Vol. 03, No. 36 Sept. 8, 2024

Steven J. Wallace
09/08/24 - Mt. Baker Beacon 2024

ONE BAPTISM (2)
Steven J. Wallace

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Eph. 4:4-6).¹

Baptism in the name of the Lord is distinct from Holy Spirit baptism. Holy Spirit baptism occurred in Acts 2:1-4 upon the apostles. The only other instance is found in Acts 10:44, when it was poured out on the household of Cornelius to demonstrate that Gentiles could enter the body of Christ without first becoming Jewish converts. Unlike baptism in water, Holy Spirit baptism was never meant for men to administer. It is not a command to obey, but a promise that only Christ could fulfill (Mk. 1:8; Acts 1:4-5). The distinction between these two baptisms is made clear in Acts 10:47-48.

Baptism in the name of the Lord is the “one baptism” mentioned by Paul and is connected to the other six “ones” mentioned. The supplied chart below this article illustrates.

• The “one baptism” places us into the “one body” or church (1 Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:47). Note: The Corinthians were not baptized by the Holy Spirit but when they heard and believed, they were baptized to have their sins washed away (Acts 18:8; 1 Cor. 6:11).
• The “one baptism” is of the “one Spirit” because the Holy Spirit glorifies Christ and reveals to men what Christ would have them do to be saved. “He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you” (Jn. 16:14). “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (Jn. 3:5; cf. 1 Cor. 6:11).

The “one baptism” is tied to the “one hope.” Paul wrote: “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so 

• we also should walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4) and then, “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him” (Rom. 6:8). Hope is forward-looking faith; it is earnest expectation and anticipation of something. If we died with Christ, we certainly believe we shall live with Him!
• The “one baptism” is tied to the “one Lord.” We are baptized “into Christ” and into His death. We are buried with our Lord (see Col. 2:12). We are justified by Christ’s blood and reconciled to God through His death when we are baptized (Rom. 5:9, 10; 6:3, 4).
• The “one baptism” is tied to the “one faith.” It is an act of faith that meets God’s grace (Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:3, 4). In fact, Paul wrote to the churches of Christ in Galatia, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:26, 27, emp. added, SJW). The “for” leads on with the previously established truth. Sons of God through faith is further explained as being baptized into Christ and being clothed with Him.
• Finally, the “one baptism” is tied to the “One God and Father.” The Father wills for all to be baptized to enter the family of God (Matt. 28:19). Have you obeyed the Father by being baptized into Christ?

¹ Unless noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

CAN WE EXPERIENCE ETERNAL JOY WHEN LOVED ONES ARE LOST?

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:38, 39

Let’s explore the challenging question of how faithful believers can experience eternal joy in heaven, even with the sorrow of knowing that some loved ones may be lost through unbelief. What is the foundation of Christian joy, and can it endure forever, or will it be lessened by the weight of earthly sorrows
 

1. What does Hebrews 6:19-20 say about hope being an anchor for our souls?
   
   
    
2. Why is Christian joy different from human happiness?
   
   
    
3. According to the Bible, identify what Christian joy is tied to:
   1.  
       
   2.  
       
   3. 
       
   4. 
      
       
4. Matthew 25:21
   1. What was the faithful servant over while his lord was away?
   2. What would his lord make of him?
   3. What would the servant enter?

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

OUR HEAVENLY JOY
(God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.)

Scripture Reading: Revelation 21:1-4

1. What does the Bible say about the presence of God in heaven, and how does it impact our joy (Rev. 21:3, 4)?
   
    
2. Who are some of the beings who will be in heaven (Heb. 12:22-24)?
   
    
3. What company will not be there (Rev. 21:8)?
   
    
4. Under the context of divine wrath and judgment, what is specifically noted as being praiseworthy of God (Rev. 15:1-3; 16:4-7)?
   
    
5. What will happen to our lowly bodies when Jesus returns, and what does this mean to you (Phil. 3:20, 21)?
   
    

THOUGHT QUESTION:
According to Jude 1:24-25, how does God keep us from stumbling and present us as faultless? What Scriptures can further help us understand this work?

Downloadable File(s)

1. 0908_0336.pdf (405.46 kB)
2.  

Share Online