Hebrews 6:1-3

Therefore 

1. Leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ. The principles of the doctrine of Christ were the teaching of the Law of Moses. Christ was born under Law; Grew up under Law; practiced the Law to the letter; taught the Law; died on the cross to abolish the Law and became God’s sacrificial Lamb to bring in the everlasting Grace Covenant we now live under. 

2. Let us go on unto perfection. Perfection was the product of the Grace of God that flows from the cross at Calvary and is ministered to the believing soul by the power and omnipresence of the Holy Spirit. 

3. Not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works. Repentance under the Law of Moses required a man to bring sacrifices to the Priest and do as Moses commanded. Old Testament repentance makes a reference to obeying the Law of Moses and keeping it. Constant repentance without peace with God was the picture. 

4. And of faith toward God – The faithfulness of the Old Testament Jew was to hear, learn, and practice the ordinances and teachings of Moses and Levitical Law. Under Law men struggled to learn and keep the Law and 613 commandments. Struggle alone was enough to cause men to miss God and thus becoming unfaithful. Under Grace the sacrifice of Christ took away human struggle and allowed man to receive an “inner moral work of the Holy Spirit”. Salvation and redemption were produced by such Grace that flows through the ministry of the Holy Spirit from the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary. 

5. Of the doctrine of baptisms – Many ceremonial baptisms and not necessarily body immersion in water, many various washings of Levitical instruments, sprinkling of the blood and water with Hyssop as means of atonement. Dipping. These practices with water and blood of animals were many according to Jewish Law. Some baptisms were even customary by Jewish elders and teachers and not actual scriptural practice according to Law. Traditional influence and Talmudical based. 

6. And of laying on of hands – Due to Christ’s atoning sacrifice and Israel’s final sin offering Great Grace and the ministry of the Holy Spirit birthed the Church upon humanity. Not for Jews only but also for the Gentiles. Impartation of sin with the laying on of hands by a Levitical priest was ministered upon sacrificial goats, lambs, turtledoves, pigeons etc. This method of impartation of sin to an animal sacrifice as a means of yearly atonement for faithful Jewish families in Israel was no longer needed. 

7. And of resurrection of the dead – Resurrection of the dead has always existed in Biblical perspective. Body resurrection (raising from the grave) is the God given form of Eternal Blessing or Eternal Punishment and deals specifically with the physical make-up of the human being. The Pharisees and Sadducees were divided on the scriptural doctrine of resurrection of the body which is very vague in Old Testament records. Resurrection of the dead was proven to be realistic and actual through Biblical records of the resurrection of Christ. The resurrection of Christ was the greatest of blessings in Biblical history. Today under Grace in the Church the body of Christ resurrection power is what morally and spiritually changes the sinner into a child of God. The actual body (physical) resurrection will unite with the redeemed soul in the Rapture of the Church. 

8. And of eternal judgment – The Bible says Christ will come (again) in flaming fire taking vengeance upon those who obey not the Gospel. Jewish and Hebrew people of faith know the Messiah came the first time at Calvary - in suffering, death on a cross, and resurrection from the tomb. God’s determination of Judgment took place at that time and will not be a flood like the days of Noah but with fire from Heaven unlike anything known to human comprehension. Tribulation will take place after the Rapture. God’s wrath will be unleashed for seven years beginning in Jerusalem. Judgments will take place at the end of the great Tribulation and at the end of the 1000-year reign of Christ on planet Earth. The final Judgment of the Great White Throne will take place at the end of the 1000 years as Hell, and death, and the Devil himself are cast into the lake of fire and experience the “second death”. 

9. And this will we do if God permit.

Another reason for Jesus' baptism...a Jewish perspective

The anointing of the Spirit took place at John's Baptism when the Spirit descended on Christ like a dove..at the age of thirty

Acts 10:38...That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power:

John's baptism was the inauguration of Christ into the earthly priesthood

Psalm 110:4...The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. (earthly)

God spoke audibly...at the beginning and ending of Christ's earthly ministry...3 1/2 years - anointing represented God's ownership and announcement of the Kingdom Message presented to backslidden Israel

John's baptism was prophesied to prepare the way of Christ...Malachi 3, Isaiah 40

Christ had to obey Levitical Law to be without spot or blemish...

