Teachinghearts |
El Bautismo
"Explore la Palabra. Cambie el Mundo"
|
Estadísticas:
Tiempo: 50 minutos
Impresión: 10 páginas |
Significado
El Bautismo simboliza la limpieza del pecado de un
creyente. En el Antiguo Testamento, el bautismo de agua era usado por los
gentiles que se convertían al judaísmo. De esta manera, era una ceremonia que
uno usaba para convertirse en un hijo de Dios.
Hay dos tipos de bautismo y ambos son para limpieza del pecado.Uno es de Cristo, el otro es del Espíritu
Santo. Jesús recibió el bautismo del Espíritu Santo en su bautismo de inmersión.
Yo a la verdad os he bautizado con agua; pero él os bautizará con Espíritu Santo.
Aconteció en aquellos días, que Jesús vino de Nazaret de Galilea, y
fue bautizado por Juan en el Jordán. Y luego cuando subía del agua, vio abrirse
los cielos, y al Espíritu como paloma que descendía sobre él. Y vino una voz de
los cielos que decía: Tú eres mi hijo amado; en ti tengo complacencia.
(Marcos 1: 8-11)
- Bautismo por Agua (La Justificación). Este es un símbolo de lo que
Cristo ha hecho por nosotros. Él nos hizo muertos al pecado al morir por
nosotros y enterrando todos nuestros pecados.
Sepultados con él en el
bautismo, en el cual fuisteis también resucitados por él, mediante la fe en el
poder de Dios que le levantó de los muertos. (Colosenses 2:12)
Porque somos sepultados juntamente con él para muerte por el bautismo, a fin de que
como Cristo resucitó de los muertos por la gloria del Padre, así también
nosotros andemos en vida nueva.
(Romanos 6: 4)
De acuerdo a Colosenses 2:12 y Romanos 6:4 este abandono del pecado es simbolizado como:
- Morir al pecado
- Entierro del viejo hombre quien amaba el pecado
- Resurrección a una nueva vida
- Bautismo del Espíritu Santo (La Santificación). Este bautismo nos da
el poder de estar muertos al pecado. La tarea principal del Espíritu Santo es
limpiarnos al escribir la ley de Dios en nuestros corazones. Cuando esto sea
completado, seremos obedientes a Dios y no s dará placer hacer lo que es
correcto. Es Cristo quien hizo estos dos bautismos posibles.
- Bautismo por Fuego (La Glorificación). Este es el momento de nuestra perfección en la segunda venida.
Lavado y Limpieza
Hay varios lavados y limpiezas y símbolos asociados con ellos.
- Sangre. La muerte de Cristo proveyó un camino legal para que Dios
continuara limpiándonos.
- Agua. El agua borra nuestras impurezas externas. Como la circuncisión,
es probablemente nuestra señal pública que hemos entrado en un pacto con Dios.
- Espíritu. El Espíritu lava nuestras impurezas internas.
- Lluvia. La lluvia temprana y la lluvia tardía proveen crecimiento.
Bautismo por Agua
| Bautismo |
|---|
 |
|
Requerimientos
"Y les dijo: Id por todo el mundo y predicad el evangelio a toda criatura. El que creyere y fuera bautizado,
será salvo; mas el que no creyere, será condenado."
(Marcos 16:15, 16)
¿Cómo era hecho un bautismo?
Jesús dijo.
"Por tanto, id,
y haced discípulos a todas las naciones, bautizándolos en el nombre del Padre, y
del Hijo, y del Espíritu Santo; enseñándoles que guarden todas las cosas que os
he mandado; y he aquí yo estoy con vosotros todos los días hasta el fin del
mundo." (Mateo 28: 19)
- Después de Arrepentirse.
"Pedro le dijo: Arrepentíos, y bautícese cada
uno de vosotros en el nombre de Jesucristo para perdón de los pecados; y
recibiréis el don del Espíritu Santo." (Hechos 2:38.)
- Después de Enseñar.
Por tanto, id, y enseñad a todas las naciones…
Enseñándoles que guarden todas las cosas que os he mandado. (Mateo 28: 19)
- En el Nombre de la Trinidad.
Por tanto, id y haced discípulos a todas
las naciones. Bautizándolos en el nombre del Padre, y del Hijo, y del Espíritu
Santo. (Mateo 28: 19)
Reconocer a la trinidad en el bautismo es
importante porque cada uno trae su propio set de dones que nos limpian del
pecado. El Padre nos da al Hijo. El Hijo nos da al Espíritu Santo. El Espíritu
Santo nos da frutos y dones poderosos.
- Por inmersión. La persona siendo bautizada era sumergida en el agua
para simbolizar la muerte y el entierro. De la misma manera cuando sale del
agua simboliza la resurrección. En ambos casos ellos iban donde había mucha
agua.
"Y mandó parar el carro; y descendieron ambos al agua,
Felipe y el eunuco, y le bautizó. Cuando subieron del agua, el espíritu
del Señor arrebató a Felipe; y el eunuco no le vio más, y siguió gozoso su
camino." (Hechos 8:38, 39)
"Y aconteció en aquellos días, que Jesús
vino de Nazaret de Galilea, y fue bautizado por Juan en el Jordán. Y luego,
cuando subía del agua, vio abrirse los cielos, y al espíritu como
paloma que descendía sobre él. Y vino una voz del cielo que decía: Tú eres mi
Hijo amado; en ti tengo complacencia." (Marcos 1:9 - 11.)
El Mikvah
(Bautismo Antiguo) |
|---|
El Mikvah era un baño ritual usado para la limpieza y la purificación.
El agua debía provenir de un surco natural de agua corriente como lluvia,
nieve, río, manantial y pozo.
El cuerpo completo, desde la cabeza
hasta los pies era sumergido en el agua.
Era usado por los judíos para
toda limpieza y por los gentiles que se convertían al judaísmo. Todos los
varones se lavaban antes del Día de la Expiación y los sacerdotes se
lavaban antes de entrar al santuario. Las mujeres se lavaban después de
haber sido separadas por doce días a causa de su ciclo menstrual.
|
|
Prácticas actuales de Bautismo
Hoy hay muchos métodos de bautismo.
- Que. Bautismo con agua, rosas o vino.
- Método. Bautismo rociando, derramando o sumergiendo.
- Quien. Bautismo de adultos, bebés y niños.
- Como. Algunas personas bajan al agua tres veces, una por cada persona
de la trinidad. Otras una sola vez.
