And water baptism (watery grave) represents that: by the immersion act, we conform to Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Rom 6:3,4). The word “Baptism” is a transliteration of the Greek word baptizo which means to immerse. In Hebrew, it is referred to as a MIKVEH – an immersion.
- Acts 10:44-48/19:1-5 – Gentiles baptized
- Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, (what for?) even so we also should walk in newness of life – Rom 6:4,5/12:1,2/Col 2:12 – it is imperative that ye be identified with Christ in everything – Rom 8: 17,29/Phil 3:10/2Tim 2:12/ 2Cor 1:5,7/ 1Pet 4:1,2,12-14/Phil 1:29/James 5:10 – Baptism then is crucial – as a man and woman living together without being married is unlawful – and only a ceremony makes it legitimate – so does the water baptism serves us – it authorizes a person in the body of Christ – The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ –1Pet 3:20,21/ Baptized unto Moses –1Cor 10:1,2/Acts 7:36-37/Rom 6:3/Gal 3:27 – Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck – 1Tim 1:19 – He who believes and is baptized will be saved – Mark 16:16.
- Prerequisite: See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said if thou believe with all your heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God – Acts 8:36,37.
- The effect of baptism: And when they were come up out of the water, he went on his way rejoicing – Acts 8:39/16:34/Rom 14:17/15:13 – the Joy of the Holy Ghost is the upshot of being baptized (buried with Christ by baptism into his death and are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God – Rom 6:4/Col 2:12) – For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost – Rom 14:17 – for we’ve been delivered from the power of darkness, and been translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son – Col 1:13 – the joy of the Holy Ghost must be there (an inevitable factor – it’s the sign of a genuinely converted soul); otherwise, it ain’t proper/complete.
Cleansing is the primary meaning of baptism in all religious groups that have practiced it; but when baptism is administered in the name of the Lord who died and rose for the blotting out of sins (Acts 3:19), this aspect of its significance is immeasurably strengthened” (Dr. Beasley-Murray, 1973, p. 103).
- How fast should one comply?: If possible, without much delay – Acts 8:34-38/Acts 16:30-33/22:16 – And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized – Acts 9:18 – Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized – Acts 10:44-48 – If you believe with your whole heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God – it is mandatory that you be baptized in water without further ado – He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved – Mark 16:16. Saved by water –1Pet 3:20/1Cor 10:1-3 – Saved from what? Remission of sins that are past – Acts 2:38/Rom 3:25/Heb 9:15/ they (the Israelites) had to be baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea –1Cor 10:1-3/ eight souls were saved by water –1Pet 3:20 – to walk in newness of life/liberty – where the oppressive/lethal elements like Satan, Sin, and death could no more hold them captive. See how crucial the water baptism is! Even baptism doth also now save us –1Pet 3:20,21.
- There is a catch: with the baptism, we must teach them to observe all things whatsoever Jesus hath commanded – Matt 28:20. Elect through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience –1Pet 1:2 – Obedience unto righteousness – Rom 6:16 – Bring forth fruits worthy of repentance – Luke 3:8 – Obey from the heart that form of doctrine/standard of teaching (that has now claimed your allegiance -NLT) – Rom 6:17 – the obedience of faith – Rom 16:26.
- In Matt 28:19 – Jesus after the resurrection from the dead, commissioned the disciples to go and teach all nations, baptizing them IN THE NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost – But not one time we see the disciples of Christ performing the rite of baptism in the “titles” of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost as many of us do now – Acts 2:38/8:16/10:48/19:5 – Why such stark contradiction? – For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints! –1Cor 14:33.
- Matthew 28:19 did not begin to say the titles “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” until the Roman Council of Nicea in 325 AD (when the Roman Catholic Church was born). The Roman Catholic Church REMOVED the name of Jesus from Matthew 28:19 and replaced it with titles, depriving water baptism of the sole name given among mankind under heaven through which we must be saved! That is EVEN MORE OUTRAGEOUS! It is downright nefarious and supremely devilish.
The Early Church father, Eusibius, authored various papers in the late third and early fourth centuries – around 290-339 AD – according to history. This renowned church historian, since he used a different translation of Matthew 28:19 in his writings (he paraphrased – “Go and make disciples of all the nations in my name”).
