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By YWGO
Do I have to be Baptized to be a believer in Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha Mashiach)?
The right question should be: why wouldn’t I want to be baptized? The New Testament Ministry of Yeshua started with Baptism and He further commands His disciples to perform Baptism in His name. Yeshua came in the “Name of the Lord”
(Matthew 21:9).
Luke 24:47 (KJV)
And that REPENTANCE and REMISSION OF SINS should be preached in HIS NAME among all nations,
Mark 16:15-16 (Net Bible)
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved, but the one who does not believe will be condemned.
Matthew 28: 18-20 (Net Bible)
Then Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Acts 2:38-41 (Net Bible)
Peter said to them, “Repent, and each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.” With many other words he testified and exhorted them saying, “Save yourselves from this perverse generation!” So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added.
Acts 4:12 (Net Bible)
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among people by which we must be saved.”
Acts 19:3-7 (Net Bible)
So Paul said, “Into what then were you baptized?” “Into John’s baptism,” they replied. Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, in Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, and when Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began to speak in tongues and to prophesy. (Now there were about twelve men in all.)
Acts 22:16 (Net Bible) And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on his name.’
The name Yeshua (YAHUSHUA) infers “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”. It means “YAH is Salvation”. We find His disciples and the Early Christian Assembly baptizing in His name as a public profession and expression of their covenant of repentance with God through Christ’s death (Romans 6). Baptism has to be out of a desire to seek him with our whole hearts and repent. Repentance is required before someone is a candidate for baptism (Acts 2:38).
Baptism
In order to understand Baptism we must:
1. Define faith, repentance and Baptism from a Hebraic perspective.
2. Define and clarify its history apart from other doctrines of baptisms.
Faith for a Hebrew person was not expressed only in thought as most Greek thinkers express it. It was meant to flow out in “actions” as proof. Abraham had to leave His home by faith, go through tests from Adoni, even to the point of being asked to sacrifice His son to called “friend of God”. What is seen in His actions is obedience to God’s instructions (Genesis 17:1). He did all this to earn the title as the “Patriarch of faith” for Old and New Testament believers to look too for an example. He was proven in His walk of faith, not only by his confession.
The term Belief is “living faith” expressed in the Anglo Saxon word called “believe”. It means to “live out” what you think is true. Faith is proven by works or actions. It can be defined in terms of bearing fruits worthy of repentance. Repentance is a work that is required by God, as is baptism. Obedience of the word through faith is what saves, not the work of carnal intellectualism. We are saved by the work of Jesus Christ, which was His death, burial, and resurrection. Repentance and Baptism in “His Name” is the requirement for the believer to show their obedience. (1 Pet 3:21) Bearing fruit is apart of the Christian life through the Holy Spirit. As we submit to Him, He causes us to grow spiritually (Galatians 5).
Therefore, Baptism is an outward public act that expresses the inward decision and intent of the heart. It becomes a confession of a faith and allegiance. It means a total commitment and inclusion into the Kingdom of God by Christ’s death burial and resurrection. Being Baptized in His Name means that we become one with His righteous nature, mind, character and eternal life. We have His "Family name". Yeshua Ha Mashiach (Jesus Christ). All of His victories and inheritance are ours. It is symbolizing death to our "carnal self centered person" after being regenerated by the Holy Spirit (Romans 6). As the believer comes up from the water, it means they are rising in the “newness of life”, just as we will in the future 1st Resurrection.
(John 11:25-26 KJV) Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
(Galatians 3:27-28 KJV) "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus
(Colossians 2:12 KJV) 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.
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BAPTISM: the Early Assembly follows Yeshua’s Instructions (Matt 28:19)
Acts 2:41 Peter finished speaking and 3000 were baptized.
Acts 8:29 - 40 Ethiopian Eunuch baptized
Acts 9:9-18 Paul’s Baptism
Acts 10:47 Gentiles Baptism
Acts 16:13-15. Lydia and her household at Thyritira Baptism
Acts 16:24-33 Jailor’s family Baptism
Baptism as Immersion
It must be clearly understood that the word English translation of “Baptism” has many definitions and applications in the Old and New Testament writings when used in its idiom forms. The book of Hebrews 6:1-2 speaks of repentance and the doctrine of Baptisms.
