This Grace Age. The Following Are Biblical Lessons On This Subject . . .

And, Many 0ther Things Are Explained In This 8 Part Message That Can Help

The Student Comprehend His Bible.

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9. Commentary . . . It is not the result of what one can do, therefore, no one should take great pride in himself for it, or take glory for himself for it.

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12. Commentary . . . Salvation is by GOD's Grace through the individual's faith. Faith involves knowledge of Paul's Mystery Gospel { Romans 10:11-15}, acknowledgment of the truth of its message, and personal reception of the Saviour { John 1:12 }. Works cannot save, { V. 9 } above, but good works always accompany salvation { V. 10; - & - James 2:15-17 }. Notice that it Is "not by any works of righteousness," which the Christian has performed, water "Baptism" isn't even mentioned as a condition for salvation, search Paul's letters and see if you can find otherwise.

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14. Commentary . . . In { Ephesians 5:26 } and also in this above verse, we have in common - the use of the word, "Loutron," or laver for washing or bathing. In the "Berkeley and the Weymouth Bibles," they give an "erroneous interpretation" of the word "Loutron," their teaching is that it means "Baptismal water." The word "regeneration" in this verse according to the Companion Bible, is a true Greek reference to the "One New Man" of { Ephesians 2:15 }, see also { Matthew 19:28 }.

15. In the Old Testament the water rituals stood for 'all the ceremonial sprinklings, pouring and washings,' as is proved by many texts. See { Hebrews 6:2; - & - 9:10 }. We find in the writings of Paul an entirely different use of the word "Baptism." Here it means to submerge as GOD the HOLY SPIRIT submerges the new born again Saint into CHRIST and His Body of Saints. This is completed by the HOLY SPIRIT so that the Saint may never emerge. Hence, all GOD's Children will be identified with the crucified and risen LORD. We Christians have been "spiritually submerged" into the LORD JESUS, and into His death { Romans 6:3-4 }. We are entombed together with CHRIST in that great Calvary "Baptism" of { Colossians 2:12; - & - 1- Corinthians 12:13 }.

16. In addition, every single Saint has been spiritually "Baptized, submerged, into JESUS," { Galatians 3:27 - & - Romans 6:3-4 }. All Hebrews 'were [ past tense' ] "Baptized" into Moses, { 1- Corinthians. 10:2 }, but all those previous "purification rituals" have been superseded by the "ONE HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM" of { Ephesians 4:5; - & - 1- Corinthians 12:13 } that is still in force at this present time.

17. Orthodox Hebrews till this very time, call a dead person a [ "Bar Minan, a son of separation" ] and when have you ever seen a Mortician who was of the Hebrew race, I haven't. Their washings of Dorcas' dead body in { Acts 9:36-37 } was still a "Baptism" or better yet it should be called a "purification ritual for the dead," going way back over 1,400 years to { Numbers 19:18 }. But, was it a ritual such as ritualist perform today? When an orthodox Hebrew passes away, his entire dwelling becomes defiled and the Hebrew purification then must be applied.

18. The truth is, the Hebrews have been very delinquent as to their "water," ordinances while the "religious" Gentiles and majority of "religious Christians" . . . have made water "Baptism" much more important to them in our own age. i.e., more important than it was to the Hebrews in their age while they were under the Dispensation of works. This is something GOD's Children should really research from their Bibles!

19. The word immersion is in the Hebrew Talmud but not in our Bible. This word doesn't appear anywhere in the Scriptures, but it is alluded to In { Romans 6:4 } but has nothing whatsoever to do with being immersed into water as we have already brought out. and there is no place in the original Hebrew or Greek to justify the use of the word. On the other hand, the word water is mentioned about 500 times in the Scriptures, but doesn't refer to immersion even one time. "Wash" is mentioned approximately 125 times in the Bible, and not one time does it suggest to, or refer to immersion.

20. Many folks will apply "Baptism" in, with, or by water, as good works of the Child of GOD, but where can they prove any such thing? Again we say: we are not saved by any kind of good works, it is by the washing of regeneration. Salvation is achieved through the cleansing of the new birth. Renewing of the HOLY SPIRIT is speaking of a continual renewing by the SPIRIT throughout the life time of the Saint, it is the LORD's gracious work, not a reward for mans worth-while acts. Again we repeat this next text in Titus for the second time and we will repeat the text in Part 7 and in Part 8 of this message . . .

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21. { V. 5 } Scripture: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the HOLY SPIRIT . . .,

22. { V. 6 }: Which He shed on us abundantly through JESUS CHRIST our SAVIOUR;

23. { V. 7 }: That being justified by His Grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life, { Titus 3:5-7 }."

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24. The 3 above verses paraphrased in Commentary form . . . { 5 } Scripture: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His own pity and mercy 'He CHRIST' JESUS saved us, by the cleansing of the new birth, of regeneration, and renewing of the HOLY SPIRIT . . ., { 6 }: Which GOD the FATHER and JESUS CHRIST through the works and with the cleansing power of the HOLY SPIRIT' 'shed and poured out so richly on us' abundantly through JESUS CHRIST our SAVIOUR; { 7 }: And He did this that 'being justified by His Grace by His favor, wholly undeserved,' that, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life, { Titus 3:5-7 }."

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25. Commentary . . . Observe in { V. 5 } above "Not by works of righteousness . . ." by the washing of regeneration. Personal salvation obviously cannot be achieved in any way through good works but only through the cleansing of the new birth. Renewing of the HOLY SPIRIT means either the initial act of conversion or, more probably, continual renewing by the SPIRIT throughout the life of the Child of GOD. In any case, salvation is GOD's gracious work, not a reward for man's worth-while achievements.

26. Practically all sacramentalist use { Vs. 6-7 } above as their main texts for "Baptismal regeneration," and should the word 'loutron' here refer to "Baptismal water" they would be right, but of course they are wrong! In the Septuagint, the word is referred to as the "laver" see { Leviticus 8:11; - Exodus 30:18; - & - 38:8- etc. } The bronze laver, made from mirrors stood between the altar of burnt offerings and the door of the Tabernacle and was used for the ritual cleansing of the priest, see { Exodus 38:8 }.

27. There is no doubt that the laver was to contain literal water, but as the N.T. clarifies those washings of the priest are only types and shadows of spiritual realities which we have in the LORD JESUS CHRIST, see { Hebrews 9:12; - & - 10:1 }. The laver of regeneration of which Paul speaks is the anti-type of the O.T. laver.

28. The trouble today is, folks just find it impossible to separate themselves from the O.T. water rituals. Certainly JEHOVAH promised salvation to the Israelites, but this salvation promise - much of the time was referring to their Millennial blessings after CHRIST's second return to the earth. People in this age of Grace are much confused concerning the types and shadows that are quite evident in the O.T. and we understand this completely.

29. What we do not understand is, how - well-educated Theologians who have all kinds of degrees in Theology cannot comprehend this kind of Bible science. The truth is, these great men of GOD seem to miss the true understanding of the language Paul uses in his Epistles. This writer likewise cannot understand why or how these men can read the first clause of this verse, "not by works of righteousness which we have done," and then teach that Paul is stating in the next clause that it is by works of righteousness which we have done that we are converted and saved.

30. Water "Baptism" does Not and CANNOT place one into CHRIST. And, on the other hand, any one can be positive that no unbaptized individual has ever . . . since the Body of CHRIST first began, received salvation without personal "Baptism" by the SPIRIT of GOD into CHRIST. Ritual "Baptism" could never be a required ordinance to achieve salvation, otherwise { John 3:16; - Ephesians 2;4-10; - & - 3:15-17; - etc } must be wrong, and the Apostle Paul certainly never wrote any such requirement. Remember he was not sent to "Baptize." But, salvation was of the utter-most importance in the eyes of the LORD.

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31. Scripture: "To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some, { 1- Corinthians 9:22 }."

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32. The above verse paraphrased in Commentary form . . . Scripture: "To the 'weak - wanting in discernment' became I 'as weak wanting in discernment', that I might 'gain win' the weak and over scrupulous: 'I am in short' made all things to all men, that I might by 'all means and at all cost and in any way' save some by winning them to faith in JESUS CHRIST, { 1- Corinthians 9:22 }."

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33. Scripture: "Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved, { 1- Corinthians 10:33 }."

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34. The above verse 33 paraphrased in Commentary form . . . Scripture: "Even as I please all men in 'all things to accommodate myself to the opinions, desires and interests of others', not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved,"

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35. [ 2 ]: Commentary . . . The "Baptism" in { Romans 6:3-4 } is a picture of the actual fact that a new born again Saint has died, been buried and then resurrected along with the LORD JESUS. This is our death "Baptism," and this has taken place in the life of every Christian who has ever been joined to the Body of CHRIST. The truth is, we shared His death, burial and resurrection with Him, but He was the one who did the suffering in our place on His Cross!

36. According to this, there has never been any ritualistic water "Baptisms" or any other type of ritual that could place us on CHRIST's Cross with Him! This means that we were in CHRIST and He was in us, we died with Him, we were buried with Him and we arose from His tomb with Him. We are presently walking in the newness of the life of a born again Child of GOD.

37. When one thinks about all that has happened to us as GOD's Children, it really is mind boggling. To realize that we as Saints are in CHRIST, we can truthfully say that we . . . spiritually speaking . . . are right now sitting with CHRIST at the right hand of GOD the FATHER. We are with CHRIST, we are in CHRIST, and HE IS IN US. CHRIST died only one time, and we also died only once with Him.

38. We were "Baptized" once into CHRIST and that was a permanent blessing that will never have to be repeated. Since JESUS is the Head of the Body and we are Saints of GOD, that means that He cannot go any where without taking us with Him, nor can we go anywhere without taking Him with us. What we have stated is just as true as our Bible can say it, of course skeptics will contradict us one way or the other!

