Part Five Of "Baptism." The Truth Concerning The 12 "Baptisms," In The

[ Lesson 24. ] What About The Sin Question? . . .

4. { V. 8 }: You have put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.

5. { V. 9 }: But we see JESUS, Who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that He by the Grace of GOD should taste death for every man.

6. { V. 10 }: For it became Him, for Whom are all things, in bringing many sons into glory, to make the 'captain [ Author' ] of their salvation perfect through suffering. See [ Ephesians 4:8 }

7. { V. 11 }: For both He that sanctifies and they who are sanctified 'are all of one [ FATHER' ]: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren,

8. { V. 12 }: Saying, I will declare 'Your [ FATHER's ] name' to My brethren, in the midst of the 'Church [ worshipping Congregations' . . . 'Ekklesia: Greek' ] will I sing praise [ in hymns ] to You. . . . See { Psalm 22:22. }

9. { V. 13 }: And again, I will put My trust in Him. And again, Behold I and the children which GOD has given Me. . . [ i.e., and with the same human nature. ] See { Isaiah 8:17-18 }.

10. { V. 14 }: Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself like-wise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil [ and his demons ];

11. { V. 15 }: And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

12. { V. 16 }: For verily He took not on him the nature of angels; but He took on him the seed of Abraham.

13. { V. 17 }: Therefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to GOD, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

14. { V. 18 }: For in that He Himself has suffered being 'tempted [ tested' ], He is able to "succour [ help" ] them that are 'tempted [ tested' ], { Hebrews 2:10-18 }."

15. The above 12 verses paraphrased in commentary form . . . { 7 }: For some little time You have ranked him lower than and inferior to the angels, You have crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of Your hands . . . See { Psalm 8:4-6. } { 8 }: For You have put everything in subjection under his feet. Now in putting everything in subjection to man, He left nothing outside [ of man's ] control. But at present we do not yet see all things subjected to him [ man ]. { 9 }: But we are able to see JESUS, Who was ranked lower than the angels for a little while, crowned with glory and honor because of His having suffered death, in order that by the Grace 'unmerited favor' of GOD to us sinners He might experience death for every individual person. { 10 }: For it was an act worthy of GOD and fitting to the Divine nature that CHRIST, for Whose sake and by Whom all things have their existence, in bringing many adopted sons into glory, should make the "Caption [ Leader or Author" ] of their salvation perfect - i.e., should bring to maturity the human experience necessary to perfect the LORD's office as High Priest, through suffering. . . .

16. { 11 }: For both JESUS Who sanctifies . . . making men holy . . . and those who are "sanctified [ to make holy, consecrated, and set apart" ] all have one FATHER. For this reason JESUS is not ashamed to call them brethren. . . . { 12 }: For He says, I will declare Your [ the FATHER's ] name to My brethren; in the midst of the ( worshipping ) congregation I will sing hymns of praise to You. See { Psalm 22:22. } . . . { 13 }: And again the LORD says, My trust and assured reliance and confident hope shall be fixed in GOD. And yet again, Here I am, I and the children whom GOD has given Me, as the SON of GOD. See { Isaiah 8:17-18. } . . .

17. . . . { 14 }: Since, therefore, these His children share in flesh and blood . . . that is, in the physical nature of human beings . . . "flesh and blood" was an O.T, figure for human nature. CHRIST Himself in a similar manner partook of the same human nature, that by going through death He might bring to nought and make of no effect him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, this means that in the long run the devil will be inoperative or useless, but not annihilated, for the devil will exist in torment in the Lake of fire forever { Revelation 20:10 }. . . . { V. 14: } states the overriding purpose of CHRIST's accepting "a lower state"; . . . { 15 }: And, also that JESUS might deliver and completely set free all those who through the haunting fear of death were held in bondage throughout the whole course of their lives.

18. . . . { 16 }: For, as we all know, He CHRIST did NOT take hold of 'angels [ i.e., the fallen angels' ] . . . to give them a helping and delivering hand; but He did take hold 'of [ the fallen' ] descendants of Abraham . . . to reach them a helping and delivering hand. See { Isaiah 41:8-9. } . . . { 17 }: So it is evident that it was essential that JESUS in His humanity should be made like His brethren in every respect, in order that He might become a merciful [ sympathetic ] and a faithful High Priest in the things related to GOD, to make atonement and propitiation for the people's sins. Propitiation refers to GOD's wrath being satisfied by the death of CHRIST { Romans 3:25; - & - 1- John 2:2 }. Expiation emphasizes the removal of sin by the sacrifice which satisfied GOD. Sin interrupts normal relations with GOD; expiation removes sin and restores the relationship. . . . { 18 }: For because CHRIST Himself in His humanity has suffered in being tempted [ tested and tried ], He is able immediately to run to the cry for assistance to relieve those who are being tempted and tested and tried and who therefore are being exposed to suffering."

19. Commentary of the above 12 verses . . . MESSIAH here is presented in { V. 7 }: "As a Man, lower than the angels for the suffering of death, now crowned with glory and honor, and so satisfying the statements of { Psalm Ch. 8 }. The purpose of the Spirit in { Vs, 5-18 } is to declare the actual humanity of CHRIST. "The world to come" { V. 5 }, i.e., the millennial world when the MESSIAH, as Man, will set man over the works of GOD's hands and put all things in subjection under his feet, fulfilling { Psalm Ch. 8 }. His title as SON of MAN defines Him as the ideal man, and therefore in Him, as Man, all will be subjected in the future millennial world, to man. Man boasts of the present world but believers speak of the world to come, i.e., the "Millennial Kingdom." Writing to Hebrews it was not necessary to mention the eighth Psalm or its writer, but courteously recognizing their intelligence, to say "0ne in a certain place," etc. { V. 6 }. This Psalm is not yet fulfilled { V. 8 } but its fulfillment is assured by the exaltation of JESUS, as Man, into the glory of GOD, { V. 9 }.

20. . . . { V. 9 }: Made lower than the angels in order to the suffering of death, for only as man could He died, He actually tasted death in a realistic consciousness proper only to Him, for the purpose of redeeming man; and that redemption was not motivated by the moral beauty of man, but by the Grace of GOD. Such a descent, such a subjection beneath angels, and such a death did not dishonor Him. { V. 10 }: For it became Him," . . . glorified Him for Whom all things exist and by Whom all things exist; for thus GOD the FATHER perfected His beloved SON, as the Captain, or File-Leader of the FATHER's many adopted sons to be surely brought by Him into glory. Moral perfection is not here intended but a perfect CHRIST to be the Leader of man's salvation, and the 'perfect GOD man' to take charge of His office of Captain to bring a huge host to salvation. He undertook the cause of the sons whom GOD purposed to bring to glory, and it was therefore necessary that He should enter into the circumstances in which they were found, suffer their penal consequences, and so deliver them.

21. Such a subjection into man's nature honored GOD and "became" Him; so the Captain of salvation was made perfect through sufferings . . . the perfection of suffering . . . even the death of the Cross . . . was His. As the sin offering JESUS died { V. 9 }, as the Meal-offering He suffered { V. 10 }. Such an oblation being infinite, it is consequently suitable and sufficient for the salvation of every man without distinction . . . not without exception . . . for its saving virtue only affects those who believe upon Him. { V. 11 }. Read { Vs. 8-9. } These are different Greek verbs. The latter implies the deliberate regarding of something that the beholder tries to see.

22. "The Sanctifier and they who are sanctified," { V. 11 } i.e., CHRIST and the many sons are all a unity in human nature. This is the great argument of the entire passage. Most commentators, supporting themselves upon { John 20:17 } understand the words "are all of one" as meaning "are all of one FATHER." But, did it mean this CHRIST could not possibly have been ashamed to call them brethren. JESUS could do otherwise. But, guided by the argument of the chapter it appears more reasonable to believe that the unity intended is His association with humanity. Such an association might well cause Him shame, for "the many sons" with whom He became One were by nature sinful . . . JESUS Himself being sinless . . . and had been redeemed from the lowest depths of vice and shame.

23. But, CHRIST does 'NOT call every man His brother,' the LORD is such only to the sanctified { V. 11 }. He and they appear before GOD in the nature and position of men. CHRIST sanctifies them, they are sanctified, and on this account He is NOT ashamed to call them His brothers. This relationship is developed in the Scriptures which follow { Vs. 12-13 }. JESUS is One in a company of brothers; He is a Worshipper in the midst of worshippers { V. 12 }; JESUS as the GOD Man is a Believer surrounded by believers; and a Son accompanied by sons { V. 13 }. Furthermore, the LORD's unity with them is declared { V. 14 } in His sharing their human nature. Because they are made of flesh and blood JESUS also Himself "in a somewhat similar manner" [ Greek ] . . . for His birth was miraculous and His nature sinless . . . also became flesh and blood, and in that sinless flesh by dying He stripped Satan of his power and delivered the sons from their slavery to terror.

24. The force of "verily" here { V. 16 } is "you know very well that the MESSIAH did not assume an angelic nature but became a Hebrew." This fact does not exclude His unity with Christians today that were once Gentiles or to proselytes who had been Gentiles and later became Hebrews by belief. The LORD's unity remains with all of GOD's true Children. And, the Epistle of Hebrews being written to Hebrews by a Hebrew; proves MESSIAH's unity with them, as the descendants of Abraham, and is made prominent.

25. This relationship to Abraham introduces the subject of priesthood, and CHRIST is at once declared { V. 17 } to be a compassionate and faithful High Priest . . . faithful in things pertaining to GOD, and compassionate in matters affecting the people. For being a man who felt the pain of trial and temptation { V. 18 }, He is able to "succour [ Greek, Help" ] all exposed to similar suffering. Moved by a profound love for man, the LORD "EMMANUEL [ meaning GOD with us Matthew 1:23" } . . . became the SON of MAN . . . and humbled Himself to all the circumstances of man in order to deliver him, and was fully equipped to redeem and bring to glory His brothers, the many sons; and, as a Priest, having made propitiation, He presents them before GOD in all the beauty and perfection of His Own person and work.

26. "CHRIST suffered being tempted" { V.18 } He never yielded. Men do not suffer when tempted for they take pleasure in the things wherein they are tempted. The spiritual natures suffers. CHRIST trod this path of suffering. He was tested by GOD, tempted by Satan all the agony of it. If the Christian feels the pain of temptation, what must have been pain suffered by the sinless nature of JESUS! He was truly a Man of sorrows . . . He suffered being tempted. The LORD's humiliation is pointed to in this chapter as a four-fold necessity . . . to glorify GOD V. 10 }; to despoil Satan { V. 14 }; to "accomplish propitiation [ i.e., make reconciliation and restore the relationship" ] { V. 17 }; and to help the tempted.

