There Is One Baptism as to Practice

"A socialist once made a speech during which he declared,

'Socialism will put a new coat on a man. A person from the
audience, recently converted, shouted: "Socialism might put a new
coat on a man, but Jesus Christ will put a new man in the coat. ""
Paul promises such a potential lives in the act of baptism when it is
properly understood and practiced (Rom. 6:3). The perplexing part
is that Paul emphasised there is one baptism (Eph. 4:5 “ One Lord,
One faith, One Baptism,”), whereas scripture mentions seven
baptisms (John's; Christ's; a baptism of suffering; of the Holy Spirit;
of fire; a baptism unto Moses; and a baptism for the dead'). Note
further that some claim three modes as to the act of baptism and,
by including infants (increasing those who are subjects for baptism),
so that ten problems surface on this subject.
please read on as solutions are offered to ultimately arrive at the
one baptism the unity of the Spirit calls for us to keep!

Notes: 3 modes- immersion (dipping into water)

- Sprinkling (water sprinkled on the head)
- Affusion (water pored over the head)

“Subjects” refers to the people receiving baptism.

“ only believers should be baptised.” (Individuals who

consciously choose to follow Jesus, after making a profession
of faith.)

The Action of Baptism

When the action of baptism is understood, it explains questions that

may be raised as to the baptism of suffering, baptised unto Moses,
or the baptism with fire. That definition and biblical survey are well
supplied through the following:

“ Baptizo : to dip in, to sink, to immerse… to wash… to cleanse by

washing… to be baptised or cause oneself to be baptised… in
water, Matt.3:11; Mk 1:8; John 1:26,31,33… to be baptised into
anything, in other words into the belief, profession, observance of
anything; Matt 3:11, Acts 2:38, 1 Cor. 12:13, eis en soma meaning
that we may become one body…to be baptised into anyone, that is
into a profession of faith in anyone and sincere obedience to him;
Rom.6:3 and Gal.3:27… into the name of anyone, in a like sense;
Matt.28:19; Acts8:16, 19:5… to baptise in (with) the Holy Ghost and
in (with) fire, that is to overwhelm, rich furnish with all spiritual gifts,
and to overwhelm with unquenchable fire, Matt. 3:11; Luke3:16,
John 1:33, Acts 1:5; 11:5

Notes: - "To overwhelm" means to flood or abundantly supply.

- "Richly furnish with all spiritual gifts" implies providing an
abundance of divine talents and abilities (e.g., wisdom, healing,
prophecy).
- "Unquenchable fire" symbolises an unstoppable, passionate, and
enduring spiritual flame.

To baptise with calamities, to overwhelm with sufferings

(Matt.20:22,23), Mark 10:38,39

Several of the baptisms mentioned in scripture can be eliminated,

as the one baptism we are to keep, by the forgoing definition

Not The Baptism Of Suffering

A careful study of for going definition will explain the baptism of

suffering by Christ, James, and John (Mark 10:25-39). A trial and
crucifixion of Christ (Matthew 26:65-68; 27:25-31; Mark 15:22-39;
Luke 23:33-38), the martyrdom of James…Acts 12:1f and
banishment of John to the Isle of Patmos…Rev.1:9f were
overwhelming stages of suffering and torture. While they did
constitute a baptism of suffering, they surely are not the one
baptism Paul exhorted us, and the Ephesians to keep. (The act of
sacrificing one’s life or suffering severely for a particular belief,
principal, or cause, often related to religion.)

Not The Baptism into Moses

There baptism “ into Moses in the cloud and in the sea” (1Cor.10:1-
4;Exodus 14:13-31) was truly an overwhelming experience of God’s
power and Israel’s salvation from Pharaoh and his Egyptian forces,
but it is not the one baptism related to the unity of the Spirit which
we had to keep.

