Welcome!

QUESTION 1:
Galatians 3:27 states, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Was Paul talking about water baptism, and if so what is meant by the phrase, "we put on Christ?"

ANSWER:
We naturally think, when the word "baptism" occurs, it must mean water baptism. I'm afraid the Bible's meaning of water baptism has been lost in the traditions, and by the teachings of men. Water baptism is a symbol or sign. There MUST be the TRUE baptism, for example, Ephesians 4:24. Water baptism has probably been the most mutilated doctrine in the bible which men have taught. Beside the above verses, read Romans 6:3-6 and Colossians 2:11. Romans 6:2-3 tells us we have to be "baptized into Jesus Christ," and "baptized into His death. Nowhere is water mentioned there. This happens first when we are saved. We are taken out of Adam and baptized, (placed) into Christ. Read Romans 5:12-13. The transfer from Adam to Christ is said to be "baptized into Christ." How this is accomplished is seen in the second baptism which is to be, "baptized into His death." The believer is seen as passing out of Adam, by way of their death with Christ, being buried with Him, and then finally arising in a newness of life. Here we are told that we are "baptized into Christ" and "put on Christ," as in Galatians 3:27. It's not water baptism Paul's speaking of, it's what water baptism symbolizes. We seem to be so preoccupied with the sign, thus we are missing the substance. Are you a true believer? If not, trust Him today.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

Return to Baptism Question Page

Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen