Category Archives: Baptism

Who is Apollos

Baptism, Bible General

Who is Apollos? This good man is mentioned only ten times in the Bible, twice in Acts (18:24; 19:1), eight times in 1st Corinthians (1:12; 3:4, 5, 6 & 22; 4:6; 16:12), and once in Titus 3:13. Little is known about Apollos directly, but Paul writes as if he was influential in the church and an important friend of his. It has even been suggested that Apollos was the mysterious author of Hebrews. It’s probably as good a choice as any, but it’s far from certain.

The greatest compliment paid to Apollos is that he was “competent in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24). His knowledge positioned him to expect the coming Redeemer and to be prepared for his reign as King.

Apollos knew of Christ and had been so instructed. Yet, his knowledge was incomplete, although his fervor burned brightly. He only knew of the baptism of John (vs. 25), which by now was decades out of date, having been superseded by the baptism of Christ. Paul encountered a group of men nearby who likewise were unaware of Christian baptism (Acts 19:1 – 7). It could be that these had been taught by Apollos or that Apollos had been associated with the same community. But, it was necessary that the 12 men of Acts 19 were newly taught and baptized appropriately.

As for Apollos, he was also corrected by Priscilla and Aquila. The text does not say he was “re-baptized,” but given Paul’s requirement in Acts 19, it is all but certain that he was.

The inclusion of Apollos in Holy Writ offers an example to be emulated. There may surely be more, but I see three key attributes that should mark the life of every Christian.

Apollos desired to know truth.

Our subject is described as “competent in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24). Translations use words like well-versed, able, or even mighty. To describe his command of the Bible as he possessed it. I find it difficult to think of many complements greater than this. To reach such a point in life, he must have spent considerable time in the study of the law and the prophets.

Today, we enjoy tools not even imagined by the people of the first century. The Scriptures are available easily and in our native tongue. Our ever-present cell phone easily holds the entirety of the Bible in multiple translations. Home computers allow near-instant searching of the Bible for entire phrases, not just a single word. Would it not be grand to be described as someone mighty in the Scriptures?

Apollos was passionate for Christ.

This good man was obviously educated as he came from Alexandria, a center of Mediterranean civilization, learning, and scholarship in North Africa. He is also described in Acts as being “eloquent.”  This word may refer to his speaking abilities or to his deep knowledge. Given that his knowledge is described as competence, it likely refers to an ability to preach and teach.

The key is that Apollos used his talents to teach God’s word. Every Christian is endowed with different talents. These gifts are given by God for His own glory. No Talent is too small or insignificant for God’s work. May we take what we have and devote it to God’s glory.

Apollos was prepared to change.

Few people like change – I don’t. But change is a greater part of life than stasis. Our world is dynamic, as are we. We are not the same people we were just a few years ago. Apollos was knowledgeable of the Scriptures, but he was not teaching the whole truth. There is nothing to suggest a deliberate attempt to twist the Scriptures. Rather, there were some things he did not know. When Priscilla and Aquila recognized his shortcomings, “they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately” (Acts 18:26). These two were not scholars. They were hard-working tentmakers. Apollos was not arrogant or haughty., he accepted their correction. This great, humble man was willing to change. Later, he became a pillar of the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:5, 6).

May we always be willing to make changes as we grow and learn more and more of God’s word. Without growth and change, there is only a slow withering and death.

I am thankful that God included Apollos in the Scriptures, aren’t you?

baptism is no work

When Should I Be Baptized?

Baptism
when should I be baptized

Baptism is essential to salvation. You are not saved until you are baptized according to biblical teaching. I know these statements fly in the face of many denominational teaching. But I want to show you, from the Bible, the truth of baptism. I want to answer the question: When should I be baptized?

Baptism is a command.