Not The Baptism Of Fire

The baptism of fire is that overwhelming event Peter described as
“the day of the Lord” when “ the heavens will pass away with a roar
the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the Earth and
its works will be burned up… for the coming of the day of God,
because of which they haven’t will be destroyed by burning, and the
elements were melt with intense heat” (2 Pet.3:10-22: 2 Thess.1:7-
10; 2Pet. 3:5-7; Rev. 6:12-17). What a phenomenal event that will
be, but that baptism in fire, in Christ tense and judgement is
obviously future to us. Therefore, it cannot be the one baptism Paul,
and the Spirit gave for us to keep!

Not A Baptism by Sprinkling or Pouring

The supplied on the following pinpoints baptism to be an act of
immersion* in contrast to sprinkling or pouring * (completely
submerging a person underwater, typical once or three times,
symbolising: 1. Death to sin [going underwater] 2. Resurrection to
life [emerging from water].
It is interesting to note all three of these terms used in Leviticus
14:15-16, showing them as distinct and different! When someone
asked: “ if one sincerely thought that pouring water or sprinkling
water would be enough(suffice) for baptism, which is a burial in
water (Rom.6:3f; Acts 8:36-39),
Answer to the question: “ Put the terms into English, and the
question destroys itself. Is not immersion by sprinkling a real
immersion!!! Or put it into Greek, and it commits suicide. Is not
baptism by rantism real baptism? And no honesty in thinking, will
convert one action into another, or make one creature another. If I
were honestly to think that the burning of a heretic was acceptable
to God, my honesty in thought would not make the action
acceptable.”

This statement critiques the idea that:

1. Semantic manipulation (relabeling) can change the nature of an

action.
2. Individual opinions or sincerity can justify or alter moral truths.

Breaking it down:

*Immersion vs. Sprinkling*

The author argues that calling sprinkling "immersion" does not

make it so. This refers to baptismal practices, where some consider
immersion essential, while others accept sprinkling.

*Baptism by rantism*

This phrase is rhetorical, emphasizing that renaming an action does

not change its essence. "Rantism" implies passionate,
unsubstantiated declarations.

*Honesty in thinking*
It asserts that genuine belief or sincerity cannot:

1. Transform one action into another (e.g., sprinkling into

immersion).
2. Change the moral value of an action (e.g., burning heretics).

The example of burning heretics illustrates that even if someone

genuinely believes it is acceptable, their honesty does not make the
action morally justifiable.

Sprinkling as one act, pouring as another act and immersion yet

another act can never be interchangeable (identical, mutual, or
equivalent), to become the one baptism the Lord commanded for
us to keep! Even those who have practiced placing water upon
one, pouring or sprinkling water on someone, know that a burial in
water is what baptizo means. An excellent example of this fact is
the very word baptise, however, signifies to immerse; and it is
certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient Church.

Not John’s Baptism

John’s baptism, of course was by immersion, exemplified by Christ
going down into and coming up out the water (Matt.3:13-17; John
3:23). Therefore, the foregoing facts about the action of baptism
would not eliminate John’s baptism. However, when one considers
the purpose of that one baptism in Ephesians 4:5, it does
eliminate John’s baptism. The apostle Paul clarifies this matter for
us at Ephesus, as recorded in Acts 18:24; 19:7.
Paul made it evident that John’s baptism was outdated and for a
different purpose than the one baptism he mentioned in the
letter to the church at Ephesus. John was killed about 27 A.D.
(Matt.14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29), and Christ commissioned the
apostles to go teach baptism in his name to “all nations” and “every
creature” beginning about 33 A.D. (Matt.28:18:20; Mark. 26:15f).
The events at Ephesus (Acts 28:24; 19:7) occurred about 53 A.D.
That was when Paul asked certain disciples at Ephesus, “Did you
receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” (Acts 19:2). As soon as
those 12 men avowed they were unaware of receiving the gift of the
Holy Spirit as a response to baptism (see Acts 2:38; 5:32), Paul
knew they had not obeyed that “one baptism” he wrote about in
Ephesians 4:5. The action may have been all right, but if the
purpose was different, Paul will not accept it. Obviously, Christ
would not accept it, and we best be sure if we are immersed that is
for the right purpose.
Notes: A.D. = Anno (year) Domini (of the Lord) that’s Latin, it refers
to years that come after the birth of Jesus Christ