27. Propitiation was not antecedent to GOD's love but GOD's love planned propitiation. This High Priest { V. 17 }; is declared to be GOD, Son of GOD, Son of Man, Heir of all things, Creator of the worlds, Sin-purger, Captain of salvation, Apostle, and Son over His Own House. { V. 14 } makes fools out of the Gnostic and Christian Science doctrine that CHRIST had no physical human body, and that He never died in that body. { V. 13 } may be thus paraphrased; "As for me I will company with those who are putting their trust in You." He as a Believer is living a life of faith in the heavenlies, awaiting with His fellow-believers the fulfillment of the promises. The "many sons" need a Captain { V. 10 } because they are week, and a priest { V. 17 } because they are sinful. The family of GOD is here treated of. . . . CHRIST is the Head of the family, and consequently, its Priest!

30. Faith in CHRIST JESUS is the only requirement for salvation. All works and sacrifices of the law have been done away, now it is pure Grace through CHRIST JESUS, see { Romans 6:13-14 }. When folks choose to perform any type of works such as "water Baptism," for salvation, what they are doing is causing themselves to be disobedient to the faith that saves them, they are relying on the works of this "Baptism" performed by mere men to complete the process of salvation. Shame! What does Paul say about salvation today?

31. { V. 24 } Scripture: "Being justified freely by 'His Grace [ His unmerited favor and mercy' ] through the redemption that is [ provided ] in CHRIST JESUS:

32. { V. 25 }: Whom GOD has set forth to be a 'propitiation [ sin bearer' ] through faith in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of GOD;

33. The above { V. 25 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Whom GOD put forward [ before the eyes of all . . . as a mercy seat and propitiation by His blood . . . the cleansing and life-giving sacrifice and atonement and reconciliation . . . ( to be received ) through faith. This was to show the LORD's righteousness, because in His Divine forbearance He had passed over and ignored former sins without punishment."

34. { V. 26 }: To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be just, and the justifier of him which believes in JESUS, { Romans 3:24-26 }."

35. The above { V. 26 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "To declare [ to demonstrate and prove' ], I say, at 'this present time' His Own righteousness: that He might be just, and 'the justifier i.e., CHRIST justifies and accepts as righteous' of him which 'believes and has true faith' in JESUS CHRIST."

36. Commentary . . . To justify was a legal term meaning to secure a favorable verdict, to acquit, to vindicate, to declare righteousness, see { Deuteronomy 25:1 }. It is an act of GOD { Romans 8:33 }, who takes the initiative and provides the means through the redemption that is in CHRIST JESUS. The sinner who believes in CHRIST receives GOD's gift of righteousness { Romans 5:17 }, which then enables the LORD to pronounce him righteous. What about propitiation in the above verse? The mercy seat as is mentioned in { Hebrews 9:5 }, CHRIST is pictured as the mercy seat where GOD's holy demands were satisfied, see { Leviticus 16:14 - & - 26 } above. The LORD can remain just when declaring righteous the one who believes in JESUS and who is thus forgiven of his sins.

[ Lesson 25. ] What About The Samaritans What Do They Have To Do With Baptism? . . .

1. Commentary . . . Who were the Samaritans? They were located on a mountain called the "Watch Mountain." It was a terraced hill in the center of a basin-shaped valley, a continuation of the Shechem valley, six miles N. W. of Shechem. The owner, Shemer, sold it for two silver talents to Omri King of Israel in about [ 925- B.C. ], who built on it a city and called it after Shemer { 1- Kings 16:23-24 }. These Samaritans were Gentiles, but in 409 B.C. Manasseh, of priestly descent, having been expelled for an unlawful marriage by Nehemiah, built a temple on mount Gerizim for the Samaritans by Darius Nothus' permission. Hence forward, the Samaritans refused all kindness to the pilgrims on their way to the feasts at Jerusalem and often waylaid them.

2. John Hyrcanus destroyed the Gerizim temple, but the Samaritans still directed their worship towards it; then they built one at Shechem. The Pentateuch was their sole code; for their copy they claimed an antiquity and authority above any Hebrew manuscripts. Hebrew renegades joined them; hence they began to claim Hebrew descent, as the Samaritan woman { John 4:12 } says "Jacob our father."

3. Possibly though there is no positive evidence, that the Israelis were completely swept from the fastnesses of the Samaritan hills, and perhaps some of the Israelis may have intermarried with the Samaritans. The average Hebrews generally speaking, recognized no Israelite connection with the Samaritans as far as relationship is concerned. In sending forth the 12 Apostles, CHRIST identifies the Samaritans with Gentiles, see { Matthew 10:5-6 }; He also distinguishes them from Jews { Acts 1:8; - & - John 4:22 }.

4. Omri was remembered for two things: he built Samaria, making it the capital and giving its name to the entire northern Kingdom of Israel; and he became the most wicked King up to that time, though his son Ahab outdid him, { 1- Kings 16:24; 33 }. Samaria became the center of idolatrous worship { V. 32 }. See also { Hosea 8:5-6; - Amos 3:12-15; - 6:1-6; - & - Micah 1:5-7 }. It fell to the Assyrians in 722 B.C. { 2- Kings 17:5 }.