39. [ 3 ]: Commentary . . . We were buried with the LORD 'through [ Greek dia with the genitive' ] our death "Baptism." { Romans 6:4 } isn't stating that we were submerged in a water "Baptism," when we were submerged, we were submerged into the LORD and also into His tomb with Him by the working of the SPIRIT of GOD. Where does Scripture say that JESUS was buried in water? We have never found such a text in our Bible. Nor is such a textual rendering found in the Greek text!

40. When we read about folks being "Baptized" with water, where does it say that it was a burial? Scripture makes clear that water was a "cleansing purification agent" but it does not say that water ever saved any one's soul. Also, never do we find water referred to as a burial, our SPIRIT "Baptism" was the instrument that submerged us in the tomb with the LORD JESUS!

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41. [ 4 ]: Commentary . . . [ Quoted from the writings by Dr. Chafer ]; Dr. Merrill F. Unger stated "Water Baptism is not in view at all in { Romans 6:3-4; - Galatians 3:27; - Ephesians 4:5; - & - or Colossians 2:12 }, and to read it into these passages is to becloud the truth, and to increase confusion, [ End Quote ]."

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42. [ Quoting ] from Dr. L. S. Shafer, he taught that: "No ordinance is intimated by these expressions, nor is there any obligation being imposed that justifies an attempt to enact what is here set forth. This passage, with that which follows in the context, presents the central statement respecting the basis of the Christians victory in daily life. . . . This is its objective and meaning. To discover in it only the outward form of ritual ordinance, as many have done, is to surrender one of the most priceless assets in the whole field of Christian doctrine. Thus, by so much [ for man ] to abandon the hope of any life well-pleasing to GOD; for if this context means the one thing it cannot mean the other, [ End Quote ]."

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43. Concerning { Romans Ch. 6:1-10 }: Dr, James Gray in his Christian Workers Commentary, states . . . [ Quote ]: "The Christian is identified with CHRIST in His death and resurrection. The "Baptism" into JESUS CHRIST is the rich experience, which becomes the birthright of every Child of GOD the moment he believes. He is then "Baptized" by the HOLY SPIRIT into the body of which CHRIST is the Head, { 1- Corinthians. 12:13 }; and being so "Baptized" he is considered as one with CHRIST as any member of a human body is one with the head of that body.

44. This means of course, that he is regarded in GOD's sight as having died when CHRIST died . . . he was "Baptized" [ i,e., submerged ] into the LORD's death. The sequel, however, must be equally true, and he is regarded as having risen from the dead when CHRIST rose. Hence he is now in a legal or judicial sense walking before GOD in newness of life, [ End Quote ]."

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45. Commentary . . . Theologians such as A. C. Gaebelein, Norman Harrison, L. Tucker, S. J. Baird, R. Thomson, James Gray, and yours truly, plus many others in our day that are mentioned in this message, begin to see that this is the exact meaning of the passage and that we could not possibly have any water "Baptism" here in { Romans Ch. 6 }.

Write Down The Answers To The Following Questions That Are Associated With This Above Lesson . . .

46. [ 1 ]: Were you and other members of the Body of CHRIST, "Baptized" into the death of JESUS?

47. [ 2 ]: How is a Child of GOD to walk in this life while on the earth according to { Romans 6:4 }? . . . What does this mean?

48. [ 3 ]: Does water "Baptism" put one into the Body of CHRIST, or into CHRIST Himself, or what?

49. [ 4 ]: Does the HOLY SPIRIT take part in the "water Baptismal" ritual in this age, if so what part?

50. [ 5 ]: Do you think that many denominations are more interested in water "Baptism" than many other things that the Bible teaches? . . . In some ways do they seem to be more concerned about the ritual than SPIRIT "Baptism?" . . . Which "Baptism? do they mention most?

51. [ 6 ]: Is one today saved by faith or by ritual "Baptism," . . . What does faith mean according to { Ephesians 2:8-10 }? . . . What is involved in faith?

52. [ 7 ]: What is it that good works accompany, are good works necessary for salvation? . . . Is good works more important before or after salvation?

53. [ 8 ]: What is the one word that CHRIST bestows on us that we might be saved, according to { Titus 3:5 }?

54. [ 9 ]: What does this mean: "by the washing of regeneration," is this important for us to understand?

55. [ 10 ]: Is there any type of "Baptism" that one must be involved in, in order to receive salvation?

56. [ 11 ]: What knowledge do we receive from { Romans Ch. 6 } that is so very important to Christians in our own age of Grace?

57. [ 12 ]: Who is it that is sitting at the right hand of GOD the FATHER with the LORD JESUS CHRIST at this present time? Read again [ No. 31, 37-38 ] above.

58. [ 13 ]: After one becomes a Child of GOD, is there any place on this earth or even into the atmosphere above the earth, that he could go, and be separated from CHRIST? Discuss this with your class! . . . Do you believe that this is a very controversial subject?

59. [ 14 ]: Were you or I as Children of GOD the FATHER ever submerged into anything?

60. [ 15 ]: Explain what 'baptismal regeneration' means, what does 'regenerated' refer to?

There are many more questions in the above chapter that you should discuss and asked in your Bible class, please do so.

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[ Lesson 7 ]. Concerning "Ordinances," Scripture states . . .

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1. { V. 14 } Scripture: "BLOTTING OUT the handwriting of 'ORDINANCES' that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His Cross, . . .

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2. The above { V. 14 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Having canceled 'Blotted out and wiped away' the 'handwriting of ordinances i.e., of the note or bond with their legal decrees and demands which was in force' 'that was against us, which was contrary and hostile to us,' those O.T. ordinances with their regulations, decrees and demands, CHRIST set them aside and completely took 'ALL OF THEM' out of the way, 'nailing THEM' to His Cross," . . .

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3. Commentary . . . Handwriting of ordinances = certificates or acknowledgment of debts in the handwriting of the debtor. 'The Mosaic law which Paul's phrase symbolizes' . . . therefore putting us in debt to GOD with sin; this debt He has been canceled by nailing them in their entirety to His Cross. I.e., CHRIST has made full payment with "His Blood, His very Life." It must be remembered: it was CHRIST Himself Who did this. . . .

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4. { V. 15 }: And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over "THEM" in it.

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5. The above { V. 15 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "And the LORD having disarmed and spoiled principalities and powers that were ranged against us, He made 'a show a bold display and public example of them' openly in, triumphing over them in it: the Cross." [ The word Spoiled, literally means: stripped - as was done to enemies ].

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6. { V. 16 }: Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days.

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7. The above { V. 16 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Let no person therefore judge or set in judgment against you in 'meat or in any other matters of food', or in drink, or in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the 'Sabbath days rest or holidays."

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8. Commentary . . . False teachers were evidently insisting on abstinence from certain foods and "observance of certain ordinances" and days. These, Paul says, are in the shadows "of the past which have been dispersed by the coming of the LORD JESUS CHRIST to free us from those Old Testament and old former Kingdom Dispensational ordinances. Read again { Vs. 6-7 }.

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9. { V. 17 }: [ Such things ] Which are [ only ] a shadow of things [ that are ] to come; but the Body is of CHRIST,

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10. Commentary . . . They have only a symbolic value. But, the reality . . . the substance, the solid fact of what is foreshadowed, the body of it . . . belongs to JESUS.

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11. { V. 20 }: Therefore if you be dead with CHRIST from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to [ Biblical ] ordinances?

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12. The above { V. 20 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Therefore if you are dead with CHRIST from the 'rudiments i.e., from material ways of looking at things' of this world and have escaped from the world's crude and elemental notions and teachings of externalism, why are you living, as though you are completely enjoying this type of living in the world? Are you happy and proud to subject yourself to out dated ordinances by submitting yourself to rules and regulations falsely applied to you? [ I.e; the reality . . ., Israel was under Old Testament ordinances that they could not and would not obey, "the Body of CHRIST today isn't"! ]

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13. { V. 21 }: ( Touch not; taste not; handle not; . . .

14. { V. 22 }: Which all are to perish with the using; ) after the commandments and doctrines of men? . . .

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15. Commentary . . . The Grace Believers, the Quakers, the Salvation Army, and several others such as the Berean's, do not regard water baptism as an ordinance for this age, and they do not water "Baptize" any one.

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16. { V. 23 }: Which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the Body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh, { Colossians 2:14-17, 20-23 }."

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17. The above { V. 23 } Paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Such practices have indeed the outward appearance and popularly at times passes for wisdom, in promoting self-imposed rigor of devotion and delight in self-humiliation and severity of discipline of the body, but they are of no value in checking the indulgence of the flesh. Instead, they do not honor GOD but serve only to indulge the flesh."

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18. Commentary . . . CHRIST had freed them from the taboos of asceticism, which could only give a pretense of wisdom, promote a self-made religion, and deal severely with the body. Yet it could not succeed in combating the desires of the flesh. Obeying man ordained so-called Biblical ordinances today is wrong. To practice such ordinances in this Christian age have indeed the outward appearance that popularly passes for wisdom, in promoting self-imposed rigor of devotion and delight in self- humiliation and severity of discipline of the body, but they are of no value in checking the indulgence of the flesh. They do not honor the LORD but serve only to indulge the flesh.

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19. Scripture: "Which stood only in meats and drinks, and 'divers [ various types of ] washings,' and 'CARNAL ORDINANCES,' imposed on them until the time of reformation, { Hebrews 9:10 }."

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20. Commentary . . . Carnal ordinances are regulations concerning the body. Reformation = i.e; the change brought about by the completed sacrifice of CHRIST and His entering into Heaven, see { Vs. 11-12 }. As you can see, the old Biblical ordinances belonged to the Kingdom system under the Hebrews, and ended at the Cross. The only ordinances applied to the Body of CHRIST today are those un-scriptural ordinances that are man made ordinances, that man himself has laid at the door of the Assemblies. This sounds like Phariseeism doesn't it? Don't you think it is? This is what the Pharisees forced upon the Hebrews! Again: concerning "Baptism" . . .

