FOUNDATION STONES

The scriptural basic for this course is:

Hebrews 6:1-3 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, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.

To have a foundation implies that something will be built upon it and that is exactly what God is doing. He is in the process of building a dwelling place for Himself.

I Corinthians 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.

I Corinthians 3:10-16 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Ephesians 2:20-22 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

I Peter 2:4-8 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Revelation 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

Our foundation must be built upon the Rock if it is to stand the storms of life. We all face the same storms but only lives founded upon the Rock will stand when the storm has passed.

Matthew 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not; for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Blueprints

When one determines to build a building, the first thing needed is a set of building instructions which tell the builder all of the details needed to construct the building. These architectural instructions are called blueprints. All of the specifications, that is, instructions, are contained in the blueprints. When someone begins to work on the building, he consults the blueprints to make sure that he is doing the correct work with the appropriate materials to accomplish the desired results.

Whenever God desires for something to be built, He provides the blueprints to those whom He has called to do the building work. When God told Noah to build an ark, He gave him the instructions on size, material, etc. as explained in Genesis Chapter 6. When God told Moses to build the Tabernacle and the furniture for it, He gave him detailed instructions for the pattern he was to follow. Read the details in Exodus Chapters 25 through 27.

It was extremely important that Moses follow the instructions exactly because the earthly Tabernacle that he was building was fashioned after the pattern of the heavenly Tabernacle.

Hebrews 8:5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount.

Hebrews 9:23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

The furniture and structure of the Tabernacle also reflect spiritual truth concerning Jesus and His work. If Moses had not followed the plan, the earthly patterns would not have reflected the spiritual truth of the heavenlies.

If God had a plan, a pattern, a set of instructions, a blueprint for the Tabernacle (the dwelling place for God with His people), then he surely has a blueprint for the Temple that He is building under the New covenant.

The building materials have changed from stones of rock to living stones of people. It is these living stones which god is using to build His Temple, a place where He can dwell and people can come and worship and talk with Him, and spiritual sacrifices can be made.

Foundation Components

One of the most important aspects of a building is its foundation. Without a proper foundation the building will shift or collapse under stress or even under the weight of its own structure. The taller or larger the building the deeper and stronger the foundation must be.

The foundation of God's New Covenant Temple consists of three parts with Jesus being the primary or most important.

Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

It requires all three of these foundation components to provide a complete foundation for the individual, the Church, and the Kingdom. These are also the foundation for all doctrine.

God calls others into His building work (making it even more important that everyone follows His plan and not one of their own).

I Corinthians 3:10-11 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

To lay a foundation requires a footing to be done first. In large buildings these are huge metal or concrete pylons that go deep into the earth. In smaller buildings these are trenches filled with concrete to create a stable sub-foundation to tie the foundation together with the ground.

Before we get to the six foundation stones listed in the first three verses of Hebrews Chapter 6, we need to build a footing upon which these doctrines can stand. The footing is made up of things which the Hebrew people understood but which understanding we have either lost or corrupted through pagan philosophy.

The Nature of Man

Psychology has attempted to define the nature of man in many different ways, none of which are based on the Word of God.

Our God is a trinity, that is, three in one. When He made man, He made him in His image; therefore, man is also a trinity, that is, three in one.

Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

The body was formed or fashioned from dirt and is primarily the part of man which is in contact and interaction with this world and through which we receive all of our sensory input. God then breathed into man the breath of life. In the original “life” is plural, that is, “lives”. When God breathed life it was both spiritual life and natural life. The spiritual life in man is the spirit (the breath of God) and it is the spirit which is God conscious and it is through the spirit that we interact with God. When the breath of God came into contact with the body, man became a living soul. Just like two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen combine to form a third substance called water, the spirit combined with body to produce soul. It is our soul that makes us unique, which makes us self-conscious. It is what makes me different from you and you different from the next person. It is the soul that is valuable to God for the scripture tells us that Jesus came to save souls.

Genesis 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

God then gave the man a warning--if he was disobedient and ate fruit from the tree, which God said he couldn't eat, then the man would die. We all know that Adam was disobedient and ate the fruit from the forbidden tree and as a consequence had to leave the Garden. Yet, he did not die physically for a long period of time. So, what died? The spirit within man--his God consciousness.

God knew that there would be a day when He would restore man to fellowship with Him and to do that man would need a new spirit.

Ezekiel 36:26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

Jesus referred to this promise as being “born again”.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

When we are “born again” we receive a new spirit, not a new soul. If we got a new soul, we wouldn't be us. Instead God expects us to have our souls renewed. We call the process of receiving a new spirit regeneration and the process of renewing our soul sanctification.

Just like Adam, our spirit puts us into union, communion, and fellowship with God.

The Nature of God

Our society has also lost perspective on the nature of God. We have become confused with the vain speculations of men and mythology. The scriptures give us a clear picture of the nature of God.

Exodus 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:

Psalms 116:5 Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.

Psalms 99:9 Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.

Leviticus 19:2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.

These scriptures give us a look at the character of God from the Old Testament and we find that first God is jealous and we are not to worship anyone or anything but Him. Then we find that He is gracious, righteous, merciful, and holy.

