One Baptism

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 8
 
Some think that this refers to the baptism of the Spirit. But this baptism is seen in the previous verse where we read of the " one body and one Spirit," for " by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body." (r Cor. 12, 13.) Moreover the verse, " One Lord, one faith, one baptism," clearly points to the circle of profession, as the baptism of the Spirit does to the circle of reality. " One baptism " clearly refers to baptism by water (Rom. 6:3-53Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (Romans 6:3‑5).) The ONE baptism stands in contrast to the baptism of John the Baptist, " the baptism of repentance, to all the people of Israel " (Acts z3: 24.)
Christian baptism would not be practiced till our Lord had completed the work of atonement on the cross and had ascended triumphant to the right hand of God. So we read, " We are buried with Him [Christ] by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Rom. 6:44Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4).) At Ephesus the Apostle Paul came across certain believers, who, when challenged, had not even heard of the Holy Ghost, whereupon Paul asked them, " Unto what then were ye baptized?" (Acts 19: 3.) They replied, " Unto John's baptism." Paul then said, " John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is on Christ Jesus." (Acts 19: 4.) This incident clearly proves that John's baptism was preparatory. When these disciples heard this they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul laid hands upon them, they received the Holy Spirit, and spoke with tongues, and prophesied.
Since the Day of Pentecost when the church was formed, there has been only one baptism, Christian baptism.