New Birth Baptism

WHY was Our LORD JESUS Baptized? Listen to the Answer from HIPPOLYTUS...

2012-01-17T20:26:00.006-05:00

Hippolytus, (c. 170-236 AD), Bishop and doctor, near Rome, and Christian Martyr, being drowned in a canal about the commencement of the reign of Maximin the Thracian, p.6, Introductory Notice to Hippolytus.

Ante-Nicene Fathers, Vol. 5, The Extant Works and Fragments of Hippolytus, The Discourse on the Holy Theophany, Chapter 5, p. 236.

[ Said John the Baptist to The LORD JESUS at the River Jordan:
“I have need to be baptized of THEE+, and comest THOU+ to me?” ]....

Chapter 5.

And what saith The LORD to him?
“Suffer it to be so now,

for thus it becometh us

to fulfill all righteousness.”

“Suffer it to be so now,”John; thou art not wiser than I+. Thou seest as man; I+ foreknow as GOD. It becomes ME+ to do this first, and thus to teach. I+ engage in nothing unbecoming, for I+ am invested with honor. Dost thou marvel, O John, that I+ am not come in My+ Dignity?

The purple robe of kings suits not one in private station,

but military splendor suits a king:

am I+ come to a prince, and not to a friend?

“Suffer it to be so now

for thus it becometh us

to fulfill all righteousness:”

I+ am the FULFILLER+ of the [ Mosaic ] Law; I+ seek to leave nothing wanting to its whole fulfillment, that so after ME+ Paul may exclaim,

“CHRIST is the fulfilling of the [ Mosaic] Law for righteousness to every one that believeth.” “Suffer it to be so now, for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.”

Baptize ME+, John,

in order that no one

may despise baptism.

I+ am baptized by thee, the servant, that no one among kings or dignitaries may scorn to be baptized by the hand of a poor priest. Suffer ME+ to go down into the Jordan, in order that they may hear My+ FATHER’S testimony, and recognize the power of the SON+.

“Suffer it to be so now, for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.”

Then at length John suffers HIM+.

“And JESUS, when HE+ was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and the Heavens were opened unto HIM+; and, lo, the SPIRIT of GOD descended like a dove, and rested upon HIM+.

And a voice (came) from Heaven, saying,

THIS is MY Beloved S0N+, in whom I am well pleased.”

~ ~ ~

References

Material is from the Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volumes 1-10, American Edition ( a reprint of Christian Literature Publishing Co. 1886), 2nd printing 1995, Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody, MA. ISBN 1-56563-087-4

Some supplemental information and dates are from: David W. Bercot, editor, A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs, Peabody, MA, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1998. ISBN 978-1-56563-870-9 [ Scroll Publishing www.scrollpublishing.com ]

Digital Copy from: The Master Christian Library Version 8 CD-ROM 2000 Ages Softward, Rio, WI www.ageslibrary.com NOTE: This Digital Copy of the ANF does NOT contain any Introductory Notes from the translators and editors, no footnotes, and no elucidations and comments at the end of the books, although these helpful items are contained in the hard copy listed above.
~ ~ ~
NOTE: Comments in green are from the Order of the GOOD SHEPHERD+; extra words in black are in the text from the editors. Color added to pronouns, etc., for clarity.

IRENAEUS: BAPTISM Unifies the Body of CHRIST...

2012-01-05T06:44:00.003-05:00

"I+ AM THE VINE; YE ARE THE BRANCHES"

IRENAEUS AGAINST HERESIES

(excerpts) The Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 1, Book 3, Chapter 17, sections1, 2 & 3, pp.444-445. Reference data at the end of the blog.

CIRCA 180 AD, E/W (estimated from dates given for other Book 3 citations and E and W indicate Irenaeus was considered a writer from both the Eastern and the Western locales, according to David W. Bercot. See reference at the end of the blog.)

NOTE: Comments in green are explanatory notes from blogger's assistant, Sister Judith Hannah; extra words in black are in the text from the editors. Color added to pronouns, etc., for clarity.

CHAPTER 17-- THE APOSTLES TEACH THAT IT WAS NEITHER CHRIST NOR THE SAVIOR, BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHO DID DESCEND UPON JESUS. THE REASON FOR THIS DESCENT

1. It certainly was in the power of the Apostles to declare that CHRIST descended upon JESUS, or that the so-called superior SAVIOR [came down] upon the dispensational one, or HE+ Who is from the invisible places upon him from the Demiurge*; but they [the Apostles] neither knew nor said anything of the kind: for, had they known it, they would have also certainly stated it. *[ term the Gnostics used: Gnostic subordinate “deity” who is the creator of the material world . ed. note]

But what really was the case, that did they record, [namely,] that the SPIRIT of GOD as a dove descended upon HIM+; this SPIRIT, of Whom it was declared by Isaiah, “And the SPIRIT of GOD shall rest upon HIM+,” as I have already said.

And again: “The SPIRIT of the LORD is upon ME+, because HE hath anointed ME+.” That is the SPIRIT of Whom the LORD+ declares,

“For it is not ye that speak, but the SPIRIT of Your FATHER which speaketh in you.”

And again, giving to the disciples the power of regeneration into GOD, HE+ said to them,

“Go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of THE FATHER, and of The SON+, and of the HOLY SPIRIT.”

For [God] promised, that in the last times HE would pour HIM [the SPIRIT] upon [His] servants and handmaids, that they might prophesy;

wherefore HE did also descend upon the SON+ of GOD, made the Son of Man, becoming accustomed in fellowship with HIM+ to dwell in the human race, to rest with human beings, and to dwell in the workmanship of GOD, working the will of THE FATHER in them, and renewing them from their old habits into the newness of CHRIST.