Under the New Testament, the character of God doesn't change but we get a further revelation and understanding of Him.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth

I John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him

I John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

I Corinthians 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him

We realize from these that God is Spirit, Love, Life and, foremost, Father. Because He is Father, we can trust that His dealings with us are as the dealings of a Father toward His children.

REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS

The first foundation stone is Repentance From Dead Works. Let's break this down into two pieces: repentance and dead works. Once we understand the pieces, we will understand what it means when we put them together.

Repentance

First, let's define repentance. The Greek word used in the scriptures is “metanoein” and means “to change one's mind”. It is a decision; not an emotion. In military terms, repentance would be an “about face”.

John the baptist, as the forerunner of Jesus, came with a message of repentance and performing a baptism of repentance.

Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

As John's ministry came to a close and Jesus began His ministry, the first message of Jesus was to repent and believe the gospel.

Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

In the Scriptures, repentance always precedes true faith. Faith alone is an empty profession. Many profess faith but have never practiced true repentance. Today's Church message of “only believe” was not the message of Christ. His was “repent and believe”.

This pattern is followed throughout the New Testament: Luke 24:46-47--repentance and then remission of sins; Acts 2:38--repentance, then baptism and remission of sins; Acts 20:21--Paul preached repentance and then faith. If we want to achieve New Testament results with our conversions then we need to follow this same pattern--repent and then believe.

Repentance is a command of God.

Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

The reason that God has commanded men to repent is because He has appointed a day of judgment when the world will be judged by His righteous standards.

Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Jesus gave us only one option when it comes to repentance:

Luke 13:1-5 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

Repentance is the first great dividing line for people. If one doesn't repent, he will perish. It is as simple as that--no “ifs”, “ands”, or “buts” about it.

We tend to think of repentance as “sorrow” or “being sorry”; but, emotion is not repentance. The Scriptures make it plain that there are two types of sorrow: one that is godly and leads to repentance and another that is worldly sorrow and leads to death.

2 Corinthians 7:8-10 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

We have both an Old Testament and a New Testament example of sorrow that doesn't produce true repentance. The Old Testament example is Esau and the story is told in Genesis chapters 25 through 27. This is interpreted for us in the book of Hebrews.

Hebrews 12:16-17 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.

The New Testament example is Judas, who betrayed Jesus.

Matthew 27:3-5 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.

The King James version of the Bible says that Judas “repented himself” but, the Greek word is “metamelein” and means “remorse or anguish”. This was sorrow but not repentance.

Why could these two people not repent? We like to think that we can repent of anything at anytime. However, our hearts can be hardened to the point that God will not allow us to repent. Repentance begins in God as these Scriptures indicate:

Acts11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

God has to grant us repentance. That's why, as we saw earlier, that godly sorrow will lead to repentance. Esau and Judas both passed the point at which God was willing to grant repentance. That should be a warning for us.

Requirements for Repentance

What are the requirements for repentance? Both John the Baptist and the Apostle Paul said that people should show appropriate fruit or work of repentance.

Matthew 3:7-8 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:

Acts 26:20 But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

The Scriptures give us a detailed process of this:

2 Corinthians 7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter

There are 7 things wrought in us by godly sorrow which leads us to repentance:

carefulness literally “haste, diligence”

clearing of yourselves clean through forgiveness

indignation over offenses allowed

fear anticipating judgment or punishment

vehement desire for correction

zeal for reformation or punishment

revenge justice/moral judgment, vindication

Dead Works

We all understand what work is--our job, what we do, etc. A “dead work” is work which doesn't have life in it. If work arises out of ourselves, that is, our flesh and not out of the Spirit of God, then it has no life in it and is, therefore, dead.

John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

God has already created work for us to do. He has crafted us as a worker to do the work that He ordained that we should do. If we substitute our work for His work, then the work that we do is dead work.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

A dead work can have the appearance of a very good work. It is easy to see our need for repentance from sin but not so easy to see our need to repent of dead works when they appear to be good and beneficial. Many of our traditions fall into this category.

Matthew 15:6 And honor not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition

Or we use humanitarian work to justify ourselves to God in an attempt to earn His favor. Works of the law, no matter how good and beneficial they might be to others can never justify us to God. They are dead works from which we need to repent. God will not allow us to boast of our good works . They are of no use to Him.

Galatians 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast

We must have our conscience purged or cleansed from dead works in order to serve the living God.

Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

FAITH TOWARD GOD

As God grants us repentance we turn from the world toward God. These first two foundation stones are tied together by these prepositions: “from” and “toward”. It is “repentance from” and “faith toward”.

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Faith is the beginning point with God. Without it, we are unable to please Him. As a matter of fact, without faith we have no motivation to please Him because we don't see any value in it. We need to believe that there is value, a reward, in seeking God.

Definition of Faith

Sometimes, we seem to have a rather vague definition of faith, a kind of nebulous something that some people have and others don't. Usually, we confuse faith and hope, which are two different things. Many people will say that they have faith when really all that they have is hope.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Faith has spiritual substance, which is strong enough that we hold on to it as evidence of things that we can't see with our physical eyes. It is based on the eternal, invisible truths and realities revealed by God's Word and not on our physical senses.

