Two months since my baptism...

[paul_v]

It's been two months since my baptism. I am so glad that I did it. Feeling my old life drown in the water and coming up a new life is so awesome. My hunger for the Lord has never been stronger.

If you have never been baptised then I strongly encourage you to do so. An infant baptism does not count :)

[HeXp£Øi±]

Why did you do it?
What does it mean to you?
How long have you been a Christian and why didn't you get baptized sooner?
What, to you, is baptism?
Has it changed you? If so how?

(Can you tell I've been thinking about it?):D:

I have been a Christian for a little over a decade now and I've been pondering baptism more and more. The main reason i haven't is because i want to know exactly what a ritual means before i partake lightly or blindly into something that God gave us for a reason. There are still behaviors in which i partake that are ungodly and i feel like i should rid myself of them before i am baptized. On the other hand i have heard(and read) that the holy spirit comes upon us when we are baptized and i know that the holy spirit can help us to combat sin. Therefor the question is do i attempt to defeat certain sins before i am baptized or become baptized in order to better defeat the sin in my life...or does it matter either way? I could go on but i will stop there. Clearly i need some guidance.

God bless you for taking the plunge.:):

[Paidfor]

The main reason i haven't is because i want to know exactly what a ritual means before i partake lightly or blindly into something that God gave us for a reason.

But sometimes God doesn't tell us the reason. In those instance we need to trust him and follow him in blind obedience. We walk by faith and not by sight. IMHO baptism is a demonstration of just such faith and obedience.

[HiLaReE320]

Baptism, I believe, is an outward expression of faith. It's declaring to everyone that you have been washed clean by Christ's blood. Plus, yes, it's just plain obedience. I was a christian about 5 years until I was baptised, but that's because I didn't go to church growing up, so got baptised when I came to college.

[HeXp£Øi±]

But sometimes God doesn't tell us the reason. In those instance we need to trust him and follow him in blind obedience. We walk by faith and not by sight. IMHO baptism is a demonstration of just such faith and obedience.

Wow! Thank you Paidfor. I'd never thought about it that way. I will research it. In the case of eating of the body and drinking the blood (bread & wine) i know the bible says not to partake lightly. In other words know what you're doing before you take part.

I will pray on this.

[Robbinson]

I'm having my Baptism in May! :): I'm doing it because I want to devote my life to Christ and I can't wait to do it. While I'm in my mid 40s, I became a believer only 2 years ago (so I'm really only 2!).

Regards

[humbleone]

There are still behaviors in which i partake that are ungodly and i feel like i should rid myself of them before i am baptized.

ABSOLUTELY NOT! THis is the enemy talking here, IMO.

If we all waited til we were free of certain behaviors and sin patterns, then NONE OF US would ever get baptized! Friend, please do it and do it as soon as you can! You will never, ever regret it!

Therefor the question is do i attempt to defeat certain sins before i am baptized or become baptized in order to better defeat the sin in my life...or does it matter either way? I

On the other hand i have heard(and read) that the holy spirit comes upon us when we are baptized and i know that the holy spirit can help us to combat sin

This is the "hand" you need to listen to! :):


[QUOTE][Therefor the question is do i attempt to defeat certain sins before i am baptized or become baptized in order to better defeat the sin in my life...or does it matter either way? I/QUOTE]

The answer is this: become baptized in order to better defeat the sin in my life...

The enemy will ALWAYS try to convince u to "wait" or for this, or that, to do something of GOd...... Procrastination is one of Satan's biggest tools!

God will honor and bless your getting baptized because you are acting in accordance with His Word.

I can say all this because I, too, felt the need to be water baptized and like you, was plagued by doubts.... ("Im not 'there' yet ((whatever 'there' means)).... IM NOT GOOD ENOUGH...being the main lie.....).

DOnt fall for it!

Go, and be baptized my friend! :thumb :thumb

God bless you!

[humbleone]

I need to clarify that my above post was directed toward HEX (sorry, im not sure how to reproduce the rest of your name here...)

[humbleone]

Bump

[Cocoa1080]

where do you go to get a full body one or just a regular one with water on your head

[Paidfor]

where do you go to get a full body one or just a regular one with water on your head

If you are asking if you should be immersed or poured, if you are physically able you should be immersed. I'm not sure I'm spelling that right, anyway dunked, dipped, plunged. It is representative of the death burial and resurrection.

