Random thoughts on turning 60 years old...

Today is my birthday. It's certainly not a surprise. I have one every year on January 26th. No matter how hard I’ve tried, I can’t seem to avoid them. I’ve always disliked the idea of celebrating my birthday, this one especially. Maybe it’s because my life has whizzed by and now I‘ve entered my seventh decade and don't easily remember getting here.

Father time has been elbowing me in the ribs for the past 2 years, preparing me to be shoved without mercy from middle age to senior citizen. Like it or not, today I hit 60. The past two years, waiting for this day... has been like watching a slow-motion car crash coming from far off, yet knowing you can't avoid it.

For those folks who say 60 is the new 40... I have some advice for you... keep your comments to yourself! 60 is just what it is and always has been... the beginning of the end run play for the goal line. Being 60 puts you in the red zone and there’s no way to turn back the clock. No more timeouts and the clock is ticking faster than ever before. Like the game of football, where the toughest plays of the game are between the twenty yard line and the goal, the same can be said of passing the “age sixty milestone.” From here to the goal it gets tougher and tougher. Growing old is not for sissies and the faint of heart.

Six..ty. SIX..TEE! Where did the time go? I don't feel any older. I take that back...I do feel older. Especially today. My joints are stiff. Lower back is hurting. Can’t see with my glasses or without them. I have an unidentified pain in my... well that’s none of your business. I still know the person looking at me in the mirror. Hold on, I’ll think of his name... just give a me a minute!

Not that long ago, I thought of myself as kinda cool, even hip in a conservative sorta way. Well... now the world has every reason to see me as a old coot, a crank [cranky-pants], a crab, a curmudgeon, an ol’ codger. I just can’t wait for some young whipper snapper to yell at me as I leave some place... “Hey mister... you forget your cane.”

Sometimes, my life was public and sometimes anonymous. I met people at high, middle and low levels of society. Some were bright and interesting, some total duds, and it had nothing to do with where they stood on the ladder of success. It's just the way people are. I haven’t always been a big fan of people, but I am trying to like them more now.

Oh the tales I could tell you about my life and its twists and turns. I should write a book, except that what’s happening to me as I turn 60, happens to everyone... it’s not all that interesting or unique for any of us. So you can relate to this... just when you think things are going oh so good, life throws a monkey wrench into your smooth sailing and boggles everything all up. Sometimes life unravels in slow motion and you get to watch it and live it, but you can’t turn it off or change the channel. Along the way come the high points in life. Love, babies, grandkids, rainbows... Christ, God and Truth. Maybe a few toys I really didn’t need, although at the time, I couldn’t imagine life without them.

How terribly strange to be 60. Strange but not terrible. I know that my Savior has redeemed me and awaits my arrival. More than ever before, I like to imagine “they” are making arrangements now for my arrival, just in case I come earlier than expected.

I pay more attention now to life span stats and the facts are what they are. The average lifespan for a male in America is now 76. That gives me a mere 16 years remaining. I think to myself... “When was 16 years ago? Oh ya, 1995. Wait! That seems like yesterday.” See what I mean... I’m in the “red zone” now.

So... I am old enough to know better, and still young enough to do it again. At sixty, one is entitled to reflect upon one’s life, at least a little. I’m not finished with life yet, in fact there’s an awful lot I want to do, and see, and discover. And yes, I will always be okay with buying “green bananas” at the grocery store. You know... old people don’t buy “green bananas” because they might pass before they ripen and get to eat them. I guess it's a bad luck thing. There will always be someone in my house to eat them even if I’m not there.

I continue to find joy and delight in the unexpected. I like to think that I have learned at least a little about grace and love. Love which unites and grace that puts aside my failures and mistakes enabling the imperfect me to stay united with people.

Life’s formula is simple, even though it takes a long time to figure it out: Live pure, speak truth, right wrongs, follow Christ the King. What more is there?

I am deeply grateful to Debbie. For 29 years, she has been my partner in much learning and discovery. Without her, I couldn’t have made it this far. I am grateful too, for Hillary, Stephanie, Abbey and Lyndsey. Four daughters who have spontaneously, taught me about myself and my desperate need for God’s grace. They don’t even realize the lessons they’ve taught me. I continue to make mistakes... but at least now I know I did and I’m embarrassed by them. That wasn’t always the case. Now... I don't feel like it's the end of the world when tough times invade my attempts at peace and tranquility. Believe me... I covet those things, but may never get them in this life.

As I mark my 60th, no matter how you slice it... I am old. Don’t give me that “age is a state of mind” lingo... I am still in the 2-minute warning period of my life expectancy. Hopefully I’ll get at least one, maybe two overtimes before the ref calls “game over.”

I’ve thought a lot about growing old these past two years, always writing down my thoughts. I remembered something I jotted down long ago about growing older: "Too old too fast, too smart too slow." Maybe, just maybe in the “end game” I really will figure it all out.

