Friday, 26 September 2014
…all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 1 Corinthians 10:2
Paul, telling his readers at Corinth “that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea,” now further explains this. In this exodus from Egypt which took place under the conditions he mentioned “all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.” In other words, what they did is to be symbolically equated to what we have now done in Christ. The Israelites willingly followed Moses thus accepting him as their spiritual leader. They subjected themselves to the laws and ordinances that he gave to them and thus they were symbolically “baptized” as they were under the cloud and passing through the sea.
The same preposition which is used for baptism in Matthew 28:19 is used by Paul here. In this, we can see that those who are baptized into Christ are acknowledging an acceptance of His spiritual leadership and the laws and ordinances which He prescribes for us. The Old Testament is given in shadows and pictures of a greater reality found in Christ. God used little Israel for these pictures. We are brought out of Egypt (bondage to sin) through the work of Christ. We are baptized into this work, meaning His fulfilling the Law of Moses, and into His death and resurrection. Thus we are acknowledging His authority over us.
Paul will continue with his thoughts and then show that the external rites must be accompanied by a change in our hearts and lives.
Life application: The wondrous stories of the Old Testament are all given for a purpose. When we read them, our eyes should be open to their true fulfillment in Christ. Paul uses several examples, such as the exodus from Egypt, to show us that this is the case. Therefore, always consider this and ask the Bible questions about the meaning of passages as you read them. It will answer back with beauty and treasure.
Baptism without any change in one’s heart
Has no significance, no meaning at all
It should indicate a changed life and a fresh start
And it should only come after a person on Jesus does call
Abraham first believed the promises of God
Then he was counted as righteous in God’s sight
Only afterwards was he circumcised in the life he did trod
He already had shown that his heart was right
Baptism then is a sign for the believer
For the one who has first on the Lord Jesus called
Go get dunked after being a receiver
Of the Holy Spirit Who into Christ you He installed
Yes Lord ! Thank You for the grace You lavished on me, saving me through the faith I exercised in You. Now, help me to be obedient in all ways out of gratitude for the marvelous redemption which has ended all of my enmity with God. Through Your blood I am washed, purified, and acceptable; sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise for that wondrous day upon which I await! Amen.