Heaven- It’s a Family Thing: Baptism - Is It Really Necessary?

By Craig Shipp Sr.

Heaven-It’s a Family Thing is the first in a planned series of subject based study books. Hopefully, these writings will be found to be helpful to any and all who decide to use them alongside scripture in developing and living with a fuller understanding of God and His plan as described in the Bible. My goal is to speak in plain everyday language, as this is all that I know, but to see scripture as it is revealed with a thorough and clear view toward its teachings and quite possibly a more complete view of the subject at hand. As in this writing I have attempted to fully explain Baptism as the scriptures discuss and in such a way as I have never really heard taught from the pulpit. A more complete understanding of the Will of God and what He has provided for us through this Baptism, so that all who are willing might be able to truly state, “Abba Father.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Apr 14, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664227156

Craig Shipp Sr.

A son of 58 years, husband of 40 years, father for 40 years and a grandfather for 18 years. A product of his upbringing and life with his wife and family. The longer that I live the more aware I am of my own imperfections and my endless need for God’s grace, mercy and forgiveness.

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Copyright © 2021 Craig Shipp Sr.

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Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Craig Shipp Sr.

Charleston, SC

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ISBN: 978-1-6642-2714-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-2716-3 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-6642-2715-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2021905029

WestBow Press rev. date:  04/13/2021

PREFACE

It is my goal in this writing to logically take a look at and fully discuss the thought and question as to whether or not Baptism as a religious practice is an essential element of one’s desire for acceptance by God and ultimately a key and necessary procedure in the working of God and our soul’s salvation and deliverance into the next life, Heaven. It has been said as long as I can remember that Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people and basically, I would certainly agree. It has also been a rub among the various religious groups as long as I can recall, as well, this whole discussion of baptism and what the act itself does or does not do for us in our relationship with God. Is baptism part of this preparation getting us ready for the next life? Is this act a requirement of God in our effort to comply with the ordinances and precepts contained in His will?

I am a firm believer that when it comes to God, whether I agree or not, He can do anything that He desires to do as He has made all things including me by the mere exercise of His will and the unimaginable power of His spoken word.

The scriptures tell of His thought and intent for mankind and the map that He laid out prior to creating anything, including man, to provide a return path for Him that would be available to all mankind after mankind took the wrong turn out of the garden by allowing Satan’s seduction and man’s untimely demise. There are those, and the number is plentiful, who wish to minimize or even disparage the Bible, God’s word, as it proclaims itself to be and clearly what I believe to be the very breath of God. These naysayers do everything in their power and at every opportunity speak against, even eloquently, proclaiming that this book is merely the work of men and is for the most part a fabrication of human ideas. Some even proclaim its contents are outright lies intended by the men who wrote it to control mankind through oppression and dangerous misleading rules and regulations that lie to the unsuspecting and weak minded. They make the holy writings of scripture out to be fables of men who seek power and fame when, in fact as I see it, they are the liars and rebellious minds seeking to undermine the perfect and peaceful life that all who follow the writings in scripture have the opportunities afforded by the Creator to live life to its fullest. This full life, if lived, paves the way to an eternal abode with the Creator Himself, in Heaven.

Is baptism a required component of this journey or is baptism simply a choice, that is to say optional, for those who want to believe as God lays out in His scripture? Or is baptism simply a figurative idea that has been included for one’s mental clarification and understanding of God, His workings and the individual’s standing before God?

We have a very clear example in scripture of a pretty powerful man (in human terms) by the name of Naaman. This comparison is not intended on my part to be an equivalent to the baptism argument as it relates to Naaman dunking in the waters of the Jordan but it most definitely is a clear picture into the mind of God as to how He feels about our hearing (listening) and following His instructions. Especially, as those instructions, commandments, ordinances or precepts relate to our relationship with Him and His acceptance of us as individuals. Naaman sought out God’s help in hopes of having his leprosy healed just as many today search for answers and help in our times of need. We seek advice and instruction from doctors, friends and associates. Many even look to the government for their guidance but Naaman was fortunate even blessed to have been influenced by a servant girl and to at least listen to the words in the message from the man of God. This, when you think about it was pretty impressive considering his standing within the government in which he served. However, he was very disappointed that once he located the man of God and was given instruction as to what God wished for him to do. He was disappointed that God did not require some great feat to be accomplished by him or that some huge ceremonial function would be performed by the man of God in order to be cleansed. God simply asked that he go dunk himself in the river Jordan. Naaman at first refused God’s instruction and walked away but at the encouragement of a lowly servant girl he changed his mind and decided that he would comply with the instruction given by the man of God. My guess is that he came to a realization that he had nothing to lose other than some time and possibly a little embarrassment, that is, if it all didn’t work out as promised by the man of God. Ultimately, Naaman was healed. Was it the water in the Jordan river? Was it because of Naaman’s faith and belief that God was going to follow through? Just as Naaman stated in the scripture that the rivers of Damascus were better water than the rivers of Israel! Naaman came to realize that his status nor his strength had anything to do with the success or failure of his request of the man of God as none of those worldly attributes had the power necessary to cure him.

