New Testament Including The One True GOD- Given "Real-Baptism" For This
Grace Age. The Following Are Biblical Lessons On This Subject. . .
And, Many 0ther Things Are Explained In This 8 Part Message That Can Help
The Student Comprehend His Bible. . .
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[ Lesson 21. ]
The LORD's Ritual "Baptism With Water" Performed By John The"Baptist" To Fulfill All Righteousness, And Israel's Great Commission. . . .
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1. {
V. 18 } Scripture: "And JESUS came and spoke to them, saying, all power is given to Me in Heaven and in Earth. See { Isaiah 9:6-7 }. .2. {
V. 19 }: Go you therefore, and teach all nations, "Baptizing:" them in the name of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY SPIRIT, { Matthew 28:18-19 }."=========================
3. The above verses Paraphrased in commentary form . . . {
18 } Scripture: "And 'JESUS approached breaking the silence when He came and spoke to them,' saying, 'all power authority and rule' is given 'to Me as the MESSIAH' both in Heaven and in Earth. See { Isaiah 9:6-7 }. . . . { 19 }: Go you therefore, and teach all 'nations making disciples of them and, "Baptize" them' in [ eis: Greek, i.e., 'into' ] the 'name [ essence, Greek' ] of the FATHER, and of the SON, and of the HOLY 'GHOST: [ SPIRIT: Greek' ], [ That is, INTO "eis" the blessed TRINITY ], { Matthew 28:18-19 }."========
4. Commentary . . . A better translation of "All power" in {
V. 18 } would be "all authority." This "ISRAEL'S GREAT COMMISSION" was based upon and backed by the authority of the risen and exalted LORD Who promises to be ever-present with His beloved people. The Israeli's commission in { V. 19 } was to be the missionary task of the Israelites. They were to perform the task into the name of the TRIUNE GODHEAD, or the one GOD. Each of the three in the Godhead is distinguished from the others. Each possesses all the Divine attributes; yet the three are one. This is a mystery which no analogy can illustrate satisfactorily. The sun, sunlight, and the power of the sun may come close to a suitable illustration.5. We find in the following texts: {
Matthew 20:22-23; - Mark 10:38-39; - & - Luke 12:50 } a dry "Baptism." This "Baptism" has absolutely no water whatsoever even associated with it in any way. Furthermore, we have found that many other writers agree with us that there is no water in these verses. In the O.T. the Israelites, as good Bible students are well aware, were "Baptized" [ OR CLEANSED ] with a dry "Baptism" {1- Corinthians 10:2 } into Moses.6. In other words, they were united to Moses as their leader. Please compare this verse with {
Hebrews 11:29 - & - Exodus 14:29 }. When you read these two texts, you will notice that the "Baptism" mentioned has no water in it. It is well understood by learned Theologians, that the correct interpretation of the Greek preposition [ eis ] means [ INTO ]. As the reader will notice, we mention the next verse several times in this message, because it is a very important text to prove what we are teaching is true. And we repeat this next verse . . .=========================
7. Scripture: "Know you not [ are you ignorant of the fact ], that so many of us as were "Baptized" [ 'eis ] into' JESUS CHRIST were "Baptized" [ 'eis: ] into His [ CHRIST's ] death?' {
Romans 6:3 }."=========================
8. Commentary . . . We have made this distinction before but we cannot keep from mentioning this fact over and over so that the student will completely understand the difference in what Church doctrine teaches, and what the Bible brings out concerning this study. You notice that this is a question, and the importance of [ 'eis' which means 'into' ] should be realized by every student. Therefore, those who teach that water "Baptism" is meant in this verse are grossly mistaken because they do not realize what the Greek [ eis ] stands for. When we consider the above text in Matthew, we find that it must be studied Dispensationally. . . . {
Matthew 28:19-20 } are verses that looks to the conversion of all nations in the Millennium, as many godly scholars have admitted.9. And, you notice that JESUS told His disciples to "Baptize" the nations in the name, [ that is, "eis - into" ] the name of the TRINITARIAN GODHEAD. This is the same type of dry "Baptism" that the Israelites were "Baptized" with when they were "Baptized" into Moses in the Red Sea. What does this mean? It means that the nations of the world during the Millennial reign of CHRIST will be submerged into the LORD JESUS CHRIST and into His Millennial reign when He returns as the MESSIAH.
10. In {
Matthew 28:19 } above, you will see that there isn't any mention of water in the verse. And as we have pointed out, this "Baptism" likewise, isn't in the name but it is [ eis ] "into" the name of the complete GODHEAD. As one Theologian put it: Name . . . stands for the essence of GOD's being. This means that the "Baptism" mentioned, is into the TRIUNE GODHEAD without any water involved.11. It's a dreadful shame that Ministers today have not researched this text from the Greek standpoint, and because of their failure to do this, confusion abounds throughout Christendom. If they could only understand that only Israel is concerned exclusively in this text everything would be properly understood clearly by them. Please read our message: "[ Marching Orders And Commission For The Body of CHRIST ]," . . . Which is on internet.
12. The LORD's disciples did not carry out this command in the past because they were well aware that it concerned only the future Kingdom order. Whether the Apostles during the Kingdom commission at that time knew about the Body of CHRIST being called out in a parenthetical dispensation between the Acts period and the Tribulation Period isn't mentioned. But, nevertheless they did know that this Hebrew commission was to be future.
13. This is the reason the commission was never carried out, no nation was "Baptized" in the name of the Divine Trinity, and neither were any humans "Baptized" by them as they are mistakenly "Baptized" today by many Ministers, who do not even rightly comprehend their own Commission for this age. Today men of GOD have placed themselves under covenant theology by teaching Israel's commission and falsely leading their Assembly members into error.
