Baptism
and Blood
Ephesians 2:1-22
1 "And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;"
"Quickened" = "made alive spiritually". Without Christ we are dead. Walking around in these flesh bodys sinning living for the worldly way.
2 "Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:"
"prince of the power of the air" is Satan. The "Children of disobedience" = Kenites [the offspring of Satan through their father "Cain"], but all those who hate or deny Christ are in an adoptive sense, those who allow Satan into their lives.
3 "Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others."
Paul is pointing out that everyone is born in the flesh, and converted out of it. When we live for the flesh, our drives, our minds, and even our nature is to fill all the desires of the flesh. With that nature we are as the "Kenites", the offspring of Satan; until the Holy Spirit touches you and opens your mind.
4 "But God, Who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us,"
God's love is so great that our Father allowed His Son to suffer the insults and pain, as well as death for us all.
5 "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)"
"Quickened us", to make alive. By whose? By Christ Jesus we are saved. Grace = 5485 in the Greek, An act to influence the heart. To show favor. A gift! His death has made us alive, IF we accept that gift.
6 "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:"
Christ has prepared the way. We have a connection to the throne of God. Our connection is with the Holy Spirit of God working in and through each of us.
7 "That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus:"
*2 Peter 3:5-7 (This can be a bit deep. There are three world ages of time.)
5 For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
6 Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:
7 But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
We are in the second now. The Millennium starts upon Christ return and will bring the third age at it's end.*
8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
Grace is the source It's through our faith that we believe. Faith is an action! One that causes us to do what we do, and comes by our acting on our belief. Grace is the source. Paul uses "grace" 110 times. It's a matter of do we accept that favor given to us?
9 "Not of works, lest any man should boast."
"Works will not save you" God's grace brought us salvation. We can't do anything ourselves to bring our own salvation. We should always do our best to be good people, but they are void of having much meaning if you lack Christ. With Christ in our daily walk, we have assurance, confidence, power, but it's not for self. It's for doing the work of God.
10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
"Workmanship" = "handiwork". God made each of us for a purpose, and that purpose is to do good works. "Grace is all I need" Really? How many times have you heard that? Their "faith" is dead, where is their actions in their belief? They have no confidence in the work or words of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is not pleased with "lazy Christians". Can He use you? Did Jesus work one day a week or every day? For some, it's helping others to spread The Word. I say this because some feel guilt because they don't do what others may do. We all have gifts and we should all use them for the work of God.
11 "Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;"
Before Christ's death on the cross, there was no hope for the uncircumcised = Gentiles. They rejected what was written before Christ.
12 "That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world."
Until Jesus Christ the covenant wouldn't cover them.
13 "But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ."
The blood of Jesus Christ. Did it say by "baptism"? Are we quickened = made alive by water? Thank about the grace = or favor that has been given to us through the blood on the cross. Have we been given that favor by water?
14 "For he is our peace, Who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;"
The "partition" today is the world. Are you going to let it separate you from Christ? Did you know with Christ, you can obtain true peace. I have a study on "peace of mind" if you're interested, mail me a request and I will send it to you. That wall is down when you accept Him.
15 "Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace;"
"Enmity" = division. The law contained an blood ordinance of sacrifice. This is no more! Christ Jesus was the lamb slain once and for all. His blood, His life is what saves us. He has given that we may receive.
16 "And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:"
Christ defeated death, which is to say satan when he gave up his spirit on the cross and said, "it is finished" John 19:30 "When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the spirit."
17 "And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh."
Jesus preached His message to all flesh, near and far.
18 "For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father."
This "one Spirit" is the "Holy Spirit", through Jesus Christ.
19 "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;"
Because of Jesus Christ's shed blood, we are fellow citizens in Christ's kingdom, His body, with all the other saints.
20 "And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone;"
The Apostles, those that gave us The Word where we can build our lives upon. Christ being that first stone. "Chief corner stone" is the stone is where the entire structure is measured and built from.
21 "In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord:"
22 "In Whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."
This building is a spiritual building. We all become part of this building, this body. We are Christians!
Let's look at some others verses; we will be bouncing around a bit from here.
John 3:1-8
1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin a member of the high court.
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
"Rabbi" = Teacher.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
"Again" Greek, # 509, the word is "from above", so it reads "Except a man be Born from above" he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
His spiritual eyes wouldn't look past his flesh. The flesh way of thinking was blocking what Christ is telling him.
5 Jesus answered, 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.
"Verily, verily" ="truly, truly". This first birth isn't what "churches" teach today. They put you in bondage. Bare with me! What is Christ telling him? "This born of water is to be born of the womb of your mother. That sack of water every flesh person is held by. All souls come to this earth age. Our God is fare. I know there are some that die at birth and my believe is they are very special souls chosen by God to still go through the water but don't have to live in this age of time. Is there a distinction Christ is telling us between flesh and spirit? Yes!