If you just want to know where. Most churches that baptized by immersion will have a place to do it. Otherwise you can use a pool, river, lake, pond. You get the idea, anywhere there is enough water to get you under. And who to assist you? A pastor or elder is a good choice, but it can be any believer. (IMHO)

[CountryPerson]

Go to www.biblebb.com and in the Q & A section, you can click on 'B' where you will find many people who have questions about baptism, and they are answered by Dr. John MacArthur. This website has answered a lot of Ques. for me over the years. In addition, this month's website featured series is on Assurance.

Baptism helps a believer to 'have a clear conscience' toward God, since we are commanded to do it. There is really no valid reason to refuse it. I even saw a man in a wheel chair get baptized once. A couple of men assisted the pastor, and it was beautiful to see this demonstration of a man's humble submission to God's command.

[newname]

Hey Guys! How's it going?

I'm sure most of you know this, but some may not so I thought I would share: Baptism is basically just a transliteration from the Greek word....in other words - it wasn't translated into English as we did the other words of the Greek new testament. If we would have translated the word into English it would have been IMMERSE.

So, in that regard, someone who has been sprinkled or poured upon hasn't been baptized/immersed. Some might consider that nitpicky...but it's really not. There was a reason that Jesus said immersed, so it would be incorrect on our part to say we have been baptized/immersed in water if we have only been sprinkled, etc.

God bless!

Brent

[paul_v]

I'm so sorry for not replying sooner. It took me a while to get back here.

Why did I do it? Well obedience for one. We must repent and turn towards the light. The immersion drowns the old body that was going towards darkness. Think of sin as a monkey on your back...when you get immersed in the water, the monkey stays behind and drowns. It's like new life. But keep in mind that baptism is not required for salvation. The guy on the cross next to Jesus was saved and was never baptized.

I have been a Christian for 9 years. I think I waited because I never felt ready. But as humbleone posted I think the enemy was preventing this. I had a major incident with anger (wrath) in January and after that expression of sin I said enough is enough. It's time to get serious in my walk with the Lord.

It's changed me by increasing my hunger to do God's work. I can't explain it. It's like God cleaned me up and is saying "Ok Paul, let's see what you can do to glorify me". I hunger for His word. I hunger for building relationships within the body (church). It's really awesome. I really feel that you can not reach sonship in Christ as written in Hebrews 12 without being baptised. Right now I am mearly a child in Christ (neefios)...perhaps a teenager (technon). But to be a full grown son is the goal.

Why did you do it?
What does it mean to you?
How long have you been a Christian and why didn't you get baptized sooner?
What, to you, is baptism?
Has it changed you? If so how?

(Can you tell I've been thinking about it?):D:

I have been a Christian for a little over a decade now and I've been pondering baptism more and more. The main reason i haven't is because i want to know exactly what a ritual means before i partake lightly or blindly into something that God gave us for a reason. There are still behaviors in which i partake that are ungodly and i feel like i should rid myself of them before i am baptized. On the other hand i have heard(and read) that the holy spirit comes upon us when we are baptized and i know that the holy spirit can help us to combat sin. Therefor the question is do i attempt to defeat certain sins before i am baptized or become baptized in order to better defeat the sin in my life...or does it matter either way? I could go on but i will stop there. Clearly i need some guidance.

God bless you for taking the plunge.:):

[nancy]

Hey Guys! How's it going?

I'm sure most of you know this, but some may not so I thought I would share: Baptism is basically just a transliteration from the Greek word....in other words - it wasn't translated into English as we did the other words of the Greek new testament. If we would have translated the word into English it would have been IMMERSE.

So, in that regard, someone who has been sprinkled or poured upon hasn't been baptized/immersed. Some might consider that nitpicky...but it's really not. There was a reason that Jesus said immersed, so it would be incorrect on our part to say we have been baptized/immersed in water if we have only been sprinkled, etc.

God bless!

Brent

Actually, the idea behind the word "baptize" is purification unto sanctification and a new identity.

Below is an excerpt from a study that I did (the first part of the article is about our new identity):
http://www.geocities.com/ambassadors4christ/writings/paulson/baptism2.html

Baptism: purification unto sanction and a new identity

The issue of water baptism is purification, something which those of the nation of Israel understood the significance.

(John 3:23-25 KJV) And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. {24} For John was not yet cast into prison. {25} Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

As John was baptizing, some of his disciples and the Jews began to question the act of purifying. Water baptisms were a part of the rudiments of the world under the law program. Washings were a teaching aid that gave a visible, tangible, object lesson in connection with the need of God Himself to perform a washing of the inside of a person that produces a sanctification and a new identification. Perhaps this is where so many get the idea that water baptism is a symbol as an outward expression of what has happened to us on the inside (in the spirit).