2. This SPIRIT did David ask for the human race, saying, “And stablish me with THINE all-governing SPIRIT;” Who also, as Luke says, descended at the day of Pentecost upon the disciples after the LORD’S+ ascension, having power to admit all nations to the entrance of Life, and to the opening of the New Covenant;

from whence also, with one accord in all languages, they uttered praise to GOD, the SPIRIT bringing distant tribes to unity, and offering to THE FATHER the first-fruits of all nations.

Wherefore also the LORD+ promised to send the Comforter, Who should join us to GOD.

For as a compacted lump of dough cannot be formed of dry wheat without fluid matter, nor can a loaf possess unity, so, in like manner,

neither could we, being many, be made one in CHRIST JESUS without the WATER from Heaven.

And as dry earth does not bring forth unless it receive moisture, in like manner we also, being originally a dry tree, could never have brought forth fruit unto Life without the voluntary RAIN from above.

For our bodies have received unity among themselves by means of that Laver [ Baptism ] which leads to incorruption; but our souls, by means of the SPIRIT;

Wherefore both are necessary, since both contribute towards the life of GOD;

our LORD+ compassionating that erring Samaritan woman — who did not remain with one husband, but committed fornication by [contracting] many marriages — by pointing out, and promising to her LIVING WATER,

so that she should thirst no more, nor occupy herself in acquiring the refreshing water obtained by labor, having in herself WATER springing up to Eternal Life.

The LORD+ receiving this as a gift from His+ FATHER, does Himself+ also confer it upon those who are partakers of Himself+, sending the HOLY SPIRIT upon all the earth.

3. [ …… ] This SPIRIT, again, HE+ did confer upon the Church, sending throughout all the world the Comforter from Heaven,

from whence also the LORD+ tells us that the devil, like lightning, was cast down.

Wherefore we have need of the DEW of GOD, that we be not consumed by fire, nor be rendered unfruitful,

and that where we have an accuser there we may have also an Advocate,

the LORD+ commending to the HOLY SPIRIT His+ own man [ i.e. the Believer ], who had fallen among thieves, whom HE+ Himself + compassionated, and bound up his wounds, giving two ROYAL DENARIA;

so that we, receiving by the SPIRIT the image and superscription of THE FATHER and The SON+, might cause the denarium entrusted to us to be fruitful, counting out the increase [thereof] to the LORD+.

REFERENCES

NOTE: Material is from the Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volumes 1-10, American Edition ( a reprint of Christian Literature Publishing Co. 1886), 2nd printing 1995, Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody, MA. ISBN 1-56563-087-4

Some supplemental information and dates are from: David W. Bercot, editor, A Dictionary of Early Christian Beliefs, Peabody, MA, Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1998. ISBN 978-1-56563-870-9

Digital Copy from: The Master Christian Library Version 8 CD-ROM 2000 Ages Softward, Rio, WI www.ageslibrary.com

NOTE: This Digital Copy of the ANF does NOT contain any Introductory Notes from the translators and editors, no footnotes, and no elucidations and comments at the end of the books, although these helpful items are contained in the hard copy listed above.

TERTULLIAN'S BAPTISM by FIRE ...

2011-12-29T11:27:00.004-05:00

The Difference between

John the Baptist's Baptism

and CHRIST'S

Tertullian Book III Chapter 10,

Excerpts

( Note: … indicates omitted phrases or sentences which tended to obfuscate the focus of the writing.)

OF JOHN’S BAPTISM [ i.e., John the Baptist]

…The baptism announced by John [ the Baptist ] formed the subject, even at that time, of a question, proposed by the LORD Himself+ indeed to the Pharisees, whether that baptism were heavenly, or truly earthly: about which they were unable to give a consistent answer, inasmuch as they understood not, because they believed not.

But we… are able to determine that that baptism was divine indeed, … but human in its nature: for it conveyed nothing celestial, but it fore-ministered to things celestial; being, to wit, appointed over repentance, which is in man’s power.

In fact, the doctors of the law and the Pharisees, who were unwilling to “believe,” did not “repent” either.

But if repentance is a thing human, its baptism must necessarily be of the same nature:

Else, if it had been celestial, it would have given both the HOLY SPIRIT and remission of sins.

But none either pardons sins or freely grants the SPIRIT
save GOD only.

Even the LORD Himself+ said that the SPIRIT would not descend on any other condition, but that HE+ should first ascend to THE FATHER.

What the LORD
was not yet conferring,
of course
the servant
could not furnish.

Accordingly, in the Acts of the Apostles, we find that men who had “John’s baptism” had not received the HOLY SPIRIT, whom they knew not even by hearing.

That, then, was no celestial thing
which furnished
no celestial (endowments):

Whereas the very thing which was celestial in John — the SPIRIT of Prophecy — so completely failed, after the transfer of the whole SPIRIT to the LORD, that he presently sent to inquire whether HE Whom+ he had himself preached, Whom+ he had pointed out when coming to him, were “‘HE+.”

And so “the baptism of repentance” was dealt with as if it were a candidate for the remission and sanctification shortly about to follow in CHRIST: for in that John used to preach “baptism for the remission of sins,” the declaration was made with reference to future remission;

If it be true, (as it is,) that repentance is antecedent, remission subsequent; and this is “preparing the way.” But he who “prepares” does not himself “perfect,” but procures for another to perfect.

