Water Baptism (The truth)

THE TRUTH ABOUT WATER BAPTISM.

You know, a lot of believers have said so many things that leads to argument. One bad thing about error is that, it will continue to stand firm with it's root in the ground until someone finds the truth. Paul told Timothy, to study to show himself approved, so that he will not be a shameful worker by dwelling on the wrong knowledge that has been transferred consistently overtime. You see, believers need to see things for themselves in scriptures. No matter who said it. For Paul said; no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. Let's get to today's business.

1. WAS JESUS TALKING ABOUT WATER BAPTISM WITH NICODEMUS?

The conversation of Nicodemus with Jesus can be found in chapter 3 of the book of John.

John 3:5  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.

The conjunction "and" in that verse is the Greek word "KAI" meaning which is or that is. If we should read John 3:5b with this understanding, it would read - except a man is born of water that is(which is) of the spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

 If you take a good look at Jesus's discussion with Nicodemus, you will see that Jesus only mentioned baptism by  water once and his main emphasis is on the baptism of the spirit.

 If it was about baptism of water Nicodemus won't have a problem understanding because John has explained it. So when Jesus asked him  "are you a teacher in Israel and you don't know this things". Jesus was trying to ask if he had not read about Joel's prophecy in the scriptures about the Spirit that will be poured out In the last days.

Another reason why Jesus mentioned baptism of water in verse 5 as the baptism of the holyghost is because water was one of the symbols of the holyghost. Other symbols of the holyghost includes annoiting, fire, sound,dove.  When Jesus was baptized the holyghost came upon him as a dove.

 Not that a literal dove came upon Jesus. It is just a simily. It is showing us one of the character of the holyspirit which is gentleness. It would mean that the holyghost came upon him gently.

After Jesus told Nicodemus that he has to be born again, he didn't understand. Jesus had to explain born again as been born of water that is the spirit. Nicodemus still didn't understand how one can be born of the spirit. So Jesus explained further in verse 13-15

Was Jesus talking about water baptism to Nicodemus? No, why? He only used water as a symbolism for the holyspirit.

2. CAN YOU MAKE HEAVEN WITHOUT WATER BAPTISM?

John 3:13-15  

And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

So, Jesus said to Nicodemus. This is why I had to come, to lay down my life for the world and anyone who believes will  have the spirit, and that Spirit which he will have is eternal.  So having the spirit equals having eternal life.

 Jesus replied to Nicodemus question three times with clearer explanations. This replies can be found in verse 3, verse 5, and verse 15.

Verse 3 - Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Verse 5 - Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Verse 15. That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

You have to pay careful attention here to get this accurately.

Verse 15 is the how, and what of verse 3 and 5. 

Let's combine verse 3 and 5 together.

Verse 3 - Says; except a man be born again -  then verse 5 says; to be born again means  to be born of water that is the spirit - then verse 15 says: you can only be born of the spirit by believing in Christ Jesus.

Verse 3 says you will see the kingdom when you're born again - verse 5 says, to see the kingdom means to enter the kingdom - verse 15 says - what qualifies you to enter the kingdom is eternal life which is the life of the spirit you will receive when you believe in Jesus Christ.

 So, how did I kw that to be born of the spirit is to believe in Christ Jesus

1 John 5:1

Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

To be born of God is to be born of the spirit. God is a Spirit. "Your body is the temple of God" and another says "your body is temple of the holyspirit". So the spirit of God is the holyspirit in you. So if you're born of God you're born of the spirit.

So can you make heaven without water baptism? Yes. Why? Because all you need to have eternal life is the spirit.

3. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF WATER BAPTISM?

Jesus said he came to the world to bring deliverance. And we all will agree that the deliverance was made available after his death and resurrection. And can only be aquired by believing the gospel.. 

So therefore,  water baptism started before Jesus started his ministry. It means if it existed before Jesus started giving instructions and teachings, it was for another purpose.

John  the Baptist operated  under the law, because the law was only done with after Jesus died. 

Water baptism was not in the law of Moses, neither was it given by Jesus it was given as an instructions to John the Baptist for a reason.

John 1:29-31  

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 

So, the purpose of water baptism was to reveal Jesus to Israel as ...

...Israel have been expecting the baptizer with the holyghost which is Jesus. So John came to reveal him by water baptism. 

Water baptism was a new doctrine to the Jews so everyone was doing it (Because it was also a sign of public repentance in those days). So, it was gathering crowd. Surely, Jesus will come. So John has been baptizing people but he had not seen the one that the spirit descends on.

John 1:32-33  

And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

So once Jesus was revealed, the work of John the Baptist was done. 

That was why John quoted to his disciples "I must decrease while he must increase".

What is the purpose of water baptism? To reveal Jesus as the baptizer with the holyghost.

4. IS WATER BAPTISM COMPULSORY

No, water baptism is not compulsory. Even Paul said that he was not sent to baptize with water, but to preach the gospel.

SO, ARE YOU SAYING ITS WRONG TO DO WATER BAPTISM?

No, I didn't say so. Water baptism is not wrong, because it is not a sin, because it is not done in unrighteousness. It is done to show repentance. But it is not compulsory because the Bible says if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive all our unrighteousness. That is another way of showing that you're willing to repent.

Note: You can be baptized in water and still go to hell. If you lack the spirit. So, if you want to be baptized in water. Make sure you're also baptized with the holyghost.

Knowing this truth will keep you from unnecessary argument, this is what Paul calls studying to show oneself approved. Many people will come to you to say it's wrong to do water baptism. 

But you knowing the real truth keeps your mind safe from arguments. 

Note the reason why we argue most times is because everyone one of us has a bit of doubt. And little knowledge of every topic we discuss. 

Knowledge puffs up. But another knowledge makes you know you should heed to the holyspirit. If you listen to the holyspirit, he will caution you from arguments.

Another thing, there are churches who have water baptism has a doctrine. If you're a member and you're committed to that church and you refuse water baptism. You have disobeyed and dishonoured the church and disobedience is a sin.

God has blessed you.

Please share to stop this doubt in the body.