The parallels and differences in the baptism of John and the

baptism of Jesus is recognised from the following:

The Baptism of John

- An immersion in water
- Baptising calling for repentance (Matt.3:11f; Mark 1:4)
- Looking forward to Christ and His sacrifice for sins (Heb.9:11-
15)
- John was sent to the children of Israel (Lk. 1:15f, 80)
- They confessed their sins (Matt.3:5f)
- Relating one to no name
- For the remission of sins (Mark1:4)
- Not related to the church
- Not put one “into Christ”
- No promise of the Holy Spirit
The Baptism of Jesus
- An immersion in water
- Baptism from faith in Jesus + repentance (Mk 16:15f; Acts
2:38)
- Looking back to Christ’s sacrifice for sins (1 John 2:1f: 1
Pet.1:18-23; 3:18-22)
- Jesus sent out the apostles to every creature (Mark 16:15f)
- We confess our faith in Christ as God’s Son (Acts 8:36-39;
Matt. 10:32; Rom. 10:9f)
- Baptising one into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
(Matt. 28:18f)
- For the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16)
- Baptised into one body (the church) 1 Cor.12:13; Col. 1:18
- Baptised into Christ (Rom.6:3f; Gal. 3:26f)
- Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 5:32; Rom. 8:9-
11)

Some summary observations related to the incidents concerning

those 12 men at Ephesus should be noted:
1. A sincere teacher (like Apollos), who is wrongfully informed
about the New Testament teaching on baptism might mislead
some relative to properly obeying Christ's command. Apollos
did! Have You been misled?
2. If one is misled by a sincere, but mistaken teacher, Paul
assures us that such people should be properly instructed and
baptized again! Those men at Ephesus were. *

*"God has always required individuals to have the right attitude and
frame of mind with regard to His commands. Obeying the outward
forms unaccompanied by a proper internal mindset is unacceptable
(e.g.
Amos 4:4-5; 5:21-23; Matt.23:25-28). That is why those baptized
with John's baptism after the cross had to be baptized again with
the proper understanding (Acts 18:24-19:5). The external action of
both John's baptism and New Testament baptism are the same.
The only difference between the two is in the purpose and what the
individual understands about that purpose."

