Baptist History, Heritage and Distinctives- Biblical Historical Baptism – Baptism – Spiritual Authority vs. Popular Practice – Part THREE

Thomas E Kresal December 7, 2019

Baptist History, Heritage and Distinctives- Biblical Historical Baptism – Baptism – Spiritual Authority vs. Popular Practice – Part THREE

Satan does not create; he counterfeits. Therefore, anything of any importance is going to have a similar version that effectively changes the intent and purposes that God created for it. None of us should be so naïve as to not suspect water baptism has a counterpart. Furthermore, it is certain that in any such case, it will appear identical to the eyes of the flesh. We should not be ignorant of such mysteries, however because our discernment is not to be based on the flesh. The Kingdom of God is equipped with the tools and the power to try the spirits of truth and error. As we challenge every premise and build our understanding from Scripture, we glimpse the viewpoint of heaven. Only then can the mysteries of Babylon begin to lose their cloak.

Biblical baptism pertains to death, not life.

Aside from contradicting what the Bible teaches of baptism, the notion of a Spirit baptism of salvation contradicts what the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit. The work of the Holy Spirit in the believer pertains to life, not death. But Biblical baptism pertains to death, not life.

RM 6:3-4 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

1Co 15:29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?

Associating the Holy Spirit with that which pertains to death in the believer is no minor corruption. While the neo-baptists might argue that their spirit baptism and water baptism are “two different baptisms,” they will also say that water baptism is a picture of the “one true” spirit baptism. Therefore, their water baptism and their mystical baptism are interdependent and mutually defining. It is clear they are also mutually contradictory. Thus, their mystical, sacerdotal baptism, which they presume to be life is acted out by that which Scripture portrays as death. Scriptural baptism buries those who are already dead and crucified to the world. Their resurrection from the water is a testimony of newness of life.

(to be continued)

Thomas E. Kresal excerpts from: “Baptist Baptism – A Heritage by Scriptural Authority vs. The Corruption of Popular Practice” by Pastor Les Potter and Pastor Mac Woody, pg. 20-22

To purchase this book by request: Shiloh Baptist Church, 664 Dahlstrom Rd. Gwinn, MI 49841 send a check or money order for $10 and specify this book – “Baptist Baptism.”