- Nombre. Algunos bautizan en el nombre de Jesús solamente. Otras en el
nombre de la trinidad.
Conclusión: Los Requisitos del Bautismo
Sin embargo, ciertos rituales eran requeridos.
- Adultos. La persona debe ser enseñada. El bautismo de los bebés no es
válido porque un niño no puede aprender o arrepentirse o hacer una elección
informada.
- Trinidad. Jesús mandó el bautismo en el nombre de la trinidad. (Mateo 28: 19)
- Inmersión. Solamente el bautismo por inmersión en el agua representa
el simbolismo de la limpieza, muerte, entierro y resurrección.
- Agua. Solamente el bautismo por agua fue hecho. El bautismo por total
inmersión en el agua es el método usado en el Mikvah.
Bautismo del Espíritu
El bautismo limpia de pecado. De esta
manera, el propósito del bautismo del Espíritu es darnos los frutos del
Espíritu. Los dones del Espíritu, como la profecía, sanidad, milagros y
enseñanza no nos limpian del pecado. Pero los frutos del Espíritu como el amor,
el gozo, y la fe demuestran que hemos sido limpiados por dentro.
De esta
manera, el bautismo del Espíritu es el proceso por el cual el Espíritu
desarrolla los frutos permanentes en nosotros. El elimina la necesidad del
pecado de nuestras mentes y corazones, en el núcleo mismo de nuestro ser. Los
dones del Espíritu son temporarios y diferentes. Ellos no demuestran que somos
salvos. Ellos son simplemente dados a los santos para pelear contra el mal y
traer más gente a los pies de Cristo porque los malvados son atraídos por
señales exteriores. Los dones desparecerán cuando lleguemos al cielo. Los frutos no.
Bautizado por Aguas Vivientes
Jesús prometió que los ríos espirituales de agua será el Espíritu
Santo. Y que esas aguas comenzaran dentro de nosotros. Otra vez, esta imagen es
la transformación de la mente y el corazón desde adentro.
Estaba cerca la fiesta de los judíos, la de los tabernáculos.
En el último y gran día de la fiesta, Jesús se puso de pie y alzó la voz, diciendo: "Si alguno tiene sed, venga a mí y beba".
"El que cree en mí, como dice la escritura, de su interior correrán ríos de agua viva."
Esto dijo del Espíritu que habían de recibir los que creyesen en él; pues aún no había venido el Espíritu Santo,
porque Jesús no había sido aún glorificado. (Juan 7: 2,37-39)
En varios lugares de la Biblia verá una referencia al "Bautismo de Juan" o al
bautismo de laguna otra persona. ¿Qué significa esto?
Todos estos bautismos
ocurrieron después de un éxodo de la esclavitud al pecado, para encontrar a Dios
y establecer un nuevo pacto.
| Diluvio | Éxodo |
 |
 |
|
- Moisés.
y todos en Moisés fueron bautizados en la nube y en el mar. (1 Corintios 10: 2)
Los hebreos estaban dejando una vida de
esclavitud para seguir a Dios. El que les enseñó y los sacó de la esclavitud
fue Moisés. Ellos fueron bautizados cuando fueron rodeados por todos lados con
el mar y cubiertos con la nube. Después, ellos se encontraron con Dios y
establecieron un pacto en el Monte Sinaí y comenzaron una nueva vida.
- Noé.
El también hizo un éxodo del pecado y fue bautizado por las
aguas del diluvio las cuales vinieron desde arriba y desde abajo. Después, el
dejo el arca para establecer un pacto con Dios en el Monte Ararat (Génesis 8: 20-22; 9: 9-17).
Entonces ellos comenzaron una nueva vida.
- Juan. Juan bautizó para alejar a la gente del pecado. Pero el no podía
prometer el Espíritu quien los mantendría alejados de pecar en el futuro.
Yo a la verdad os bautizo en agua para arrepentimiento; pero el que viene
tras mí, cuyo calzado yo no soy digno de llevar, es más poderoso que yo; el os
bautizará en Espíritu Santo y fuego. (Mateo 3: 11)
Entonces me acordé de
lo dicho por el Señor, cuando dijo: "Juan ciertamente bautizó en agua, mas
vosotros seréis bautizados tonel Espíritu Santo". (Hechos 1: 5; Hechos 11:16)
Si Dios pues, les concedió también el mismo don que a nosotros que hemos creído en el Señor
Jesucristo, ¿quién era yo que pudiese estorbar a Dios? ( Hechos 11: 17)
» Rebaptism.
Acts 19: 1-6 shows the case for baptizing again.
The people had only learned about water baptism, which is the baptism that demonstrates repentance. This baptism had always existed through the mikvah.
However, they had never heard about the baptism by the blood of Jesus and the baptism by the fire of the Holy Spirit.
They had not been baptized under the truth of the new covenant. This was a significant part of the Plan of Salvation. They had to signify that they would submit to Jesus and the Spirit by baptism.
- Jesús.
Y yo no le conocía; pero el que me envió a bautizar con
agua, aquél me dijo: Sobre quien veas descender el Espíritu y que permanece
sobre él, ése es el que bautiza con el Espíritu Santo. (Juan 1: 33)
Todos los líderes previos bautizaron con agua e hicieron un pacto.
Jesús hizo lo mismo, pero Su nuevo pacto le dio el Espíritu el cual podía
darle el poder de estar permanentemente libre de pecado. Solamente Él podía
dar el bautismo del Espíritu.
¿O no sabéis que todos los que hemos sido
bautizados en Cristo Jesús, hemos sido bautizados en su muerte? (Romanos 6: 3)
Porque todos los que habéis sido bautizados en Cristo, de Cristo estáis
revestidos. (Gálatas 3:27)
| Agua | Espíritu |
 |
 |
| Arrepentimiento | Santificación |
|
Hechos 2: 38. Arrepentíos y bautícese cada uno de vosotros en el nombre
de Jesucristo para perdón de los pecados; y recibiréis el don del Espíritu
Santo. |
|
Bautismo en el Nuevo Pacto
Juan bautizó con agua solamente, pero Jesús
bautizó también tonel Espíritu. Bajo el nuevo pacto debemos ser bautizados con
el agua y el Espíritu. Arrepentimiento y un nuevo corazón.
