Baptism

There are several signs which God instituted which, prior to their new significance as given by God, were "natural".



I would imagine that there were rainbows prior to the Noahic flood. At a minimum, any mist in the air may create a rainbow. But after the flood, God took the rainbow and gave it a new or additional meaning. (Genesis 9:8-17)



Prior to the Abrahamic covenant, circumcision was practiced by several tribes. In Jeremiah 9:25-26 five people groups (plus Israel) are listed as practicing circumcision. Yet God called them all "uncircumcised in heart."

"Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will punish all those who are circumcised merely in the flesh — Egypt, Judah, Edom, the sons of Ammon, Moab, and all who dwell in the desert who cut the corners of their hair, for all these nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in heart."

In instituting circumcision with Abraham and his descendants, God was giving a special meaning to the "sign" which was already practiced among the people.



The baptism of Christ is different than the baptism of John (as seen in Acts 18:24-28). The significance of Christian Baptism is given by Christ, his death and resurrection and the new covenant. It is BELIEVERS that are in the new covenant. Review the verses quoted in June 8. The unregenerate children of believers are not in the new covenant. They participate in the blessings but they are not born again.

Thus, it is appropriate to reserve baptism only for members of the new covenant.