INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Denomination's Builder
2. The Denomination's Belief
3. The Denomination's Baptism
Remarks.
1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing a theme: "from heaven; or men?" This will be a topical sermon. We will ask three questions regarding this theme. First, is the denomination's builder from heaven or men? Second, is the denomination's belief from heaven; or men? And finally, three, is the denomination's baptism from heaven; or men? What we will learn in this lesson is that no man has the right to change, amend or alter any of the divine patterns of God. The pattern for the church; the pattern of the faith and the pattern for baptism were all ordained by God; and no man has the right or authority to supersede any of them.
2. First, we will consider the question, "is your denomination's builder or founder from heaven; or men?" Is the founder of your denomination Christ, or some man? Is the denomination claiming to be the "church of Christ?" I should affirm from the very beginning that no denomination can claim to be the church of Christ; or a part of the "body of Christ." I make no apology for this truth! Christ is neither the founder, nor the head of any such institutions. He is the "head of the body of Christ" not one single denomination. These all have their origin and foundation is from; and in men! Jesus promised Peter, "upon his confession of faith that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God: I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it," Matthew 16:18.
3. Second, we will discuss the question, "is the denomination's belief (the core of its doctrine of faith and salvation) from heaven; or men?" The pattern for the faith is seen in its origin from God; and not of men. Paul discussion of this faith to Titus is found in chapter 1 of this book. He states: "Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour," Titus 1:1-3. Does your denomination's faith claim to be the faith of God's elect; promised before the world began, and has been manifested in due time through the preaching of the apostles and prophets? If not, than it has it beginning from men and not from God!
4. Lastly, we will investigate the question, "is the denomination's baptism from heaven; or men?" Jesus asked the religious leaders of his day regarding the "baptism of John." He was attacked for his cleaning of the temple of the money changer earlier. They asked Him if his "authority for conducting himself in this fashion." In answering their questions he replied by asking them one. And that was: "The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, if we shall say, from heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe (obey) him? But if we shall say, of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus, and said, we cannot tell. And he said unto them, neither tell I you by what authority I do these things," Matthew 21:23-27. By responding this way he placed them in a very difficult situation. Let's not forget, our Lord knew their answer before He gave them the question. With this introduction, let's look at our first point.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE DENOMINATION'S BUILDER
A. Who do men say I am? "When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, who do men say that I the Son of man am?" Finally, in the ministry of Jesus, he comes to the city of Caesarea Philippi.
1. This city should not be confused with Caesarea on the Mediterranean Sea coast. It was called Caesarea Philippi by Herod Philip, who rebuilt it in honor of Tiberius Caesar, and added Philippi, after his own name, to distinguish it from the other Caesarea. On this sea coast He begins His promise and discussion of the church.
2. Jesus inquired of his disciples; "who do men say that I am?" Let's understand that Jesus knew already what others had been saying regarding Him and his ministry. Let's not forget, this was the Son of God.
3. He wanted to know that they had understood his ordained office as "messiah;" and his eternal position, as the "Son of God." He was the messiah of John's preaching; and Isaiah's prophecy, Matthew 3:1-4; Isaiah 61:1-3.
B. Some say thou art. "And they said, some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets." The disciples gave their report as John the Baptist, Elias, Jeremias or one of the prophets.
C. Who do you say I am? Then Jesus became more personal, by asking, "Who do you say that I am?" It is important to note; that at some time all learners of the truth must acknowledge the real person of Jesus. We will look closely at Peter's reply.
D. Peter answered and said: "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God."
1. Peter acknowledges that Jesus was both the Christ or messiah; and the Son of the living God.
2. I say unto thee. "And Jesus answered and said unto him: Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."
3. The revelation of my mission and position as the Son of God; was not learned by "flesh and blood" but, by "my Father which is in heaven."
E. I will build my church. Upon the confession of His messiahship and His position as the Son of God; Jesus began his announcement of the church. The question before us is this, "is a denomination the church Christ promised to build?" Many will argue that denominations are "part of the body of Christ." We must look close at the promise of Christ to learn the answer to this question and argument. Notice:
1. First, Jesus: "And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter." There is always some discussion regarding this statement of our Lord. Three terms are noted for our consideration. Notice:
a. Peter, in the Gr. is Petros, meaning a single stone. The Catholic denomination insists that it was Peter on whom the Lord built the church. The Lord did not say, "Upon Petros, I will build my church; but upon Petra, I will build my church." Not upon a "stone" but upon a "solid rock" I will build my church.
b. Rock, in the Gr. is Petra, which means a solid, immovable bed-rock, a great mass like a cliff. Christ is the rock upon which the church was to be built. Christ is that rock. Notice:
1) Isaiah, "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste," Isaiah 28:16.