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14. Wm. L. Pettingill in his Gospel on Matthew wrote, [ Quote ]: "It seems at first sight, a surprising thing to find that, beginning with Pentecost, which was but a few days after 'The Great Commission' was given, and down to the end of the New Testament history of the Church, all the "Baptisms" recorded were simply 'into the Name of the LORD JESUS,' instead of 'into the Name of the FATHER and of the SON and of the HOLY SPIRIT.' See {
Acts 2:38; - 8:16; - 10:48; - & - 19:5 }.15. In seeking an explanation, it is well to remember that the Trinitarian formula is found only in Matthew, the Kingdom Gospel. The full accomplishment of "The [ i.e., Israel's ] Great Commission," therefore, may be looked for in the future, in connection with the manifestation of the Kingdom, rather than during the present Dispensation in connection with the Church of GOD," [ End Quote ].
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16. In his Gospel on Matthew, Dr. A. C. Gaebelein, one of the greatest Bible students in the past, wrote the following and said, [ Quote ]: "This is the Kingdom commission. A time is coming when this great commission here will be carried out by a remnant of Jewish disciples, who are represented by the eleven. It is the remnant as in {
Matthew Ch. 24 }, [ End Quote ].".................
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17. J. N. Darby, quoted by Dr. A C Gaebelein in The Gospel of Matthew, has this to say concerning Israel's great Commission: [ Quote ]: "It is well to notice what has been alluded to: the ministry in Acts is not the accomplishment of this commission in Matthew, but of the mission in Luke, the book [
Acts ] itself being, as is known, the continuation of his [ Luke's ] Gospel; nor was the ministry of Paul, who took up by a separate divine mission the evangelization of the nations, the carrying out of this ( the commission here in Matthew. ) His was fully more even yet a mission from the ascended and glorified SAVIOUR, to which was added the ministry of the Church [ Body of CHRIST ]." It connects itself even much more in the first elements with Luke.18. The Ministry here established stands alone. The disciples are not sent to Jews, as in Luke. But Jerusalem is rejected and the remnant is attached to CHRIST ( His brethren and owned in this character ) sent out to Gentiles. According to this course of events under the hand of GOD, the disciples remained in Jerusalem. "A new mission is sent forth in the person of Paul, and that connected with the establishment of the "Church [ 'Greek, Ekklesia' i.e., Body of CHRIST" ] on earth.
19. The accomplishment of the commission here in Matthew has been interrupted, but there is the promise to be with those who went forth in it to the end of the age, nor do I doubt it will be so. This testimony will go forth to the nations before the "LORD comes [ at His second coming" ]. 'The [ Jewish ] brethren' will carry it to warn the nations. The commission was given, but we find no accomplishment of it. It connects the testimony with the Jewish remnant owned by a risen LORD of all, with earth and His earthly directions, and for the present it has in fact given place to a heavenly commission, and the "Church of GOD [ i.e., the present Body of CHRIST" ], [ End Quote ]."
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20. From the Christian Workers' Commentary by Dr. James M. Gray, he states concerning the Matthew Gospel, [ Quote ]: "This is the Kingdom commission, as another expresses it, not the Christian commission. . . . but here, which is distinctively the Jewish Gospel. And this is all the more remarkable because in Luke, the disciples are commanded to go to the Jews, . . . while here [ in Matthew ] they are commanded to go to "all nations." It points to the close of the age when the commission will be carried out by the faithful remnant of the Jews so often spoken about. It has not yet been carried out. The story of Acts is not the fulfillment. Its accomplishment has been interrupted, but will be taken up before the LORD comes to deliver Israel at the last, [ End Quote ]."
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21. Commentary . . . The 144,000 Hebrew ministers will "carry out this ( Israel's ) commission" during the Tribulation Period . . . . See {
Revelation 7:4; - & - 14:1 }." Going all the way." Are we going all the way when we are water "Baptized?" Practically all ritualist voice the words that we must follow JESUS in His "Baptism" in order to proceed all the way as JESUS did. This is an argument that has been voiced countless times. The average person will say that because the LORD was "Baptized" with water that we as Christians should partake of this ritual to show others that we are approved of GOD.22. And, CHRIST's "Baptism," was to prove to every person that we should follow Him likewise, thus, we just must partake of this ordinance! The question is, what was it that JESUS said concerning the "Baptismal" ritual? Doesn't the words straight from the mouth of the LORD prove that it would be utterly impossible for us as Children of GOD to be "Baptized" for the reason He was, and with the "baptism" He was "Baptized" with? When CHRIST came to John to be "Baptized" what was it John said to the LORD? And once again we repeat these verses . . .
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23. {
V. 13 } Scripture: "Then came JESUS from Galilee to [ the ] Jordan [ river ] to 'John [ the Baptist' ], to be "Baptized [ Baptizo" ] of him.24. {
V. 14 }: But John forbade Him, saying, I have need to be "Baptized [ Baptizo" ] of you, and you come to me [ why ]?25. {
V. 15 }: And JESUS answering said to him, suffer it to be so now: for thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered Him, { Matthew 3:13-15 }."=========================
26. Commentary . . . This makes the 4th time we have repeated these verses for a better understanding. JESUS Had been numbered with the transgressions in the confession of sin; and also numbered with them in the payment of the penalty, dying on His Cross between two thieves, to "put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." All can be certain that the LORD was not "Baptized" for 'remission [ forgiveness' ] of His Own sins because He did not have an old sin nature, and He could not sin!
27. Naturally John knew this. He as the other Hebrews also knew, that this ritual was performed for the cleansing of the individual of sin, and CHRIST needed no cleansing, there can be only one reason why He submitted to this "Baptism." He was identifying Himself with sinners, To "fulfill all righteousness" and settle the account between GOD and man. Knowing that JESUS was not a sinner, it's very natural for John to be against the LORD being "Baptized," why would JESUS want to?
