THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD - PART 367

Jesus after His resurrection commissioned His disciples saying to them that they are to go into all the world and preach to all of earth’s inhabitants a reconciliatory message. The message was this. Repentance and remission of sin should be preached among all nations starting at Jerusalem so that he or she who believes and is buried in water in likeness to His burial shall be reconciled. The message is a simple one. (Romans chapter six)

And yet, there are those who will go to great lengths to stretch and even attempt to vaporize the truth from this same message commissioned by the Lord JESUS. Still, JESUS was and is and remains the author of salvation. Jesus is also the finisher (it is finished) for there is no salvation found in any other. How do we know this? For it is JESUS alone who has the Words of eternal life.

And then there are others who practically do headstands because they are unable to tolerate someone preaching water burial baptism into the likeness of JESUS grave, for example, as taught in the scriptures. Some might even boldly declare (in their ignorance) that they do not believe in that gospel message around here.

This is why we thank God that we have the written word laid out for us explaining how we believers ought to conduct ourselves. We can remain confident in our beliefs because the Word of God is coming to us. The Word of God did not originate in us. Therefore, we acknowledge that believers should continue in the Holy Spirit teaching as taught through the mouths of the apostles confirmed by God. Remember, no man can annul what is written. As such, comfort each other with these words of JESUS - "You will be hated by many for preaching repentance and remission of sin in my Name." Jesus set the standard.

Yes! Believers are washed with the water of the Word of God. Therefore, stop rinsing yourself and instead obey the Words of the Lord and Master. And in listening, be no longer a hearer of the Word. Rather, become a doer of the Word for obedience is better than sacrifice. And gladly receive the Word of God by repentance and be baptized into the watery grave in the likeness of JESUS' burial. In so doing, wash away all your sin whilst you in your heart are calling upon the name of the LORD JESUS!

As for the Church fathers of 300/400 AD who replaced the scriptural repentance -- the gospel message that speaks about one's relationship between God and an individual -- they resorted back to the old covenant form of priesthood. Moreover, they interjected themselves as being religious priests and as such revised some verses of scripture to suit their religious ways. But there is still one message that cannot be changed.

That is ... we have one great high priest who ever lives to make intercession for all believers. JESUS is the believer's only mediator being a high priest forever after the order of Melchisedec. Note that he is not a high priest after the order of Aaron (Note: when there is a change in order of the priesthood there is also by necessity a change in the Law). JESUS is our Great High Priest who Himself is touched with the feelings of our infirmities for He also was tempted like we are yet without sin. God therefore is not three distinct and separate persons. All the fullness of the Godhead was pleased to dwell bodily in JESUS.

JESUS being the Son, Father, Holy Spirit all at the same time. God’s singular name IS JESUS. So rather than altering Matthew chapter 28 verse 19 to mean baptism into titles, let's recognize the scriptural truths as God reveals them to us. So that we too can be baptized into HIS name.