What is the Meaning of Baptism?

Suggested by: RLC

In John 3:5 Jesus states, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (King James Version)." Hopefully, anyone reading this discussion has read and understands the foundational concepts in the documents listed under "The Basics" on the main download page.

A portion of Matthew Henry's Commentary is as follows: "The regenerating work of the Holy Spirit is compared to water. It is also probable that Christ had reference to the ordinance of baptism. Not that all those, and those only, that are baptized, are saved; but without that new birth which is wrought by the Spirit, and signified by baptism, none shall be subjects of the kingdom of heaven." Basically, he states the traditional Christian interpretation of the meaning of baptism. Another portion on the same subject states, "It is a great change made in the heart of a sinner, by the power of the Holy Spirit. It means that something is done in us, and for us, which we cannot do for ourselves."

Although a few churches consider physical baptism essential for salvation, Matthew Henry's commentary considers it as not being essential--in a slightly misleading way. The work of the Holy Spirit is also compared to the cleansing action of water rather than water being another component in the process of being born again. This goes directly against Jesus's statement "of water and of the Spirit." Finally, the commentary implies that the work of the Spirit produces changes in the heart of the sinner that bypasses his/her freewill. This is totally incorrect. Any change in Man's heart that occurs without understanding all the conseqences of that change and acceptance as a result of that understanding bypasses the individual's freewill. This is the way the self-serving nature (Satan) works but not GOD. The self-serving nature deludes Man into believing many lies resulting in false understanding and acceptance through ignorance--producing the changes in the heart that results in a sinful nature. GOD does not work this way. HIS Spirit teaches Man, producing understanding, and then acceptance based on knowing the Truth--i.e. John 8:32 - American Standard - "and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." No one can be led by the Spirit and remain ignorant of spiritual concepts necessary for his/her spiritual growth.

Utilizing the foundational concepts explained in the Information Kit and the Tutorial, we know that the "water" is another component of the salvation process. It is the "living water" Jesus mentions in John 4:10-14. It is also the water in Genesis 1:2. The seeking Spirit in Genesis 1:2 is given a revelation from GOD (Light) revealing the first step in growing spiritually. The Spirit then continues the Seven Steps of Spiritual Growth to bring what GOD revealed into existence.

"Living water" is the essence of all spiritual growth. It began as virginal life in Genesis 1:2. Only the Spirit of GOD can produce the spiritual growth in "living water" so that the resulting life is in Christ.

Physical water baptism is a symbol of this rebirth process. The sinner confesses their sins through true repentance. Publicly commits to the new purpose in their life. Demonstrates their understanding of the rebirth and spiritual growth process by going through the physical baptism process--knowing that only spiritual baptism can save them. It is true that someone can be in the body of Christ without being physically baptized and still die in a saved state; but as their understanding grows, their desire to be baptized is likely to occur. As Jesus stated, "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him." (Matthew 3:15 - King James Version). The statement of commitment through physical actions is a very important part of beginning a long term relationship. Physical baptism is the statement of commitment GOD has given us to begin our relationship with HIM through the life of Christ growing in us. But someone being baptized in physical water and publicly accepting Christ as their savior is no assurance that spiritual baptism has even begun.

The Spirit's purpose is to seek GOD's Purpose in all situations. Therefore, a child of GOD will seek GOD's Purposes in all situations encountered daily. Unfortunately, Man is infected with the self-serving nature and can believe they are seeking GOD's Purposes when they are actually doing it for self-serving reasons (Matt 7:22-23 and Matt 16:23 as examples). This is the final trap of the life of Satan in Man. Consider that a math problem only has one correct answer, but there can be many incorrect answers. In the same way the self-serving nature has many paths it can follow to keep Man from the Salvation path and maintain its life (Matt 7:13-14).

We should view the self-serving nature as we would cancer in our physical body. We do not view cancer as a part of what we can be when healthy. In the same way, the self-serving nature is a part of our spiritual being but not a part of who we can be when spiritually well (John 14:30). We must strive to grow in the fruit of the Spirit without fear knowing that as GOD's Spirit directs more and more of our actions the self-serving nature will be dying. If we diligently seek GOD's Purpose and endure to the end, GOD will lead us to our highest destiny through our freewill. The Spirit directs our actions more and more as we grow in an understanding of more and more of GOD's Purpose and accept it in our heart, which results in Christ's life growing in us.

If you have a question you would like to offer, please e-mail us at admin@bibleseek.com. We will give you credit in the following manner if you provide the information: First Initial, Last Initial, City, and State. Once e-mailed to us, we have the right to use it as we please as long as we give you credit as shown.

Return to Other Resources Page