Respondió Jesús:
De cierto, de cierto te digo, que el que no naciere de agua y del Espíritu, no
puede entrar en el reino de Dios. (Juan 3: 5)
El bautismo por agua viene
después de enseñar. El bautismo del Espíritu viene después de creer. Ambos
bautismos son necesarios. Esta serie de eventos es dicha de otra manera en el
siguiente versículo.
Así que la fe es por el oír, y el oír, por la palabra de Dios. (Romanos 10: 17)
La fe o creencia, causa el bautismo del
Espíritu Santo. Esta fe viene solo después de que somos instruidos en la palabra
de Dios y creemos. El bautismo por agua es el signo universal de que estamos
dejando detrás la vida de pecado y la muerte, para seguir a cristo. Este
arrepentimiento nos guía a la justificación. Entonces Dios responde dándonos el
Espíritu quien nos trae santificación.
Jesús dijo que si Él no se fuera,
el Espíritu Santo no vendría.
Pero yo os digo la verdad: Os conviene que yo
me vaya; porque si no me fuera, el Consolador no vendría a vosotros; mas si me
fuere, os lo enviaré. (Juan 16: 7)
De acuerdo Juan 7: 39, Jesús debía ser
glorificado primero antes de que el Espíritu pudiera ser dado.
Debido a que
sabemos que el Espíritu Santo siempre ha estado aquí, esto probablemente
signifique que Él no podía venir formalmente a ser la compañía constante bajo el
nuevo pacto. Otro bautismo (o método de limpieza) llegó con este nuevo pacto.
Antes de la muerte de Jesús, los bautismos no podían incluir formalmente este
bautismo del Espíritu bajo el nuevo pacto. Los términos del pacto no podían ser
aplicados hasta la muerte de Cristo. Sin embargo, aquellos que tenían fe podían
asumir esta realidad futura. Lo que es diferente es que ahora el Espíritu podía
ser dado por la imposición de manos. El poder estaba siendo enviado activamente,
no recibido pasivamente a traves de la fe.
La Lluvia
| Viejo Pacto | Nuevo Pacto |
 Crucifixión |
Resurrección |
|
Inauguración |
 Espíritu Santo |
 |
Pentecostés |
|
Tabernáculos |
| Semilla Muerta |
Cosecha de la Cebada |
Primera Gavilla |
Cosecha del Trigo |
Cosecha de los Frutos |
| Muerto al Pecado |
Poder sobre la Muerte |
Poder de Cambiar (dar fruto) |
Poder de ser Útil |
Mucha gente define la lluvia temprana y la tardía como el bautismo del
Espíritu. Yo pienso que esto es demasiado limitado. El propósito de la lluvia
era multiplicar la cosecha. El crecimiento en números no implica limpieza. Ellos
ya habían sido limpiados y estaban unidos. De esta manera, ellos estaban
preparados para reunir la cosecha que el Espíritu traería.
De hecho, Jesús
respiró en sus discípulos y les dio el Espíritu Santo la noche de su
resurrección. Ellos recibieron el Espíritu antes del Pentecostés.
Vosotros también, hijos de Sion, alegraos y gozaos en Jehová vuestro Dios; porque os ha
dado la lluvia a su tiempo, y hará descender sobre vosotros lluvia temprana y
tardía como al principio. (Joel 2: 23)
- Lluvia Temprana. Esto ocurría durante la primavera para realizar la
cosecha del trigo. Su culminación ocurría en Pentecostés.
- Lluvia Tardía. Esta ocurría en el otoño para realizar la cosecha de
los frutos. De esta manera, siguiendo el modelo de Dios, este "segundo
Pentecostés" como es llamado a menudo, debería actualmente ocurrir durante la
fiesta de los tabernáculos.
Sellados
En Él también vosotros, habiendo oído la
palabra de verdad, el evangelio de vuestra salvación, y habiendo creído en él,
fuisteis sellados con el espíritu Santo de la promesa, que es las arras de
nuestra herencia hasta la redención de la posesión adquirida, para alabanza de
su gloria.
(Efesios 1: 13-14)
| El Poder del Espíritu Santo |
|---|
2 Pedro 1: 3-4, 8 dice que el poder divino nos es dado para que podamos
ser lo siguiente:
Fructíferos (Frutos del Espíritu). Esta
parte del poder es el bautismo del Espíritu que nos limpia. En esto
coincide toda la definición de la palabra bautismo. Nos da el poder de
obtener el carácter de Dios para que seamos nuevamente "a Su
imagen".
Útiles (Dones del Espíritu). El poder de ser
útiles. Esta parte del poder no limpia o causa arrepentimiento en las
personas. Esto no es el bautismo. Esto no lo realiza la tarea del
bautismo. Esto nos da el poder de trabajar con el Espíritu para completar
los planes de Dios.
|
|
Somos sellados por el Espíritu Santo para dar a conocer que somos la posesión
de Cristo. Esto significa que somos seleccionados en este nuevo proceso de
adopción donde nosotros nos estamos convirtiendo en hijos de Dios. ¿Hay alguna
señal de que somos sellados?
- Frutos del Espíritu: Cambió Mente y Corazón. La señal más importante
de que tenemos el Espíritu Santo es la gradual aparición de los frutos. Sin
embargo, esto sucede por un largo tiempo y puede ser invisible a otros
humanos. La evidencia que vemos puede ser subjetiva. Podríamos pensar que
ellos no son lo suficientemente perfectos o que muestran muy lento progreso.
En Juan 17, Jesús describe la verdadera señal por la cual Él está
esperando. Esta señal es el amor y la unidad que es demostrada al mundo por la
iglesia.
- Milagros. Una señal menos importante son los dones del Espíritu. Pero
algunos de estos pueden no ser señales espectaculares y pueden ser mal
interpretados como inteligencia, educación y habilidad superior. Estos dones
son dados para hacer la tarea de Cristo y el don de lenguas es solamente uno
de los dones. De esta manera, una persona puede no tener el don de lenguas u
otros dones de poder que pueden ser inmediatamente reconocidos como la obra de
Dios. La gente a menudo pasa por alto los dones de "ayuda". Estos son la
columna vertebral de muchas iglesias. Las personas consecuentemente se
presenta como voluntarios para hacer todo lo que haga funcionar los servicios
de nuestra iglesia.
- Fuego del Cielo. Las lenguas de fuego que los discípulos vieron eran
signos que son inmediatamente visibles.
Las últimas dos señales serán duplicadas por las fuerzas del mal en los
últimos días. De esta manera, ellas no pueden ser señales de estar bautizados
por el Espíritu Santo.
