Christian faith. We need to be aware of three important facts so far concerning circumcision. (1)...Circumcision was not the inheritance covenant as promised and given to Abraham. It was only a token, or a proof in the flesh of Abraham's seed of the inheritance covenant. (2)...Any soul not circumcised was cut off from his people, and was not to inherit what was promised to Abraham. (3)...Circumcision was to be performed on all males from eight days old or older. I might add also that the Abrahamic covenant of promise was to last forever. Therefore in a sense, the token (circumcision) of the covenant of promise was an everlasting covenant also. Forever really means forever if the conditions that were required are never altered. They never were altered since the theme of this covenant is carried over into the New Testament and into the Christian faith, as we shall see. Females of course were exempt from the physical part of circumcision, however they did come under what is called "circumcision of the heart". See Deut. 10:16 and 30:6.
Deuteronomy 10:16 Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked. (KJV)
Deuteronomy 30:6 And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live. (KJV)Circumcision was incorporated into the old covenant, and it is important to understand that since circumcision started with Abraham and the fathers, it is of more importance and takes priority over the old covenant given through Moses. See John 7:22.
John 7:22 Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. (KJV)
What we have learned so far is that Abraham and all of his descendants (physical seed) are in line to inherit precious promises from God. This means present tense since it is an everlasting covenant throughout all generations with the physical seed of Abraham. What God required from this physical seed line is that they "sign on the dotted line" (a snipping of the foreskin, if you will); which was the "token" or the evidence and proof in their flesh for them to inherit this promise. Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision, and came to confirm the promises of this covenant made unto the fathers (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob); as was stated in Rom. 15:8. This truth and fact proves what the purpose was for Christ to die and shed his blood. Which in turn proves that the Abrahamic covenant with the promises made to the fathers are in full force and effect for the modern-day believers in Christ. However the modern-day believers also must "sign on the dotted line", which will be explained soon.
The modern-day churches believe that the physical seed of Abraham is somehow made a "spiritual" seed. This is because most Christians falsely assume that all people in all the world can "mysteriously" become Abraham's seed. They use Gal. 3:29 (among other scriptures) to support their claim that this has to mean a "spiritual" seed.Galatians 3:29 And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (KJV)
Sincere people are deceived to believe that anyone outside of Abraham's seed have a "right" to become Christ's, and therefore claim the New Testament promises. However they are not aware what these promises are, and this teaching goes against all of God's laws of inheritance! The profound truth of the laws of inheritance simply means that the inheritance God promised to Abraham must stay within the family tree (or physical seed line) of Abraham. To believe otherwise would make a mockery of the inheritance, along with the God-given laws that assure the inheritors of their rightful inheritance! It is very strange that modern Christianity will disregard this truth! Paul deliberately pointed out in Gal. 3:29 that Abraham's seed were the rightful heirs, because he added "according to the promise". Paul explained that these Galatians were Christ's, because they were of the true physical seed of Abraham. Paul never intended to mean that since the Galatians were Christ's, this somehow made them a "spiritual seed" of Abraham; as many of today falsely assume. It is also assumed by many in today's world that the Abrahamic covenant is only applied to the "Jews". The Galatian Gentiles were a part of the lost tribes of Israel, therefore Paul explained to them the truth that they were the rightful heirs of the promise made to their biological father Abraham. My booklet entitled "Lost Israel and the Gentiles" explains who the Galatian Gentiles were, and also explains why the translators of our Bibles used the words; "Jew(s)" and "Gentiles". It is very important to understand the difference (from a biblical viewpoint) in what is known as "Jews" and "Gentiles".
Circumcision "Made Without Hands"
Keep in mind the covenant of promise given to Abraham and his seed was to last forever along with the covenant of circumcision. However, physical circumcision is no longer required since Christ has provided (with the sacrifice of himself) the true remedy and the true sacrifice for the Adamic sin; which physical circumcision could not do. Paul explains this in Gal. 5:6 and 6:15.
Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. (KJV)
Galatians 6:15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. (KJV)These scriptures show that physical circumcision is rendered useless for believers in Jesus Christ. The reason for this is because the death of Christ legally brought the "new creation"; as it explains in Gal. 6:15. From God's point of view, believers in Christ Jesus are considered to be a part of the "new creation". The doctrine of the new creation is a very important subject, which this booklet will not address. However this doctrine is addressed in my booklet entitled "The Seventh Day" which explains why the ceremonial "works" of the Mosaic Sabbath consisted of six "work" days and a seventh day "rest". Israelites were required to obey these "works" to legally have the temporary "remedy" of their sinful condition. This is very important! The law of the Mosaic seventh day Sabbath was patterned after a six day creation and a seventh day continuing "rest". This is the "rest" that believers in Christ can enter into with God. See Heb. 4:10-11.