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21. [ Quoting ] from Charles H. Welch: "Baptism" sets fourth not only ceremonial cleansing, but death, burial and resurrection { Romans 6:1-4 }. For the Church of the mystery there is but one "Baptism," the "Baptism" of the HOLY SPIRIT { Ephesians 4.4-6 }, which unites us with CHRIST in all His wondrous work of love and Grace. If it be urged from { Colossians 2:12 } that literal 'Baptism' is incumbent upon the Church of the one Body, why not go back further and urge literal circumcision from { V. 11 }?

22. All shadows, without exception, have been set aside in this dispensation. The apostle meets the attempt to produce holiness by ascetic measures by the complete repudiation of the flesh in the offering of CHRIST. Also by the fact that, { Colossians 3:1 } asserts, that the Child of GOD has entered into a new life. Holiness is not a negation; it is positive. Sanctity is not deadness, but a living response, [ End Quote ]."

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23. W. G. Williams, [ Quote ]: "The words, "buried with Him," or more exactly, put in the 'grave [ tomb' ] with Him, are not figurative, but literal, and mean that we were laid in the literal tomb of the Arimathean with the dead body of JESUS [ through, the course, only constructively, i.e; imputatively, mystically, represent- actively ]. To press the mode of water "Baptism" from these words and to find proof of immersion in water in this passage, and in the parallel passage { i.e., of Romans 6:1-4 or } in { Colossians 2:8-12 }, shows ignorance of the Greek and of the logical connection of the passage. Such an exegesis misses the point of the passage:

24. Sacerdotal theology believes the "Baptism" of { Vs. 3-5 } to be immersion of the physical body in material water, but this destroys the meaning of the passage. If it means "Baptism" with water then all persons so "Baptized" will be most certainly saved become united with CHRIST in His life beyond death and judgment. But, what proves too much proves nothing, and, consequently, the "Baptism" of the passage must be CHRIST's death symbolized under the word "Baptism."

25. Further: to be "Baptized" into water cannot mean to be "Baptized" into CHRIST, as many think, for when is a Saint "Baptized" into CHRIST? Undeniably at the moment of the new birth. This is proved by { Ephesians 1:13, R. V. - & - Titus 3:5-6 }. And who is the "Baptizer?" The HOLY SPIRIT! . . . What purpose therefore could "Baptism" into water serve? . . .

26. "Baptism into the name of Paul" expressed attachment to Paul as a disciple. "[ Water ] Baptism" is not necessary to salvation as many believe and teach, for if so, then the Apostle thanked GOD that he saved so few; nor is it essential to obedience, as others urge, for in that case the Apostle thanked GOD that he made so few obedient. The argument that a master and not the servant is responsible for consequences { 1- Corinthians 1:15, is met - V. 17 } by the statement that "Baptism" was not in Paul's commission. It was a characteristic of the Pentecostal testimony to Israel, and foreign to the heavenly position of the 'Church, [ i.e., the Body of CHRIST. ] - [ End Quote ]."

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27. From Charles F. Baker, [ Quote ]: The Mode of John's 'Baptism,' "Nothing is said of the actual mode, which could have been sprinkling, pouring, or immersion. That was not the important thing. The important thing is that "Baptism" was for cleansing. All of the many "Baptisms" of the Old Testament were for cleansing. When John was "Baptizing" at Aenon, we read that a question arose about purifying or cleansing { John 3:25 }. Why a question about purifying? Simply because that was the purpose of "Baptism," to cleanse. What did the LORD tell 'Saul [ Paul' ] to do when he was converted? "Arise, and be 'Baptized,' washing away your sins," { Acts 22:16 }. What were the Jews supposedly doing when they "Baptized" their couches, their pots and pans { Mark 7:4 }? . . .

28. The meaning is so evident that the translators used the word "wash" to translate "Baptism." There is a mistaken idea, based on { Romans 6:3-4 } that "Baptism" represents a burial. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In Romans, Paul is talking about the "Baptizing" work of the HOLY SPIRIT that identifies the Christian with CHRIST in His death, burial and resurrection. The ceremony of "Baptism" is always in Scripture a washing or cleansing ceremony. The mode of bathing is not important: the cleansing is, [ End Quote ]."

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29. [ Quoting ] from . . . Kenneth Wuest: "Thus this 'Baptism' accomplished two things. It resulted in the power of sin being broken and the divine nature being implanted, which operation took place at the moment the Believer placed his faith in the LORD JESUS. Therefore, the "Baptism" referred to here is not water "Baptism," but the "Baptism" by means of the HOLY SPIRIT, { 1- Corinthians 12:13 }, [ End Quote ]."

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30. Commentary . . . From Harry Bultema, [ Quote ]: "Water Baptism" is not a burial with CHRIST for . . .

[ A ]: CHRIST was not buried in a liquid 'grave [ i.e., queber' ] but in rocks,

[ B ]: CHRIST was buried when dead, while the baptismal candidate is buried [ spiritually speaking ] as soon as he has received life [ and is born again ],

[ C ]: The Children of GOD are not to be, but have [ already ] "been buried [ submerged into CHRIST" at the second they believed ]. It has happened in the past { Romans 6:3-5 }!

[ D ]: We were 'Baptized' not into water, but into JESUS CHRIST.

[ E ]. We were buried with Him by the 'Baptism' into the death, as it literally says, evidently referring to the death on the Cross, when, we were crucified with Him. In fact, He expressly tells us so . . .

31. Able commentators like J. Brown, Shedd, C. Morgan, Venn, Williams, Godbey, Lenski, James M. Gray, Geabelein, Norman Harrison, L. Tucker, S. J. Baird, R. Thomson see in our day that { Romans 6:3-6 } has nothing to do with water, but that our identification with CHRIST is in view. The reason why the verb Baptizo is used lies in the fact that with Paul, its real meaning is to immerge, submerge, so as to never get up. We have been put in CHRIST never to be taken out of Him. It is a pity that the place for a rite that is not even here, and a material element that is not here.

32. The word used for buried can in Greek never mean the descent into a so-called watery grave, "water Baptism" was associated without the LORD's 'manifestation' to Israel. ". . . that He should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come 'Baptizing' with water, { John 1:31 }." Concerning The LORD's supper, it is associated [ i.e., as a memorial ] of our LORD's rejection and absence. ". . . you do show the LORD's death till He come, { 1- Corinthians 11:26 }." Paul's revelation was to a large Christian organization. 'Water Baptism' positively has nothing whatsoever to do in accomplishing spiritual cleansing in GOD's Children. The LORD has performed this miracle Himself! No ritual is to follow salvation of a Saint. Rituals do not save, GOD saves! We have no commandment to perform rituals in this Grace age! And again we repeat this next verse . . .

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33. Scripture: "I indeed 'Baptize' you with water 'unto repentance': but he that comes after me is mightier than I, Whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall 'Baptize' you 'WITH' the HOLY SPIRIT, and with fire, { Matthew 3:11 }."

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34. Commentary . . . This water ritual in the above verse took place during the LORD's Kingdom Dispensation several years before the present Dispensation of the Mystery came on the scene, to be received and administered by the Apostle Paul! The LORD's supper speaks of the finished work of CHRIST: " . . . You do show the LORD's death, { 1- Corinthians. 11:26 }." "Water Baptism" is usually submitted to once, whereas the LORD's table is 'celebrated again and again,' 'as often as.' "Water Baptism" was not included in Paul's commission. " . . . CHRIST sent me not to 'Baptize' . . . { 1- Corinthians 1:17 }," said the apostle Paul. The LORD's table was included in his commission. "For I have received of the LORD that which also I delivered unto you, . . . { 1- Corinthians. 11:23 }." He got this as a revelation from heaven. 'Baptisms,' as purification's were mosaic, whereas, Paul got the LORD's table not from Moses, nor from the apostles, but straight from the LORD from heaven.

35. While both were seriously abused, we find that 'Baptism' was never reformed, whereas the LORD's table was reformed in detail and that even in the year 59 or 60 A.D. If the LORD had intended to set it aside for this age then this would have been the time, occasion, and place for it; but instead of scrapping it, the SPIRIT did set forth in detail how to use it and how not to use it. Many do not relish the Latin word "sacraments" and prefer the word "ordinances" for the two, but this is not a scriptural designation any more than the word "sacraments." The N.T. simply does not employ one term to employ both rites. In fact, never in one single instance have these two rites ever been united as this is done universally in Christendom. This is also an old tradition of the fathers, [ End quote - from Harry Bultema. ]

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Write Down The Answers To The Following Questions That Are Associated With This Above Lesson . . .

36. [ 1 ]: What happened to all the O.T. ordinances, were they to proceed onward into the Body of CHRIST period?

37. [ 2 ]: Write down your explanation of what an ordinance really is, do you know? . . . What was it in Peter's time?

38. [ 3 ]: Are the ordinances that were performed during the Kingdom Gospel period to be performed today, if so which ones?

39. [ 4 ]: Has the full payment for the O.T. ordinances been paid for, if so . . . how? . . . Where was the place payment was made?

40. [ 5 ]: Are Christians today to keep the same Sabbath and for the same reason that the Hebrews of old kept?

41. [ 6 ]: Are we to keep any Sabbath ordinance today? . . . What about the Sabbath in the ten commandments, are we to keep it? . . . Is it an ordinance?

42. [ 7 ]: Are Christians today to judge those who do not keep an ordinance, or judge those who do keep one?

43. [ 8 ]: What if an ordinance is unbiblical to practice for today, are we to warn folks not to keep it, would we be wrong to warn them?