- Milagros.
Porque ellos son los espíritus de demonios realizando
señales. (Apocalipsis 13: 14).
- Fuego del cielo.
El hace grandes señales, de tal manera que aún hace
descender fuego del cielo a la tierra delante de los hombres y engaña a los
moradores de la tierra con las señales que se le ha permitido hacer.
(Apocalipsis 13: 13).
Su único propósito era darle a la iglesia inmediatamente credenciales
supernaturales. La gente se detendría y escucharía solo sobre la base de lo
que veían. Sin esto, los discípulos serían una voz más en una multitud de
mendigos impotentes.
La única señal que permanecerá en el cielo son los frutos del Espíritu. El
Espíritu Santo de la promesa es dado para completar la promesa del nuevo pacto.
Esto nos da poder para obedecer.
Este es el pacto que haré con ellos Después
de aquellos días, dice el Señor: Pondré mis leyes en sus corazones, y en sus
mentes las escribiré, añade: y nunca más me acordaré de sus pecados y
transgresiones. (Hebreos 10: 16,17).
Así que, ¿es un don particular o necesario el don de lenguas o las lenguas de
fuego? No. Sin embargo. Dios las usó en la iglesia primitiva para ganar fuerza y
para quebrar prejuicios rápidamente. Pedro nunca hubiera creído que los gentiles
eran también parte del plan, si el no los hubiese escuchado a ellos hablar en
lenguas. (Hechos 10:44) Pero antes ellos podían hacer esto, y aún antes de que
fueran bautizados, ellos ya tenían el Espíritu Santo.
En su caso, ellos
creyeron y ese fue el único requerimiento necesario para recibir el Espíritu. En
recompensa a su fe, Dios les dio la única cosa que ellos necesitaban para la
vida eterna. Este era el Espíritu Santo.
| Transferencia Limitada |
|---|
Los malvados o impuros o los que no han sido invitados serán muertos
por la transferencia de poder.
Uza murió cuando tocó el Arca del
Pacto. Los filisteos sufrieron una plaga cuando robaron el Arca. Aún a los
levitas a quienes se les permitía mover el mobiliario no se les permitía
ver o tocar el Arca.
|
|
Transfiriendo Santidad
El poder de Dios puede ser pasado de una persona a otra.
Cuando los apóstoles que estaban en Jerusalén oyeron que Samaria había
recibido la palabra de Dios, enviaron para allá a Pedro y a Juan; Los cuales
habiendo venido, oraron por ellos para que recibiesen el espíritu Santo; porque
no había descendido sobre ninguno de ellos, sino que solamente habían sido
bautizados en el nombre de Jesús. Entonces les imponían las manos, y recibían el
Espíritu Santo. Cuando vio Simón que por la imposición de las manos de los
apóstoles se daba el espíritu Santo, les ofreció dinero.
(Hechos 8: 14-19).
- Dios Viene Personalmente. El Espíritu Santo vino en la forma de llamas
de fuego y descansó sobre ellos. Esto era para cumplir una promesa.
Y se les aparecieron lenguas repartidas, como de fuego, asentándose sobre cada uno
de ellos. (Hechos 2: 3).
- Servicio de Consagración. Dios viene durante un servicio de ordenación
y hace santos al sacerdote y al altar. (Éxodo 29: 10,15, 19, 21, 24-30, 37,
42-44).
- Respiración. Jesús les da el Espíritu Santo antes del Pentecostés.
Y habiendo dicho esto, sopló, y les dijo: "Recibid el espíritu Santo".
(Juan 20: 22).
| Idolatría y Objetos Santos |
|---|
Una comprensión incorrecta de objetos santos ha causado que la gente
adore objetos inanimados y a personas muertas. Estos objetos no tienen
poder perpetuo independiente de Dios. Es Dios quien realiza el milagro,
no el objeto.
Punto de Contacto del Ministerio.
Un abuso de este poder causa que criminales vendan botellas de agua bendita, tiras de ropa,
monedas bendecidas y objetos que traerán salud, sanidad, autos y romance.
Esto es idolatría en una botella.
|
|
- Toque Activo (Imposición de Manos). Aquellos que tienen el Espíritu
Santo pueden transferir el don a otro tocándolos. Esto no es un evento sin
sentido. Dios no es forzado a ir a una persona que no se ha arrepentido y
hacerlo amigo de Él. De esta manera, los apóstoles siguieron un procedimiento
y aplicaron sabiduría. Las personas primero debían ser enseñadas, bautizadas y
luego mostrar las señales exteriores de que ellas creían.
Este principio de transferir santidad tocando un objeto consagrado una
persona estaba también en el Antiguo Testamento.
Los sacerdotes y sus
ropas se volvían santas porque ellos tocaban el altar que estaba consagrado al
servicio de inauguración. ..
Por siete días harás expiación por el altar,
y lo santificarás, y será un altar santísimo: cualquiera cosa que tocare el
altar, será santificada. (Éxodo 29: 37).
Después, esta santidad podía
ser transmitida al pueblo a traves de sus ropas.
Cuando salgan al atrio
exterior, al atrio de afuera, al pueblo, se quitarán las vestiduras con que
ministraron, y las dejarán en las cámaras del santuario, y se vestirán de
otros vestidos, para no santificar al pueblo con sus vestiduras.
(Ezequiel 44: 19).
El Espíritu Santo los hizo santos en el día del Pentecostés. De esta manera ellos fueron capaces de transferir poder solo tocando, o por
"imposición de manos" (1 Timoteo 4: 14)
 Persona |
|
 Objetos (Ropas) |
Poder de hacer milagros |
 Imposición de manos |
| Dios |
Fe |
|
| Objetos (Altar) |
Tocar |
- Toque Pasivo (Transferir Poder a Traves de la Fe). Una mujer es curada
y limpiada por tocar las borlas azules de Jesús. Mientras la imposición de
manos es una transferencia de poder activo del que tiene poder, una
transferencia de poder pasivo ocurrió a causa de la fe de esta mujer.
Pero una mujer que padecía de flujo de sangre desde hacia doce años, y por ninguno había podido ser curada,
se le acercó por detrás y tocó el borde de su manto; y al instante se detuvo el flujo de su sangre.
Entonces Jesús dijo: "¿Quien es el que me ha tocado?" Y negando todos, dijo Pedro y los que con él estaban: "Maestro, la multitud te aprieta y oprime,'
Pero Jesús dijo: Alguien me ha tocado; porque yo he conocido que ha salido poder de mi.
