The Christian Conscience

What appears to be a conflict in scripture, can usually be resolved, by looking at the context of a verse, whose meaning is in doubt.  Such is the case with Ephesians 4:4-5.

"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism;"

Scripture speaks of two realms,- the natural ( physical ) realm, and the spiritual realm.

Failure to understand this concept has caused many differences in doctrine between Christian church denominations.

In John 3:1-7, especially verse 6, Jesus contrasted being born of a woman (physical or natural birth) with being born of the Spirit (spiritual birth).

So it is with baptism.  When Jesus was baptized, two things happened.  He was baptized in water by John the Baptist (a physical baptism).  And the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove. (Mark 1:9-10)

If we examine the entire first part of Ephesians 4, we find that it is all about the spiritual realm.  Therefore, the "one baptism" that is mentioned by the Apostle Paul in those two verses is the baptism with the Holy Spirit.  It is, by no means, a reference to the physical act of water baptism (the physical realm).

Was Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit, when the dove descended upon Him?  Consider the following: Two brothers, James and John, came to Jesus asking to sit, one on one side, and the other on the other side, in His kingdom.  (Mark 10:38-39)

"But Jesus said to them, ‘You do not know what you ask.  Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be BAPTIZED WITH THE BAPTISM, THAT I AM BAPTIZED WITH?'  They said to Him, "We are able."  So Jesus said to them, ‘You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and WITH THE BAPTISM, I AM BAPTIZED WITH, YOU WILL BE BAPTIZED; ‘"

When this conversation took place, James, John, and Jesus had all been baptized in water.  James and John had yet to be baptized with the Holy Spirit.  Obviously, Jesus was talking about the fact that He, himself, had been baptized with the Holy Spirit.

When Jesus came down to earth, and took on human form, He emptied Himself of His own godly power, (See Philippians 2:5-11) and relied on the Holy Spirit, so that He could show us how to live, as a human being, led by the Holy Spirit.  If He was not baptized with the Holy Spirit, when the dove came down, then when was He baptized with the Spirit?

Spiritual understanding comes from two sources.  One is the written word,- what we usually call the Holy Bible.  The other source is the Holy Spirit, who opens up the words of the Bible, to our understanding.  Failure to consider both sources, results in a doctrine that is not Biblical.  The exposition of the Word only, has led many into error, especially on the issue of the two baptisms. 

Questions or comments?  Send us an e-mail to the address below.

At the Mexico Beach Christian Worship Center, we search the Spirit and the Word, vowing not to neglect either.  At the MBCWC, we don't plead for money, or twist your arm to join.  Plan to check us out this Sunday!  Our services begin, with a time of greeting and fellowship, at 9:30 a.m. CT on Sunday.  Worship begins at 9:45 a.m.  Come early so that you can meet us, and enjoy the praise and worship music led by TJ!  We meet, and worship, at the Mexico Beach Civic Center on 105 N. 31st street, behind Parker Realty, and the Beach Walk gift shop, just off U.S. 98, in Mexico Beach.

God Bless,

Pastor Tim Morrill

Mexico Beach Christian Worship Center

tim1@jesusanswers.com

http://www.mexicobeachcwc.com