According to these sources :
http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Greek/grk.cgi?number=911&version=kjv
The Greek word “Baptizo” in its different forms as bavptw, bavptisma, bavptisma, baptismovß, means immersion or submersion. Water is used in" something in water. The idea behind this is to clean it. The Hebrew term for this word is “Mikvah”.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikvah
“Mikvah (or mikveh) (Hebrew: מִקְוָה, Standard Miqva Tiberian Miqwāh; plural: mikva'ot or mikves) is a specific type of bath designed for the purpose of ritual immersion in Judaism. The word "mikvah", as used in the Hebrew Bible, literally means a "collection" - generally, a collection of water.[1]
Several biblical regulations specify that full immersion in water is required to regain ritual purity after ritually impure incidents have occurred. Most forms of impurity can be nullified through immersion in any natural collection of water. Some, such as a Zav, however require "living water,"[2] such as springs or groundwater wells. Living water has the further advantage of being able to purify even while flowing as opposed to rainwater which must be stationary in order to purify. The mikvah is designed to simplify this requirement, by providing a bathing facility that remains in ritual contact with a natural source of water. “
http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=608&letter=M&search=ritual%20bath
“Literally, a "collection," a "collected mass," especially of water (Gen. i. 10; Ex. vii. 19; Lev. xi. 36; comp. Isa. xxii. 11). Because of the use made of this word in connection with ritual purification (Lev. xi. 36), it has become the term commonly used to designate the ritual bath.”
Why do immersion and what for?
John the Baptist (Immerser) used immersion in water for purification. Why? John’s Baptism was used to initiate purification in repentance, until Messiah could take over and finish the work of Salvation on the cross. It is common knowledge after reading the Hebrew writings (OT) that water is symbolic of cleansing. It was used in the practice of Levitical laws of the Torah for purification of those with disease, women after birth, anyone whom had sinned and in preparation for worship for all (Lev. 8, 1 4-16 and Ex 19, 40:12, 1 Kings 7:23 Ezekiel 36:25).
*There was also another ancient use for “mikvah” where a proselyte to the Jewish faith was immersed for entry into the Jewish community. A Gentile, whom did not observe the Torah, was identified as unclean. They were not permitted to join or socialize with the Jewish community. Circumcision on males was also performed as the Torah sign of faith in God and birthright to the promises through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. However, Yeshua’s requires the circumcision of the heart through baptism to become part of the Israel (Rom. 2:28-29 Philippians 3, Col. 2:11-13 Ephesians 2:8-12, Galations).
Yeshua (Jesus) used this same the same baptismal terminology in His Gospel (Luke 24:47, Matt. 28:19). The New Testament early church (assembly) derived its use of “Yeshua’s proselyte mikvah” (Jesus’s baptism) as entrance into God’s Kingdom. It means that all Jews, Lost Israel, and Gentiles have to be baptized (John 3rd Chapter and Colossians 2:11-12).
What did Christ mean by Born Again and How does it relate to Baptism?
Baptisms (Mikvah) in the Jewish customs are also used for several occasions in the life cycle of a person. Here a few:
1. When a Hebrew boy and girl reach maturity (Bar or Bat Mitzvoth).
2. Marriage
3. Religious Leader or position of Authority
In these cases the water represents spiritual cleansing for their rebirth at each level of their life cycle.
The Website: http://water-desert.wetpaint.com/page/Baptism?t=anon, HaMayim b'Midmar
(Water in the Desert) a Messianic Ministry noted that :
Water - The meaning of Water
Water is the Hebrew word “mayim” . It is made up of the letters “Mem – Yod – Mem” or ‘Water – Spirit – Water’ or ‘Word – Spirit – Word’.
Physical / Spiritual
HaMayim b'Midmar outlined the fact that Hebrew thought ascertains that the Holy Spirit gives the power of conversion (cleansing) in "both realms " of the physical represented (left “mem”) and the spiritual (right “mem”).
Therefore (1 John 5:6-8 NET Bible) Jesus Christ is the one who came by water and blood – not by the water only, but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify, the Spirit and the water and the blood, and these three are in agreement.
