INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Baptism: The Ark’s Like Figure
Remarks.
1. This is the eleventh lesson in this sermon-series entitled: "Re-digging in Old Wells." There will be many others bearing this title. We are re-digging in old wells to receive what Isaiah promised: "With joy, you will draw water from the wells of salvation," Isaiah 12:3. There are times we must re-dig in old wells to obtain the joy found in the: "waters of salvation." This sermon type is called "expository preaching." Our goal will be: "to dig a little deeper" in the text of emphasis in these lessons. We will allow the writer, the characters in the verses, and the words of the Master, to shed new meaning to His words of eternal life, John 6:63; John 6:67-69.
2. We will answer this question: "How is baptism a like figure of the ark?” While residing in the ark, Noah and his house passed through the flood by means of the water. Similarly, baptism passes the repentant believers, by means of the water, through the: “Washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:5. We will re-dig in old wells to sustain this truth in the holy scriptures. Ulysses Shields called this kind of teaching: "digging a little deeper," in the word of truth. He was my grandfather in Christ. We will use as a foundational text for this sermon-series: "And Isaac re-dug the wells of water, which they had dug in the days of Abraham...for the Philistines had stopped them (closed them up) after Abraham’s death,” Genesis 26:18. The Philistines: “Stopped them, and filled them with earth,” because they envied Isaac’s possessions, Genesis 26:14-15.
3. Our scripture of emphasis reads in this fashion: “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 the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” 1 Peter 3:20-21. This text has troubled many over the years. Many have accused other gospel preachers and me as teaching "that water saves." The bible says, “water” saved Noah and his house, by “passing them through the flood.” In a like figure “baptism” doth also NOW saves us, by passing us by means of the water, through our: “death, burial, and resurrection into a union with Jesus Christ.” This can be called the process of the: “Washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:5. It’s vitally essential to consider every text within its context of the scriptures. With God’s help, we will do just that, to draw: “New water from old wells.” With this introduction, let’s consider this topic carefully, with both our bibles and hearts opened unto the words of the living God.
BODY OF LESSON
I BAPTISM: THE ARK’S LIKE FIGURE
A. Background study. Before we can get into the text of emphasis, we must do some background work to understand the word "like figure" and how it will be used in this lesson.
1. The word “like figure” in Gr., is antitypos, or än-te'-tü-pos, which means a corresponding type ("antitype"), i.e., a representative, counterpart:—(like) figure (whereunto). An “antitype” is something in the Messianic times which answers to the type, as baptism corresponds to the ark and the deluge of water, in the Old Testament.
2. W. E. Vine wrote: “The ‘ark’ then, is a representation, or a ‘like figure,’ of the spiritual act of ‘baptism,’” 1 Peter 3:20-21,” Page 856. We are digging a little deeper in the word of truth! Do I have any help with this lesson? Is God’s people with me today/tonight? Let’s Continue--
a. Where there is a "type," there is an "anti or corresponding type.” Paul uses the word "figure" to represent Adam as a type of Christ in Romans 5:14. We will review this in a few minutes.
b. Where there is a "figure," there is also a "like figure,” i.e., something in the Messianic times which is an answer to a type; said of baptism: the circumstances of the flood, the ark, and its occupants, formed a model, i.e., the figure.
c. Therefore, baptism forms "a corresponding type,” the “like figure,” each setting forth the spiritual realities of the “death, burial, and the resurrection of believers, into a union with Christ,” Romans 6:3-7; Galatians 3:26-27.
d. Some additional explanation of the word “type” can also be found in this secular work.
3. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary catalogs: The word “type” is a person or thing (in the Old Testament) believed to foreshadow another (in the New Testament).
a. A "type," then, is something that "foreshadows" the real thing.
b. The type is not the “thing” but a representation of the “thing itself.”
c. The ark is the figure, which represents the “like figure,” that is baptism!
d. We will make an application of this later in the lesson.
