Thanks Samson, that's all from Ray that you posted. Here a link to the thread
http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,10882.0.htmlHi EJW,
What I posted about Jesus Christ's baptism is that He was doing what was required under the law. He was a Jew and was still practicing the Old Testament laws of Moses at that time. He was doing what the Old covenant required, which was for a priest to be washed/baptized before entering the priesthood. He was 'physically' following the letter.
Luke 24:44 Then He said to them, "These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things
must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me."
Now granted earlier on after Christ's death the Apostles were baptizing, because it was there custom. But you will notice that later in the chapter at the council in at Jerusalem, they decided by consensus what was required of new believers and what they should do.
Acts 15:5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses."
v. 6 Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.
v. 10 Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
That "yoke" they were referring to was the law of Moses. In verse 24 these Gentile believers were being "troubled" by some to "keep the law."
Act 15:23 And they wrote these things by their hand: The apostles and elders and brothers send greeting to the brothers, from the nations in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.
v. 24 Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, "You must be circumcised and keep the law"--
to whom we gave no such commandment--
Jewish law 'before' Christ required immersion/baptism for new converts.
[
Jewish law guidelines for accepting new converts to Judaism are called "giyur." Potential converts should desire conversion to Judaism for its own sake, and for no other motives. A male convert needs to undergo a ritual circumcision conducted according to Jewish law (if already circumcised, a needle is used to draw a symbolic drop of blood while the appropriate blessings are said), and there has to be a commitment to observe the 613 mitzvot and Jewish law. A convert must join the Jewish community, and reject the previous theology he or she had prior to the conversion. Ritual immersion in a small pool of water known as a mikvah is required. from Wikipedia, Religious conversion]
So this council of the Apostles, the elders and believers determined what the new converted believers were required to do and sent a letter telling what that was.
Act 15:29 that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell.
There you have what they were to do, no mention of circumcision or baptism, because conversion is not about the physical things you do, but the spiritual change in your heart.
We are to be baptized into Jesus Christ's NAME (Acts 2:28) and baptized into Jesus' DEATH (Rom. 6:3-4), spiritually.
http://www.forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,1942.0.html ----
They contintued to do virtually all of the "Law of Moses" in the immediate years after Christ's Crucifixion. They continued to BAPTIZE, they CIRCUMCISED, they KEPT THE FEASTS, they went up to the Temple to pray, etc., etc.
But there spiritual education was not finished at the cross. Remember Jesus' own words: "I have MANY THINGS TO SAY UNTO YOU, but ye cannot bear them now" (John 16:12). Well if not "now," "when?" That was the LAST night He spent in the flesh with His disciples. They were CONTINUALLY taught new things: Peter going to the Gentiles, the Gentiles not required to keep the Law of Moses or circumcise, Paul stopped baptizing, etc.
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I am not against anyone being baptized in water, I just don't see why it would be necessary or the benefit in it.
mercy, peace and love
Kat