2) Peter, "This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved," Acts 4:11-12.
3) Paul, "That other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ," 1 Corinthians 3:11. And speaking of the Gentiles' position in Christ Paul says: "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone," Ephesians 2:19-20.
c. Church, Gr. is ekklesia, those "called out" the fellowship of believers, the organized body of Christ, the kingdom of heaven on earth. There is probably no passage in the word of God that has called forth more discussion.
2. Further, He says: "And upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Upon this confession that "I am the Christ and the Son of the living God, I will build my church." Notice the construction of the phrase:
a. I. Is a personal pronoun; meaning Jesus would be the builder of His church.
b. Will. Will is a future tense promise. I have not done it yet; but I will in the future. This statement is different than the teaching of many denominations; "that Jesus built the church in Matthew 10; when he called out His disciples." Clearly, the church was not yet establish; but it is being promised.
c. Build. To erect, establish or bring into existence, "my church." The Gr. oikodomeo, oy-kod-om-eh'=o; means to be a house-builder, i.e., construct, confirm, build, edify or embolden. The Hebrews' writer points out: "But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end," Hebrews 3:6.
d. My church. The Gr., ekklesia, ek-klay-see'-ah; a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): -assembly, church.
1) The phrase "my church" shows possession or ownership. It would belong to Christ. It would not belong to any man; but to Christ, the messiah; the Son of the living God.
2) Illustrate: My house, house of Lydia; Acts 16:15; Acts 16:40.
3) If it is his church; it will be called after his name "Christ." The church of Christ, Romans 16:16. Illustrate: Many will say - there is nothing in a name. Well let's see. Mrs. Freeman, please stand up! How come, Mrs. Jones or Mrs. Umble did not stand up? Simply, they are not Mrs. Freeman. If the wife is called by her husband's name; why shouldn't the church be called after her husband - Christ?
4) The church Christ promises to build would be called after Him, Acts 11:26. Christians are members of the church Christ built. Baptists are members of the denomination; John Smyth formed the General Baptist Church, around 1609, in Holland. See the Reformed Reader:www.reformedreader.org/ - for additional information on this movement.
e. Gate of hell. Jesus promised: "The gates of hell shall not prevail against it." The Lord promised that "His death and the grave would not hinder His building the church." In fact, it would be His death and resurrection that would provide the means for building the church in this promise. Notice:
1) Peter speaks of this on Pentecost, Acts 2:22-36.
2) Paul speaks of this in Antioch in Pisidia, Acts 13:14-39.
3) In His death, "blood was shed for the remission of sins" and to "purchase the church of Christ," Matthew 26:28; John 19:34; Acts 20:28.
4) No man - or "denomination's builder" has or could ever promise to have died, shed his blood, been buried, and rose from the dead to build an institution that equals the church of Christ. We have all been deceived if we think for a moment that men's sacrifices and dedications (as sincere as it might be) for their denominations could ever be on equal par with the church Christ built.
5) The church Christ built was in the fulfillment of prophecy and promise. Where in the bible can we find one of these institutions promised by heaven - God?
3. Finally, He said: "And I will give unto thee (Peter) the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ," Matthew 16:13-20. Let me note, that He gave the same authority to all the apostles, as we see in His direction to them, in John 20:22-23.
Notice what Jesus says further:
a. I will give unto you the keys. Peter will present the terms of forgiveness and admission into the church that Christ built; along with the other apostles.
1) Pentecost he uses the keys for the Jews' entrance into the church, Acts 2:36-47.
2) Seven years later, he uses the keys for the Gentiles' entrance into the church, Acts 10:38-48.
b. Whatsoever is bound on earth shall (already) be bound in heaven; whatsoever is loosed on earth shall (already) be loosed in heaven. Peter would reveal God's will on earth that has been established (already) in heaven; through his preaching to both the Jews and the Gentiles.
c. Peter would be the apostle to the Jews, Galatians 2:7-8.
d. Recall that Paul, "manifested his word through preaching," Titus 1:3. He would be the apostle to the Gentiles.
e. Now the church's mission today is to "make known the manifold wisdom of God," Ephesians 3:10-12. Let's consider our next point, "the denomination's belief." Here we mean their entire belief system regarding "the faith, the church and baptism."