B. Further preliminary work. We must do some more preparatory work to understand these words, “type” and “antitype.” Other uses of the word “figure” in the holy scriptures. Observe--
1. The holy place. Paul wrote: “It was, therefore, necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us,” Hebrews 9:23-24. In this sense, heaven is the proper Holy Place, where the tabernacle was its representation, a “figure of the true," made with hands. Similarly--
2. Adam was a type of Christ. Paul wrote: “Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of Him who was to come,” Romans 5:14. Moving forward, we must do a little more word study. Observe--
a. The word “type” here in Gr., is also typos or tü'-pos, which means a model or instance:—en-(ex-) ample, fashion, figure, form, manner, pattern, or a print.
1) The NKJV translates the word "tupos" as “type.”
2) The KJV translates this word as a “figure.”
3) Each of these translations is a form of the Greek word “typos.”
b. In a doctrinal sense, a type, i.e., is a person or thing prefiguring a future (Messianic) person or thing. Adam was a type of Christ.
c. The New Greek-English, Interlinear New Testament, translates the sentence and word “type” in this fashion: “On the likeness of the transgression of Adam who is a type of the one coming," Page 544.
d. And that is Jesus Christ, the Messiah that has come and gone again, into the heavens. To sit at God’s right hand, angels, authorities, and powers being made subjects unto Him, Ephesians 1:20-23; Hebrews 1:1-3; 1 Peter 3:22.
e. Conclusion: Paul describes Adam as a type of Christ. In like manner, Isaac was a type of Christ. We could also surmise: Abraham was a type of the Father. And, baptism is a like figure of the ark. I wish I had some help in this lesson. Brother Doors, do I have an Amen? Continuing--
3. B. W. Johnson wrote: “Hence, again, Adam is a representative man, a representative of (all races) a figure of him that was to come...(A) Type of Christ; likewise a representative of (all races). Through the one (Adam) all have sinned; through the other (Christ), all are made righteous," Page 359. See 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.
4. Mr. Baxter remarked: “Or ‘type (pattern, or resemblance, [tupos (tu/pon)]) of him who was to come,’ i.e., THE MESSIAH. It is indeed interesting to compare, on Scripture authority, Adam as the root of sin and death to all, with CHRIST, who is to...Christians the root of holiness and life.” See Note in Blue Letter Bible on Romans 5:14, “tupos,”-- in Cross-References: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, listed under KJV Phrase: “who is the figure,” in Blueletterbible.org. We are now ready to consider our text of emphasis. Let’s get into it!
C. Text of emphasis. It reads as follows: “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 the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” 1 Peter 3:20-21. Summarizing this text, it reveals the following--
1. Which sometime were disobedient: Here Peter wrote of the people living during Noah's time, which walked contrary to God, and to Noah’s preaching, “a preacher of righteousness,” 2 Peter 2:5. He continues--
a. When once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah. Peter presents a time-line in which God waited before sending the flood. Noah had preached for about 100 years before the rain came upon the earth, Genesis 5:32; Genesis 6:8-10; Genesis 7:5-6. Noah and his house went into the ark because of the waters of the flood, Genesis 7:7. Jehovah had warned them of a coming flood!
NOTE: Download our lesson entitle: “Christ’s Preaching: To Souls in Prison,” from SermonCentral.com, Ron Freeman, Evangelist. It discusses the idea of Christ preaching to souls in prison with better clarity and explanation.
b. While the ark was preparing. Jehovah permitted Noah to build an ark to preserve human life and life within the animal kingdom and other species. The ark was the place of safety for Noah and his house, and all living things. Peter penned further--
c. Wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. Peter wrote of only eight souls were saved by (the) water. This text has troubled many over the years. Some learned preachers from denominations have accused my preaching brothers and me of teaching a doctrine that “water saves.” They insult the word of God. Peter wrote, “eight souls were saved by water.” That’s what we preach! We do so because the bible says so. How did the water save them? Peter further noted--
d. The text says, by “passing them through the water” within the ark. The New Greek-English Interlinear reads: “That is eight souls were saved through water,” 1 Peter 3:20. See page 815. Note--
1) Eight souls were saved.
2) Through the water. That is, “di hudatos.” Not “by the water.”
3) The Greek translates this phrase as: "through the water."
NOTE: The Englishman’s Greek New Testament likewise translate: “di hudatos” as “through water,” Page 599. How was this so? Notice--
4) The ark bore Noah and his family through the water. This was representing a baptism “unto Noah,” REF. Water above the ark, water below it, and water all around it. The ark’s buoyancy carried it through the water. Thus, saving Noah and his entire house.