Could Naaman be healed without the waters of the Jordan? Well, yes, if God’s instructions had not required it then his healing could have very well taken place without it. But, since the instruction of God required it then nothing that man could dream up could possibly suffice or provide the outcome for which he hoped. As once the statement had been made by God then there would be no acceptable substitute that any man could possibly dream up that would suffice in place of the specific instruction of God.

Many times, it is with great effort it seems that we struggle over and over again to find our own answers but just as Naaman discovered that no great feat or payment of our own can accomplish the workings of God, Naaman came to understand at least partially that simple compliance to the instruction, that is obedience, would result in complete vindication.

Does this one simple biblical example answer our question regarding baptism, in that, if instructed by God to be baptized then we must of necessity do it? For me, absolutely, as this story aligns with the words of Christ and the apostles in the New Testament. But, for most in this world, it just is not enough and we tend to get muddled down in the weeds of man’s thoughts. These thoughts which ultimately amount to really a pride problem. Pride in thinking that we know too much or know better so to speak. Naaman thought that he knew better but eventually humbled his thinking even to the point of obedience. Not because of faith, but more of a thought, what do I have to lose! I have never thought of myself as having a pride problem but as I consider these things, I am coming to realize that this is something that I struggle with and have, I believe, for a long time. This whole pride thing seems to be a hidden and dangerous pit that traps and encompasses many and a downfall for which I need God’s help and forgiveness. Jude 12 refers to men even among God’s people as hidden reefs who lay in wait, a group among which I hope to never find myself. Just as a ship would travel in uncharted waters only to be brought to destruction because that reef, in fact, was hidden and its destruction was utterly complete. This pride is very much a human characteristic that lays in wait for the best of people that when its destructive capability is fully exercised brings about total destruction for those souls who do not and even refuse to not heed the warnings of God.

As a result of all of the elements and varying opinions on the subject of baptism and in trying to answer the questions related to and surrounding the act of baptism, a full understanding requires a trip through the scripture. This trip, which is of utmost importance, so that we can see where the concept of baptism originated and what God has to say in relation to its essentialness as a component in our spiritual journey. This journey should reveal our true goal of being pleasing in His sight. If pleasing in His sight then able to make one to be acceptable, sinless and approved before God when we all stand before the Son to be rewarded for our conduct during our physical and spiritual life while living. We must understand that this reward waits for each of us individually, whether that reward be good or even regrettably bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

My hope in this writing is to encourage all to consider the words of the scripture as these are the words of life! My hope is to encourage all to walk in the same manner as one of the most God-pleasing men of all time. This man, Enoch, shines a light into the mind of God and His love for all mankind. We should all desire to emulate Enoch because the scripture clearly states that Enoch walked with God and the unlimited and unimaginable happiness can await us just as it did for Him. This hope of eternal joy awaits if we too find it within ourselves to walk with Him.

CONTENTS

Introduction

What is Truth

The Book of Life

An Inheritance

Circumcision

The Holy Spirit

Understanding Biblical Belief

Righteousness

Baptism

Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

I was born in 1962 and grew up in the 60s and 70s in central Arkansas. My family was and is a church going family. As I grew up and being from the South, God played a major role in my development. This is not to say that God does not play a role elsewhere but I suppose that I reveal just a small glimpse into my mind and inner thoughts as they play out in my preconceived notions of geographical characteristics. It must be acknowledged, as a matter of clarification, where I grew up is considered to be located within the Bible Belt. On top of that, from all indications in the media and from various publications and media outlets the overall public perception of Arkansas is that this geographical region is considered to be among the most backwards places in this country and quite possibly in the world. My thoughts as to God’s presence and public acceptance of the Bible as God’s word are from this perspective. As for God, His word and my perceptions associated with that word, it is apparent to me that God was present all around me in my upbringing as at that time most people professed a belief in God. This has become more evident to me as now I am able to see in retrospect. Hindsight is always a better view as while, living it, these things were not so apparent. As I look back these facts become much clearer and I realize, as a general rule, society accepted that there were things and actions that were considered Right and also things and actions that were considered Wrong. The surprising thing, in light of today’s world, was that the lines between the two spectrums were pretty clear. In the time of my youth, most people, at least in my little world of Benton, Arkansas, were pretty much in agreement where to draw that line and for the most part tried not to cross it. Although there may have been a few, I’m sure, that made it their business to be in everyone else’s. My experience showed me even from a very young age that most people wanted to do what is right and most accepted that knowing and understanding right originated with parents and ultimately originated from God, the Bible. At that time and place most accepted the Bible as scripture and God’s words.

Even the shows on TV although they pushed the envelope from time to time the writers had their boundaries, whether that was government forced or self-imposed, I’m not completely sure. Shows like Andy Griffith, The Rifleman, Leave it to Beaver, Father Knows Best, My Three Sons and many more tried to portray a wholesome lifestyle and how God-fearing people could fight against and engage in our daily battle with everyday troubles and evil. However, there were always prime time shows trying to put forth an agenda thinking that they must portray a more enlightened understanding of life and conduct as an alternative to the so-called backwards and old-fashioned teachings of the Bible (Christianity). This in my mind has been an ongoing effort and