3. The fact these men immediately were baptized in the name

of Christ (by His authority) indicates this is not an insignificant
matter to be delayed (cf. Acts 8:36-39; 22:14-16; Matt.28:18-
20).
Have You delayed your obedience to Christ as to baptism?
 Not Holy Spirit Baptism
A simple, but significant, observation should assure the reader that
Holy Spirit baptism is not the one baptism we are to keep. Holy
Spirit baptism was never a command for men to obey! It was a
Divine act for men, not an act to be performed by men. It was to
be done to men, not an act for men to do!
As John prepared the way for Christ, he stated, "He shall baptise
you in the Holy Spirit" (Matt.3:11). Jesus said to the apostles, "I will
pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He
may be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth. ...But the
Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the father will send in My
name, He shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance
al hat said unto you" (John 14:16f,26 AS). After Christ's death and
resurrection, Jesus again informed the apostles, "You will be
baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now" (Acts 1:5).
That baptism of the Holy Spirit occurred some 7 days later as
recorded in Acts 2: 1-4, 14-21,32. Note from these passages that it
was something done to them and for them, not something to be
done by them!
Therefore, Holy Spirit baptism was not the one baptism in
Ephesians 4:5, which men were to practice. The Holy Spirit baptism
was a presentation to men, not a practice or act of obedience by
men!
It is regrettable that some claim, and some are seeking, Holy Spirit
baptism unto this day. A careful examination of scripture will affirm
the fact that Holy Spirit baptism occurred one time with resulting
benefits thereafter.
There is mention of a "pouring out" of the Holy Spirit on two
occasions: 1. On the first Pentecost after Christ's resurrection from
the dead, Peter informed those gathered that their speaking with
tongues and the miraculous events of that occasion were because
Christ, upon receiving the promise of the Holy Spirit, "He has
poured forth this which you both see and hear" (Acts 2:33). 2. When
the unique and miraculous events occurred at the house of
Cornelius, all the believing Jews, who had come there with Peter,
were amazed because "the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured
out on the Gentiles also" (Acts 10:45).
The observation too few have made relates to the grammatical
construction given concerning those outpourings related to the Holy
Spirit. In Acts 2:33 the outpouring in Greek is exechee, which is 1st
aorist, indicative active, 3rd person, singular of ekcheo. Our interest
is in the tense-1st aorist. William Hersey Davis writes: "There is no
difference in meaning between a first aorist and a second aorist.
Both express punctiliar action-point action… the aorist tense itself
always means point action (punctiliar action)." Note, however, that
the outpouring (Acts 10:45) in Greek is ekkechutai, which is
perfect, indicative, passive,3rd person singular of ekcheo. Davis
points out,
“The perfect tense presents the action of the verb in a completed
state or condition... the perfect expresses the continuance of
completed action.”
What does this mean? It means the baptism or outpouring of the
Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) was point action-a one
time event (1st aorist), and the benefits of the same continued in
the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the household of Comelius
(perfect tense, some 10 years later), as the continuance of
completed action!
The baptism of the Holy Spirit occurred, as Jesus promised (not
many days hence-Acts 1:5) on the day of Pentecost, and the Spirit
then acted, or was manifest, thereafter in varied ways as Christ had
promised. A summary listing of the biblical promises related to the
Holy Spirit will be sufficient to show the baptism of the Holy Spirit is
not the one baptism we are to keep. These promises are two-fold:
1. The miraculous work by the Holy Spirit and its purpose: a. The
Holy Spirit would guide the apostles and prophets in speaking
(Matt. 10:16-20; 2 Pet. 1:20f), recalling what Christ taught them
(John 14:25f), and guiding them into all the truth (John 16:12f). b.
The Holy Spirit would inspire the apostles and prophets to write
Christ's eternal covenant for men (Eph.3:3-5; 1 Cor.2:4-13;
Rom.1:16-25; 2 Tim.3:16f; Heb.13:20f; Rev. 22:18f). c. The Holy
Spirit gave the apostles and prophets miraculous power to confirm
the message they preached and wrote (Mark 16:17-20; Heb.2: 1-5).
These powers were manifest after the baptism of the Holy Spirit
(Acts 2:1-21; 3:1-10; 5:12; 16:16-18; 28:3-9, etc.), with the Spirit's
power being extended to others by the laying on of the apostles'
hands (Acts 6:5-8; 8:5-8,14-
17; 19:6f). Since only the apostles are recorded as so imparting the
Holy Spirit's miracles and powers to others, such power did end
when the apostles (and those on whom they laid their hands) had
died.
Note that 3 foregoing benefits from the Holy Spirit included
revelation (knowledge), inspiration (prophecy), and confirmation
(miracles) which are the three-fold method of getting Christ's eternal
covenant to men, recorded, and confirmed. Paul clearly stated such
powers would cease when Christ’s perfect covenant was complete
and confirmed (1 Cor. 13:8-11; James 1:19-25).
Since men do not know how to direct their own steps (Jer. 10:23,
Prov. 14:12), then the revealing of all truth, the writing, and the
confirming of Christ's covenant by the Spirit was truly a
monumental work! However, that was, as to miracles, this
temporary in nature, being completed in that first century (though
His words will nor pass away-Matt.24:35; Heb.13:20f; John 12:48;
Rev.20:11-15).
2. The second work of the Holy Spirit is also significant, and it
does continue. When people have been baptized into Christ,
receiving the remission of sins, they are to receive "the gift of
the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38; 5:32). Numerous benefits come to a
child of God by the Spirit's dwelling within him/her. Observation that
God and Christ also dwell in His faithful children. This continuous
benefit of the Spirt dwelling within us is indeed pertinent. God forbid
that any of His children would quench (I Thess.5:19) or grieve the
Holy Spirit (Eph.4:30). However, the foregoing facts all blend to
make it evident that the baptism of the Holy Spirit on that Pentecost
day is not the "one baptism" Paul wrote about in Ephesians 4:5 that
we are to practice.