I gotta tell ya, some things are really worth the wait though... like your first senior discount. Today, I pulled around a sharp turn drive-thru lane at a McDonalds just across the Bay Bridge west bound from San Francisco. A pleasant voice came over the speaker, “Can I help you?” “Yes you certainly can... I turned 60 today... so I would like to order a half-price “Senior’s coffee, please." “The pleasant voice said “sure, will that be all?” I pulled on around to the pay-window and the girl took one look at me and asked to see my ID. “Why do you need to see my driver’s license, don’t you believe me?” She said, “no way are you 60, no way.” “Well how old do you think I am, I asked?” The teenage girl was very very wise for her age... “I dunno, maybe 39, or 42, or 45.. you look like you’re about my Dad’s age and he’s 42, I think.” I showed her my ID and got my half-price coffee.

As I was basking in her glorious testament to my youthful appearance, I merged into traffic on my journey towards Sacramento. Even the occasional wincing from the unexplained pains couldn’t dim my smile... knowing for certain that “half-price coffee” really is worth the wait! Yes indeed... a small victory in the red zone!

God says... YOU are Saved by Baptism!

Over the past few weeks in the articles posted, I’ve been discussing the important subject of "Baptism." I’ve approached the subject a bit differently than some might have expected, but it was by design. So many people get hung up on the mode of baptism...whether sprinkling and pouring verses the Biblical teaching by immersion, that I wanted to approach the topic first discussing modes and forms and how man seems to have gotten so far off the Biblical track.

Even baptism by immersion if not done in accordance with what Scripture teaches, is essentially of no saving value. It’s worthless, unacceptable to God. So today’s article will attempt to summarize every aspect of the event of baptism and what it means to your eternal salvation.

Baptism is a very controversial subject in the religious world. There is probably no other Biblical theme over which there has been so much disagreement. However, this fact should not discourage you from a thorough study of the matter. Rather, it should encourage you to diligently search the scriptures, and find out just what is taught concerning baptism. Don’t simply accept what you have been taught by your denominational tradition, for it may not conform to the truth of Scripture. Baptism is not to be treated as “close enough” or “good enough”... we must conform to it as a Biblical command exactly and precisely as God has instructed it to be done.

As in all other religious matters, the Bible is the standard of authority. Only the Bible is necessary to determine the true meaning and understanding of baptism. It matters not what some church has declared as its dogma; what some council has decreed; what some creed teaches; or what some theologians or preachers may have said. Churches, councils, creeds, and catechisms have no authority in religious matters. Since they often prove to be unscriptural, contradictory, and unreliable in their teaching, it behooves a serious concerned person to disregard all denominational sources, manuals, guides, etc., and seek the Bible’s answer to all your questions about baptism.

The Bible, and the Bible alone, is the only authority in religion. It is the manifesto of God’s authority in all matters. A thing is right if the Bible commands it; it is wrong or irrelevant if it does not. Much of the controversy on the subject of baptism is the result of following tradition, creeds, and human opinions rather than the authoritative Word of God.

Okay then, let’s ask this question, "What does the Bible teach on the subject of baptism?"

The Bible teaches that baptism is a command of God which mankind must obey. Jesus said in Matthew 28:19-20, “...Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”... So we see that Jesus commanded the apostles to baptize those whom they taught. In Mark 16:15-16, Jesus said, He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." In this familiar passage, Jesus connects the preaching of the gospel with faith and baptism and no one can preach the gospel acceptably who does not urge sinners to be baptized. In Acts chapter 2, Peter, speaking by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit said, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38). So we learn that the Holy Spirit commanded penitent believers to be baptized. When Peter preached the gospel to the house of Cornelius "he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord" (Acts 10:48). To deny, then, that baptism is a command of God is to deny the plain statements of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command." (John 14:15). If we truly love the Lord, we will obey the command to be baptized as well as all other commands. A refusal to be baptized, on the part of the sinner, shows that he neither loves Christ nor believes in Him.

The Bible also gives an answer to the question, "Who can receive baptism?" This phase of our subject is much controverted, there being some who teach infant baptism, yet there is absolutely no example of infant baptism in the Bible; nor is there a single verse that teaches such. History reveals that infant baptism was introduced long after the Bible was written. The Bible clearly reveals who is an acceptable candidate of baptism. Before one is baptized, one must be taught the gospel. "Go teach all nations, baptizing them" said Jesus.

Infants are not subjects for baptism because the gospel cannot be taught to them. An acceptable candidate for baptism is one who has the mental capacity to make an informed studied decision to believe in Jesus Christ. Belief is the foundation for Faith. "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved," so states our Lord. Faith ALWAYS, ALWAYS, precedes baptism.

When the eunuch desired baptism, Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The eunuch answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (Acts 8:37). Upon this confession of his faith, Philip baptized him. Only repentant believers should be baptized according to Scripture, because baptism is an act of faith that demonstrates trust in the crucified Christ. As is clearly obvious, one must repent before being baptized. Of what can an infant repent; having committed no sin. Who can be Scripturally baptized? One who has been taught, becomes a believer and repents.