Moments before Jesus ascended back into heaven he commanded his followers to baptize all people (Matthew 28:19). Notice that his disciples are commanded to “make disciples of all nations.” Next, Jesus teaches his followers to make disciples by “baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Furthermore, they are to teach “them to observe all that I have commanded you.” The command is to make disciples. The method is to teach (Mark 16:15), baptize, and teach them again. If baptism is not essential, Jesus would not have commanded his followers to do it.

In Acts 2, Peter is preaching the first gospel sermon. The sermon’s climax comes when Peter tells the listeners that the man whom they crucified, Jesus of Nazareth, has been made both Lord and Christ by God the Father (Acts 2:36). In response, the people cried out, “brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37) Peter’s response to their simple question was equally simple: “repent and be baptized every 1 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).

After Peter taught the family of Cornelius, he “commanded them to be baptized” (Acts 10:48). When the Philippian jailer realized he was lost, “he was baptized at once” (Acts 16:33).

A careful review of Scripture demonstrates that baptism is essential to salvation. Any teaching to the contrary should be rejected.

When should I be baptized?

A man should be baptized as soon as possible. He must know that he is a sinner and the object of God’s incredible love. He must turn from his sins (repent), move toward God’s holiness, and be baptized for the forgiveness of those sins.

Since a person is lost until he is baptized, he should not wait or schedule his baptism for some special time in the future. Let him be baptized immediately. For reference, note that the 3000 people baptized in Acts 2 were baptized the same day. Note that the Ethiopian was baptized in the middle of his trip as soon as he saw sufficient water (Acts 8:35-40). Cornelius and his family were baptized upon receiving Peter’s teaching (Acts 10:44-48). The Philippian jailer was baptized at the same hour of the night (Acts 16:30-34).

It is trendy to schedule baptisms for a special event or a special day; it is unwise and certainly not Biblical.

Who should be baptized?

Baptism is appropriate only for those able to understand the dark consequence of their sin (Acts 2:37; Acts 16:30-34). Children, who do not have the requisite understanding of sin and salvation, have no need to be baptized. Immersing such children does not save them later and may confuse them about their need for baptism once their understanding has developed.

Jesus declared that the kingdom of Heaven was like children (Matthew 18:3). How so? The kingdom is reflected in their innocence and trust, key attributes of the adult Christian. It was Jesus who called the little children to come to Him because the kingdom is of such (Matthew 19:14).

If faith (belief) is essential to salvation, and it is, how can an infant or small child believe? How can a babe-in-arms have faith in Jesus?

The person who is baptized must have faith (Hebrews 11:6) which comes from hearing the true gospel (Romans 10:17; c.f. Galatians 1:6-10). He must believe that Jesus is the Son of God (Acts 8:37; 1 John 2:22). He confesses his belief (Romans 10:10). The believer then repents of any and all wrongdoing and submits to baptism (Acts 2:38).  To immerse one who does not believe, who is unwilling to confess, or unwilling to repent, is to make a mockery of God’s plan.

Conclusion

Given the simple truths above, it should be clear that baptism is a most serious decision and ought not be given to gimmickry or worldly interpretations of clear Bible teaching.

    What Must I Do To Be Saved?

    Baptism, Church Bulletin, Doctrine, Salvation, Sin,

    what must i do to be savedTo ask, what must I do to be saved, is to ask the greatest question ever uttered. It shows an interest in something far beyond this world and priorities shaped by eternal needs. You have asked a great question! The answer is not complicated, but it does have many facets so let’s get started.

    What Must I Do To Be Saved? Know the Truth

    Truth must lie at the heart of your quest for salvation; else you are wasting your time. Jesus said, “you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free” (John 8:32). Everything we can know about how to be saved is found in Scripture and nowhere else. So our search must begin there, in the Bible.

    A bit of caution is in order at this point. The commonly taught idea that all you to do is invite Jesus into your heart is not found in the Bible. It is not true. It is incomplete. It is a false teaching crafted by men with agendas known only to them. Ask for one Biblical example of a person saved by uttering those words. Truth is precious. Do not loose sight of it.

