Out of the Water and in the Water
God's original creation is restored through Jesus Christ, who is the true new creation, and baptism is the way for men to return to the beginning.
G.W. North emphasizes the significance of baptism as a new beginning, drawing parallels between the original creation and the revelation of Jesus at His baptism. He highlights Peter's reference to the earth being 'out of the water and in the water' and connects it to John the Baptist's presentation of Jesus, who embodies the true new creation. The sermon illustrates that while John could only baptize with water, the descent of the Spirit signifies the transition to a new spiritual reality that Jesus brings. North underscores that baptism, rather than sacrifice, is now the pathway for humanity to return to God. Ultimately, he points out that John was limited in his ministry, symbolizing the true spiritual elements that Jesus fulfills.
Text
Peter, speaking in his second epistle of the original creation, says, 'the heavens were of old and the earth standing out of the water and in the water'. That is how it was in the beginning and that is just where God began again. John Baptist presents Jesus to us, standing out of the water and in the water under the open heavens on the edge of the wilderness, with God's voice ringing out, 'this is my beloved Son'. And crowning all, he tells us that he also beheld the Spirit of God descending in bodily shape like a dove, not now as in the beginning to move upon the face of the water, but specifically to rest upon Him. In Genesis the earth is seen to be God's new creation; now it is Jesus who is revealed from heaven as the true new creation.
Here then is the great new demonstration of God's determination to make all men return to and begin at the beginning; baptism, not sacrifice, is the way for men now.
All was but preparation however, for John could not move in true spiritual elements; he only ministered in the figures of the true. One of the reasons for the descent of the dove after the baptism was to show that John could not baptise in the Spirit. He could only use water; the Spirit was not at his disposal, so He came down afterwards; it was very distinctly noticeable. John was but a man, so he could only symbolise; he was not God who moves in realities.
Sermon Outline
- God's Original Creation
- The heavens and earth were formed from water
- This is where God began again
Key Quotes
“the heavens were of old and the earth standing out of the water and in the water” — G.W. North
“this is my beloved Son” — G.W. North
“the Spirit of God descending in bodily shape like a dove” — G.W. North
Application Points
- Recognize God's original creation and the beginning of new life in Jesus Christ.
- Understand the significance of baptism as a way to return to the beginning and begin anew with God.
- Acknowledge the limitations of human ministry and the superiority of Jesus' ministry in realities.