Before considering what constitutes Scriptural baptism, let us inquire whether it is essential. We have no hesitation in saying that it is indispensable, and that no one will have a part in the “little flock” or be of “The bride, the Lamb’s wife” who has not been baptized. Further, we have scriptural proof that all who are baptized shall be saved, that all such shall be in the “first resurrection.”

(The Lord here referring to the real baptism, not merely the symbol, water baptism).

Let us hear Jesus’ words – “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” But Paul is yet more explicit and says: [Rom 6:3-8.] “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death (taken part in the real baptism) we shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection.” Notice that the subject is baptism; and that there is not an if, nor a but, nor any other contingency mentioned other than baptism (A baptism into Christs death).

How important then that we know what it is and understand how it should be performed.

The meaning of the Greek word Baptizo is to bury, immerse, cover up, submerge. Now apply this significance to the word baptized; then associate it with yourself and you find that you are to be buried or submerged.

But into what are we to be immersed – into water?

No, we answer: Paul tells us that those who are really baptized “were baptized into Jesus Christ.” The true baptism then is to be submerged, covered up, or immersed into Christ. If immersed into Christ we lose ourselves; we will no longer do our own will or way, for that will is buried (dead). We have a new will or mind; it is the mind of Christ.

“Let the same mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” If we have been baptized into Christ it is that we may be members of His body, the church. And since “He is the head of the body, the church,” [Col 1:18] it follows that the only controlling authority for those who are members of that body is the will of Christ Jesus the head of the body. This is complete immersion into Christ, and who will doubt that if thus dead to self and the world and alive only as a member of his body, obeying no will but that of “the head,” we say who can doubt, that if thus immersed we shall be in his likeness in the resurrection; that if we thus know him, we shall also know the power of his resurrection. [Phil 3:11].

But, by what means can one become thus immersed into Christ?

Shall we be baptized into Christ by being immersed in water?

Not at all; thousands are so immersed who will not be in his likeness in the resurrection. Let us ask Paul into what we must be immersed. He answers (Rom 6:3)

“Know you not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?”

Ah yes; It is a difficult matter to attain to the prize of our high calling. While many, “a great company” (Rev 7:15) shall stand before the throne in glory, only “the body” of overcomers are to sit with him “in the throne.” Rev 3:21. It is only him that overcomes that “shall inherit all things” and be “joint-heir with Jesus.”

Not to the “great company” of “the household of faith” is the promise of the kingdom given, but to the “first-born” of the heavenly family – Jesus the head, the “church of the first-born” the body. To this first-born is the promise made: “Fear not little flock it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

This is the prize and all Christians are in the race course (That is all who are fully consecrated, all who have enter into covenant relationship with the Father. Psa 50:5). All Christians in the race shall be saved and shall ultimately reach the goal, if they continue in this pathway. They will all (those who prove faithful to their covenant) ultimately reach the completeness of the “Divine nature,” but it requires the putting forth of every effort in the race if we would win this prize and be found in Him as members of the body of the first-born and “heirs of all things.” (The great company will eventually be proved faithful through severe trial, but not having willingly fulfilled their covenant, but rather having been forced to do so, that the spirit in them might be saved in the day of the Lord shall miss out on this great prize, “the crown of life”, the Divine nature, nevertheless  because they are beloved of God they will eventually attain to everlasting life on a lower plane and serve God in his temple, as servants before the throne.)

It is for this reason that Paul exhorts [not the world, but Christians, true Christians, followers of Christ] to “so run that we may obtain” [the prize of our high calling]. “Let us lay aside every weight and the sin that doth so easily beset and run with patience the race set before us.” They that so run shall win the prize – be the Bride – the body. They that run but do not so run as to win, “suffer loss,” the loss of the prize which they would have obtained had they been willing to “lay aside every weight.” They shall suffer loss but themselves shall be saved so as by fire. [Coming through “the great tribulation.”] Their lives shall be saved but their works shall suffer loss. [Phil 3:15].

Yes, beloved, it is a prize such as never before and never again will be offered and what wonder if it is very difficult of attainment – if it be “Through much tribulation shall you enter the kingdom.” By being baptized into his death, we are to be members of his body, “therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death.”

Continued with next post.