    What Must I Do To Be Saved? Know that You Are a Sinner

    All have sinned; every one of us has erred so terribly that we cannot come before a pure God. The apostle Paul said it plainly: “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). John confirmed it: “if we say we have no sin…the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8).

    The result of that sin is an impenetrable wall between you and God. Isaiah says, “Your iniquities (sins) have made a separation between you and your God” (Isaiah 59:2). Yes, we are all sinners, but we are saved by the powerful hand of God. God’s plan to save was known even before the creation of the Cosmos. The Lord has a plan to bring you out of your sin and through that impenetrable wall of separation. There is a way to escape our sins and the judgment they bring.

    What Must I Do To Be Saved? Know Jesus

    Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Only in and through Jesus can eternal salvation be found. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” said Jesus in John 14:6. It was through an unfair, unjustified death that Jesus paid the price for our sins (Isaiah 53:10-12; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:12-14).

    After his death and burial in a guarded, borrowed tomb, Jesus rose from the dead. This extraordinary miracle confirms his place as man’s savior and as the head of the church. The resurrection also confirms the words he spoke, for surely God would not raise a false prophet! His plan of salvation is revealed by holy apostles and is in the Bible. There is no salvation apart from Jesus.

    What Must I Do To Be Saved? Believe Him and Confess Him

    Seeking to be saved we must believe in Jesus and his teachings. Jesus Himself says, “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). Faith in Jesus is essential to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

    But the Christian life, that is, the saved life, is not secretive. The Bible further teaches that one must confess that Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 10:9-10; Philippians 2:11). The earliest Christians believed that Jesus was the Son of God (Acts 8:37) and were then baptized.

    What Must I Do To Be Saved? Repent

    The word “repent” or “repentance” is found dozens of times in the New Testament. It denotes a turning or reversal of course; it is a change of life. If a man truly comes into contact with Jesus, he will be changed. It does not matter where you have been or how deeply you have sinned; you can repent. You can change.

    Repentance may be the hardest thing you ever do. It may require profound sacrifice. But repentance is essential to the new life. When people heard of the depths of their sin (they had crucified Jesus), they asked what they must do to be saved. They were told, “Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38). While you will struggle and stumble with repentance, you will not be alone. You can rely on the power of God and the strength of your new Christian family.

    What Must I Do To Be Saved? Be Baptized

    Baptism is commanded. Jesus commanded it of his followers in Matthew 28:19. Peter commanded it of the very first Christians in Acts 2:38. The Ethiopian asked for it in Acts 8:36. Saul/Paul was commanded to be baptized and wash away his sins (Acts 22:16). After his conversion, he commanded that Cornelius’ family be baptized (Acts 10:48). Baptism is a command of the Lord just like repentance and confession.

    But why is baptism so important? Baptism mirrors the death burial and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus. Consider Romans 6:3-11. This passage begins by assuming the baptism of the believers in verse 3. Note that it is baptism that places one into Christ, “…all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus…” All of God’s great blessings are in Christ (Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 3:8-9). Therefore, we seek to be in Christ.

    See also the link between Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection in Romans 6:6-11. Of course, we do not die physically. We die to sin. We no longer live in sin. We repent. Figuratively, we die. We are buried in baptism. Jesus was buried in a tomb but did not stay there. He arose! We do not stay under the water but we arise like Jesus.

    “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)

    Baptism is not the only thing that saves, but it is essential to your salvation. Literally, baptism means immersion. Note Matthew 3:16 concerning the baptism of Jesus. “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately, he went up from the water…” Likewise, Phillip and the Ethiopian in Acts 8:39, “And when they came up out of the water…” There is no need to exit the water unless you are in the water. There is no need to be in the water unless you are immersing the believer. Sprinkling is unknown in the Scriptures and is an innovation of men apart from inspiration.