5) God instructed Noah how to “fashion the ark;” that he “make an ark of gopher wood...pitch it within, and without with pitch...and (three) stories, thou shall make it,” Genesis 6:13-18. The wood and pitch (covering) allowed the ark to float! The word "pitch" or "covering" has become important right about now!
f. The word “pitch” in Heb., is kaphar or kä·far', which means to cover; to expiate, to cancel:—appease, to make (an atonement, cleanse), to disannul, forgive, to be merciful, pardon, purge (away), to put off, or to (make) reconcile(-liation).
1) This word tells any student of the bible what the ark represented: it was a covering, a pardon, cleansing, a means of forgiveness of sins!
2) Whose sins? Noah and his household! For their faithful obedience by entering into the ark, God’s place of safety, pardon, cleansing, and forgiveness.
3) Noah and his entire house was saved by passing through the water into a new covenant relationship with Jehovah. However, "the old world perished with water," cleansing it for habitation by Noah and his house, 2 Peter 3:5-7; 2 Peter 2:5; Genesis 7:23. Hear Jehovah--
4) Moses wrote: “And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and everything that is in the earth shall die. But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee,” Genesis 6:17-18. Are you beginning to see the importance of “pitching?”
NOTE: Illustrate Jehovah's covenant with Noah, his sons, and their seed, Genesis 8:20-22; Genesis 9:8-10; Genesis 9:15.
5) B. W. Johnson wrote: “Wherein few, that is, eight souls. Only eight souls out of a great multitude were saved; these were saved through water, since it bore up the ark. The word rendered “through,” means “by means of,” Page 591. Johnson, rightly observes – “eight souls were saved by means of the water.”
2. The like figure: We have already discussed this word in-depth earlier in the lesson. We need not discuss it further. Peter continues--
a. Whereunto even baptism. In a like figure, "baptism" doth also NOW saves us by “bearing us through a burial in water,” representing the: “death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
NOTE: The Englishman’s Greek New Testament translates: "Whereunto even baptism doth also now save us;" like this, "And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you," Page 815. Noah and his house being saved by means of the water is a prefigure of baptism. Which, "doth also NOW saves us. Observer--
b. How does baptism save? Like Noah and his house: “by means of the water.” Peter wrote: “Baptism doth also now saves us.” He did not write – water saves us; but, “baptism doth also NOW save us.” How preacher? Similar, in a like manner: "by means of the water.” Notice—
1) As the ark carried Noah and his house through the flood, by means of the water.
2) Baptism carries the repentant believers, by means of the water, through the: “Washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:5.
NOTE: The New Greek-English Interlinear translates this sentence as: “Through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Ghost,” Page 750.
3) This is Jesus’ promise exactly: “Except a man is born again...Except a man is born of the water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God,” John 3:3-5.
c. It’s (“not the putting away of the filth of the flesh.” Baptism is not dirt cleansing! We do not get into the baptistery to take a bath: but to wash away our sins. It is--
d. It’s “the answer of a good conscience toward God.”) Baptism ends the “interrogation of our hearts” towards God. John wrote: “If our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts,” 1 John 3:19-22. Consider--
NOTE: The New Greek-English Interlinear translates this sentence as: “But as, an appeal to God for a good conscience,” Page 815. Peter wrote: In baptism, “we appeal to God, for His pledge of a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” 1 Peter 3:21. Here then is our witness--
1) Are we listening to our hearts right NOW? Is it testifying that we have a “good conscience towards God?”
a) If the answer is "yes," we can assure our heart before God.
b) If the answer is “no” then, we must comply with Peter’s instruction here and in Acts 2:37-41. As well as his additional teaching--
2) That you might: “Purify your soul in obeying the truth through the Spirit, unto unfeigned love of the brethren...Being born again,” 1 Peter 1:22-23; John 3:3-5.
NOTE: The New Greek-English Interlinear translates the phrase: "Being born again" in the KJV; to "Having been regenerated...through the living and remaining word of God," Page 809. How interesting!
