Helps on Difficult Subjects
Arthur Copeland Brown
Table of Contents
Baptism
Age-old differings surround the subject of Baptism. Christians do not all see alike although the scriptures remain unchanged and we ought to have the same mind as the Holy Spirit is not the teacher of confusion. Many have too readily agreed with what they have heard and read of that which is popularly believed, yet lacked patient and prayerful diligence in searching God's Word.
There are seven different Baptisms in the Word although it also says as to Christian baptism "there is one" Eph. 4:5.
1. "All baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea" 1 Cor. 10:2. Regardless of age or sex all by the way of the Red Sea (type of the death of Christ) left Egypt (type of the world) having the cloud (type of God's presence) and shared in all the privileges as baptized unto Moses. Nevertheless many of them perished and never reached Canaan. How many baptized in our day go along with the Lord's people but will not reach the goal!
2. Jewish "divers baptisms" and "washings" Heb. 6:2; 9:10; Lev. 16:4, 24. These, of course were ceremonial.
3. "John's baptism" (in the river Jordan) "unto repentance" Matt. 3:11, "for the remission of sins" Luke 3:3, "that they should believe on... Jesus" Acts 19:4 as the Messiah, became effective to a small remnant with whom the Lord identified Himself by being baptized Matt. 8:16; Luke 3:21. Acts 19:3-5 shows that John's baptism was not Christian baptism. John was not a Christian but the last of the Old Testament prophets. He founded no church.
Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John unto Himself as the Messiah John 4:1.
4. The sufferings of Christ on the cross including the atonement, called "baptism" in Luke 12:50. "I have a baptism to be baptized with and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!" John 12:27; Matt. 26:39. This was to accomplish the great purpose for which He came.
5. "Baptized with the Holy Ghost" Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33; Acts 1:5; 11:16; 1 Cor. 12:13. This incorporating believers into one body occurred once for all on the day of Pentecost. That this is distinct from Christian water baptism is attested by Acts 10:47 "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost?"
6. "Baptize... with fire" Matt. 3:11; Luke 3:16 only. This is not in Mark 1:8; John 1:33; Acts 1:5; 11:16; 1 Cor. 12:13 because it speaks of judgment on such as the Pharisees Matt. 3:7, 11, 12; Lev. 10:2; Num. 11:1;16:35; 2 Kings 1:12; 2 Thess. 1:8; Heb. 12:29, and has nothing to do with Acts 2:3 "like as of fire."
7. Christian baptism, "one baptism" Eph. 4:5. This verse gives us the second circle or sphere of profession on earth which is entered by the divinely appointed door of reception—baptism. There Jesus is owned as Lord and Christian privileges are afforded with solemn responsibility. (Verse four is the inner circle of the members of the body of Christ who are joined to the Lord by the Holy Spirit and wait for Him their blessed Hope.)
Baptism means "putting into" and supposes immersion. Christian baptism is a figure of burial, the end of a dead person—and then risen to a new life, as identified with the death, burial, resurrection and Lordship of Christ 1 Peter 3:21; Rom. 6:3, 4; Col. 2:12. Fruit commensurate will have to prove one's reality and appreciation in the day of reckoning. Then will be exposed the "tares," "foolish virgins," "evil servants" those without a "wedding garment," like Sardis had a name that they lived but were dead Rev. 3:1. Peter exposed baptized Simon Magus Acts 8. It is therefore a very solemn matter to be initiated by baptism to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, unto His death and to the light of the full Christian revelation, the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost Matt. 28:19. Baptism transports one into "the kingdom of heaven" on earth where God's special government has one standard—Christ. It is altogether distinct from being received at the Lord's table in the breaking of bread.
It is not a meritorious act of obedience contributive to soul salvation. Nor is it related to John 3:5 new birth. "Baptismal regeneration" is a fraud of the devil. See Ex. 40:12; Lev. 8:6; Ezek. 36:25-27; Zech. 13:1; John 13:10; 15:3; 1 Cor. 4:15; 6:11; Eph. 5:26; Heb. 10:22; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23.
The candidate may little understand its significance, yet submit, but the Lord's servant should know His mind as to administering it.
There was no one to baptize the twelve apostles into Christian baptism.
