12 The Cross Typified in the Old Testament
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Baptism Typified in the Old Testament
1Let us inquire as to whether the Lord took care to reveal anything beforehand concerning water baptism and the cross. 2About the water, it is written that the people of Israel would not receive baptism for the remission of sins, but would institute another kind baptism for themselves that cannot remit sin. 3For the prophets said,
“Be astonished, O Heaven! And let the earth tremble at it, because this people have done two great and evil things: they have left Me, the fountain of living water, and have dug for themselves broken cisterns that can hold no water.” Based on Jeremiah 2:12, 13
“Is My holy mountain of Sinai a desert rock? For you will be as baby birds, which fly away when the nest is removed.” Based on Isaiah 16:1,2
“I will go before you and make level the mountains, and will break the brazen gates, and cut in pieces the iron bars; and I will give you the secret, hidden, invisible treasures, that they may know that I am the Lord God.” Based on Isaiah 45:2,3
“He shall dwell in a lofty cave of the strong rock… His water is sure; you will see the King in His glory, and your soul will meditate on the fear of the Lord.” Based on Isaiah 33:16-18
“He that does these things will be like a tree, planted by the currents of water, which will give its fruit in its season. Its leaf will not wither, and whatever he does will prosper. It is not so for the wicked; they are as the dust which the wind scatters away from the face of the earth. Therefore the ungodly will not rise up in judgment, nor do sinners sit in the counsel of the just; for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly will perish.” Based on Psalm 1:3-6
8Understand how He has connected the cross and water.
True Baptism
9These words imply that you will be blessed if you place your trust in the cross by being baptized in water. God will give them their reward in due time. 10When the Scripture says “their leaves will not fade” is means every word that comes out of your mouth will tend to bring about conversion by bringing hope to many. 11Another prophet says,
“The land of Jacob was praised above every land.” Based on Zephaniah 3:19
12This referred to the vessel of His Spirit (the body of Christ), which He shall glorify. What else did he say?
“there was a river flowing on the right, and beautiful trees grew out of it, and whosoever shall eat of them shall live forever.” Based on Ezekiel 47:12
14The significance of this is that we go down into the baptismal water full of sins and completely defiled, but come up bearing fruit in our heart and having hope in Jesus in the Spirit. 15And where he says “whoever will eat them will live forever,” he means whoever will listen to these things and believe, will live forever.
Commentary
In 1 Peter 3:20-21, Peter reveals that Noah is a type of the Church. Noah’s going though the Flood and coming up in a new world is like a new believer being baptized into a new eternal life. Other ancient church fathers have commented that the Israelites’ going down into the Red Sea and coming back up alive was a type of baptism.
Water Baptism Typifies the New Birth
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