    What Must I Do To Be Saved? – Live Faithfully

    The Christian life is not a life of perfection but forgiveness. We all stumble. Peter did, Paul did, I do, you will. The Lord calls us to live for him. 1 John 1:7:

    “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

    The beauty of this passage is that Jesus’ blood keeps on cleansing us from our sin! The only provision is that we walk in the light. We strive every day to serve the Lord with all our strength.

    This brief article only scratches the surface. You surely have many questions. Please contact me directly, and I will personally answer your questions. You have asked the greatest question of all, what must I do to be saved. It demands an honest answer.

    Please follow us on Twitter @Preachers_Study. Contact Bryant at bryant@bryantevans.com.

    God’s Covenant’s – The Christian Age

    Baptism, Bible General, Church Bulletin,

    5652961476_cdee5727ee_oPreviously, three periods of time were addressed during which God dealt differently with people. Those periods are the Patriarchal, Mosaic, and Christian. In this article, we examine the Mosaic age in greater detail.

    All people are subject to Jesus Christ. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16). Men have always been subject to God, but today are specifically under the law of Christ. This present dispensation or covenant is the Christian Age.

    Romans 8:2 contrasts this new age against the old Jewish system: “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” The law of Moses was useful but could never save (Hebrews 10:4). As good as Abraham was, he would perish eternally had Jesus not paid the ultimate debt for him.

    Christian Age in Prophecy

    Everything in the Old Testament points to Jesus Christ. Man sinned, and irrevocable condemnation followed in Eden (Genesis 3:1-7, 22-24). Yet, God still loved his creation and was prepared to save them. In the midst of the curses of Genesis 3, God uttered the first messianic prophecy forecasting the coming of a Savior (Genesis 3:15).

    Even before man sinned, God had made provision for salvation. Peter says of Jesus that “He was foreknown before the foundation of the world” (1 Peter 1:20). During the period of the Mosaic Law, the great prophet Isaiah look ahead to future beyond the Law (Isaiah 2:2) when all nations, not just Israel, would belong in God’s house. In Nazareth, Jesus Himself asserted that he was the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. He assembled prophecies from Moses, Isaiah, and the Psalmist and then declared, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21).

    Christian Age Begins

    The age of Christ began with Jesus’ death at Calvary. This is a crucial turning point in salvation history. Two erroneous teachings hinge on the misunderstanding of the central role of Christ’s death as the transition between the Mosaic age and the Christian age.

    First, some attempt to use Mosaic age events to deny or discredit Christian age commands. For example, some argue that the thief on the cross (Matthew 27:38 ff; Mark 15:27 ff; Luke 23:32 ff; John 19:18 ff) is somehow proof that baptism is unnecessary for salvation. Such reasoning fails to note that both the penitent thief and Jesus lived under the Law of Moses when baptism was not required. The Hebrew’s writer clears any confusion: “For a will takes effect only at death since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive” (Hebrews 9:17). Christ’s law was simply not in effect.

    Second, some attempt to use Mosaic age events to justify the inclusion of items in Christian age worship. For example, mechanical instruments of music were ordered in Mosaic age worship. So was incense, animal sacrifice, a clergy-laity system, tithing, etc. None of these things survived the death of Jesus and died at Christ’s cross (Colossians 2:14). The death of Christ established a new age. We no longer serve the shadow of things to come but the actual law of liberty inaugurated by Jesus Himself (Hebrews 1:1; James 1:25)!

    Clearly, the Bible student must differentiate the various ages and methods by which God deals with his people. It would be a grievous error to confuse them. We must correctly handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). God’s word is a sharp weapon (Hebrews 4:12) and must be handled with care.

    Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @J_Bryant_Evans.

     

    Concise Baptism Article

    Baptism, Web sites

    My good brother Garrett Lloyd sent me a link which I want to pass on to you. It answers the ever-asked question: “Do I have to be baptized?” I think the author does a good job. I would also read the comments below the article and see the extremes to which people go to twist baptism into something it clearly is not in Scripture.