That is why, for the remission of sins, we should NOT baptize in titles, but in the NAME of Jesus Christ.
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- The early church always baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus until the development of the Trinity Doctrine in the Second Century – CANNEY’S ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGIONS
- The baptismal formula was changed from the name of Jesus Christ to the words Father, Son, & Holy Ghost by the Catholic Church in the second century – BRITANNICA ENCYCLOPEDIA – 11TH edition, Vol 3, Pg 365-366
- Here the Catholics acknowledged that baptism was changed by the Catholic Church CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA – Vol 2, Pg 263
- The Trinitarian baptismal formula … was displacing the older baptism in the name of Christ – A HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH – Williston Walker, (1947), Pg 58
- Persons were baptized at first ‘in the name of Jesus Christ’ … or ‘in the name of the Lord Jesus.’… Afterward, with the development of the doctrine of the Trinity, they were baptized ‘in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost – CANNEY’S ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGIONS – (1970), Pg 53
- The Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, I, 275: “It is often affirmed that the words in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost are not the ipsissima verba [exact words] of Jesus, but…a later liturgical addition.”
- The Catholic University of America in Washington, D. C. 1923, New Testament Studies Number 5: The Lord’s Command To Baptize An Historical Critical Investigation. By Bernard Henry Cuneo page 27. ”The passages in Acts and the Letters of St. Paul. These passages seem to point to the earliest form as baptism in the name of the Lord.” Also, we find. “Is it possible to reconcile these facts with the belief that Christ commanded his disciples to baptize in the triune form? Had Christ given such a command, it is urged, the Apostolic Church would have followed him, and we should have some trace of this obedience in the New Testament. No such trace can be found. The only explanation of this silence, according to the anti-traditional view, is this the short Christological (Jesus Name) formula was (the) original, and the longer trine formula was a later development.”
- James Moffatt’s New Testament Translation: In a footnote on page 64 about Matthew 28:19 he makes this statement: “It may be that this (Trinitarian) formula, so far as the fullness of its expression is concerned, is a reflection of the (Catholic) liturgical usage established later in the primitive (Catholic) community, It will be remembered that Acts speaks of baptizing “in the name of Jesus, cf. Acts 1:5 +.”
- A History of the Christian Church by Williston Walker Page 57-58 Here the author dates the idea that the Holy Spirit is differentiated from Christ from a time early in the second century, He further states, “This appears in the Trinitarian baptism formula, was displacing the older baptism in the name of Christ.”
- ACTS OF PAUL AND THECLA The “Acts of Paul and Thecla” written by an eastern Presbyter in the second century also records an account of baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ (see A.N.F., VIII, p. 490). “In the name of Jesus Christ I am baptized on my last day,” is one statement that appears there.
- RECOGNITION OF CLEMENT The “Recognition of Clement” of late Second Century origin stated: “Jesus instituted baptism by water amongst them, in which they might be absolved of all their sins upon the invocation of his Name” (Recognition 1:39).
- EUSEBIUS lived between A.D. 264-340. He was a voluminous writer and compiled the earliest history of the ancient Christian Church. He had access to New Testament manuscripts that are much older than the ones we now have. Thus he had the advantage of being much closer to the original writing of Matthew 28:19. Yet he never quoted it in the Triune formula, but in all his citations (which number eighteen or more) he renders the text as: “Go ye and make disciples of all the nations IN MY NAME, teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I commanded you.” Only after Nicaea does he alter this!
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“An explicit reference to the Trinitarian formula of Baptism cannot be found in the first century” (New Catholic Encyclopedia, New York, McGraw-Hill, 1967, p. 59).
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The Trinitarian formula was unheard of for at least 100 years (New Catholic Encyclopedia)
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Williston Walker noted historian adds: ” With the early disciples generally baptism was ‘in the Name of Jesus Christ” (Williston Walker, A History of the Christian Church, p. 87).
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And from the Encyclopedia Biblica: “‘In the Name of Jesus Christ or ‘of the Lord Jesus.’: The former expression is used in Acts 2:38 and 10:48, The latter is used in Acts 8:16 and 19:5.