The Bible also gives an answer to the question, "How is baptism administered?" Some people say sprinkling and/or pouring are acceptable modes of baptism. While others believe immersion is the only Scriptural authorized mode. There is no example of sprinkling or pouring water over another for baptism in the Bible; nor is there any Scripture which authorizes such a practice. Immersion is the only God approved and authorized mode of baptism. The word "baptize" means "to immerse," "to submerge," "to plunge," "to dip." It NEVER means sprinkling or pouring. When Jesus was baptized, he came to the Jordan River, he was baptized, and he came up out of the water (Matthew 3:13-17). This plainly shows that Jesus was immersed and that baptism, in Christ's day, was an immersion [like burial] of the whole body beneath the water surface. When Philip baptized the Ethiopian, they both went down into the water, Philip baptized him and they both came up our of the water (Acts 8:38-39). This proves that the person, guided by the Holy Spirit, always administered baptism by immersion. In Romans 6:4, Paul says, "We are buried with Him by baptism into [His] death."

So, baptism is a symbolic burial, an immersion in water. Paul goes on in these verses to show that baptism pictures the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Only immersion could do this; sprinkling could never picture a burial and resurrection. What is the action of baptism? It is like a burial. It requires water; much water (John 3:23); coming to the water (Acts 8:36); going into the water (Acts 8:38); being buried beneath the water (Colossians 2:12); being raised (Romans 6:4); and coming up out of the water (Mark 1:10).

The Bible, furthermore, gives an answer to the question, "Why should one be baptized?" Some say that baptism is not essential and that we can be saved just as well without it as we can with it. Others teach that baptism is nothing more than a religious ritual, an outward sign of an inward change [of heart]. Others say that is is administered to people who are already saved in order that they might be brought formally into the fellowship of the church.

What does the Bible say on the design of baptism? Scripture teaches that baptism is a “condition” of salvation. One cannot be saved without being immersed in water for the remission of sins. In Mark 16:16, Jesus says, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved." That verse should settle the matter. He did not say, "Whoever believes and is saved should be baptized." He did not say, "Whoever believes and is not baptized shall be saved." In 1 Peter 3:21, Peter said, "and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you..."

Baptism is always mentioned before salvation; it is never mentioned after salvation. In Acts 2:38, Peter said, "Repent and be baptized.. for the remission [forgiveness] of sins." Not because our sins are already forgiven, but, as one translation states it, "in order to have your sins forgiven." Surely, the sinner does not receive forgiveness of sins until he is baptized! When Ananias encountered the believing, penitent Saul of Tarsus, he said, "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name." (Acts 22:16). So, baptism is connected with the washing away of sins and the calling on the name of the Lord. In Galatians 3:26-27, Paul says, "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." So baptism, upon a confession of faith, puts one "into Christ."

Salvation and all spiritual blessings are in Christ, and, since baptism puts one into Christ, those blessings are not ours until we are baptized. Listen again to Paul in Romans 6:3-4, “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

This important passage teaches: First, that we are baptized into Jesus Christ. Second, we are baptized into the death of Christ. It is the death of Christ which saves, and baptism relates to that death and puts us into its eternal benefits. In other words, baptism, by faith, brings us to the blood of Christ. When the sinner comes seeking baptism, he is trusting Christ, not his own works... it is the blood [of Christ], not the water that saves.

Baptism, authenticated by one’s faith, saves a person because it [baptism] brings him symbolically to that which does save, the blood of Jesus Christ. Third, this passage teaches that when we are raised from the grave of baptism, we are raised to "walk in newness of life." The new life begins when we are baptized, not before. Those who teach that it begins before baptism are wrong, if we are to trust the “authority” of these Scriptures. God has placed access to the “blood of Christ” that saves... in the waters of baptism. It’s that simple. Don’t make it more complicated. Accept it as it is Biblically taught to us.

Briefly reviewing the importance of Baptism... we know it is a clearly and repeatedly stated command of God. Based on the Authority of Scripture, we know that it is administered only to believers who have repented. We have learned that it is administered only by complete immersion in water, not by any other mode such as sprinkling or pouring. Most importantly, baptism is a condition of salvation with which we must comply if we would have God forgive us of our sins and enjoy the newness of life that is found only in Christ Jesus. This is what God teaches to us through His Holy Word the Bible.

Are you a Christian? Have you put your faith in the Christ of Calvary? Have you repented of all your past sins? Have you confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior? Have you been baptized, completely immersed in water, for the remission of your sins? If not, I earnestly plead with you to do exactly what the Bible commands and be saved by the blood of Christ. There is no other “God approved way” to gain a right and blessed relationship with Him.

Begin living for Christ, through your own baptism into Christ. Accept His grace and mercy. Begin that life that will prepare you to be with Him for eternity.

May the grace of God go with you in your search for His Truth.

Satan... How well do you Know him?

Satan seeks to imitate, confuse and distort God's word and Christ's atoning work.

He continually seeks to discredit the believer before his God and before the world.

God says righteousness is by faith. Satan insists upon self-righteousness. Satan would have us to have faith in anything, or any kind of faith except faith in Christ.

God says, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” Satan substitutes forms of prayer or just saying prayers.

God's plan is Christ for the world. Satan's plan is the world for Christ.

Christ says, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.” Satan says, “Build fine buildings, make yourselves religious empires.”

God says to His people, “Study to show thyself approved of God.” Satan would have us seek the applause and approval of men.

There is not one doctrine or promise into which Satan does not enter. He has one object in all that he does, and that is to overthrow God by undermining faith in God's word.