II THE DENOMINATION'S BELIEF
A. The faith of God's elect. We will begin our address by considering the writings of Paul unto Titus regarding "the faith of God's elect." He writes: "Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect." The apostle begins by declaring himself a servant, Gr. doulos of God and the servant of Jesus Christ. Notice:
1. The servant of God. The apostle calls himself a "servant of God" in this text; but in most of his salutations in his letters to the church he calls himself "the servant of Christ." James also uses this word "doulos" in his salutation to the twelve tribes dispersed, "James, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelves tribes which are scattered abroad, greetings," James 1:1. Paul was "chosen to be sent."
2. The apostle of Jesus Christ. Paul also called himself an apostle of Jesus Christ. Apostle means "one that is sent." Notice:
a. The Lord said to Ananias, "Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: for I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake," Acts 9:15-16.
b. Paul an apostle.
1) To the Romans. "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the Holy Scriptures,)" Romans 1:1-2; Romans 16:25-27.
2) To the Corinthians. "Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother," 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 1:1.
3) To the Galatians. "Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead)...But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus," Galatians 1:15-17.
c. A chosen vessel unto me.
1) The word chosen, in Gr. is ekloge; ek-log-ay'; from; (divine) selection (abstractly or concretely): "means, chosen, election."
2) The word vessel, in Gr. is skeuos; of uncertain affinity; a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively [specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband]): -goods, sail, stuff, vessel.
3) Jesus compares Paul as a "selected vessel" in which precious jewels are always deposited. Jewelers store precious gems in secured; highly preserved containers.
a) Paul is described as the "fittest vessel" in which the gospel has been enclosed. He declares: "We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not of us," 2 Corinthians 4:6-7.
b) The wife is described by Peter as a "weaker vessel," 1 Peter 3:7. Though she seems weaker as opposed to the man's might; she is strong in her support of him during his fight. She was given to him as a "help meet," Genesis 2:18. Illustration: As I often contend, "To help meet those bills." You know what I mean!
c) In the house of God: Paul writes: "But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. If a man therefore will cleanse himself from these, he will be a vessel to honor, sanctified and meet for the master's use, and prepared to every good work," 2 Timothy 2:20-21. See Romans 9:21-24.
3. According to the faith of God's elect. Paul's entire ministry was to support the preaching and obedience to the "faith of God's elect." The question that lay before us in this lesson: "are the faith or belief systems instituted by these denominations the 'faith of God's elect?'" Can we place all the teachings of these sincere men in their denominations on equal par with the gospel of Christ or the "faith of God's elect?" Remember Paul's charge to the Galatian church, Galatians 1:6-10. Illustrate: No Other Gospel, but Christ's.
B. Acknowledging of the truth: "And the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness." Paul was acknowledging the message that brings men to the acknowledging of the truth. Notice:
1. This is good and acceptable. Paul writes: "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men; the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time," 1 Timothy 2:3-6.
a. The scriptures uniformly represent it as the divine will of God that all men should be saved and inherit eternal life. But He does not will to save men irrespective of the conditions of His plan of salvation.
b. They must, in order to be saved, come to the knowledge of the truth. In other words, they must hear, receive, and obey the gospel of Christ, that message which was ordained to be preached in "due times" before the "world began," Titus 1:2-3.
2. The servant of the Lord. Paul writes: "And the servant of the Lord must not contend; but be gentle to all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God perhaps will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth: And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will," 2 Timothy 2:24-26. The servant of the Lord must be in the "defense and confirmation of the gospel," Philippians 1:7.
3. Some however, never come to the knowledge of the truth. Paul writes: "For of this sort are they who creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts; Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth," 2 Timothy 3:6-7. The pleasures of sins have overtaken them and the "truth which is after godliness" has been abandoned. Unlike Moses, who: "Choosing rather to suffer afflictions with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season," Hebrews 11:24-26.
4. Is the faith your minister preaches - "the truth which is after godliness?"
C. Promised before the world began. "In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began." All of his work was in hope of eternal life given unto those that acknowledge the truth. The message he preached is that which provides the believers "the hope of eternal life." It was promised before the world began. The question before us is, does the message your minister's preached; is it in accord with the "truth which is after godliness; that provides hope of eternal life; and promised before the world began?"