5. At the time { V. 5 } was written, the city of Samaria was called "Sebaste." Some texts read "a city of Samaria." The word "sorcery" in { V. 9 } below, speaks of Simon as being a practitioner of magic, quackery, and various kinds of sorcery, he may have also made Messianic claims. Notice also in { Vs. 15-17 }: though the Samaritans had been "Baptized" with water { V. 12 }, the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT was delayed until Peter and John came and laid their hands on them.

6. In this present age, the SPIRIT of GOD inters into a Child of GOD at the moment he is saved, otherwise he would not be saved, see { Ephesians 1:13 }. Therefore, at that time however, it was imperative that the Samaritans be identified with the Apostles and the Jerusalem Hebrew Assembly so that there would be no rival Samaritan Assemblies. . . .

7. { V. 9 } Scripture: ". . . there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Sama'ria, giving out that himself was some great one:

8. { V. 10 }: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of GOD.

9. { V. 11 }: And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

10. { V. 12 }: But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the Kingdom of GOD, and the name of JESUS CHRIST, they were "Baptized," both men and women.

11. { V. 13 }: Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was "Baptized," continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done, { Acts 8:9-13 }."

12. The above 5 verses paraphrased in commentary form. . . { 9 } Scripture: ". . . there was a certain man, called Simon, which for some time now in the same city used sorcery and practiced magic arts, quackery, and bewitched the people of Sama'ria to the utter amazement of the Samaritan nation, giving out that he himself was some extraordinary and distinguished great one, { 10 }: To whom they all gave heed and earnest attention to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the exhibition of the power of GOD which is called great . . . 'intense.' { 11 }: And to him they 'had regard thus, they were attentive and made much of him,' because for a long time he had 'bewitched, amazed, bewildered, and dazzled them with his skill in witchcraft, and his sorceries.'

13. { 12 }: But when they believed the good news, of the Gospel that Philip was preaching of those things concerning the Kingdom of GOD, and the name of JESUS CHRIST the MESSIAH, they were "Baptized, WITH WATER," observe it does not say 'in water' . . . both men and women. { 13 }: Then even Simon himself believed also - that is, he listened, trusted and relied on the teaching of Philip: and when - i.e., after he was "Baptized," continued 'with Philip being devoted constantly to him,' and wondered, beholding the miracles and 'signs and great power' which was performed and he was utterly amazed."

14. Commentary . . . Notice that Simon believed also, Peter's denunciation in { Vs. 20-23 } indicates that Simon's faith was not unto salvation. See { James 2:14-20 }. . . .

15. { V. 14 }: Now when the Apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Sama'ria had received the Word of GOD", they sent unto them Peter and John:

16. The above { V. 14 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . Now when 'the Apostles - i.e., special messengers' which were at Jerusalem heard "that in the small province of Sama'ria that the Samaritans had received, welcomed, and accepted the Word of GOD", they sent the Apostles Peter and John to them . . .

17. { V. 15 }: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the HOLY SPIRIT:

18. { V. 16 }: For as yet 'He [ the HOLY SPIRIT' ] was fallen upon 'NONE' of them [ up to this time ]; only they were "[ water ] Baptized" in the name of the LORD JESUS [ as proselytes into the Hebrew kingdom order ].

19. { V. 17 }: Then [ the two Apostles ] laid they their hands 'on them [ one by one' ], and they received the HOLY SPIRIT, { Acts 8:9-17 }."

[ Lesson 26. ] Summation 0f This Part 0f 0ur Message. . . .

1. If what most Ministers teach today is true concerning "water Baptism," and that the Body of CHRIST began at Pentecost, they must be wrong about the SPIRIT entering into a Believer at the time he becomes a Christian! Are these Ministers unsaved because they teach "water Baptism?" Never would we say anything like that! We believe that the average Minister is a godly Christian, but we also believe that he was not taught correctly in his Bible College, and has been "taught [ brain washed" ] with denominational Church doctrine instead of Bible doctrine! { Acts Ch. 8: } is several years after Pentecost, and yet the HOLY SPIRIT had not entered into the Samaritan Believers, "why not IF THIS was during this present GRACE Period as many teach?"

3. { V. 42 } Scripture: "And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of GOD to be the judge of quick and dead .

4. { V. 43 }: To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name who-ever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins.

5. The above { Vs. 42-43 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . { 42 }: "And 'CHRIST' commanded us to preach to the people, and to 'testify and bear solemn testimony' that it is He which was ordained of 'GOD the FATHER' to be the judge of the 'quick [ living' ] and the 'dead [ lost, i.e., those whom are lost to CHRIST'. . . . { 43 }: To Him give all the prophet s 'witness testifying', that through His name who-ever believes and gives themselves freely by placing their trust in 'CHRIST' shall receive 'remission [ forgiveness' ] of sins through the LORD's name.

6. { V. 44 }: While Peter yet spoke these words, the HOLY SPIRIT fell on all of them which heard the word [ of his message ].

7. { V. 45 }: And they of the circumcision which believed were "astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on "the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT.