Y él le dijo: "Hija, tu fe te ha salvado; ve en paz". (Lucas 8: 43-46, 48)
- Toque Activo a Larga Distancia (Transferencia de Poder a traves de
Objetos). Este era el mismo principio por el cual los sacerdotes
transferían poder a traves de sus ropas.
Y hacia Dios milagros
extraordinarios por mano de Pablo. De tal manera que aún se llevaban a los
enfermos los paños o delantales de su cuerpo, y las enfermedades se iban de
ellos, y los malos espíritus salían. (Hechos 19: 11-12)
- Toque Pasivo a Larga Distancia (Transferencia a traves de la Fe).
Jesús sanó al sirviente del soldado a larga distancia.
Y diciendo: Señor,
mi criado está postrado en casa, paralítico, gravemente atormentado. Y Jesús
le dijo: "Yo iré y le sanaré". Respondió el centurión y dijo: "Señor, no soy
digno de que entres bajo mi techo, solamente di la palabra y mi criado
sanara". Al oírlo Jesús, se maravilló y dijo a los que le seguían: "De cierto
os digo, que ni aun en Israel he hallado tanta fe." (Mateo 8: 6-8, 10)
Bautismo por Fuego (Glorificación)
Hay otra limpieza que ocurre al final del tiempo. Después del milenio, la tierra será limpiada con
fuego. En ese momento los santos y la ciudad de Dios permanecerán intocables
dentro del fuego. Este no los destruirá. El fuego destruirá a los malvados.
...
�Quién entre nosotros puede vivir con el fuego consumidor?
�Quién de nosotros puede vivir quemándose continuamente?
El que camina justamente y habla con sinceridad ...
(Isaías 33: 14-15)
Para preparar se para esta limpieza, la iglesia tiene un pequeño
bautismo de fuego con el Espíritu Santo. Como Él nos limpia desde adentro,
nuestros juicios y problemas nos hacen cristianos maduros. Estos problemas son
llamados nuestra prueba de fuego.
…para que sometida a prueba vuestra fe,
mucho más preciosa que el oro, el cual aunque perecedero se prueba con fuego,
sea hallada en alabanza, gloria y honra cuando sea manifestado Jesucristo.
(1 Pedro 1: 7)
The Importance of Baptism
Blood baptism is a gift of God that justifies us.
Water baptism is a sign of the cleansing and sanctification work of the Holy Spirit.
Fire baptism perfects those who have been saved.
| Justification |
Sanctification |
Glorification |
| Sin | Repent |
|
|
Repent | Study | Believe | Baptized | Law | Fruit | Gifts |
Testing | Perfection | Gold |
No Sin |
|
| Blood |
Water |
Water |
Fire |
| Gift |
Our Reponse is Required |
God Examines |
|
|---|
There are several steps in the process of salvation.
We repent and confess our sins, receive the Holy Spirit, study the Word of God, believe in Jesus Christ and get baptized.
This is how we become and remain a Christian.
Everything else that we do is because we have become believers in Christ.
We continue in daily prayer and study, obey the Holy Spirit, take communion (eat bread and wine) and do missionary work to teach others and lead them to Jesus Christ.
- Saved By Baptism?.
Now, just like the issue of salvation by works, the question is "are we saved by baptism?"
My answer is the same. We are not saved by our works, but we do works because we are saved. A life that is being transformed by the work of the Holy Spirit will exhibit the fruits of the nature of God as a part of the natural process
Similarly, we are not saved by baptism, but we get baptized because we realise how we are being saved.
So how do we address statements like these?
- A Believer Will Be Baptized. I agree that anyone who claims to be a believer will not resist baptism.
He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.
(Mark 16: 16)
- Saved By Which Baptism?
1 Peter 3 is a lesson on the historic works of the Holy Spirit.
The same Holy Spirit who pleaded with people at the flood is the One Who raised Jesus and He can cleanse your conscience.
Although this text says that baptism saves, it went on to say that it is not the baptism that washes away dirt from the body (water baptism).
The type of baptism that saves is the one that washes sin from the heart and mind.
Baptism of the Conscience.
Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you, not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience - through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
(1 Peter 3: 21)
This is purely common sense. With water baptism you could be a wet sinner, no better than before you were baptised.
But if the Holy Spirit washes your mind, you will always be clean. You might fail by deliberately backsliding and resisting the Holy Spirit but His baptism cannot fail you.
» Gifts of the Spirit.
Normally, the gifts of the Spirit are given after baptism, but in one case the gifts were given before.
Peter was amazed by this but the fact is that the gifts could be given because the important baptism had already been done (Acts 10: 45 - 47). They had submitted to the Holy Spirit.
Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?
(Acts 10: 47)
- Baptism As A Sign.
So if water baptism is not the baptism that saves you then why do we have to do it if we are obeying the Holy Spirit?
Baptism is the sign that we escaped death through resurrection because of Jesus Christ. It is a powerful statement of the faith.
- Obedience.
Christ did it to fulfill all righteousness.
He did not use such arguments to resist baptism. He simply obeyed and followed all the steps laid out by God.
Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him.
But John tried to prevent Him saying, "I have need to tbe baptized by You, and do You come to me?"
But Jesus answering said to Him, " Permit it at this time, for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all reghteousness." Then he permitted Him.
(Matthew 3: 13-15)
Sometimes the answer is, "because God says so". We should not be searching for exceptions because even in those cases God expects obedience.
So get baptized already!
- Signs Are Important. Some of you still want to know why. Here is my response. It is sin because you are interfering with the Plan of Salvation. Most of these signs are prophecies that reenforce the written prophecies. They are often times sealed until the generation that needs it understands it.
Those who reenact the prophecy while it is sealed will think that it is stupid to take part in crazy rituals.
The symbol cannot end until all the prophecies about it have been completed.
| Signs Before Christ | Christ | Signs After Christ | Signs After the Second Coming |
| Curses |
Lamb | Blood |
|
|
Bread | Wine | Gifts |
|
Law | Fruit | Blessings |
| Death | Mikvah | Water Baptism | Law in the Heart | Life |
|---|
|
|---|
- Animal Sacrifice. They could not save, God hated it, yet Israel had to do it until the crucifixion (Hebrews 10: 8-9).
Participation in this ritual means that you have accepted the fact that in the future, God will send a Lamb Who will take away your sins.