D. Manifested in due time. "But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching." God has manifested the message of eternal life, promised before the world began, now being preached through the word of the gospel.
E. Committed unto the apostles. "Which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour," Titus 1:1-3. Paul affirms that this message has been committed unto him and the other apostles by the commandment of God. Where in the sacred writings can we find any of the teaching of any denomination regarding salvation? Where can we find the present doctrine of these men? Notice:
1. Pray for pardon; or pray "the sinner's prayer." Where in the New Testament is this ever a teaching of Paul and the other apostles? Ask them to tie it to the "truth which is after godliness." Is this teaching a part of the "common faith?" See Titus 1:4. Or the "faith once delivered to the saints?" See Jude 3.
2. You might recall the lesson "Cornelius, Thy Prayer is Heard?" It addresses this very teaching.
3. Saved by faith alone. To the opposite is the teaching of the New Testament; James 2:24-26.
4. Death bed religion. One can live a life of sin and at the last moment just call upon the Lord to be saved. Where is such a teaching from the apostles? If one is to be saved; they must hear the word of God; believe it; repent of their sins; confess Christ as the Son of God; and be baptized for the remission of their sins.
5. These are teachings of men; and do not have their origin from heaven. Jesus said: "Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandments of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do...Full we ye reject the command of God, that ye may keep your own tradition," Mark 7:6-9. This charge he laid upon the religious leaders of His day; the same I lay upon those of our day. If not, why not? Now let's consider our last point, "the denomination's baptism." By this we mean, their practice; or lack of practice in this religious truth.
III THE DENOMINATION'S BAPTISM
A. By what authority? Jesus discussed the baptism of John after the Jewish leaders questioned Him regarding His authority. Matthew writes: "And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? And who gave thee this authority?" Jesus agrees to provide them an answer to their question, if they would first answer His. He asked:
B. The baptism of John. He asked these leaders after they questioned His authority: "The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven, or of men?" I ask now, "The baptism of Christ is it from heaven or men?" Let's consider their response. Many today will use a similar rhetoric to deny the truth.
C. They reasoned among themselves. "And they reasoned with themselves, saying, if we shall say, from heaven; he will say unto us, why did ye not then believe him? But if we shall say, of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet."
1. Many today will argue the same points. If we say it is of Christ; we will be asked, why didn't you obey it?
2. If we say, from men; the learned in this truth will ask, "don't you believed that Jesus is much more than a prophet?" And if so, should you not have obeyed Him?
D. We cannot say. "And they answered Jesus, and said, we cannot tell." To avoid the seeming response of both these arguments, they chose to say: "we cannot say." These were learned men; students of the Law and the prophets. They chose to ignore the truth of John's Baptism; which surely was from heaven. So I must ask; "if John's baptism was from heaven; what say ye of Christ's baptism?" Should we all obey it?
1. Many of these religious elites would say it is not necessary. Let me quote from "The Pastor's Manual" by J. R. Hobbs.
a. First, the Declaration of Faith on page 180, under Article 14: "We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost: to shew forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that is prerequisite to the privilege of a church relation; and to the Lord's Supper, in which members of the church by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination."
b. Further, Its Ordinances, Baptism on page 210, "All persons professing repentance toward God and a saving faith in Jesus Christ may be received by the church as candidates for baptism."
c. Finally, our analysis of these quotations goes like this:
1) Baptism is an immersion of Christians.
2) Baptism is a prerequisite to the privilege of a church relation.
3) Baptism is for all "professing repentance toward God."
4) Baptism is for all confessing a "saving faith in Jesus Christ." That is, they are already saved by their faith apart from baptism.
d. Conclusion. According to the "Pastor's Manual" a book followed by many Baptist preachers only "Christians are baptized." If they are already saved by their faith in Jesus Christ; then their baptism is in no fashion "in order to receive the remission of sins." This is according to the Pastor's Manual. Let's notice another Manual followed by many Baptist Pastors.