44. [ 9 ]: How could one warn someone of a wrong, if they do not first judge them to be in the wrong, are there alternatives?

45. [ 10 ]: Are there any days mentioned in the Bible other than Saturday that are recognized as Sabbaths?

46. [ 11 ]: What is a type or a shadow of things to come? Explain.

47. [ 12 ]: Are you as a Christian in any way dead with JESUS, if so how? . . . Should a Christian love this earth? . . . What is materialism? . . . How does one escape evil? . . . Do you detest rules and regulations of government, or of a denomination? Explain.

48. [ 13 ]: When a doctrine of a denomination is contrary to what the Bible teaches, should we obey the denomination?

49. [ 14 ]: Name just three denominations that do not believe in water "Baptism for today." . . . Do you know of any other? . . . If so let us Know which ones.

50. [ 15 ]: Does the abeyance and keeping of any Biblical ordinance you know of make you happy? . . . Does it satisfy your outward or inward being? See { Colossians 2:14-17, 20-23 }.

51. The LORD's supper speaks of the finished work of CHRIST: " . . . "You do show the LORD's death," and 'celebrated again and again' but, was it meant to be an ordinance for this Christian age or, was it to be a memorial?

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[ Lesson 8 ]. Is Water "Baptism" An Ordinance For The Body 0f Christ ?

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1. Scripture: "And 'they [ Zacharias and Elizabeth' ] were both righteous before GOD, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the LORD blameless, { Luke 1:6 }."

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2. Commentary . . . The word "Dikaioma" means judgment, justification, ordinance, righteousness, and has here, of course, nothing to do with "Baptism."

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3. Scripture: "Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things, and keep 'the ordinances [ oral teachings' ], as I delivered them to you, { 1- Corinthians 11:2 }."

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4. Commentary . . . The Greek "Paradosis" means tradition, and here it could never be referring to "Baptism" as we conclude from { 1- Corinthians 1:14 }.

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5. Scripture: "Having ABOLISHED in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain 'ONE NEW MAN,' so making peace, { Ephesians 2:15 }."

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6. The above { V. 15 } paraphrased in commentary form . . .Scripture: "Having 'ABOLISHED' in 'CHRIST's' flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself 'of twain I.e., of both Jews and Gentile' after they have been born again in CHRIST JESUS as the: 'ONE NEW MAN - the Body of CHRIST,' in the "masculine gender," so making peace, { Ephesians 2:15 }."

7. Commentary . . . The root Dogma, here translated ordinances, means a law, decree, ordinance, or a regulation. We here have an emphatic statement that the previous ordinances have been abolished for the Body of CHRIST, this is an established fact that namely the blood of the Cross has abolished all Biblical ordinances from us. What more proof would it take to get you to accept this fact? Will you accept the unscriptural words of denominational teachers or the Word of GOD?

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8. Scripture: "Therefore if you be dead with CHRIST from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances, { Colossians 2:20 }." [ More proof ]!!!!!

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9. Commentary . . . This is a remarkable statement, since the main subject of ordinances is here put on a level with the world. May GOD burn and brand this knowledge into many minds!

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10. Scripture: "Then 'verily [ truly' ] the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service; and a worldly sanctuary, { Hebrews 9:1 }." [ Here the ordinances were as always applied to Israel where they should have been left. ] We repeat this next verse . . .

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11. Scripture: "Which stood only in meats and drinks, and 'divers [ different types of' ] "Baptisms," [ water rituals ] and 'carnal ordinances,' imposed on them until the time of reformation, { Hebrews 9:10 }."

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12. Commentary . . . The "water rituals" here are called carnal ordinances legally imposed as a heavy yoke and until the time of reformation or the first coming of our LORD. If in the face of these Scriptural facts anyone wants to speak of "water Baptism" as an ordinance for the Body of CHRIST, he must know that he is teaching contrary to the Word of GOD. Such as this puts dishonor upon the Cross of CHRIST which has abolished all ordinances. Let us repeat this next verse once again . . .

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13. Scripture: "I [ John ] indeed 'Baptize' you 'WITH WATER UNTO REPENTANCE': but He that comes after me is mightier than I, Whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall "Baptize" you 'WITH the HOLY SPRIT,' and with fire, { Matthew 3:11 }."

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14. Commentary . . . Notice what John was saying to GOD's Hebrew children here in this verse? He stated . . ."I Baptize" you with water because of repentance . . . that is, because of your changing your minds for the better, heartily amending your ways with abhorrence of your past sins; but CHRIST Who is coming after me is mightier than I, Whose sandals I am not worthy or fit to take off or carry; CHRIST Himself will "Baptize" you "WITH the HOLY SPRIT of GOD" that you may receive the power to perform works and miracles for a short period of time. But, only if you obey the LORD's commandments, 'otherwise' later on if you will not repent and become one of GOD's Children, you will be "Baptized" with the fire of an eternal Hell because, you will have disregarded the Deity of the LORD JESUS CHRIST and His Holy Word.

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This Above Lesson . . .

15. Again we ask these questions . . . [ 1 ]: What does the Greek word "Dikaioma" stand for? . . . Does it refer to a certain type of "Baptism?" . . . Can you actually find where the word "Baptism" is even mentioned in the Old Testament? If so give text!

16. [ 2 ]: Does the Greek word "Paradosis" refer to "Baptism? . . . If not what does it refer to?

17. [ 3 ]: Who are the brethren Paul was talking to in { 1- Corinthians 11:2 }, what ordinances were they to keep?

18. [ 4 ]: What was the "enmity" that CHRIST abolished, and how did He abolish it?

19. [ 5 ]: What did Paul mean when he said JESUS abolished the enmity to make in Himself of twain one new man, "with CHRIST as the 'Head' of the man?" . . . What does this New Man consist of? . . . Is the New Man masculine or feminine or what? See { Colossians 2:9-10; - Ephesians 1:22-23; - 2:14-15; - 4:12-13, 24; - Galatians 4:24-29; - & - 1- John 3:1-3 }.

20. [ 6 ]: What does the word "Dogma" stand for?

21. [ 7 ]: Explain { Colossians 2:20 } what does all this refer to? . . . And, what does "the rudiments of the world" mean?

22. [ 8 ]: Does { Hebrews 9:1 } refer to the Body of CHRIST and if so how is it to be applied? . . . What is a worldly sanctuary?

23. [ 9 ]: What does "the time of reformation" refer to in { Hebrews 9:10 }?

24. [ 10 ]: What did carnal ordinances refer to, and what were they judged to be?

25. [ 11 ]: What was it John was really saying here in { Matthew 3:11 }? Explain, and discuss.

26. [ 12 ]: The ordinances are as always applied to Israel where they should have been left, where is the sanctuary according to { Hebrews 9:1 }? . . . Also, where is the sanctuary for the Child of GOD of today? . . . Is it in Heaven? . . . Is it on this earth? . . . 0r, is it in our own redeemed human body? . . . Could it be somewhere else? . . . Discuss this with your class!

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[ Lesson 9 ]. Water "Baptism" A Burial With CHRIST? . . .

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1. Commentary . . . From Cornelius R. Stam, [ Quote ] . . . "His [ Paul's ] tone of reproof implies that his readers should have known this basic fact of salvation, yet even today many, yes, most Christians fail to grasp it. Thus, his words "Know you not?" . . . After 1900 years, bear a stern rebuke to those who will not listen. Determined to make this passage { Romans 6:3-4 } teach "Baptism by water," many declare that the word "into" in verse 3 should have been translated "unto."

2. Whatever being "Baptized unto CHRIST" might mean is not clear, but it is clear, as we compare Scripture with Scripture, that the Greek "eis" here is correctly rendered "Into." We may get the sense of the Apostle's language by comparing it with { 1- Corinthians 12:13 }, where we read 'that [ by' ] one SPIRIT are we all "Baptized into one body." Could "eis" here possibly be rendered "unto"?

3. In Galatians the sense is equally clear, and again with respect to "Baptism." There the Apostle declares . . .

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4. { V. 26 }: Scripture: "For you are all the Children of GOD by faith in CHRIST JESUS,

5. { V. 27 }: "For as many of you as have been "Baptized into CHRIST," have put on CHRIST, { Galatians 3:26-27 }."

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6. The above { V. 27 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . For as many of you as have been "Baptized into CHRIST" i.e., 'into a spiritual union and communion with CHRIST, the Anointed One', have 'put on and have clothed yourself with' CHRIST.

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7. Commentary . . . Could Paul the Apostle of, and for the Gentiles, have stated any more clearly that GOD's adopted Children are now in CHRIST because they have been "Baptized into CHRIST," and so have put on CHRIST? But, how are we "Baptized into CHRIST?" By faith, as a comparison with the preceding { V. 26 } indicates . . .

8. If { Romans 6:3 } teaches that water "Baptism" is clearly teaching about "salvation by water Baptism" as, indeed, many claim that it does, somebody must be wrong. According to { Galatians 3:26-27 }, we are "Baptized" 'into CHRIST [ by the SPIRIT of GOD' ] and by faith in CHRIST JESUS, read verse { 27 } again.

9. This is not water "Baptism" but SPIRIT "Baptism," which brings GOD the FATHER's Children into a living union with CHRIST { 1- Corinthians 12:13 }. The Saints have put on CHRIST, i.e; clothed themselves with CHRIST, this is a responsible act of appropriating all that CHRIST is. Only the HOLY SPIRIT can place a Saint after he is changed, 'is reborn,' from a lost Gentile or a lost Jew into a Child that has now become permanently and everlastingly entwined into the Body of CHRIST by His "HOLY SPIRIT Baptism."

