The Baptism That Saves: What Most People Miss in Acts 11:16

[bdavidc]

You know, baptism accomplishes more than just the remission of sins. By baptism you're also added to the body of Christ, the church. It's the only way to become a member of the body of Christ, by being baptized into Christ.

Romans 6:3-11

3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore 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. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7For he that is dead is freed from sin.
8Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: 9Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. 10For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 11Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

You’re reading into the passage what it doesn’t say. Romans 6 isn’t teaching that baptism causes us to be part of Christ—it’s showing what baptism represents. Paul uses baptism as a picture of what happens spiritually the moment we believe.


We are united with Christ in His death and resurrection by faith, not by water. That’s why Paul says, “We have been buried with Him by baptism into death” ~Romans 6:4, but earlier he already said that justification comes through faith apart from works ~Romans 3:28. If baptism were the way into Christ, then salvation would depend on a physical act, not on grace.


The “baptized into Christ” language describes what the Holy Spirit does when He places us into the body of Christ at salvation. “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body” ~1 Corinthians 12:13. That’s not talking about water, it’s the spiritual reality behind it. The water baptism that follows is the outward testimony of what’s already happened inwardly.

If you make baptism the entry point to the body of Christ, you’ve turned a symbol into a savior. Scripture never does that. The blood of Christ, not the water, reconciles us to God ~Ephesians 2:13. Baptism declares that truth, it doesn’t produce it.

 

[DJT_47]

Amen.

I agree.

So let's look at the scriptures about the baptism with the Spirit, which was also referred to as receiving the Holy Spirit.


Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17


These folks in Samaria has been born again having received the message of the Gospel, and also been baptized in water in the name of the Lord Jesus, yet they had not been baptized with the Spirit.

When the apostles came they laid hands on them and they received the Spirit.

Baptism comes after belief by obedience to the gospel, which leads to salvation.

And the manifestation of the Spirit was the result of the laying on of the apostle's hands which all gifts were the result of.

 

[bdavidc]

Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, who, when they had come down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17


These folks in Samaria has been born again having received the message of the Gospel, and also been baptized in water in the name of the Lord Jesus, yet they had not been baptized with the Spirit.

When the apostles came they laid hands on them and they received the Spirit.

In Acts, God was establishing the Church and confirming the gospel’s expansion beyond Jerusalem. The pattern you see in Samaria was unique, it wasn’t showing a two-step salvation, but rather God’s way of publicly uniting Jews and Samaritans under one gospel.

They had already believed and been baptized in Jesus’ name (so they were saved), but God waited to give the Spirit through the apostles’ hands to show that the same Spirit who filled the Jews at Pentecost also filled the Samaritans. It prevented two separate “churches” from forming, one Jewish, one Samaritan. The same thing happens again when the gospel reaches Gentiles in Acts 10, and there the Spirit falls instantly to prove that salvation comes by faith alone, not ritual.

Paul later explains that the normal pattern for every believer is this: “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him” ~Romans 8:9. The moment a person believes, they receive the Spirit. There’s no delay, no second baptism.

The apostles’ laying on of hands in Acts 8 was a one-time confirmation event during the church’s foundation, not a model for how salvation works today. The Holy Spirit is given at the moment of new birth, when a person truly trusts in Christ. “In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise” ~Ephesians 1:13.

What you’re reading in Acts 8 is not a second “Spirit baptism” after salvation; it’s God confirming that the same gospel has united all believers, Jew, Samaritan, and Gentile, into one body through one Spirit ~1 Corinthians 12:13.

 

[amigo de christo]

If it's so different then why do so many translations say BY?

CEB We were all baptized by one Spirit into one body, whether Jew or Greek, or slave or free, and we all were given one Spirit to drink.

CJB For it was by one Spirit that we were all immersed into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free; and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

CSB For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all given one Spirit to drink.

HCSB For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

KJV For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

NKJV For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.

NASB For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

NASB1995 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

RSV For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.

These two translations are interesting.