Christ recognized His duties in those rituals. He is the Lamb of God. 2000 years later we are able to confirm that He was the Messiah because we have the record that identified Him.
- Circumcision. It is a symbol of joining the covenant which prophesies that a special male child in Israel would be cut off to fulfill the covenant.
- Communion (Seder). It is a symbol of the order of events that lead to the death and resurrection and Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Participation in this ritual means that you have accepted the fact that the blood of Christ that was shed in the past brought salvation which will be fully realized at the Second Coming.
We will celebrate this fact forever in a feast with bread and wine.
For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you do show the Lord's death till He comes.
(1 Corinthians 11: 26)
- Baptism. It is a physical symbol of our spiritual death, burial and resurrection in Christ. Since belief is required before baptism, it is an outward sign of our acceptance of the work of Christ that is being done in us through the Holy Spirit.
It is also a sign of the future perfection of our bodies in the resurrection.
Christ is washing away sin, burying the old, sinful man and raising a new creature.
In the Likeness (Visual Example).
Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we will also be in the likeness of His resurrection.
(Romans 6: 4-5)
The symbol of perfection promised by baptism are not totally fulfilled in you, so you must do it.
- Sabbath. The Sabbath is the permanent sign that God gives rest, even rest from sin.
» Here's Mud in Your Eye Satan!
This is the baptism of death that Satan had prepared for us.
He wanted us to be degraded to the level of cannibals, then condemned to death when the law examined us, to be slaughtered by spilling our blood, and then to be sent to hell fire to be burned up so that we are cut off forever.
The baptisms of God help us survive this death and annhilation planned for us.
These signs are important because they point to the work of Jesus Christ. We honor Him when we do them.
Becoming A Christian
When does someone officially become a believer or a Christian?
What are the steps on becoming a Christian?
There are at least four general steps in becoming and learning about Christianity.
We repent, believe, study and then are baptized.
Will we be lost if we do not complete all these steps?
Which are necessary? Which saves us?
» The Roman Jailor. He followed all four steps.
- Repent.
after he brought them in he said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved."
(Acts 16: 30)
- Believe.
... "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.
(Acts 16: 31)
- Learn About Jesus (Study).
And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house.
(Acts 16: 32)
- Baptized.
And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household.
(Acts 16: 33)
» The Ethiopian Eunuch. Although the middle steps were reversed, He also followed all steps.
- Repent. Long before Philip met the man reading Isaiah 53, he had decided to come to Jerusalem to worship.
He did not fully understand what he was reading, but he had made a decision to come and worship. He recognized that he needed to change.
- Learn About Jesus (Study).
Then Philip opened his mouth and beginning from this scripture he preached Jesus to him.
(Acts 8: 35)
- Believe. This shows that belief in Jesus must precede baptism.
... "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?"
(Acts 8: 36)
And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart then you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God".
(Acts 8: 37)
- Baptized. This demonstrates baptism by immersion.
... and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch and he baptized him.
(Acts 8: 38)
» The Thief on the Cross.
He did not complete all the steps.
He repented while He was on the cross and Jesus said that he will be saved. Yet he did not have the opportunity to be baptized with water after he had repented.
- Repent. He recognized that he was a sinner, deserving death.
But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?
And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds, but this Man has done nothing wrong."
(Luke 23: 40-41)
- Believe. He expressed belief in the innocence and the powerful role of Jesus.
Believed Jesus. And he was saying, "Jesus, remember Me when You come into Your kingdom!"
Saved! And He said to him, "Truly I say to you today, you will be with Me in paradise."
(Luke 23: 42-43)
This single example shows that heart felt, sincere repentance is all that is really important because it is the Holy Spirit in us that brings us to this point.
So a person can pray a sincere prayer of repentence, get hit by a bus in the next ten minutes and still be saved.
» Other People.
There are other people who cannot possibly complete all steps through no fault of their own. Will God destroy them for this? Of course not!
- Young Children. Is a baby lost because they are too young to understand and are not baptized? No! Baptism requires that you must first be taught so that you can make an informed decision. Am I lost because I am unable to read or write or understand language? What would that say about a God Who claims to be more merciful than us?
- Mentally Handicapped. Some people are so mentally impaired that they cannot make a real, informed decision through Bible study which is a prerequisite of baptism. Surely the mercy of God is not so small that it cannot save these people because they have not been baptized?
- Premature Deaths. If someone dies while they are studying to be a Christian will they be lost? Of course not! Their current activities show that they were obeying the Spirit and were on the path to baptism.
We had nothing to do with our justification and blood cleansing. It is a universal gift, falling on the just and unjust like the sunshine and rain.
All we can do is accept it and respond by repenting.
We are babies in the faith at that moment, but we are believers.
I base this on the thief on the cross. He was saved only after repenting.
So continued obedience to the Holy Spirit, Bible study, daily prayer, communion, assembling with the brethren are part of the Plan of Salvation but they are steps done in the maintenance phase (sanctification).
If we do not continue with these activities we are in danger of being lost because Satan will be working very hard to make you fail.
Gift  |
|---|
Jesus  | Holy Spirit |
|---|
| Blood | Water |
|---|
Believe
(Faith) | |  Repent | | Conscience
Law
|
|---|
| Obey | |
| Study | |
| Baptized | Heart |
| Clean Past | New Body | Clean Mind |
|---|
|
|---|
What is Absolutely Necessary For Salvation?
There are several steps of salvation. I make a distinction between what is required for righteousness versus what the righteous will do (fruit).
In my definition, the things that are required for salvation are the things that all saved people must do and what has been done for them.
Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are required for salvation. Fortunately, they have been given as gifts.
Repentance and obedience to the Holy Spirit are the two requirements that must be done by all Christians at all stages of their submission to God so that the cleansing by the blood and water can be effective.
As we grow in the Holy Spirit, we produce fruits.
- Two Streams (Blood and Water).
We have nothing to do with these, they are gifts.
Our salvation began with two streams from Christ that will cleanse us.
The stream of blood cleansed our guilty record and removed the penalty of death for sin and provides forgiveness from the great High Priest for ongoing sin.
The stream of water administered by the Holy Spirit writes the laws into our hearts so that we will never sin again.
Washing the Past.
but He, having offered one sacrifice for sins, for all time, sat down on the right hand of God.
Washing the Mind.
This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord, I will put My laws into their hearts and in their minds I will write them.