Paul shows the contrast between the objects of faith and the objects of sense perception when he says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). Our senses deal with things that are material, temporary, and changeable; whereas, faith deals with the revealed truths of God which are invisible, eternal, and unchangeable. Our faith is not based on what we see and experience but instead on God's Word. Thereafter, that which we see or experience is the outcome of that which we have already believed.

FAITH HOPE Established in the present Directed toward the future

Substance, confidence, something Expectancy of things to be

real & definite in us that we possess

here and now

Anchored in the heart Anchored in the mind

Function of the Spirit Function of the soul

Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto [literally “into”] righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

When associated with heart, believe becomes a verb of motion. The Greek word translated “unto” in this verse is “eis” and is regularly translated as “into”. Heart faith produces a definite change. The translation here is important: “unto righteousness” is more a mental agreement with an abstract theory, whereas, “into righteousness” is to believe in a way that produces a transformation of habits, character, and life.

John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in [literally “into”] God, believe also in [literally “into”] me.

The verb phrase “to believe” is associated with a process of change or motion. It is not enough to believe “in” Christ with a mental acceptance of the facts of His life or the truths of His teaching, but, we must believe “into” Christ with a heartfelt faith.

Faith is always present tense and because of present faith we have a serene hope, a sure confidence concerning the future. Hope based on this kind of faith will stand the test of death and eternity.

Faith is both a gift and a fruit. As a gift, we can receive it instantly from the Spirit of God. However, as a fruit, it must be grown, which takes time.

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Faith begins in God. He gives a measure to us. We then are responsible for growing faith from this seed which God has given. Some, however, allow the seed of faith to be lost, stolen, or otherwise become non-productive.

2 Thessalonians 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

Since we receive this seed faith from God, we have to make sure that it is planted in good soil and that it has an opportunity to sprout, grow and mature into full-grown fruit. This is a process that takes time. We don't have “instant” fruit in the Kingdom of God.

Colossians 2:6-8 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: (7) Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. (8) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

This verse also points out the things which can spoil your faith--cause it to rot on the vine: philosophy (world view), vain deceit (pride of life), traditions of men, and rudiments of the world (worldly elements and principles).

The scriptures give us the methodology to increase our faith.

Romans 10:17 so then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

Faith and the Law

It is faith which justifies us and gives us access to the grace of God not the keeping of the law.

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (2) By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Galatians 3:10-12 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. (11) But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. (12) And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

While not by the law, besides faith we are justified by grace (Rom. 3:24), by the blood of Jesus (Rom. 5:9), by the resurrection of Jesus (Rom. 4:25), and by works (James 2:24).

The law is a schoolmaster (that is, teacher) to bring us to the place of faith in Christ.

Galatians 3:22-26 But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. (23) But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. (24) Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (25) But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. (26) For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

The law had taught the Jews the elements of obedience to God, but for the Gentiles, it was not necessary that the law be observed for justification. It was decided by the Council of Jerusalem that it was necessary for the Gentiles to only observe four key elements.

Acts 15:19-20 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: (20) But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

If you will notice, each of these deals with us keeping ourselves pure.

Faith and Confession

Faith requires verbalization. We speak what we believe.

Romans 10:8-10 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; (9) That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. (10) For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

We cannot keep our faith secret if we want it to be active.

Matthew 10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

1 John 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

When we have active faith it naturally produces an outflow of works based on that faith.

James 2:14-18 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? (15) If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, (16) And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? (17) Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. (18) Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.

The works of faith mature and complete faith.

James 2:22-26 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? (23) And the Scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. (24) Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. (25) Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? (26) For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Without works, faith itself will die. It is faith expressed in works which keeps faith alive in us.

Faith is rooted in our belief in Jesus as the Son of God and should find full expression in our daily lives. God is not only our God but also our Father and Jesus is our Elder Brother. If we truly believe this then our daily walk will also express our faith in this fact. Faith will cause us to enter into His Rest.

THE DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS

In our foundation text listed above, the Greek word for “baptisms” is plural, implying that there is more than one baptism. However, the scripture specifically says that there is one baptism.

Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (6) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

There are seven “ones” in these verses:

one body

one Spirit

one hope

one Lord

one faith

one baptism

one God and Father.

Since Scripture doesn't contradict itself, there is obviously something that we need to understand about baptism that is not clear when we see a singular baptism in this verse and a plural baptism in the foundation verse.

Definition of Baptism

The verb phrase “to baptize” is transliterated into English from the Greek. When something is transliterated the original word is used with the English version of the letters which make up the word. The Greek word is “baptizo” which becomes our word “baptize”. When a word is transliterated, it is not defined, just put into English.

Why was this word transliterated? In the early years of the 17th century, King James of Britain, authorized an English translation of the Bible (this is the Authorized King James version which we have today). While King James held political power as an absolute monarch yet, in matters of religion, he was answerable to the Bishops of the established Church of England. King James made it known to the translators that he did not want anything introduced into the Bible translation that would cause unnecessary offense to the Bishops or which would be too obviously contrary to the practices of the established Church. Therefore, two words were transliterated without definition: bishop and baptize. Baptize came directly from the Greek to English; bishop came from the Greek to Latin to English without real translation. Had the Greek word for bishop been translated correctly everywhere by its meaning of “overseer”, the result could have been considered a challenge to the established hierarchical order of government in the Church of England

The root of “baptizo” is “bapto”. To give a Greek verb a special, causative meaning, you insert “iz”. The creates a compound verb which always has the sense of causing something to be or to happen. The precise nature of that which is caused to be or to happen is determined by the meaning of the simple root verb out of which the causative form was built.