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10. Years ago the author's Baptist pastor used this argument . . . [ Quote ]: "That the Greek 'eis' is translated "unto" 203 times in the Authorized Version. What he neglected to say was that it is translated "into" 563 times! [ "By" ]: is correct, for the Greek 'en' here is in the instrumental case. The sense of the passage bears this out. It is a mistake to assume that 'en' necessarily means "in." See { Matthew 5:34 }, where 'en' is also correctly rendered "by." [ End Quote ].

11. Dr, Shedd stated [ Quote ]: This 'word [ burial' ], in { Romans Ch. 6 } contrary to the opinion of many commentators has no reference to the rite of water "Baptism," because the burial spoken of is not in water, but in a sepulcher. The word means burn, inurn, enter, or entomb. Burial and "Baptism" are totally diverse ideas and have nothing in common, [ End Quote ].

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12. [ 5 ] Scripture: "But I have a 'Baptism' to be 'Baptized' with; and how am I straitened [ urged . . . impelled, constrained . . . ] till it be accomplished, { Luke 12:50 }."

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13. Commentary . . . The LORD was here prophesying of that which concerned His own death "Baptism," and had nothing whatsoever to do with either the Holy Spirit or a ritual. He was speaking strictly of His "Baptism" on the Cross of Calvary.

14. [ 6 ] Our "Spirit Baptism" into CHRIST identifies us as Children of GOD. Our old self died with Him, and all our sins were paid for by Him when He died. Since we now have a new CHRIST like nature, i.e., a "Divine nature" - see { 2- Peter 1:4 }: that was given to us the moment we became Christians, those old sins we committed before we were saved will never be held against us. We are born again into CHRIST! We indeed are dead to sin, and are now alive to the LORD JESUS. This is difficult for us yet in our physical bodies of flesh to comprehend right?

15. The old nature of Christians was buried in CHRIST's tomb, and certainly never buried in a creek or a baptistery of water and has been set aside eternally. Now that we have become Children of GOD, we should follow on to lead a life that will be pleasing to the LORD JESUS. We must be especially careful not to grieve the SPIRIT of GOD by committing future sins! We might be questioned in what we have said about the old nature being eternally set aside. Some will say: what about the sins we commit after having become Christians? This is where we have to understand about chastisement . . . people definitely sin after they have received the new "CHRIST like Divine nature," they sin in the flesh but they cannot sin in the new nature since our new nature is as sinless as CHRIST's nature is - otherwise it could not be called a "CHRIST like or Divine nature." Read { Romans 8:1-11; - Ephesians 2:1-10; - & - 2- Peter 1:4. }

16. On the other hand, when we sin in the flesh after becoming Children of GOD, our Heavenly FATHER chastens us similar to what our earthly father did when he chastened us when we were children. But as our earthly father only chastises us he does not disown us. And, likewise never does our Heavenly FATHER disown us but He certainly takes us to the woodshed and chastises us for our sins. In such a way we are penalized for our present sins before we go to Heaven since we cannot be chastised for sins in Heaven. When GOD's Children sin they grieve the SPIRIT of GOD, thus they must repent of their sin in order to get back into fellowship with GOD! See { Hebrews 12:1-11 }. What does the word "chasten" or "chastise" mean? "It means to inflict some type of corrective punishment or suffering of one type or another on us for the purpose of moral improvement, . . . to refine; or purify us." The reader we are sure, will agree that all this is a real controversial subject but very important to comprehend!

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17. { V. 11 } Scripture: "In whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made 'without hands,' in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of CHRIST: [ This same verse 11, may be understood better as follows . . .

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18. Commentary . . . "In Him you also were circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, but in a spiritual circumcision performed by CHRIST by the stripping of the body of flesh and the whole corrupt, carnal nature with its passions and lusts." . . .

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19. { V. 12 } Buried with Him in "Baptism," wherein also you 'ARE' risen with Him through the faith of the operation of GOD, Who has raised Him from the dead,

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20. The above { V. 12 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Buried with Him 'in His death "Baptism" on His Cross' wherein also you 'have been raised with Him to a new life' through the faith of the 'operation [ i.e., working' ] of GOD [ as displayed ], Who has raised Him from the dead,

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21. Commentary . . . "Putting off the body of the sins of 'the flash [ the old nature' ], which is corrupt in its unregenerate state of rebellion against GOD, this is accomplished by a spiritual circumcision and a SPIRIT "Baptism." The old nature of a lost person is typical of the flesh that still sins even after salvation has occurred, but those same sins even though many of them may be yet future, were still paid for on CHRIST's Cross.

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22. { V. 13 }: "And you being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, has He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, { Colossians 2:11-13 }."

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23. The above { V. 13 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "And you were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh . . . your sensuality, your sinful carnal nature . . . GOD thus brought you to life together with 'CHRIST, having freely' forgiven all of us for our past transgressions."

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24. Commentary . . . Everything that has been said about { Romans 6:3-4 } can also be said of this passage, which is very similar. The LORD JESUS was taken to be circumcised at the age of 8 days. And, we will talk about { Romans Ch. 6 } again in another part of our message! This particular circumcision was a Hebrew ritual where a part of His flesh was surgically removed. Again on the Cross at His crucifixion He was once more circumcised when His entire flesh was cut off in death. After reading { V. 18 } above we must realize that when Christians sins today they must confess their sins to our Heavenly FATHER or be chastised. { Hebrews 12:6-8 } makes clear that "IF" the FATHER doesn't chasten us we do not even belong to Him. "IF" the FATHER does not chastise us then we should realize that we are still in a lost condition and had better wake up to that fact! We should also realize that we have proof of our salvation because we are being chastised for our sins. Therefore, we should not be angry at GOD for chastening us and thus, praise Him for doing so! See { Galatians 4:16; - & - 2- Corinthians 13:8. }

25. JESUS was "Baptized" the first time by John the Baptist, and the second time in His death "Baptism" on the Cross. The first circumcision and "Baptism" JESUS received were performed by men. But, no hands were used in His second "Baptism and circumcision," GOD Himself performed this spiritual endeavor! When we ourselves were "Baptized" and "Circumcised" in CHRIST, this spiritual endeavor was performed strictly by GOD Himself. So, at that very instant we became as one "in CHRIST" in His completeness. As we have always stated: "We are in CHRIST and He is in us continually and forever!"

26. If he or she is the FATHER's true Child, that Saint has put on CHRIST and has become a part of Him. All Saints have received the same spiritual Divine nature of GOD, they are in GOD, with GOD, and Children of GOD. Since JESUS is the rightful King of the universe, this means that each of us is either a Prince or a Princess of the Kingdom of GOD. Does this sound good to you? This doesn't mean that we will have to wait to become a Prince or Princes, but we already are, that is, if we are GOD's Children!

Write Down The Answers To The Following Questions

That Are Associated With This Above Lesson . . .

27. [ 1 ]: What does "eis" mean in the Greek, does it mean "unto, by, into . . . or what?"

28. [ 2 ]: What does "put on CHRIST" mean, how can one put on CHRIST? . . . Can one put on CHRIST by some type of "Baptism" or perhaps some type of personal works?

29. [ 3 ]: Does faith alone put one into CHRIST, what must be added to faith if anything?

30. [ 4 ]: Could any minister or even a Theologian "Baptize" a Christian into CHRIST? Be careful.

31. [ 5 ]: What is it that brings a person into a living union with JESUS?

32. [ 6 ]: Does the word "burial" have anything to do with any kind of "Baptism?". . . Careful! . . . What does the word mean?

33. [ 7 ]: What type of "Baptism" was JESUS referring to in { Luke 12:50 }? . . . What does the word "Straitened" in that verse mean?

34. [ 8 ]: What does our "Baptism" into CHRIST do for us . . ., what is the significance?

35. [ 9 ]: What happens to the sinners old sin nature after he becomes a Christian and receives his new CHRIST like nature?

36. [ 10 ]: Concerning all those horrible sins we committed before we became Christians, are we to be held accountable for them at the future judgment?

37. [ 11 ]: What kind of a circumcision does one receive after becoming a Christian?

38. [ 12 ]: What is the type of the old sin nature for the Christian today that we still have? See Number [ 18 ] above.

39. [ 13 ]: Will future sins of a Saint still be held against him ?

40. [ 14 ]: What takes place in the life of a Saint if he fails to confess his sins to FATHER GOD?

41. [ 15 ]: After becoming a Child of GOD how can we realize more fully that we are indeed saved? Discuss this with your class!

42. [ 16 ]: Since JESUS was literally circumcised, shouldn't we as followers of CHRIST follow Him in this same ritual?

43. [ 17 ]: How many times was Jesus circumcised? . . . If He was circumcised as a baby how could He be circumcised again?

44. [ 18 ]: Since JESUS was "Baptized" by John, why was it necessary for Him to be "Baptized" a second time?

45. [ 19 ]: Is there a necessary requirement for both circumcision and "Baptism" in order for sinners to become Christians today? careful!

46. [ 20 ]: How could it be possible for any human that is alive today, to become a real Prince or Princes in two minutes time??? Read again [ Number 26 ] above.

47. Would you consider firing your pastor if he taught that Christians today no longer have an old sin nature? A prominent Theologian stated on his television ministerial program that Christians have no old sin nature. Today he is still holding his job as pastor of that Baptist Congregation! So you see, it is very wise to teach the truth even though your denomination might possibly disagree with you because of Assembly doctrine!

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[ Lesson 10 ]. What About The Sacraments And The LORD's Supper? . . .

1. Commentary . . . It has been stated: "that { Ephesians 4:5 } is a sacrament the same as the LORD's supper, in other words, that both of these are inseparable. Actually, this is a very bold falsehood! The above verse has absolutely nothing to do with a sacrament and this goes for every "Baptism" in the Bible, none of them were sacraments. There is no place in the Scriptures that states that the LORD's supper and "Baptism" are aliened along side with each other in any way!