Hebrews 4:10-11 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God [did] from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (KJV)
However, this six day creation was destined to become useless to God without the dominion of Adam. This is very important to understand! Circumcision was patterned after what caused Adam to disqualify himself to rule and maintain the six day creation. Adam's sin and a flawed six day creation is what called for and demanded the sufferings and cruel death of Jesus Christ! Therefore physical circumcision along with the observance of the Sabbath which was patterned after the old creation, must not be obeyed under the new covenant. These "works of the law" have found their fulfillment in the death of Christ. The "works of the law" were designed to bring Israelites to the faith of Christ, and these laws were not a curse if Israelites continued to do all the things that were written in the law. I want to stress and emphasize the little word "if". Read and study Gal. 2:16, 3:10, 13 very carefully.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (KJV)
Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. (KJV)
Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree: (KJV)Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, as it states in verse 13. Therefore it is useless for believers in Christ to continue in these "works" of the law that demanded this curse. Also these "works" of the law would tend to bring shame and mockery to the sufferings and cruel death of Christ, because Christ cannot be crucified again! Please understand this simple truth! Col. 2:10-13 talks about the circumcision that is made "without hands", and these verses also talk about "buried with him in baptism". You should carefully read all these verses, because Paul explains how physical circumcision became what is called baptism.
Colossians 2:10-13 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; (KJV)
It is now possible for God to see us in the same way as he sees Christ. We are now "complete" in him, and we are "circumcised" by the circumcision of Christ; and we are also buried with him in baptism. This is very important! God is now able to "quicken" us with Christ, and also forgive us of all trespasses while being uncircumcised in the flesh (verse 13). Christ had to be circumcised according to the law, since circumcision still pointed back to the Adamic sin. See Luke 2:21.
Luke 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. (KJV)
The Adamic sin had to be dealt with and canceled by the circumcision and baptism of Christ, however the penalty for this sin still had to be paid for by the shedding of the second Adam's blood (Christ). The legal "remedy" for this Adamic sin is now called baptism. In Mark 16:16 Christ said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned".
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (KJV)
After Christ paid the penalty for the Adamic sin with his own blood, a believer must also "sign on the dotted line" to inherit the promises given to the fathers. A believer in the sacrifice of Christ has "signed on the dotted line" by choosing to be buried with Christ in baptism. Baptism is very necessary for salvation according to our Savior, which was stated in Mark 16:16. I want to now go to a scripture on baptism which most of us are familiar with. In Acts 2:38-39 Peter states, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins".
Acts 2:38-39 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (KJV)
Peter continues in verse 39, "For the promise is unto you, and to your children". I believe Peter included children with this promise for the same reason that children were included in the covenant of circumcision. Peter had the Abrahamic covenant and promises in mind when he gave this famous speech on baptism. What is the promise that Peter referred to? It is the same promise(s) that Christ came to confirm, which we have read in Rom. 15:8. It is obvious that these are the promises that were made to the Fathers (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob), through the Abrahamic covenant. Christ came to confirm the promises that the Christian faith and belief are built upon, which are the same promises given to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The ceremonial "work" of baptism now makes it possible for believers to inherit these promises instead of obeying the law of physical circumcision. It is very important to recognize the difference between John's baptism with that of the baptism of Christ. Matt. 3:11 and Luke 3:16 show the comparison and difference.
Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire: (KJV)
Luke 3:16 John answered, saying unto [them] all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: (KJV)John baptized with water unto repentance. However Christ baptizes a believer with the Holy Spirit and with "fire". The "baptism of fire" is another subject entirely, which this booklet will not address. In the book of Acts there were people baptized knowing only John's baptism, and they did not have the Holy Spirit. This is important because the Holy Spirit was promised with the baptism of Christ, according to Matt. 3:11 and Luke 3:16. Read and study Acts 18:25-26 and 19:2-5 very carefully.
Acts 18:25-26 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto [them], and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. (KJV)
Acts 19:2-5 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. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4 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. 5 When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (KJV)Paul explained that John baptized only for "repentance"; however they were to believe on him that was to come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus (verse 4). They were then rebaptized in the "name of the Lord Jesus". It is important to understand that John preached (as also did Peter) "baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" as it states in Mark 1:4 and Luke 3:3.
Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. (KJV)
Luke 3:3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; (KJV)However, John's preaching was always focused toward the one coming after him (Christ), as we have seen in Matt. 3:11 and Luke 3:16. John did not baptize in the "name of Christ", therefore John's baptism only pointed toward the remission of the Adamic sin. Christ had not yet died, therefore remission of original sin was not possible. Peter preached baptism in the "name of Jesus Christ" for the remission of sins, therefore Peter's baptism was different than that of John's baptism. However John's baptism was entirely valid and needful in John's day since it was a baptism of personal repentance, which prepared the Israelite people to receive Christ. It is interesting to note that in Heb. 6:2 it mentions the doctrine of baptisms (plural). However in Eph. 4:5 it states there is only one baptism (singular).