The root of “bapto” is used three times in the Greek text and is always translated by the English verb “to dip”:

Luke 16:24--”...dip the tip of the finger in water...”

John 13:26--”...a piece of bread when I have dipped it.”

Rev. 19:13--”...a robe dipped in blood.”

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible defines “bapto” as “to cover wholly with fluid,” hence “to dip”.

A compound version of “bapto” is made by adding the Greek preposition “en” or “em” which means “in”. “Embapto” is used three times in the Greek text:

Matthew 26:23--”...He that dippeth his hand with me in the dish...”

Mark 14:20--”...It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.”

John 13:26--”... I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it... when he had dipped the sop...”

Therefore, there is only one meaning for “baptizo”: to cause something to be dipped into a fluid and then taken out again.

In secular Greek, the word is used for the action of dipping a cloth into dye in order to dye the cloth.

TYPES OF BAPTISM

There are a number of baptisms with different meanings in the New Testament.

1. The Baptism of John

Mark 1:4 “...baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.”

This form of baptism was a transitional baptism between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. It was not intended to be utilized after baptism in the Name of Jesus was available.

2. The Baptism of Suffering

Luke 12:50 ”I have a baptism to be baptized with...”

Mark 10:38 “Can you ... be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”

It doesn't appear that the baptism of suffering is a universal baptism that all Christians would receive but is only applicable to those that the Lord has called to it.

3. Christian Baptism (baptism into the Name of Jesus)

Matthew 28:19 “...baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

Act 2:38 “be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ...”

Act 19:5 “they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Throughout the Greek text, only two prepositions are ever used with the verb phrase “to baptize”----in and into.

4. Baptism in the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:5 “...you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

Jesus told His disciples to wait until they received power, until they were baptized in the Holy Spirit before being witnesses.

5. Baptism into the Body

1 Corinthians 12:13 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body,...”

It is the Holy Spirit who immerses us into the body; who places us according to the will of the Lord.

Out of these five baptisms, we have one which is transitional and not intended to be utilized today, one which is not considered to be universal, and three which are for everyone--christian baptism, baptism in the Holy Spirit , and baptism into the Body. So, there are three baptisms which are applicable to us , yet the Scriptures tell us that there is only one baptism. What does that mean?

I believe that we have revealed in this another of the mysteries of the Word. We believe in One God who is manifested in three persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He created man in His image, so man is also three in one. The one man is made up of three components--body, soul, and spirit. The One Baptism is the same way--three in one--one baptism with three parts--Christian (water) baptism, baptism in the Holy spirit, and baptism into the Body.

JOHN'S BAPTISM

Acts 19:1-6 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, (2) He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. (3) And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. (4) Then said Paul, 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. (5) When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (6) And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

These scriptures show the distinction in nature and significance between John's Baptism and Christian Baptism. John's baptism could not be accepted as equivalent nor could it be substituted for Christian baptism.

John's baptism indicates an outward act of being baptized as a visible confirmation that those being baptized had already passed through the experiences of repentance and forgiveness.

Mark 1:3-5 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. (4) John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. (5) And there went out unto him all the land of Judea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

We are not baptized merely because we are sinners who have confessed and repented of our sins; that would be no different than John's baptism. We have passed into something fuller. Romans 5:1 tells us that we are “justified by faith”. God has imputed to us the righteousness of Christ on the basis of our faith. We are baptized as an outward act of obedience to complete the inward righteousness which we have received in our hearts by faith.

Then, why was Jesus baptized by John?

Matthew 3:13-17 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. (14) But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? (15) And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he suffered him. (16) And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: (17) And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Jesus was not baptized as outward evidence that He had repented of His sins because He had no sins for which He needed to repent. He was baptized to fulfill (that is, complete) righteousness. Jesus deliberately and consciously established a standard of behavior, thereby, setting an example and pattern of the baptism in which He desired Christians to follow Him.

CONDITIONS FOR CHRISTIAN BAPTISM

It is not by chance that the Doctrine of Baptisms is third in our foundation study list. First comes repentance, then faith (belief) and then baptism. Baptism must be built on repenting and believing.

The Philippian jailer gives us the pattern:

Acts 16:30-33 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (31) And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (32) And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. (33) And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

The Word gives us four conditions for Christian baptism:

1. Repentance

Acts 2:37-38 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? (38) Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

2. Belief

Mark 16:15-16 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (16) He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

3. A good conscious

1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

4. Become a disciple

Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

“Teach” in this verse is actually “disciple” in the original text.

In other words, the person

must have heard enough of the gospel to understand the nature of his act

must have repented of his sins

must confess his faith that Jesus Christ is the Son of God

must be able to answer God with a good conscious on the grounds that he has fulfilled all of God's requirements for salvation, and

must commit himself to a life of discipleship.

SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRISTIAN BAPTISM

Romans 6:1-7 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? (2) God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (3) Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (4) Therefore 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. (5) For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: (6) Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. (7) For he that is dead is freed from sin.

These verses present two mutually exclusive facts:

1. If we have availed ourselves of God's grace, we are dead to sin.

2. If we are not dead to sin, then we have not availed ourselves of God's grace.

The purpose of baptism is a declaration of death, burial, and resurrection in order that we might not live to sin but instead live to righteousness.

Romans 6:11-14 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. (12) Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. (13) Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (14) For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

1 Peter 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

The average Christian today:

has some kind of belief that their past sins can be forgiven

goes to Church to confess and obtain forgiveness for sins committed

has no thought or expectation of experiencing any inward transformation of own nature

leaves Church unchanged and continues committing the same kind of sins which was confessed.

To be dead to sin and alive to God and righteousness requires two things of us:

1. “Knowing this”--Rom. 6:6

2. “Reckon yourselves”--Rom. 6:11

If God's people do not know this truth, they can't believe it; if they can't believe it, they can't experience it. “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6

There are three successive stages to the ordinance of baptism:

1. We died with Jesus on the Cross.

2. We are buried with Him.

3. We are raised with Him in His resurrection.

This produces an inner transformation within the believer: 1) death to sin, 2) new life to righteousness in God.

Colossians 2:12-13 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. (13) And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

We have an example in the Old Testament when the children of Israel followed Moses through the Red Sea. The New Testament calls this a baptism.

1 Corinthians 10:1-2 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; (2) And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

We learn 5 lessons from this example that are applicable to us in our baptism.

1. Baptism is a memorial.

2. Baptism involves a confession

3. Baptism declares solemn determination

4. Baptism announces separation

5. Baptism means new identity.

In Acts Peter gives us the first three steps in our walk with God:

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

1. Repent;

2. Be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,

3. Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Too many Christians stop after water baptism and don't move on to receive the Holy Ghost.

BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT

As shown in Acts 2:38, receiving the Holy Spirit comes after believing and being baptized. This is what happened to the disciples on the day of Pentecost. This was important enough that Jesus told his followers to wait until they received the Holy Spirit before doing anything.

Acts 1:4-5 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. (5) For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Jesus said wait for the promise of the Father and equated this with being baptized with the Holy Spirit. What, exactly, is the promise of the Father?

Jesus speaks of this in John.

John 14:16-17 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; (17) Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Jesus says the Father will send another Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Ghost to abide with the disciples. The Holy Spirit is not for the world because they can't receive Him because the world doesn't see Him or know Him. He is for the disciples and He dwells with them (in Jesus) but would be in them.

The purpose of the Comforter is two-fold:

John 16:7-14 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (8) And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: (9) Of sin, because they believe not on me; (10) Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; (11) Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. (12) I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. (13) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come. (14) He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.

The Comforter will

1) reprove the world of sin, of righteousness, and judgment

2) guide believers into all truth and glorify Jesus.

Jesus adds a third purpose of the Spirit for the believer when He tells the disciples to wait to be baptized in the Holy Spirit: power.

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

To do the work that we need to do requires the power of the Holy Spirit. Effective witnessing to the Truth can only be done through the power of the Holy Ghost. If it was necessary for the disciples to receive the Holy Spirit before going forth, how much more do we need to receive the Holy Spirit before we can go forth and witness of Jesus and do the works that He has called us to do in His name?

Examples of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit

When the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost, there were certain manifestations of the event. Let's see if there is a consistent occurrence each time the Baptism in the Holy Spirit occurs.

1. The Day of Pentecost (Acts Chapter 2):

1) a rushing mighty wind

2) tongues of fire over the heads

3) speaking with tongues

2. Samaria (Acts Chapter 8):

1) sign not named but was visible because Simon offered money to Peter and John for the ability to lay hands on people so that they would receive the Holy Spirit.

3. The House of Cornelius (Acts Chapter 10):

1) speaking with tongues

2) magnifying God

4. Certain disciples at Ephesus (Acts Chapter 19):

1) speaking with tongues

2) prophesy

The only commonality of these examples is ”speaking with tongues”. The only example which doesn't name ”tongues” is Samaria. However, Simon saw something different than what he had seen before. With Phillip, he had seen miracles, healing, deliverance, and great joy. Since he saw something happen different than he had seen before, it seems logical to assume (based on the other incidences given) that he saw them speak with tongues.

We can conclude that “speaking with tongues” is a consistent evidence of having been baptized with the Holy Spirit.

BAPTIZED INTO ONE BODY

The third part of the one baptism is when we are baptized into one body.

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

This aspect of baptism is not often (if ever) discussed because its significance is not recognized. But as we begin to understand the meaning of baptism as immersion, this aspect takes on greater significance. The three-in-one baptism is progressive: 1) water baptism, 2) Holy Spirit baptism, and 3) body baptism.

We can see the progressive nature of the one baptism as we look at the one who ministers the baptism and at the element in which one is baptized (that is, immersed). This will be easier if we place these three aspects of baptism into a table format where we can see each part as it relates to the whole.