3) Conclusion: Being born again, then, is “being regenerated.” And this is possible by “purifying the soul in obeying the truth through the Spirit,” 1 Peter 1:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14. Therefore, regeneration is: “Through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:5. And being born again is: “through the water and the Spirit,” John 3:5. I wish I had some help in this lesson. Peter continues--
e. By the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Peter tells his audience, our salvation is dependent upon the truth of the resurrection of Christ.
1) Paul wrote: “If we believe on Him that raised Jesus our Lord from the dead: Who was delivered for our offenses, and was raised again for our justification," Romans 4:24-25; Romans 5:1-2; Romans 6:17-18.
2) Many have not obeyed the truth, the gospel of their salvation, Romans 10:16-18; Ephesians 1:13-14. They have rationalized away “obedience” – and have replaced it with “faith only.” Insisting salvation is possible by merely believing in Jesus Christ. The word “only” is a limiting factor. In other words, “faith” is all that one needs to be saved; obedience is not necessary!
a) Is this your position today/tonight? Does baptism serve any purpose in ones’ salvation?
b) Any student of the bible knows that faith must be active – it must work through love and obedience unto the Lord, Galatians 5:6; John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-4.
c) James wrote: “Faith without works (of obedience) is dead being alone,” James 2:17. And that: “by works (of obedience) a man is justified, and not by faith only,” James 2:24.
NOTE: Download our lesson entitled: “Justified by faith only?” Obtain it from SermonCentral.com. Ron Freeman, evangelist. Moving forward then--
3) Paul wrote the Corinthians: “And such were some of you: 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; Acts 18:8. This occurred in their baptism!
The esteemed B. W. Johnson ties it all up for us when he wrote of the "antitype,” or the "like figure," that is baptism. Observe--
f. B. W. Johnson wrote: “The like figure whereunto. Literally, “the antitype now saves us, Baptism.” Says Alford, “Water saved them, bearing up the ark; it saves us, becoming to us baptism.” As they entered the Ark, we are “baptized into Christ,” the Savior. See Gal. 3:27...(B)ut it is the answer of a good conscience. The Revision says, “the interrogation of a good conscience.” “Inquiry” would be still better. The soul seeking the forgiveness of sins “inquires.” What shall I do to remove the sense of unforgiven sins and make my conscience void of offense? The answer is: “Repent, and be baptized, Etc., See Acts 2:38,” Page 591-592.
3. Noah prepared an ark. Paul wrote: “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith,” Hebrews 11:7; 2 Peter 3:5-7. Observe—
a. Noah by faith, being warned of God of things not seen yet.
b. Moved with fear (reverence and godly fear).
c. Prepared an ark to save his house, Genesis 6:13-18; Genesis 6:22; Genesis 7:5.
d. By the which he condemned the world. The old world perished because of sin and all of its wickedness and unrighteousness, 2 Peter 3:5-7. He did so through his preaching!
e. And (he) became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Noah and his house was saved and became heirs of righteousness, which is by faith. How?
1) While residing in the ark, Noah and his house passed through the flood (floating) by means of the water. In the same fashion--
2) Baptism carries the repentant believers, by means of the water, through the: “Washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:5. I wish I had some help with this lesson! Amen, brother Doors and sister Walls! Noah became a--
4. Preacher of righteousness. Peter wrote: “And (God) spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly,” 2 Peter 2:5.
5. Passing through the Red Sea. Paul wrote of Israel--
a. Passing through: “By faith, they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned,” Hebrews 11:29.
1) The phrase “they passed through” in Gr., is diabaino or de-ä-bi'-no, which means to cross:—come over, pass (through).
2) Israel crossed and passed through the Red Sea, as by dry land.
3) The Egyptians attempting to do the same thing were drowned by the water.
4) Water saved Israel after they passed through by destroying their enemies. Similarly, our sins are destroyed while we were in the waters of baptism!
b. Moses wrote: “And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and their left. And the Egyptians pursued and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, chariots, and horsemen... And the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them... Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the seashore,” Exodus 14:22-30.
c. B. W. Johnson wrote: “By faith, they passed through the Red Sea. See Exod. 14:13–22. In obedience to God's command they marched into the sea and "were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and (in) the sea" (1 Cor. 10:1, 2),” Page 569.