John's disciples and the Jews understood from the law what was to take place in connection with washing from defilement, that a separation needed to take place. In Numbers 9, the water is called water of separation.

(Numbers 19:9 KJV) And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of separation: it is a purification for sin.

(Numbers 19:13 KJV) Whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the tabernacle of the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water of separation was not sprinkled upon him, he shall be unclean; his uncleanness is yet upon him.

(Numbers 19:20-21 KJV) But the man that shall be unclean, and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation, because he hath defiled the sanctuary of the LORD: the water of separation hath not been sprinkled upon him; he is unclean. {21} And it shall be a perpetual statute unto them, that he that sprinkleth the water of separation shall wash his clothes; and he that toucheth the water of separation shall be unclean until even.

The water was called the water of separation, or sanctification and it was a purification for sin.

(Hebrews 9:9-14 KJV) Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; {10} Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. {11} But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; {12} Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. {13} For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: {14} How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

The divers washing (baptisms) cleansed from a known defilement. This was a picture or a type of the need for God to perform a baptism that would provide purification unto sanctification and a new identity, from unclean to purified. Verse 10 says that divers washings were imposed on them until the time of reformation. Baptism served its purpose for a time, but now, how much more shall the blood of Christ cleanse us from sin.

Today, in this dispensation of grace, we are baptized into Christ and purified (cleansed of all that we were in Adam), sanctified (set apart to no longer serve sin but God) and are given a new identification in Christ.

Also, in case it slipped by you, Numbers 19:13 and 21 says the mode is “sprinkling”, not immersion.

Also in:
Numbers 8:7 KJV
(7) And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean.

Ezekiel 36:25-27 KJV
(25) Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
(26) A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
(27) And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

[Enlightenment]

Also, in case it slipped by you, Numbers 19:13 and 21 says the mode is “sprinkling”, not immersion.

Also in:
Numbers 8:7 KJV
(7) And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make themselves clean.

Ezekiel 36:25-27 KJV
(25) Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
(26) A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
(27) And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

The verses you cited is not baptism. Not the baptism of John the Baptist or Christian baptism. Everytime someone was baptized in the New Testament there was an abundance of water.

People were baptized in the Jordan River, including Christ, in Matthew 3.

Matthew 3:16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water;

Same story in Mark 1
5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

John 3
23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized.

Acts 8 38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.


Immersion is the New Testament, Biblical method.

[carmen]

I'm having my Baptism in May! :): I'm doing it because I want to devote my life to Christ and I can't wait to do it. While I'm in my mid 40s, I became a believer only 2 years ago (so I'm really only 2!).

RegardsWonderful (both the becoming a believer AND the baptism parts)! :hug

I was saved as a child, and baptized at that time. However, after a lot of poor choices and a rededication, I decided I wanted to be re-baptized in my late 20s. I felt that I needed to demonstrate to God and everybody that I was taking that step of faith as an adult, in full awareness of what that meant. Not that I needed to to be made more perfect or have more of the Holy Spirit, or to be more saved or whatever; but just that I felt it was right for me and what God wanted too :nod

[nancy]

The verses you cited is not baptism. Not the baptism of John the Baptist or Christian baptism. Everytime someone was baptized in the New Testament there was an abundance of water.

People were baptized in the Jordan River, including Christ, in Matthew 3.

Matthew 3:16 When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water;

Same story in Mark 1
5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

John 3
23 Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized.

Acts 8 38 So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.


Immersion is the New Testament, Biblical method.

“In general Scriptural usage the word baptism indicates complete identification, whether with an element, a person or a group. This is why Paul said in Romans 6:3, "As many of us as were baptized into Christ were baptized into his death. "In other words, the only way to become one with Christ is to be identified with Him in His death by faith.

As to water baptism it is imperative to have an understanding of just what it indicates or symbolizes. Fortunately it is not difficult to determine the proper meaning associated with water baptism in Scripture. Repeatedly it is used to represent a ceremonial cleansing… While we do not bury in water, we certainly do wash in water and this is clearly the meaning associated with water baptism in Scripture.” (Water Baptism by Richard Jordan)

Although there may have been plenty of water present, the issue of water baptism had to do with purifying (cleansing). We see this in John 3 when John was baptizing there arose a question about purifying.

(John 3:23-25 KJV) And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. {24} For John was not yet cast into prison. {25} Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

John’s disciples and the Jews understood from the law that baptism was a washing from defilement and a separation needed to place because the water is called "water of separation" (See Numbers 19:9, 13, 20-21) And the water of separation (or sanctification) was a purification for sin.

