BAPTISM: IS IT ONLY BAPTISED CHRISTIANS THAT WILL GO TO HEAVEN? WHO WILL GO TO HEAVEN? THE BAPTISM OF JESUS EXPLAINED!

"Baptism is a sacrament that cleanses us from original sin, make us Christians, children of God and members of the church.” 

This definition has its origin in the baptism of Jesus himself. By joining the queue of sinners to be baptized, he identifies with sinners that he is sent to save; he becomes one with them. Hence when the father’s voice from heaven declares, “You are my beloved son; with you I am well pleased,” the redeemed sinners also hear and become identified as God’s children of course, it is the action of the Holy Spirit that makes us members of the church. We can now see that it is all about us. Jesus’ baptism is an invitation to us to share in his life. To be part of his life, we are to renounce irreligion and worldly passions and prepare our lives well for his dwelling.

Is it only baptised people that will go to heaven?

The question of who will go to heaven is a complex and debated topic among Christians and theologians. The answer to this question is not straightforward and depends on one's interpretation of the Bible and Christian doctrine.

In Christianity, baptism is considered a sacrament that symbolizes a person's faith in Jesus Christ and their commitment to follow him. However, the Bible does not explicitly state that only baptized people will go to heaven.

Here are some arguments for and against the idea that only baptized people will go to heaven:

*Arguments for:*

1. *Jesus' command*: In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands his disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." This verse suggests that baptism is an essential step in becoming a follower of Jesus.

2. *Baptism as a symbol of faith*: Baptism is seen as a public declaration of one's faith in Jesus Christ. It is a symbol of the person's commitment to follow Jesus and to be identified with him.

3. *Baptism as a requirement for salvation*: Some Christian denominations believe that baptism is a requirement for salvation. They interpret verses such as Mark 16:16, which says "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved," as indicating that baptism is necessary for salvation.

*Arguments against:*

1. *Faith alone*: The Bible teaches that faith alone is sufficient for salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:28). Baptism is seen as a response to faith, rather than a requirement for salvation.

2. *The thief on the cross*: In Luke 23:39-43, a thief on the cross next to Jesus asks for forgiveness and is promised paradise, despite not being baptized. This story suggests that baptism is not always necessary for salvation.

3. *Infants and young children*: Many Christian denominations believe that infants and young children who die before they can be baptized are still saved, as they are innocent and have not yet had the opportunity to reject God.

*Conclusion:*

While baptism is an important sacrament in Christianity, it is not the only factor that determines who will go to heaven. The Bible teaches that faith in Jesus Christ is the primary requirement for salvation (John 3:16, Acts 16:31). Baptism is a response to faith and a public declaration of one's commitment to follow Jesus.

Ultimately, the question of who will go to heaven is a mystery that is known only to God. While baptism is an important aspect of Christian practice, it is not the sole determining factor in one's salvation.

 Take Home Catechesis

Not only baptised
Christians will go to
Heaven.

3 Kinds of baptism: 

✓ Baptism by water

✓ Baptism by blood [killed for the Truth] 

✓  Baptism by desire [those who desire to be baptized or follow Jesus but doesn't have the means, way or knowledge and/  or the opportunity]

Who will then go to heaven? Is it only 144,000 people?

NO! But first let's analyse the the 14,000 as stated in Revelation 7!

In general context 

12*12=144

The first 12 is the Twelve tribes of Israel (Revelation 7:4) in the old testament. In the new testament is the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ!

1000 generation or

1000=Infinity 

Also, according to Revelation 7:5-8, the 12,000 are from each tribe in Israel!

i.e 12*12,000! 

The Bible mentions the concept of 1000 generations in several passages, particularly in the Old Testament. Here are a few examples:

1. *Deuteronomy 7*: 9 - "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments."

2. *1 Chronicles 16*: 15 - "He remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded, for a thousand generations."

3. *Psalm 105*: 8 - "He remembers his covenant forever, the word he commanded, for a thousand generations."

In these passages, the phrase "1000 generations" is used to describe the extent of God's covenant with His people. It is a way of expressing the idea that God's covenant is eternal and will last for a very long time.

The concept of 1000 generations is also mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Revelation. In Revelation 20:4-6, it is written:

"The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended... Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years."

In this passage, the 1000 years is often interpreted as a symbolic number, representing a long period of time during which Christ will reign on earth. This period is often referred to as the Millennium.

It's worth noting that the concept of 1000 generations is not meant to be taken literally, but rather as a way of expressing the idea of a very long period of time. The Bible uses symbolic language to convey spiritual truths, and the number 1000 is often used to represent completeness, perfection, or eternity.

In terms of what the Bible says about 1000 generations, it can be summarized as follows:

1. God's covenant with His people will last for 1000 generations (Deuteronomy 7:9, 1 Chronicles 16:15, Psalm 105:8).

2. The concept of 1000 generations is used to express the idea of a very long period of time (Revelation 20:4-6).

3. The 1000 years mentioned in Revelation 20:4-6 is often interpreted as a symbolic number, representing a long period of time during which Christ will reign on earth.

Overall, the concept of 1000 generations in the Bible is used to convey the idea of God's eternal covenant with His people, and the long period of time during which He will reign on earth.