Hebrews 6:2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. (KJV)
Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (KJV)How can these two verses be explained, and what is the doctrine of baptisms (plural)? I believe there was a "transitional" baptism which was John's baptism, which in turn led to the one baptism. This "transition" can then correctly be called the doctrine of baptisms (plural). People repented of personal sins with John's baptism, however they did not receive the Holy Spirit and there was no remission of original sin. The Holy Spirit was not yet given, and remission of the original Adamic sin was not possible until Christ died and shed his blood for the remission of the sin that caused all sin. See Matt. 26:28 and Heb. 9:22.
Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for there mission of sins. (KJV)
Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. (KJV)Please recall that it stated in Rom. 15:8 that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God. It did not say Christ was a minister of the uncircumsicion. This is important! Christ was called a minister of the circumcision, because it was only for Abraham’s seed that Christ came to repair the damage that caused all sin. Circumcision only pointed toward the cause of our sinful condition. It is very important to understand that the original Adamic sin is still with us, and we were all born with this sin; which we cannot repent of! Under John's baptism this Adamic sin was not washed away, since John's baptism was not a "remission of sins, receiving the Holy Spirit" baptism. Also Christ had not yet shed his righteous blood in sacrifice for the Adamic sin. John's baptism only prepared the people to receive Christ, since it was only a "baptism of repentance" as Paul explained in Acts 19:4. Please go back and review Acts 19:4 again.
Even today, sincere people are baptized with the "baptism of repentance" thinking that their personal sins are canceled. Generally they are not aware of the Adamic sin that cannot be repented of, and are baptized under a false premise in the "name of Jesus Christ"; which in a sense is misusing the name of Christ. I myself was baptized under this wrong premise some years ago, and I do believe that God out of mercy overlooks this mistake if a believer out of humility comes to this correct understanding. Sincere Christians simply do not realize that if the Adamic sin is not washed away (in the name of Christ), their personal sins will not be "washed" away either. We can all repent of stealing, lying, adultery, false gods, etc., but there is one sin that we cannot repent of. It is that Adamic sin that we have all genetically inherited from the fall of Adam, and we have this sin at birth. This is very important to understand when we look at and discuss infant baptism. In Rom. 5:12, Paul explained that by one man (Adam) death passed on all men (all Adam). All of Adam's true descendants are born in sin.Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: (KJV)
King David understood his sinful condition as he states in Psl. 51:5; "In sin did my mother conceive me". It is ridiculous to think that David's mother sinned by conceiving David.
Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. (KJV)
David simply meant that he was in a sinful condition when he was "shaped" in iniquity (sin) while in his mother's womb. It is very important to understand that God did not originally intend that all of Adam's descendants to be conceived in sin in the mother's womb, and be born in this sinful flesh and blood "deathly" condition! It would be helpful to read my booklet entitled "What is Man?" to understand the tragic sinful condition that all of Adam's descendants have genetically inherited! A merciful God provided a remedy for this sin, and it is done through a symbolic "washing" called baptism. Circumcision pointed to the sin that caused this condition, and baptism now "wipes the slate clean". Baptism actually "washes" away sins, however a believer must call on the name of the Lord as it states in Acts 22:16.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. (KJV)
I want to stress the point that you must act on this truth if you want your sins to be "washed away". It is indeed a comfort to know this "work" of washing away your sins can be done with the permission and authority (in the name) of Jesus Christ himself. A loving and merciful Father provided the means and the symbolic pattern, and he wants his children to respond to this truth. The Father wants his children to really believe that their bodies are "washed" with pure water, and that their sins are actually "washed away" by responding to this symbolic "washing" with a true heart in full assurance of faith. Read and believe 1 Cor. 6:11 and Heb. 10:22.
1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (KJV)
Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (KJV)It is hard for us to understand how this symbolic "washing" can make it possible for God to look on us as if we had no sin. Are we without sin? No, we are not! The very fact that we were conceived in flesh and blood bodies puts us in a sinful condition as David stated in Psl. 51:5. It is through the "washing" of baptism that God can "legally" put us in the same standing as Adam was before he sinned. It states in Lev. 17:11 that "the life of the flesh is in the blood". Therefore it is by the shedding of blood that makes atonement for the soul.
Leviticus 17:11 For the life of the flesh [is] in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it [is] the blood [that] maketh an atonement for the soul. (KJV)
It was the blood of animals that was shed on the altar that provided the atonement for the souls of Israelites that genetically came from Adam. When Adam sinned he "bodily" became like the rest of the flesh and blood creation, and the dying process started in his body. It is important to understand that Adam had no blood in his body before he sinned. The act of sin on Adam's part is what caused the blood, and it is this blood that is the life of the flesh. Blood is what sustains Adam's true descendants in the same way as other breathing living creations. That is why the second Adam (Christ) had to take on the first Adam's flesh and blood condition, and then to shed this Adamic blood for the remission of the Adamic sin to make the real atonement for Adamic souls. This is important! Again see Heb. 9:22.
Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission. (KJV)
Through baptism for remission of sins, which is what the shed blood of Christ accomplished; God is able to look on us as if we are completely without sin. With God this is entirely possible! God is bound by his promise to legally cancel the Adamic sin for a believer that is baptized upon faith and belief on the shed blood of Jesus Christ. This is what the symbolic work of baptism is all about, and why it is commanded in the New Testament! God choose circumcision to explain and show Abraham's seed the cause of their sinful condition. Baptism now explains and is the remedy for this sinful condition. We have been actually justified and glorified, and it's just as if God has raised us up and made us sit in "heavenly places" in Christ Jesus; as Paul explained in Rom. 8:30 and Eph. 2:6.
Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. (KJV)
Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised [us] up together, and made [us] sit together in heavenly [places] in Christ Jesus: (KJV)Infant Baptism
Under the law of circumcision, children eight days old and older had to be circumcised in order for them to inherit the promises. It is interesting to note that Abraham was ninety nine years old when he was circumcised (Gen. 17:24).
Genesis 17:24 And Abraham [was] ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. (KJV)
Should babies and children be baptized in order for them to inherit the same promises? If you will recall, Peter stated in Acts 2:39; "The promise is to you and your children". Did Peter mean that children were to be baptized, and does this make a case for infant baptism? I do not want say either way on the premise of what Peter stated in Acts 2:39. However I do believe there is biblical evidence to support this possibility, as we shall see. In Acts 16:15, a woman and her household were baptized.
Acts 16:15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought [us], saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide [there]. And she constrained us. (KJV)
The word "household" is no. 3624 in Strong's Con., and means by implication a family.
3624 oikos (oy'-kos); of uncertain affinity; a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication a family (more or less related, literal or figuratively): KJV-- home, house (-hold), temple.
In Acts 16:33, Paul and Silas baptized the prison keeper. He was baptized and all his straightway. "All his" of course means all of his family, if you will!
Acts 16:33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed [their] stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. (KJV)
Are we to assume that the jailer's family consisted of all adults? The possibility of course is that there were children in that family; possibly even a baby or two. In 1 Cor. 1:16, Paul said he baptized the household of Stephanas.
1 Corinthians 1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. (KJV)
Again the word "household" is no. 3624 in Strong's Con. and means a family. Normally families do have children, and we must assume from these examples that there were children involved; and that these children were indeed baptized according to these scriptures. I realize infant baptism is not accepted by some sincere Christians, however let's be honest with scripture since the implications are there. The argument against infant baptism (and it is the only argument), is that baptism must be decided on by an adult. I could not agree more! However, it is a decision that responsible adult parents must make for their children. The argument is that little babies cannot repent and are not accountable for sin, therefore there is no need to baptize them. This proves my point! Little babies cannot repent, however they still need that Adamic sin removed in the eyes of God. The fact is, adults cannot repent of that Adamic sin either; and they also need that Adamic sin removed! Since babies are born in sin and rebellion and are so helpless, they simply cannot make that decision. Responsible parents must make that decision for them, since God will not hold little babies accountable.
Eight day old babies that were born under the Abrahamic covenant had no choice on whether they were circumcised or not circumcised. If they were not circumcised they were cut off from inheriting the promises given to our father Abraham, as we have seen in Gen. 17:14. Is it not reasonable to assume that little babies and children that are not baptized, will also be cut off from the same promises? I am only stating this as a question. Who can know the mind of God, and the judgments that must determine who will and who will not inherit the Kingdom? The fact is, we all know babies and children are the property of God. Children are considered to be the heritage and the reward of God, and parents are not to stand in the way (forbid them not) of them coming unto Christ and inheriting the kingdom of God. See Psl. 127:3 and Matt. 19:4.Psalm 127:3 Lo, children [are] an heritage of the LORD: [and] the fruit of the womb [is his] reward. (KJV)
Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. (KJV)Little children simply do not understand how to come unto Christ, therefore God does hold responsible parents accountable. This is serious! God has provided a way for babies and children to have the Adamic sin removed. It is not that children have this sin and rebellion removed in a real literal sense, which any parent will quickly testify to that fact and truth. However to God it is removed, and it's just as if the Adamic sin is not there! Parents should decide to do this for their children, and can explain baptism to them later when they are older. We must all act on how we understand the scriptures. John 13:17 and Rom. 14:22 show that we can only be happy when we act on things we freely know in our hearts that it is the right thing to do.
John 13:17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. (KJV)
Romans 14:22 Hast thou faith? have [it] to thyself before God. Happy [is] he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth. (KJV)I believe the correct way to baptize is by immersion under water. The word "baptize" is no. 907 in Strong's Lexicon, which means to dip or immerse; and it is very evident that this is the correct mode and method.
