His Servants' Ministry

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HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY

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Why Must I Be Baptized?

Baptism by the Spirit takes place the moment the Holy Spirit enters a persons life. This baptism only happens after he or she has received Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. The Bible very clearly states we are NOT Christians if we do not have the Holy Spirit living within us. Romans 8:9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. [KJV] Whoever does not have the Spirit of God dwelling in them are NOT God’s children. 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. [KJV] It is ONLY by the Spirit, ONLY by the renewing of the Holy Ghost, that we are made members of Christ’s body (Christians, God’s children, born again). EVERYONE will one day be baptized . . . either now (willingly) by God’s Holy Spirit, or later by the fire of His judgment that will send millions to Hell.

Water baptism is an outward display of what has happened inside the believer. Baptism by immersion shows the death of our old nature (when we go under the water), and the birth of our new nature (when one is raised up). Colossians 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. [KJV] Baptism corresponds with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and it also pictures or represents the death and burial of our sinful old life followed by our resurrection to a brand new life in Christ. Remembering that our old sinful life is dead and buried gives us a powerful motive to resist sin. We no longer want the evil and lustful desires of our past to come back to power again.

Colossians 3:1-3 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. [KJV] Baptism is an outward sign of commitment. To be effective, it must be accompanied by an inward change of attitude, that leads to a changed life—the work of the Holy Spirit.

Our Saviour and Lord, Jesus was baptized, giving us an example to follow.

Matthew 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. [KJV] Jesus’ baptism was just one step in fulfilling His earthly mission: identifying with our humanity and sin. Jesus was baptized for the sins of the nation, and us. Jesus was the perfect human who didn’t need baptism for His repentance, but He submitted to baptism on our behalf, to identify with us.

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [KJV] If you want to follow Christ, you must "repent and be baptized." To repent means to turn from sin, changing the direction of your life from selfishness and rebellion against God’s laws. When we repent, we turn TO Christ, depending on Him for forgiveness, mercy, and guidance. We can never save ourselves; only God can save us. When we submit to baptism, it identifies us with Christ and with other believers. It is a condition of our discipleship and a sign of our faith.

Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. [KJV] Baptism washes away our sins; and we receive the comfort of God’s pardoning of our sins in and through Christ Jesus.

Acts 8:37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. [KJV] The Ethiopian understood that by expressing simple reliance on Christ for salvation by faith, and complete devotion to Him, he could be baptized. One word of warning: God knows if you are sincere in your commitment to Christ. People may not know, but God knows.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are the two symbolical ordinances of the New Testament. The Supper (Communion) symbolizes our remembering Christ until He returns and Baptism the work of the Spirit. As in the Supper, bread and wine used in this ordinance symbolizes the great work of Christ, so too in Baptism, water symbolizes the death and resurrection of our old self to a new person made possible by the Holy Spirit of God.

While baptism is not necessary for salvation, it demonstrates a person’s willing submission to Christ, our taking a stand with Him. The thief on the cross was not baptized, but he most certainly gained eternal life in Heaven. Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. [KJV]

Baptism also demonstrates a person’s willingness to live God’s way. Jesus Himself stressed its importance. Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [KJV] We are to be baptized because baptism unites a believer with Jesus Christ in his or her death to sin and resurrection to new life. Baptism symbolizes submission to Christ, showing we are willing to live God’s way, and to identify with Christ Jesus and with God’s covenant people.

Some are not able to be baptized by reason of illness or handicap. God understands that.

But, if you are a believer, and are able to be baptized, do it today. Stand up for Jesus!

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