Simplified Explanation: Holy Spirit Baptism

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is different from the “one baptism”
Christians are instructed to follow. Here is a simple breakdown:

1. Not a Command to Obey:

Holy Spirit baptism was not something people were told to do. It
was an act of God, done to people, not by people.
2. What the Bible Says:
• John the Baptist said Jesus would baptise with the Holy
Spirit (Matthew 3:11).
 • Jesus told His apostles that they would receive the Holy
Spirit (John 14:16, 26).
• After Jesus rose from the dead, He promised the
apostles that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit soon (Acts
1:5).
• This happened on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4).
The Holy Spirit came to the apostles, giving them special powers
and understanding.
3. A Special Event:
Holy Spirit baptism was a one-time event on Pentecost. Its effects
continued, but the baptism itself was not repeated.
• Another unique event happened later at Cornelius’
house (Acts 10:45), showing the Holy Spirit was given to non-Jews
as well.
4. Grammar Matters:
In the Bible, the words used to describe these events show the
baptism was a single event (past action), while the benefits
continued over time.
5. Purpose of Holy Spirit Baptism:
The Holy Spirit’s work was to:
• Guide the apostles in teaching and remembering Jesus’
words.
• Inspire the writing of the Bible.
• Confirm the truth through miracles.
These miracles and special powers stopped once the apostles and
those they laid hands on passed away.
6. The One Baptism We Practice:
The “one baptism” in Ephesians 4:5 refers to the baptism we
practice today—water baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Acts
2:38). When we are baptized into Christ, we receive the gift of the
Holy Spirit, which is God’s presence in our lives, helping us to live
faithfully.
7. Ongoing Work of the Spirit:
While Holy Spirit baptism was a unique event, the Holy Spirit
continues to work in believers today, dwelling in us and guiding us.

In summary, Holy Spirit baptism was a special act of God in the

early church to prove His message. It is not the baptism
Christians are commanded to follow today, which is water
baptism for salvation.
 What Is The One Baptism?

Note that the one baptism is related to biblical declarations, a

demonstration, and even to death. These biblical facts will affirm
that this baptism is both essential and significant.

"The law of baptism is clear and explicit; he that believeth and is

baptized shall be saved. Here we are clearly taught that only
believers are to be baptized and are also guarded against
considering it a matter of little importance; a mere ritual observance,
as some ignorantly or presumptuously speak. Baptism is the only
ordinance the observance of which the Lord has connected
salvation.”

Simplied:

The “one baptism” mentioned in the Bible is important and

necessary. It is connected to what the Bible teaches, shows in
practice, and even relates to Jesus’ death.

The Bible makes this clear: “Whoever believes and is baptized will
be saved” (Mark 16:16). This shows:
1. Only those who believe in Jesus should be baptized.
2. Baptism is not just a ritual or tradition; it’s something very
important.

Baptism is the only act that God has directly linked to salvation,
making it essential for those who want to be saved.

Biblical Declarations
After the dramatic demonstration of the Holy Spirit upon those who
heard Peter's word at the house of Cornelius (Acts 10:44-46), it is
important to note what happened next. All the unique events and
demonstrations from Acts 10: 1-46 are climaxed in verses 47 and
48.
God's noting the good Character of Cornelius (vv.1f); the angel's
appearance and message (v. 3-8); the three visions shown to Peter
(v.9-22); Peter's message to Cornelius and his household, that
affirmed God is no respecter of persons; the position and power of
Jesus Christ, including His death, resurrection, judgeship; and that
through faith in Christ's name souls can receive remission of sins
(v. 34-43)-all of that, plus the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (vv.44.
46) climaxed in the baptism of Cornelius and other Gentiles he
had gathered to hear Peter's message (vv.22,33). Note the facts
related to that climax:
1. It was water baptism, for Peter said, "Surely no one can
refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received
the Holy Spirit as we did, can he?" (Acts 10:47). While the
purpose of the Holy Spirit appearing as He did was to
convince the Jews that Gentiles were to be the benefactors
also of Christ's saving message (vv.44-46; 11:1-18), the
response to that saving message was water baptism!
2. It was an ordered command for them to be baptized in the
name of Jesus Christ (10:48). It was not an option, or just a
symbol, but a command (Gk. Prostasso-" ...command,
order...Matt. 1:24.
give orders concerning someone... Acts 10:33, 48... Lk.5:14")