Baptism begins with water. A servant of the Lord baptizes one by “dipping” them in water. The person is buried with Christ and raised in newness of Life. Then, the Lord takes the person and “immerses” them into the Holy Spirit where they receive power. Then, the Holy Spirit takes the person and ”immerses” them into the Body where they find their place and function.

By One Baptism, we are identified with Christ, filled with power, and functioning in our place in His Body.

It is important that we complete the progressive baptism.

Laying on of Hands

The laying on of hands signifies one of three things:

1. transmitting blessing or authority,

2. public acknowledgment of blessing or authority already received by the one receiving laying on of hands, or,

3. publicly commit the one on whom hands are laid to God for some special task or ministry.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament it was an accepted practice to lay on hands for blessing or special anointing at the direction of the Lord.

Genesis 48:14 And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn.

NOTE: It was accepted practice that the right hand was for the greater blessing which normally went to the firstborn.

Numbers 27:18-20 And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; (19) And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. (20) And thou shalt put some of thine honor upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.

Two things accomplished by Moses laying on of hands:

1. transmitted to Joshua a measure of spiritual wisdom and honor which he had received from God, and

2. public acknowledgment before the congregation of God's appointment of Joshua as leader to succeed Moses.

These two things were essential for Joshua to do the job that God had prepared him to do.

We can see the results or outcome of Moses laying hands on Joshua in Deuteronomy:

Deuteronomy 34:9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid his hands upon him: and the children of Israel hearkened unto him, and did as the LORD commanded Moses.

Another example is the way that Elisha acknowledged God's appointment of Joash as God's deliverer. Joash received divine wisdom and authority needed to equip him as deliver.

2 Kings 13:15-17 And Elisha said unto him, Take bow and arrows. And he took unto him bow and arrows. (16) And he said to the king of Israel, Put thine hand upon the bow. And he put his hand upon it: and Elisha put his hands upon the king's hands. (17) And he said, Open the window eastward. And he opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot. And he shot. And he said, The arrow of the LORD's deliverance, and the arrow of deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them.

This appointment by Elisha parallels Joshua's appointment by Moses:

1. each acknowledged a leader whom God had appointed for a special purpose, and

2. each received wisdom and authority needed to carry out his God appointed task.

Note: both of these were primarily military commanders.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament there are 5 purposes for the laying on of hands:

1. Ministry of healing

2. To impart the Holy Spirit

3. Impartation of spiritual gifts

4. To commission ministers, and

5. To commission Elders and Deacons

We will look at each of these in detail.

Laying on of hands for healing

There are 5 supernatural signs appointed by Jesus that would accompany the preaching of the Gospel and those that have faith in His authority.

Mark 16:17-18 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; (18) They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

The last of these is the laying on of hands for the sick to recover. This shows that this “sign” is for the unconverted or the newly converted believer.

The Lord has made provision for the healing of the believer also.

James 5:14-15 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: (15) And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

There are several lessons for us in this scripture:

1. Every believer is associated with a church;

2. Elders are recognized by the congregation as ministers of the Lord;

3. We are in open disobedience if we don't call for the elders when we are sick; and

4. The leaders are ready to minister in faith.

The anointing with oil may or may not by accompanied by the laying on of hands; but the anointing oil is for the believer only. We don't find it used with the unconverted.

When the Elders pray over the sick (with faith) and anoint him with oil, it does 3 things:

1. the sick shall be saved (healed);

2. the Lord shall raise him up; and

3. sins committed shall be forgiven.

Laying on of hand to impart the Holy Spirit

There are 5 cases of receiving the Holy Spirit given in the scriptures:

1. Acts 2: 1-4 Day of Pentecost

2. Acts 8: 14-20 Samarian new converts

3. Acts 9: 17 Saul (Paul)

4. Acts 10: 44-46 Cornelius' house

5. Acts 19: 1-6 Disciples at Ephesus

The Holy Spirit was ministered with the laying on of hands in 3 of these 5 instances. That is more than 50% of the time. The two occasions when the Holy Spirit came without the laying on of hands was the day of Pentecost and the house of Cornelius. Both of these occurrences we special and unique by their nature. While we might have some unique or special occasions when the Holy Spirit just falls, we should expect a similar ratio today as those revealed by the scriptures when we pray for people to receive the Holy Spirit. The expected or normal procedure would be by the laying on of hands to impart the Holy Spirit to the believer.

Laying on of hands to impart spiritual gifts

The laying on of hands is frequently used to impart spiritual gifts to others. The clearest example of this is with Timothy.

1 Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

Timothy received a gift that was given prophetically and confirmed and imparted by the laying on of hands of the presbytery (elders) and by Paul. The reason for the gift was so that Timothy could wage war with the enemy.

1 Timothy 1:18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;

Paul also wanted to see the Roman believers because he wanted to impart a spiritual gift to them that was for the purpose of establishing them.

Romans 1:11-12 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; (12) That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

In each of the examples, spiritual gifts were only imparted by the leadership not by the individual believers.

Laying on of hands to commission ministers

The clearest example of this occurs in Antioch when Paul and Barnabas were sent out.