Psalm 1 (perfect lamb without spot of blemish)

Christ was born with the Spirit

Christ had the Spirit without measure  his whole life on earth

Christ was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the Devil

Christ was anointed with the Spirit at John's Baptism and beginning of His earthly ministry

After Israel rejected the promised King...Christ had the eternal Spirit when He gave himself at Calvary

Jewish ritual purification termed as Baptism in the Greek text

A lady contacted me yesterday about explaining Baptism to a Jew...God gave me these verses. I felt the necessity to share this data base for further study...

John 2: And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews,

These waterpots where Jesus turned the water to wine...were used after the water was sifted through the ashes of  a Red Heifer by a Levite...and thus used in ritual purification (baptism). Jesus' Apostles baptized more than John...

John 3:25...Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

John 4:When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

Baptism was Jewish ritual and washing purification of people, pots, vessels, etc. - Jewish Law and ritual purification was traditionalized and changed under God's Covenant of Grace

Hebrews 6:Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms,

Jewish rituals were to be voided...as were ordinances of the Law
Hebrews 9:10...Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation

Mark 7:8...For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do (traditions of men)

John baptized with water to allow backslidden Israel to be eligible to worship Christ as Messiah... John's baptism was ordained by God and spoken of by the Prophets. John's authority came from God but never violated Jewish Law. John was the last record of a Levite in the Bible

 

In Josephus's Antiquities of the Jews

An account of John the Baptist is found in all extant manuscripts of the Jewish Antiquities (book 18, chapter 5, 2) by Flavius Josephus (37–100):^[26]

Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came from God, and that very justly, as a punishment of what he did against John, that was called the Baptist: for Herod slew him, who was a good man, and commanded the Jews to exercise virtue, both as to righteousness towards one another, and piety towards God, and so to come to baptism; for that the washing [with water] would be acceptable to him, if they made use of it, not in order to the putting away [or the remission] of some sins [only], but for the purification of the body; supposing still that the soul was thoroughly purified beforehand by righteousness. Now when [many] others came in crowds about him, for they were very greatly moved [or pleased] by hearing his words, Herod, who feared lest the great influence John had over the people might put it into his power and inclination to raise a rebellion, (for they seemed ready to do any thing he should advise,) thought it best, by putting him to death, to prevent any mischief he might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties, by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late. Accordingly he was sent a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I before mentioned, and was there put to death. Now the Jews had an opinion that the destruction of this army was sent as a punishment upon Herod, and a mark of God's displeasure to him.^[27]

Born of Water...Hubert T. Lindsey

On this teaching audio Brother Lindsey expounds on the passage in Saint John chapter 3...where Jesus spoke of being born of the water and of the Spirit. Brother Lindsey clarifies being "born" relates to being "delivered" in the Greek text. He goes on to clarify how this passage relates to Israel passing through the Red Sea and of course how man can be "born of the Spirit of God". Deliverance by God is the object of this beautiful teaching from the Jewish perspective that makes no reference to Water Baptism. Enjoy the 1 hour content of this great teaching.

Born of water

Commentary on Water Baptism...Hubert T. Lindsey...(4 CD's)

This commentary by Hubert T. Lindsey on the subject of Water Baptism is the most thorough and exhaustive commentary you will ever find in our modern religious Age. It's contents are condensed from (4) audio recordings collected over a period of 70 years and placed onto (4) separate audio players that are now published on the Internet for edification of the body of Christ. Each audio player contains a wealth of Biblical knowledge in each one hour setting... but the overall study (4 hours) on Water Baptism is not complete unless you review all four one hour audio segments.

The foundation of Water Baptism comes from the laws of purification taught in the the Old Testament records. Having been tutored by a Jewish Rabbi for 15 years Brother Lindsey is able to unfold and explain with clarity the many reasons why so many denominations go separate directions on the how, when, and why Water Baptism in our modern Age. Brother Lindsey uses the Greek Text of the Bible to define the many various modes of Water Baptism. Distinction will be made between the Spirit's Baptism into Christ, The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and Fire in sanctification, and various modes of water Baptism performed by men, like sprinkling, pouring, immersion, for remission of sins, public confession, infant baptism for removal of Original Sin, etc.