28. The MESSIAH had to make Himself known to the Hebrew nation, and since He Himself was a Hebrew born under the 'Old Law' and was now just beginning His personal earthly ministry to them, He wanted to take part in the Hebrew ritual that He Himself had instituted in the Old Testament. He did this to show that He was qualified to teach the doctrine of JEHOVAH to them, and to the rest of the world at large. But, He must be "numbered with the transgressors," confessing their sins as His own and bearing their shame and disgrace. This "Baptism [ as a cleansing ritual" ] was a confession of sin, because He knew that shortly He would take all the sins of man upon Himself at the Cross!
29. Right up to the LORD's crucifixion He performed miracles of many kinds to identify Himself as Israel's MESSIAH. He had to fulfill all righteousness, that is, "to perform whatever is right in the sight of GOD the FATHER." People in Heaven are sinless just as GOD's angels are sinless, but none of them could do what CHRIST did. Only "JESUS CHRIST [ GOD ] Himself" could die for the sins of Man. Only He could fulfill all righteousness! JESUS knew that His water "Baptism" ritual in itself could not fulfill all righteousness, but simply that it was one of the Hebrew ordinances necessary to the fulfilling of all righteousness. Also, It should be remembered that the Apostle Paul likewise was saved during the Kingdom administration before CHRIST revealed to him the Mystery Gospel for our age of Grace!
30. Do you really believe that you could follow JESUS in "Baptism" as many people teach? . . . Of course not. . . . Could you be "Baptized" as He was and for the same reason? . . . Could you be "Baptized" in death to pay for all the sins of all mankind? . . . Could you be "Baptized" to fulfill all righteousness? . . . Paul wrote concerning the "one Baptism" in {
Ephesians 4:5 }. Even though this "Baptism" could not be revealed to us, because the Body of CHRIST would not come into existence for several years after Pentecost and be established through Paul's Gospel. There is no way you or I could be "Baptized" like CHRIST was! This certainly would even show ones mental grade of idiocy to suggest something like this to others!Write Down The Answers To The Following Questions That Are Associated With
This Above Lesson . . .
31. [ 1 ]: What is the reason for the impossibility of Christians being able to follow the LORD in His "Baptism?"
32. [ 2 ]: If water "Baptism" belonged to the LORD's program for the present dispensation of Grace where, in your Bible, would you expect to find it as a commandment? . . . Would it be given as a command In the Old Testament, the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, the Epistles of Paul or in the Book of Revelation?
33. [ 3 ]: What was the reason for the LORD's submission to be "Baptized" by John the Baptist? . . .
34. [ 4 ]: Does Paul, anywhere in his Epistles, command or even exhort "Baptism by water . . . "If your answer is "yes," does the verse you are thinking of say anything about water?: Have you carefully considered {
1- Corinthians 1:14; - 12:13 - & - Hebrews 6:1-2 }?35. [ 5 ]: Concerning the LORD's ministry, and the beginning of the Millennial Kingdom Gospel, what was the reason for John stating that he had come "Baptizing?"
36. [ 6 ]: Do you believe that this above verse means that we in our own present Dispensation should follow John's program in "Baptizing" today?
37. [ 7 ]: If the "Baptism" of {
1- Corinthians 12:13 } is in force today, and also "Baptism" with water, how could Paul say in { Ephesians 4:4-5 }, "There is one Baptism" and one Body [ of Christ ] today? . . . Where is the unity if there is two "Baptisms" involved?38. [ 8 ]: Is it true that the LORD JESUS, John the Baptist and the 12 Apostles all taught the same "Baptism" and Gospel?
39. [ 9 ]: Did the above men mentioned - all teach that "Baptism" was for the forgiveness of sins, if they did, are we supposed to follow them in teaching this same thing in this Grace age? . . . Should we teach the Gospel of the Kingdom like CHRIST did?
40. [ 10 ]: Is it true that the Apostle Paul "Baptized" some with water during his early ministry and he also spoke with foreign tongues, performed miracles and circumcised Timothy according to the Kingdom program?
41. [ 11 ]: Why did Paul sway away from this above kind of teaching in his later years?
42. [ 12 ]: Did Paul teach, or command, or exhort water "Baptism for our age?"
43. [ 13 ]: Was the above a part of Paul's special commission? See {
1- Corinthians 1:14-28 }.44. [ 14 ]: When John first began teaching, what was his Gospel called?
45. [ 15 ]: Was John's Gospel called the Gospel of the Mystery, the Gospel of the Grace of GOD, or the Gospel of the Kingdom?
46. [ 16 ]: Isn't it true that water "Baptism," like the miraculous signs, rather belong to the Dispensation from which Paul emerged as the LORD revealed to him the program for this present Dispensation of the Mystery? See {
1- Corinthians 13:8 }.47. [ 17 ]: Should we today, teach and apply {
1- Corinthians 12:13 } to our students, or should we teach John's "Baptism?"48. [ 18 ]: Should we teach the Gospel of the Kingdom or the Gospel of the Mystery of {
Ephesians 3:1-9 } in this present age?49. [ 19 ]: If water "Baptism" is in order for today, isn't the Amillennialists and others more consistent in their belief than most Fundamentalists in teaching that water "Baptism" is definitely necessary for one to receive salvation {
Mark 16:16; - & - Acts 2:38 }?50. [ 20 ]: When John the Baptist came on the scene, was the relationship between the Gentiles and the Hebrews the same, if not, what was the difference?
51. [ 21 ]: The majority of the denominations today teach that one must be "Baptized" in water in order to be saved according to {
Acts 2:38; - & - Mark 16:16 }. On the other hand they do not believe that the miraculous signs in { Mark 16:17-18 } are for our present age, how can they be so inconsistent in this type of teaching? . . . Don't you believe that all these texts go together, what do you think?52. [ 22 ]: In John's day, should John have taught the Gentiles the same Gospel and the same "Baptism" as he did the Hebrews, if not, then why would he not do so?