John himself professes that the celestial things are not his, but CHRIST'S+, by saying, “He who is from the earth speaketh concerning the earth; HE+ Who+ comes from the realms above is above all;”

And again, by saying that he “baptized in repentance only, but that ONE+ would shortly come Who+ would baptize in the SPIRIT and fire;” — of course because

true and stable faith
is baptized
with water,
unto salvation;

pretended and weak faith
is baptized
with fire,
unto judgment.

Tertullian, circa 160-240, presbyter in the Christian church at Carthage, N. Africa, who wrote numerous apologies, works against heretics, and exhortations to other Christians. A Pre-Nicene writer.

BAPTISM in the Old Testament... the PATTERN Given...

2011-01-11T09:46:00.009-05:00

corroborates or verifies the New Testament teachings on Baptism. Let's see how...

~ ~ ~

Baptism is seen in the Old Testament in the bronze or brass laver and sea, large water baths or vessels for cleansing, in the Temple.

What did they cleanse?

II Chronicles 4:1-6 tells us about the bronze sea, which was a huge brass bowl, a handsbreath thick with a brim like a cup, that sat upon the backs of 12 bronze oxen. The oxen's backsides were inward under the bowl; their faces pointed , in groups of 3, to north, south, east, and west, respectively.

~~~

This bronze or brass "sea" was about 20 feet in diameter and about 10 feet deep; it held 3000 "baths" which equal about 18,000 GALLONS of water. Hence, it was called a "sea." It was inside the temple for the washing of the priests.

~ ~ ~

The 10 lavers ... 5 on the right hand and 5 on the left ... were for the washing of the burnt sacrifices. It was mandatory that both sacrifice and the priest presenting the sacrifice to The LORD be washed in this Temple water.

~ ~ ~

Both were forerunners of New Testament believers.

~ ~ ~

We are told in Romans 12:1 to "present your bodies a living sacrifice..."

+ + +

In I Peter 2:9 ... that "... ye... are a royal priesthood... "

+ + +

In harmony with the type (forerunner, example, pattern) given us in the Old Testament then, we can make the connection to New Testament Baptism by looking at Ephesians 5:25 and 5:26, 27.

~ ~ ~

Husbands, love your wives, even as CHRIST also loved the church, and gave HIMSELF+ for it: That HE+ might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that HE+ might present it to HIMSELF+ a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

~ ~ ~

Now, bear with me as I explain a little Greek about this passage. In harmony with

the Old Testament pattern of water washings of both sacrifices and priests,
the New Testament teachings on the washing of Baptism,
and without breaking the Greek rules of grammar, this passage may be read:

"...even as CHRIST also loved the church and gave HIMSELF+ up on its behalf in order that HE+, having thoroughly cleansed it for sacred use in the water's bath, might sanctify it (the church) by means of the word (RHEMATi, not logos) , teaching and doctrine."

~ ~ ~

The rhemati is significant, because it includes the concepts of teaching and doctrine, as in this case, the doctrine of Baptism.

~~~

The usual word meaning of WORD in the New Testament is LOGOS, as in John 1:1... In the beginning was the WORD (logos) and the WORD (logos) was with GOD and the WORD (logos) was GOD.
~ ~ ~
Thus, we can see in this brief study that BAPTISM was an integral part of the Old Testament pattern that pre-set the picture of CHRIST and HIS+ Church... a shadow and type of what would take place in the the NEW COVENANT, which was to come.
~ ~ ~
(Priests)... Who serve unto the example and shadow of Heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of GOD when he was about to make the tabernacle: for , See, saith HE, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee on the mount.
Hebrews 8:5 and Exodus 25:40
~ ~ ~
This pattern of all things established in the Old Testament tabernacle and Temple was given so the people could identify the MESSIAH when HE+ came.

~ ~ ~

Bless GOD! HE has not left us as a prey for their teeth!

HE+ went before us so that we would not be confused or in doubt of HIM+ or His+ Way of Salvation.

Bless GOD!

+ + +

2010-12-29T21:09:00.012-05:00

O LORD GOD, HEAVENLY FATHER, Who, through the life and work of Thy Beloved SON+ JESUS CHRIST, has graciously brought me unto Thyself in salvation, Take, I pray THEE, all of me,

in the INCARNATION,

In Holy BAPTISM,

In Holy COMMUNION.

So, I make myself THINE through HIS+ Precious Sacrifice.

(A portion of a prayer by the Community of Jesus. )

.
How do we become The LORD'S in HIS+ Incarnation ?

.
The LORD JESUS CHRIST became incarnate to enter combat with satan and ... becoming the Second Adam ... to beat the adversary as a man. HE+ became incarnate to deliver us, to bring us to HIMSELF+.

.
How do we become The LORD'S in Holy Baptism ?

We join HIM+ in HIS+ death, by which HE+ defeated satan. Thus, HE+ enables us to defeat satan if we die to ourselves and live unto HIM+.

.
In Holy Baptism, the repentant sinner touches the BLOOD of JESUS for the very first time in his life... as The HOLY SPIRIT sanctifies the water ... if the repentance and conversion are real.

(And NOTE THIS: The water is NOT sanctified by The HOLY SPIRIT if repentance and conversion did not occur. See what happened in Acts 5 to Ananias and Sapphira who lied to the HOLY SPIRIT.

.
See what happened to Simon the magician who also lied to the HOLY SPIRIT. He was not cleansed from sin simply because he entered the waters of baptism. He had a root of bitterness still in his heart. See Acts 8:13-23 )

The first touch we receive of The BLOOD OF JESUS... which cleanses our souls from sin for the first time and generates us from ABOVE... is in the Holy Waters of Baptism, through the working of the HOLY SPIRIT.

