By Jim Mettenbrink
We continue from last week, that we can know from the New Testament that baptism is immersion, even though the word to baptize is transliterated from baptizo rather than translating it as immersion. Can a person know that baptism is immersion without being familiar with the ancient Greek language?
By Jim Mettenbrink
In the past two articles, we have been considering why the English dictionary defines Christian baptism via three different modes – sprinkling, pouring, and dipping. However, of eternal significance is how these words are used in the New Testament (NT)? And what are the corresponding Greek words from which they are translated?
To pour (cheo): In the New Testament usage of “to pour out” or “to pour upon” has the sense of taking a container of something and letting the liquid flow out, like milk flowing out of a carton. For example “Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the bowls of the wrath of God on the earth.” (Revelation 16:1).
By Jim Mettenbrink
Last week, we considered the meaning of the Greek word (baptizo) transliterated into baptism. But when it’s translated, baptizo’s only meaning is to immerse, thus in biblical baptism, the symbolism of the burial of a person dead to sins immersed in a grave of water. And rising alive as a new creation in Christ and entrance into Jesus’ kingdom (Romans 6:1-11; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 1:13-14). That is radical!
By David Phillips
“Therefore, if a man cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.” ~ 2 Timothy 2:21
What could possibly be a higher ambition than to be useful to the Master? The illustration Paul uses here places God in the position of being the Master of the house, and you and I as vessels or utensils of various kinds for performing household functions, in His service. What could be more worthless than a utensil that is not useful? Maybe you, like me, have a drawer full of them in the kitchen. How useful are we to the Master?
By Jim Mettenbrink
Before we consider the Christian life, let’s clarify what constitutes baptism according to the original biblical text. Merriam-Webster’s 11th ed. Collegiate Dictionary, defines baptism as a Christian sacrament, initiation, or ritual using water; to cleanse spiritually. Regarding the origin of the English word baptize, the dictionary states it is “Greek – baptizein – to dip, baptize, baptein – to dip or dye.” And modern-day English dictionaries’ definitions of baptism are sprinkling, immersion, or pouring. Do all of these methods come from “bapto” or from different Greek words? Regarding becoming a Christian, it is vital to know the real meaning.
By Jim Mettenbrink
Last week, we considered that trusting (true faith) in Jesus as the Divine Savior is the first repentance (change) necessary to receive His promise of pardon and eternal life with Him in heaven (Eph 1:12-13). That trust is based upon the gospel (good news) – defined as the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Jesus proved there is life after death, that He is God and the guarantor of eternal life (1 John 2:25; 5:20) via His own resurrection.
Further, the apostle Paul wrote there is just one faith, i.e., only one way of salvation (Eph 4:5). To the Roman church he wrote, “…faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17). The context is that the word of God is the gospel of peace and that it is to be obeyed (Rm 10:15-16). So Jesus wants us to obey the gospel. How does one die, be buried, and be resurrected in this realm? Jesus did, but how do we?
By Jim Mettenbrink
We continue considering the radical entrance into Jesus’ kingdom that He established after He left the earth. That in itself is radical – a nonvisible king in a visible kingdom. Actually, His kingdom is virtually invisible too, at least on earth – No palace or throne, no army or courts, no royal guard, and no administration. But the apostle Paul refers to Jesus’ kingdom as having subjects, i.e., earthbound citizens – God the Father “has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Colossians 1:12-13). And he calls those subjects citizens (Ephesians 2:19; Philippians 3:20). That this kingdom is invisible is revealed that the citizenship is in heaven (Php 3:20) – no earthly royal records. And Jesus’ throne is in heaven (Acts 2:30-34; Revelation 4:1-5:14).
By Jim Mettenbrink
We are considering the radical entrance into Jesus’ kingdom that He established after He left the earth. That in itself is radical – a non visible king in a visible kingdom. Regarding accepting Jesus as king, He said, “ …if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (Jn 8:24). Implicitly if you do not believe He is the Savior-King, you would not be a citizen in his kingdom. Last week, we concluded proposing to determine what constitutes belief that God considers to be true belief, i.e., the saving faith. There is a huge difference in belief and faith. So what is genuine faith?
By Jim Mettenbrink
While on trial before Governor Pilate, Jesus acknowledged that He had a kingdom, but not of this world, i.e., of this material realm (John 18:36). Earlier, He told His disciple, Peter, that He would give him the keys to His kingdom (Matthew 16:19). Peter did that on the Jewish feast day, Pentecost, 10 days after Jesus ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-11; 2:38-47). He told the people to repent and be baptized for the remission of their sins.
By Jim Mettenbrink
Shortly before being crucified, Judea’s Roman governor Pontius Pilate asked Jesus, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus: “It is as you say” (Luke 23:1-3). Jesus had no army, administration, no territory, no palace – nothing “kingly” at all. He had nothing of this world (Luke 9:58).
In the same trial, Jesus told Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36). And six weeks later Jesus disappeared (Acts 1:9-11). No doubt His kingdom is not of this world! In Pilate’s eyes, Jesus just said He is the King of a nonexistent kingdom. Such might seem insane but…It is certainly radical!