William Andrew Dillard
In
expressing the unity of the faith, Paul told the Ephesians, “One
Lord, one faith, one baptism…” Eph. 4:5. But. one reads in the
scriptures about the baptism of the Spirit, water baptism of
believers in Jesus, and the suffering of Jesus is referred to as a
baptism. So just what does it mean to say “one baptism?”
The
word “baptism” comes from the Greek word “baptizo” which mean
to dip or plunge. It is consistently referred to as a total
inundation so much so that it is also portrayed as a burial. There is
a sense that anything one may immerse himself in could be called a
baptism. This is how it is used with reference to the suffering of
Jesus. He would be immersed in pain and suffering.
However, the
mainstream, biblical context of the word references water baptism of
a professed believer by the authority of a New Testament Church. The
other main reference using that word is the baptism of the Holy
Spirit that came upon the church on the day called Pentecost. So, how
then is it to be referenced as one?
Some would have you believe
that only Spirit baptism is important and that occurs in the minute
of one’s spiritual salvation. Not so! That line is pure universal
church heresy.
Still others would have you believe that Holy
Spirit baptism can only occur AFTER water baptism, and that upon the
select few who diligently implore the Holy Spirit to so accommodate
them. Not so! That is pure holy roller heresy!
The truth of the
matter is settled in long ago typology in the Old Testament. When the
Hebrews were freed from Egyptian slavery, they came out after
applying the blood of the Passover Lamb. Then they were all baptized
unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea. Did you catch that? IN THE
CLOUD AND IN THE SEA. It was a simultaneous thing. Baptism is an
immersion in water. A cloud is water even though it was a
manifestation of the Spirit of God. The Hebrews were completely
immersed with walls of water about them and the cloud of water even
the Spirit of God over and about them.
Today when a professed
believer is scripturally baptized, it is in water, but he is baptized
to fellowship in the New Covenant, the practical expression of which
is the New Testament Church where the baptism of the Holy Spirit
still abides since Pentecost in special office work. By this the
obedient believer is enabled to be led to spiritual maturity. So, it
all occurs at once, as the scriptures plainly state: “….one lord,
one faith, one baptism.” Scriptural baptism last forever, it can
never be repeated.
“Then said I, Ah Lord GOD!” Thank you brother; this kind of good Baptist truth will make the hair raise. God bless.
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The man that wrote this is very good in presenting his thoughts. I highly respect Him.
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