Observe—
d. Baptized unto Moses. Paul wrote: “Moreover, brethren, I would not think that you should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea: And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and the sea; And did all eat the same spiritual meat; And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ,” 1 Corinthians 10:1-4.
NOTE: Illustrate, baptized unto Moses “in the cloud and the sea." This passing through the Red Sea was a baptism of Israel unto Moses. The like figure of the baptism of Christ. Amen, Brother Doors, and Sister Ceilings! Paul continues--
e. Baptized into one body. Paul again: “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit,” 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:26-27. Therefore beloved of the Lord--
D. Baptism is an "antitype" of the ark. Recall our discussion earlier in the lesson about the ark, which saved Noah and his house? The text said: "water" saved Noah and his household by "passing them through the flood, by means of the water.” In a like figure, baptism carries the repentant believers, by means of the water through the: “Washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:5. Beloved, recall--
1. First, baptism is an “antitupos” of the ark. Noah and his house were saved by water in the ark. A similar thing happens in our baptism into Christ. Recall--
a. The words “like figure” in Gr., are antitypos or än-te'-tü-pos, which means a corresponding ("antitype"), i.e., a representative, counterpart:—a (like) figure (whereunto).
b. The "antitypos" is a thing resembling another, its counterpart. Something in Messianic times, which answers to the type, “as baptism corresponds to the (ark) and the deluge, the (flood),” 1 Peter 3:21.
c. The ark was a type of baptism unto Noah and his house (water above it, beneath it, and beside it). They were safely secure in it from the floodwaters. Recall further--
2. Further, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us:” The act of faith and baptism NOW saves us.
a. One "(Not the putting away of the filth of the flesh." You don't get into the water to take a bath. You get into it to "wash away your sins," Acts 22:16.
b. Two, “But an answer of a good conscience towards God),” Hebrews 9:13-14; Hebrews 10:2; Hebrews 10:22.
c. Third, “In a like figure “baptism” doth also NOW saves us, by “carrying us by means of the water, through our ”death, burial, and resurrection into a union with Jesus Christ,” Romans 6:3-4. Yes, this is the: “Washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:5. I spoke of this earlier, in the lesson.
NOTE: Illustrate "Roll and tumble." Marshall Keeble used this saying in his invitations. I'm preaching, so if you don't obey this tonight, you'll go home and roll and tumble all night till you come back here and be obedient to the gospel!
3. Finally, “By the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” The resurrection of Christ assures that our sins are forgiven; and, we are pledged a “good conscience towards God,” 1 Peter 3:20-21; Romans 4:23-25.
4. Conclusion: The ark was a type of baptism that saved Noah and his house. Similarly, it is an antitype of baptism, which doth also NOW save us. Please note, it was not water that saved us, but baptism, which is performed in the water. The ark saved Noah and his family by bearing them through the flood, by means of the water. By means of the waters, baptism carries us through the: "Washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost," Titus 3:4-7. Let’s consider: “The washing of regeneration” a little closer. Stay with me, brothers, sisters, and visiting friends! I’m moving to a conclusion.
E. Washing of Regeneration. Paul wrote to Titus: "But after God's kindness and love, our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy, He saved us." Mercy is God's means of saving all humanity through His grace, Ephesians 2:4-9. It is done--
1. First, “By the washing of regeneration.” We are saved through the “bath,” “laver,” or the “washing of regeneration,” Titus 3:5; Ephesians 5:26. This refers to the “new birth or being born again,” John 3:3-5; 1 Peter 1:22-23.
a. Ananias advised Paul: "And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord,” Acts 22:16; 1 Corinthians 6:11.
b. The word “wash” in Gr., is apolouo or ä-po-lü'-o, which means to wash thoroughly, i.e., (figuratively) have remitted (reflexively):—wash (away).
c. Therefore, the washing of regeneration has to do with baptism. Most scholars will so agree. Consider B. W. Johnson’s comments and a few other reputable commentators. Let’s read and listen to their words--
d. B. W. Johnson wrote: “Washing of regeneration. Literally, (the) "bath of regeneration." All reputable commentators refer to this as baptism, such as Meyer, Olshausen, Lange, Plumptree, Schaff, Canon Cook, Wesley, etc. Regeneration is due to the Holy Spirit, but baptism is an outward act that God requires to complete the fact (or the final step in the process),” Page 290. These are (--) my corrections or insertions to the quote from People’s New Testament.
