 |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is the Bible all about?
Though there are 66 books which make up the Bible that were written over a period of about 1600
years by inspired men of God from various walks of life, this Book of books has one central message
from Genesis 1:1 to the last passage in Revelation. The majestic message of the Bible centers
around one theme - Christ and His coming.
A careful reading and study of the first 39 books of the Bible (the Old Testament) will reveal that God's
message to men was - CHRIST IS COMING! Having become separated from God through sin,
mankind fell (Genesis 1-3). But God promised that One would come who could save fallen man (Gen.
3:15), namely Christ. This message is the common thread interwoven throughout the Old Testament
(Gen. 22:18 & Gal. 3:16; Deut. 18:15 & Acts 3:22; etc.).
As one begins a study of the New Testament, he finds four accounts of the life of Christ (Matthew
through John). The principal message there is -CHRIST HAS COME! Born in Bethlehem and raised
in Nazareth, Jesus (who is Christ) indeed came into this world and lived among men. In His coming,
He taught men how to live and to become reconciled back to God, giving numerous proofs that He is
whom He claimed to be (John 20:30-31). But these books also record that though He came to save
men - men crucified Him. Still, He overcame death, and arose on the third day never to die again, now
reigning as King over His kingdom, the church (I Pet. 3:22; Acts 2:36- 37; I Cor. 15:57). The good
news of Matthew through John is that Christ has come.
Finally, the remainder of the Bible shouts a common message as well - that CHRIST IS COMING
AGAIN! It teaches men how to prepare for that coming as Christ will be coming back to judge
mankind at this time (Matt. 25:31-46; II Cor. 5:10).
The Bible is about Christ and His coming. God promised He would come and He did, bringing
salvation to all who would obey Him (Heb. 5:8-9; Mark 16:16). God promised He would come back
bringing reward to each soul depending upon how we use(d) this life (II Cor. 5:10). Have you taken
advantage of His initial coming and lived according to His will in order to be prepared for His second
coming?
Question: Is The Bible Inspired?
What does it mean to say that "the Bible (the scriptures) is inspired?" Does it mean that various men
enjoyed some internal creative impulse and produced a literary success - a #1 best-seller? Does it
mean that God gave men concepts from above and allowed them to write these concepts down as
they saw fit? To find the answer let us consider what the scriptures, themselves, teach about the
inspiration of the Bible.
Perhaps no other scripture better sets forth the truth on the matter than II Timothy 3:16-17 which
states, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God..." All 66 books from Genesis to Revelation has
been given by inspiration of God. The original word translated "given by inspiration" in the King
James Version means "God-breathed." That is, the Bible finds its origin from within God, deity
breathing forth every word of scripture. David added, "The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and His
word was in my tongue" (II Sam. 23:2). The apostle Peter penned "...holy men of God spake as they
were moved by the Holy Spirit" (II Peter 1:20-21). Peter pointed out that men did not speak their own
words, but rather were moved (or borne along) by the Holy Spirit to speak God's words.
The irresistible conclusion is that the Bible came forth by the efforts of God and man - with God
providing the EXACT words to be said and written and man providing the means by which these
words could be said and eventually written down. Inspired Paul sealed the case when he wrote "If any
man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you
are the commandments of the Lord" (I Cor. 14:37; -also consider such passages as I Thess. 2:13; I
Cor. 2:13; etc.).
What does it mean to say that "the Bible is inspired?" It means that the Bible is the completely and
verbally inspired word of God finding its origin not in man but in deity and being written down by
inspired men moved by the Holy Spirit. This being true, not only can we have complete confidence in
it, but we must also realize that it contains God's will for you and for me. Study it and apply its
teachings to your life - for only then will you be pleasing to God in doing the things HE has said (Heb.
11:7; Rom. 10:17).
What does it mean to say that "the Bible (the scriptures) is inspired?" Does it mean that various men
enjoyed some internal creative impulse and produced a literary success - a #1 best-seller? Does it
mean that God gave men concepts from above and allowed them to write these concepts down as
they saw fit? To find the answer let us consider what the scriptures, themselves, teach about the
inspiration of the Bible.