907 baptizo {bap-tid'-zo} from a derivative of 911; TDNT - 1:529,92; verb
AV - baptize (76), wash 2, baptist 1, baptized + 2258 1; 80
1) to dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk) 2) to cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one's self, bathe 3) to overwhelmWithout a doubt the early New Testament Church baptized this way as it explains in Acts 8:39, and notice the phrase "up out of the water".
Acts 8:39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. (KJV)
However some churches of today use the "sprinkling" method, which I do not believe is correct. In Heb. 10:22, it states that our hearts are "sprinkled" from an evil conscience, and our bodies "washed" with pure water. The very critical point I want to make is that our bodies are washed, and are not sprinkled in baptism.
Hebrews 10:22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. (KJV)
It is important to understand that from God's point of view, the ceremonial "pattern" of baptism is designed to picture something precious, and it must be done according to the pattern of what it pictured. The ceremonial "work" of baptism shows a bodily "burial" and a spiritual "cleansing", which "sprinkling" does not do! Keep in mind that baptism symbolizes and pictures the death and burial of Christ. Circumcision symbolized and pictured (past tense) the cause that demanded the death and burial of Christ. It is important to really believe in faith what baptism is designed to do, and this ceremonial "work" must be obeyed from the heart. Baptism must be done correctly by a "burial" of the old self in a "watery grave"! It is very important to understand that the "sprinkling" method is not and could not be patterned after a "burial"! Rom. 6:3-4 explains the symbolism of baptism clearly and beautifully.
Romans 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (KJV)This symbolism is really very easy to understand and is not something complicated, therefore it must be done according to the instruction and the correct pattern! Circumcision and baptism are talked about very much in the Bible. To this fact and truth we can all agree. The misunderstandings come when we refuse to let the Bible actually teach us about this subject. Some people are either afraid to accept the truth, or they simply do not care. The Bible is not some mystery book that cannot be understood! You can read it like any other book with one exception. God is the author, and he is interested in "washing" away our sins and saving our souls! It is the book of truth that explains the way to receive eternal life. A loving God has laid out a plan through physical types and symbolic patterns that must be obeyed. Baptism is of no value if not believed with the mind, and acted upon from the heart! I cannot explain or understand how the act of baptism "washes" away sins, but that is exactly what happens from God's point of view. However we must not play games with God, and we must never misuse the precious name of Christ; therefore baptism must be done in humility and done correctly!
The Abrahamic Covenant
As I have mentioned before, the early Church believed and was built on what was promised to Abraham. Christ came to perform the mercy promised to the fathers (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob), and to remember his holy covenant; the oath which he swore to Abraham. Read and study Luke 1:54-55, 67-73 very carefully, and notice verses 72 and 73.
Luke 1:54-55 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of [his] mercy; 55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever. (KJV)
Luke 1:67-73 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, 68 Blessed [be] the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, 69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; 70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: 71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 72 To perform the mercy [promised] to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; 73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, (KJV)These verses are very important to understand, because it is the premise of understanding circumcision and baptism! These verses are explaining how the kingdom of God will restore the earth back to God, which is what all the holy prophets spoke about since the world began (verse 70). These verses show how all this will be made possible through the covenant and oath made to Abraham! God swore by himself with an oath to uphold this covenant! See Heb. 6:13.
Hebrews 6:13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself (KJV)
If we have spiritual eyes to see, we will understand the real purpose and reason as to why Christ took on the physical seed of Abraham in a flesh and blood body (Heb 2:16).
Hebrews 2:16 For verily he took not on [him the nature of] angels; but he took on [him] the seed of Abraham. (KJV)
Why did not Christ take on the nature of angels? This question has to do with dominion taken from the angels and given to the sons of God. The invisible creation of the angels and the angelic rebellion is addressed in my booklet "The World Before Adam". Christ had to take on the same flesh and blood body that Adam's body became when he sinned and fell from glory. The word "seed" in Heb. 2:16 is no. 4690 in Strong's Con. and means literally a physical offspring and issue of Abraham.
4690 sperma (sper'-mah);from 4687; something sown, i.e. seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specifically, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting): KJV-- issue,
Go back and review again the verses that we have seen in the first chapter of Luke. These verses are very basic in understanding the real purpose of Christ's ministry and the gospel message of the kingdom of God. These verses also state what the faith and foundation was that the early Church was built upon, and the basis for their baptism. The kingdom of God is what Christ preached, and this is what was promised to the early believers; and this is also what was promised to our father Abraham! This is very important! In Gen. 17:5 it states that Abraham was to be a father of many nations.
Genesis 17:5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee. (KJV)
This promise that God swore by himself to uphold is that Abraham was to be a father of many nations. However this promise is correctly interpreted and greatly expanded upon in Rom. 4:13.