.
How do we become The LORD'S in Holy Communion ?

.
We eat HIS+ BODY and drink HIS+ BLOOD, via the operation of The HOLY SPIRIT, proclaiming HIS+ death until HE+ come again. Thus, HIS+ BODY and HIS+ BLOOD become the necessary food for our spirit. This is the Bread of Life which GOD gave from Heaven to feed our spirit, that a man may eat thereof and not die. John 6

+ + +

HOLY FATHER, we give THEE thanks for giving us the Incarnation of Thy Beloved SON+ JESUS, for giving us Holy Baptism, by which we may join Our LORD in HIS+ death ... and thereby, join HIM+ in the Resurrection, and for giving us the Body and Blood of our SAVIOR through Holy communion for the nourishment of our souls.

Blessed art THOU, O KING of the Universe, JEHOVAH JIREH... for making every provision for us , to the saving of our souls.

+ + +

An ILLUSION of SALVATION

2010-12-12T08:30:00.000-05:00

An Illusion of Salvation

+
It happened again.

A sincere, well-meaning, zealous and utterly serious Christian brought confusion into the camp. This one has given his life over to the LORD and never denies HIM+ before men. It is his heart-felt desire to see everyone saved and walking with CHRIST JESUS in the fullness of the HOLY SPIRIT. Furthermore, he has walked with The LORD many years.

Recently, he said he led a little boy in our neighborhood to CHRIST. This is what he said (by his own retelling):

“I asked him if he knew JESUS. He said yes. I asked him, ‘Are you born again… are you saved?’ He said, ‘I don’t know.’

Then I said, ‘Do you want to be saved?’

Well, he kind of shrugged but he didn’t say no, so I pushed on ahead. I prayed with him right then and there to invite JESUS into his heart.

Then I turned to him and said, “Now if anyone asks you ‘Are you saved’, you can say yes I was… on this date.”

My friend then he told me that he hadn’t mentioned anything about repentance, but likely, that would come later. And of course, he did NOT mention the need for water baptism at all.

.

Bless his heart and bless the heart of that dear child! My friend meant well with all his heart. Likely he would cry if he knew what he really had done: he planted a false faith in that child.
.
If the child agreed in his heart with the prayer, the child simply made a request to The LORD. Although good, that is not salvation. If the youngster agreed in his heart, he may have made a silent (?) confession of faith. That also is not salvation. There is no entering into the Covenant of Salvation this way.
.
The way for salvation is laid out plainly:

1) One repents.

2) One is converted to following JESUS CHRIST as LORD of his life.

3) One is baptized in the name of The LORD JESUS CHRIST for the washing away of the sins of the soul and spirit, as per the Word of GOD, entering into GOD'S Covenant of salvation.

AT THAT POINT IN TIME, then, one is saved if the repentance was sincere and not similar to the doings of Ananias and Saphira, who lied to the HOLY SPIRIT.

Other steps may be included, as led by The LORD: a profession of faith, a profession of love towards The LORD, a confession of sins, a renouncement of sins, a dedication of life to CHRIST JESUS . In the earliest years of the early church, these steps WERE included.
.
But Christians, one does not enter the Covenant of Salvation… one is not born anew… one is not saved… unless there is a repentance of life and a water baptism in The name of The LORD JESUS CHRIST. To promote otherwise plants an illusion, a false faith, in the heart of the one who wants to come to CHRIST.
.
The “sinner’s prayer” method of entering into the covenant of salvation is a very modern thing. There is no scripture in the New Testament for praying away one’s sins. Our Lord JESUS and His Apostles after Him taught plainly how to enter into salvation. The ancient Church and the Church in the centuries after them practiced this way.

Yes, there may be “breech” births out there. The LORD moves as HE+ wills, as HE+ did with the thief on the cross, who was still under the old covenant. But not many of us are in such dire straights as that thief.

In life’s normal circumstances, however, we follow the instructions given to us specifically regarding Salvation.The Scriptural way of entering into the Covenant of Salvation is by taking sincere steps of repentance of life and a trust that one will be accepted through the waters of baptism to receive the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT. To teach otherwise brings confusion to the new believer and to the old, alike.

This young child will need lots of prayer to untangle the confusion if he continues on towards JESUS. He now thinks he’s “okay.” In 5 minutes of time, the well-meaning older Christian built an illusion in the child’s heart and soul that now he is “right” with GOD… an illusion which used Scripture’s terms but has no Scriptural backing and no sanction from the HOLY SPIRIT. May The LORD have mercy on them both!

.
+ + +

O LORD JESUS CHRIST ~ ~ ~

we pray for mercy. Help and bless this young child move towards THEE+ in faith and love. Put Thy+ Hand upon this young soul and guide it into the Covenant of Salvation and Ever-lasting Life. This we ask in Thy+ Name, O Gracious SAVIOR, Life-Giving LORD.

.
And, O LORD, help the older Christian to stay within Thy+ bounds as established by Thy+ Holy Words in John 3 and in the Apostles’ teaching. Bring this well-meaning soul into all-truth.

In Thy+ Name we pray and by Thy+ Grace we ask. Amen.

+ + +

.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart,
and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles,

Men and brethren,
what shall we do?

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 SPIRIT.

ARISE... BE BAPTIZED.... AND... ???

2009-07-08T22:27:00.002-04:00

Arise

and

be baptized;

and

wash away your sins,

calling on the name

of The LORD.

