Fortunately we aren't told to rely on the early church fathers or even "church history" for OUR marching orders. Derek is correct (and thank you for providing the scripture to back it up), in saying that before the end of Pauls life here on earth, ALL HAD LEFT both HIM and His unique message. So it stands to reason that this is why you wont find evidence of this in early church history. This however,is certainly NO PROOF that Pauls instructions aren't valid.
Peter said, and correctly so, in the KINGDOM Gospel, that you must repent and be (water) baptized. This was a REQUIREMENT under the program of Times PAST (Eph 2:11.12)
however, take a look at this very interesting CONTRAST...Paul says that "Christ sent him NOT to (water baptize". UH OH>>>>>this tells me, and it should tell you as well, that a CHANGE has taken place. This is because of the ONE baptism of Eph. 4:5 "There is ONE body, and ONE Spirit, even as ye are called in ONE hope of your calling: ONE Lord, ONE Faith and (watch this carefully here) ONE BAPTISM..."
It is important that we understand the phrase 'one baptism'. It is also important that we see that there is only ONE baptism and not TWO. Of two baptisms in the bible -water and the Holy Spirit - what baptism is meant here? Abundant evidence clearly shows us tht the baptism by the Holy Spirit is the one that is meant in Ephesians 4:5.
This is why Paul stopped water baptizing. New program, new instructions, we are DRY cleaned...and the word baptism has to do with Identification, NOT anything to do with gettin WET.
I hope this helps. |
