One Baptism (Part 2)

By Clifton Angel     Last week, we noted that in the New Testament, there is (1) baptism in the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11), (2) baptism in fire (Matthew 3:11), (3) a baptism of suffering and persecution (Matthew 20:22), and (4) the baptism of John (Matthew 21:25). However, Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, “There is ... one baptism” (Ephesians 4:4–5). So, what is the one baptism, and how important is it?     The "one baptism" of Ephesians 4:5 is most akin to John's baptism, yet it is not John's baptism (Acts 19:1–5). Like John's, it is immersion in water (Acts 8:36–39; 10:47; 22:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5; John 3:3–5), but the "one baptism" is specifically in the name of—by the authority of—Christ (Acts 2:38; 19:5), which authority is united with that of the Father and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18–19). Furthermore, the "one baptism" is for (in order to obtain) remission (forgiveness) of sins” “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).     The "one baptism" is the point at which a person contacts the blood of Christ: “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16) “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood” (Revelation 1:5; cf. Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14; Romans 6:3).     The "one baptism" is the point at which a person is added to the "one church" by the Lord: “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls ... Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:41, 47).     Finally, the "one baptism" is the point at which a person may confidently say, "I am saved.” “Baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). Some of Jesus’ final words upon the earth before He ascended to the right hand of God were these: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16).     How important is the “one baptism”? It is a matter of eternal life or eternal death. What will you choose?

- Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/