Acts 22:16

After being struck with blindness on the Damascus Road, Saul spoke to the Voice+ which he heard at the time the Great Light from Heaven shone upon him.

He said, "What shall I do , LORD ?"

And The LORD said to Saul, "Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do."

Saul (Paul) was a righteous Jew. Yet, he had sins. He had to do something about those sins. What was it he did?

He obeyed the Word+ of GOD.

O My+ People, why do you not obey My+ Word to you ? Why do you kick against the goads? Why do you not obey the way I+ have showed you in word and example to enter into My+ Covenant?

No unclean one may enter into My+ Covenant. No unrepentant one. No-one who refuses water baptism will enter. You must come the way I+ have showed you to come. There IS no other way.

Stop kicking against the goads. I+ will not change My+ Word for you: you must change.

+ + +

SCRIPTURES on BAPTISM...

2008-10-25T10:39:00.003-04:00

Some Scriptures... with Greek... on Baptism

Unless one is born out of water and spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of GOD.... The Words of Jesus, recorded in John 3:5

<(((><

Not by works of righteousness we did (not earned), but according to His mercy He saved us thru the LOUTRON/ bath/washing of rebirth/regeneration, and renewing by the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:5

<(((><

Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for it, that He might sanctify it, having cleansed it with the LOUTRON/bath/washing of water, in the RHEMA/saying/word/message. Ephesians 5:25-26 [Does not say water of the word]

<(((><

More EARLY CHRISTIANS SPEAK... about Baptism...

2008-09-27T12:13:00.003-04:00

EARLY CHRISTIANS SPEAK… more about water baptism..

.

From Firmilian (c. 256) 5. 393

.

The Second birth, which occurs in baptism, begets sons of God.

.

<(((><

Here’s an anonymous quote from the Early Christian writers:

.…Being baptized in the name of Christ, they have been redeemed with the precious blood of the Lord. 5. 675.

<(((><

The next two quotes are from the Apostolic Constitutions, complied (c. 390):

When they wish to repent, we receive the pagans into the church to hear the Word. However, we do not admit them to communion until they have received the seal of baptism and are made complete Christians. 7. 414.

He who out of contempt will not be baptized will be condemned as an unbeliever. 7. 457.

<(((><

from the Canticle of Mar (date uncertain) 8.654 :

[Dark] I was in sins. But I am comely. For I have repented and converted. I have put away that hateful hue in baptism. For He, the Savior of all creatures, has washed me in His innocent blood.

.<(((><

EARLY CHRISTIANS SPEAK... Cyprian, c. 250 A.D.

2008-09-24T11:25:00.005-04:00

From the Writings of Cyprian, circa 250 A.D....

By the help of the water of new birth, the stain of former years was washed away, and a light from above, serene and pure, infused into my reconciled heart. Then, by the agency of the Spirit breathed from Heaven, a second birth restored me to a new man. ANF 5. 276

<(((><

The Lord, when He came, manifested the truth of baptism... in commanding that this faithful water---the water of life eternal--- should be given to believers in baptism. ANF 5. 360.

<(((><

In the baptism of water, there is received the remission of sins. ANF 5. 497

<(((><

...from that death which once the blood of Christ extinguished, and from which [death] the saving grace of baptism and of our Redeemer has delivered us. ANF 5. 332.

<(((><

[ more of Cyprian to come ]

PALMS of VICTORY...

2008-09-12T16:46:00.002-04:00

Ante-Nicene Fathers on Baptism

Part 3

From Tertullian... c. 198... volume 3, p. 646....

... a countless throng are revealed, clothed in white and distinguished by palms of victory, celebrating their triumph doubtless over Antichrist, since one of the elders says, These are they who come out of the great tribulation and have washed their robes, and meade them white in the blood of the Lamb, for the flesh is the clothing of the soul. The uncleanness, indeed, is washed away by baptism, but the stains are changed into dazzling whiteness by martyrdom.

<(((><

And from Tertullian again, on p. 676 of that same volume...

Unless a man has been born again of water and Spirit, he will not enter the Kingdom of the Heavens. These words have tied faith to the necessity of baptism. Accordingly, all thereafter who became believers were baptized. So it was, too, that Paul, when he believed, was baptized.

<(((><

Part 2 Ante-Nicene Writers on Baptism

2008-08-29T14:38:00.004-04:00

Part 2 from the Ante-Nicene Writers

on Baptism

Theophilus and Irenaeus

circa 180 AD

<(((><

~~~from Theophilus, (ANF 2. 180)

The things proceeding from the waters were blessed by God, that this also could be a sign of men being destined to receive repentance and remission of sins, through the water and bath of regeneration-- as many as come to the truth and are born again.

~~~from Irenaeus...