(Numbers 19:9 KJV) And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of separation: it is a purification for sin.

** What they understood baptism as was purification unto sanctification and a new identity; it changed one from defiled to clean. **

To get a better understanding, it is helpful to look at the Greek word that deals with the issue of baptism: baptismos.

Baptismos
(Hebrews 6:2 KJV) Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

(Hebrews 9:10 KJV) Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

The baptisms (6:2) and washings (9:10) are the same Greek word ‘baptismos’. From this we can understand baptism has to do with washings. To get an understanding of what this means we can turn to Mark 7:

(Mark 7:1-8 KJV) Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. {2} And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. {3} For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. {4} And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables. {5} Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? {6} He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. {7} Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. {8} For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

Here we do not see the word baptize or baptism but in verse 4 the word was wash is ‘baptizo’ and washing is ‘baptismos’. Hence we could read the verse as "...Except they baptize (wash), they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the baptizing (washing) of cups, and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables."

Too often when we think of baptism we think of it in the tradition of man as sprinkling, pouring or immersion. However, from the passage in Mark we can see the concept of baptism is similar to that of washing cups. What do we do when we wash cups? We take a dirty cup and place it into something (water) and perform an action (wash it) that changes its condition from clean to dirty. Now the cup is fit to be used by you or someone else.

It is my understanding those being baptized by John had an understanding of what that passage in Ezekiel meant, that in order for Israel to become the nation of priests there first had to be a cleansing and then the service. Those being baptized came to be known as the Little Flock, that remnant of believers (Luke 12:32). They were given a new identity.

Throughout the ministries of John the Baptist, the Lord Jesus Christ in His earthly ministry and then the 12 in the early Acts period, the command was to repent and be baptized. This was to identify them with the believing remnant in Israel and the cleansing ceremony pertained to the kingdom that was promised to Israel.

As for us today in the dispensation of the grace of God, there is one baptism and is performed by the Spirit of God.

Ephesians 4:5 KJV
(5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

1 Corinthians 12:13 KJV
(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.

Colossians 2:12 KJV
(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.

Galatians 2:20 KJV
(20) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Romans 6:3-6 KJV
(3) Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
(4) Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
(5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
(6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

This baptism happens the moment one trusts Christ as Savior; it is at that moment the Spirit baptizes us into one body (the Body of Christ, a separate and distinct entity than Israel). We are baptized into Jesus Christ God takes who we were in Adam identifies us in Christ’s death, performs an action (crucifies the old man) and gives us a new identity (in Christ). It is purification unto sanctification and a new identity.

God is not requiring a water cleansing ceremony today in the dispensation of the grace of God. Baptism has the idea of cleansing: an action must be performed in order to change the former condition to a new condition. When my daughter was younger and when she would wash the dishes often she would immerse the dish under the water but not perform the action necessary to change it from a dirty dish to a clean dish. Unfortunately, that is what goes on in these water ceremonies today – people get wet but no action is performed so, in reality, they come up in the same condition as they went under. I am speaking from experience – been there done that. It seemed right at the time but now I know it was not necessary.

I hope this helps someone who is struggling with the question of whether or not to get water baptized. I am not going to argue this issue. The information is here for you, decide for yourself as to what the scripture says. For me, the issue was settled with the Ephesians 4:5, Colossians 2:12, Galatians 3:27 and Romans 6:3-6 passages, along with the warning in Colossians 2:8.

Links to consider for further study:
http://shorewoodbiblechurch.org/topical/10.htm
http://www.geocities.com/ambassadors4christ/writings/paulson/baptism1.html
http://www.geocities.com/ambassadors4christ/writings/paulson/baptism2.html
http://www.geocities.com/ambassadors4christ/writings/tiry/justice.html
http://www.geocities.com/ambassadors4christ/writings/bruscha/17dappendix.html
http://www.bereanworkman.com/miscellaneous/baptisms.htm
http://www.bijbel.nl/english/bible6.htm

[newname]

Hi Nancy! I hope you are doing well! :)

I have debated this issue on other boards (specifically the debate of 'is water baptism required in this dispensation?') and I have found that those that hold your view are not as careful with scripture as they should be. I don't mean to be offensive in saying that - forgive me if it sounds that way.

You are making a VERY significant claim in saying that:

Nancy: God is not requiring a water cleansing ceremony today in the dispensation of the grace of God.

That is a huge claim and is not the biblical or orthodox view in any sense. I see that you feel you have the scripture and the reasoning, but I fear that in your reasoning you have missed the very obvious.