Acts 13:1-4 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. (2) As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (3) And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. (4) So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

The Holy Spirit had called Paul and Barnabas for a special work and had, apparently, spoken to them individually prior to this meeting. The Holy Spirit now spoke publicly (probably through on of the prophets). The other leaders fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them to publicly confirm the Holy Spirit's call to the work. Then, Paul and Barnabas were sent forth to accomplish the work assigned by the Holy Spirit. After this sending forth, Paul and Barnabas are both called apostles.

After fulfilling the work that they were called to do they returned to Antioch and gave a report of all that the Lord had done.

Acts 14:26-27 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. (27) And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

This reveals the results of the commissioning Paul and Barnabas:

1. the purpose for which the church leaders laid hands on them--commended them to the grace of God;

2. the outcome of the work--successfully completed without omissions or failures;

3. the impact of their ministry on the Gentiles--an open door of faith.

Laying on of hands to commission elders and deacons

The scriptures only give us two offices in the local church: elders and deacons.

The commissioning of elders could be placed under the previous purpose of the laying on of hands--commissioning ministers; however, I wanted to keep the church offices together.

While the scriptures don't specifically use the phrase “laying on of hands” in connection with elders, it is a logical assumption.

Acts 14:21-23 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, (22) Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. (23) And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

As Paul and Barnabas made their trip, they left groups of believers (disciples) behind as they moved on to the next town. As they made their return journey, they visited the groups of disciples and ordained (appointed) elders in each of the towns where they had left the groups of believers.

We can see several principles in these verses:

1. the transition from a group of disciples to a church was the appointment of elders;

2. elders weren't appointed until some time had passed with the group of believers;

3. elders were appointed by the apostles; and

4. when appointed as elders, there was prayer and fasting to commend them to the Lord (this was probably accompanied by the laying on of hands).

The appointment of elders was so important that when Paul couldn't do it in Crete, he left Titus to specifically set things in order and appoint elders in each city.

Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:

It would appear to me that being without elders leaves a church out of order.

The only example we have in the scriptures of the selection of deacons is in Acts.

Acts 6:2-6 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. (3) Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. (4) But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. (5) And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: (6) Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

The deacons were specifically selected to resolve the issue of unequal distribution of help to the different groups of widows. They were selected by the group of believers and then confirmed and appointed by the laying on of hands of the elders.

Warning about laying on of hands

The scriptures give us a warning about hastily laying hands on people.

1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

There are 3 warnings in this verse and I believe the second two are a result of the first.

1. don't lay hands hastily on people;

2. don't be a partaker of other's sins; and

3. keep yourself pure.

Laying on of hands is not just a religious ceremony. It has real spiritual effect. For this to occur then there must be direct spiritual contact. Whenever there is contact between two spirits, there is always the possibility of spiritual harm. That is why we should not be hasty about laying on of hands.

How to Protect Against Harm

1. The ministry of laying on of hands should never be exercised lightly or carelessly but with humility and a spirit of prayer.

2. The guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit should be sought at every stage--with whom to pray, when to pray, and how to pray.

3. The one who lays on hands must know how to claim, on behalf of his own spirit, the continual purifying and protecting power of the blood of Christ.

4. The one who lays on hands must himself be so empowered of the Holy Spirit that he is able to overcome any kind of evil spiritual influence seeking to enter in or through the one on whom hands are laid.

Resurrection of the Dead

Resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment are bound together by the logic of the scriptures. Eternal judgment always follows resurrection of the dead. Resurrection always precedes eternal judgment. To properly address these we need to look first at two areas: time and eternity.

Time and Eternity

Eternity is not endless time, although that is the way that we tend to think of it. Eternity is the nature and mode of God's own being--the uncreated realm in which God Himself exists.

Isaiah 57:15 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Isaiah 40:28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

Time was created by God as part of the creation of the Heavens and earth mentioned in the first verse of Genesis. We refer to it today as the space-time continuum. While we live our lives by the clock, there comes a point in our life that the clock stops ticking. At death we step out of time and into eternity. When our life ends, time stops for us.

There are two things awaiting us on the other side of time:

1. resurrection of the dead, and

2. eternal judgment.

Our faith hinges on the fact that there is a resurrection of the dead because Jesus was raised from the dead. This is a central or key point to Christianity.

1 Cor. 15:16-22 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: (17) And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. (18) Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. (19) If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. (20) But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (21) For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. (22) For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

Romans 14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

There is one class of exceptions to the resurrection of the dead and that is, naturally, those who never die.

1 Cor. 15:51-53 Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, (52) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (53) For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

True Christians which are alive when Christ returns will not die but will be changed. They will skip the death process. As we can see from these scriptures, the resurrection of the dead (which means resurrection of the body) occurs at the time of Christ's return and before the judgment seat.

NOTE: There are two other people that possibly fit into the exception category: Enoch and Elijah. They were translated from Earth to Heaven without seeing death. (I personally believe that these return to Earth as the two witnesses in Revelation where, eventually, they will be killed. Enoch represents the righteous that were before the Flood and Elijah represents the righteous after the Flood.)

We can see a principle in this. Since resurrection precedes judgment in every case, man will not appear before God as disembodied souls but as a complete person--the complete human personality: spirit, soul, and body.