53. [ 23 ]: Isn't the LORD Himself the one who voiced the words in {
Mark 16:16 }, isn't He the one who applied water "Baptism" and faith both together in this text?54. [ 24 ]: Wasn't it JESUS Who also added water "Baptism" and the miraculous signs of the above verse along with verses 17 and 18 together?
55. [ 25 ]: According to GOD's Word, isn't it very dangerous to add or take away any thing from the Holy Bible?
56. [ 26 ]: Since water "Baptism" was a Hebrew cleansing ceremony, were there also other ceremonies of cleansing performed with water?
57. [ 27 ]: Is it possible that {
Mark 16:16 - & - Acts 2:38 } do not mean what they say?58. [ 28 ]: If the above books do mean what they say, doesn't this mean that water "Baptism" was essential for salvation at Pentecost under the Hebrew {
Matthew 28:19-20 } Commission?59. [ 29 ]: Since Paul never taught water "Baptism" to be performed in order to be saved, then why is it that a countless number of Assemblies of various denominations believe and teach that the Body of Christ began on the Jewish feast day of Pentecost?
60. [ 30 ]: And, why is it that so many of these groups also teach that water "Baptism" has nothing to do with saving one's soul?
61. [ 31 ]: Was Pentecost a Christian or a Hebrew holiday? . . . After reading and steadying these lessons discuss this question with your class.
62. [ 32 ]: If John's "Baptism" was for the 'remission [ forgiveness' ] of sins, how can we bring this into agreement with {
Hebrews 9:22 }. See { Genesis 4:5; - & - Leviticus 17:11 }? Explain.63. [ 33 ]: In this present age, do you really have true confidence in any Minister even if he is a Theologian, who misrepresents {
Mark 16:16-17 } by teaching the text to say: "He that believes and is saved should then be "Baptized" in water?64. [ 34 ]: Does this particular text above really apply to the Body of CHRIST or to the Kingdom order? Be careful.
65. [ 35 ]: Do those who claim to be working under the great commission of {
Matthew 28:19-20 } have the right during this age of Grace to choose which of its orders they wish to obey and reject the rest?66. [ 36 ]: Which commission are we to follow today, Matthew's commission given to the 12 Apostles or Paul's Commission given to the Body of CHRIST? Read {
2- Corinthians 5:14-21 }.67. [ 37 ]: Do these Commissions go together, are they synonymous or perhaps similar, or singular, what do you think?
68. [ 38 ]: Does "water Baptism" and miraculous signs go together in the entire Bible as a whole, as they do in the first 5 Books of the N.T. under the commission given to the Hebrews?
69. [ 39 ]: Have you found even one record where "water Baptism" of humans has occurred in the N.T. that hasn't been accompanied by an account of a miraculous sign or signs which followed the "Baptism?" Does this agree with {
John 3:16 }, really? . . . Why is it taught that works follow believing and salvation?70. [ 40 ]: There were folks who rejected the "Baptism" of John. Even though they were not "Baptized," were they forgiven of their sins?
71. [ 41 }: What about that person who repented of his sins, and yet rejected "water Baptism," could his faith alone have saved him during that Kingdom Dispensation?
72. [ 42 ]: On the other hand, if a man had truthfully repented and asked CHRIST for salvation, would it have been an absolute necessity for him to submit to the "Baptismal" ritual for him to be saved? . . . Remember this was before this Grace Age!
73. [ 43 ]: Can a man in the last minutes of his life become a Christian during this present Grace Dispensation when there is no possible existing time to be water "Baptized"?
74. [ 44 ]: If Folks in this Grace age practice traditionalism as far as "water Baptism" is concerned, could this possibly make void the LORD's commandments?
75. [ 45 ]: Where can the text be found that mentions the "Divers Baptisms" of the O.T? Explain the significance of such. The word "Baptismos" in Hebrews will answer this question.
76. [ 46 ]: In the practice of "water Baptism" do you believe that most of the Hebrews were really sincere in this practice?
77. [ 47 ]: If they believed in all these different types of "Baptisms" in a sincere manner, were the rituals correct according to GOD's Word, or, were some of these rituals an obsession of man and not of GOD?
78. [ 48 ]: Before dining, can you name a few of the articles that the Hebrews were taught to "Baptize"?
79. [ 49 ]: Is it likely or unlikely that all of these articles were emersed in water, how were they "Baptized?" . . . What could cause you to reject the idea that perhaps they were not emersed in water?
80. [ 50 ]: Were these articles meant to be cleansed, and if so were they also to be buried in water? Give type of "Baptism" and tell why.
81. [ 51 ]: To the Hebrews, was this "Baptismal purification ritual" of John, something new being introduced to the nation, or was it something that had been a practice long familiar to them? . . . Point out a text that proves your answer.
82. [ 52 ]: Also, answer this question: who was the Apostle for the Gentiles, in this present age Paul, Peter, Matthew, John, Luke, the Pope of Rome or someone else?
83. [ 53 ]: If the answer is Paul, and if Paul's Epistles are the Epistles for the understanding of the doctrine of this present age, why do the average denominations use the first 12 chapters of Acts to prove Body of CHRIST Doctrine? . . . Who wrote Acts?
84. [ 54 ]: Which was the first Epistle written by Paul? Or, did Luke write the first Epistle for the Body of CHRIST? have a class discussion about this question! . . . Who was it that became the 12th Apostle after the death of Judas, Paul or someone else?
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In the above Lesson there are many more important questions the class teacher should add to this list.