8. { V. 46 }: For they heard them speak with tongues and magnifying GOD. Then answered Peter, . . .

9. The above { Vs. 45-46 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . { 45 }: And they of the 'circumcision [ Hebrews' ] which believed were "astonished, surprised, and amazed", for as many as came with Peter, because of that which concerned "the Gentiles - as soon as they too believed as proselytes" on them also was poured out the free gift of the HOLY SPIRIT. . . { 46 }: For they which were Hebrews heard them i.e., the now saved proselytes who beforehand had been Gentiles now did: speak with "unknown foreign languages," extolling and magnifying GOD. Then answered Peter saying, . . .

10. { V. 47 }: Can any man forbid water, that these [ proselytes ] should not be "Baptized," which have received the HOLY SPIRIT as well as we?

11. { V. 48 }: And he "commanded them" to be "Baptized" in the name of the LORD . . ., { Acts 10:42-48 }."

12. Commentary . . . Notice in { V. 44 } in the case of these proselyte converts, the gift of the SPIRIT came before they were "Baptized with water!" Also that they received the same kind of power to speak in different languages just like those at Pentecost. These Gentiles became saved as Hebrew proselytes into the Hebrew Kingdom order, and under the kingdom Gospel of Peter. This program was to be gradually . . . and temporarily . . . replaced by the parenthetical program of the Mystery Gospel and Commission of Paul. See { Acts 26:16; - & - 2- Corinthians 12:1 }. Observe also that Peter did 'NOT' ask these proselytes if they wished to be "Baptized" but Commanded them to do so! Do you know of a single time that a new Christian was commanded to be "Baptized?" Or, when have you ever actually heard of a person 'commanded' to "Baptize" a new Child of GOD? Also, we notice that these folks were "Baptized in the name of the LORD instead of "In the name of "Father, Son and Holy Spirit" as was also commanded in { Matthew 28:19 }.

13. A further change in the program with respect to "water Baptism" is found in the narrative of the conversion of Cornelius and his household. Here Peter was interrupted "while [ he ] yet spoke," as his hearers received the HOLY SPIRIT { V. 44 }. "Astonished," notice what Peter said in { V. 47 }. And thus these first Gentiles after they believed were "Baptized with" water after having been already "Baptized" by CHRIST "WITH" the HOLY SPIRIT of power. They were saved simply by believing Peter's words: "Whoever believes in Him shall receive 'remission ( FORGIVENESS ) of sins,' { V. 43 }."

14. Peter would, of course, have gone on with his message in accordance with his commission, had he not been interrupted, but when he preached the truth of the necessity of faith in CHRIST, GOD had interrupted him, and his hearers believing, were "Baptized- WITH the SPIRIT." Look again at { V. 45 }, and notice that these Hebrew proselytes who had beforehand been Gentiles had now received the GIFT of the power of the HOLY SPIRIT, and in the next verse they miraculously spoke in different foreign languages because of the power they had received. Remember, this language GIFT of the SPIRIT was poured out upon them!

16. { V. 38 } Scripture: "Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that though this Man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

17. { V. 39 }: And by Him all that believe: are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses, { Acts 13:38-39 }."

18. The above { Vs. 38-39 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . { 38 }: "Be 'it clearly' known unto you therefore, men and brethren and be it perfectly understood, that though this Man is preached unto you 'the forgiveness and removal' of sins is now proclaimed to you . . . { 39 }: And that through CHRIST every person who believes in CHRIST JESUS, i.e., who acknowledges CHRIST as Saviour and devotes himself to CHRIST is absolved cleared and freed from every charge from which you could not be justified and freed by the old Law of Moses, and given right standing with GOD."

19. Commentary . . . In { Vs. 47-48 } above, it is likely that a container of water was brought to the Apostle that he might sprinkle it on these folks to "Baptize" them, also we find no mention of them being buried or submerged any where in water. This is not necessarily the beginning of a new order concerning the Body of CHRIST, but was a sovereign act of the SPIRIT of GOD apart from which Peter probably would not have "Baptized" these Gentiles, as is evidenced by his complete surprise that GOD had granted this same gift to them.

27. "Water Baptism," as Paul stated, was not an ordinance that he was to enforce or practice during this Grace age. But, Paul was commissioned to teach the LORD's supper as a "MEMORIAL," for us, if we should feel ourselves worthy to take part in it today. See { 1- Corinthians Ch. 11 }.

[ Lesson 27. ] We Mention Again: What About All Those Ordinances?. . .

1. { V. 13 } Scripture: "And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your 'flesh, has He [ GOD Himself' ] 'quickened [ brought to life' ] together with 'Him [ CHRIST' ], having [ freely ] forgiven you all 'trespasses: [ transgressions' ]; . . .

2. { V. 14 }: Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, "and took it [ the Mosaic Law and its ordinances ] out of the way, nailing it to the Cross;" . . .

3. The above { V. 14 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Having canceled and blotted out and forever wiping away the handwriting of the legalistic ordinances with their legal decrees and demands, which was in force under the old Law and stood against us and was hostile to us. These regulations, decrees and demands the LORD JESUS set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing them to His Cross." . . .

4. { V. 15 }: And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it , { Colossians 2:13-15 }."