Satan's business is to craft wedges between us and God, between brother and brother, and even putting Scripture against Scripture. He works through the flesh, causing unbelief, doubts, quarrels, divisiveness and divisions.

Satan makes God's people one-sided Christians. He gets them on a hobby and many times it is a good one. He causes them to ride it to the neglect of other important truths. This is one of Satan's oldest tricks, and at times he has used some of God's choicest servants to lead these deceptions.

Satan undertakes some of his cleverest work against established Christians.

He takes the foundation truths and cleverly fastens them to some utterly unscriptural teaching.

Satan has great success in keeping Christians from rightly dividing the word of truth by using God’s truth.

Satan seeks to confuse the Holy Spirit's work with Christ's work.

He mixes the kingdom and the church in a hopeless mass of confusion.

Satan always attacks the man that God has filled with the Holy Spirit.

Satan is at his best when excuses are needed for things not pleasing to God, and he furnishes a sedative with the excuse that makes some people think it right to do wrong.

Satan's play upon the carnal nature is astonishingly successful. He appeals to the inclinations, preferences, and desires of human nature. He touches the chords of laziness, selfishness and thoughtlessness within us.

Satan is continually seeking to stir up jealousy, envy, and unholy desires in the believer, that he might lead us away from a true testimony and fellowship with Christ.

He comes to annoy, to provoke, to vex and discourage, or to do anything to undermine the serenity of our faith in God.

Satan is a great flatterer and finds a welcome in most any human heart.

Satan has the brazen face to turn men away from the written word by traditions or by almost anything that arouses the ego of the natural heart.

Satan uses the inconsistencies, infirmities and sins of God's people to discredit the word of God.

God has His church (His “little flock”). Satan has this great mixed thing in the world falsely known as
Christianity.

Satan ventures into even the highest places and corrupts the truth by the injection of error.

He never loses an opportunity nor neglects anything that he can possibly use to cause us to deny and distrust truth.

Satan uses anything from the merest conveniences and habits of life to set aside the Bible. There is not a revelation of truth that he has not imitated.

Satan's whole effort is to take the throne of God and to occupy it as god of this world.

Satan injects his own infernal power to discourage the supernatural in true Christianity.

Satan causes unbelief that destroys true faith and causes man to substitute a dead faith.

Satan is the author of error which has always brought discord and division to the church. He seeks to deny what God says and to put something in the place of truth.

He brings temptations, trials, and distress. He annoys, confuses, and discourages that he might cause us to sin.

Satan contends every step of the way, and if he has to admit the truth, he will get us to hide it or to be ashamed of it.

How far has Satan succeeded in eliminating the full, complete Christ from your life?

There is not one golden promise or precept of God that Satan has not tried to take away from it the very truth that makes it worthy of God.

Satan wears the garment of an angel of light. He ordains to his nefarious work, men who have taken the vows of God upon them and sends them forth as his ministers of righteousness and critics of the word of God. This is one of Satan's master strokes.

The present day “Christian” organizations with their impressive and ornate buildings, intellectually trained preachers, grand organs and padded pews are proofs of this.

There is not a doctrine that he does not dispute nor a divine promise that he does not discredit.

Satan always proposes what appears to be for man's good but his design is always to undermine faith.

He uses fear, doubt, uncertainty and every cunning device his ingenuity can invent to bring this about.

Satan offers pleasure, profit, exaltation and pride, always suggesting some forbidden thing.

Satan is practical. He is the author of worldly ambition, discontent and fear.

Satan tempts man with safety, pleasure and elevation, and with any other temptation that appeals to the natural man. Satan's main activities are in the realm of religion and he is the author of all false religion.

God says His word is “quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword,” but Satan offers only a form of religion devoid of any power.

Satan seeks to overcome the word of God by here and there adding to, or taking away from it. Thus he is continually digging at the foundation so that the purposes of God might be defeated.

The startling fact that we should never forget, is that Satan uses man for all his purposes to discredit God and His word. This should cause us to be continually alert and concerned about our spiritual condition before the Holy God, lest we become one of those that Satan might use to accomplish his purposes.

For if we give place to Satan in any thing, it will destroy the harmony of our spiritual life with God.

Let us briefly review what we have discovered about the great deceiver:

1. Satan is a great, strong and wise enemy of God in this world.

2. He is always working with an artfulness and cunning peculiar to himself.
3. He has brought into contribution to this end all the influences and power of this world that he has ruined.

4. The peculiar objects of his evil designs are believers who in every way are seeking loyalty to God's truth.

5. He promises great things to those who knowingly and unknowingly follow him: pleasures, gain, honor, riches, and advantages that they might be drawn away from the source of their love... God.

As we look at our human weakness and ignorance and compare them with Satan's deceptions, wisdom and enmity towards God, how easy it is to see that our only safety is in Christ and His true Authority.

Thank God, the Bible, which Satan hates so much, contains one little passage which is the divine direction for dealing with him. “Submit yourselves, therefore, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).
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The above content comes from the book “The Satan of Scripture” by W.A. Mason. Mason was a devoted preacher of the Gospel in the late 1800’s. The Satan of Scripture was first published by Smith, Elder & Co., London UK A.D. 1876.
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Editor’s Epilogue...