Perhaps no other scripture better sets forth the truth on the matter than II Timothy 3:16-17 which
states, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God..." All 66 books from Genesis to Revelation has
been given by inspiration of God. The original word translated "given by inspiration" in the King
James Version means "God-breathed." That is, the Bible finds its origin from within God, deity
breathing forth every word of scripture. David added, "The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and His
word was in my tongue" (II Sam. 23:2). The apostle Peter penned "...holy men of God spake as they
were moved by the Holy Spirit" (II Peter 1:20-21). Peter pointed out that men did not speak their own
words, but rather were moved (or borne along) by the Holy Spirit to speak God's words.
The irresistible conclusion is that the Bible came forth by the efforts of God and man - with God
providing the EXACT words to be said and written and man providing the means by which these
words could be said and eventually written down. Inspired Paul sealed the case when he wrote "If any
man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you
are the commandments of the Lord" (I Cor. 14:37; -also consider such passages as I Thess. 2:13; I
Cor. 2:13; etc.).
What does it mean to say that "the Bible is inspired?" It means that the Bible is the completely and
verbally inspired word of God finding its origin not in man but in deity and being written down by
inspired men moved by the Holy Spirit. This being true, not only can we have complete confidence in
it, but we must also realize that it contains God's will for you and for me. Study it and apply its
teachings to your life - for only then will you be pleasing to God in doing the things HE has said (Heb.
11:7; Rom. 10:17).
Question: What does the Bible teach about baptism? (Part 1)
Perhaps no other Bible doctrine is misunderstood, mishandled or misapplied more than the doctrine
of "baptism." For example, some teach that it is but "an outward sign of an inward faith" for those
who are already saved. Yet, the Bible doesn't teach this. Others assert that it is something
administered to babies. Once again, this is not found in the Bible. If men desire to please God, they
must walk by faith (Heb. 11:6; II Cor. 5:7) and this demands an honest examination and acceptance
of Bible evidence, nothing more and nothing less (Rom. 10:17). In this section, examination will be
given the evidence from the original language and the scriptural testimony to the fact that there is only
one "baptism" authorized by Christ, today.
There are five words in the Greek New Testament that are pertinent to this study, found a total of
some 123 times. The basic meaning of all of them is "to immerse or submerge" (the element not
included in the meaning but supplied by the context). Too many have consulted Webster's Dictionary
for definitions of the English word "baptism" instead of seeking to find the meanings of the Greek
words translated baptize, baptism, etc. The Bible definition has nothing to do with sprinkling or
pouring as Webster's suggests. In fact, the word "baptism" is not even a translation of the Greek but
a transliteration - the spelling of the Greek word(s) with corresponding English characters. It is
important to understand that New Testament baptism is not a sprinkling or pouring but an immersion.
The apostle Paul wrote that there was only ONE baptism for men upon this earth at the time he
penned Ephesians, about A.D. 62 (Eph. 4:5). However, since the Bible mentions more than one
baptism, this begs the question, "Which one was the only one Paul could be talking about?" Let us
examine the evidence and simply use the process of elimination.
It is not "John's baptism" (Matt. 3:1-6; Mark 1:4). This immersion in water involving a confession of
sins was clearly no longer in effect by the time frame presented in Acts 19:1-5, about A.D. 55-58. It is
not the "baptism of the Holy Spirit" (Matt. 3:11; Acts 1:4-8). This immersion in the Holy Spirit was a
promise given specifically to the apostles by the Father which was realized in the events detailed in
Acts 2. It is not the "baptism with fire" (Matt. 3:11- 12; Luke 3:16-17). This immersion which Jesus
Himself would do concerns an immersion in "spiritual" fire after the judgment day (Rev. 21:8; Matt. 10:
28; Matt. 25:46). It is not a "baptism of suffering" (Matt. 20:22-23; Mark 10:38-39; Luke 12:50). This
immersion in suffering/sorrow was one that Jesus and the apostles would receive (at the cross, at
the hands of the Pharisees, etc.) due to their preaching, teaching, etc. It is not the "baptism into
Moses" (I Cor. 10:1-4). These verses are speaking of the figurative immersion in water that the
Israelites experienced when Moses led them through the Red Sea that they might be saved from the
Egyptians. It is not a "baptism for the dead" (I Cor. 15:29). In Paul's day, a baptism in behalf of the
dead (an unacceptable procedure) was being practiced by some (likely some of the heathen). Paul's
point is that since baptism involves a death, burial and resurrection, what benefits would baptism in
behalf of the dead be for those who do not believe in the resurrection (see the context of I Cor. 15).