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- Jerusalem – Acts 2:38
- Samaria – Acts 8:12,16
- Caesarea – Acts 10:48
- Ephesus – Acts 19:5
- Ethiopia – Acts 8:16,38
- Damascus – Acts 22:16/15:17
- Corinth – 1 Cor 1:13
- Rome – Rom 6:3
- Galatia – Gal 3:27
- Colosse – Col 2:12
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The Scripture is clear in this: at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. Apostles Peter, Paul, Phillip – these were the men through whom God had founded these churches. Peter’s formula was “in the name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 2:38; 10:48), Phillip’s was in the Name of the Lord Jesus (8:16). And the one Paul used was the same (Acts 19:5). In what authority do we digress from this established course? And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine (Acts 2:42); but are we? Peter’s demand that everyone be baptized in the name of Jesus was in direct response to Jesus’ order in Luke 24:47.
Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: (Acts 1:2)
Later in his sermon, Peter declared by divine revelation: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord (“Kyrios,” which is the Greek term used in the New Testament for Jehovah) and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Please note that up until Acts 1 (the day of Pentecost) the Holy Ghost was not yet been given – for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified (John 7:39). After that the Holy Ghost had come upon them, it took them to another level – Peter stood boldly and revealed Jesus as Lord and Christ– he was actually announcing that Jesus is both Jehovah and Messiah the same person is both! For in Christ now dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily – Col 2:9 – For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell (Col 1:19). Ask yourself, whom do you want to conform to? He that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit – 1Cor 6:17. How we be made conformable unto his death? (Philippians 3:10) – through Baptism, right? The Old Testament people were baptized unto Moses (a type – a copy or shadow) in the cloud and in the Reed sea – 1Cor 10:2. In The New Testament, we are baptized unto Christ (the anti-type – the reality).
Can you at least glean something from the words of apostle Paul in I Corinthians 1:13: ‘Was Paul crucified for you, or were ye baptized in the Name of Paul? Why was he even alluding to this in the first place?
There are countless pieces of evidence to prove this. Even if we ought to validate this verse, “Baptizing them in the name” itself proves this theory as unsound – the Singular usage clearly points us to one name: we see three tiles of God being used here rather than three names of God. We must not forget the fact that The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost are not the names of three God’s but tiles of the one true God (1Tim 2:5/ John 4:24). The original text reads: baptizing into “the name of Jesus Christ” or the Lord Jesus – which is exactly what the Apostles of the Lamb and the first-century assembly of believers practiced and followed. Otherwise, Matthew 28:19 will not only bring confusion but also would force many to choose the other extreme of rejecting the pattern which the Apostles had furnished. Had Jesus commanded his disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, then why didn’t the Apostles follow that pattern and also why there is not one single supporting verse? In fact, they did follow that command, did they not?
Didache 7 has been proven to be an interpolation written in the late third century.
It’s something that Catholics, Baptists, academicians, and historians all agree on – in fact, it’s no longer a subject of contention among most serious New Testament experts!
If they were baptized unto Moses (1Cor 10:2) and the comparison is made with Moses who was a servant and Christ a son in Heb 3:5 – and both ushered in two different covenants; and if in baptism we conform to the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (identify with him)(Rom 6:4/Col 2:12), then obviously we have to be baptized unto Jesus Christ, right? Otherwise, it doesn’t make sense, does it? When one is immersed in the name of Jesus, he or she is actually being baptized into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; because in Christ dwells all the fullness of Godhead bodily (Col 1:19/2:9).
It then means that either the original wording of Matthew 28:19 has been tampered with or it means to baptize in the name of “the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost” which is exactly what the Apostles of the lamb followed. Even if you want to substantiate the Trinitarian version, it would eventually lead to the name of Jesus Christ when we properly analyze it. I shall explain.