In case you had any doubts... Satan is a very real being. He is not a symbolic figure to explains man’s evil. He exists he is powerful and if you are a seeker of truth, then you are one of his prime targets. He is a parasite, a cunning deceiver and a counterfeiter, but you can’t easily see his true nature because he only shows you what you most desire that influences you to his side. The Bible calls him "the god of this world," and says that he blinds the minds of unbelievers and believers. Jesus called him "the prince of this world," and "the father of lies." Despite the revelation of Scripture, 50% of those who profess to be “born again” Christians actually deny Satan's existence. The scary thing about denying that Satan exists... is that you have abandoned caution and become an unwitting servant of his deceptions.

There is nothing original about him or his attacks on humanity. You can precisely know how he will attack you, if you carefully read the Bible. He and his machinations are very well defined by a proper understanding of God and His purposes. Satan’s nature, character and his schemes are diametrically opposed to God’s. Satan is the source of ALL confusion and distortions of God’s Word of Truth. He is the power behind all of man’s challenges to God’s authority, to His Truth and all He has commanded for man’s salvation.

Satan wants not only to blind people to God’s authority and true doctrine, but to His abundant goodness, grace and mercy, thereby convincing us that God is unfairly, unpredictably and almost gleefully vindictive towards humanity. Has Satan corrupted the Church? Has he distorted truth and sound doctrine? What do think? With all the doctrinal confusion among the many denominations of contemporary Christianity, with its vast array of conflicting beliefs... the Wicked One has pretty well succeeded.

Don’t be mislead... Satan is the reason why well intended men argue over doctrine and debate the Bible’s clear and simple truths.

What will you do to protect yourself against Satan’s influence in your life?

Baptism can be very confusing...

It’s no wonder there is so much confusion about what baptism really means. Depending on one’s denominational background, its meaning varies widely.

You can’t even trust a dictionary to give you a consistent definition because so much of what appears in dictionaries today, even recent Biblical dictionaries, is a reflection of how the “word is perceived” today. The definitions and descriptions of baptism are drawn from prevailing practices and views based on traditions. That’s not surprising, the meaning of words change over time, especially in the english language.

Take a look at the following text from a popular internet resource and see for yourself how baptism has acquired many meanings over the ages:

Baptism is performing ablutions, or ritual washing; it is for the majority the rite of admission, almost invariably with the use of water, into the Christian Church generally and also membership of a particular church tradition [denomination]. Baptism has been called a sacrament and an ordinance of Jesus Christ.

In some traditions, baptism is also called christening, but for others the word "christening" is reserved for the baptism of infants.

The New Testament reports that Jesus himself was baptized. The usual form of baptism among the earliest Christians was for the candidate to be immersed totally (submersion) or partially (standing or kneeling in water while water was poured on him or her). While John the Baptist's use of a deep river for his baptism suggests immersion, pictorial and archaeological evidence of Christian baptism from the 3rd century onward indicates that the normal form was to have the candidate stand in water while water was poured over the upper body. Other common forms of baptism now in use include pouring water three times on the forehead.

Martyrdom was identified early in Church history as "baptism by blood", enabling martyrs who had not been baptized by water to be saved. Later, the Catholic Church identified a baptism of desire, by which those preparing for baptism who die before actually receiving the sacrament are considered saved. As evidenced also in the common Christian practice of infant baptism, baptism was universally seen by Christians as in some sense necessary for salvation, until Huldrych Zwingli in the 16th century denied the necessity baptism altogether.

Today, some Christians, particularly Quakers and the Salvation Army, do not see baptism as necessary, and do not practice the rite in any form. Among those that do, differences can be found in the manner and mode of baptizing and in the understanding of the significance of the rite. Most Christians baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (following the Great Commission), but some baptize in Jesus' name only. Most Christian traditions baptize infants; many others hold that only believer’s baptism is true baptism. Some insist on submersion or at least partial immersion of the person who is baptized, others consider that any form of washing by water, as long as the water flows on the head, is sufficient.

"Baptism" has also been used to refer to any ceremony, trial, or experience by which a person is initiated, purified, or given a name. (Selected highlights on topic “Baptism” from Wikipedia, the free Internet Encyclopedia–2011)

Here’s another variation from a highly respected and trusted information resource:
BAPTIZE, Baptism: To administer the sacrament of baptism to a person; to christen. By some denominations of Christians, baptism is performed by plunging, or immersing the whole body in water, and this is done to none but adults. More generally the ceremony is performed by sprinkling water on the face of a person, whether an infant or an adult, and in the case of an infant, by giving him a name, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, which is called Christening. (Webster’s Dictionary)

Okay, that’s how many common secular resources describes baptism. What about Bible dictionaries, such as Strong’s Greek Dictionary?

Here’s commentary on the word ‘baptize’ as found in Strong’s Greek Dictionary: The word ‘baptize’ is a Greek word that has been transliterated into the English language.  The English language did not have a word for the Greek word ‘baptize’ so the Greek word was borrowed and put into the English language, retaining its Greek definition.  In other words, the translators taught us a Greek word and the Greek words meaning.  Being transliterated from Greek to English the words ‘baptize’ and ‘baptized’ in EVERY case in Scripture means to ‘immerse’ or ‘submerge’... ‘cover wholly with fluid’ [water]. (Strong’s Greek Dictionary)

Do you see the problem?   Alternate meanings based on tradition have been attached to the words ‘baptize’ and ‘baptism’. So to use a common English dictionary for the definition will not give as precise a meaning as the Greek dictionary does. What’s important... is that we know the word ‘baptize’ as used in English is very often not the same as it is used in the original Greek language.