Enjoy your study that is easily available for in length and in depth review. Take all the time you want to study this teaching. May the Spirit of God minister truth and confirmation to your heart and soul about the Blessing of God's Grace and Bible truth about Water Baptism. Thanks for stopping by the Churches on Trial Blog. It is a blog dedicated to Brother Hubert Lindsey and his life as a servant and minister for Christ.

Water Baptism (1)
Water Baptism (2)
Water Baptism (3)
Water Baptism (4)

Part two from last Wed...Why the doctrine of “Entire Sanctification” was deviated from...and the doctrine of Water Baptism was accepted

Here are nine historical reasons (not scriptural) that indicate “why, how, and when” the blessing of Entire Sanctification was set aside and Water Baptism “birthed and gained” popularity after the First century Church.

1. The late 1st-century/early-second century Epistle of Barnabas (possibly written by the Apostle) contains the following description of Christian baptism: "...we indeed descend into the water full of sins and defilement, but come up, bearing fruit in our heart, having the fear [of God] and trust in Jesus in our spirit..." (Epistle of Barnabas)

2. The Shepherd of Hermas, a popular book in the 2nd and 3rd century Eastern Church, describes the meaning of baptism as follows: "...before a man bears the name of the Son of God he is dead; but when he receives the seal he lays aside his deadness, and obtains life. The seal, then, is the water: they descend into the water dead, and they arise alive." (Shepherd of Hermas - Similitude IX, Chapter 16)

3. The c. 3rd-century "Constitutions of the Holy Apostles" discusses the seriousness of baptism and the potential consequences if a Christian continues to sin after being initiated into the faith through baptism: "Beloved, be it known to you that those who are baptized into the death of our Lord Jesus are obliged to go on no longer in sin; for as those who are dead cannot work wickedness any longer, so those who are dead with Christ cannot practice wickedness. We do not therefore believe, brethren, that any one who has received the washing of life continues in the practice of the licentious acts of transgressors. Now he who sins after his baptism, unless he repent and forsake his sins, shall be condemned to hell-fire." ("Constitutions of the Holy Apostles", Book 2, Section 3)

4. Events prior to a pre-Nicene baptism typically included a two to three year period of instruction into the Christian faith, and a period of fasting prior to the baptism. "But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whatever others can; but thou shalt order the baptized to fast one or two days before." (“Teaching of the Twelve Apostles”, Chapt. 7)

5. Baptisms were generally performed by church officials (bishops, presbyters, etc.) often in the period preceding Easter, or the period between Easter and Pentecost. The baptism itself included both an anointing with oil and/or ointment, as well as the dipping or immersion in water: "Thou therefore, O bishop, according to that type, shalt anoint the head of those that are to be baptized, whether they be men or women, with the holy oil, for a type of the spiritual baptism. After that, either thou, O bishop, or a presbyter that is under thee, shall in the solemn form name over them the Father, and Son, and Holy Spirit, and shall dip them in the water; and let a deacon receive the man, and a deaconess the woman, that so the conferring of this inviolable seal may take place with a becoming decency. And after that, let the bishop anoint those that are baptized with ointment." ("Constitutions of the Holy Apostles", Book 3, Section 16/17)

6. The meaning of the tri-part baptism (oil, water, ointment) is discussed: "But thou shalt beforehand anoint the person with the holy oil, and afterward baptize him with the water, and in the conclusion shall seal him with the ointment; that the anointing with oil may be the participation of the Holy Spirit, and the water the symbol of the death of Christ, and the ointment the seal of the covenants." ("Constitutions of the Holy Apostles", Book 7, Chapter 22)

7. The Constitutions describe the meaning of the immersion and rising up out of the water: "This baptism, therefore, is given into the death of Jesus: the water is instead of the burial...the descent into the water the dying together with Christ; the ascent out of the water the rising again with Him.” ("Constitutions of the Holy Apostles", Book 3, Section 16/17)

8. In a passage from Hippolytus (c. 215 A.D.), it appears that whole families might have been baptized together, including their children. Hippolytus also seems to infer that full immersion is not a requirement for baptism: "Where there is no scarcity of water the stream shall flow through the baptismal font or pour into it from above; but if water is scarce, whether on a constant condition or on occasion, then use whatever water is available. Let them remove their clothing. Baptize first the children, and if they can speak for themselves let them do so. Otherwise, let their parents or other relatives speak for them." (Hippolytus, "The Apostolic Tradition", 21:15).

