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The entire King James Bible is written FOR us, but it is not all written TO us!
We learn from the "For" from the entire Bible and study Paul's writings to apply the 'TO!"
Specific
Contrasts in Scriptures
- Not Contradictions -
Details of the entire chart

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.