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Acts 17:30-31 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: (31) Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Romans 14:10-12 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at naught thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (11) For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. (12) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Man has both a material and an immaterial component. The body is material and the soul and spirit are immaterial and as a result the body decomposes while there is no decomposition with the immaterial aspect of our being.

Ecclesiastes 3:18-21 I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. (19) For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. (20) All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. (21) Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?

Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

After Death--Before Resurrection

When a person dies, the body returns to the dust from which it came and the spirit and soul return to God who gave it. I believe that this means that all, the righteous and the unrighteous, appear before God after death. However, this is not for judgment which only occurs after resurrection. The purpose of this appearing is to hear the divine sentence appointing to each the state and place each must occupy from death until resurrection and final judgment. Others believe that when a person dies his soul goes automatically to the appropriate place to await judgment and doesn't appear before God at all until that time.

Two facts are made clear in the Bible:

1. After death, there is a separation between the righteous and the wicked;

2. After death, the condition of the righteous was different before Christ's death and resurrection than afterward.

We can glean some facts about this from God's judgment on the oppressing King of Babylon in Isaiah.

Isaiah 14:9-10 Hell from beneath is moved for thee to meet thee at thy coming: it stirreth up the dead for thee, even all the chief ones of the earth; it hath raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations. (10) All they shall speak and say unto thee, Art thou also become weak as we? art thou become like unto us?

First, this scripture does not suggest any knowledge of events currently occurring on the earth.

Second, we can determine 5 facts from this scripture:

1. there is a definite persistence of personality

2. there is recognition of one person by another

3. there is communication between one person and another

4. there is an awareness of conditions in Hell

5. there is some correspondence in some measure between a man's state in the world and his state in the next. Kings were still recognized as Kings.

Ezekiel chapter 32 verses 17-32 present a similar picture containing these same five points.

The New Testament is in agreement with the Old but reveals or adds some additional details for us. Let's look at the scriptures about the beggar, Lazarus, and the rich man.

Luke 16:19-26 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: (20) And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, (21) And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. (22) And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; (23) And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (24) And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. (25) But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. (26) And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

We have clearly revealed here that the destiny after death of the righteous is different from the wicked. The rich man is in a place of torment and Lazarus is in a place of rest. Between these two areas is an impassable gulf.

Sheol, Hades, Hell

Our thinking, understanding and traditions about hell are out of line with what the Scriptures present. We have seen too many movies about hell or read too many writer's articles about hell that have been based on cultural concepts taken from pagan religions.

The Hebrew word that is translated as “hell” is sheol and means “the place of departed spirits”. The Greek word for sheol is hades and the English word for hades is hell. As the word has moved through the languages it has picked up extra meanings that were not meant in the original.

Our modern concept of hell is a place in the center of the earth that is burning with fire where the Devil has his throne and rules this underworld. This is not correct. The Devil is not in hell right now. His false kingdom is in the heavenlies. This is where is throne is currently.

Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (literally, the heavenlies).

The Devil hasn't even been cast out of the heavenlies and into the Earth yet. This doesn't occur until halfway through Revelation.

Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

It is only at the beginning of the Thousand Year Reign of Christ that the Devil is bound in the bottomless pit (which may or may not be hell).

Revelation 20:1-3 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. (2) And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, (3) And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.

So, as you see, the Devil is not in hell and is certainly not ruling there.

Prior to the resurrection of Jesus, all departed souls went to sheol or hell. However, there were two compartments with an impassable gulf between them. One side was a place of torment for the wicked. The other side was called Paradise (literally, Garden of God) and Abraham's bosom and was a place of rest for the righteous. This changed for the righteous after the resurrection of Jesus.

The Work of Jesus in His Death and Resurrection

We all understand the work of Jesus on the Cross. He was the Lamb of God offered as a sacrifice for our sins. As the Lamb He became sin for us. He literally took on Himself our sin nature that we might be free and no longer slaves to sin. When Jesus said “It is finished”, He was referring to His work as the Sin Offering, the Lamb of God.

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Under the Old Covenant, besides the blood offering that was sprinkled on the altar, there was another offering called the Scapegoat. Once each year it took both of these sacrifices to make atonement for Israel. We have similar provision through Jesus under the New covenant.

Leviticus 16:9-10 And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD's lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. (10) But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.

Leviticus 16:20-22 And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat: (21) And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: (22) And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.

Jesus was both our sin offering and our scapegoat. When He finished the work of the sin offering (it was always performed first), He began the work of the scapegoat which took place between His death on the cross and His resurrection. There has been little teaching done on the scapegoat. As a result some of the scriptures which point to this have been misinterpreted and misapplied to create erroneous teaching because of lack of understanding. It has created quite a controversy in the Church as a whole.

Let's look at what the bible says about the time between His death and resurrection.

Two facts are clear:

1. When Jesus died, His body was laid in a tomb but it did not decompose;

2. His spirit and soul went to “sheol”.

How do we know that He went to sheol (hell)?

Ephesians 4:9-10 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? (10) He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

He descended into the lower parts of the earth before He ascended.

Psalms 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

This is quoted by Peter in Acts 2:25-28 an