The water= His word, His blood, and the Spirit are designed to ‘cleanse’ our actions in the (physical) and our mind in the (spiritual). Baptism in water is showing the obedience in action of repentance and faith in Yeshua’s (dam) blood offering for our sins. His blood is eternal life (Chayim). Since all three of “His factors” are gathered from above (MIKVAH), it would most certainly align a complete spiritual and physical translation and regeneration into the Kingdom God.
HaMayim b'Midmar further noted that a baby passing through it’s mother womb and the children of Israel’s experience in passing through the Red Sea (Ex 14) are type of mikvah with the same ideas applied to Salvation. Water symbolizes the Spirit as living. Thus, the term “living waters” Mayim Chayim is also derived from waters that are collected from natural sources called “mikveh”.
Mikvah -
HaMayim b'Midmar outlined that when these Hebrew letters come together, they create the message turn from your rottenness to the Word and be washed which causes a re-birth.
(Mikvah and “Mayim Chayim)- Immersion and Living waters is what Yeshua hints too in John 3rd Chapter for being” born again” of the “water and the Spirit” when understood from a Hebrew perspective.
The other issue that must be brought to clarity with the “Exodus 14 experience of passing through the Red Sea waters” is that it foreshadows a type of walking away from Egypt – (our sins, sinful lifestyle, and idols) into God’s salvation and promises.
HaMayim b'Midmar brings out the fact that a convert to the Jewish faith in ancient times coming from the world’s religions was immersed with the name of "ADONAI ELOHIM EHJEH" (Strength of YHVH of Salvation and Deliverance) invoked over them.
Obviously, we can see why Yeshua commanded that the Apostles immerse everyone in His name “Yeshua” or YAHUSHUA (which means God is salvation)-(Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Matthew 28:19). This is what Paul means in His letter to Ephesians 4:5 ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, And ONE BAPTISM.
From the Hebrew perspective, we can see clearer the meaning of these scriptures about baptism (mikvah):
(Ephesians 5: 26-27 KJV) “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish”.
(Titus 3:5 KJV) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Baptism by Fire- the Holy Spirit
The website http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Greek/ notes that the Greek word for Spirit is pneu'ma Pneuma, which like the Hebrew is derived from the meaning of wind or breath. When used by Yeshua to mean that the Holy Spirit is the Comforter or Helper, it is translated from the Greek word, paravklhtoß Parakletos, meaning one who comes alongside to plead the case before the judge (John 14:16, 26; 15:26). The Hebrew word for Spirit is Ruwach meaning “wind or breath”. The wind is compared to Spirit of God and is invisible, yet active in the world (John 3 chapter and Prov 30:4). In the book of Acts 2 chapter we see the same effects of wind and fire in the Holy Spirit expressing Himself.
The Holy Spirit in Hebrew terms is (Ruach Ha Kodesh) the Set Apart Spirit or the Spirit that sanctifies. The apostle John mentioned that Yeshua would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire Matthew 3:11. Yeshua (Jesus) promised His disciples they would be immersed in the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:4-5, chapters 2, 4, 8-11 and 19). The Holy Spirit’s rule and effect on the believer’s life is found in (Romans 8 and Galatians 5). The Apostle Paul clarified the fruit, patterns, and rules for the expression of gifts of Holy Spirit in the assemblies (1 Cor 12-14 chapters).
According to the Bible, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is the completion of the New Covenant in the believer’s life. The Holy Spirit (Ruach Ha Kodesh):
• Convicts our hearts of sin (John 14:6)
• Indwells the believer (Ephesians 5: 18-20 , Colossians.3: 16,17)
• Seals and perfects us for the day of Redemption when we rise from the dead in our immortal bodies like Yeshua (Ephesians 4:30)
• Grieves our behavior (Ephesians 4:30-32, Hebrew 10:29)
• Intercedes for us in prayer (Romans 8:26)
• Searches our minds and emotions (Romans 8:27)
• Speaks and guides us (Isaiah 31, Acts 13:2,16:6-7, Revelation 2:7)
• Teaches and Reminds about everythings (John 14:26)
• Writes His laws on our heart (Jeremiah 31:33,Hebrews 8:10, 10:16, Romans 2:13-16)
The simple is fact is: Romans 8:9 (KJV)
“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
*We have to be Baptized by the fire of the Holy Sprit to be Saved!
