PAJNIÉl
Dr. Charles L. Feinberg
Dr. Samuel H. Sutherland
Dr. J. Richard Chase
Discussions
Q. Porterville, Calif. "What is the difference between New Testa ment baptism and John's baptism? Did not the Ethiopian eunuch re ceive the latter?" A. Christian baptism would be a better term for New Testament baptism. In Acts 19 we find that, according to Paul, John baptized with the baptism of repentance. Paul baptized with the Holy Spirit. John's baptism was designated to prepare the people for the arrival of the Saviour who had not yet entered into the time of His earthly ministry. It was only preached to Israel for national conversion that they might receive the Messiah when He came. It certainly was Page 10
valid, however, it is not what we would know today as a Christian baptism. Today, by following this important ordinance we are mak ing attestation of our faith in the finished work of Christ, looking back on what He achieved in our behalf at the cross. It is a testi mony to the world of our reliance only upon Him for our eternal sal vation. Notice the fifth verse of this 19th chapter which tells us that these believers were then "baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus." The authority for Christian baptism is given in Matthew 28: 18-20. The Ethiopian did not re ceive John's baptism (Acts 8:34- 38). Phillip led him to Christ and he was most certainly baptized as a Christian.
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