Lesson 3. The “Foundations of Christ’s Teachings” School is based on Hebrews chapter 6. These are seven foundational teachings in which the early Christian Church saw the foundation of the Christian faith.
Heb. 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms [baptizo], of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits.
The Greek word “baptize” [baptizo] means to immerse, dip, wash; baptize (NT).
Where “Water Baptism” Came From
According to Jesus’ words, water baptism was instituted by heaven, not by people.
Mark 11:30 The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.
The prophet John was called by God to preach the “baptism of repentance” (Luke 3:2–3), so that people would leave their sins and prepare for the coming Kingdom of Heaven.
Matt. 3:1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Many people came to John, confessed their sins to him, and afterward he baptized them in water.
What Is Known About “Baptism in Water”
1. Christ Himself was baptized (Matt. 3:13; Mark 1:9; Luke 3:21), thereby setting an example for us all. Christ said that His baptism was a testimony of obedience and submission. It was performed to fulfill all of God’s requirements.
Matt. 3:15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him.
righteousness – uprightness, legality, justice
2. After Christ’s resurrection, the disciples were commissioned to teach all nations Jesus’ commandments and baptize them.
Matt. 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Mark 16:15,16 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
3. The disciples fulfilled Jesus’ commission and baptized all who believed.
Acts 2:41 So those who gladly received his word were baptized, and about three thousand souls were added that day.
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
Acts 18:8 Crispus, the synagogue ruler, believed in the Lord with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized.
As we can see, “baptism in water” was an important act that took place immediately after a person believed.
What Is the Meaning of “Baptism in Water”
1. After repentance and water baptism, a person is promised forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 22:16 And now why are you waiting? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord Jesus.
The first and necessary condition for cleansing from sins is “repentance,” that is, a decision to radically change one’s life. The second condition is “baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.”
In this way, a person is cleansed from sins and becomes ready to receive the Holy Spirit.
2. “Water baptism” expresses a person’s desire to live a new life and have a clear conscience.
1 Peter 3:21 There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer [Eperotima] of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Greek word “answer” [Eperotima] has two meanings:
1). A question, request, demand, or appeal, from the word [erotima—to ask, inquire].
2). A solemn promise, an oath.
In the first case, a person asks God for a clear conscience. In the second, they promise God a clear conscience.
Since the preposition [eis] follows the word [Eperotima] in the Greek, the first meaning—“to ask”—is the most accurate translation of the Greek word [Eperotima] in this verse.
Thus, this verse means the following: “a request to God for a good conscience.”
3. Through baptism, a person dies to sin in order to live for God. Complete immersion in water symbolizes death. Emerging from the water symbolizes resurrection.
Rom. 6:2–7 We died to sin: how can we live in it any longer? Or do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore, we were buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with Him in the likeness of His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this: that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin; for the one who has died has been set free from sin.
Thus, “Water Baptism” symbolizes death and resurrection. A person dies to one life and is born again into another; he dies to sin and comes alive to God.
When and how should a person be “baptized in water”?
1. A person should be baptized in water after receiving the Good News and believing in Jesus.
Acts 8:36–38 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What prevents me from being baptized?” Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” He replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” And he ordered the chariot to stop. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.
Acts 2:41 So those who gladly received his word were baptized, and about three thousand souls were added that day.
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
2. If the whole family has received the Gospel and believed in Jesus, they may all be baptized together, adults and children alike.
Acts 16:15: When she and her household were baptized…
Acts 16:33 And he took them that same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and immediately he and all his household were baptized.
Acts 10:47,48 “Can anyone forbid water, that these people should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for several days.
3. Baptism is performed by fully immersing a person in water, not by sprinkling.
Acts 8:36–39 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What prevents me from being baptized?” Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” He replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” And he ordered the chariot to stop. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Holy Spirit came upon the eunuch, and the angel of the Lord carried Philip away; the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing.
John 3:22–33 After this, Jesus and His disciples went into the land of Judea, where He stayed with them and baptized. John was also baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people came and were baptized,
Conclusions
1. Having believed in Jesus Christ and repented of his sins, a person should be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Through these actions, he is promised forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
2. Water baptism expresses a person's desire to live a new life and have a clear conscience. Baptism was a public confirmation—before God and people—that a person had believed, repented, and was ready to begin a new life.
3. Full immersion in water symbolizes burial. Coming out of the water symbolizes resurrection. A person dies to one life and is born again to another, dies to sin and comes alive to God.
4. A person may be baptized in water immediately after receiving the Good News and believing in Jesus.
Baptism is performed through full immersion in water.
Source: The Bible, Chapter 6 of the Epistle to the Hebrews
Teacher: Dmitriy Leo