So if immersion is the true Biblical mode of baptism, then it stands to reason that there must be more to its meaning than simply submerging a person below the surface of water. The answer is yes and there is ample Biblical evidence to support and explain the true meaning of baptism.

First, Biblical baptism requires coming to the water, going down into it, and coming up out of it. None of these important steps are involved in sprinkling or pouring, but genuine “God approved” immersion requires all of them. (See these passages: Acts 8: 36-39; Acts 10: 47,48; Mark 1:9,10; John 3:23)

There is a reason. Baptism is a symbol of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Those who submit to Biblical baptism are experiencing a unique binding, albeit symbolic, with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Colossians 2:12 says “we” are buried with Him in baptism and by that [going under the water -completely immersed] ”we” are then raised with Him [as rising to a new life, symbolic of His resurrection]. In baptism we are buried with Jesus and raised with Him. As He was buried in the earth, so we are symbolically buried in baptism.

Are people symbolically buried and raised in sprinkling or pouring? When Jesus was buried, did they sprinkle a little dirt on Him, like folks do in sprinkling or pouring? No. Matthew 12:40 says He was buried in the heart of the earth.

Matthew 27: 60, 66 says He was laid in a tomb hewn out of rock and a great stone covered the opening. He was completely enclosed in the element. In baptism we are buried (completely enclosed and surrounded) in water, as Jesus was buried in the earth.

The Apostle Paul in Romans 6:4 says We are buried with Him by baptism. Some will argue that if baptism is "just a symbol" of Jesus' burial, it doesn’t really matter how it is done. Paul clearly establishes the symbolic element in baptism. but that does not give humans license to deviate from what the Bible teaches nor does it prove that the action as prescribed by God does not matter. That should eliminate the “it doesn’t really matter” argue entirely. Remember the character and nature of who God is... He is exacting and precise in all His commands. Our love for Him... trust of Him and faith in Him should compel us to simply be obedient to all that He commands us to do.

The passages say Jesus was buried and raised. If the Bible is to be valid as our only true “authority” then it very much matters how we are baptized and for what purpose. It says we are buried and we are raised in baptism. The one to be baptized must be buried and raised. When denominations sprinkle or pour, the person is not buried or raised. Only by immersion is a person buried and raised, thereby meeting the Biblical requirement for baptism.

Symbols are important to God. When God ordains actions and gives them to us through His Holy Word as commands, even if they involve symbolism, we must respect the act as God commanded it, instead of changing it. Baptism involves a burial and a resurrection like Jesus' burial and resurrection. Immersion fits both God's command and the symbolism He ordained. How can sprinkling or pouring symbolize a burial and a resurrection? The answer is obvious... they can’t.

What does it all mean? In baptism, a cleansing takes place.

Hebrews 10:22 says this... let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Note the contrast between the sprinkling of the heart and the washing of the body. In the New Testament, the blood of Jesus is sprinkled on our hearts to cleanse us from sin. This of course is symbolic and spiritual, since it cannot be physical. [Hebrews 9:14]

The body, the whole person is affected in baptism. Baptism involves both an inner meaning and an outer action. In baptism the heart is cleansed of sin when the body is immersed [covered over] in baptism.

Denominations that sprinkle or pour water on the head are not baptizing people according to Biblical instruction. Immersion fits the Bible descriptions of baptism. Sprinkling and pouring do not fit.

No other form or action is acceptable to God. Sprinkling and pouring are human in origin. They are modifications to God's plan for salvation. Only complete immersion can be practiced according to Jesus' authority.

Here’s the hard reality that many must confront.... God approved, God accepted Gospel baptism is immersion, not sprinkling or pouring. If you have not been immersed, then you have not obeyed Jesus' command. You have followed only the doctrines of men.

If you wish to obey Jesus, you must do what He said to do... be baptized (immersed) as described in the passages sited in this article and previous ones. It requires a change in your attitude, faith in God, confession from your heart how you wish to live your life henceforth. He who believes and is baptized will be saved - Mark 16:16.

NEXT ARTICLE... I’m going to share with you why we have such a hard time accepting the plain truth of Scripture.

HOLD your Breath, you’re going under!

In the past couple of days, I was challenged on my posted article of January 4th. This fellow, a “pastor” no less, saw fit to point out to me in a popular internet forum, that I didn’t know what I was talking about. I was misinformed... I failed to note certain facts [albeit facts crafted by men]... and that I better stick to my conclusion to only follow the Word? Excuse me sir... I was following the Word of God... precisely! (2 Timothy 2:15-16) Needless to say, I was greatly disturbed by the unfounded comments from someone we would all assume knows what the Bible teaches.  