What about Baptism and the Thief on the Cross?
“We” believers have no authority to “throw out” Baptism for the New Testament believer based on the thief on the cross model of Salvation. It is obvious in His relationship with Messiah, that if the dying thief had had the time and full life, He would have followed the command to be baptized (immersed) in Yeshua’s name, just like everyone else in the early church. Every believer comes to God through faith in Christ’s death burial and resurrection. The proof of our faith is obeying the commandment of New Covenant Baptism. The thief did not have the time. The early church and many of us today, do have the time to obey and be baptized. It was a sign of leaving the world and signified a death warrant, even today in many countries where Yeshua's faith is not welcome.
Why are so called believers looking for reasons not to be baptized? This should be the question? Any believer living after Christ’s death and resurrection that does not want to be baptized in His name is walking in rebellion against New Covenant of Yeshua(Jesus). It was not an option back then and is not one now. The Gospel according to scripture is clear.
Conclusion
Baptism was never meant to be separated from discipleship into Christ. Being baptized in Yeshua’s name was an outward sign of repentance and conversion into the Kingdom of God. This New covenant of salvation through Christ requires repentance, remission of sins by His blood through faith and obedience to water baptism in Hs name just like the Biblical model teaches. Circumsicion was the old way to become an Israelite, but God requires repentance from sins and faith leading being filled with His Holy Sprit. Yeshua requires water immersion and gives the immersion of Holy fire to purge and separate our lives from the world and lead us like the Exodus experience through the water and by the column of fire. We are not saved if we don’t have His Holy Spirit living in us.
The other question that Baptism brings out is: What type of Christianity are people claiming to practice today? It sounds like a discount version of the Gospel that has been watered down with feel good philosophies from a home and garden religion. Faith is not only intellectual. It is meant to be expressed in our actions of repentance toward good works found in the Torah and lead by the Holy Spirit. It is called Baptism in faith to what Yeshua accomplished on the cross.
It is the plain and simple fact that faith, repentance, and baptism is required by Jesus (Yeshua). The fact that a person rejects New Testament baptism is doing away with the New Covenant salvation plan through the resurrection of our savior Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha Mashiach) for their lives (Mark 16:15-20). Obviously, immersing people without faith and repentance in Yeshua will not save them. Clearly practicing a false gospel in lawlessness will not either.(Matthew 7:15-23).
After carefully clarifying Baptism in Hebrew terminology and thought, the statement in 1 Peter 3:21 is even truer “Even now (Mikvah) Baptism saves,” for those that truly repent and believe in Yeshua’s name. Yeshua told John the Immerser, “all things must be done righteously” with His own Baptism (Matt 3:15). What about us whom have time? The Ethiopian Eunuch’s question still rings to those whom haven’t been baptized-What hinders me from being baptized?
References
1. NET Bible
2. KJV Bible
3. http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Greek/grk.cgi?number=911 &version=kjv
4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikvah
5. http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/view.jsp?artid=608&letter=M&search=ritual%20bath
6. http://water-desert.wetpaint.com/page/Baptism?t=anon, HaMayim b'Midmar,(Water in the Desert) a Messianic Ministry
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Posted by YWGO on 2008-09-03 15:28:52 | Rating: | Views: 119
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May the Blessings and Anointing of Yahushua seal you, to the end of the age Brother
Agape
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Posted by Christianthoughts
on 2008-09-03 19:19:06
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Shabbot shalom! Great message on Mikveh (baptism). It is blessing to know that our Mikveh comes from both water and spirit. Now John 3rd chapter makes so much more sense.
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Posted by meira
on 2008-09-05 22:33:10
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wow some good stuff here to read
that the lord for the holy spirit
AMEN
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Posted by good_news
on 2008-09-06 15:58:26
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Praise God!!! Great Lesson on understanding the New Covenant Plan of Salvation. May the Grace, Mercy, and the Spirit of God keep us blameless until His coming!
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Posted by cpministries
on 2008-09-18 14:38:40
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