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
"born of the flesh is flesh" = born of water, Spirit is spirit = accepting Christ into your life. If your following along in your King James. Notice the capital S in Spirit and small s for your spirit?
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
In other words. Don't let this trip you up.
8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
You have a spirit. You can't see it but you can feel it. Christ Spirit dwells in you and although you can physically see Him, you can feel Him. You can't see where a spirit goes, but through The Word we know where it goes.
I Thess. 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
Titus 3:4-7
4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
5 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 Spirit;
"The washing of regeneration" = revitalize or to make new. Christ's bloodshed on the cross, washed our sins away, even to the point of a rebirth of your spiritual body by the Holy Spirit. If you believe it take water than He died on the cross for nothing. The water would have been enough. It's the blood.
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
"To Justify" is to set one that is righteous. We are made righteous through His sacrifice. His blood! His favor, gift to us.
II Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
We can count on our Father concerning His promises. God has patience concerning His children. It isn't God's will that any soul should perish. That is love.
Let's see what Paul has to say about baptizing
I Corinthians 1:12-18
12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
Paul doesn't like what he is hearing. They are dividing themselves in different believes. It's why we have so many denominations today. People have gone their own ways. Re-written Gods Word. Put traditions in place instead of Truth
13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
He doesn't want anyone saying he or they baptize in the name of Paul.
16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
Paul is saying he doesn't know the names of people he has baptized other than Crispus, Gaius and Stephanas. It's not important who he has baptized. Why?
17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
What mattered to Paul is the fact that they heard the Word of God, "lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect". The cross is what makes the effect of salvation. The blood is what has saved us. His sacrifice.
18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
If you believe you must be washed by water to be saved, then the preaching of the cross you must find foolish. It's the preaching of the cross that by faith receive the Lord Jesus Christ into their hearts, through the repentance of their sins to our Father, always in Jesus name. That death of Christ on the cross is what gives us hope and the security that we have eternal life.
Hebrews 9:14&15
14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
The "eternal Spirit" is the Holy Spirit. Christ was without spot, He had no sin. These dead works and traditions have nothing to do with your salvation. Taking a bath in front of people will not save you. We have proven that in this study. Christ saves us trough His blood.
15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
Acts 16:31 "And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
Did they say, "take a bath" why no they didn't because it is the blood of Christ, His sacrifice for those that accept Him are the ones that will have life, now and to come.
In Conclusion
"That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,"
We should look at it carefully.
"Washing of water [BY] what? BY The Word. So we can see it's The Word that
washes us. What does it wash? It washes our minds. The Word is what bring us to
understand good and bad, what are sinful in the eyes of God and how to come out
from those sins. Repentance in Christ name!The Word is the manual for life. If we don't read it and study it, nothing is going to work the way in which our Father intended it for us. Do you not read the manuals before you put things together at work or home? If you don't, I'm sure you end up with parts you don't know what to do with because it wasn't put together correctly and I'm sure it will fall apart sooner or later.
Baptism of water is not what saves. It is not part of salvation. It is something someone does who is already saved. The self-help section of the bookstore wouldn't be so crowded if more people accepted God's solution for their well-being. His provision for man's redemption isn't self-improvement but rather a complete replacement of the old "flesh" nature.
From God's perspective, those who receive Jesus as Savior and accept His sacrifice for their sin are crucified right alongside Him. Their old self, puffed up with pride is put to death, and a new spotless Spirit takes up residence within. Baptism is a symbolic act representing that transition from death to life. Not only does it symbolize Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection; it also reflects our own experience of being buried with the crucified Christ and raised to walk in newness of life.
In our new life, we are free from bondage to sinful habits, harmful attitudes, the power of sin has no hold on you. Our daily lives doesn't always reflect spiritual reality, and we're left wondering why. When we can't seem to meet godly expectations, we try harder to do right. At times we return to the self-help section when what we should do is turn to the Deliverer. In redeeming us, Christ became our life. He lives in us through His indwelling Spirit, and He will live through us if we allow Him to do so.
People can't fix themselves. Christ Jesus calls believers into a relationship wherein they are renewed. With Christ we are "walking in newness of life."
John 5:24 "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Do you accept Him? Do you see what He has done for us is
what bring us salvation and they way to life everlasting? The old testament
ordinances of blood sacrifice is gone. We are made new through Christ. Don't
let these foolish teachers with itchy ears trick you or push you into
traditions of man to put you in bondage.
You are set free upon repentance in Christ Jesus name. You're set free
at that moment. You're made new. It's time to get into His Word as to understand
the paths we are to take as Christians. God bless you all that have continued
with me in this study. I pray it has blessed you and feed you well. It's with
love for our Father and for you. If this has helped you, please help us
continue to bring this to others. Look on our web site for more studies on CD
coming soon. If you would like one of our CD study's of your own, please e-mail us your request; ToddOVM@yahoo.com. Thank you and God bless you and yours!
*Remember, Baptism is not what saves. It is not part of salvation. It is something someone does who is already saved.