People think that according to – Matt 28:19 – Christ has given us a word-formula/ mode/ technique/ procedure to baptize – and if you don’t do exactly how it says – you need to be re-baptized or your baptism is not effective enough! Personally, I would rather follow the pattern the Apostles had laid out for us to follow. The Gospel of Matthew says “baptizing them into (eis) the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost – Luke uses such turn of phrase as baptizes in (epi) the name of Jesus Christ – Acts 2:38 – baptized into (eis) the name of the Lord Jesus – Acts 8:16 – Baptized in (en) the name of Jesus Christ – Acts 10:48 – Peter to whom the Lord Jesus Christ gave the keys of the kingdom of heaven – Matt 16:19/Acts 2:1 – commanded them to be baptized in this manner – or baptized into (eis) the name of the Lord Jesus. Keep in mind that, the name “Yeshua” in Hebrew means, “God our Salvation”. The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe – Pro 18:10. God has become my Yeshua – Behold, God is my salvation – Isaiah 12:2 – God was manifest in the flesh – 1Tim 3:16 – the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ – Titus 2:13 – This is the true God, and eternal life –1John 5:20. God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ (the Messiah, the anointed One)(Acts 2:36)
JESUS is God’s all-encompassing name (the Father’s unspoken name). JESUS was the name that the Son declared. And he stated unequivocally that that was His Father’s name! A man’s name was revealed to be that of the Spirit (the Lord is that Spirit – 2Cor 3:17 – the second man is the Lord from heaven – 1 Cor 15:47). “I have DECLARED unto them thy name, and will disclose it,” the Son (human) prayed to the Father (Eternal Spirit). “I will DECLARE thy name unto my brethren, and in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee,” the Son states again in Hebrews 2:12.
“I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if anyone come in his own name, him ye will receive,” Jesus informed the Jews (John 5:43).
The Eternal Spirit is Jehovah Savior, and the Son of man is the embodiment of Jehovah Savior. And we address the “fullness of God bodily” when we say the name Jesus (Col 1:19/2:9).
God had concealed His name? We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory (1 Corinthians 2:7) –the mystery of Christ – Eph 3:4 – which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God (Eph 3:9) – Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints (Col 1:26).
“Tell me, I pray thee, thy NAME,” Jacob asked the Angel of the Lord as he struggled with him (Genesis 32:27). “Wherefore dost thou ask after my name?” the Angel said, refusing to reveal his identity.
Later, the Angel of the Lord appeared to Samson’s father, Manoah. Manoah was curious about His name, but was told not to: “Why askest thou so after my NAME, because it is SECRET?” (Judges 13:18).
It would appear that the Lord’s Angel would be able to declare the Lord’s NAME, yet this is not the case.
ONE SPECIAL NAME was kept hidden because of something in God’s plan and purpose. However, it became clear that the previous names were incomplete.
Zechariah prophesied, “And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be ONE LORD, and His NAME ONE” (Zechariah 14:9).
Only on the magnificent event of the Incarnation, God chose to disclose the highest name ever revealed. Throughout the millenniaI God had remained an invisible Spirit, manifesting Himself only on rare occasions in a variety of transitory forms, or Theophanies (i.e., men, angels, apparitions, smoke, fire, clouds, whirlwinds, and in dreams and visions). Because God had only partially disclosed Himself, it was only fair that His name was only partially revealed as well.
What do all these imply? Doesn’t it suggest “baptism to the divine Godhead”? The Bible says, For in Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily – Col 1:19/2:9 – if that be the case, then the name “Jesus Christ” must be the name of the Godhead, mustn’t it? For the Scripture states that Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name, which is above every name – Phil 2:9 – that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you – 2Thess 1:12. It then also means that to be baptized into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost – or be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus – are both one and the same, so to speak – but the quickening Spirit –1Cor 15:45/2Cor 3:17/ John 14:18/Eph 4:10 – who is the Word – John 1:1 – who wrote the Holy Scriptures – for all scripture is given by inspiration of God – 2Tim 3:16/ 2Pet 1:21 – commanded through his disciples to be baptized in His name – Even though there are three identities of God been portrayed in the Bible, we must know that God is One and when the name of Jesus is exalted, the Father, the Holy Ghost also is exalted because the Godhead is one essence. Who hath declared this from ancient time? Who hath told it from that time? Have not I the Lord? (There is one Lord – Eph 4:5/1Cor 8:6) And there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Savior, there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else – Isaiah 45:21-22 – Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father, and how says thou then, Show us the Father? John 14:9 – He is: The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace – Isaiah 9:6. Before Abraham was, I AM – John 8:58.