And their sins and iniquities I will remember no more.
(Hebrews 10: 12, 16-17)
The cross merely formalized what God had already made available.
The Holy Spirit was active in the Old Testament and Jesus was slain from the "foundation of the world" (Revelation 13: 8). This is why He could forgive sin before the cross and this is how all people from Adam to Christ received real forgiveness.
» A Nation of Priests Enter the Holy Place.
The two streams changed our status as common people and helped us to move from the outer court to the Holy Place where only priests could enter.
The blood was sprinkled at the altar of sacrifice and the priests washed at the laver.
Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus,
... let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
(Hebrews 10: 19, 22)
The Jordan river is muddy. It is not pure. So the pure water that gives the true washing that cleanses the body and mind is the spiritual washing by the Holy Spirit that has been made available by the blood of Jesus Christ.
- Repent.
If this step is not done, the next steps are irrelevant. This step is the crucial step that is needed by all true believers because the wicked might do the other steps but not this one.
We can also say with confidence that if you have made this decision that you already have the Holy Spirit working for you, because even our need to repent has not been left to chance.
It is God Who seeks you out and leads you to repentance and submission to Him.
God Woos Us.
And He was saying, "For this reason I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted from the Father."
(John 6: 65)
» Water for Repentance.
Before knowledge of Christ, all previous baptisms could only acknowledge repentence, the one basic response capable by all sinners with the help of the Holy Spirit.
» When Are We Responsible for Sin?
There is an intriguing text that suggests that whatever you have been convinced is wrong is sin for you and you are responsible (Romans 14: 14; James 4:17).
The reason is that this reveals your attitude towards sin. For example, if you believe that eating chocolate icecream is a sin and you continue to do it, then there is no reason to trust that you will stop stealing office supplies when God reveals this sin to you.
Therefore, babies and mentally handicapped people are not responsible for their sins so that they are led to repentance because they do not yet understand that they are sinning!
So repentance is required when your conscience convinces you.
Learn About Jesus (Study).
True repentance will always get you to heaven, and Bible study will help these people. But Bible study is not a guarantee of salvation for practical reasons. Some are illiterate, handicapped and some study with the intention of resisting the Holy Spirit.
An atheist can study and become a biblical expert, but he never repents or submits to God.
Religion departments in many universities are churning out atheists, agnostics and pastors who are nothing more than social workers because they study and teach religion, criticize and cast doubt on it but never intend to believe or obey.
Religion is treated as a study of social myths and their impact on modern society. So the new pastors are the new sociologists who are guiding the ignorant into the modern truths of science.
- Believe in Jesus.
Jesus is a requirement of salvation. Satan knows religion and He knows the truth about Jesus but that fact will not save him because he will not repent and confess.
You believe that God is one, you do well. The devils also believe and tremble.
(James 2: 19)
So if you believe in Jesus you are doing well, but that will not save you. The devils believe, but will be lost. Many believers who claim to do great works for Jesus will be lost.
Lost Believers.
Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven will enter.
Many will say to Me on that day, "Lord, Lord did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?"
And I will declare to them, "I never knew you, depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness".
(Matthew 7: 21-23)
Belief in Jesus is not enough. You must obey Him. Again, we are pointed back to the work of the Holy Spirit.
But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?
(James 2: 20)
» Blasphemy Against Jesus. Here is another shocking statement.
I know that many people teach that anyone who does not believe in Jesus Christ will be lost. This is not true.
The Gift of Jesus.
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.
(Acts 4: 12)
What is true is that everyone who is saved will be saved because of Jesus whether they know Him or not. This requirement of salvation is a gift.
Paul says that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8: 38-39).
Apparently, not even blasphemy against Him can separate us.
Here lies the problem. You cannot know about Jesus unless you are told and this knowledge is not naturally attained. It is acquired externally, through hearing and understanding.
You cannot be expected to be responsible for what you do not know.
So God makes provision for this and that is why this blasphemy against Jesus is forgiven and this requirement of salvation is a gift.
And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him.
(Luke 12: 10)
» Believe in Jesus. John seems to suggest that belief in Jesus Christ is required for eternal life.
He who believes in the Son has eternal life, but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.
(John 3: 36)
- Choosing to Believe the Testimony. This text is aimed at those who know about Jesus. You cannot choose to believe in Jesus or choose not to believe in Jesus if you have never heard about Him.
He who has received His testimony has set his seal on this, that God is true.
(John 3: 33)
- Disobedient Believers. John says that it is not enough to believe Jesus. You must obey Him.
Jesus gives you the gift of eternal life just for believing.
However, if these believers do not obey Jesus then they will not see this gift of life because they have thrown it away.
This text is not aimed at the person who never heard about Christ or Christians. It is warning believers that they must be obedient.
In order to obey a law, one must be aware that it exists and there are consequences.
In order to believe in something, one has to know it exists. One must see it, hear it or be told about it to know it exists.
Believers Must Be Taught.
How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?
(Romans 10: 14)
If our eternal life or damnation is dependent on any important knowledge, then one must be taught.
So I ask, how are they responsible for believing in Jesus Christ if they have never heard about Him?
Millions have died who have never heard about Jesus. This includes Abraham, Isaac, Moses, king David and all the native American tribes before the arrival of Columbus.
If belief in Jesus is an absolute requirement, then God must make sure that all people have a chance to hear about Him and reject Him before they die.
This is not the case, and if so, it is neither fair nor just.
» Human Standards of Fairness and Justice.
I am not simply applying human wisdom to analyze the problem. God Himself says in Isaiah 45: 20-25 that even when we judge Him with our standards we will acknowledge that He was correct.
So I acknowledge that even the sins we do in ignorance are still sin and still require atonement. This is why there is a process called justification.
So I say that it is unjust and unreasonable to condemn a person to death for an action that they did not know was required and cannot naturally acquire by reasoning.
We can naturally come to learn that murder, rape and robbery are wrong, but we cannot naturally come to the conclusion that we need salvation through the death of a Man named Jesus Christ and that He is God.
- Obey the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is also a gift. But blasphemy against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven. Why? This gift is internal, given at birth and works with your conscience.
... think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.
(Romans 12: 3)
Therefore submission to Him is crucial and is an absolute requirement for salvation.
Anyone who repents has already received and obeyed the voice of the Holy Spirit Who has begun the task of permanently washing away the desire to sin and planting the desire to be obedient.
Many good people will be in heaven who have never heard about Christianity or Jesus Christ!