5. The above { V. 15 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . And The LORD having 'spoiled and disarmed' the principalities and powers that were ranged against us, and thus, He made a show of them i.e., He made a bold display and public example of them openly, triumphing over them 'in it - His Cross' ], { Colossians 2:13-15 }."

6. Commentary . . . Handwriting of ordinances = a certificate or acknowledgment of debt in the handwriting of the debtor. 'The Mosaic Law [ which Paul's phrase symbolizes' ] put us in debt to GOD with sin; this debt He has canceled by nailing it to the Cross of CHRIST forever. CHRIST has made full payment. JESUS did not immediately reveal to the Apostles that He had completely fulfilled the Mosaic Law at the time of His death. Neither were they aware nor did they comprehend that the Kingdom Gospel and its Great Commission in { Matthew 28:19-20 } was to shortly be set aside in favor of Paul's Mystery Gospel and Commission of { Ephesians 3:8-9; - & - 2- Corinthians 5:14-21 } that superseded the former Gospel and commission. They after being filled with the SPIRIT of GOD, still taught the ordinances of the Kingdom as before, but in "due time" they would learn differently. Even the average minister today cannot understand the difference or the change in Dispensations!

7. { V. 5 } Scripture: "For there is one GOD, and one Mediator between GOD, and men, the man CHRIST JESUS;'

8. { V. 6 }: Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

9. { V. 7 }: Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an Apostle, ( I speak the truth in CHRIST, and lie not; ) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity, { 1- Timothy 2:5-7 }." .

10. The above { Vs. 5-7 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . { 5 }: "For there is 'one Triune GOD,' and only one Mediator between 'GOD the FATHER', and men, 'and this Mediator is the man CHRIST JESUS;' . . . { 6 }: Who gave Himself a ransom 'for all people, a fact that was, 'to be testified in 'due time and at the right and proper time'. . . { 7 }: 'Whereunto [ as a matter of fact ' ] 'I am - i.e., have been appointed' and ordained a preacher, and 'an Apostle - a special messenger,' and, . . ., I speak the truth in CHRIST, and lie not; when I say this, my office is to be 'a teacher of - i.e., to, and for the Gentiles in the realm of faith and verity of truth', { 1- Timothy 2:5-7 }."

11. { V. 2 } Scripture: "In hope of eternal life, which GOD, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

12. { V. 3 }: But has in "due times" manifested His Word through preaching, which 'is committed to me according to the commandment of GOD our Saviour, { Titus 1:2-3 }."

13. The above { Vs. 2-3 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . { 2 } "Resting In hope of eternal life, 'which the eternal truthful GOD,' that 'cannot lie and cannot deceive,' and was, promised before 'the world or ages of time' began; . . . { 3 }: But now has in "due times" i.e., His own appointed time 'manifested - made known' His Word and revealed it as His message through preaching, which 'is committed and entrusted to me Paul' according to the commandment of GOD our Saviour JESUS CHRIST, { Titus 1:2-3 }."

14. Scripture: "But now the righteousness of GOD without the law is manifested being witnessed by the law and the prophets, { Romans 3:21 }." See { Romans 7:25 }.

15. The above { V. 21 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "But now the righteousness of the LORD has been revealed independently and together apart from the Mosaic Law, although actually it is attested by the law and by the prophets of old."

17. { V. 29 } Scripture: "Men and brethren let me freely speak to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher is with us unto this day.

18. { V. 30 }: Therefore 'being a prophet, and knowing that GOD had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up CHRIST to set on his throne;

19. { V. 31 }: He seeing this before spoke of the resurrection of CHRIST, that His soul was not left in hell, neither did His flesh see corruption, { Acts 2:29-31 }."

20. The above { Vs. 29-31 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . { 29 }: "Men and brethren it is permitted by the LORD for me to speak to you confidently 'so: let me freely speak to you of the patriarch David,' that he is both dead and buried, and his 'sepulcher i.e., his tomb' is still with us unto 'this very day as anyone can plainly see' . . . { 30 }: Therefore 'being however' a prophet, and knowing that 'GOD had sworn and sealed with an oath to him,' that of 'the fruit of his loins one of David's descendants', according to the flesh, He our Heavenly Father would raise up CHRIST to set on King David's throne;' . . . { 31 }: He 'who foresaw' this before - 'spoke with foreknowledge' of the resurrection of CHRIST the MESSIAH, witnessing of the fact that CHRIST's soul was not left - that is, 'did NOT' become deserted even though He had died and His soul and spirit had descended into the Paradise section of Hades, and you can be assured that the LORD's flesh 'did NOT' see corruption, { Acts 2:29-31 }."

22. { V. 19 } Scripture: [ "change your mind through prayer 'and ] Repent you therefore,' and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the time of refreshing shall come from the presence of the LORD;

23. { V. 20 }: And He shall send [ to you ] JESUS CHRIST [ the MESSIAH ], which before was preached to you:

24. { V. 21 }: Whom the 'Heaven must receive [ and retain' ] until the times of 'restitution [ complete restoration' ] of all things, which GOD has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began, { Acts 3:19- 21 }."

26. The word rendered "refreshing [ Greek: anapsyxis" ] is and may be translated "respite" see { Exodus 8:15 }. Prior to the time when the FATHER shall send JESUS CHRIST again to this earth, He Who has now ascended into Heaven. The believing Hebrew remnant will repent and turn to their MESSIAH in preparation for the Millennial reign of CHRIST which is to follow, see { Deuteronomy 30:1-3; - & - Zechariah 12:10-14 }.

