2012
Learning the Way of God More Perfectly
King James Bible 1611

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Specific
Contrasts in Scriptures
- Not Contradictions -

20.

Water Baptism
John 1:29-31
Spirit Baptism
I Corinthians 12:12,13
Water baptism belongs to the kingdom gospel through John..
  • Matthew 3:1-11
  • Mark 1:4,8
  • It was water with John's baptism.
This was all promised to the nation Israel.

The only other water baptisms recorded are still in reference to the Jews.

  • Acts 2:38 was a reference to baptism, but not in relation to 'salvation' before or after.
Acts 8:26-40
  • Acts 8:37 is another 'famous' baptism reference, but again, we see that the 'doctrine' behind it does not show Paul's teachings whatsoever - just the typical teaching that the Jews had to confess that Jesus was the Christ - their Messiah, etc.
  • We have falsely used Acts 8:37 to prove baptism 'after' salvation.  In all truth, this verse can not be used at all for any example to us today!
Note:
  • We can't use Jesus' example of baptism either, because John's purpose for his baptism of Jesus is not our purpose today.
  • John 1:29-31
Jesus never did baptize with water, only the Holy Ghost.
  • John 1:33
  • Mark 1:8
  • John 4:2 - (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
Acts 1:5
  • Speaking to His apostles after His resurrection, Christ said: "John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."
  • Shortly thereafter, on the day of Pentecost, There came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind... and there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them."  Acts 2:2,3

But even all that was before Paul - he states one baptism - 
  • Is it a Spirit baptism? or a water baptism?
    • You can't have two when we only need one! 
      • Ephesians 4:5,6
    • Spirit baptism - not a water! -
      • I Corinthians 12:13
Paul said he didn't come to baptize!
  • I Corinthians 1:12-17 - Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
Paul never tells us to do so!
  • Again, we see the confusion of so-called 'two ordinances.'
But you say he did baptize?
  • Sure.  Remember the transitional aspect of the book of Acts.
  • Also - check the full story of a baptism that Paul does in Acts 19:1-6.  Be sure to include verse 6!
As an act of obedience?
  • Romans 16:26 - But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
Scriptural Baptism?
  • What is that?  All the baptisms that take place have been 'Scriptural."
Our testimony to others?
  • uh, where is that verse?
  • Our testimony to others todeay is our 'changed lives' - not some baptistic ritual!
  • Philemon 6
  • I Thessalonians 1:6-10
  • Acts 26:18,20 - changes in one's life!
For salvation?
  • Ephesians 2:8,9 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
To join a local church?
  • Sure - whatever you want to say for membership, but no scripture to support it at all.  There are so many variations and words for baptisms in all the different denominations...
For a good conscience toward God?
  • That is I Peter 3:21 - and is not TO us today.
As a type - an object lesson? 
  • I suppose so, but again, no scriptural command.  See Romans 6:4
One final example:
  • Acts 18:25 - Apollos learned the way of God more perfectly as all he knew was the baptism of John.
PS. - NO example anywhere of a baby baptism!  Not even in the OT or Gospels.