For thou hast magnified thy word (John 1) above all thy name (Psalm 138:2)
He that believeth (in the name of Jesus Christ) and is baptized (identity with him – Rom 6:4/Col 2:12) shall be saved – Mark 16:16 – Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved – Acts 4:12 – Doesn’t it make sense? If baptism now saves us –1Pet 3:21 – there is only one name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved – that is the name of Jesus. Precious Holy Spirit through Paul the Apostle also commands us “whatsoever you do, in word or in deed” must be done “in the name of the Lord Jesus – Col 3:17 – the reason why the Spirit of the Lord led me to expound on this is that: this is one topic people are tussling with, ergo the discord.
As the Scriptures clearly divulge the fact that “Jahoshea” means “Jehovah the Savior”. Jesus (Iēsous) is the Greek form of the Hebrew “Jahoshea”. JESUS’ name meant SALVATION (Matthew 1:21). The roots of the Greek word Jesus trace to the Hebrew Jehoshua which is a combination of Jehovah (Self- existent One) and Yasha (Savior) forming the highest name of Jehovah ever known: Jehovah-Yasha (Savior)!
Hence, there shouldn’t be any doubt that Jesus is also the name of the Father. Jesus himself confirmed this when he said, I am come in my Father’s name (John 5:43) – Jesus prayed, Father, glorify thy name (John 12:28) – and which name did the Father glorify? Phil 2:9. For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
In the Old Testament He says, Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else (the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ – Titus 2:13 – This is the true God, and eternal life – 1 John 5:20). I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear (Isaiah 45:22,23)– Jesus confirms it: For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God (Romans 14:11) – Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM (John 8:58). And he is before all things (Col 1:17) – This is that Moses (Acts 7:36-39).
.When you say the Name Jesus, you are actually saying in an abridged form “Jehovah the Savior.” Even Trinitarians admit that the name Jehovah is applied to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one (1 John 5:7). If so, why would not the name Jesus (Jehovah-Savior) be equally applicable to the divine Triune Being? The three persons within the Godhead equally play an indispensable part in the plan of Salvation, don’t they?
Question: Does verbally pronouncing “in the name of Jesus” matter much? It certainly does! Verbal usage: they healed the sick and cast out devils in “Jesus Name – Mark 16:17,18/Acts 3:6,8 – the apostles weren’t shy to utter the Name – they knew where the authority lies; they knew whom God had glorified; they knew to whom they should conform to; they knew in whom dwells the fullness of Godhead bodily.
What name terrifies the demonic fold? What name carries authority? “Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her” (Acts 16:18). And the demon, came out the same hour. And it was a verbally uttered formula that did it. In the book of Acts, chapter 4 we could see how the apostolic prayer was concluded: “that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus” (Acts 4:30); and “when they had prayed the place was shaken where they were assembled together ” (v.31).
- Healing “in Jesus Name” was verbal,
- Expelling demons “in Jesus Name” was verbal,
- Praying “in Jesus Name” was verbal,
- We now conclude our prayers “in Jesus’ Name.”
Nonetheless, some show such reluctance and oppose to baptize “in Jesus Name”, why? Who do we want to join people to? To a denomination or Christ? No wonder, the present-day churches have gone lukewarm; no wonder the devils won’t leave; now wonder the healings stopped; no wonder there is no holy living. Apart from Christ, we have no life.
A dearth of knowledge on the divinity of Christ is what engendered such variance – I pray this school of thought would neutralize the prevailing polarity that exists within the Christendom: “I baptize you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in whom dwells all fullness – Col 1:19 – in whom dwells all the fullness of the Godhead* (the Greek word is “theotes” which means “divinity”)(The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost – the titles given to the one true God) *bodily – Col 2:9” – It then concludes that for now the totality of divinity (God) is in Christ until…..1Cor 15:28.
When addressing someone (a person) or using them as names, family titles like mom and dad are capitalized; otherwise, they are lowercased.
If you use words like mum and dad as common nouns—that is, not in place of a person’s name—you do not uppercase them.
Example: Thanks, Mom and Dad!
I thought Mom and Dad would attend the ceremony.
but
I thought your mom and dad would be here.
Likewise, when you see capitalized titles of God: The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost – it is denoting three PERSONS of the Godhead, not the names. God is One – these three are One – 1John 5:7 – yet three distinct persons, but one name. That name is Jesus Christ – the great God and Saviour – Titus 2:13/1Tim 6:14-16
It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him / Now if we are dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him – 2Tim 2:11/Rom 6:8 – being made conformable unto his death – Phil 3:10.