2. Never do these two go together, and no hint has been found to even suggest such a thing. Sacramentum is sacrum secretum, i.e; a holy thing hidden. Rome just glories in hidden things and uses the old Latin language to make many things they teach a mystery even to their own Priest and Nuns. The word "sacrament" is used a great deal, even by Protestant Ministers and teachers because many of them have failed to get out and away from the dogma of the Roman Church, and thus, they clang to this word faithfully."

3. It has been stated many times: "that the average man is at heart legalistic, a sacramentarian, and a ritualist combined. Such men it seems, glory in things that are mysterious such as lodge rites and things that are difficult for folks to comprehend, and he really has a desire to see signs and wonders. But, this really isn't the way the LORD meant for man to live or believe.

4. JESUS wants people to believe by faith alone and leave all rituals behind, He makes clear in His Word that if we believe by faith, we shall see the glory of GOD. In the past, and yes even at this very time, the evil and adulterous generations sought and seek after signs and wonders. When we study our Bibles, we find that the man of faith, Moses, saw Him Who was, and is yet to us mortals, an invisible GOD, we know of His omnipresence but the eye cannot see Him."

5. We understand that: "Eve in Genesis, likely had a marvelous vision with her eyes, and she could see that the tree had beautiful fruit on it, but because she coveted it, she fell from JEHOVAH's Grace. When we think of Judas, Achan, Paul and David, plus many others, we are aware that some of them came back to the LORD because of His marvelous Grace, but others failed drastically. "Water Baptism" like the fruit on the tree can be seen by all folks, but, the one "Baptism" of the SPIRIT of GOD cannot be seen because it is strictly spiritual.

6. People can feel the water when being ritually "Baptized." They are fooled into believing that they have done the right thing. Because they cannot feel the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT when He comes into them, they are fooled by believing that because they didn't feel anything, that they still need something more to take place. This is how Satan fools countless folks in this age of Grace! Therefore, there are those who feel much for the water and nothing for the SPIRIT."

7. If a person is lost and you as a Minister sprinkle, pour or submerge that person in water, what benefit is there for him who is dead in trespasses and sins? Can a dead man be restored when being dunked in water, what about the saved folks? They have eternal life with CHRIST through spiritual power and Grace, CHRIST indwells them and they are clothed in His protection and might. They have all spiritual blessing from above, and they have need of nothing more.

8. Most will agree that: "It isn't just the writers who teach immersion but the Reformed, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, Roman Catholic, Church of CHRIST, practically all Pentecostal and many other denominations who interpret these texts as referring to the water "Baptismal" ritual. An older writer by the name of "Why" stated . . .

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9. [ Quote ]: "All of you who have by [ "water ] Baptism" passed into union with MESSIAH have clothed yourself with MESSIAH's personality, [ End Quote ]."

10. Many other writers of old have written similar ideas such as "Jowett and Sanday." Henry stated: "Having 'in [ water' ] "Baptism" professed their faith in Him."

11. A. W. Robinson states: "that those who were water "Baptized" were: "Incorporation with CHRIST." He made clear from his own doctrine that: "this change had come to pass when they were "water Baptized." He said: "In the act of 'Baptism' they had been invested with all the privileges which can result from identification with Him."

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12. Burkitt had this to say . . . [ Quote ]: "Happy are they who are not only sacramentally but really and spiritually 'Baptized' into CHRIST" [ End Quote. ]

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13. Any person familiar with the Scriptures are aware that this false doctrine is handed down from the Roman Catholic teachings. Another writer by the name of O'Connor wrote and said, [ Quote ]: "Christian [ water ] 'Baptism' signifies the assumption of CHRIST's character" [ End Quote. ] If a Minister and his followers believe this to be a fact, would it not be sinfully wrong to fail the "water Baptizing" of the whole human race? The thief on the Cross was saved without being water "Baptized," and there were countless folks who have been "water Baptized" and are still lost. When we read the story of Simon in { Acts 8:18-24 } he was "Baptized" but as far as we know never became a Christian.

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14. There are countless Children of GOD even counting little children including unborn babies who have never been water "Baptized" and yet they are born again Saints in CHRIST such as those who belong to the Salvation Army, the Berean faith, the Grace Church group, and the Quakers. All are aware that the Roman Catholic and many large Protestant denominations are tied to their water idols and this is fully understood; they will never drop their so- called water doctrine because they believe that this is the means of Grace. There are millions of Christians who know that we are not under law but under Grace, and are not ready to disbelieve in the Pauline doctrine of the mystical union with CHRIST, but they still put much of their faith in rituals.

That Are Associated With This Above Lesson . . .

15. [ 1 ]: Does water or spiritual "Baptism" refer to a sacrament, if it does where can we find this proof in our Bible?

16. [ 2 ]: Does water "Baptism and the LORD's supper" go together, have they ever gone together?

17. [ 3 ]: What does the word "sacrament" refer to? . . . What language does this word come from, and why do many Protestants use this word?

18. [ 4 ]: What is the largest denomination that likes to use mysterious foreign language and customs in their religion?. . . Is this Christian doctrine?

19. [ 5 ]: Why do many Protestant Christians seem to follow much of the doctrine of the above religious group, is this true Christianity?

20. [ 6 ]: Explain what a "ritualist, legalist and a sacramentarian is, are we to live according to what any of these 3 words represent? . . . What is Covenant Theology . . . should it be taught and added to the teachings of the Body of CHRIST?

21. [ 7 ]: What change took place in Eve when she partook of the tree of good and evil? . . . Likewise- how was Adam changed?

22. [ 8 ]: Can you name some folks in the Bible who got out of fellowship with GOD and later came back into His fold as before?

23. [ 9 ]: Were there any folks who became separated from the LORD and never returned to Him in any way? Name a few if you can.

24. [ 10 ]: Can all or even any "Baptisms" be seen with the naked eye, is there any that cannot be seen?

25. [ 11 ]: Is there any "Baptism" that can be felt by the human body, and is there any that cannot be felt, name them?

26. [ 12 ]: If one cannot feel anything physically take place in his or her body when they are saved, do they need to do something that they can feel, so that they will know that they are saved?

27. [ 13 ]: Does Satan ever fool folks by causing them to believe they must feel or do something spectacular when they are saved?

28. [ 14 ]: If a person is lost and you as a Minister sprinkle, pour or submerge that person in water, what benefit is there for him who is dead in trespasses and sins?

29. [ 15 ]: Can a dead man be restored when being dunked in water, what about the saved folks?

30. [ 16 ]: Are we today to seek after signs and wonders as the Hebrews of old did? See { 1- Corinthians 1:22; - & - Isaiah 8:18 }.

31. [ 17 ]: Name as many groups as you can that teaches that water "Baptism" is necessary for salvation, what is this type of belief called?

32. [ 18 ]: Does water "Baptism" wash ones sins away, . . . clean one's soul, . . . can it make his body cleaner on the inside or on the outside, . . . which one is right?

33. [ 19 ]: Much false doctrine has been handed down from what source? Please give your thoughts concerning this question.

34. [ 20 ]: A certain teacher stated: "Christian 'Baptism' signifies the assumption of CHRIST's character." If a Minister and his followers believe this to be a fact, would it not be sinfully wrong to fail the water "Baptizing" of the whole human race?

[ Lesson 11 ]. In Paul's Letters We Find The Final Bible Text

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1. Scripture: "There is neither Jew nor Greek there is neither bond or free, there is neither mail nor female: for you are all one in CHRIST JESUS, { Galatians 3:28 }."

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2. The above { V. 28 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "There is now no distinction in GOD's Children . . . there is neither 'Jew [ Hebrew' ] nor 'Greek which is a person who had been a Gentile otherwise known as a heathen, but now has been born again in Christ'' there is neither 'bond slave' or free, there is neither mail nor female: 'for you whom are Children of God' are all one in CHRIST JESUS, { Galatians 3:28 }." [ This says it all doesn't it ]?

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3. { V. 4 } . . . Scripture: "There is 'one body [ of Christ' ], and 'one [ Holy ] SPIRIT', even as you are called in one hope of your calling;

4. { V. 5 }: One LORD, One Faith, "One Baptism," [ of the HOLY SPIRIT ],

5. { V. 6 }: One GOD and FATHER of all, and through all, and in you all, { Ephesians 4:4-6 }. "

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6. The above { V. 6 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "There is One GOD and FATHER of us all, and through all, Who is above all Sovereign over all pervading all and living in me and in you all."

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7. Commentary . . . One "Baptism" of the SPIRIT, which brings us into the unity of the Body. The LORD is FATHER in four relationships:

[ 1 ]: here, of all men by virtue of being their Creator;

[ 2 ]: of the LORD JESUS CHRIST { Matthew 3:17 };

[ 3 ]: of Israel { Exodus 4:22 }; and . . .

[ 4 ]: of Saints in the LORD JESUS CHRIST, { Galatians 3:26 }. Paul's one "Baptism" in { V. 5 } above is the only true "Baptism" for the Body of CHRIST! Everything is complete oneness, all is unity in the Body of CHRIST!

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8. Commentary . . . Merril F. Unger said, [ Quote ]: "With these various truths given their proper emphasis, the doctrine of the "Baptism of" the HOLY SPIRIT is at once lifted out of the haze and fog of error that have so obscured it, and, its majestic and grand simplicity, becomes one of the most precious and vital factors in Christian unity. No wonder the great Apostle cries out for /the "one Baptism [ of the SPIRIT ]," as one of the indispensable sevenfold unites to be kept in realizing the "unity of the SPIRIT" in the bond of peace, see { Ephesians 4:3-6 }, [ End Quote ]." How does one visualize the 7 unites Dr. Unger speaks of. . . . And, we repeat . . .

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9. { V. 3 } Scripture: "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the SPIRIT in the bond of peace."

