How do "instruction about baptisms" in Hebrews 6:2 apply to modern believers? Setting the Context Hebrews 6:1-2: “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” • “Instruction about baptisms” sits among six “foundation stones.” • Before believers press on to deeper truths, these first principles must be settled. The Word Behind “Baptisms” • Greek: baptismos—plural, literally “washings.” • In first-century thinking it covered: – Old-covenant ceremonial washings (Leviticus 11–15). – John’s baptism of repentance (Mark 1:4). – Believer’s baptism in Christ (Acts 2:38). • The writer expects his audience to know the distinctions and why they matter. Old-Covenant Washings Foreshadowed Christ • Purification rites repeatedly reminded Israel of sin and the need for cleansing. • Hebrews 9:13-14: animal-blood washings pointed to Christ’s blood that “purifies our conscience.” • These types found their fulfillment; the reality is now ours in Jesus. Believer’s Baptism: Christ’s New-Covenant Ordinance • Commanded by the risen Lord—Matthew 28:19. • Practiced immediately by the early church—Acts 2:41; 8:36-38. • One public, initiatory act that follows repentance and faith—Acts 18:8. • Mode and meaning: immersion best pictures burial and resurrection—Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12. Why the Plural Matters for Modern Disciples 1. It reminds us to abandon Old-Testament ritual for Christ’s finished work. 2. It distinguishes John’s preparatory baptism from the believer’s baptism into Christ’s name—Acts 19:3-5. 3. It points to the Spirit’s baptism that occurs at conversion—1 Corinthians 12:13—while underscoring that water baptism visibly testifies to that inward reality. Foundational Truths Every Believer Should Grasp • Baptism is not optional; it is the first act of obedience (Acts 10:48). • It does not save but testifies that salvation has occurred—1 Peter 3:21. • It unites the believer with Christ’s death and resurrection—Romans 6:4-5. • It publicly identifies the believer with the body of Christ—Ephesians 4:4-5. • It marks a decisive break with the old life—Galatians 3:27. Guarding the Gospel Through Baptism • Clear teaching protects against both sacramentalism (“water saves”) and casual negligence (“no need to be baptized”). • Churches should faithfully teach, examine professions of faith, and baptize those who are regenerate. • Holding the biblical pattern strengthens corporate witness—Acts 2:42-47. Practical Takeaways • If you have trusted Christ yet remain unbaptized, obey Him without delay. • Reflect on your baptism: it calls you to walk in newness of life daily. • Parents and teachers: ground children and new believers in these truths early—so they can “leave the foundation” and pursue maturity. • Congregations: keep baptism central in worship and testimony, celebrating the gospel each time someone enters the water. Moving On to Maturity The writer of Hebrews urges believers to settle these essentials—repentance, faith, and baptism among them—so that they can advance to richer, meatier truths of Christ’s priestly ministry. When the foundation is firm and practiced, growth flourishes. |
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