27. Peter implores national Israel to repent of their sins so that they may be part of that remnant when the "times of refreshing" comes. The word "restitution" [ Greek: apokatastasis, 'V. 21' ] should perhaps be rendered "fulfillment" or "establishment." It is a restoration to the former state in the program of GOD. Although at the time of the writing of these verses, things looked very bleak for national Israel.

[ Lesson 28. ] Notice The Function And Commission Of Anani'as . . .

1. Commentary . . . Besides all the above, nevertheless Peter assures the Israelites that the LORD will once again deal with the Hebrew Nation in a blessed and bountiful way, see { Romans 11:26-27 }. But, what does all of this have to do with "Baptism?" You notice that there is nothing above in our message that gives any proof that "water Baptism" has been passed down to this Body of CHRIST Period, neither the ordinance or the mode of this ritual can be found to apply to this Christian age!

3. { V. 7 } Scripture: "And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said to them, Men and brethren, you know how that a good while ago GOD made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. And, we repeat this next verse . . .

4. { V. 8 }: And GOD, which knew the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the HOLY SPIRIT, even as He did to us.

5. The above { Vs. 7-8 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . { 7 } "And afterward 'when there had been a long debate and' much disputing, Peter rose up, and said to them', Men and brethren, you know how that a good 'while ago during the Kingdom administration' GOD made a 'choice - i.e., a selection from among us,' that the Gentiles by my mouth 'should hear the word of the Gospel concerning the attainment through CHRIST of salvation in the Kingdom of MESSIAH,' and believe. . . . { 8 }: And GOD, Who is acquainted with, understands, and knew the 'hearts - i.e., the minds of the people,' bare them witness - that is, He bore witness to them,' giving them the HOLY SPIRIT, even as He did to us in the recent past. . . .

6. Commentary . . . Concerning the words above in { V. 7 } "The Gentiles by my mouth," was a reference to Peter's ministry in the house of Cornelius, see { Acts 10:44 }. It is very important to understand that what Cornelius received was what Peter and all the other Israelites had received at Pentecost, see { Acts 11:16 }. Remember at Pentecost folks were "Baptized WITH" the SPIRIT of power by "ALMIGHTY GOD [ The Three In One" ] and not into the Body of CHRIST by GOD the HOLY SPIRIT.

7. { V. 9 }: And put no difference between us and them, 'purifying their Hearts [ minds' not with water but ] by "faith, { Acts 15:7- 9 }."

9. You will notice in { V. 9 } that the purifying of their minds was now by faith and by strong conviction. It must also be taught over and over so that it will be imprinted in the mind, that CHRIST JESUS never "Baptized" us into Himself, but the HOLY SPIRIT is the one Who performs this act. It was the LORD JESUS Who "Baptized" the Kingdom Believers "WITH" the SPIRIT of power. The HOLY SPIRIT today "Baptizes" new Children of GOD the FATHER into CHRIST and into CHRIST's Body of Saints. It takes all three of the 'One TRINITARIAN GOD' to perform these procedures!

11. { V. 17 } Scripture: "And Anani'as went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on 'him [ the Apostle Paul' ] said Brother Saul, the LORD, even JESUS, that appeared to you in the ways you came, has sent me, that you might receive your sight, and be filled with the HOLY SPIRIT.

12. { V. 18 }: And immediately there fell from 'his [ Paul's' ] eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was "Baptized," { Acts 9:17-18 }."

13. Scripture: "And 'now [ Paul' ] why do you 'tarry [ delay' ]? arise, and be "Baptized [ Baptizo," ] and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the LORD, { Acts 22:16 }."

Saul appeared on the Damascus Road, the LORD JESUS appeared to him from the Heavenlies. This was where Paul received salvation but was blinded until Anani'as had laid hands on him, and then his sight returned to him. Notice in the verse, 'Saul [ Paul' ] arose to be "Baptized [ Baptizo" ] by Anani'as. Notice also the words in { V.16 }" "and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the LORD." All those today who are steeped in traditionalism try to prove their ritualistic understanding by these verses. Notice that the Body of CHRIST had not as yet begun because Paul was still called Saul, his Hebrew name.

15. But, after the Body of CHRIST came on the scene he would then be called Paul his "Roman Gentile name, after all he was called in a special calling as the Apostle of this present Grace Period." Notice also in { Acts 13:7 } his name is still Saul, but in { V. 9 } there is a change from Saul to Paul, you also see this in { V. 13 } and thereafter. . . . This is the place that is believed by many great Bible teachers where the Body of CHRIST really first began even though the time period was still in transition until the end of { Acts Ch. 28 }. Read { V. 28 }.

16. Whereas those who believe in "ritual water Baptism" but reject the laying on of hands, which definitely refers to works, get a headache from some of these verses. This last group also really doesn't know exactly how to deal correctly with the words: "and wash away your sins." The words and "wash away your sins" refers to being purified by being "Baptized" for remission of sins as in { Mark 1:4; - 16:16; - Matthew 3:11; - & - Acts 2:38. } One more thing to notice here is that like the future Rapture, where CHRIST comes down into the atmosphere of this earth to take the Body of CHRIST home into the heavenlies: when Paul was converted, CHRIST came down almost to this earth to call Paul into a new ministry to teach the new "Gospel of the Mystery."

