1 Corinthians 12:13

For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit.

'For' -another proof of the unity purposed and intended behind the gifts. The same Spirit which bestows the gifts (1 Corinthians 12:11), is the same Spirit which inspired men such as the apostles to preach the same conditions of entrance into the body of Christ, to all (regardless of gender, race or social rank).

Point to Note:

The Spirit accomplished the above through revelation. All were told the same conditions of entrance into the body. (Mark 16:16; John 3:5; Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 8:12; 35-38; 1 Corinthians 10:47-48; 1 Corinthians 15:9; 1 Corinthians 16:15; 30-34; 1 Corinthians 18:8)

And every member in Corinth had been baptized!

'were we all' -individuals are baptized into the one body, not congregations or religious bodies. The Church is composed of individuals.

'baptized' -must be water baptism. This is the baptism that is commanded (Acts 10:47); therefore the "one baptism" required of all men everywhere (Ephesians 4:5; Mark 16:16); the baptism that accompanied the preaching of Jesus (Acts 8:35); the baptism placed prior to salvation (Acts 8:36; John 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21)

'But why "baptized in one Spirit" rather than "baptized in water" if water baptism was in view? Because it suited Paul's purpose in his call for unity to stress the agent (by)..of their immersion rather than the element (water). The same Spirit, the one Spirit, who gave them their gifts was the one who led them to submit to one baptism..' (McGuiggan p. 172)

'into one body' -water baptism stands between one and being. member in the body of Christ. Can one be saved outside the body of Christ? No. (Ephesians 5:23) Therefore, being saved and being. member of the body of Christ (church) occur at the same time, i.e. the moment of one's baptism. (Acts 2:41; Acts 2:47)

Points to Note:

1. The phrases "kingdom of God" and "Church" refer to the same relationship. (John 3:5; Ephesians 1:22; 1 Corinthians 12:13) Compare Acts 2:41; Acts 2:47 with Colossians 1:13.

2. The Holy Spirit doesn't cause people to reject baptism. The Holy Spirit doesn't teach that the Church (body of Christ) is unnecessary; or that church membership is an option for Christians. Neither does the Spirit teach or cause people to be baptized into differing religious bodies. The teaching delivered by the Holy Spirit, when followed only produces Christians, it only directs men and women towards "one body". If people simply followed the teachings of the Spirit, only one body of believers would be seen in the religious world that claims to be "Christian." The teachings of the Spirit aren't the cause behind the division manifested in the denominational world.

'whether Jews...' -(Galatians 3:28). 'And if, in being baptized into that saved Body (Ephesians 5:23), the divisions which they had known all their lives (Jews, Greek, bond and free) were destroyed, they could hardly think that the Spirit intended them to break up into clubs in light of the diversity of gifts.' (McGuiggan p. 172)

'all made to drink of one Spirit' -sounds. lot like (1 Corinthians 10:2). They had definitely drank of the Spirit when they had received the spiritual gifts which He bestowed. 'The one who had the gift of tongue-speaking drank of the same Spirit as the prophet. Hence, there should be no spirit of rivalry among the Corinthians.' (Willis p. 431) In addition, every member at Corinth had partaken of His teaching and had embraced it. (Acts 18:8)