2. The Hiscox Manual. To further demonstrate this practice, I submit for your review the following excerpts from The Hiscox Manual. This is a document used extensively by many Baptist pastors. It is their sacred writing on this and other issues. Notice:
a) First, "Baptism may not be necessary to salvation, but it is essential to obedience," (The Standard Manual for Baptist Churches, Edward T. Hiscox, D.D.), Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, 1701-1703 Chestnut Street.), Note 8, page 21.
b) Further, "We do utterly repudiate the dogma of baptism for the remission of sins," (The Standard Manual for Baptist Churches, Edward T. Hiscox, D.D.), Note 8, page 21. They call the practice of New Testament "baptism" dogma!
c) Next, "No person can rightfully or properly become a church member except he be first baptized, as the distinguishing mark and profession of his discipleship," (The Standard Manual for Baptist Churches, Edward T. Hiscox, D.D.), Note 1, page 19.
d) Finally, "baptism is to be administered to those, and to those only, who have exercised and professed a saving faith in Christ; that is, to believers," (The Standard Manual for Baptist Churches, Edward T. Hiscox, D.D.), page 19.
e) Conclusion: "Baptism, therefore, is an act of obedience, but it possesses no power in itself to remit sin, to change the heart, or to sanctify the spirit," (The Standard Manual for Baptist Churches, Edward T. Hiscox, D.D.), Note 8, page 21.
f) Charles Spurgeon, the most prominent Baptist preacher during his time stated on October 13, 1889, in his lesson titled: “He that Believes and is Baptized shall be Saved,” (while) addressing the common discussion about baptism being essential." Further he stated: "Oftentimes, I do believe that this little matter of believers’ baptism is the test of the sincerity of our profession of love to him (Christ), (emp. added). It is abundantly clear that Charles Spurgeon thought that baptism was essential to salvation and essential to loving Christ." See Spurgeon full message on this point regarding “faith and baptism,” at https://godsbreath.net/2010/01/05/charles-spurgeon-about-baptism/. Baptist preachers have strayed far from this minister’s core beliefs on baptism.
g) Summary: In denominationalism Baptism pastor’s teach that the “saved are baptized because they have been forgiven of their sins;” while under the Christian System (the truth that makes one free) sinners are baptized “for (unto) the remission of sins,” Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16. This is that preaching - the “truth which is after godliness;” which is that “form of doctrine which makes one free from their sins.” Therefore, baptism is required to obtain “the remission of sins” and in order to “wash away of ones sins.” Can I get a witness?
E. Neither tell I you. "And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things,¡± Matthew 21:23-27. Our Lord ignored their teaching regarding their ¡°by what authority doeth thou these things?" Let me now finish the teaching of baptism for the Christian doctrine.
1. I want to ask those that claim to love and reverence the scriptures, "is baptism a part of the Christian faith?" And, "is it necessary for the believer's salvation?" Consider these few points:
a. The Pentecostal believers were instructed to be baptized "for the remission of sins, and the gift of the Holy Ghost," Acts 2:38.
b. Paul was instructed by Ananias to "arise and be baptized to wash away his sins by calling upon the name of the Lord," Acts 22:16.
1) Arise and be baptized. Baptized is to be "dipped or immersed" in water. Baptism is a burial, not a sprinkling or pouring!
2) To wash away thy sins. Wash, in Gr. is apolouo, ap-ol-oo'-o; to wash fully, i.e. (figuratively) have remitted (reflexively): - wash (away). The word means, to wash off or put away your sins. The sinner is unclean, polluted as it were by the filth of sins. Whoever obtains remission of sins has his sins put, so to speak, out of God's sight, - is cleansed from them in the sight of God. Remission is obtained by undergoing baptism; hence those who have gone down into the baptismal bath (Titus 3:5; Ephesians 5:26) are said "to have washed themselves, or to have washed away their sins; or to have been cleansed from their sins."
3) Calling upon the name of the Lord. In baptism we call upon the name of the Lord to be saved. Recall our discussion of this truth in the lesson a few weeks ago we called: "His Gracious Invitation." We discussed the phrase "calling upon the name of the Lord," in great depth.
c. Washing or baptism is a part of God's plan for cleanliness, forgiveness and salvation. We have cited already the denomination's objection. Let consider the bible now. Notice:
1) Solomon writes: "There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness," Proverbs 30:12. This describes our present generation. They claim to be pure in their own eyes; but have not washed themselves in the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ in baptism. Beloved, how can that be so?
2) Jeremiah says: "O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?" See Jeremiah 4:14. Jeremiah cries out for Jerusalem to "wash their hearts from wickedness, that they might be saved."
3) Paul's words to Ephesus: "That he (Christ) might sanctify and cleanse it (the church) with the washing of water by the word," Ephesians 5:26. We are washed from our sins in baptism after hearing the word, "the truth which is after godliness" the "gospel of Christ," Ephesians 1:13-14; Acts 19:1-9.
