Lecture 111-2
By Kathy L. McFarland
Introduction
To help you understand this lesson, we are going to give you big clues of how the lesson will progress. That piece of knowledge should then begin your journey to understanding God’s Truth about the Doctrine of Baptism that the Lord has revealed to us through His Word.
There are exactly three places that are the starting point for eternal life that a saved Christian can leave from:
1. The Physical Grave – Faithful Christians in the salvation of Jesus Christ, but that die without the Baptism of Christ, lie in their physical graves for awhile until Christ raises them up from their sleep in those graves at the beginning of End Times, and given eternal bodies as they are received in Heaven.
2. The Baptismal Grave – Christians that have repented of their sin, accepted Christ as their Savior, and have faith in His Resurrection can have the opportunity to release the hold of original sin in the Baptismal Grave and Resurrect into eternal life as they arise from the Baptismal Waters. Christians that have received the Baptism of Christ will not lie in their physical graves; upon their physical death, their unneeded bodies will decay in the grave, while their soul will be released and guided to Heaven and clothed with a new eternal body.
3. The Rapture – Alive Christians, at the time of Christ’s return, will rise up and meet him with their physical bodies. They will be given eternal bodies sometime after that inside the Heavenly Gates.
Romans 6:1–11 (KJV 1900)
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 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. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 6:1–2 (KJV 1900)
What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
1. The Grace of the LORD God forgives sin for followers of Jesus Christ. However, Baptized Believers become DEAD to sin. Original sin can no longer dwell within the Baptized.
2. The Baptism of Jesus Christ causes death to come to a Believer, thereby releasing the hold of original sin upon the body.
Romans 6:3 (KJV 1900)
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
1 Corinthians 15:54–57 (KJV 1900)
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Original sin corrupts every human being born
4. Only death, through grave or Baptism, can release original sin’s hold upon a body
Romans 6:3–5 (KJV 1900)
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:
5. When a person has been called forward to the LORD God, his ears are opened. Those that can hear must be told the things of Christ before Baptism can happen.
6. It is important that the Pastor ensure the new Christian has full understanding of Christ and what it means to be a Christian and the realities of Baptism.
7. The Pastor prepares the Baptismal pool by ensuring a prayerful, sacred place and a blessed, running-water-filled container. It is best that the pool be deep enough for dunking the full body.
8. The repentant sinner is called to the Baptismal Pool. The Pastor instructs the sinner to kneel in the pool, as the nose and mouth are covered to prevent choking.
9. The Pastor stands and supports sinner’s shoulders. The sinner is laid in the Baptismal water, and words explaining the actual death to the sinner as the baptismal grave envelops.
10. The Pastor then raises the redeemed Baptized from the waters in the memory of Christ’s Resurrection “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”
11. When the Baptized go under the Baptismal waters, their death is brought upon the body. Original sin releases. When they rise up from the Baptismal Grave, they are brand-new people that will never have original sin attached to them again unawares. When they physically die, they will NOT ever have to be in the grave; their souls will go immediately to Heaven.
Romans 6:6–9 (KJV 1900)
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. 7 For he that is dead is freed from sin. 8 Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9 Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
12. When the resurrected Baptized rise from the Baptismal Grave SIN HAS NO MORE DOMINION!
13. The powerful, sacred spiritual rite of Baptism is also effective in establishing a deep spiritual connection to the Lord Jesus Christ, as well as preparing for Holy Spirit Baptism.
14. Sometimes, Believers are not certain they received an effective and correct Baptism in Christ. This confusion often comes from past doctrinal practices of different churches.
15. The Pastor of the Baptism can know with surety if the Baptism of Redemption through Christ has taken place by witnessing the Holy Spirit’s presence within the Christian.
16. There is NO Holy Spirit Baptism that inserts God into a Believer, unless the Baptism of Christ has been fully accomplished in the manner prescribed by Holy Scripture.
17. Pastors should never baptize an already Baptized Christian. However, if the Believer has not received the Holy Spirit, it is acceptable to rebaptize to ensure the assumption of the grave.
18. There is also confusion about Baptisms because some Church doctrines allow for childhood baptism. Becker Bible Ministries, Inc. support the doctrinal position of NO Baptism of Redemption until the child has reached the age of accountability (Twelve-years-old or with special exceptions), based upon the Scripture account of Jairus’ twelve-year-old daughter (Mark 5:21-43). (A special study of Mark 5:21- 43 will follow your study of Baptism).