Simplified Explanation: Biblical Declarations

After the Holy Spirit was dramatically poured out on Cornelius and
those with him (Acts 10:44-46), the events reached their high point
in Acts 10:47-48. Here is what happened:
1. God Prepared the Way:
• Cornelius was a good man (Acts 10:1-2).
• An angel appeared to him with a message (Acts 10:3-8).
• Peter had three visions from God (Acts 10:9-22).
• Peter preached about Jesus’ life, death, resurrection,
and how faith in Him brings forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:34-43).
2. The Holy Spirit’s Purpose:
The Holy Spirit’s appearance convinced the Jewish believers that
Gentiles (non-Jews) could also receive salvation through Jesus
(Acts 10:44-46; 11:1-18).
3. The Climax: Water Baptism:
• Peter asked, “Can anyone stop these people from being
baptized with water?” (Acts 10:47).
 • He commanded them to be baptized in the name of
Jesus Christ (Acts 10:48).
• This was not optional or symbolic—it was a direct order.

In summary, the events in Acts 10 show that water baptism in

Jesus’ name is a necessary response to accepting the gospel. It
was commanded, not just suggested.

That was Peter's pattern as he preached the gospel and met souls
who needed a Saviour (Acts 2:36-38; 3: 19, etc.).
This is the baptism the resurrected Christ called on the apostles to
teach to and enact among "all the nations " preaching to “every
creature" the need to believe on Him as Son of God and to be
baptised (Matt. 28: 18-20; Mark16:15f). The purpose and benefits of
that baptism can be clearly seen by the following parallel passages
given in Christ's covenant:

Mark 16:15f
Baptism
and
Believe (gospel)
Saved free from sin (Acts 2:38)

John 3:3-5
Born of Water and Spirit (2 Pet. 1:20f)
Born again
Kingdom of God
Newness of Life (Rom.6:3f)

Galatians 3:26f

Baptism by Faith into Christ

Children of God
House of God (1 Tim. 3:14f)

Ephesians 5:25f
Washing of water with the Word
Cleansed
The Church (1 Thess.1:1; 2:12; Matt.16:16f)
1Cor.12:13
Baptised by one Spirit (teaching)
(1 Pet. 1:23-25)
Into one body

That baptism is for those taught by the word, which was given by
the Spirit, who had become believers in Christ as God's Son, and
then were baptized to get into Christ and into His body, which is the
church, or the family of God, or citizens of the Kingdom, having
been freed from their sins! All these remarkable events are
contained in the foregoing chart with its varied verses. Since
baptism is the very act that opens the door into all those benefits
and blessings, no wonder Christ gave it as a command to men of all
nations.

The One Baptism Demonstrated

To foregoing chart and passages also explain why the Ethiopian
eunuch (Acts 8:26-39), when he understood Christ’s gospel through
the preaching by Philip, said: “Look! Water! What prevents me from
being baptised?” Stop your travel! Stop your work! Stop your
preference! Stop your worry! When you understand and believe
Christ’s teaching compared to baptism do it in order to gain the
benefits through it!
Note thar Philip, the preacher, said to the eunuch. "If you believe
with all your heart, you may” (v.37). Since a failure to believe would
have hindered the eunuch’s obedience in baptism (he would only
have gotten wet), that very statement settles from Christ’s covenant
Why infant baptism is not biblical teaching. The one baptism we
are to practice is for people old enough and able to believe in
Christ as God’s Son.