Romans 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, [was] not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. (KJV)
Abraham was not only to be a father of many nations; but he was also to inherit the world. Abraham believed and had faith that God would perform this promise while he was not yet circumcised. Abraham had to truly believe that God would perform this everlasting promise before he was circumcised. This is very important! Read and study Rom. 4:11-12 very carefully.
Romans 4:11-12 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which [he had yet] being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which [he had] being [yet] uncircumcised. (KJV)
As was explained previously in Gen. 17:11, circumcision was only a "token" of the covenant and promise of God. Before Abraham was circumcised, he had faith and really believed that God would bring this covenant to reality! Those who walk in the same steps of faith that Abraham had, can also inherit this everlasting promise being uncircumcised Gentiles (verse 12). Paul spoke on the premise that uncircumcised Gentiles need not be circumcised in order to inherit the world and the kingdom of God. Keep in mind, the covenant and promise that was given to Abraham was made to Abraham and to his descendants (seed) after him in their generations. Therefore this would mean that these uncircumcised Roman Gentiles were "lost Israelites" of the physical seed of Abraham. This is explained in detail in my booklet "Lost Israel and the Gentiles". Eternal life and the kingdom of God on this earth is what Abraham and his physical descendants are to inherit, and this was the faith and belief of the early Church.
Abraham (outside of Christ of course) is the most talked about man in the New Testament! Scriptures too numerous to mention in the New Testament prove what the faith and belief of the early Church was. It was a certain promise made to Abraham, and then to Isaac and Jacob. This particular promise is made reference to in twenty to thirty scriptures in the New Testament. I have decided to display most of the New Testament scriptures that deal with this promise that the early Church was built upon. Take the time to read and study these very important proofs and truths that show what Jesus Christ came to confirm, and the purpose of his death. This is what the symbolic "washing" of baptism is all about, which is directly involved with this certain everlasting promise!Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call. (KJV)
Acts 13:23 Of this man's seed hath God according to [his] promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: (KJV)
Acts 13:32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
Acts 26:6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: (KJV)
Acts 26:7 Unto which [promise] our twelve tribes, instantly serving [God] day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. (KJV)
Romans 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, [was] not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. (KJV)
Romans 4:14 For if they which are of the law [be] heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: (KJV)
Romans 4:16 Therefore [it is] of faith, that [it might be] by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (KJV)
Romans 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; (KJV)
Romans 9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. (KJV)
Galatians 3:17 And this I say, [that] the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. (KJV)
Galatians 3:18 For if the inheritance [be] of the law, [it is] no more of promise: but God gave [it] to Abraham by promise. (KJV)
Galatians 3:29 And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (KJV)
Galatians 4:28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. (KJV)
Ephesians 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: (KJV)
Ephesians 3:6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (KJV)
Hebrews 6:13 For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, (KJV)
Hebrews 6:17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed [it] by an oath: (KJV)
Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (KJV)
Hebrews 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. (KJV)The world's churches are very much aware of these scriptures, however they under the false premise that this promise is for the "Jews" (whatever that means). Sincere Christians as a result of this deception do not realize that eternal life is based on them believing this promise!
The Meaning of Baptism
What is the promise of the Christian faith? We are promised to inherit the kingdom of God on this earth, which was also promised to our father Abraham! This is the faith and belief that the early believers were able to suffer severe persecution and to die for. This is the faith and belief that brought severe suffering and persecution to the apostles, and they gave their lives for this promise and faith. Baptism is directly involved with this faith and belief, and it plays a major role in putting us in right standing legally with God, so that we are able to inherit the kingdom of God forever. 1 Cor. 12:12-13, Gal. 3:27-28 and Rom. 12:4-5 show how serious baptism really is. These scriptures explain what happens from God's point of view when a believer is baptized.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also [is] Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (KJV)
Galatians 3:27-28 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (KJV)
Romans 12:4-5 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5 So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (KJV)Let us for a moment try to understand what is being explained by these verses. Most of us when we were baptized did not really comprehend what we have done "in the name of Jesus Christ". We only knew it was something that was required for us to do in order to receive the Holy Spirit. There is more to it than just receiving the Spirit, although that is important. These verses show that Christ is "one body", but many members. We were all baptized into that one body, and made to "drink" into one Spirit. The choosing of the act of baptism on our part puts us automatically into the one body of Christ, and we were all made to drink into one Spirit. Notice the word "made" in verse 13. It is not something to be taken lightly, or that we can choose or not choose in "joining" that one body.
God has already chosen and decided for us, and has already put us into that one body; whether we realized it or not. We are all "one" in Christ (verse 28). When we were baptized, we "signed on the dotted line" to be a member of that one body. The question is, are we willing to live up to our "signature" on the contract, and are we going to cooperate with God? The doctrine of the one body of Christ is very important to understand if we are to know what we have been baptized into! This truth is explained in my booklet "What is the Church?" It is something very serious to consider, because it does become binding. God is not mocked! Baptism is not something to be taken for granted. See Gal. 6:7 and 1 Cor. 6:19-20.