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============================================================= [ Lesson 22 ]. "Baptism" "WITH" Water On The Day Of Pentecost. . . .1. Commentary . . . The practice of this ceremony is primarily mentioned in the book of Acts. This was the ceremony that has been spoken of as the primary "Baptism" for the Body of CHRIST throughout this present age. Many have stated in the past and still teach, that since JESUS gave this commandment in the last part of the Book of Matthew, and was the last command He gave to His Disciples, it should always follow Salvation. Eight times, this ceremony is spoken of by the Apostle Paul which we will discuss later on in our message. In the Kingdom commission, JESUS did command this ritual to be carried out. Read {
Mark 16:16; - & - Matthew 28:19-20 }, and it was carried out as any student should know .2. Today, there are countless Assembly groups who teach that one cannot be forgiven of their sins or even saved unless this water ritual of "Baptism" is performed. Others teach that it must be performed to prove one's self as a Christian and a follower of the LORD. Still others teach that it should follow salvation but is not necessarily an ingredient to salvation but a testimony to salvation. Naturally the difficulty arises when folks fail to separate Peter's Gospel of the Kingdom, from Paul's Gospel of the Mystery.
3. Each Gospel is similar but far apart in its interpretation. The Apostle Paul as any student should be aware, teaches Grace through faith for salvation today. Peter taught works as a necessity for salvation which included water "Baptism." This as we have brought out before was an ordinance under the Kingdom order! Both Apostles were right in their literal teaching, but each teaching for its own Dispensation must be evaluated.
4. The plain facts is, the Body of CHRIST did not begin at Pentecost, {
Acts 1:8; - & - 2:38 }. There were two different Gospels involved with that transition period. The first one naturally refers to CHRIST and the 12 Apostles Kingdom Gospel where various works was a necessary ingredient to prove ones faith to be saved. The many Bible texts prove this fact to be true. Paul's Commission and Gospel did not come on the scene until he had been saved, and he was not saved until { Acts Ch. 9 } several years after Pentecost where he received his marching orders from the risen CHRIST Himself. Up to that time the present Body of CHRIST had not been even known to anybody accept GOD Himself! [ See our messages concerning the Transition Periods. ]5. This means that the Kingdom Gospel with its works followed right on into the Acts period where it was later set aside by the LORD. And Paul became the chief minister from there on, and the Body of CHRIST began after His calling and during his ministry. Again we repeat [ read part 2 of our messages which concerns "the marching orders and commission for the Body of CHRIST ]. Luke spoke about the Prophets of old and what they had said concerning Israel, and do not forget that Luke wrote the Book of Acts which was really a continuation of the Book of Luke and both books were addresses to a man named "Theophilus! See {
Luke 1:1-3; - & - Acts 1:1 }. Notice in this verse in Acts that Luke mentions the Book of Luke as the former treatise!=========================
6. {
V. 23 }: Scripture: "And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not 'hear [ understand and heed' ] that prophet, 'shall be [ utterly exterminated' ] destroyed from among the people. See { Leviticus 23:29; - & - Deuteronomy 18:15-19 }.7. {
V. 24 }: Yes, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.8. {
V. 25 }: You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which GOD made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in your seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.9. {
V. 26 }: Unto you first GOD, having raised up His SON JESUS, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from the iniquities, { Acts 3:23-26 }."=========================
10. The above { Vs. 24-26 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . {
V. 24 }: 'Yes indeed,' and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise promised and foretold and thus proclaimed of these days that are upon the people during the early part of the Acts period. . . { V. 25 }: You Israelis are the 'children i.e., the descendants, the sons' of the prophets, and the heirs, and posterity of the 'Kingdom covenant' which GOD made with our Hebrew fore-fathers of old, saying unto Abraham, And in your seed [ Heirs ] shall all the kindreds [ families ] of the earth be blessed. { V. 26 }: Unto you Israelis first GOD the FATHER, having raised up [ provided and gave ] His SON JESUS as His servant at that time and, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you 'from the iniquities [ i.e., from all your evil deeds' ], { Acts 3:23-26 }."========
11. Commentary . . . You will notice that the Body of CHRIST is never even referred to until Paul speaks of it. Luke is the one who is the author of the Book of Acts, 'NOT Paul.' Peter is the one who speaks to the Hebrews in the first part of the Book, 'NOT Paul,' and works are entwined throughout Peter's ministry. Only a blind man could fail to understand that the above teaching was for the Hebrew people, and would be completely out of character for us today! How on earth can any true Child of GOD teach that "water Baptism" or any other type of works performed by man with or without water is necessary to go all the way with CHRIST and is a part of our Gospel and Commission?
12. There are several important questions that should be asked from this short lesson above, but too much space has already been taken up with questions - therefore, the class teacher should do this instead.
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[ Lesson 23 ]. What About The Different Commissions That Were Given. . . .1. Commentary . . . We repeat: "many folks will say that the LORD's Commission of "water Baptism" was the last Commission given by JESUS. Therefore, it should be carried out to the letter throughout this period of Grace." Again and again we have asked, where does Paul in his Epistles agree with that kind of teaching? Can you give one of his text to prove it? If this was the last Commission given by JESUS then, what about the Commission Paul received from Him? JESUS appeared to Paul from the Heavenlies in order to pass on a different Great Commission to him. And we find the revelation from the risen LORD foretold throughout Paul's writings! What was it Paul said? . . .