The water baptism is an answer of a good conscience toward God and the sign of being buried with Christ in baptism into death (1Pet 3:21/Rom 6:4/Col 2:12). Precious Holy Spirit baptized us into the body of Christ (through the faith of the operation of God – Col 2:12)(1Cor 12:13); but the water baptism is an outward expression of the bestowed inward grace. Through baptism, we proclaim to the world that we are crucified with Christ (Gal 2:20) and that the world is crucified unto us and us unto the world (Gal 6:14). And henceforth we live not unto (to and for) ourselves, but unto (to and for) him, which died for us, and rose again (2Cor 5:15). We by means of baptism are committing ourselves to Christ by that solemn promise (Pledge of Allegiance – Rom 10:9 – a solemn oath of loyalty or commitment to Christ and his kingdom – Col 1:13).
The baptism was practiced by the first century Christians as a kind of initiatory rite and was given ‘into’ the name of Jesus, to whom a believer would be joined to. To whom are we intended to join? To Christ, right! Joined unto the Lord (1 Cor 6:17) – baptized into Christ (Gal 3:27). Why is it crucial? Because, we are buried with him by baptism into death – Rom 6:3-11 – planted together in the likeness of his death – Rom 6:5 – our old man is crucified with him, that henceforth we should not serve sin – Rom 6:6 – For he that is dead is freed from sin (Romans 6:7,11). To simply put it, through baptism we are conforming into the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ – Col 2:12/Phil 3:10/Eph 2:6 – thus we reckon that we have passed from death unto life (1 John 3:14). Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? (Rom 6:3)
In the old testament, they were baptized ‘unto’ (eis) Moses, but in the New, we’ve been commanded to be baptized ‘into’ the Lord Jesus Christ.
And he said unto them, unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance* (baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel – Acts 13:24,38)(repent from what? for the remission of sins that are past! Rom 3:25/ to be redeemed of the transgressions that were under the first testament – Heb 9:15), *saying unto the people, that they should believe on him, which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:3-5/18:24-26). This baptism for the believing Jew or Gentile (even now) stands for the gesture of his affiliation to Christ (1Pet 3:21/Col 2:12/Rom 6:4). This is the New Testament mandate for all (Jew and Gentile) to become a part of this one new man (Eph 2:15).
Be baptized, and wash away thy sins, CALLING ON the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16) – and was baptized, he and all his, straightway (Acts 16:33)
- Sins are remitted in His name.
Jesus’ own instruction was that SIN REMISSION BE PREACHED IN HIS NAME (Luke 24:47).
The Apostles’ own ministries confirmed their conviction that EVERY CONVERT should be baptized in the NAME of JESUS Christ.
“Repent,” he said, “and be baptized EVERY ONE OF YOU in the NAME of JESUS Christ for the remission of sins, and ye SHALL receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38), (the gift being the Baptism of the Holy Ghost, with the evidence of speaking in other tongues).
Peter’s requirement to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ was in direct obedience to Jesus’ command in Luke 24:47.
On arrival, Annanias directed Saul to “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, CALLING on the NAME of the LORD”, (Acts 22:16).
Peter repeatedly commanded baptism in Jesus’ name
And he COMMANDED them to be baptized in the NAME of the Lord” (Acts 10:47,48).
The emphasis is on the fact that the NAME of JESUS is the SAVING NAME of God. We call upon the SAVING NAME to be saved.
Peter said, “Whosoever shall CALL on the NAME of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21).
Paul taught them that they were to “believe on him who should come after John, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the NAME of the LORD JESUS.
Baptism by immersion, infant baptism or sprinkling holds no merit if it is not an outcome of one’s faith. He that believeth and is baptized is the mode. He who believeth not is already condemned. Baptism should be an outward act of an inward experience. Baptism itself won’t save a person but faith that precedes baptism does.
To the holy Apostles of the lamb, without calling on the name of the Lord Jesus, the water baptism was actually null and invalid.
As Jesus said:
At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you (John 14:20).
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Notes:
The Truth About Matthew 28:19