Galatians 6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall heal so reap. (KJV)
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (KJV)We are no longer our own, since we have been bought with a price. The price required to baptize us into that one body was the shed blood of Christ for the "remission of sins", which is why we were baptized. It was for the remission of that Adamic sin that caused all sin, which Christ shed his blood for! We were baptized into one body, and Paul likens this body as actually having body "parts" such as feet, hands, ears and eyes, etc. Read 1 Cor. 12:14-17 carefully.
1 Corinthians 12:14-17 For the body is not one member, but many. 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? 16 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? 17 If the whole body [were] an eye, where [were] the hearing? If the whole [were] hearing, where [were] the smelling? (KJV)
God looks on us as members of an actual glorified and resurrected body! It is a living "organism", and Christ's glorified body actually consists of flesh and bones; and we are members of that flesh and bone body. This is very important to understand, and my booklet "What is the Church?" also addresses this truth. Notice in Eph. 5:30 and Luke 24:39 how it states that the body of Christ is now immortal flesh and bone without the blood.
Ephesians 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. (KJV)
Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. (KJV)The second Adam (Christ) had a flesh and blood body as Adam had after he sinned. When Christ died he shed his blood signifying the remission and canceling of the Adamic sin. Therefore at his resurrection he had the same kind of body that Adam had before he sinned. If we remain a member of Christ's body (which we were baptized into), we will also have this kind of body at the resurrection to inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 15:50).
1 Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. (KJV)
When 1 Cor. 15:50 says flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, that is exactly what it means. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; however flesh and bone (without the blood) will inherit the kingdom of God. This is what baptism does for the believer, and why it is so important to understand this truth from God's point of view! Blood is the result of sinful dying flesh brought on by the Adamic sin. Adam's body did not have blood before he sinned. Christ shed this Adamic blood (brought on by Adam's sin) for the remission of our sins, which baptism is symbol of and actually cancels the sin that caused this blood. The meaning of baptism is simply what baptism is designed to show. This symbolic work is a "washing" away of the Adamic sin, and a "burial" with Christ, which God can then legally restore believers as Adam was before he sinned. At the resurrection we will have immortal glorified bodies of flesh and bone as Christ has, and also as Adam had before he sinned; and we will forever be sustained by the life of God. We will no longer have flesh and blood bodies subject to aging, pain, sickness and death. We will inherit what was promised to our father Abraham, which is an everlasting inheritance.
In Conclusion
We have the awesome responsibility to build the one body of Christ. Christ is working in any Church or group of people that are honestly seeking truth from the Bible, and have basically separated themselves from the moral and social structure of his present evil world. It is very important to understand that Christ is working in this type of Church or group of sincere people! Any baptized believer that leaves or breaks fellowship with this type of Church, has in a sense left Christ. It is that simple, and it is that serious! We must always be on guard to never refuse to help build the body of Christ. It is through lack of assembly, lack of fellowship; or just plain lack of brotherly love that causes some to neglect the building of Christ's Church. Our baptism then could lose it's purpose and meaning which is something very dangerous.
It is only one body of Christ, and not several "bodies" or several "spirits". However there could be many small groups that have broken away from this world's divided churches, and are honestly seeking and following truth. Yes, this world has it's own divided churches, and generally were founded by men and not by the Christ of the Bible; and in most cases they call themselves Christian. I want to make this point; Christ is not divided and is no doubt working with these people and groups that have broken away from the world's churches. In 1 Cor. 1:13-14 Paul asked the question, "Is Christ divided?" Notice how Paul used the word "baptized" in this verse. There is no division in Christ's "body" that consists of members baptized in "the name of Christ".
1 Corinthians 1:13-14 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; (KJV)
However notice in verse 14 that Paul thanked God that he had the wisdom to not baptize certain believers, because some in Paul's day did not take their baptism seriously and were divided. It is always wise for ministers of God to be careful to never misuse the powerful name of Jesus Christ. Therefore they should always use wisdom and proper judgment, and not be quick to baptize just anyone without proper repentance and fruits!
The early believers risked their lives so they could assemble with others of like mind and faith, and many of them did lose their lives. Study the book of Acts sometime and read how the saints were persecuted for what they believed, and were able to rejoice in their persecution. We are talking about building the body of Jesus Christ! It grieves Christ to see maybe a "foot" or a "hand" or maybe just a small insignificant "member" leave or break away from his body. It also grieves the many other members that are a part of that body. How would you like to experience the grieve and pain of losing a foot or an hand or an eye from your body? Put yourself in Christ's position. The body of Christ is a "living organism", and is "knit" together in love; as it explains in Col. 2:2, 19.Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; (KJV)
Colossians 2:19 And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. (KJV)The early believers truly were one body knit together in love, and when one member suffered they all truly suffered. We cannot understand what it is to suffer real persecution as they did, because we have never had to experience it. However our faith might have to be tested some time in the future. We are not only members of the body of Christ, but we are members of one another! Again read Rom. 12:4-5 carefully.
