Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: The Doctrine of Baptism (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled “The Doctrine of Baptisms” – the Spirit is the witness of our salvation, and no one should ever feel that they were saved without it. When you have time, read John 15:26, I John 5:6-13, Romans 8:16, and Galatians 4:6. Beloved, we are complete in Him (Jesus) only as the work of the resurrection is wrought in our hearts. Again, read Colossians 2:12, II Corinthians 1:21-22, and I Corinthians 6:11.

Precious Ones, “baptism” is so important that Paul uses its metaphor when expounding on the importance of having a diet of God’s Word. Paul says that Jesus gave Himself for the church “that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word” (Ephesians 5:26). If the church is ever to be cleansed it must be according to the Word. Some don’t agree with the virtue of water “baptism,” but this doesn’t mean that the virtue isn’t there when used as directed. When water “baptism” is administered in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, with faith in a pure heart, it causes an operation of God that purifies. Peter puts it this way – “Baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (I Peter 3:21). In other words, “baptism” does not rid you of the desires of the flesh, but it does symbolize that your soul (conscience) is cleansed by the association between the act of resurrection performed by Jesus Christ and your act of “baptism” by faith!

Chosen Ones, this same apostle knew the importance of baptism – he was commanded by Jesus Christ to receive the Holy Ghost in the Name of the Lord (Acts 10:44-48). Remember, Ananias told Saul (before his name change), “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away [your] sins” (Acts 22:16). Again, Beloved, this shows that baptism was used to wash away sins. So, we can understand why the apostle taught this as one of the “principles of the Doctrine of Christ.” In the Book of Titus, he called it “the washing of [the] regeneration” (Titus 3:5).

Children of God, I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, Happy Father’s Day. Men, you deserve this celebration. To all of you,

I love you all SO very much.
In His (the Father’s) Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy