|
|
BAPTISM. Before one considers baptism, Holy Spirit will already have permitted a progressive subjecting of one's life to God. (Titus 3:3-8 NEB). The man or woman in question must be aware of the spiritual requirements of God in order to be known by Him, their sins shown up to them by the light of the Word of God, and a progressive course of spirit corrective cleansing from their former sins begin, before they make their request to God for a good conscience. (1 Peter 3:21). Personal spirit sacrifices, such as a refusal to continue in sinful practices, will already have been offered up to God, along with a contrite and repentant heart over one's sins. (1 Peter 4:1-4). Then one's complete self may be offered in dedication to God to carry out the Will of God in one's life thereafter. For when one is baptized, it is a symbol of one's death as to former sins as one is totally immersed in the symbolic cleansing "waters" of God. (1 Cor 6:11 NEB). Being then lifted out of this "death", a "resurrection" to a new spirit birth and life begins. (Rom 6:4-6). One's former sins may then be forgiven by God, and the inherited guilt of Adamic sin removed through The Christ, as it is written: "Consequently if anyone is in union with Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away, look! New things have come into existence. But all things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ... that God was by means of Christ reconciling a world to Himself, not reckoning to them their trespasses". (From 2 Cor 5:17-19). Because there is still the potential to commit sins after one's baptism, for which one may be held accountable in the judgement, it is for this reason that one should not enter into baptism lightly. Before entering into this symbolic "death" and "resurrection", one must give serious consideration as to what it will mean to share in the sufferings of The Christ and have one's spirit progressively corrected (subjected) by him. (1 Peter 4:12,13). After a baptism acceptable to God, His people then carry out the Will of God for them. For by true baptism they vow to dedicate their lives to God and live the remainder of their lives in accord with His requirements. The reward for completing this course successfully is not only a greatly improved life now, but resurrection to everlasting life in a new spirit body in the paradise of God. (1 Cor 15:42-49). Only spiritually qualified men may baptize others in the name of The Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (1 Tim 3:6). But it should be noted that a spiritually qualified man who baptizes without having been an eyewitness of the reformed character of a person, risks his own position before God. (1 Cor 1:14,15). It is also important to realize that water baptism does not in itself cleanse one of sins, but is a symbol of one's request to God for a good conscience. Referring to the preparations made by Noah and his family before the waters of the deluge, the apostle Peter goes on to say: "That which corresponds to this is also now saving you, namely, baptism, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the request made to God for a good conscience,) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 3:20,21). Without the granting of this request by God, it is impossible to obtain a good conscience, the kind by which one may fulfil the holy requirements of God and be saved into the "new heavens" and the "new earth" where righteousness will dwell. (2 Peter 3:13. Isaiah 32:15-18 NEB). 15/9/91. |
|