Romans 6:10–14 (KJV 1900)
10 For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
19. It is critically important that Pastors of Baptism ensure the Baptism of seekers understand the principles associated with the Baptism of Redemption.
20. All saved Christians are promised eternal life through the acceptance of Christ as Savior and confidence in His Resurrection.
21. Death comes to all people because of original sin. But the LORD God’s provision is that those that live to Him will only experience one death.
22. Baptized Christians one death takes place in the Baptismal Grave. Unbaptized Christians must sleep in their graves for awhile until Christ comes and raises them up to join Him in Heaven.
23. ONE DEATH ONLY! Eternal life always for those that are saved through their faith in Jesus Christ.
24. Original sins are cast off with death. But BEWARE! Your lusts and mortality will have ample opportunity to sin in your lifetime. You must not let further sin to have dominion over you.
25. The Baptism of Redemption through Christ is one of the most amazing graces promised by the LORD God to the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. The institution of this most Holy Baptismal rite equips faithful Christians to receive the Holy Ghost Baptism and to remove and prevent further sins from having control over their lives.
Romans 6:15–20 (KJV 1900)
15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. 20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
26. Servants of sin keep sinning. The Baptized followers of Christ are freed from sin and can become righteous. But righteous can become servants to sin by yielding to uncleanness and iniquity.
27. When the Believer declares faith in Christ the hope is for salvation. Faith = Salvation and eternal life.
28. When the Believer is saved the hope is in Baptism for the release of original sin. Baptism = Release from original sin
29. When the Believer goes under the Baptismal waters, the hope is for Resurrection into eternal life from that point on, without the need for the grave.
Baptismal waters = death; Rising out of Baptismal waters = Resurrection and entrance into eternal life without the grave.
30. When the Believer resurrects out of the Baptismal waters, the hope is for the Holy Spirit. Resurrection out of Baptismal waters = Eligibility to receive Baptism of Holy Spirit.
31. When the Believer receives the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, the hope is to remain sin free and accomplish enduring works of God. Holy Spirit = Sin free and enduring works of the LORD God that will bring glory to Him.
32. Believers Resurrected in the Baptism of Christ can walk with Him in the newness of life, sin free. They will have eternal life. They become eligible to receive the Holy Spirit and once that Spirit is within the Believer, great works of God will become manifest.
33. But first, the Christian journey begins with faith in Christ, the most important grace of the LORD God given and the only one needed for salvation and eternal life.
John 3:1–8 (KJV 1900)
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
34. “Born Again” is the condition when a believer dies in the Baptism of Christ then is Resurrected into the new life in Christ. Believers must be born of water and the Holy Spirit to enter the Kingdom of God.
35. The Baptism of Christ makes Believers flesh clean. The Holy Spirit Baptism makes the soul clean.
36. The LORD God gives the gift of the Holy Spirit Baptism as reward to those that follow Christ through His Baptism with Him.
Eight Requirements for the Baptism of Christ (John 3:1-8)
1. Be called forward to Christ by the LORD God and receive a desire to know Him
2. Hear the Word of God
3. Be repentant of sin
4. Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that He died for your sins and was Resurrected, with all your heart
5. Confess outwardly that you know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God
6. Be baptized by water (signifying your death) in the name of Jesus Christ
7. Come out of the water (signifying your resurrection) in the name of the LORD God, Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit.
8. Receive the gift of the Baptism of the Holy Ghost
Conclusion
The Baptism of Christ causes death to come one time to a Believer, and Resurrect in Christ’s example, granting eternal life from that point on when rising out of the baptismal waters. Baptized Christians do not sleep in their graves! Unbaptized Christians sleep in their graves until they are Resurrected by the Lord Jesus Christ; they then assume their eternal lives.
The grace the LORD God gives followers of Christ that must come through faith, and faith can only come through a personal response of a living person. Faith cannot be assumed by another in proxy.
Simply stated, the connection between Christ and Believers is completed through Baptism and allows the relationship between the Lord and His Followers to be steady and sure. It only takes faith in the Lord to receive salvation; but once faith is realized and repentance is at hand, Believers are eligible to receive the Baptism of Redemption through Christ, to establish that intimate relationship between them as original sin’s grasp upon Believer’s is extinguished.