Here’s his beef –– He said I was all wrong about baptism being only by immersion and proof of my error was that [his denominations manual] says that Philip poured water on the head of the Ethiopian to baptize him. He said there are other, [more than one], modes of baptism authorized in Scripture. The source of his belief that a “pouring mode of baptism” is Biblical, comes from the teachings found in his denominations “manual”, not come from Scripture.

His comments reinforce exactly what I described in the January 4th article... he is relying on the "traditions" of man to defend his position on baptism, not the truth of Scripture.  Well, maybe other people will react in a similar manner to what I said. I can understand that... no one likes to be told that the religion they practice might be teaching in error. No one wants to come face-to-face with the realization that what they’ve been taught all their lives might not be based on the “authority of God” but on the distorted and deceptive authority of men. That’s not easy for anyone to accept. But truth is just that, truth. And sometimes it hurts to be confronted with evidence that rocks the foundations of your belief system.

Now... let’s read what the Bible says about the events surrounding the baptism of the Ethiopian Eunuch...

Acts 8:36-39... 36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” 37 Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”  The eunuch answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.

Some religious traditions think that Philip used a small amount of water drawn from the larger body alongside the road and poured it over the head of the Ethiopian to baptize him. Okay, is that what you just read in verse 38???  No it is not.  The water used to baptize the Ethiopian was a body of water they came to as they traveled along the road. Philip and the Ethiopian got out of the chariot and went down into the water, because it was deep enough to allow for complete bodily immersion. Other Bible examples also confirm that people who were baptized “went to the water.” (See John 3:23; Mark 1:9; Acts 10: 47-48)

If pouring was the mode of the Ethiopian’s baptism, there would have been no need for Scripture to reference “a body of water” appropriate for the intended purpose of a baptism. Philip could not baptize the Eunuch until a body of water was found that could satisfy the requirement of total bodily immersion. If pouring was an authorized baptismal mode, Philip at any time during their journey could have simply used a small amount of water from the water skins [jugs] they surely carried with them in the chariot, and poured it on the head of the Eunuch. But that’s not what happened.

Dictionaries of the Bible define the english word baptize as coming from the Greek word "baptizo" which means to "immerse." Thayer's lexicon on BAPTIZO says: "to dip, immerse, submerge."  Many other dictionaries showing the basic, root meaning of the Bible word from which baptize is translated say the same... it means to "immerse."

In the New Testament, the Biblical command of baptism always means to immerse. Consider this reasoning... if Jesus had wanted to say “pour”, He would have used the Greek word ekcheo – which means to “pour out.”  If Jesus had desired to say sprinkle, He would have used the word rantizo, which means “to sprinkle.”   Had Jesus wanted to authorize these additional modes or forms of baptism, the Koine Greek words, the primary language in which the New Testament was first written, were available to Him.  But instead... He chose the word – baptizo, which never means sprinkle or pour.  

The Biblical word for "baptism" means immersion, not sprinkling or pouring.  Regardless of what many men or a single man says about baptism, this is a matter of who's AUTHORITY will you abide by... God's TRUTH or the Satanically inspired distortions of men? Give that some careful consideration before you reject the notion that you may indeed be a “willing pawn” of the greatest deceiver in the universe! Rejecting the clear truth of Scripture, i.e. God’s Authority, in favor of what imperfect flawed men contrive, is being just that... a pawn of Satan!

Immersion, submerging a person under the water, fits the Biblical description of baptism. Sprinkling and pouring do not fit.   No matter how hard you try to make those modes exist in the Bible, they’re simply not there.

This is not the end of this discussion on baptism. There is much more evidence that amplifies the meaning of baptism and why only complete immersion is God’s approved way of becoming “united with Christ.”

Baptism... based on God’s Authority Only!

Over the next few weeks, I’m going to present what the Bible says is required to become a Christian, one acceptable to God. Acceptable to God? Aren’t all “Christians” regardless of their denominational affiliation acceptable to God?

Last week, I posed a very serious question for anyone who claims the name of Christ and tries to live a Christian life... What will YOU Trust... Scripture, or the Traditions of Men?

If you take a few minutes and scroll back and re-read that article, you’ll see that I discuss how we influence others and how we are influenced by others. Religion, unlike anything else, touches human life in ways that have eternal consequences.

As last week’s article noted... there are a host of things done in the name of God which God has not requested or commanded. The Scriptures teach nothing about many things which are commonly accepted and taught in churches today.

So the question of authority comes to the forefront. By what authority do church denominations do the things they do in the name of religion? Doesn’t the source of “authority” matter when it comes to such critically important things like salvation?

I hope you’re a person who wants to know the details of why something is being done in the name of “religion” that impacts your life. I don’t think “ignorance” of such important things will be an acceptable excuse when you finally confront God with your “Christian credentials.” Nor should we expect God to simply accept “close enough”, “good intentions”, or one of religions favorites... “all that really matters is believing.”

Let’s begin this journey of discovery, by discussing what God requires of a person to become an accepted and approved Christian. “Baptism.” The Scriptures teach very clearly that baptism is required for salvation. Acts 2:38 says precisely... Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Before you disagree with what Acts 2:38 says, just focus on the issue of “authority.” If such commands are in the Bible, then don’t they deserve investigation and consideration on the basis of coming from a “higher authority” than man? Such a clear Biblical command about “baptism” would supersede any other “authority” would it not?