9. Hippolytus also preserves an early baptismal creed in his writings. Similarities to the Apostles Creed are to be expected, as the Apostles Creed probably started out as a baptismal creed: “When the person being baptized goes down into the water, he who baptizes him, putting his hand on him, shall say: ‘Do you believe in God, the Father Almighty?’ And the person being baptized shall say: ‘I believe.’ Then holding his hand on his head, he shall baptize him once. And then he shall say: ‘Do you believe in Christ Jesus, the Son of God, who was born of the Virgin Mary, and was crucified inder Pontius Pilate, and was dead and buried, and rose again the third day, alive from the dead, and ascended into heaven, and sat at the right hand of the Father, and will come to judge the living and the dead?’ And when he says: ‘I believe,’ he is baptized again. And again he shall say: ‘Do you believe in the Holy Spirit, in the holy church, and the resurrection of the body?’ The person being baptized shall say: ‘I believe,’ and then he is baptized a third time.” (“Creeds Of The Church”, Ages Software, P. 7)

For part one of this teaching go to the following link...
http://churchesontrial.blogspot.com/2009/04/why-doctrine-of-entire-sanctification.html

Why the doctrine of “Entire Sanctification” was deviated from...and the doctrine of Water Baptism was accepted

The following will coincide with Brother Lindsey's teaching on Water Baptism and Entire Sanctification.

In order to understand why the doctrine of Entire Sanctification was deviated from after the early Church, the subject of “Baptism” must be touched on to clarify. Baptism relates to the Sanctifying work of the Spirit, but - Sanctification through the Spirit has no reference to Water Baptism; or the use of water ministered by a preacher. Sanctification is the work of the Holy Spirit in the human soul.

The work of the Holy Spirit relates to conviction in a sinner, repentance of a sinful man, the new birth in regeneration. Entire Sanctificaiton relates to crucifixion of self and the final work of the Holy Spirit in the soul of a believer. Two Baptisms are pertinent to New Testament doctrine and both baptisms refer to the work of the Holy Spirit in the human soul.

· Baptism of the penitent is where the Holy Spirit places a believer into the body of Christ at salvation through trust alone in the death of Christ for the forgiveness of sins
· Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire cleanses a believer from the conflicting Adamic nature that often tries to arise during the believer’s life in Christ. The conflict is where a saved man has an inner struggle from the old man that wars against the work of the Holy Spirit in that life. The Baptism with the Holy Ghost and fire is the purifying work that takes place that rids the believer from the war within his members. This final work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of a believer is termed as “Entire Sanctification”.

Neither Baptism mentioned above pertains to the mode of water Baptism.

· Sanctification is a work of the Holy Spirit that removes the Adamic life from the believing soul.
· Water Baptism is a religious act of man that has no reference to Biblical Sanctification, the work of the Holy Spirit: or salvation to the human soul.

After the Early Church the mode of Baptism (performed by preachers) became an issue of importance as the truth of Sanctification (performed by the Holy Spirit) in the human soul, dwindled. Man formed doctrines, and deviated from the truth of salvation. Various modes of Water Baptism became prevalent in the religious world and thus became appealing to the religious affections of man.

· Obviously man’s “own” wisdom deviated from the wisdom of God experienced by the writers of the New Testament Epistles (James, John, Peter, and Paul) after the resurrection of Christ.

Since the First Century Church, doctrines, denominations, and numerous modes of Water Baptism have been made by man to an uncountable degree. The truth of the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in the human soul has been tossed aside, as religious emphasis has been placed on the mode of Water Baptism. A few examples and various religious modes of Baptism are…Sprinkling, pouring, full body immersion, cleansing from Original sin, confession of faith, burying the Old man, an act of obedience, or following Christ’s example.