I don't have the time to touch each point you made, but let me point out something quickly that will hopefully be an eye-opener that you may not have understood scripture as well as you think. Again -- as I'm reading this, my words are sounding harsh and I'm not meaning to sound like that. I just want to make sure you know that you are making a HUGE claim and that once I show you an error on your part you may want to reevaluate what you think you are so sure about.

Here is where you made a mistake. You said:

Nancy: As for us today in the dispensation of the grace of God, there is one baptism and is performed by the Spirit of God.

AND

Nancy: it is at that moment the Spirit baptizes us into one body


You make the claim that it is the Holy Spirit that baptizes us. What scripture do you have that says the Spirit baptizes us? I know what scripture you're pulling that from, but I wanted the answer to come from you and then I will show where you are mistaken.

:D I am trying SO hard not to sound harsh, but I'm just hoping, once I show you were you made a mistake in the 'Spirit baptism' issue, that it will give you pause to rethink what you are openly proclaiming to other christians.

At the very least: the scripture says that not many should be teachers, because teachers are held to a higher judgment. I would hope if I can show you an error of yours, however large or small, it will make you pause for a moment and reconsider what you are teaching openly.

I look forward to your reply and I will get back to you ASAP once I see that reply.

God bless you and all love in the Lord Christ!

Brent

[abkn]

I have been baptised by the Holy Spirit.

[newname]

I'll give everyone a little hint as well.................no one has ever been baptized by the Holy Spirit.


Once Nancy gets back with me I'll explain.


ooooooooo..................the excitment mounts! :D:

[humbleone]

I'll give everyone a little hint as well.................no one has ever been baptized by the Holy Spirit.


Can you explain that?

[nancy]

Hi Brent,

I have a vague recollection that I have already had a similar dialogue with you in the past. As my memory serves me, I did not agree with you then and I am sure that I will not agree with you now. For instance, you posted on April 18th that if the word baptize would have been translated instead of a transliteration that it would have been translated “immerse”.

However, “In general Scriptural usage the word baptism indicates COMPLETE IDENTIFICATION, whether with an element, a person or a group.” The context will determine with who or what the one being baptized is identified with. Baptism in the scripture is not always a “water baptism”.

I do not accept your premises (baptism would have been translated immerse, there is no Spirit baptism and God is requiring a water ceremony in this dispensation of grace) so it is highly unlikely that I will accept your conclusion.

I am sure that most on this board will agree that the problem the Apostle Paul addressed in the book of Galatians is that the Galatians thought that they needed to keep the Law of Moses and be circumcised.

Acts 15:1 KJV
(1) And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

Galatians 5:1-4 KJV
(1) Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
(2) Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
(3) For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
(4) Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

But did you know that with all the problems that were going on in Corinth the first one Paul addressed was the issue of water baptism?

1 Corinthians 1:10-18 KJV
(10) Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
(11) For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
(12) 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.
(13) Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
(14) I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
(15) Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
(16) And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
(17) 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.
(18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

The context tells us that the “wisdom of words” has to do with the issue of water baptism.

1 Corinthians 1:20-21 KJV
(20) Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
(21) For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

The Corinthians were impressed with human wisdom:

1 Corinthians 4:14-16 KJV
(14) I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.
(15) For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
(16) Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.

In these passages we can see a contrast: the ten thousand who were instructing them in Christ and the one who led them in salvation. (10,000 to 1). The implication is that those instructors were not teaching them the same as what Paul would have taught them. In other words, those ten thousand instructors in Christ were confusing them and leading them away from the preaching of the cross.

If you read that first chapter of 1 Corinthians, it should be easy to understand that the Corinthians were putting more emphasis on water baptism than the preaching of the cross. The last three verses suggest that the Corinthians were glorying in water baptism rather than in Christ.

Paul wrote to the Galatians that if one is circumcised in order to be saved then Christ shall profit them nothing and to the Corinthians that water baptism renders the cross of Christ of none effect in the dispensation of the grace of God. Notice what Paul goes on to tell the Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 2:2 KJV
(2) For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

The issue ought to be Jesus Christ, and him crucified. So, if you want to tell me that I am wrong in my thinking about God not requiring a water ceremony in the dispensation of the grace of God with your “wisdom of words”, go for it. However, the apostle Paul has told us what to do when one approaches us with such words:

Colossians 2:8 KJV
(8) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Christ Crucified: Glory in the Cross: http://www.bereanworkman.com/salvation/glory.html

Again, I hope this is of help to those who are struggling with the issue of whether or not to get water baptized. Contrary to the ten thousands of instructors today, a water ceremony is not necessary in the dispensation of the grace of God.

Nancy