AMPC For by [means of the personal agency of] one [Holy] Spirit we were all, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free, baptized [and by baptism united together] into one body, and all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit.

DARBY For also in [the power of] one Spirit *we* have all been baptised into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bondmen or free, and have all been given to drink of one Spirit.

So, regardless this still pertains to Spirit baptism and not water baptism.

Do you ever get the feeling this other man is either a solider of the RCC or under its influence .
IF so , just know its more than a feeling . The one true gospel is under attack like never before .
The end hour where it would all hit a peak is building fast upon this generation . SO
this is our last call , CHOOSE YE THIS DAY whom ye shall beleive
whether it be the many anti christs of the all inclusive diverse and strange love of the broad path
or THE ONE TRUE GOSPEL . as for the sheep WE STICKING TO THE ONE TRUE GOSPEL , for BROAD IS the way TO DESTRUCTION .

 

[mailmandan]

But that happened. As i stated before starting with John, to Jesus promise to the 11 (them not us) in Luke 24:49, which was fulfilled in Acts 2 upon the 11 apostles upon which the Holy Ghost fell and they spoke in other tongues. That power from on high (Luke 24:49) bestowed upon THEM, enabled THEM to allow the Spirit to be manifested (tge gifts of the Spirit) through the laying on of their hands. That all ended with their deaths.

There is a difference between receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit and being filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. (Acts 2:4) All believers receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:43-45; Acts 11:17; 15:7-9; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13) but not all speak in tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:30)

 

[DJT_47]

Do you ever get the feeling this other man is either a solider of the RCC or under its influence .
IF so , just know its more than a feeling . The one true gospel is under attack like never before .
The end hour where it would all hit a peak is building fast upon this generation . SO
this is our last call , CHOOSE YE THIS DAY whom ye shall beleive
whether it be the many anti christs of the all inclusive diverse and strange love of the broad path
or THE ONE TRUE GOSPEL . as for the sheep WE STICKING TO THE ONE TRUE GOSPEL , for BROAD IS the way TO DESTRUCTION .

The feeling is probably just something you ate. Take an alka seltzer

 

[DJT_47]

There is a difference between receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit and being filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. (Acts 2:4) All believers receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:43-45; Acts 11:17; 15:7-9; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:13) but not all speak in tongues. (1 Corinthians 12:30)

We all who are/were baptized into Christ receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit itself not spiritual gifts from from the Spirit

Acts 2:38

38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 

[mailmandan]

We all who are/were baptized into Christ receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, the Spirit itself not spiritual gifts from from the Spirit

Acts 2:38

38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

"Baptized into Christ" does not mean water baptized into the body of Christ, as water-salvationists erroneously teach. That is only accomplished through Spirit baptism. (1 Corinthians 12:13) Now in what "sense" would a believer be water baptized into Christ? In the same "sense" that the Israelites were "baptized into Moses." (1 Corinthians 10:2) The Israelites were not literally water baptized into the body of Moses and there is little dispute that being "baptized into Moses" signified the open allegiance and public identification of the Israelites with Moses as their leader. Moses was formally recognized as the leader of the covenant people. Water baptism signifies our allegiance and public identification with Christ as our Savior, so it would only be in that "sense."

 

[DJT_47]

"Baptized into Christ" does not mean water baptized into the body of Christ, as water-salvationists erroneously teach. That is only accomplished through Spirit baptism. (1 Corinthians 12:13) Now in what "sense" would a believer be water baptized into Christ? In the same "sense" that the Israelites were "baptized into Moses." (1 Corinthians 10:2) The Israelites were not literally water baptized into the body of Moses and there is little dispute that being "baptized into Moses" signified the open allegiance and public identification of the Israelites with Moses as their leader. Moses was formally recognized as the leader of the covenant people. Water baptism signifies our allegiance and public identification with Christ as our Savior, so it would only be in that "sense."