Jesus said that blasphemy against Him can be forgiven, but not blasphemy against the Holy Spirit!
Those who enter heaven without hearing about Christ did not blaspheme against the Holy Spirit. Consequently, they have demonstrated the working of the Spirit in their hearts by their obedience.
Law Written in The Heart.
For when Gentiles who do not have the law do instinctively the things of the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves,
in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them.
(Romans 2: 14-15)
The Holy Spirit is responsible for everything related to your perfection. He woos. He teaches us and He writes the laws in our heart.
Taught By The Spirit.
As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.
(1 John 2: 27)
| Judges | Judgment |
|---|
| # | Satan | Jesus | Spirit | Saved | Group |
|---|
| 1 | N | Y | Y | Y | Christian |
|---|
| 2 | N | N | N | N |
|---|
| 3 | N | Y | N | Y |
|---|
| 4 | N | N | N | Blasphemer |
|---|
| 5 | N | N | Y | Y |
|---|
| 6 | N | N | Y | Y | Non-Christian |
|---|
| 7 | N | N | N | N |
|---|
» Two Witnesses (After Christ).
The two streams are also from the two witnesses of God who will testify about whether we deserve salvation or not.
- Jesus Christ (Word of God). He is the written witness in the law and the prophets whose testimony must be made available by learning, hearing and reading.
- Holy Spirit (Conscience). He is the internal witness.
According to the law we can only be condemned based on the testimony of two witnesses who agree.
Incredibly, this means that if we do not know about Jesus Christ but the Holy Spirit can testify that we responded to the pleas of our conscience, then we cannot be condemned to death!
Therefore, it takes both the vote of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit to condemn us.
This means that one possibility is also impossible.
It is impossible for the Holy Spirit to testify that we disobeyed Him and yet Jesus testifies that we obeyed Him.
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit speaking to our conscience is only possible if we resist all other authority.
If we resist the Spirit we will resist Jesus.
» Two Witnesses (Before Christ).
The laws did not box God into a corner of injustice.
Two witnesses had to agree to pass the death sentence.
- Satan (Accuser). Before Jesus our representative condemned us to death.
- Holy Spirit (Conscience). He was the internal witness.
Although Satan votes no every time, his vote for execution will not count unless the Holy Spirit also agrees.
So Jesus gives us a warning, Do not grieve the Holy Spirit because His vote is the most important.
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
(Ephesians 4: 30)
- Keep the Commandments. Since people will be saved who never kept all the commandments, they are not required for salvation.
If you do not know by law or experience or example that something is wrong, then you are not responsible.
Ignorance is an Excuse.
Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent.
(Acts 17: 30)
» No More Excuses. However, after Christ, God will remove all excuses. At some point all men will be convinced to repent.
Those who are being led by the Holy Spirit will be convinced that they must obey the law.
Knowing that the righteous must demonstrate obedience to the law, God was also proactive in this area. He did not leave this up to our consciences only, otherwise every man who do what seems right in his own eyes.
So God gave a printed copy of the law on stone and He promised to write it on our hearts with the Holy Spirit.
So this response comes as a consequence of the works of the Holy Spirit.
» God Expects Repentance. This is an ominous warning. God expects belief.
Since choice and belief are necessary, God must dispatch the Holy Spirit in a more convincing way at first contact with information about Jesus.
Therefore, no matter how poorly Christians represent their God, the Holy Spirit makes up for it through inner conviction which will condemn our sins and introduce us to Christ.
- Baptized.
My objection to the statement that, "you must be baptized to be saved" is based on the fact that this means that anyone who is not baptized by water will be lost.
I totally disagree. Since there are examples of people who died without being baptized, then water baptism is not absolutely necessary to be saved.
Forgiveness of Sins.
Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
(Acts 2: 38)
Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.
(Acts 22: 16)
After reading these texts you would think that baptism forgives sin by washing away sin. The Old Testament made the same claims about animal sacrifices which were also symbols that could not accomplish the task.
Common sense says that washing the outer body with water cannot remove sin or change the heart and mind just as killing a lamb cannot remove sins.
You need to understand what is the real process that saves.
Only one type of water baptism saves and that is baptism by the Holy Spirit.
Labeling baptism as a symbol does not diminish its importance or function or the fact that we are commanded to do it.
But it is still a symbol of the real death to sin, the real circumcision from sin, the real cleansing and the beginning of a new life in Jesus Christ that is accomplished when the Holy Spirit, as the real agent of change, transforms the heart.
| Salvation by Baptism? |
|---|
A misunderstanding of the significance of water baptism has led to forced baptisms, infant baptism, the belief in limbo and the belief that only Christians can be saved because all savages will be lost if they do not become Christians.
Surely the Plan of Salvation has found a way to reconcile all people in all circumstances.
The internal baptism of the Holy Spirit is the solution.
|
|
» The Wicked Will Never Repent or Obey.
At the final judgment, everyone will have the greatest Bible study ever presented by the greatest Rabbi who ever lived. Everyone will acknowledge that Jesus is God. Every knee will bow and confess that God is righteous (Philippians 2: 9-11). They will admit that they were wrong.
Yet the wicked will attack God soon after this great revelation. Knowledge or truth or common sense did not save them. They refused to repent and obey and submit to God.
Repentence involves acknowledging that you are wrong and turning away from what you are doing by ceasing hostilities with God and submitting to Him.
They did not cease their hostilities.
You will become a friend of God at the moment you cease your hostilities. This is when you are saved. Water baptism is the formal signing of the peace declaration.
The gift of the blood of Christ, repenting and obeying the Holy Spirit will save you.
Every saved person will have these in common. Every lost person will not submit to them.
Studying, believing in Jesus, keeping the commandments, working for God, belonging to a particular church and being baptized with water do not save you. However, the person who is being saved will do these things because the Holy Spirit will convince you to do them.
So the process of salvation will include all those steps, but God does not wait until you are finished or graduated to save you.
You can die anywhere along the steps and still be saved because you have already received the Holy Spirit as a gift and repented of what you are convinced is wrong.
You have submitted to God, an action that the wicked will never do.
» A Great Salvation.
The incredible news about this wonderful salvation is that the two absolute requirements have been given to us as a gift! They are Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
All we need to do is to accept and submit. Repentance and obedience are our response when we have the knowledge, opportunity and the mental capacity to do so.
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God.
(Ephesians 2: 8)
Lecciones