Paul was not sent to baptize 1 Cor. 1:17.
In itself baptism according to Scripture is not a public testimony (Acts 8:38) even though it often has that effect, especially with Jews or among heathen.
Acts 8:37 is spurious.
Everyone baptized has professedly (outwardly) adopted Christ, "For as many of you as have been baptized unto Christ have put on Christ" Gal. 3:27.
There is some similarity between O.T. circumcision and N.T. baptism inferred in Col. 2:11-13 where our spiritual circumcision is symbolized in baptism.
The importance of Christian baptism is seen in the place given to it in Acts 2 where Peter convicts the nation of Israel of their guilt in crucifying the One God has glorified. Escape was only by repentance and being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness and receiving the Holy Spirit.
In Matt. 28:19, 20 there is no repentance or remission, but discipling, baptizing and teaching them. This will yet be more fully accomplished by the Jewish remnant evangelizing Gentiles for the kingdom.
The theory that forgiveness of sins and salvation must precede baptism does not accord with Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21.
Although infant baptism is not taught in the scriptures "household" is (positionally) and children are not excluded, not on account of faith in every individual, but on account of the believing parent Gen. 7:1; 18:19; Ex. 12:3; Lev. 16:17; Acts 11:14; 16:15, 31. Verse 34 is literally in the singular as the alone act of the jailer rather than theirs. Then 1 Cor. 1:16 and 7:14 adds up to the same provision for all in the household positionally.
Even unsaved parents who have their children baptized have approved of the new privileged place.
Although sprinkling is an irregular method the same responsibility attaches to those thus baptized in His name. Being baptized twice accomplishes nothing.
In fact none of the irregularities as to views on baptism can confound God, or annul the responsibility of everyone baptized to the name of His Son, to render a life commensurable to the privileges into which they have been brought. It is a solemn thing to have to say to God, as they will one day have to do.
It is also a serious thing as to how we adopt views. Have we hastily been pursuaded by human use of favorite texts? And have our spirits become hard, intolerable, dogmatic? Or, have we earnestly and unbiasedly sought the Lord's mind in His presence?
Being "baptized for the dead" 1 Cor. 15:29 is for new recruits to replenish the depleted ranks.
"Washing of regeneration" Titus 3:5 is true of genuine Christians who have been "translated into the kingdom of His dear Son" Col. 1:13, as brought out of the old creation into the whole new order where all things are of God, 2 Cor. 5:17,18, of which baptism is merely a figure. 1 Peter 3:20, 21.
The word "regeneration" is often wrongly used as though it meant to be "born again." In Matt. 19:28 it refers to the future new millennial state and Titus 3:5 to the present new Christian position through grace.
"The washing of regeneration is typified by the flood... the old world is cleared away and a new one begun" J.N.D. Col. Writ. Vol. 13 pages 325-6. Letters Vol. 1 page 647.
"The washing of regeneration... is the putting of the believer into an entirely new place before God" W. K. Intr. Lectures to the Pent. page 207.
"A blessed position into which we are brought now by divine power in Christ... new creation" W. K. Intr. Lectures to the Minor Prophets (Zephaniah) pages 374-5.
See also Synopsis footnote to Acts 28 and Col. W. Vol. 28 page 555.
Also Christian Truth June 1952.
God’s Mysteries
A mystery is a secret revealed by the Spirit to the saints. It may tell of His special love and grace to His own or the subtle energy of Satan leading to judgment. It is not always easy to distinguish or enumerate them as some are interrelated. The mere knowledge of all the mysteries, if unaccompanied with love, exalts self instead of Christ 1 Cor. 2:7; 4:1; 13:2. ("The faith of God's elect" reveals the secrets of His love and His ways to His own Titus 1:1.)
The ten mysteries of the kingdom of heaven in parables during this age of Christ's absence Matt. 13. ("Of God," Mark 4; Luke 8.)