When we come to refute them [the Gnostics], we will show in its proper place that this class of men have been instigated by Satan to a denial of that baptism which is regeneration to God. Thus, they have renounced the whole faith...For the baptism instituted by the visible Jesus was for the remission of sins. (ANF 1.346)

~~~ Again, from Irenaeus...

As we are lepers in sin, we are made clean from our old transgressions by means of the sacred water and the invoction of the Lord. We are spiritually regenerated as new-born babes, just as the Lord has declared: Unless a man is born again through water and the Spirit, he will not enter the kingdom of heaven.

(ANF 1.574)

(to be continued)

Elder Milton

ANTE-NICENE CHURCH on BAPTISM

2008-08-08T14:21:00.005-04:00

Some Thoughts

from the Ante-Nicene Church

on Baptism

taken from the Ante-Nicene Fathers,

the volumes of writings of the Early Church

From Barnabas (c. 70-130 A.D.) recorded in the ANF 1.144.....

Blessed are they trusting in the cross, going down into the water... We indeed descend into the water full of sins and defilement. However, we come up, bearing fruit in our heart, having the fear [of God] and the trust in Jesus in our spirit.

<(((><

From Hermas (c. 150 A.D.) recorded in ANF 2.49.....

Before a man bears the name of the SON of GOD, he is dead. But when he receives the seal, he lays aside his deadness and obtains life.The seal, then is the water. They descend into the water dead, and they arise alive.

<(((><

From Justin Martyr (c.160) recorded in ANF 1.183....

In order that we may obtain in the water THE REMISSION OF SINS formerly committed, there is pronounced over him who chooses to be born again, and has repented of his sins, the name of GOD the FATHER and LORD of the Universe... And in the name of JESUS CHRIST... and in the name of the HOLY SPIRIT.

<(((><

to be continued...

What IF JESUS CHRIST said to us...

2008-08-01T16:06:00.006-04:00

In view of Mt 7:21-23,
WHAT IF Jesus Christ said to us:

“You say you have received Christ!
But do you know what I require of you,
to be received by Me?

You say you are led by the Spirit !
My Spirit leads one to obey
what is written...
such as repent and be baptized
for remission of your sins!

Yet some of you insist on a sinner's prayer
or Rom 10:9 confession ...without baptism!

Their covenant/petition prayer
brings salvation...
...they think!

It is My desire and command
that you be joined with Me in My death,
burial, and resurrection
through death of your old self-life,
burial of your old man,
in your baptism watergrave
...rising with Me in new regenerated life!

Have you done this?
I love you so much.

Please obey Me!”
/Jesus

CASES OF CONVERSIONS in Acts, part 5

2008-08-01T15:34:00.003-04:00

Cases of Conversions in Acts

part 5

><)))> Jesus said, the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins. Jesus forgave the paralytic, woman taken in adultery, thief on the cross, and many others' sins, upon their faith.

><)))>

After Jesus' resurrection, He wants repentant believers to join His death, burial, resurrection spiritually and physically in the baptism watergrave.
·

><)))>

Rom 10:9 If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Many quote this as the complete requirement for salvation. Since repentance is not mentioned, and is surely required, might not baptism be required also? This study of Acts shows that baptism is required for salvation.

><)))>

If we (fleshly and sinful) have been: co-crucified Rom 6:5, in the baptism, Col 2:12, we shall be also of the Resurrection, Rom 6:5.
We have been co-quickened (spiritually made alive) and co-raised with Christ, Col 2:12-13, from the watergrave/baptism, our body yet to be regenerated at the great Resurrection,

if we are faithful.

><)))>

.
At age 99, Abraham and all his household males entered covenant with God by being circumcised, Gen 17. From then on, including the Mosaic law, any male child not being circumcised was not in the covenant, and was to be cut off from his people.

><)))>

The old flesh circumcision covenant ended with Christ's death, as did the Mosaic covenant which had been ratified by animal blood sacrifice. Now, circumcision is of the heart, in spirit (by the Spirit) Rom 2:29, as one is baptized in water and joined with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection; read Col 2:11-13. It must be concluded that if one is not spiritually circumcised in water baptism, he does not enter God's new covenant. Eph 2:8-10 For, to the grace/charis you are having been saved thru faith/trust, and this (salvation) not from you, God's gift, not from works (not earned) that no one should boast.

><)))>

For we are the product/thing made, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works... (literal version) What is it about Eph 2:8-10 that causes men to insist that water baptism is a work which cannot be required for salvation? Since it is evident that Jesus and the apostles commanded water baptism for salvation, and He said, If you keep My commands you will abide/continue in My love, John 15:10, what kind of judgment awaits those who persist in doing/teaching contrariwise?

><)))>

.
Mt 7:21-23 Not everyone saying to Me (Jesus) “Lord, Lord,” will enter into the kingdom of heaven but the one doing the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, “Lord, Lord, haven't we prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many powerful works in your name?” Then I will declare to them “I never knew you; depart from Me you workers of lawlessness!”—never born again of water and the Spirit into the family/Kingdom of God? Not in submission to the Law of Christ?

+ + +

CASES of CONVERSION in Acts, Part 4

2008-07-18T13:23:00.003-04:00

Cases of Conversion in ACTS, part 4

GOSPEL PREACHED

Acts 13:23-33 Paul preached Jesus crucified, but resurrected from the dead by God, 33 As written in Psalm 2, “You are my SON; today I have begotten/generated you”. JESUS—firstborn from the dead that He may have first place in all things, Col 1:18.

RESPONSE

Acts 13:48 Later, those destined to eternal life trusted. Surely this included repentance and rising from the watergrave of baptism, thus joining with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection into new life as children of God.
Gal 3:26-27 You are all sons of God thru trust in Christ Jesus; you who were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

+ + +

GOSPEL PREACHED

Acts 14:1 Speaking at the Iconium Jewish synagogue...

