3. WHY I DON’T WATER BAPTIZE
a) Because I understand the above and know that the word baptism does not mean dunked in water… thus the phrase “Baptized with water – Mark 1:8
b) For the same reason I don’t do sacrifices or teach circumcision – Its Jewish and taught in the law and profits nothing – Rom 6:14, Gal 3:10.
c) Because I understand Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles – Act 22;21, Rom 11:13, Eph 3:8. And was given the revelation of the mystery and dispensation of the grace of God – Eph 3:1-5, Col 1:25-27, Rom 16:25, 2Tim 1:8-11, Gal 1:11-12.
d) As our apostle, Paul writes about water baptism once, and says he was not sent to water baptize – 1Cor 1:11-17. And says that we should follow him as he follows Christ – 1Cor 11:1.
e) Water baptism can make the cross of Christ of none affect – 1Cor 1:17, 2Cor 11:3 – “Church of Christ, Catholics, Baptist” ……. Eph 2:8-9, 1Cor 12:12-14,27, 2Cor 5:17, 2Tim 3:10-12,
f) Paul teaches that we are baptized into Christ by the Spirit and identified with Christ death – 1Cor 12:13, Gal 3:26-29, Rom 6:3-4, Col 2:12, Eph 4:5.
g) Understanding Paul wasn’t sent to water baptize (1Cor 1:17), Paul doesn’t teach that we should be water baptizing/baptized with water (nowhere), we are not under the law (Rom 6:14), Paul teaches there is one baptism (Eph 4:5 – Into Christ by the Spirit) Therefore, I see no need to be baptized, or to baptize anyone with water – 2Cor 5:17.
4. DEALING WITH COMMON OBJECTIONS AND WRONG TEACHINGS
a) Paul water baptized…… but Jesus didn’t (John 4:1-2) – Paul did baptize at Corinth – Acts 18:7-11…. but later said he was glad it was only a few – 1Cor 1:12-17. Acts 16:15, 32-33, 19:1-7 are all debatable. Paul also circumcised – Acts 16:1-4. Kept a Jewish vow – Acts 21:19-28. Spoke in tongues – 1Cor 14:18(19). Handles serpents? – Acts 28:1-6.
b) Paul was water baptized – Before he was given the mystery and by a Jew – Acts 9:17-18, 22:11-16, 1Cor 1:17.
c) Jesus was baptized - Rom 15:8, Matt 3:13-16 – You can’t follow Jesus in baptism.
d) Jesus commanded to water baptize in the great commission….. and said its necessary for salvation? – Mar 16:15-16. An that signs would follow – Mark 16:17-18. And to teach the law – Matt 28:20 (5:17-20,23:1-3). And gave power to remit sins – John 20:22-23.
e) Baptism replaced circumcision…… Scripture reference please? – Paul would not allow circumcision to be taught as necessary for salvation – Act 15:1-6, Gal 2:1-5, 5:1-3… Nor would he have for salvation. Paul also says we are circumcised with Christ just like we are buried with him in baptism – Col 2:11-12
f) Baptism is a symbol of Christ death and resurrection? – This is the misconception. Paul teaches that your baptism into Christ is real and happened to you, there is no symbol necessary….. Maybe standing strong on the doctrine and being zealous of good work is a better symbol? – 1Tim 3:15, Titus 2:14, Phil 2:15-16.
5. APPLICATION
a) Trust the cross work of Christ alone for your salvation and completion and not any works of your flesh – Rom 4:4-5,23-5:1,
b) Understand God gave further revelation after MMLK – Acts 2:1-4, Acts 26:15-17, 1Tim 1:16, Rom 16:25, Eph 3:3
c) Don’t let any man beguile you or make the cross of Christ of none affect for you – Col 2:9-3:4.
d) When talking to others, a good question to ask is “What does water baptism do”.