Equally significant is how this case of conversion shows the act of

baptism. Verses 38 and 39 declare how Philip and the eunuch both
went down into the water and came up out of the water, the
very action of a burial in water, typifying Christ’s death, burial, and
resurrection (Rom.6:3-5,17f). Indeed, while the resurrection through
baptism of water is to live a life of righteousness to God (Rom.6:10-
13), Paul climaxes his thoughts by connecting that resurrection also
to eternal life (6:22f)

The One Baptism Related To One’s Death

It is sad that some have mistaken Paul's comments in I Corinthians

15:29, publishing the doctrine of living people being baptized for
some who had died. Any such interpretation conflicts with God's
truth, clearly said in other passages.
Note Hebrews 9:27: "...it is appointed for men to die once and after
this comes judgment." A person will be judged by their spiritual
state at the time of his/her death, not what someone can do for
them after they die.
Paul wrote in 2Corinthians 5:10: "For we must all appear before the
judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for
his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether
good or-bad." Just as in Hebrews 9-27, Paul in this passage
emphasises that each one will be judged by what he/she has done
in the body, not for a baptism someone else does for them after
their spirit leaves the
body (James 2:26).
God has always worked by the principle that each one will be
accountable for his own righteousness or sin (see Ezekiel 18:4, 19-
24).
Then what was Paul teaching when he wrote in I Corinthians 15:29:
"Otherwise what will those do who are baptized for the dead?
If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for
them?" In English, some might construe the rendering to imply
someone being baptized for another. In Greek that is not the
implication. In the context Paul is relating to resurrected bodies.
Here is the Greek text with its translation:
Epei ti poiesousin oi baptizomenoi huper ton nekron ei holos
Otherwise what will they do the/ones) being baptized on behalf-of
the dead if actually, nekroi
ouk egeirontai, ti kai baptizontai super auton?
dead persons are not raised why indeed are they baptized on
behalf of them?'

The two key words to note in Greek are the dead (ton nekron) and
them (auton). Both terms are genitive case. "The genitive is the
specifying case, expressed in English by the possessive or the
objective with of. As a specifying or possessive case, Paul was
asking, "Why, indeed, are they baptized on behalf of the dead
bodies of them, or on behalf of their dead bodies (possession or
ownership).
The intent of Paul from the Greek text is presented quite well in this
translation: "However, people are baptized because the dead will
come back to life. What will they do? If the dead cannot come back
to life, why do people get baptized as if they can come back to life?"
The body is the part that died (James 2:26) Therefore, Paul is
relating to their baptism with the anticipation that their dead bodies
would be raised (see I Thess.4:13-18).
The parallel thoughts given in scripture and the translations just
noted all blend to show the fact Paul in 1Cor. 15:29 is referring once
again to the one baptism in the Spirit’s plan for unity, which we
need to keep. That baptism is significant in life and gives us hope
even in physical death (for all souls who hope to be saved)!
Only the Devil's influence would mark the New Testament teaching
of that one baptism as insignificant or non-essential! Christ, who
wants us to footprints (l Pet 2.21-24), was baptized. “If baptism was
so important for ur sinless Saviour, how could it ever be
unimportant to us? “Christ, by His baptism “to fulfil all
righteousness," presents to us heaven's response to biblical
baptism (Matt 3:14-17. Note what happened when Christ was
baptized:
1. The heavens were opened.
2. The Spirit of God came upon Him.
3. God said, "This is My beloved Son."
4. It was at that time God added, "In Whom I am well pleased."
Today, when the gospel has been presented to one, causing
him or her to believe that Jesus is the Christ, God's Son
(Mk.16:15f;
Rom. 10:17; John 20:30f), leading one to be baptized to be saved
from sin, the same four beautiful benefits occur:
1. Heaven is open to that soul (see I Pet. 1:3-5; Phil. 3:20f).
2. The Spirit of God is given as a gift to the forgiven soul (Acts
2:38; 5:32; 19: 1-5).
3. One thereby has become a child of God (Gal.3:26,27, John
3:3-5).
4. As one becomes a newborn babe in God's family or kingdom
(1 Pet. 1:23-2:2), surely God rejoicingly adds, "in whom I am well
pleased"-there is heaven's response to biblical baptism as
demonstrated by Christ Himself!