RESPONSE
Acts 14:1 ...a great number of Jews and Greeks trusted.

+ + +

GOSPEL PREACHED
Acts 14:21 They preached the good news in Derbe and...
.

RESPONSE

Acts 14:21 ...won a large number of disciples.

+ + +

GOSPEL PREACHED

Acts 16:14 The Lord opened Lydia's heart to Paul's words.

RESPONSE

Acts 16:15 Lydia and her household were baptized.

+ + +

GOSPEL PREACHED
Acts 16:30-31 The Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas, Sirs what must I do to be saved? They replied, Trust on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household. Then they spoke the word of the Lord to them.

RESPONSE
Acts 16:33-34 Apparently repenting, the jailer washed their wounds; then he and all his were baptized. They rejoiced, having trusted God. Trust included more than initial belief.

+ + +

GOSPEL PREACHED
Acts 17:1-3 At Thessalonica Paul proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah.

RESPONSE
Acts 17:4 Some Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks.

+ + +

GOSPEL PREACHED
Acts 17:11 The Bereans eagerly received the message, examining the scriptures daily to confirm Paul's words.

RESPONSE

Acts 17:12 Many Jews trusted as did also many Greeks.

+ + +

GOSPEL PREACHED
Acts 17:31 Paul preached Jesus risen from the dead.

RESPONSE
Acts 17:34 At Athens, a few followed Paul, and trusted.

+ + +

GOSPEL PREACHED
Acts 18:4-5 At Corinth Paul reasoned every sabbath in the synagogue, testifying that Jesus was the Messiah.

RESPONSE
Acts 18:8 Crispus, the synagogue ruler, and his entire household trusted in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard him trusted and were baptized.

+ + +

GOSPEL PREACHED

Acts 19:1-7 Paul asked some who had been baptized with John's baptism (in water), Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you trusted? They had not. He asked, Into what then were you baptized?

RESPONSE

Acts 19:5 They were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Paul laid hands on them and the Holy Spirit came on them. They spoke in tongues and prophesied. Trust included water baptism.

+ + +

GOSPEL PREACHED

Acts 19:13-16 The seven sons of Sceva were overpowered and beaten by a man with an evil spirit.

RESPONSE
Acts 19:17-20 People were seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many who trusted came and confessed their evil deeds.

+ + +

(TO BE CONTINUED)

Cases of Conversion in Acts, Part 3

2008-07-11T14:51:00.007-04:00

Cases of Conversion

in Acts, Part 3

<(((><

Jesus said

Unless one is born

out of water and Spirit

he cannot enter

the Kingdom of God.

GOSPEL PREACHED
Acts 9:36-41 Peter raised Tabitha from the dead.

RESPONSE
Acts 9:42 Many people of Joppa trusted in the Lord.

GOSPEL PREACHED
Acts 10:34-43 Evidently, Peter used the kingdom keys to open the door of salvation to Cornelius/Gentiles: Everyone trusting in Him/Jesus receives remission/forgiveness of sins.

RESPONSE

Acts 10:44 The Holy Spirit fell upon Cornelius etc.; they spoke in tongues and praised God. It seems the early filling with the Holy Spirit was to show all that God was accepting the Gentiles into Christ equally with the Jews.

GOSPEL PREACHED
Acts 10:47 Peter said, Can anyone forbid water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit as we also.
In John 3:4 Nicodemus asked Can a man be born out of his mother's womb again (a 2nd time)? Jesus replied: Unless one is born out of water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God, John 3:5.
I John 5:8 There are 3 that bear witness on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these 3 are into the one (agree as one), the NEW BIRTH?
RESPONSE
Acts 10:48 He/Peter ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Looks like Cornelius and household were born out of Spirit and water! It's not stated they were saved/born-again prior to water baptism.
To say otherwise is presumption.
It must not be concluded that Acts 10:43-48 contradicts or nullifies Acts 2:38, or gives the Gentiles a different way to be saved.

GOSPEL PREACHED
Acts 11:20 They told the good news about the Lord Jesus at Antioch.

RESPONSE

Acts 11:21 The Lord's hand was with them: a great number of people trusted and turned to the Lord.

GOSPEL PREACHED
Acts 11:22-23 Being sent to Antioch, Barnabas encouraged them to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

RESPONSE
Acts 11:24 A great number of people were brought to the Lord.

GOSPEL PREACHED
Acts 13:8-11 Elymas, the sorcerer, opposed Paul and Barnabas, and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. He was struck blind.

RESPONSE
Acts 13:12 When the proconsul saw what had happened, he trusted, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.

<(((><

CASES OF CONVERSIONS IN ACTS, part 2

2008-07-05T10:30:00.007-04:00

Go therefore into all the world and preach the gospel to all the creation. Preach repentance and remission of sins. Teach/disciple all the peoples/nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Cases of Conversion in Acts

part 2

Gospel Preached

Acts 6:7 The word of God spread.

Response

Acts 6:7 The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and many priests became obedient to the faith.

Gospel Preached

Acts 8:12 Philip preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.

Response
Acts 8:12-13 The Samaritans trusted Philip as he preached Jesus and were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself trusted and was baptized.

Gospel Preached
Acts 8:35-37 Philip preached Jesus (evidently including water baptism) to the Ethiopian, who said, Look! Water! What hinders me from being baptized? Philip said, If you trust with all your heart, you may.

Response
Acts 8:37-38 The eunuch said, I trust that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. They went down into the water and Philip baptized him. The eunuch went on his way rejoicing! If baptism is of water here, why not in these other cases?

Gospel Preached
Acts 9:1-18; 22:5-16; 26:12-18 Blinded upon seeing and hearing Jesus, isn't it likely that Saul now realized that Jesus was risen from the dead, and didn't he confess Jesus as Lord, 9:6? Did this fulfill Rom 10:9-10? Saul was 3 days fasting and praying (his sinner's prayer?). Saul was told to, Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord, Acts 22:16.

Response