e. Brethren, I believe in quoting these scholars when their comments are in line with the text being discussed. These men merely cite what the scriptures mean, not what their institutions of learning say they mean! Many will wrest and adulterate the bible! These men wrote and spake those things “which become sound doctrine,” Titus 2:1; 1 Peter 4:11. Paul continues--
2. Further, “By the renewing of the Holy Ghost.” He speaks of being given the gift of the Holy Ghost in the process of regeneration. To the Ephesians, he wrote: "In whom ye also trusted, after that, you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise," Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:30; 1 Corinthians 1:22.
3. Next, “Which He (Holy Ghost) shed (poured out) on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour." In obtaining the "remission of our sins," we were also granted the "gift of the Holy Spirit" through repentance and baptism “in the name of Jesus Christ,” Acts 2:38; Acts 19:1-7.
4. Additionally, “That, being justified by His grace.” Our works of righteousness did not save us; but, by the grace of Jesus Christ. Paul again: "For by grace are you saved through the faith...it is the gift of God, not of works lest any man should boast,” Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:1-2. The entire act of “regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost" is through the grace of God! There is no salvation without regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost. These come through ones’ obedience to the gospel of Christ, Acts 5:32; Acts 6:7; Hebrews 5:8-9.
5. Finally, “That, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life,” Titus 3:4-7. The promise of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost: “makes us heirs according to the hope of eternal life,” Titus 1:1-3. God's children are the heirs and joint-heirs of Jesus Christ, "having the hope of eternal life." Paul wrote such in his letters. Observe--
a. To the Galatians:
1) First, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ," Galatians 3:26-27.
2) Second, “There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise,” Galatians 3:28-29.
3) Third, “Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ,” Galatians 4:4-7.
4) Fourth, “In a like figure “baptism” doth also NOW saves us, by “carrying us by means of the water,” through our ”death, burial, and resurrection into a union with Jesus Christ,” Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-27. Yes, this is the: “Washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:5.
b. To the Romans: "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God; they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but, ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are God's children: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ,” Romans 8:14-17.
c. Conclusion: Regeneration is a process done by the Holy Spirit through the word. Jesus spoke of it with Nicodemus in John 3:1-8. He called it being “born again.” This birth involves two components, "water and Spirit," John 3:5. The Spirit's work is to instruct the seeker of truth through the word of God. The water is to cleanse or wash away sins when the believer has repented and is baptized: in the name of Jesus Christ, Acts 2:38; Ephesians 5:26; Acts 8:26-39.
NOTE: Download our lesson entitled: Is There Water in the Plan? Obtain it from SermonCentral.com. We describe these two components in the: "Work of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:5; John 3:3-5.
d. Invitation: There maybe one or several today/tonight are wanting to experience the: “Washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost?” As I conclude this lesson, I’ll humbly explain just how to do that! Recall we discussed--
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Baptism: The Ark’s Like figure
B. Summarize main points.
1. We have answered this question: "How is baptism a like figure of the ark?” While residing in the ark, Noah and his entire house passed through the flood by means of the water. In the same fashion, baptism carries the repentant believers, by means of the water, through the: “Washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:5.
2. Our scripture of emphasis, read as follows: “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 the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” 1 Peter 3:20-21.
3. This text has troubled many over the years. Many have accused other gospel preachers and me of teaching "that water saves." The scripture says, "water" saved Noah and his house by "passing them through the flood.”
4. In a like figure “baptism” doth also NOW saves us, by “carrying us by means of the water, through our ”death, burial, and resurrection into a union with Jesus Christ,” Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-27. Yes, this is the: “Washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:5. This is the “new birth” that grants obedient believers access into the “kingdom of God,” John 3:3-5. And a place at the Lord’s table of communion in the Father’s kingdom, Matthew 26:26-30; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30.
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
I submit this verse unto you that I may: “Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
References:
1. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary copyright © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
2. Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus copyright © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
6. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
7. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
8. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
9. The People's New Testament, B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
ronald.e.freeman@wwmchurchofchrist.org
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org/
Website: https://en.gravatar.com/refreeman