The question of who will go to heaven is a complex and debated topic among Christians and theologians. The Bible teaches that salvation is available to all people, and that God desires everyone to be saved (1 Timothy 2:3-4, 2 Peter 3:9).

The number 144,000 is mentioned in the book of Revelation, specifically in Revelation 7:4-8 and Revelation 14:1-5. This number refers to a group of people who are sealed by God as His own, and who will be protected from the wrath of God during the end times.

However, the Bible does not teach that only 144,000 people will go to heaven. In fact, the Bible teaches that there will be a multitude of people from every nation, tribe, and language who will be saved and will go to heaven (Revelation 7:9-10).

The 144,000 is often understood to be a symbolic number, representing a complete and perfect number of people who are sealed by God. It is not meant to be taken literally as the only number of people who will be saved.

In Revelation 7:9, the Bible says: "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands."

This verse suggests that there will be a vast number of people from all over the world who will be saved and will go to heaven.

The Bible also teaches that salvation is not limited to a specific number of people, but is available to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10).

In terms of who will go to heaven, the Bible teaches that:

- Those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ and have accepted Him as their Lord and Savior will go to heaven (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10).

- Those who have been born again and have received the Holy Spirit will go to heaven (John 3:3-8, 1 Peter 1:23).

- Those who have lived a life of obedience to God's commands and have loved Him with all their heart, soul, and mind will go to heaven (Matthew 22:37-40, 1 John 2:3-6).

- Those who have persevered in their faith and have remained faithful to the end will go to heaven (Matthew 24:13, Revelation 2:10).

Ultimately, the decision of who will go to heaven is up to God, and it is based on His sovereign will and mercy (Romans 9:15-16, 1 Timothy 2:3-4).

A LOOK AT THE BAPTISM OF JESUS

Background:
In the time of Jesus, baptism 
was a sign that a person had
repented and desired to
completely turn away from a
life of sin.

1. WHY DID JESUS

HAVE TO BE BAPTIZED?

Key considerations:

Baptism was only meant for sinners.

Jesus was not a sinner (see Heb.4:15;1 Pet. 3:22).

Therefore, Jesus did not need baptism.

This explains why John the Baptist said:

"I should be baptized by you and not

you by me" (Matt. 3:14).

Reasons for Jesus' Baptism

• To fulfill all righteousness and show us that Baptism is the way to go (Jn.3:5)
• To show us that Baptism is not merely a one-off but the beginning of lifelong process.
• To identify with our weaknesses showing that he understands what struggle with.
• To purify the water of baptism and give it the capacity to cleanse sin.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set

apart, to sing the praises of God, who has called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 

(1 Pet. 2:9)

2. THE BAPTISM OF JESUS REMINDS US OF THE VALUE OF OUR OWN BAPTISM 

Notes

•Our Baptism gives us birth and life in the Spirit.

•Some baptized Christians have become spiritually dead.

•How do I know if l am spiritually dead?

QUALITIES OF A LIVING THING

MR. NIGER D.

MOVEMENT

• To "move" is to practice your faith and make a positive impact wherever you go.

• Anywhere He went he was doing good (See Acts. 10:38).

RESPIRATION

• To have the breathe of God actively in you.
• The breathe of God is the Spirit of God.

"There is a spirit in man, the breathe of the Almighty" (Job.32:8).

NUTRITION

• To frequently feed on the Word of God. 

• To frequently feed on the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and Penance.

IRRITABILITY

• To "feel" compassion and be sensitive towards the sufferings of others
• To "feel" guilt when we commit sin.

GROWTH

• To grow in the Spirit and know God better and better.

• To nurture spiritual gifts and have better and deeper spiritual encounters as time passes.

EXCRETION

• To get rid of waste products such as bad habits, evil company and other things that hinder spiritual growth.

•  See Eph. 4:22-24

REPRODUCTION

• Spiritual fruitfulness by winning souls for God through words and actions.

• Material fruitfulness by generating value and being diligent in your work.

DEATH

• To die to the world and all its passions. "Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with all its passions and desires" (Gal. 5:24).

• To be willing to accept inconveniences, pain and even death for the sake of Christ (Matt. 16:24).

KEY TAKEAWAY

Look into your life, consider how you have lived since your baptism, are you experiencing spiritual death? 

Think about it!!!

What does the Baptism of Jesus teaches?

The Baptism of Jesus, as recorded in the New Testament (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, and John 1:32-34), teaches several significant lessons:

Humility and Obedience: Jesus, being the Son of God, did not need to be baptized for forgiveness of sins. However, He chose to be baptized to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15) and to identify with humanity.

God's Approval and Affirmation: The baptism of Jesus marked the beginning of His public ministry. As He came out of the water, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove. A voice from heaven declared, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). This event demonstrated God's approval and affirmation of Jesus.

The Trinity: The baptism of Jesus is one of the few events in the Bible where all three members of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) are present together. This event highlights the unity and cooperation within the Godhead.

New Covenant and Forgiveness: Jesus' baptism also foreshadowed the new covenant of forgiveness and redemption that He would establish through His death and resurrection.

Public Ministry and Mission: The baptism of Jesus marked the beginning of His public ministry, which would be characterized by preaching, teaching, healing, and ultimately, sacrificing Himself for the salvation of humanity.