Acts 9:18 Saul was baptized, washing away his sins in the baptism by the blood of Jesus Christ, Who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, Rev 1:5. Don't you know that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death, Rom 6:3. His death-blood ratified the New Covenant (Heb 8-10). This is My blood of the New Covenant shed for remission of sins, Mt 26:28.

The one having trusted and having been baptized shall be saved, but the one having distrusted shall be condemned. Teach them to observe/keep/obey all things I have commanded you,

Mt. 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, Lk 24:47 combined.

[to be continued]

HELLO from Elder Milton

2008-07-02T12:04:00.011-04:00

Hello from Milton...

In these messages, you will hear a lot about Baptism... the vital heart of the Salvation message. It's been lost, ignored, and taught against for the last several, YES, SEVERAL, years. But first, a word about who I am...

Growing up in North Alabama, I later moved to Nashville where I worked several years in Social Services.

As a youth, I was quite worldly. Church was occasionally attended from my youth on. But although worldly, I did learn one thing back then: I LEARNED THAT BAPTISM WAS FOR REMISSION OF SINS.

However, I was slow to realize that a radical heart-change and Holy Spirit renewing is really INDISPENSIBLE to becoming a Christian. After being regenerated, I began learning to be led by the Spirit.

During all this, I soon found that many friends from similar backgrounds as mine were giving up some beliefs that I considered fundamental to our faith. ONE OF THESE WAS BAPTISM FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS.

I began to try to understand why. I wanted to have full fellowship with them... yet stand for the truth. Many of my friends had just left churches where the Holy Spirit was not prominent although water baptism for remission of sins was.

In leaving the trappings of dead churchism, and wanting to blend with others from various denominations, my friends had tossed out baptism for remission of sins.

So, the sinner's prayer for salvation was increasingly used, it seems... yet, without post-Resurrection example or authority.

My mission over many years is to return the Church to the original pattern of entering the Covenant of Salvation through Jesus Christ. Our Lord laid down the way to enter into the New Birth by example and Word (John 3). The Apostle Peter confirmed this on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2.

There is no Scriptural authority whatsoever for doing away with water baptism (Gk: immersion). The whole package--- repentance, conversion, water and Holy Spirit baptism--- are required to enter into the New Covenant.

Here is where I stand. In the subsequent messages, I will be sharing the Scriptures which establish this truth and where I learned this.

Milton

Cases of CONVERSION in ACTS, part 1

2008-06-30T12:06:00.000-04:00

Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of The LORD JESUS CHRIST for the remission of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT.

Cases of Conversion in Acts

Part 1

Being baptized in water by John, Jesus Christ said:

Thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness,

then the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus as a dove.
Mt 3:15, (see Lk 1:6)

A voice from heaven said:

You are my beloved Son; in You I am well-pleased

Mk 1:11.

As Jesus began His ministry thru baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit, so we do;

we get forgiveness also.

In Mt. 16, upon Peter’s confession of Jesus Christ as the Son of the living God, Jesus said He would build His church/ekklesia and would give Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and that whatever Peter would bind or loose on earth would be having been bound or loosed in heaven.

After His resurrection, in His last words on earth Jesus said to His disciples:
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.
Go therefore into all the world and preach the gospel to all the creation.
Preach repentance and remission of sins.
Teach/disciple all the peoples/nations,
baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
The one having trusted and having been baptized shall be saved,
but the one having distrusted shall be condemned.
Teach them to observe/keep/obey all things I have commanded you,
Mt. 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-16, Lk 24:47 combined.
+ + +
Let us take a look at what happened in Acts, when the GOSPEL of The LORD JESUS CHRIST was preached.
+ + +
GOSPEL PREACHED

Acts 2:21, 38 At Pentecost, Spirit-filled Peter evidently used the keys of the kingdom as he preached: Whoever calls on the name of the LORD will be saved (Joel 2:32 quoted here and in Rom 10:13)....Repent and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remission/forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
RESPONSE
Acts 2:41 Those accepting his word were baptized (in water), as in Acts 10:47. Apparently calling on the name of the Lord, was not complete into salvation until they had been baptized in water; is also true of Rom 10:9-13. Jesus did not command his apostles to baptize in/with the Holy Spirit; Jesus would do that, Mt 3:11.
+ + +
GOSPEL PREACHED
Acts 3:19 Peter: Repent & turn, that your sins may be erased...
RESPONSE
Acts 4:4 Many who heard the message trusted.

Acts 5:14 More men and women trusted in the Lord.
+ + +
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you for making a way for us to be cleansed of our sins. We thank you for providing the sanctified, cleansing waters of baptism as the way for us, miserable sinners, to enter into Christ Jesus Our Lord, and into His new Life. Help us to enter in to His covenant with true understanding, total repentance, and complete conversion through these sanctified waters. May we live to please you ever after. In the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ we offer these, our imperfect prayers. Amen. Even so, Come, Lord Jesus.
+ + +

IN THE BEGINNING...

2008-06-23T15:51:00.000-04:00

Posted for June 23, 2008

IN THE BEGINNING...

<(((><

...being baptized in water by John, Jesus Christ said, "Thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness" Mt. 3:15, (see Lk 1:6)... then the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus as a dove.

A voice from heaven said, "You are my beloved Son; in You I am well-pleased." Mk. 1:11. As Jesus began His ministry thru baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit, so we do; we get forgiveness also.

<(((><

This introduction was taken from a paper called "Cases of Conversion in Acts."

(More to Come)