Romans 12:4-5 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
5 So we, [being] many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (KJV)We are dependent on one another as well as dependent on Christ. We must all learn how to love one another, and we cannot do this without regular assembly and fellowship. I personally cherish fellowship and unity with brothers and sisters of like mind and faith. It means a lot to me. It is something very precious to God as well as to us to build bonds of friendships, and being tenderhearted, forgiving one another of our petty faults. See Eph. 4:32.
Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (KJV)
If there is one doctrine in the New Testament that's mentioned more than any other, it is the doctrine of brotherly love. Here are two scriptures among many that could be shown. 1 John 3:14 says that we have passed from death to life because we love the brethren! 1 Pet. 1:22 says we purify our souls by showing unfeigned love toward the brethren!
1 John 3:14 We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not [his] brother abideth in death. (KJV)
1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, [see that ye] love one another with a pure heart fervently: (KJV)What powerful statements these are if we have hearts and minds to understand! The word "unfeigned" is no. 505 in Strong's Lexicon and means undisguised, sincere and without hypocrisy.
505 anupokritos {an-oo-pok'-ree-tos} from 1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of 5271; TDNT - 8:570,1235; adj AV - unfeigned 4, without dissimulation 1, without hypocrisy 1; 6
1) unfeigned, undisguised, sincereLoving the brethren is all part of the baptism package, because we are all members of the same body! We had better understand this truth! It is Christ himself who baptizes us into his own glorified body. It is very important to understand that Christ does not want members of his own body to love, obey and follow the false customs and beliefs of this world's churches. This is not to say that some individual people within these churches would intentionally want to believe false teachings and obey false customs. They simply have been made "victims" all their lives of the world's church system, and have never been exposed to simple truths of the Bible; which they might very well accept. It is not hard with a little common sense and some Bible study to understand the deception that so-called Christianity is in.
What are truth seeking people supposed to do when they have come to realize the deception concerning the Abrahamic covenant (among other things), and have broken away from the mainstream churches? They no doubt will find themselves "alone" so to speak, therefore assembly with others is not possible. Prayer is always necessary for guidance in finding others, and there is always the possibility of starting a small fellowship group or Bible study on your own. It might be surprising what could be accomplished, and there is nothing wrong in "visiting" (however not belong to) other churches. Out of wisdom, you could share your "views" and "questions" with others. There could very well be others that would consider starting a fellowship group with you.On the other hand, some baptized members of Christ's body seem to think that it is all right to break fellowship with a church they themselves have confessed was Christ's Church. They will then "regroup" with others, so to speak, and they seem to think that Christ will somehow give his blessings. They simply do not understand what they have done, and have failed to see the vision and objective of their baptism. I do realize people have their own reasons and circumstances for leaving a truth seeking assembly, and they should leave if it is for doctrinal reasons. Let God be the judge. Why would anyone want to break fellowship and leave Christ's Church, if they truly loved Christ and the brotherhood? This question has already been answered within that sentence. They simply do not have the love and the commitment, or the desire to help build the body of Christ. There are repeated warnings in the writings of the apostles regarding the building of the body of Christ. Heb. 10:25 is only one example with this warning; "Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is".
Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. (KJV)
So also it is the manner of some today. We are still the same people, and for some reason we do not regard the eternal and spiritual truths of God of a very serious nature. Our eternal destiny depends on how we regard and act on these eternal truths! We are a deceived people that will refuse to honestly look at the covenant that God gave to Abraham, and the rightful inheritors of the promises of this covenant. I have yet to hear sermons preached by ministers of the world's churches, or any printed material explaining how baptism is directly related to the Abrahamic covenant. Biblically speaking, it is very obvious that it is!
We live in a totally deceived world with it's deceived churches that are determined to consider Abraham's seed as just something "spiritual". We are never told that the covenant and promise given to Abraham's physical descendants is the foundation and basis of understanding correct New Testament theology! These last two scriptures explain and sum up how important it is to built the Church, and the true responsibility that baptism calls for! See Matt. 16:18, 1 Tim. 3:15.
Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (KJV)
1 Timothy 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (KJV)Baptism puts us in the one Church which is the pillar and ground of the truth, and the "gates" of hell shall not prevail against it! Baptism should never be taken for granted, because this is the way and method the Heavenly Father has chosen to "cancel" the sinful birth that his children have genetically inherited through no fault of their own. We should all pray to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob that he will grant unto us the ability and the commitment to help build the Church of the living Jesus Christ!
Questions or comments?... Email: wickey777@verizon.net