The only one left which fits the evidence of Eph. 4:5 is the "Great Commission Baptism" (Matt.
28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16). This is immersion into water (Acts 8:36ff) which would last until the end of
the world - an immersion all sinners must experience in order to be saved (Mark 16:16).
Please see Part two of the answer to this question as it will be devoted to what the New Testament
says about the specifics of the "Great Commission Baptism."
Perhaps no other Bible doctrine is misunderstood, mishandled or misapplied more than the doctrine
of "baptism." For example, some teach that it is but "an outward sign of an inward faith" for those
who are already saved. Yet, the Bible doesn't teach this. Others assert that it is something
administered to babies. Once again, this is not found in the Bible. If men desire to please God, they
must walk by faith (Heb. 11:6; II Cor. 5:7) and this demands an honest examination and acceptance
of Bible evidence, nothing more and nothing less (Rom. 10:17). In this section, examination will be
given the evidence from the original language and the scriptural testimony to the fact that there is only
one "baptism" authorized by Christ, today.
There are five words in the Greek New Testament that are pertinent to this study, found a total of
some 123 times. The basic meaning of all of them is "to immerse or submerge" (the element not
included in the meaning but supplied by the context). Too many have consulted Webster's Dictionary
for definitions of the English word "baptism" instead of seeking to find the meanings of the Greek
words translated baptize, baptism, etc. The Bible definition has nothing to do with sprinkling or
pouring as Webster's suggests. In fact, the word "baptism" is not even a translation of the Greek but
a transliteration - the spelling of the Greek word(s) with corresponding English characters. It is
important to understand that New Testament baptism is not a sprinkling or pouring but an immersion.
The apostle Paul wrote that there was only ONE baptism for men upon this earth at the time he
penned Ephesians, about A.D. 62 (Eph. 4:5). However, since the Bible mentions more than one
baptism, this begs the question, "Which one was the only one Paul could be talking about?" Let us
examine the evidence and simply use the process of elimination.
It is not "John's baptism" (Matt. 3:1-6; Mark 1:4). This immersion in water involving a confession of
sins was clearly no longer in effect by the time frame presented in Acts 19:1-5, about A.D. 55-58. It is
not the "baptism of the Holy Spirit" (Matt. 3:11; Acts 1:4-8). This immersion in the Holy Spirit was a
promise given specifically to the apostles by the Father which was realized in the events detailed in
Acts 2. It is not the "baptism with fire" (Matt. 3:11- 12; Luke 3:16-17). This immersion which Jesus
Himself would do concerns an immersion in "spiritual" fire after the judgment day (Rev. 21:8; Matt. 10:
28; Matt. 25:46). It is not a "baptism of suffering" (Matt. 20:22-23; Mark 10:38-39; Luke 12:50). This
immersion in suffering/sorrow was one that Jesus and the apostles would receive (at the cross, at
the hands of the Pharisees, etc.) due to their preaching, teaching, etc. It is not the "baptism into
Moses" (I Cor. 10:1-4). These verses are speaking of the figurative immersion in water that the
Israelites experienced when Moses led them through the Red Sea that they might be saved from the
Egyptians. It is not a "baptism for the dead" (I Cor. 15:29). In Paul's day, a baptism in behalf of the
dead (an unacceptable procedure) was being practiced by some (likely some of the heathen). Paul's
point is that since baptism involves a death, burial and resurrection, what benefits would baptism in
behalf of the dead be for those who do not believe in the resurrection (see the context of I Cor. 15).