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10. The above { V. 3 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Be eager and strive earnestly Endeavoring to keep 'the unity and harmony and oneness' of that which is produced by and of the Holy SPIRIT in 'the bond i.e., the building power' of peace."

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11. { V. 4 }: "There is [ Number One: ] One Body, [ No - 2: ] and one SPIRIT, even as you are called in [ No - 3: ] one hope of your calling;

12. { V. 5 }: [ No - 4: ] One LORD, [ No - 5: ] one faith, [ No - 6: ] one "Baptism,"

13. { V. 6 }: [ No - 7: ] One GOD and FATHER of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all, { Ephesians 4:3-6 }."

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14. What are these seven unites mentioned above "[ 1 ]: Body, [ 2 ]: SPIRIT, [ 3 ]: Hope, [ 4 ]: LORD, [ 5 ]: Faith, [ 6 ]: HOLY SPIRIT Baptism, [ 7 ]: GOD and FATHER."

15. What most folks fail to comprehend is that if Children of God would study their Bibles more thoroughly, and especially subjects such as "Baptism," they could become a much closer knit family in the one Body of our LORD. The blame can be laid on Pastors, and yes even upon many of the greatest Theologians for the separation of the many denominations. Since there are so many different beliefs, confusion reigns supreme in our ranks. This same confusion could be torn away if liberalism and unbelief was outlawed in the various Congregations and denominations and man would only use the Word of GOD instead of Church history and denominational dogma. Until this is understood only confusion and controversy will continue to blind many 'hearts [ minds' ] of GOD's elect.

16. Should Children of GOD follow on according to the Word written in the Apostle Paul's Epistles, suddenly all the confusion and obstructions would be torn away. If this were to happen, the full truthfulness would be recognized, then the glory of the truth of every Christians oneness in CHRIST, by the "Baptizing" work of the SPIRIT upon the consciousness of all GOD's people, would cause them to be blessed immeasurable. This would cause revival, fellowship, and power such as the Body of CHRIST has never experienced, perhaps since the Apostolic days, to be the inevitable result.

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17. [ 1 ]: Paul wrote just one passages concerning "Baptism" in or by water, where is this passage found?

18. [ 2 ]: How does a born again Child of our Heavenly FATHER become a member of the Body of CHRIST, by referring to { 1- Corinthians 12:13 }?

19. [ 3 ]: In { Romans Ch. 6 }, which type of "Baptism" is performed, and what or who is the new Saint "Baptized" into?

20. [ 4 ]: How many folks do you think are in CHRIST and belong to the Body of CHRIST that haven't been placed in Him or the Body by being water "Baptized?"

21. [ 5 ]: When Ministers state that "Baptism" in water must take place to be saved, what is it . . . that's in the water that gives forth power?

22. [ 6 ]: Are some Christians "Baptized" into the death of our LORD, if so how many? . . . Does this "Baptism" put them into CHRIST?

23. [ 7 ]: In { Romans Ch. 6 }, does this Scripture portray the death, burial and resurrection of JESUS, or, does it concern the time Christians have just been saved, and have had a ceremonial "Baptism?" . . . Did the death burial and resurrection of { V. 3-4 } take place when CHRIST died?

24. [ 8 ]: What is there in { Ch. 6 } above that proves that the death, burial and resurrection of Christians was accomplished at the same time of the LORD's crucifixion? Explain.

25. [ 9 ]: Is there anything in { Ch. 6 } that mentions water or states that Christians receive a ritual water "Baptism?"

26. [ 10 ]: Can the student find anywhere in the Bible where dead folks are buried in water, if so where?

27. [ 11 ]: What have you learned about the place where the LORD JESUS' body was buried? . . . Was it in water, in a tomb, in the earth, where?

28. [ 12 ]: When the 'new born again Christian was saved,' was he or she buried with JESUS, if so, where do you think they were buried?

29. [ 13 ]: In { Luke 12:50 } the LORD referred to a particular "Baptism." What was this "Baptism," and where was it to take place?

30. [ 14 ]: If CHRIST's "Baptism" was to also become our "Baptism," when was this "Baptism" to take place, . . . where were we when it happened?

31. [ 15 ]: Since you are a Christian, what can the LORD say to you, to cause you to believe that you are positively dead to sin?

32. [ 16 ]: If folks have been "Baptized" in water, did this "Baptism" cause them to die, or be crucified with the LORD JESUS?

33. [ 17 ]: Are people crucified with the LORD, if they have been "Baptized" into the Body of CHRIST, and into the LORD by the SPIRIT of GOD?

34. Where are all the Children of GOD whether alive or dead at the present time - spiritual speaking?

35. [ 18 ]: Is Old Testament circumcision and "water rituals" of a true Christian teaching for Children of GOD today, Is there something in { Colossians 2:11-12 } that would teach you this? . . . Is the same type of circumcision and "Baptism" that was performed while CHRIST was Preaching to the Jews in the Matthew period for us today? . . . Is either one of these ordinances for us at this present time? . . . What is covenant theology? . . . Please explain this type of theology and the right or wrong of it in this Grace Age.

36. [ 19 ]: How many people are there, that have put on CHRIST according to { Galatians 3:27 }, what does this mean?

37. [ 20 ]: If your Christian mother, father or any other family members have been water "Baptized" in a congregational ceremony, have they put on the LORD JESUS? . . . How? . . . What did the water do for them?

38. [ 21 ]: Accordingly, which "Baptism" was it . . . that { V. 27 } above was talking about? Water or SPIRIT? Explain.

39. [ 22 ]: In { Ephesians 4:5 }, count the "Baptisms" in the verse and tell us how many there are for the Child of GOD today . . . How many?

40. [ 23 ]: Does { V. 5 } refer to all Bible "Baptisms?" . . . or, do you think it is just speaking about the number of "Baptisms" that are associated with GOD's Children of this particular Grace Age?

41. [ 24 ]: What do you think the writer of { Ephesians 4:3 }" is teaching? . . . What does the word "unity" refer to? . . . Who wrote this verse? . . . Was it written by an Apostle of the circumcision or an Apostle that concerns us today? . . . How might he concern us today? . . . For what Dispensation and administration was he chosen for? . . .

42. [ 25 ]: Does this ritual in water cause folks to keep unity in the Body of CHRIST, if so how?

43. [ 26 ]: In the history of the Body of CHRIST, Has water "Baptism" ever brought unity among the various denominations? . . . Or, are the denominations more separated than ever?

44. [ 27 ]: If it was declared by the greatest Theologians that unity has been brought forth to all Christians, why then are there so many different denominations and so many cults who call themselves Christians?

45. [ 28 ]: When we read { Ephesians 4:3-6 }, do these 7 unites referred to - refer to physical or spiritual? Write down the answer in your note book, name each of these unites and discuss them in your Bible steady class.

46. [ 29 ]: Concerning the one "Baptism" and the nature of this "Baptism," what does the verses involved here lead you to believe about it?

47. [ 30 ]: Concerning both spiritual and ritual "Baptism," If both of these should be accepted for the Saint of today, do you consider both of them to be for Saints of today? Be careful with your answer!

48. [ 31]: Are both of these "Baptisms" truthfully and Scripturally taught in our present day Assemblies?

49. [ 32 ]: What harm can be caused by teaching ritual "Baptism" in our Assembly, does it teach our familles, which includes our children a lie, or to believe a lie?

50. [ 33 ]: Will you permit your family to be taught false doctrine from the Bible, even though you have found that doctrine, to be untrue after studying this message? . . . Will you tell them the difference? . . . What do you believe? . . . What do you think? . . . Where is the harm? . . . How can it harm anyone?

51. [ 34 ]: What nation was programmed in the ceremonial ritualistic customs of their age, were they just brain washed?

. . . Could it be that you and your family have been brain washed?

52. [ 35 ]: From the calling of Abraham to the beginning of the Body of CHRIST period, were any of the people ever "Baptized" by the HOLY SPIRIT into CHRIST JESUS as they are now during this particular age?

53. [ 36 ]: Are there any particular "Baptisms" that are performed today that were not performed during the former Old Testament Dispensation?

54. [ 37 ]: Does your pastor preach and teach according to your own denominational doctrine or according to your King James Bible? Put Him and your other Assembly teachers to the test. Do not be afraid to test them!

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[ Lesson 12 ]. Distinguishing Between The Various "Baptisms" . . .

1. Commentary . . . To distinguish between the many "Baptisms" may sometimes be difficult for students unless they have made a systematic study of the subject. To consider and separate the true "Baptism" from the ritualistic can often times be confusing, therefore, each place where the word in mentioned in the Bible should be studied in its rightful order. We have already discussed those verses where the SPIRITS name is not in view, but yet our Bible has told the true story about GOD's wonderful work. We have also studied the various texts where He has been spoken of and about what He has accomplished in His "Baptisms." We will now deal with different types of "Baptisms" and separate the ritual from the true.

"Baptism" For The Dead . . .

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2. Commentary . . . Are there any religious group today that "Baptize" for the dead? . . . Yes, quoting from "Religions in America," page 138, which concerns the Mormon religion and teaching, [ Quote ]: "In the words of Peter: "for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead . . . " { 1- Peter 4:6 }. Thus, these essential ordinances . . . including "Baptism" . . . are "Vicariously" performed in the temples for those who have died without adequate opportunity to receive them for themselves. What about { 1- Corinthians 15:29 } "Baptized for the dead." There have been different interpretations expressed concerning this text as follows . . .

[ 1 ]: It sanctions being "Baptized" vicariously for another in order to assure him a place in the Heavenly Paradise. This view is definitely heretical.

[ 2 ]: It refers to those who were "Baptized" because of the testimony of those who have died.

[ 3 ]: It probably means being "Baptized" in the place of those who have died; i.e; new converts taking the place of other people who had died. The Apostle Paul's point is: unless one believes in the resurrection of the dead [ rather than the Greek idea of "immortality" ] what's the point of this type of practice?