1. Wheat and tares. Mere profession is introduced by the enemy among believers Matt. 13:30.
2. Unclean birds (evil teachers) roost in the abnormally enlarged mustard tree Matt. 13:32.
3. Evil doctrine leavens the good meal introducing false principles and practice Matt. 13:33.
4. The preciousness of the true Church in His estimation (the treasure) Matt. 13:44.
5. The beauty and unity of the true Church as he sees it (the pearl) Matt. 13:46.
6. The catch of the gospel net includes good and bad fish Matt. 13:48.
7. The unmerciful servant manifests an unchanged heart Matt. 18:32.
8. Laborers in the vineyard some evil murmurers were strangers to grace Matt. 20:11.
9. One lacking wedding garment cast into outer darkness Matt. 22:12.
10. Wise and foolish virgins. Some had the Holy Spirit some had not Matt. 25:1.
The mystery of the olive tree. Israel's unbelief affords temporary opportunity for Gentiles to believe Rom. 11:25.
Mystery for obedience of faith, refers to the gospel toward all nations Rom. 16:25, 26.
Mystery as to the resurrection and change of saints 1 Cor. 15:51, 52.
Mystery of His will to head up all things in Christ in the millennial age Eph. 1:9, 10.
Mystery of Christ embracing Gentiles in the church, His body Eph. 3:3, 4, 9.
Mystery of Christ and the church. The union of the church to Christ Eph. 5:32.
Mystery of the Gospel. Its breadth in testimony including Gentiles Eph. 6:19.
Mystery of Christ (in Gentiles) the hope of glory Col. 1:26, 27.
Mystery of God's fullness in Christ for Gentile believers Col. 2:2.
Mystery of Christ. The revelation of Christ on high to Gentile believers Col. 4:3.
Mystery of iniquity, Satanic energy in Christendom going on to the great apostasy 2 Thess. 2:7.
Mystery of the faith. The distinctive truth of Christianity 1 Tim. 3:9.
Mystery of piety. The exhibition of God in the man Christ Jesus, our pattern of godly conduct 1 Tim. 3:16.
Mystery of seven stars and lampstands. The seven churches responsible to bear light are appraised and counseled Rev. 1:20.
Mystery of God. His forbearance ends by the Day of the Lord Rev. 10:7.
Mystery of Babylon, the attainment and doom of the false church Rev. 17:5.
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Sanctification in Two Aspects - Holiness and Perfectionism
The Hebrew and Greek words for sanctify, holy and saint mean 'to set apart.' (Gadesh, gadosh, godesh, hagiago, hagios.)
In the Old Testament, days, mountain, tabernacle, vessels, temple, house, fields, priests, Levites, the people and their firstborn were sanctified, yet this had nothing to do with essential holiness. Without any inward change they were simply set apart for God.
Besides this the priests, Levites and people were often called upon to sanctify themselves preparatorily. They were to be separated to God from everything unsuited to Him.
In Isa. 66:17 some sanctified themselves to eat swine's flesh.
All Real Christians Are Sanctified Once for All
In Christianity all true believers are saints (hagios)—set apart ones—have been once for all sanctified by the Holy Spirit Rom. 15:16; 1 Cor. 6:11; 2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2. See also Acts 20:32; 26:18; 1 Cor. 1:2. Like stones quarried out of the pit they have been set apart by Another for the temple of God. This work has never to be repeated.
Positional or Provisional Sanctification
In Heb. 2:11; 10:10, 14, 29; 13:12 we see the perfection of the work of Christ for all who are set apart provisionally in the new Christian position, yet, if lacking heart-faith, might give it all up as does the apostate. "Hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace" Heb. 10:29. This unusual aspect of sanctification in Hebrews has been seldom noticed although often found in Mr. Darby's writings.
Positional, provisional and relative sanctification is also found in 1 Cor. 7:14 where we see the unbelieving husband or wife sanctified in the believing partner, and even includes the children of the household.
Practical Sanctification
After the Lord Jesus was sanctified by the Father John 10:36, He sanctified Himself, that is He set Himself apart on high in the glory John 17:19 to be the object of His own that they might sanctify themselves by this truth. So in 2 Cor. 3:18 "beholding the glory of the Lord" causes moral transformation by the Holy Spirit.
Gaze thou on Him, think upon Him,
Dwell upon His wondrous grace;
When the heart is filled with Jesus
Thoughts of self will find no place.
Practical sanctification is not the work of a moment but should continually engage us. So-called "second blessing" or "the baptism" is foreign to this truth, regardless of the pretentious and deceptions of many.