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2. Scripture: "How that by revelation 'He [ the risen CHRIST' ] made known unto 'ME [ Paul' ] the mystery of CHRIST, {
Ephesians 3:4 }."=========================
3. {
V. 18 } Scripture: "And all things are of GOD, who has reconciled us to Himself by JESUS CHRIST, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation,========
4. The above {
V. 18 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "And all things are 'of and from GOD,' 'Who through JESUS CHRIST' has reconciled us to Himself and received us into favor, and brought us into harmony with Himself by JESUS CHRIST, and has given to us 'in this present Dispensation the ministry of reconciliation;' that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him.========
5. {
V. 19 }: "To wit, that GOD was in CHRIST, reconciling the world unto Himself not imputing their trespasses unto them; and has committed unto us the word of reconciliation, { 2- Corinthians 5:18-19 }."=========================
6. The above {
V. 19 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . { V. 19 }: "To 'wit the keen perception' was, that GOD was personally present thus: was in CHRIST, 'reconciling and restoring the world to favor' unto Himself not 'imputing [ counting' ] their trespasses unto [ or holding against ] them; and has committed 'unto us through Paul's' ministry the word and message of 'reconciliation - i.e., of the restoration to favor', { 2- Corinthians 5:18-19 }." See also { Ch. 3:5-6 }.========
7. Scripture: "Since you seek a proof of CHRIST speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you, { 2- Corinthians 13:3 }."
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8. The the above verse 3 paraphrased in commentary form . . . "Since you desire and seek [ perceptible ] a proof of CHRIST speaking in and through me, which to 'you-ward should know that CHRIST' is 'not weak and feeble in dealing', but is a mighty power 'with-in' you ."
= = = = = = = =
9. Commentary . . . According to these texts, do you believe that the Matthew 28 or the Commission in {
Acts 1:8 }, was the last words or Commission of our LORD? Of course not! Are we really supposed to submit to "Water Baptism" because of what Peter taught about it? Paul being inspired by the LORD taught no such thing! The verses above are proof that somebody is wrong in their teaching! The last words while He was on this earth was to His Kingdom followers, and what He told them was very important under His Kingdom calling.10. But we are not under the dictates of the Kingdom Gospel, the Body of CHRIST is a Heavenly entity, it is ordained in Heaven and we are in CHRIST in Heaven spiritually speaking right now! The "LORD's present Body of Christian Saints is much different from the Hebrew nation. Israel will inherit the earth, and we are to inherit the Heavenlies. Israel was to be taught first, we were to receive GOD's Word later. The good news to Israel was that they will inherit the earthly Kingdom with MESSIAH as their King, and will rule all the earth with Him as a nation of priests. The good news for the LORD's Body, is that we will inherit the same inheritance that He will inherit and it will be ours with Him eternally.
11. When one studies the letters of The Apostle Paul, it is amazing how any student of the Scriptures can understand {
Mark 16:16 } to be saying something it doesn't say. The text states, "he that believes and is "Baptized" shall be saved." The trouble is, a great many Ministers teach that, "he that believes and is saved should be "Baptized." Where can you as a Christian find these words in this text? We can't, perhaps we are reading it wrong, but our eyes tell us another story. The LORD Himself was the one who spoke those words, and we must accept them as they are written. What were the words the HOLY SPIRIT led the Apostle Peter to utter? . . .=========================
12. Scripture: "Repent and be "Baptized" every one of you in the name of JESUS CHRIST for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT [ SPIRIT, in the Greek ], {
Acts 2:38 }."=========================
13. To paraphrase {
V. 38 } above in commentary form . . . the writer says: "And Peter answered them, Repent . . . change your views, and purpose to accept the will of GOD in your inner selves instead of rejecting it . . . and be "Baptized" every one of you in the name of JESUS CHRIST for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you 'Hebrews plus you proselytes' shall receive the gift of power from the HOLY SPIRIT." " We have mentioned the following before . . .= = = = = = = =
14. Commentary . . . The words "HOLY GHOST" are not in the Greek text that the Bible was translated from, it is always "HOLY SPIRIT." This word "GHOST" was an incorrect translation in the King James version and in other Bibles also.
15. What does this verse say? "Be "Baptized" every one of you "WITH" the HOLY SPIRIT and you shall receive the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT," is this what the Apostle says? There are some Bible teachers who will actually teach that the above text is referring to the ONE HOLY SPIRIT "Baptism of {
Ephesians 4:5 }." Where on earth do they get that kind of interpretation from this text?16. Paul certainly didn't teach any such thing in any of his writings. Does this verse say you should be buried with JESUS? of course not. Does it say that you are to be "Baptized in water" to prove that the SPIRIT of GOD dwells in you? . . . Positively not! Remember power to perform miracles was still in order in both Peter and Paul's day see {
Acts 2:43; - & - 28:1-8 }, this last text being in the very last part of the Acts period.17. All the best Theologians realize that water "Baptism" was a necessary requirement for forgiveness of sins at the time John performed the "Baptismal" ritual. At Pentecost when Peter spoke the words above, the ceremonial order was still carried out, because the ordinances of the Kingdom Dispensation were carried on into the Acts period as part of the transitional change of administrations. Peter proves this by preaching the same thing that John the Baptist had taught. It's only natural that many folks in our own age wonder why Peter taught ritualism after Pentecost. But ask yourself this question, "when have you heard a Pastor or a teacher teach a message concerning the "transition periods of the N.T?"
18. We have said before in other messages, that no one can understand the N.T. if they do not understand the transition periods, because this is an absolute necessity for Christians to comprehend. The first 5 books of the N.T. are in transition. In other words, they are in the position of a change over from Law, to Kingdom on into the Body of CHRIST Administration . . . which takes us on through the Book of Acts! When the Acts period ended in A.D. 70 at the destruction of Israel's Temple, this ended the transition periods!
19. The greatest part of the confusion that exist in our own age, is because ministers have not taught their people about the transitions periods. One reason they have not taught it is because they seem to know nothing about it themselves. And no wonder, they do not receive this doctrine in the Bible Colleges because their professors do not understand it themselves! This is why we say PLEASE read the 9 part messages concerning [ "The Bride and Body of CHRIST" ] which we have on internet.