    I’m not acquainted with the author of this article but it is quite useful. Read You’re Right, You Don’t Have to be Baptized.

    Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

    John 3:16 – More Than Simple Agreement

    Baptism, John, ,

    Belief that Jesus is the Son of God is essential for salvation. Would anyone question that? How can you be saved by something or someone that you do not believe in? Unquestionably we must believe in Jesus (1 John 3:23). But as we have said before on John 3:16, belief is more than a simple acknowledgement of some fact. Biblically, belief in Jesus was always accompanied by some action on the part of the believer.

    What I wish to show in this article, is that saving belief includes certain actions on the part of the believer. Several examples will help including some from the Old Testament.

    John 3:16, Adam & Eve

    Adam and Eve both believed in Jehovah God. They enjoyed a relationship with him which was, at first, uncluttered by sin. They had been instructed by God as to how they should live; they could not even touch, let alone eat, of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The first couple clearly understood (Genesis 3:2-3). Nevertheless, they were disobedient and were thus punished with expulsion from the Garden, immediate spiritual death and the immediate beginning of physical death.

    Clearly, for these two, more than simple belief in God was necessary. They must be obedient to God to avoid his wrath. They were not. Likewise, the present day reader must also be obedient to God. He must surely believe, but he must also obey.

    John 3:16 and Noah

    Noah was a preacher of righteousness as well as a boat builder.  He was the recipient of grace from God (Genesis 6:8). Noah was obviously a believer in God. He was also obedient to the Lord. repeatedly, the text notes that Noah was obedient (c.f. Genesis 6:22; Genesis 7:5; Genesis 7:9; Genesis 7:16).

    Noah was blessed by God for his faithfulness (Genesis 9:1). Does anyone really think that Noah would have been saved from the Flood and blessed by God apart from his careful obedience? Would Noah, or anyone else, be saved in rank disobedience? It was necessary for him to both believe and to be obedient.

    John 3:16 and Pentecost

    Peter preached the first Gospel sermon in Acts 2. It was a great day as the church began with power. The people who listened to his message already believed in God. They were devout Jews (Acts 2:5) who had come to Jerusalem for  to celebrate Pentecost. What did they now lack? They lacked a belief in Jesus. It is likely that some of the people in the crowd had witnessed the crucifixion. Perhaps some had even been among those hurling insults at the Lord. Peter delivered a masterful sermon which reached back into the Old Testament. His message convinced his hearers that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of God.

    When they heard Peter, they cried, “What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). At this point, they believed that Jesus was the Son of God and that he was both Lord and Christ. But their belief was not sufficient. There was more. Thus Peter responded to their simple question with a simple answer. Peter told them to “repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:38). The purpose was included. Repentance and baptism brought remission or forgiveness of sins.

    The people of Acts 2 believed but they also obeyed. Acts 2:41 is clear that those who were baptized were added to the church. Again, belief must be coupled with obedience.

    John 3:16 and Paul

    Like the people on Pentecost, Paul was already a believer in God when he met Jesus on the Damascus road. Also like the people of Pentecost, he sought to be obedient upon his belief in Jesus. Paul asked the Lord, “What shall I do, Lord?”  (Acts 22:10). Jesus only told him to go into Damascus where he would be told what to do (Acts 9:6, Acts 22:10). At this point, Paul has yet to be told what to do. The text is in the future tense. What he must do is still coming.

    Clearly believing in Jesus now Paul makes his way into Damascus. Ananias comes to him and delivers what Jesus told him to expect; Ananias tells Paul was to do.

    “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16).

    While Paul’s actual baptism is not recorded, it is not questioned by any student of the Bible that I am aware of. Indeed Paul would argue forcefully that one must show deeds worthy of his repentance (Acts 26:20) and that baptism is the way in which we are united with Christ (Romans 6:3-8). Paul was a believer. But just like Adam & Eve, Noah, and the people of Pentecost, he was also obedient.