Since believers are set apart eternally they are exhorted to set themselves apart unto the Lord from everything unsuited to Him 1 Peter 1:16; 2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Thess. 4:3. "Follow... holiness" in Heb. 2:14 is the character of every real Christian—separation from evil in following the Lord. As to what extent this is done, a true sense of our failures would prevent our boasting. Even this is the work of God 1 Thess. 5:23; Eph. 2:10; Phil. 2:13; 1 Cor. 1:30, 31. The evidences are seen in what others behold as to our homes, our dress, our pursuits and our associations. Only real going on in heart enjoyment, communion and subjection to the Lord will demonstrate our practical separation from the spirit of the world.
Even our food is "sanctified by the word of God and prayer" 1 Tim. 4:4, 5.
Holiness
Holiness is a nature that delights in purity and repels evil. God is ever holy. The Lord Jesus was holy Luke 1:35; Mark 1:24; Acts 3:14. "Partakers of His holiness" (hagiotees is found here only and is the quality itself). Christians are called holy because set apart for God absolutely Heb. 3:1, but called upon to be practically holy because God is holy.
Perfectionism
There is no such thing as perfection in the flesh Rom. 7:18; 8:7. "If we say that we have no sin we deceive ourselves" 1 John 1:8.
John Wesley derived his system of doctrine from Bishop Taylor, Law and Thomas a-Kempis (catholic) and then tried to make scripture square with it. These mystics piously endeavored to love God as though He was requiring it instead of producing it by the full knowledge of His own love and grace in the gift of Christ. They failed to see Christ's unfallen holy human nature. They specialized in human attainment unto sinless perfection so they could be satisfied with themselves to the point of glorying.
They failed to distinguish between sins (fruit) and sin (the root). Eternal relationship is confounded with our varying states of soul.
They misuse scripture as to the word ‘perfect’ where it has nothing to do with the root of sin in our old nature. 'Perfect' sometimes means 'mature' and in Hebrews generally refers to resurrection glory.
Improving Adam is not Christianity. Christ cannot be improved. "In Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and ye are complete in Him." "Accepted in the Beloved" "Christ is everything" "Altogether lovely." Perfection is found in Him alone now in the glory. He is "our life" our glory, hope and goal.
Two Natures
Young Christians are cast down at the discovery of failure upon failure within themselves.
New birth is not the changing of the fallen nature nor the eradication of it.
We have a distinct new nature 1 Peter 1:23; 2 Peter 1:4, which cannot sin 1 John 3:9 and by walking in the Spirit we do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh, the old nature Gal. 6:16. Thus the Christian has two distinct natures. The allowance of one disallows the other.
Two natures are seen in John 3:6; Rom. 7:22, 23, 25 and many other scriptures. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."
The Kingdom
Many Christians confess that they are not clear as to the various aspects of the Kingdom when they are reading their Bibles.
The three principle phases are 1. "The Kingdom of Heaven:" 2. "The Kingdom of Christ;" 3. "The Kingdom of God."
As to the past kingdom of Israel, in the days of Samuel, Israel rejected Jehovah that He "should not reign over them" 1 Sam. 8:7, and as a result Saul was anointed king. Upon his failure Jehovah provided Himself a king (David) after His own heart 1 Sam. 13:14; 16:1, 13, to whom He promised that of his seed He would establish One to sit on the throne of his kingdom forever 2 Sam. 7:12, 13. Then in the days of Solomon the kingdom was divided and the two lines of kings are recorded in Kings and Chronicles until all was dissolved by the captivities. Nevertheless the prophets prophesied repeatedly of the future Son of David that would come to reign over Israel and all the earth in His kingdom Dan. 2:44; 7:14, and all the prophets.
Announcements and offers of the Kingdom were made by John the Baptist Matt. 3:1, 2, and the King Himself Matt. 4:17, and then the twelve apostles Matt. 10:7, as "at hand." But instead of receiving the King they rejected Him. While the Son of God was here the Kingdom of God was here Matt. 12:28 (but not "the Kingdom of Heaven") then taken from them by their refusing Him Matt. 21:43, and slaying Him verse 39. "We will not have this man to reign over us" Luke 19:14. He was cut off by their crucifying their King, and Israel set aside Dan. 9:26; Rom. 11:15.