20. You will notice that in { V. 17 } above, Saul was filled "WITH" the HOLY SPIRIT and his sight was restored before he received his "Baptismal" ritual and NOT afterwards. It should also be noted that Anani'as in { Ch. 22:12-15 }, was a perfect witness to Saul's conversion, and the one who told Saul what he must do in accordance with the LORD's future program. This meant that the Dispensation of the Mystery was to be a drastic change from the former Kingdom administration, and Saul would be required to change to this new program. Paul would also have to change from his Hebrew name Saul to his Roman name Paul in order to teach the Gentiles the Mystery Gospel of Grace. Incidentally, the name Paul means "Little."

21. { V.12 } Scripture: "And Anani'as, a devout man according to 'the [ old Mosaic ] law [ system' ], having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, . . .

22. { V.13 }: Came to me, and stood, and said to me, Brother Saul, receive your sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.

23. { V.14 }: And he said, the GOD of our fathers has chosen you, that you should know His will, and see that Just One, and should hear the voice of His mouth.

24. { V.15 }: For you shall be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard, { Acts 22:12-15 }."

With This Above Lesson . . .

25. [ 1 ]: Do you believe that the Apostle Paul was "Baptized" the same way that JESUS was "Baptized?" See { Acts 22:16 }: Was it a burial?

26. [ 2 ]: Could it be that Ananias was wrong to tell Paul what he did, before Paul was "Baptized? See { Acts 22:13-15; - 17:1-3; - 26: 22-23; - & - 2- Corinthians 12:1-7 }.

27. [ 3 ]: Concerning { Acts 22:14-15 }: Would it be right to tell folks in our age that we are under a Commission such as this mentioned in these two verses? See { 2- Corinthians 5:14-21 }.

28. [ 4 ]: Did the Samaritans receive the indwelling of the HOLY SPIRIT before they were "Baptized?" See { Acts Ch. 8 }.

31. [ 7 ]: In { Acts 2:38 } Peter commanded "every person present to be 'Baptized' for forgiveness of sins." Yet many Ministers today especially Baptist, are teaching that "water Baptism" isn't essential for salvation, and will not bring forgiveness. Yet these same Ministers teach that Peter's teaching was during the present Grace period. Is somebody mixed up? . . . Is it the Minister or the Congregation? . . . Are you being taught the truth?

32. [ 8 ]: It seems that 99 percent of all ministers associate the Matthew, Mark and Acts Commissions with the body of CHRIST of today. And, we agree that faith and the sign gifts including "water Baptism" was a requirement at that time for the remission of sins, and that miraculous signs were the evidences of salvation, see { Mark 16:16-18 }. Since these signs do not follow the salvation of literally millions of Christians during this Grace age, doesn't this mean that these Ministers may not be telling us the truth?

36. [ 22 ]: Have you read { Romans 3:24-26 }?

38. [ 24 ]: If the folks mentioned in { Acts 2:38, - & - Mark 16:16 } had all kinds of faith and yet rejected "Baptism" could they have been saved, could they have been forgiven of their sins?

39. [ 25 ]: Would you not state that it is amazing concerning the difference between Paul's teaching about the righteousness of CHRIST and how it provides forgiveness of sins without any works whatsoever in { Romans 3:26-30 }?

42. [ 28 ]: Why was Paul glad he had "Baptized" only a few, and why was he not even sure how many? For the answer see { 1- Corinthians 1:17-18 }. See also { Galatians 2:20 }, read these texts very carefully, and meditate on them very thoughtfully.

43. [ 29 ]: What was the difference between the Pentecostal "Baptism" and John the Baptist's "Baptism?" See { Luke 3:3; - & - Acts 2:38 }.

49. [ 35 ]: Could it be that "Baptism" was an absolute necessity for salvation according to { Matthew 28:19-20; - Mark 16:16 - & - Acts 2:38 }?

50. [ 36 ]: Can you name two things that doesn't make sense when folks teach that "Baptism" was the last command of the LORD for the Body of CHRIST, is this what { Luke 7:29-30 } teaches, or does { Romans 3:24,28; - 5:1,21,9; - 11:5-6; - & - Ephesians 2:8-9 } teach the truth for today? . . .

55. [ 41 ]: How could Ministers that accept the teaching of salvation by Grace apart from works, still teach that "Baptism" in { Luke 7:29-30 } is the "Baptism" of the HOLY SPIRIT that we receive today?

56. [ 42 ]: If a Pastor teaches that { Matthew 28:19-20 } is your "Commission and Baptism" for today, do you think he is correct in his assumption?

57. [ 43 ]: On the other hand, is Paul's Commission portrayed in { 2- Corinthians 5:14-21 } your and Paul's rightful Commission? . . . Is there a great difference between these two Commissions, or, any difference whatsoever?

59. [ 45 ]: Would you write down several reasons why { Matthew 28:19-20; - Mark 16:16; - & - Acts 2:38 } cannot possibly refer to the "Baptism" of the HOLY SPIRIT in this age or in any other age! . . . What do you think? . . . Discuss this in your class.

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Continued in part six of this "Baptismal" message.

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