3. The fact is, all the unsaved dead are dead in sin, see { Ephesians 2:1-6 }. Over 30 interpretations of { V. 29 } above have been given by different people. What good will it do to "Baptize" someone for a person that died in a lost condition and is already in Hell, or a true Christian who has an eternal abode in the Heavenlies? Can it do a dead body any good to have someone be water "Baptized" for it? Even if such a "Baptism" is performed by men, it's still nothing but a ritual. We find that there are no other ritual "Baptisms" in the Epistles that Paul wrote. There are of course, other "Baptisms" Paul mentions in his writings which are references to the identification of saved Saints of GOD in the Body of CHRIST. Ancient knowledge of the principle and practice is suggested by Paul.

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4. Scripture: " . . . If the dead rise not at all? why are they then "Baptized" for the dead? { 1- Corinthians 15:29 }."

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5. The principle of doing for others what they cannot do for themselves is not new. The Saviour performed a "vicarious" service for all of us { 1- Peter 3:18 }, [ End Quote ].

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6. Commentary . . . Therefore, just as the Roman Catholic pray to the dead such as prayers to dead saints including to Mary the mother of Jesus, the Mormons pray for the dead! The question is, how could any Child of GOD believe any type of doctrine that the Mormons teach when they state that JESUS CHRIST and Satan are brothers! And, that every Mormon is himself a god?

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7. Considering the N.T. word studies by "Vincent," he says . . . [ Quote ] "Concerning this expression, of which some 30 different explanations are given, it is best to admit frankly that we lack the facts for a decisive interpretation. [ End Quote ] Nine of the explanations are free from objection."

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8. { V. 29 } Scripture: "Else [ otherwise" ] what shall they do which are "Baptized" 'for [ or in behalf of' ] the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then "Baptized" for the dead?

9. { V. 30 }: And why stand we in jeopardy every hour?

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10. The above { V. 30 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "For that matter why stand we in jeopardy? Why do I live dangerously as I do, running such risks that I am in peril' every hour?"

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11. { V. 31 }: I protest by your rejoicing which I have in CHRIST JESUS our LORD, I die daily.

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12. Commentary . . . To paraphrase this above verse in another way . . . "I assure you by the pride which I have in you in [ i.e., your fellowship and union with ] CHRIST JESUS our LORD, that I die daily . . . that is, that I face death every day and die to self."

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13. { V. 32 }: "If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Eph'esus, what advantage it me, if the dead rise not? Let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die. See { Isaiah 22:13 }.

14. { V. 33 }: Be not deceived : evil communications corrupt good manners.

15. { V. 34 }: Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of GOD: I speak this to your shame, { 1 - Corinthians 15:29-34 }."

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16. The above { Vs. 32-34 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . { V. 32 }: "What do I gain if, merely from the human point of view: If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Eph'esus, 'what advantage it i.e., what advantage is there for me', if the dead are never resurrected? Let us eat and drink; for tomorrow we die. { V. 33 }: 'Be not deceived and misled': 'evil communications and companionship associations corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.' { V. 34 }: "Awake from your drunken stupor and return to sober sense and your right minds and sin no more. For some of you have not the knowledge of GOD . . . you are utterly and willfully and disgracefully ignorant, and continue to be so, lacking the sense of GOD's presence and all true knowledge of Him. I say this to your shame."

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17. Commentary . . . The truth is: many who read { V. 29 } may find it difficult to be enlightened. And, we must admit that the understanding of the text can be difficult, we also believe that the following verses should be studied somewhat to get an idea of the whole text. First, it must be observed that Paul, here resumes his logical arguments for the resurrection of the body, after the parenthetical digression of { Vs. 20-28 }. Second, { V. 29 } states clearly that there 'were people [ however few' ] at that time who were "Baptized for the dead." These were not pagans, or the argument would be meaningless.

18. Among Saints there were some who practiced this superstitious custom, in which a living Child of GOD was "Baptized" for another Saint who had died before being "Baptized" such as a small child. Whatever the reasons for this practice; whatever the origin, certain Christians were being "Baptized" for others who had died without "Baptism." Therefore, Paul, arguing for the truth of the resurrection, asked, "What shall they do?" i.e; when it becomes evident that there is no resurrection. They would be refuting their own beliefs. Obviously, they submitted to this water "Baptism" with the resurrection of the Saints in view.

19. There appears to be no record of such a ceremony being practiced either by the pagans or by the Christians. This, it seems, has led many commentators to try to prove that this practice never took place, but the passage has a "spiritual" interpretation. Naturally we do not need the testimony of history to confirm the word of GOD. Certain it is, that this verse, just as it reads, and assuming its validity, is a clear addition to Paul's arguments for the truth of the resurrection, so that the question, "If the dead rise not at all, why are they then "Baptized" for the dead?" is most pertinent. By the way as we have pointed out elsewhere, "Pagans who are classed as Gentiles, people who are not Christians are all in the same category, they are lost individuals!

20. Further, the Apostle asks about himself and his co-workers: "Why stand we in jeopardy every hour?" His life was always in jeopardy he says, recalling his contest with veritable "beasts" at Ephesus { V. 32; see 1- Corinthians 16:9 }, and "protesting" on the basis of rejoicing, that "I die daily { V. 31 }." Why all this constant risk? Why always in danger of his very life . . . if the dead rise not? What advantage could there possible be in this? In that case, he says, evidently quoting a heathen byword: "Let us eat and drink. for tomorrow we die." But no, we dare not "eat and drink for tomorrow we die," for there is a resurrection to come and then an accounting of our life and service for CHRIST. Thus Paul continues :

21. "Be not deceived, evil communications corrupt good manners, { V. 33 }." We should remember that water "Baptism" and sign gifts at that time were still an order of the day, and the morals of the Corinthians were deplorable, In view of this, the warning takes on great significance. "Awake to righteousness, and sin not . . . { V. 34 }."

22. There needed to be a great spiritual awakening in the Corinthian Assemblies so that true Christians, even if standing all alone, might cease their permissive attitude toward sin. In closing this section of his argument he says to their shame that some among them "have not the knowledge of GOD." Perhaps this meaning is that some of the permissive ones, though on the shady side of Christianity, did not really know GOD. To know Him and what kind of GOD He is: is a blessing beyond comprehension, { Philippians 3:10 }.

23. There are many commentators who try to explain this as referring to the practice of a living person being "Baptized" for a dead individual who had not been "Baptized." It would be very impractical for one who is familiar with the revelation that was bestowed upon Paul . . . to suppose that he, who was not commissioned to water "Baptize," to teach a practice which is even foreign to the Scriptures. Such teaching would certainly be contrary to the Gospel of the Mystery for today. Ask yourself the following questions:

Are Associated With This Above Lesson . . .

24. [ 1 ]: Are there any religious group today that "Baptize" for the dead? If so name the ones you know about.

25. [ 2 ]: How many denominations can you think of that pray to the dead or pray for the dead? And, we repeat . . .

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26. { V. 29 } Scripture: "Else [ otherwise ] what shall they do which are "Baptized" for [ or in behalf of ] the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then "Baptized" for the dead?"

27. { V. 30 } And why stand we in jeopardy every hour? { 1- Corinthians 15:29-30." }

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28. The above { Vs. 30 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "For that matter why stand we in jeopardy - why do I live dangerously as I do, running such risks that I am in peril every hour?"

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29. [ 3 ]: What was it that Paul was talking about when he said: "I die daily?"

30. [ 4 ]: What does Paul mean here: "If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at, what advantage it, if the dead rise not?"

31. [ 5 ]: If a Christian constantly associates with lost folks even though they are nice people, is there anything wrong with this?

32. [ 6 ]: Is it at all possible for an unsaved person to understand the Bible or comprehend the knowledge of righteousness? Ask yourself this question . . . Are you yourself completely brain washed in your own denominational doctrine? . . . If so, how can you become enlightened to the truth?

33. [ 7 ]: Could an unsaved person be disgracefully ignorant, and continue to be so, when lacking the sense of GOD's presence and all true knowledge of Him?

34. [ 8 ]: Were all the folks who received water "Baptism" for the dead also in a lost condition?

35. [ 9 ]: Could a Christian who seeks Water "Baptism" or performs such a ritual on others - loose blessings at the judgment seat of CHRIST?

36. [ 10 ]: Could a minister get himself in trouble with his overseers Especially, if he has studied a message such as this and found out that this ritual is not meant for Christians during this age?

37. [ 11 ]: If a minister realizes the truth and proceeds to yet fool his flock by teaching this fallacy thinking that if he fails to do so he may lose his job as a pastor or from some other profession if he tells them the truth . . ., would an Assembly group get rid of him? Discuss with your class! . . . What about a Sunday School teacher? . . . Or any common laymen?

38. [ 12 ]: When a person was water "Baptized" for the dead, was there any superstition involved in this custom? . . . Could water "Baptism" be applied to a superstitious custom in this present age? Bring these questions up for discussion also with your class.

39. [ 13 ]: There appears to be no record of such a ceremony being practiced either by the pagans or by the Children of GOD. . . . Does this actually mean that it never took place in Paul's time? . . . Is there a "spiritual" interpretation involved here? . . . If this never really took place why would Paul ask: "why are they then "Baptized" for the dead?

40. [ 14 ]: What did Paul mean when he said: "Why stand we in jeopardy every hour?"

41. [ 15 ]: Paul said: "Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die," What does this mean," Is that the way we should live today? See { 1- Corinthians 15:32 }.

42. [ 15 ]: Paul said: "Awake to righteousness, and sin not." How does one awake to Righteousness, does this mean that Christians must constantly think of good deeds or Biblical facts while they sleep? . . . Was this speaking to Christians of this age? . . . What do you think?

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