The Body of Christ’s “One Baptism” Has No Water

“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, …” – Ephesians 4:4-5

In Ephesians 4:5, the Apostle Paul mentions a singular, crucial element of the Christian faith: "One Lord, one faith, one baptism." This statement, especially regarding the "one baptism," has been a topic of significant debate and confusion within the church, particularly concerning its nature. Contrary to common perceptions, the one baptism essential for membership in the Body of Christ does not involve water but is a spiritual baptism effected by the Holy Spirit.

Understanding the Nature of Baptism Today

Baptism, across various scriptures, implies an element of immersion with or into an element and a subsequent identification into a group. The Bible mentions several baptisms (approximately 14 different kinds), including Israel’s baptism unto Moses (1Co 10:12), John's baptism with water (Mat 3:5-6; Mrk 1:4; Luk 3:3-6; Joh 1:31; Luk 7:29), and Jesus’ baptism of the Holy Ghost and with fire (Mat 3:11). Amongst all of the baptisms, there is only “one baptism” for the Church today which is distinctly spiritual and not physical.

Paul clarifies our one baptism in various places:

“[13] For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” – 1 Corinthians 12:13

“[3] Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? [4] Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. [5] For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: [6] Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” – Romans 6:3-6

“[10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: [11] In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: [12] Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. [13] And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; [14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;” – Colossians 2:10-14

These passages unequivocally identify the Holy Spirit as the agent who immerses believers into the Body of Christ. Through faith in the gospel, we are baptized by the Spirit into Christ’s death and resurrection and supernaturally made members of Christ’s Body (Eph 1:13, Gal 2:20). This baptism transcends physical elements, signifying a believer's complete identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

Misconceptions About Water Baptism

The prevalent belief in water baptism as necessary for salvation or as a medium for washing away sins contradicts the doctrinal clarity provided by Paul according to the revelation of the mystery of Christ (Rom 16:25-26, Col 1:23-27, Eph 3:1-6). In 1 Corinthians 1:17-18, Paul explicitly states:

"[17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. [18] For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." – 1 Corinthians 1:17-18

 This passage emphasizes the primacy of the gospel message over ritualistic water baptism. This delineation is crucial for understanding that salvation is through faith alone, by grace, and not through ceremonial works (Eph 2:8-9).

Differentiating Baptisms: Israel vs. The Body of Christ

It is essential to distinguish the baptism by the Spirit discussed in the context of the Body of Christ from the baptism of the Holy Spirit that occurred in Acts 2. The latter pertained specifically to Israel, their prophesied Kingdom, and the New Covenant promises, which included signs and wonders like speaking in tongues, casting out devils, and healing the sick as outlined in Mark and early Acts (Mrk 1:8, 16:16-18, Acts 1:3-8, 2:1-4, 17-20, 3:24-25). The baptism by the Holy Spirit into the Body of Christ, however, is not accompanied by such signs but is a silent work of God that unites all believers to Christ after belief in the gospel, making them part of His body irrespective of ethnic, social, or gender distinctions (Eph 1:13-14, Gal 3:28).

While the Holy Spirit is involved in both, for remnant Israel in early Acts, Christ is the baptizer and the Spirit is the element that the individual is immersed into. For the Body of Christ, the Spirit is the baptizer and Christ’s body, death, and resurrection are the elements that the individual is identified with.

Theological and Practical Implications

Recognizing the nature of the “one baptism” is not merely a theological correctness but a practical necessity. It influences how believers view themselves and their mission. Understanding that our baptism is a spiritual act that places us into the Body of Christ helps foster unity and reduces divisions caused by differing interpretations and practices surrounding water baptism, which has no saving or spiritual value today.

Furthermore, this understanding aligns with the scriptural teaching that salvation and sanctification are works of God's grace through faith, not through physical rituals or adherence to the Law. It underscores the complete and sufficient work of Christ on the cross, through which we are saved and into which we are baptized by the Spirit.

Conclusion

The “one baptism” essential for the Body of Christ as stated in Ephesians 4:5 and clarified in 1 Corinthians 12:13 is a baptism by the Holy Spirit. This spiritual baptism is crucial for understanding our identity and unity in Christ. It is not a ritual to be performed but a divine operation that confirms our old man’s death and our resurrection to new life in Christ. By embracing this truth, believers can walk in the freedom and fullness of their identity in Christ, focused not on carnal ordinances but on the transformative work of the Spirit to save and renew (2Co 4:16).