You are here: Home >> Salvation, Sin and Judgment >> Salvation

Misc. Passages, Including Various Other Uses of the Word(s) Normally Translated as "Baptism."

A. Baptism was considered to be one of the basic, foundational truths of Christianity.

Hebrews 6:1 - ...the elementary/basic teachings about Christ: [including:] "instruction about baptisms..." (The focus of this passage: Let us stop dwelling on these "basics" and move on to maturity. It's time to "grow-up"!)
The word "baptisms" is plural. This could be a reference to both New Testament concepts of baptism, treated as separate entities: the reality (Spirit-baptism) and the symbol (water-baptism).
- Treating them as separate entities would be quite natural for the book of Hebrews. Throughout the book, there is a constant focus on the contrast between the "reality" and that which is but a picture or "shadow" (symbol) of the reality. (See Hebrews 8:5 and 10:1, for two examples. The primary focus in the book of Hebrews is on the Old Testament "pictures," contrasted with the realities.)
- Treating them as separate entities would contrast with other passages which view them as two parts of one event. These two perspectives would complement each other.
Note: Some interpret this verse as a reference to some of the Jewish ceremonial rituals that involved the washing of various things. They support this, in part, by noting that the word "baptism" is used this way, in Hebrews 9:10 (see below), and that the book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians. According to this view, the plural use of the word ("baptisms") makes reference to the numerous ceremonial washings that were practiced. This interpretation would claim that these washings can be considered part of the basic teachings given to the Jews, to teach them about Christ, because the washings taught (symbolically) various spiritual principles about salvation.

B. Symbolic washing or cleaning of something.

The washing of hands, eating utensils/containers, before a meal.
- Mark 7:4, 8 (KJV); Luke 11:38 - These were man-made traditions, rather than Scriptural commands. Jesus condemned the religious leaders for focusing on these ceremonial rituals (which their ancestors invented) and ignoring the more important Biblical commands.
Ceremonial washing as part of the Jewish sacrificial system (given by God, in the O.T.).
- Hebrews 9:10 - The O.T. sacrificial system (including the ceremonial washings) was given by God to be a "picture" that taught about spiritual realities & about what Jesus would do as both our high priest and our sacrifice.

C. Being overwhelmed by calamity, trials, death, etc.: Described as a "baptism."

Luke 12:50 - Jesus' suffering and death on the cross
Mark 10:38-39; Matthew 20:22-23 (KJV) - The apostles, like their master (Jesus), would also be overwhelmed by trials and suffering, and (except for John) would be put to death because of their loyalty to Jesus. (John was the only apostle to die a natural death.)

D. Two O.T. "pictures" which can be used to illustrate N.T. truths about baptism and salvation

Events associated with Israel's departure from slavery in Egypt
- Background: The experiences of the Israelites, as they left Egypt and journeyed through the desert, are like a picture, to teach us various spiritual principles. Their physical deliverance ("salvation") teaches us lessons about our spiritual deliverance (salvation). See v. 6a.
- 1 Cor. 10:2 - As regarding their "oneness," they were all "baptized" into Moses - which parallels our baptism into Christ.
Events associated with Noah's Flood
- 1 Peter 3:21 - The flood waters (in Noah's day) are a picture of our baptism. Eight people were "saved" through water (the flood) by the ark. This is a picture of us being saved through water (baptism) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- Note that Peter emphatically states that his focus is not on the washing of a person's body (water-baptism), but on something that is the result of Spirit-baptism: the cleaning of one's conscience. Peter tells us that all this it is possible only because of Jesus' resurrection. [One additional comment about our conscience: now that it has become "good," it is our duty to keep it that way - see v. 16.]

E. One ambiguous passage (difficult to interpret) - "baptism for the dead"

1 Corinthians 15:29 - Paul alludes to people (not necessarily the Corinthians) who did this. One issue is whether this phrase is being used literally (and in reference to water-baptism) or figuratively (in the sense of being overwhelmed by calamity, trials, etc.). The Corinthians understood what Paul meant; we don't. But we do know that nothing in this one verse is intended to contradict the message of the rest of the Bible. This means that any interpretation that introduces ideas that contradict the rest of Scripture cannot be correct.
Maybe there were people somewhere (not necessarily the Corinthians), who were symbolically expressing the faith of others who had trusted Jesus but were not able to be baptized. (This could occur if the person turned to Jesus just prior to his death.) In this case, Paul's argument would be this: If there is no resurrection from the dead, then it's rather silly to be baptized in the place of others who are now dead! [Note that nowhere does Scripture command such a practice.]
In the immediately following verses, Paul uses the idea of being "dead" figuratively. He mentions his being persecuted, and describes it as "dying daily." If the idea of "being baptized for the dead" is intended figuratively, similar to the verse that follows it, then the passage would have this idea: If there is no resurrection from the dead, why make a commitment to Christ [baptism], since it could endanger your "well-being" - you could suffer persecution for it! If there is no resurrection, why be miserable... why not rather just have fun and enjoy life? (V. 34)

Back to the "Baptism" title page