The only one left which fits the evidence of Eph. 4:5 is the "Great Commission Baptism" (Matt.
28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16). This is immersion into water (Acts 8:36ff) which would last until the end of
the world - an immersion all sinners must experience in order to be saved (Mark 16:16).
Please see Part two of the answer to this question as it will be devoted to what the New Testament
says about the specifics of the "Great Commission Baptism."
Question: What does the Bible teach about baptism? (Part 2)
Before continuing we recommend you read and study "What Does The Bible Teach About
Baptism (Part One)?"
In part one of this question we found that the Bible teaches there is but one baptism (immersion) in
effect, today - only one baptism (immersion) authorized by Christ Jesus for all men to submit to and
it is the baptism of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16). This study will provide
additional Biblical evidence concerning some of the specifics involved in this immersion.
First, it is a command of God that each believer must obey in order to become saved (Mark 16:16;
Acts 10:44-48). That is, unlike what some teach, the Bible teaches that it is not optional (Matt.
7:21-23; Heb. 5:8-9; etc.).
Second, it is required of all men and women who meet certain scriptural conditions. Before one can
become baptized into Christ, he/she must be qualified in the eyes of God - that is, he/she must do
other steps (meet other conditions) before he/she is a candidate for baptism. Jesus taught that one
must first believe He is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Mark 16:16; Acts 16:31-33). This faith
comes by hearing the gospel (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 16:32; 18:8; etc). Also, one must repent (a change
of mind/heart evidenced in a change of life - Acts 2:38). Further, one must confess his/her faith
(Acts 8:36ff; Rom. 10:10). And, it is implied that one must have an understanding of what baptism is
and is for (Acts 8:36ff; Acts 2:38ff; etc.). When one meets these conditions then he/she is a
candidate in the eyes of God to become baptized (See "What Must I Do To Become Saved?). It is
important to note that even the worst of people can change and be baptized into Christ (Acts 18:8
w/ I Cor. 6:9ff; the example of Saul in Acts 22:16; etc.).
Third, there are physical aspects of baptism that must be considered. As already discussed in Part
One of this question baptism is an immersion, not a sprinkling or pouring. However, the word itself
does not imply any specific element into which to immerse. The Scriptures do not leave us to guess
or supply our own element, though, as the Bible makes it clear that God authorized "water" as the
element in which baptism occurs (Acts 8:36-38; implied in Acts 10:47).
Fourth, there are spiritual aspects of baptism that must be considered. Romans 6:1-6 pictures
baptism as a burial and resurrection, a spiritual picture of how one dead in sins may be buried and
than rise to walk in newness of life (note: additional evidence that baptism is not sprinkling, pouring
or aspersion). What actually happens when one is baptized? The Scriptures teach the following: (a)
one gets into Christ's death (Rom. 6:3-4). The point to consider is that this is where one receives
the benefits of His death - i.e. His blood; (b) one gets into Christ (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27) where all
spiritual blessings (such as redemption) are; (c) one is added by Christ to His body, the church of
Christ (Acts 2:47; I Cor. 12:13); and (d) one spiritually comes into contact with the blood of Christ so
that his/her sins are forgiven, remitted, washed away - i.e. he/she becomes saved (Mark 16:16; I
Pet. 3:21; Acts 2:38; Acts 22;16; Rev. 1:5).
Honest examination of the whole counsel of God will, indeed, reveal that there is one baptism in
effect, today! It is that immersion into water for those penitent believers who have confessed Christ.
It results in being added to the Lord's church, having all sins washed away. And, it is a command of
God that must be understood and correctly obeyed if one desires to please God and enjoy eternal
life. Have you been baptized into Christ for the remission of sins?
Check the passages given in your Bible - if you have questions send
them to: sccoc@sugarcreekchurchofchrist.org
them to: sccoc@sugarcreekchurchofchrist.org
Frequently Asked Questions