It's not water? Why, because you say so cuz you don't want it to be? What is it then? It ain't spirit! Maybe kool-aid? Once again, you don't know what you're talking about. The entire history going back to John's baptisms has been water. The baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, right up to and Acts 2:38 and beyond to this very day, which is the same thing except into Christ. You are hopeless and a false teacher. Go pat yourself on the back.

 

[rwb]

It's not water? Why, because you say so cuz you don't want it to be? What is it then? It ain't spirit! Maybe kool-aid? Once again, you don't know what you're talking about. The entire history going back to John's baptisms has been water. The baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, right up to and Acts 2:38 and beyond to this very day, which is the same thing except into Christ. You are hopeless and a false teacher. Go pat yourself on the back.

The problem you're faced with is the FACT that John's baptism of repentance could not eternally save those who partake of baptism of water only. Only the baptism through Christ's Spirit can. That's why John says the one coming after Him shall baptize not with water for the remission of sins, but He (Jesus) shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost for eternal life.

 

[mailmandan]

It's not water? Why, because you say so cuz you don't want it to be? What is it then? It ain't spirit! Maybe kool-aid? Once again, you don't know what you're talking about. The entire history going back to John's baptisms has been water. The baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, right up to and Acts 2:38 and beyond to this very day, which is the same thing except into Christ. You are hopeless and a false teacher. Go pat yourself on the back.

Spirit baptism is the reality and water.baptism is the picture of the reality. Your biased interpretation of Acts 2:38 (your pet verse) remains your achilees heel. You just cannot accept the fact that the only logical and Biblical conclusion when properly harmonizing scripture with scripture is that faith in Jesus Christ "implied in genuine repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 13:38-39; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18) *Perfect Harmony*

 

[DJT_47]

The problem you're faced with is the FACT that John's baptism of repentance could not eternally save those who partake of baptism of water only. Only the baptism through Christ's Spirit can. That's why John says the one coming after Him shall baptize not with water for the remission of sins, but He (Jesus) shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost for eternal life.

I'm not ignorant of that nor faced with any problem at all. No one said John's baptism was eternal or meant to be, no different than the jews yearly anointmeant. That's why the Ephesians had to be re-baptized into Christ for the remission of sins; in the name of Jesus Christ, by the authority of Jesus Christ, and into the body of Christ.

 

[DJT_47]

Spirit baptism is the reality and water.baptism is the picture of the reality. Your biased interpretation of Acts 2:38 (your pet verse) remains your achilees heel. You just cannot accept the fact that the only logical and Biblical conclusion when properly harmonizing scripture with scripture is that faith in Jesus Christ "implied in genuine repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 13:38-39; 15:7-9; 16:31; 26:18) *Perfect Harmony*

You're singin' out of tune dude

 

[mailmandan]

You're singin' out of tune dude

The tune of Biblical hermeneutics.

 

[DJT_47]

Adios moochacho

 

[mailmandan]

Adios moochacho

Until the next time amigo.

 

[DJT_47]

Until the next time amigo.

Make sure you keep wearing your sombrero, eh?

 

[mailmandan]

Make sure you keep wearing your sombrero, eh?

The last time I wore a sombrero was at a resort in Mexico in 2008. Who can speak the most Spanish contest.

 

[mailmandan]

Yes. Baptism comes after salvation, not before or as part of salvation. The Bible is clear on that. The Ethiopian eunuch first believed, then he was baptized ~Acts 8:36–38. The jailer at Philippi “believed in the Lord Jesus” and was immediately saved. Then, after that, he and his household were baptized ~Acts 16:31–33.

Baptism is an act of obedience that makes public what faith has already done. It doesn’t cause salvation; it testifies of it. “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not of works” ~Ephesians 2:8–9. Water baptism can’t wash away sin; only the blood of Jesus can do that ~1 John 1:7.

So yes, baptism follows salvation as an act of obedience, not a means of receiving it.

Amen! Well said.

 

[mailmandan]

If you make baptism the entry point to the body of Christ, you’ve turned a symbol into a savior.

Well said ! False religion turns a picture and a symbol into the substance and the source.