LEAVING THE FIRST PRINCIPLES -- Tomorrow:
"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 doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits." (Hebrews 6:1-4, NKJV).
Devotion 12 of 24
" . . . not laying again the foundation of . . . the doctrine of baptisms . . . "
It is unfortunate that some translations have obscured the meaning of this verse by using the words "removal of dirt from the flesh" (NASB), and "the removal of dirt from the body" (NIV). The Spirit is not saying baptism is NOT a "washing" or "cleansing" in a sanitary way. Rather, it is NOT a ceremonial washing. Peter's point is that baptism in water is not a mere ceremony, such as those enacted under the Law. Those who so represent it do greatly err. It has spiritual significance, being the appointed means of appropriating a purged conscience, which attests to the remission of sin.
Having said that, the plural "baptisms" by itself does not mean specifically Christian baptism. Some have said there are two baptisms, one in water, and the other in the Spirit (John 3:5). This, they think, is the reference in the word "baptisms." The chief difficulty with such a view is that the Holy Spirit declares "there is one baptism" (Eph 4:5). That single baptism touches both the inward and outward man. The outward man is plunged into the water, and the inner man into the Spirit. When the person emerges, he has been 'born of the water and of the Spirit." The whole matter as "one baptism,' not "baptisms."
The very same word translated "baptisms" (baptismos) is used in the ninth chapter of Hebrews, and refers to Levitical rites under the Law. " Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings (baptisms), and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation" (Heb 9:10). The same word is used again in the book of Mark, referring to Jewish ceremonies. "And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing (baptismos) of cups, and pots, brazen vessels, and of tables" (Mk 7:4).
Other versions of our Hebrews text emphasize this approach: "of instruction about washings" (NASB), and "with instruction about ablutions" (NRSV).
The disciples of John the Baptist had disputes with the Jews over purification. "Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying" (John 3:25). By reverting to Law as a means to justification, the Hebrews, like the Jews who disputed with John, were accenting form more than substance, and ceremony above reality. They were thus in the vestibule of truth rather in the holy of holies.
It should not surprise you that there is a phenomenal amount of ceremonial cleansing in the Christian community. People go through routines without their heart or conscience being involved. Such procedures are like Levitical washings, and have no part in newness of life. From infant baptism to the ceremonial receiving of the Holy Spirit, people are depending upon "washings" instead of the One who does the washing. Our text urges us to leave that kind of emphasis.
So, then, what does it mean to not lay again the foundation of baptisms, or washings? It is possible to spend so much time talking about being clean that we never get to the work for which cleanness equips us. Being clean is not an end of itself, but a means to an end. As it is written, "Depart! Depart! Go out from there, Touch no unclean thing; Go out from the midst of her, Be clean, you who bear the vessels of the LORD" Isa 52:11).
It is bearing the vessels of the Lord, i.e., being a "worker together with God" (1 Cor 3:9) that is the point! Without that, ablutions, or cleansing, are of no eternal consequence. At some point, the people of God must cease to talk about the necessity of being clean, and the means of becoming clean. The results that flow from being clean are the point. Not laying again the foundation of baptisms, is leaving a continual emphasis on becoming clean, and getting to the business of what clean people do.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You through Jesus for washing me. I thank You for the washing of regeneration, and for washing away my sins. I ask You through Christ Jesus for grace to continually present myself to You to do Your will and be a clean vessel, prepared for every good work.