Let's examine John’s baptism a baptism performed by a preacher however; in Johns Baptism one must know the history of Jewish religion and ceremonial purification ministered by a Levite upon the nation of Israel. To simplify, “John’s baptism “under Law” purified the body of those with faith unto righteousness and allowed Israel to approach and accept Christ as the promised Messiah”. Repentance from a deviation from the Law of Moses and Faith in Christ as the promised Messiah allowed Israel to repent, thus obey the Law and have their sins remitted by God. John’s Baptism showed Israel’s obedience to the Law of Moses and acceptance of Christ as the Messiah.

John's baptism attracted enough attention in its time to have been recorded by Jewish historian Josephus 50 years later in his "Jewish Antiquities":

"Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod’s army came from God, and that very justly, as a punishment of what he did against John, that was called the Baptist: for Herod slew him, who was a good man, and commanded the Jews to exercise virtue, both as to righteousness towards one another, and piety towards God, and so to come to baptism; for that the washing [with water] would be acceptable to him, if they made use of it, not in order to the putting away [or the remission] of some sins [only], but for the purification of the body; supposing still that the soul was thoroughly purified beforehand by righteousness..." (Josephus, "Jewish Antiquities", Book 18, Chapter 5)

More in part 2...

Revived...Churches on Trial (audio)...7/5/87 (pt.1) on the subject of "Water Baptism"

This show (in it's first hour) was primarily focused the controversial subject of Water Baptism. Many people in the Detroit area called in with various questions as Brother Lindsey expounded from the Bible and the Greek text. Much Biblical clairification is brought forth from the Jewish perspective.

When the Bible is viewed and understood from a Jewish perspective much of the controversy concerning Water Baptism and its various modes taught in the mainstream today are clairified. Brother Lindsey makes effort to clairify and take away confusion. Hubert Lindsey relates the mode of Water Baptism to ceremonial purification as taught according to the Law of Moses.

Other subjects on this audio brought forth clairity on the subject of the Divine Trinity...or God in three persons. Much Biblical evidence from the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms is given . This writer personally attempts to post Scriptural content on the video portion of these audios for the edification of those who desire to know more about God's Word.

Revived...Churches on Trial (audio)...7-12-87 (pt.2)

This show was a two hour broadcast put into two (1 hour) segments. This broadcast brought forth beautiful clairification on the subject of Water Baptism and Eternal Punishment that refuted Jehovah Witness and Seven Day Adventist doctrine.

Revived! Churches on Trial ...7-12-87 (audio) Part one of a two hour talk show.

2 Cor 4:5-6... For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

The following audio holds a special place in this writer's heart as it pertains to God using Brother Lindsey's radio broadcast to minister to those in bonds. This writer was first introduced to Brother Lindsey and his ministry for Christ during those years throughout a time of incarceration. At the beginning of this audio a dear Brother in the Lord, by the name of Larry Shilling had written Brother Lindsey and Jim Elsman a letter telling them about "us" who were incarcerated at Milan Correctional Facility in Milan Mi. The letter was a letter of love from a Church behind the fence...that contained a question about "Water Baptism" which Brother Lindsey very much clarified.

Brother Larry Shilling introduced me to Hubert Lindsey's ministry during that time as Larry and I both followed the Churches on Trial until it terminated in the 1990's. Unfortunately Brother Shilling was transferred I think in 1989. During that time frame Brother Lindsey and others from the Church at Birmingham came to Milan FCI to minister the Gospel to us in bonds. God knew and provided our needs. Meeting and getting to know Brother Lindsey was an unforgettable experience for this writer that impacted me enough that I was able to leave Milan, come home to Williamsburg Ohio to my wife, son, and daughter, restore a marriage, built a Church house, continue preaching the Gospel, and carry on Brother Lindsey's ministry up til now...21 years later. I know Brother Lindsey is smiling down from Heaven at this Blog that has "revived" his audio ministry after all these years. Hallelujah...God knows.

Brother Lindsey, Jim Elsman, Tom Lunn, and others were used by God to make Christ "real" to this writer who was called by Christ to also carry the Gospel. That's why I built the "Upper Room" a Church in Williamsburg, Ohio and carry on this ministry today.

I do it with the "Joy of the Lord" because He... is my strength.