Man must know something about God to understand His authority. The Bible reveals the character and nature of God very clearly. We find in Scripture that He is a God of exacting precision. What God says, He expects to be done exactly how He has said what He is saying should be done. Man has no room to argue or negotiate with God about His commands, especially on such matters as the salvation of humanity. Man has no privilege to modify God’s precise requirements, or any of His precepts and commands. Man does not control the “authority” by which humanity is governed, or how people become His followers... only God does.

So let’s review the matter of “authority” as it relates to becoming a Christian, in the act of “baptism.”

Matthew 28:18-20 states very clearly what all denominations know to be “the Great Commission.” In this final command issued just before Jesus returns to heaven, He commands that His followers would be baptized. He clearly states He has the “authority” to make such a command because He has been given “all authority over heaven and earth.” So unless you’re inclined to argue the definition of “all”, it seems once again very clear that the source of “authority” is God and the repository of said “authority” for human guidance... is the Bible.

There’s more. 2 Timothy 3:16,17 says that “all” Scripture is “inspired of God” and useful for instructing believers and those who are seeking and searching for truth. This passage sets this Biblical instruction on the level of “righteousness” far surpassing anything man can provide. (See also James 1:25; 2 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 3:3-5)

When determining true and genuine authority, there is a warning we cannot ignore. Matthew 15:9 says that following the doctrines of men makes our worship worthless. Worship is much more than Sunday service... it’s our entire life lived in Christ. Everything we do everyday in His name, claiming Him, is part of a worshipful life. If we are not living our lives based on “the right authority” then all we’re doing is man’s will and we are rejected by God. And finally Galatians 1:8,9 is a frightening warning to all who would think they can modify or add to what God has so clearly said. Anyone... who preaches and teaches differently from the gospel is under God’s curse! That can’t be good.

Now, back to the important act of baptism... how has it faired since Jesus issued the Great commission recorded in Matthew 28:19-20?

Many denominations view baptism as a matter of personal choice. Some churches sprinkle or pour water on the person's head. Most churches say there are several acceptable choices regarding the act of baptism. Others churches will only immerse, but for reasons not in harmony with what the Bible teaches. Consider the following statements from various "Christian" denominations:

"Baptism may be administered by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion, according to the choice of the applicant" - Church of the Nazarene Manual, 1972 ed., p. 33.

"What is the meaning of the word 'baptize'? 'Baptize' means to apply water by washing, pouring, sprinkling, or immersing" - Luther's Small Catechism, par. 244, p. 170.

"Dipping of the person into the water is not necessary; the Baptism is rightly administered by pouring or sprinkling water upon the person" - "Westminster Confession of Faith," par. 6.141, Presbyterian Book of Confessions, 1967 ed.

"How is baptism given? It is given by pouring water over the forehead of the person to be baptized ..." - A Catechism for Adults (Catholic), 1975 ed., p. 63.

I think it’s shocking when leaders of the aforementioned denominations freely admit that immersion is the correct Biblical teaching. "Martin Luther urged, in opposition to the standard practice of pouring, that baptism should be by immersion. He pointed out that the word in the Greek language means 'To plunge something entirely into the water, so that the water closes over it,' and urged that immersion should be the only mode of baptism. Today, however, the general practice of the Lutheran Church is to administer baptism by pouring, although immersion is also permitted" - A Compendia of Luther's Theology, p. 167, via Handbook of Religious Quotations, p. 11.

John Calvin stated: "The word baptize signifies to immerse, and the rite of immersion was practiced by the ancient church" - quoted by Brents, p. 230f.

“The Scripture makes it clear enough that water is to be used, but it is not so plain at first sight that sprinkling or pouring of water will suffice. In Apostolic times the body of the baptized person was [completely] immersed, for St. Paul looks on this immersion as typifying burial with Christ, and speaks of baptism as a bath … [But the belief] that baptism can be validly given by immersion, infusion, or aspersion, is fully justified by tradition … Anciently … baptism was constantly given to adults and the rite of immersion prevailed …” – The Catholic Dictionary on “baptism” and “baptistery,” pp 60-64.

The Bible does not mislead us. It does not leave important bits of information out or make us read between the lines to try and figure out what God is saying. Scripture is explicit in its counsel to humanity. Therefore we do not need a Bible verse that expressly says, "Do not sprinkle or pour." If the Bible teaches us to immerse and never authorizes sprinkling or pouring, then the latter should be rejected as being human in origin and different from the gospel. (2 John 9-11; Colossians 3:17; Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 14:12; 3:5,6; Revelation 22:18,19; 1 Timothy 1:3; 2 Timothy 1:13)

These aforementioned quotations from verifiable sources... the manuals of leading denominations, constitute conclusive evidence that the “traditions of men” regarding the act of baptism, have become acceptable to members of these and other similar denominations. Leaders openly acknowledge their error and obvious conflict with what the Bible teaches.

However, nothing changes. No attempts are being made as of this writing by any denomination I know of, to bring themselves into harmony with Biblical teaching on the matter of baptism. They are willfully putting people's lives at risk with God by not teaching the complete TRUTH of God's Word.

It’s a question of who’s “authority” you choose to believe... man’s or God’s.