    John 3:16 and Today

    John 3:16 is just as true today as it was when Jesus spoke those beautiful words. God has always expected obedience of his people and today is no different. It is a comfortable doctrine indeed to assert that we need do absolutely nothing towards our own salvation. Such removes the tiniest speck of responsibility from me for the conduct of my life. But such is an incomplete Gospel. Obedience is essential. To be sure, we will stumble and our obedience will sometimes fail but God still delivers those who walk in the light (1 John 1:5-10).

    Why would we not do all that the Lord has commanded? Baptism alone does not save but it is a piece of the obedience God requires.

    John 3:16 and the Depth of Believing

    Baptism, John,

    Following a recent sermon I was questioned about John 3:16 by a very kind lady. She held that baptism was not necessary for salvation. Her reasoning was that John 3:16 said all who believed would be saved. Our discussion seemed to turn on the meaning of “believes” in the Golden Text.

    “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

    There are really only two options. “Believe” can mean nothing more than a simple mental assent or agreement; it can also speak to something broader and more inclusive. I hold to the latter. Biblical belief is far deeper. It is a faith which drives one to obey his Lord.

    For example, in the very same chapter Jesus says this:

    “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”  (John 3:36).

    Notice in verse 36 a contrast between the one who believes and has eternal life and the one who does not obey and is lost. We do no damage to the text when we say that obedience is necessary to avoid eternal condemnation. Indeed, obedience is a necessary outcome of the one who loves Jesus:

    “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

    And again,

    “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” (John 14:21).

    Then, in response to a question from Judas, Jesus answered:

    “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words…” (John 14:23-24)

    I think we agree that the belief of John 3:16 involves more than simple mental agreement. If there remains any question we would ask for some clear, Biblical example of a person saved by simple assent or agreement. The kind of belief that saves in John 3:16 is an obedient belief or faith. As James wrote:

    “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:14-17)

    Indeed, the saving belief or faith of the Christian involves action. The only real question that remains is how much action. We will answer that question next.

    Baptism and Obedience

    Baptism

    That baptism was a part of original Christianity is beyond question. Today it is present in just about every Christ-believing religious tradition although not always in the same way as the Bible teaches. On August 15th, a preacher in Canada offered a sermon from Romans 6:1-6. Here is the text:

    What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?  By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?  Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
    For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.  We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.

    This is one of several discussions of baptism in the Bible but it is one of the “classic” explanations of immersion. The preacher at the Peoples Church of Montreal, Brian Guinness, reached a couple of erroneous, but common conclusions. Let me address a few of them.

    Continue reading Baptism and Obedience →

    Grace and Works Followup

    Baptism, Grace, ,

    Grace and Works is an important topic and one which seems to divide many people who believe in Christ. I tried to clarify some issues in the grace and works post from yesterday (July 13, 2010) but wanted to add a reference for you from an article written almost 2 years ago. It asks the question, Is baptism a work? Some seem to think so and have discounted its importance. I hope this article will be enlightening. The article was written in response to a question posed by a preacher on his website. It’s part of a lengthy series which you can access by the links at the end of the post.

    As always, I would love to hear your comments.

    Romans 6, Part 3 (Romans 6:1-11)

    Baptism, Romans

    This section of Romans 6 contains 3 very powerful analogies to help us understand our walk with Christ. Remember from chapter 5 that Paul is arguing that although grace exceeds sin (Romans 5:20) we must avoid sin if we intend to claim that we belong to Christ (Romans 6:1-2).

    Now Paul offers three key comparisons to help us understand what he means. The Christian has become one with Christ or “united” with him. We will examine each of these comparisons and see just how important each on really is. Remember, Paul’s goal is to teach us about being with Christ and joining with him in death.

    Here are the analogies:

    Continue reading Romans 6, Part 3 (Romans 6:1-11) →