The Manifold Wisdom Of God
Immersion into the Body of Christ
(MEMBERS FOR LIFE)
::
"Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the teaching of immersions, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead and of eternal judgment ...," Hebrews 6'1-3.
::
"For by one Spirit we were all immersed into one body ...," 1 Corinthians 12'13-14.
::
The Body of Christ and Christ's Called-Out Ones are one and the same. Both are spiritual bodies. Neither are confined to earthly organisations.
The immersion into the Body of Christ is the only one that extends beyond this life. Which makes it unique. Like the other immersions, it is significant in the present.
There can be no doubt that immersion into the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit is remarkable, personal and life changing.
It's a once-only work of the Spirit that comes about when an unbeliever hears the Good News of Jesus, believes it, repents and receives Christ:
"For by one Spirit we were all immersed into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free ...," 1 Corinthians 12'13-14.
No other human being is involved in this immersion. Neither can it be prayed for, or "imparted", or "declared", or "confessed". It is by the Spirit and is therefore spiritual and eternal.
That is why it's in the list of the seven eternal "ones" in Ephesians 4'4-6:
"There is
one body and
one Spirit, just as you were called in
one hope of your calling;
one Lord,
one faith,
one immersion;
one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all".
::
"Now you are the Body of Christ and members individually," 1 Corinthians 12'27.
SO THIS ONE IS THE ONE
This immersion by the Holy Spirit is unique. It's not part of the religious ceremony usually called "baptism" and therefore no "church" persons are involved.
Such "baptism" ceremonies claim entrance into the Body of Christ, regeneration, salvation for those being "baptised".
None of these things can be guranteed by any human being no matter what the prayer or the ritual.
Nevertheless, they involve parents and babies, sprinkling them with water, with reference to the "one baptism". But the result is the infant ceremonially placed into the organisation for life. (See "Baptism" in Water on the Menu.)
::
Having received the Lord and being immersed by the Spirit into the Body of Christ, Believers need not be confused by such "baptisms".
But what Believers know is that:
"Now . . .
you are no longer strangers and foreigners,
but fellow citizens with the saints and
members of the household of God,
having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,
in whom the whole building, being joined together,
grows into a holy temple in the Lord,
in whom you also are being built together
for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit,"
Ephesians 2'19-22.
Α-Ω
Prayer. Thank you, heavenly Father, for the great love, mercy and grace that Believers received in this marvellous immersion experience.
In Jesus' name. Amen.