20. One reason many folks are confused is because they have always been taught that the Body of CHRIST began on the day of Pentecost. This is absolutely not true! And this is another reason why our messages on the "Bride and Body of CHRIST," are necessary for the student to understand. No wonder so many today find it difficult to understand why Peter would teach "water Baptism" for forgiveness of sins, and why all these miraculous gifts of the SPIRIT were in abeyance after the death, burial and resurrection of CHRIST at Pentecost.
21. No wonder many teach that a great deal of a certain Assembly or denominational doctrine is still necessary today for Christians of our own age. Confusion abounds in our ranks, and seems beyond the capabilities of man to teach differently and be believed. Brain washing is prominently submerged in the denominations, and to teach the denominations the truth sometimes only causes them to be more confused! But confusion or not . . . we must teach them or lose many blessings when judged for our sins of omission!
22. Among the Ministers we have spoken of, are those who cannot believe that CHRIST meant that only those who both believed and were "Baptized" should be saved. They cannot believe that the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT was conditioned at Pentecost upon first being "Baptized" in water for the forgiveness of sins. Of course . . . they cannot find such as this taught by the Apostle Paul who did teach that believing faith through the Grace of God saves folks. If the Body of CHRIST had began at Pentecost, the following we believe is what Peter would have said . . .
23. "From this day hence forth, the Body of CHRIST will abide forever, no longer will the Hebrew Christian be looked upon as a separated individual from other Children of God, nor will the Christian who had been in the past a Gentile be different from the Hebrew Christian, both will be as one in CHRIST JESUS and in union one with the other. The Law, its ordinances and its works has been fulfilled by the LORD on His Cross, from now on only faith plus nothing by GOD's Grace saves all sinners who will believe and be born again! No man in our future will have any right according to the Word of GOD to judge other men because of a Sabbath day, circumcision, a new moon, holy day or for any other reason. No man should judge you for what you eat or drink, the LORD only will be the great Judge." [ Naturally Peter did not say any such things! ] But, Peter might have also said . ..
=========================
24. {
V. 11 } Scripture: "For the Grace of GOD that brings salvation has appeared to all men.25. {
V. 12 }: Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in the present 'world [ age' ];========
26. The two above verses paraphrased in commentary form . . . {
11 }: "For the Grace of GOD His unmerited favor and blessing and brings salvation has come forward and appeared to all men for the deliverance from sin and the eternal salvation for all folks who would become Christians, [ The word "appeared" = is a reference to the incarnation, . . . CHRIST's first appearing ].27. {
12 }: Teaching and training us that by rejecting and, denying all ungodliness [ irreligion ] and worldly lusts, passionate desires, to live discreet, instead,: we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, temperate, use self control, be upright, devout and spiritually minded, in the present 'world age';"========
28. Commentary . . . The word 'ungodliness' = means 'irreverence.' 'Worldly lust' = passions, overpowering attractions for the secular world. 'Soberly' means: = "sensibly, seriously."
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29. {
V. 13 }: Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great GOD and our SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST;30. {
V. 14 }: Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.========
31. The two above verses paraphrased in commentary form . . . {
13 }: Awaiting and Looking for the fulfillment, and the realization of that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great GOD and our SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST the Anointed One, the Head of CHRIST's Body of Saints; . . . { 14 }: Who gave Himself for us, that He might 'redeem us - i.e., purchase our freedom' from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a 'peculiar protected' 'people, to be peculiarly His own people who are eager and enthusiastic about living a life that is good and filled with beneficial deeds,' thus: zealous of good works. See { Psalm 130:8; - Ezekiel 37:23; - & - Deuteronomy 14:2 }.========
32. Commentary . . . The words Redeem us from all iniquity = i.e; release us from the bondage of sin. Peculiar people = i.e; a people of His Own possession and under His Own protection.
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33. {
V. 15 }: These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise you, . . . { Titus 2:11-15 }."=========================
34. The above {
V. 15 } paraphrased in commentary form . . . "These things speak, and 'exhort advise, encourage, warn, and rebuke' with all authority. Let no man despise or disregard or think little of you, conduct yourself and your teaching so as to command respect," . . .= = = = = = = =
35. Commentary . . . Naturally, because the Body of CHRIST did not begin until after Paul received his commission for this Dispensation, Peter could not teach any of the good news as that which is written in the above text, because the Body of CHRIST "was yet" to be revealed to the one Apostle for the Gentiles! The works in transition had to go forward until Paul would finally turn his back on the Hebrews for the last time. See {
Acts 28:28 }. Many things for us to understand during this Grace Period, could not be revealed in the first part of the "Acts transition period" because the New Testament had not been written at that time. Peter taught the horrible news of the death by crucifixion, of the true MESSIAH Who had come to lead the Hebrews into His Millennial reign.36. Therefore, the Hebrews for their transgressions were to repent and be "Baptized" with water," cleansed, and purified because of their sins, and this is why water- the symbol for purification was to be used in this ritual. One thing we must mention here, is that Israel and the Romans were not the real guilty ones for the LORD's Crucifixion. Read the following verses: {
Matthew 26:52-54; - John 3:16-17; - 10:11, 17-18; 29-30 }; GOD the FATHER sent GOD the SON to His death, so who is to blame, and was it not GOD the SON Who gave Himself willingly to die for us?37. Many today teach that we are also guilty of murdering CHRIST, and the fact is, they are absolutely right in many respects. Every human being who have ever lived on this earth, past, present and future along with the Hebrews and the Romans are equally guilty, because every sin that has been committed by men was laid on CHRIST while He was on His Cross. {
See 1- John 1:8,10; - & - Romans 3:23 }. On the other hand isn't GOD Himself as much guilty as humanity in killing CHRIST? As the reader should know Jesus is GOD! See { 1- Timothy 3:16 - John 10:30 }. GOD the FATHER gave up His SON to die on the Cross for us, and GOD the SON came to this earth to do just that! Therefore, it seems that both GOD and all humanity are guilty together.38. What does the above mean? It means that we cannot put all the blame on the Hebrews and Romans, especially when we are just as guilty as they were. This being the case, then why were the Hebrews cast out into the nations of the world, and why have they been persecuted in every nation since that time? Since the Gentiles were just as guilty as the Jews, why haven't we also been persecuted as much as they have? This is a good question . . . But, the Gentiles did not reject the King or the Kingdom of CHRIST when He was present on the earth, offering Himself as King . . . "MESSIAH," and the Kingdom to them.
