666B.htm

(Cont. from Page 666A).

666B.

BAPTISM: ITS MEANING AND WHAT IT SYMBOLIZES.

The spiritual teachings and instructions for gaining everlasting spirit life are contained in the Word of God made known through The Christ our Lord. (2 Tim 3:14-17). These spiritual teachings, by word and example, are the "waters" that 'bathe' one. (Eph 5:25-27. Titus 3:4,5. Rom 6:1-11*). To be totally immersed ("buried" out of sight) in these "waters" symbolizes:

(1)	One's vow of dedication to God in accordance with true faith and with accurate knowledge of the Will of God through The Christ.
(2)	One's *"death"* as respects wilful sinning in one's spirit and body, and one's spirit unity with The Christ.
(3)	One's resurrection to a "newness of life"* when raised out of baptismal water; still alive in the same physical body but living now with reference to The Christ in his established "Way". (6:9-11) (John 14:6). This "Way"* are Christ's examples and teachings, and includes the assistance given by Holy Spirit sent by God in The Christ's name. (John 14:26). This *"newness of life"* is to continue to observe the Will of God expressed in His Spirit Law of the *"new covenant"*, made manifest in one's righteous dealings according to the laws of God. (Col 2:13,14. Matt 19:16-19). Living no longer according to the ways of the world (its people and their will), but in accordance with the Will of God. (James 4:1-4).

MANY BAPTISMS ARE MERELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF BEING DEAD ONES.
The forgiveness of one's sins through the acceptance of Christ's ransom sacrifice by God is limited to those who can be subjected to God. "Otherwise what will they do who are being baptized for the purpose of being dead ones?" (1 Cor 15:27-29). This scripture teaches that those who refuse to be subjected to God, who only observe laws that suit and give glory to them, are not being made alive in The Christ's teachings that give glory to God.

Those who have been subjected shall be raised in spirit to inherit heavenly life, although they die imperfect in the flesh. But how can one know if one is being subjected? By actively making changes in one's life to conform to The Christ's teachings as soon as they become known. That is the reason for these many letters from those substituting for Christ to those coming out of "Babylon". (2 Cor 5:20,21 & 6:1). The primary object in the ultimate purpose of God through baptism in Christ is the gathering of the anointed "firstfruits" to God, both individually and as a "body" as a "new creation". (Rev 14:4. Gal 6:15). These are the ones of whom it says: "For the eager expectation of the creation is waiting for the revealing of the Sons of God." (Rom 8:19).

Baptism is for the purpose of being made alive in one's spirit to the "newness of life" of The Christ while in the flesh, and resurrection after one's death to life in the heavenly realm of God with The Christ and his anointed brothers.

11/8/79.