A MORE PERFECT WAY- ACTS 18:26–IN THIS WE SEE THAT THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST GIVEN THROUGH JOHN’S BAPTISM WAS INSUFFICIENT

Edward O'Hara: Like Rom.6, Acts 18 tells us there is a difference between John's baptism and New Covenant baptism. The man Apollos in this passage is said to have been preaching the message of Christ. But, that he was preaching the way of John's baptism. So that he was in need of being taught "a more perfect way".

In this we see that the message of Christ given through John's baptism was insufficient. The reason this is true is because John's baptism was only for those who were under the law. A baptism that shows how to believe in Christ while still living under the law. A way that included the remission of sins they committed while under the law. Just as John, an apostle to the circumcision per Gal.2:9, in 1 John 1:8,9 teaches.

The "more perfect way" regards New Testament baptism that is not for remission of sins, but was for the complete taking away of sins for Israel by taking away the Old Testament law that gave sin power. Made possible by the fact that Jesus was the final once for all sacrifice for sins committed by those under the law that Jesus said in Mt.5:17,18 the law needed for it to be fulfilled so that it could come to an end.

In Rom.6 we read of Paul saying New Testament baptism symbolizes the "old man", the mortal man who is just as Adam was when he was made, has been buried with Jesus. And the new man that is immortal now raised with Him. All by faith in Jesus and His resurrection as Paul says in Rom.10:9,10.

New Testament baptism represents faith in Christ apart from the law. So that works have nothing to do with the New Testament gospel message. As they did under the Old Testament. So that now men are completely free from sin in every way to have a personal and loving relationship with our Creator. Unlike the Old Testament where Israel had to return over and over again to do sacrifices for the remission of their sins.

This is why Apollos needed some help understanding that what was true in John's baptizing of those who were under the law before Jesus came. Is not the same baptism after Jesus left to go to the Father. When the Holy Spirit reproves the world of the only sin that can keep men from heaven. The sin of unbelief Jesus spoke of in John16:9.

In other words, the baptism people were taught while Jesus was teaching Israel when He was here on earth was specifically for Israelites because they were under the law. And we who live in this dispensation, or administration, are not under law but under grace per Rom.6:14.

Further, this means that baptism in the New Testament has nothing to do with remission of sins. But, only with the taking away of sins completely and for all time as Heb.9:15 says. Made possible by Jesus' once for all time sacrifice for sin taking away the Old Covenant for Israel that caused sins to be imputed when the Jew believes in Jesus.

The question is, does this mean that Peter was teaching the baptism of John in Acts2:38? Or the baptism Paul taught? Peter was teaching John's baptism. A baptism that was for Israel alone because they were the only people who have ever been or ever will be under the law and accountable before God to keep it.

So when Peter said, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost", Peter was speaking specifically to Israel. And not to Gentiles. That is, other nations.

And because we know that only when there is law is sin imputed. Gentiles who have never been, nor ever will be, under the law do not need remission of those sins. Only Hebrews do because their sins were imputed to them because they were under the law.

This is also why we see John teaching the circumcision in 1John1 that when they confess their sins Jesus is faithful and just to forgive their sins and cleanse them from all unrighteousness. Because when the Israelite trusts in Jesus their sins that were committed under the law are cleansed and they are joined to Him in the New Covenant.

Joined with Jesus as Paul said in Rom.7 by now being dead to the law. Law that Gal.3 tells us had once shut Israel up unto the faith. To come into a relationship with Jesus so that now apart from the law they would no longer bring forth fruit unto death. But, would now bring forth fruit unto God.

No longer held in bondage to sin by the law. Because in 1Cor.15:56 Paul says sin derives it's power from the law. But, instead by trusting in Jesus and being baptized for the remission of their sins they committed under the law, they are then delivered from the law to be joined with Jesus.

So this is "the more perfect way" we all need to learn as Apollos did. That baptism has nothing to do with the remission of sins, or the washing away of sins, as it did when John was baptizing Israelites before Jesus came. Rather, it only symbolizes that by faith our mortal bodies have died with Christ. Symbolized by going under the water. And our receiving the immortal body symbolized when we come out of the water.

This is why baptism is not necessary for salvation. And never was. As is proven by the thief on the cross who was saved by believing in Jesus.

And it no longer has anything to do with remission or cleansing of sins that were under the law. But, only with our need for immortality that faith in Jesus without works provides for us.

By coming in the same flesh and blood all men have so that He could die the same death all men die. And by joining with men in our death. His resurrection from death conquered death. Making the righteousness of trusting in Him and His resurrection the only way to the Father.

Because as baptism is symbolic of, His death is our death. And His resurrection is our resurrection when we choose of our own free will to trust in Him. Because when we say "I believe", it is then that God gives us the gift of faith. And it is by this the gift of faith that eternal life, that is knowing Him, is ours.

So if you will believe in Jesus He will give you His gift of faith, and through it the gift of eternal life. If you will confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that He raised from the dead you will be saved. You will become immortal. You will have eternal life.

This is the literal death and resurrection that New Covenant baptism only symbolizes. A literal death and resurrection that will be realized when we leave this life behind to go to be with Jesus. If you will believe this... then I will see you there or in the air! This message can also be heard at: https://rumble.com/v29lp8c-a-more-perfect-way-acts1826.html