39. The fact is, no earthly Kingdom has ever been offered to the Gentiles or Christians! Our Kingly order is a Heavenly realm which will be our future inheritance, CHRIST is more then just a King to us, He is our Heavenly Sovereign HEAD, and SAVIOUR. What about "water Baptism?" Water for a Christian is not symbolized in any way for our sins, but Israel had been guilty all the way through the period of the Mosaic Law into the Acts period of rejecting JEHOVAH, and to prove this rejection, they worshipped false idols in His place, and thus, they rejected their King and MESSIAH.
40. Peter's "water Baptism" was to identify the Israelis with the LORD and to show that at least some of them had changed their way of thinking, and now recognize JESUS as the one whom John the Baptist said He was. By submitting to this "Baptismal" ritual, and their change of 'heart [ mind' ], resulted in them being forgiven by the LORD. The trouble was, that only a small minority of the Hebrews took part in this change, the majority proved their hard heartiness by turning their backs on the teachings of Peter, and later they also turned their backs away from Paul, and this is why they were separated from their nation after their Temple was destroyed in A.D. 70.
Write Down The Answers To The Following Questions That Are Associated With
This Above Lesson . . .
41. [ 1 ]: It has been said that "water Baptism" was the last commission CHRIST gave to His Apostles while He was on this earth, do you believe that Paul agreed with that statement? . . . Several times in this message we have brought up this question, and . . .
42. [ 2 ]: Again we ask, where does Paul in his Epistles agree with that kind of teaching, can you give one of his text to prove it?
43. [ 3 ]: If this was the last commission given by JESUS, then what about the Commission Paul received from Him? . . . And, what about the Christians commission that has been given to us?
44. [ 4 ]: JESUS appeared to Paul from the Heavenlies in order to pass on a different Great Commission to him. We find the revelation from the risen LORD foretold throughout Paul's writings! . . . What was it Paul said in {
Ephesians 3:4, - & - Vs: 18-19 }?45. [ 5 ]: According to these texts, do you believe that the Matthew or the Commission in {
Acts 1:8 }, was the last words or Commission of our LORD? . . . Of course not!46. [ 6 ]: Are we really supposed to submit to "Water Baptism" because of what Peter taught about it?
47. [ 7 ]: The last words JESUS spoke while He was on this earth: were they according to the Kingdom Gospel or to the Gospel of the Mystery?
48. [ 8 ]: Is the Body of CHRIST an earthly or a Heavenly entity?
49. [ 9 ]: Will the Body of CHRIST inherit the earth or the Heavens?
50. [ 10 ]: Will Jesus rule on the earth only . . . or on the earth and in Heaven simultaneously?
51. [ 11 ]: Spiritually speaking, where is the entire present Body of CHRIST located? Be careful when answering.
52. [ 12 ]: Who was to be taught about the Gospel first, the Body of CHRIST or the Israelites? give text.
53. [ 13 ]: Is it true that the Body of CHRIST is to become a nation of priests, if so where and when? Prove it by Scripture. Again, be careful with your answer!
54. [ 14 ]: What type of inheritance are the Body of CHRIST to receive, and what inheritance will Israel receive?
55. [ 15 ]: Does the Scripture teach that: "he that believes and is saved should be "water Baptized" in our present dispensation? Where? When? How?
56. [ 16 ]: Does the Scriptures teach that . . . "he that believes and is saved should be "water Baptized - period?"
57. [ 17 ]: Where can you as a Christian find these words in this above question spoken in your Bible?
58. [ 18 ]: Is that type of text meant for us today? . . . What were the words the HOLY SPIRIT led the Apostle Peter to utter?
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59. [ 19 ]: Scripture: . . . "Repent and be "Baptized" every one of you in the name of JESUS CHRIST for the 'remission [ forgiveness' ] of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the HOLY 'SPIRIT [ SPIRIT, Greek ' NOT ghost! ], {
Acts 2:38 }."=========================
60. [ 20 ]: Does this answer either one of the above questions, and does it refer to this Christian age? Be careful.
61. [ 21 ]: What does the words "HOLY GHOST" mean, and is it correctly translated from the Greek text? If not, what is the correct translation?
62. [ 22 ]: Does this above verse say you should be buried with JESUS, does it say that you are to be "Baptized" in water to prove that the SPIRIT of GOD dwells in you?
63. [ 23 ]: There are some Bible teachers who teach that the above text is referring to the "ONE HOLY SPIRIT Baptism of {
Ephesians 4:5 }." . . . Do you whole-heartedly agree with them or not?64. [ 24 ]: How did one receive the power to perform miracles both in Peter and Paul's day?
65. [ 25 ]: When did the Body of CHRIST first began, was its beginning on the day of Pentecost with Peter or did it began later with Paul?
66. [ 26 ]: Who was the cause for the death of our LORD, was it the Hebrews, the Gentiles or because of great love from someone else? If it was someone else name Him.
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67. There are several more important questions that should be asked from this above lesson, please make up your own questions to ask the class
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Continued In Part Five Of Our Message.