He Has Gone "Into a Far Country to Receive for Himself a Kingdom, and Return" Luke 19:12. While the Kingdom in Power Is Postponed During the King's Absence Here, and His Presence in Heaven, a New Thing Is Set up on the Earth, Which Sphere Is Called "THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN"
This expression is found in Matthew's gospel only and has special significance in the ten parables of the Kingdom as to the new and present opportunity towards Gentiles. It is the sphere of profession of Christ on earth where all who are received by baptism into it includes both real and unreal. It is what is called Christendom.
1. Wheat and tares (Matt. 13:30)
2. Unclean birds roost in the mustard tree (Matt. 13:32)
3. Evil doctrine leavens the meal (Matt. 13:33)
4. The preciousness of the true Church in His estimation (Matt. 13:44)
5. The beauty and unity of the true Church (Matt. 13:46)
6. The catch of the gospel net includes good and bad fish (Matt. 13:48)
7. The unmerciful servant (Matt. 18:32)
8. Laborers in the vineyard—some evil murmurers (Matt. 20:11)
9. One lacking wedding garment cast into outer darkness (Matt. 22:13)
10. Wise and foolish virgins (Matt. 25:2)
To the apostle Peter was given the keys (Matt. 16:19) of administering an opening into the sphere of the Kingdom of heaven on earth, to Jews Acts 2:38 and to Gentiles Acts 10:47, 48 by baptism.
Those who are real have been "translated into the kingdom of His dear Son" Col. 1:13 and now suffer "in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ" Rev. 1:9, knowing that "If we suffer we shall also reign with Him" 2 Tim. 2:12, "in the kingdom of their Father" Matt. 13:43—the heavenly part of the millennial scene.
After the "wheat" is gathered into His garner (Matt. 3:12; 13:30; John 14:3; 1 Cor. 15:52; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17; 2 Thess. 2:1) the seventieth week (heptad of years) of Dan. 9:27 "the hour of temptation shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth" Rev. 3:10; Phil. 3:19. God will send mere professing Christians ("tares") strong delusion to believe Satan's lie so that they will worship the Beast and his image, demons (Rev. 9:20) antichrist and Satan (Rev. 13) and finally be cut off and "damned" (2 Thess. 2:11) eternally Rev. 14:9-11.
Christ's Kingdom in Power
The transfiguration depicted the glory of the Kingdom of Christ. Matt. 17; Mark 9; Luke 9; 2 Peter 1.
This is the thousand years of the day of the Lord. He will have gathered out of His kingdom all things that offend (Matt. 13:41) and He will reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Rev. 19:16, in righteousness, peace and blessing to all creation. It will commence when He comes in power and great glory, but wrath upon His enemies including the Roman beast and his armies, the antichrist, the Assyrian with his armies and Gog and Magog with their vast armies. Satan will be bound securely in the pit. The Psalms anticipate this glorious day when the godly of Israel will be delivered from all their enemies and be full of continual praise to Jehovah their covenant-keeping God. The glory of God will be fully displayed as Christ reigns with His bride, the church, over the vast millennial scene Eph. 1:10; Rev. 5:13; Psa. 72; 145-150 Isa. 11, 35, 60; Zech. 14:9-21.
"Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God even the Father... that God may be all" 1 Corinthians 15:24, 28 and "the day of God" 2 Peter 3:12, and the eternal rest of God be blissfully enjoyed with all His redeemed Heb. 4:9; Rev. 21:1-7.
The Kingdom of God
This is the general term emphasizing the character of moral suitability to God. "The Kingdom of God is... righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost" Rom. 14:17. Heart reality alone answers, but where this is lacking the sham will be exposed. Compare passages in Matthew as to "the Kingdom of heaven" with like passages in Mark and Luke where "Kingdom of God" is the expression used.
We now "see" and "enter" by new birth John 3:3, 5; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23; 1 John 3:9, 14; 5:1.
This term "the kingdom of God" is used many times in Mark, Luke, Acts and occasionally in Paul's epistles where we have God's view, and only occasionally used with dispensational limitations.