4) Paul to Corinth he wrote: "And such were some of you (sinners): but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God," 1 Corinthians 6:11. The believing sinners at Corinth who Paul mentions in verses 9-10, "were washed, sanctified and justified by calling upon the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of their God." This they did after hearing the gospel, believing it and being baptized, 1 Corinthians 12:13; Acts 18:8.
5) Paul's words to Titus: "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life," Titus 3:4-7. Titus was instructed to remind the people of Crete that they "were saved by grace, by the washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost."
6) The writer of Hebrews pens: "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water," Hebrews 10:22. Let's compare Paul's writing with Peter's Letter.
7) First, Peter, "Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us; (not (by) the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but (it is) the answer of a good conscience toward God), by the resurrection of Jesus Christ," 1 Peter 3:20-21.
8) Further, He writes: "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied," 1 Peter 1:2.
9) Finally, Peter writes: "Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever," 1 Peter 1:22-23. Notice what Peter said:
a) Baptism NOW saves us. See also Mark 16:15-16.
b) Not the putting away of the filth of the flesh. You don't get baptized to wash away the filth of the flesh; but to purify your soul in obedience to the truth.
c) Unto obedience and the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.
d) To obtain an answer of a good conscience toward God.
e) By the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
f) In baptism we purify our souls in "obeying the truth through the Spirit." The truth here is the same truth mentioned by Paul in Titus 1. This is that same "truth which is after godliness" the "gospel of Christ," Romans 1:16.
g) Being born again, "by the word of God" and by "obeying the truth through the Spirit." See also John 3:3-5; Titus 3:5.
2. We have addressed this error in denomination's teaching already. You should obtain a copy of the CD entitled: "Is There Water in The Plan?" Ask the brethren for this lesson, it is free; your contribution to this work affords you these lessons without charge. If you are visiting; you may obtain this lesson and any others you desire free while attending our worship services.
3. I trust in this lesson we have clarified some major issues that confront the truth of God. It was my intentions to present truth and not my opinion. As I mentioned before I began; that I would be contending and confirming the "truth which is after godliness."
4. I make no apology for truth. I know there are some in this assembly today who might resist and be angry at me because of this lesson. I prayerfully ask as Paul: "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" See Galatians 4:16.
5. You should know that it is because of love I speak plainly. I trust you love truth more than what might appear an offense because you have not heard this kind of preaching before. I pray God give you a heart of understanding, like Lydia, Acts 16:13-15. With that, before I conclude let me review what we have discussed in this lesson.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Denomination's Builder
2. The Denomination's Belief
3. The Denomination's Baptism
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we considered the question, "is the denomination's builder or founder from heaven; or men?" Is the founder of your denomination Christ, or some man? Is your denomination claiming to be the "church of Christ?" I affirmed from the very beginning that no denomination can claim to be the church of Christ; or a part of the "body of Christ." I make no apology for this truth! Christ is neither the founder, nor the head of any such institutions. He is the "head of the body of Christ," not one single denomination. These all have their origin and foundation is from; and in men! Jesus promised Peter, "upon his confession of faith that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God: I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it," Matthew 16:18.
2. Second, we discussed the question, "is the denomination's belief (the core of its doctrine of faith and salvation) from heaven; or men?" The pattern for the faith is seen in its origin from God; and not of men. Paul discussion of this faith to Titus is found in chapter 1 of this book. He states: "Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began; But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour," Titus 1:1-3. Does your denomination's faith claim to be the faith of God's elect; promised before the world began, and has been manifested in due time through the preaching of the apostles and prophets? If not, than it has it beginning from men and not from God!
3. Lastly, we investigated the question, "is the denomination's baptism from heaven; or men?" Jesus asked the religious leaders of his day regarding the "baptism of John." He was attacked for his cleaning of the temple of the money changer earlier. They asked Him of His "authority" for conducting himself in this fashion. In answering their questions he replied by asking them one. And that was: "The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, if we shall say, from heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe (obey) him? But if we shall say, of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus, and said, we cannot tell. And he said unto them, neither tell I you by what authority I do these things," Matthew 21:23-27. By responding this way he placed them in a very difficult situation. Let's not forget, our Lord knew their answer before He asked them the question.
C. Invitation. Present the plan of salvation. H, B, R, C, B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
