Baptism in Jesus Name - Part 677

Smith Wigglesworth once said, "To hunger and thirst after righteousness is when nothing in the world can fascinate us so much as being near to God." In this day and age, Wigglesworth's message is timely. Often, we do not press close to Jesus, distracted instead by the cares of this world. But there is a cost associated with not "earnestly contending for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." (Jude 1:3)

Jude (located just before The Revelation of Jesus Christ) wrote, "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ." (Jude 1:4) John made a similar observation in I John 4:1-6. Therein, John wrote, "Beloved, believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world."

We find this to be the case when we look at the subject of baptism from a Biblical perspective. Religious institutions and churches have adopted a range of traditions with very little scriptural foundation to support their practices. Certainly, the apostle's teachings are not first and foremost in how baptisms are performed in today's world. Acts chapter two is a prime example. Although this post only touches on a portion of the chapter, it is highly recommended -- for your own knowledge and edification -- that you read the rest of the chapter when you have some time.

In Acts chapter two, Peter is standing with the eleven other disciples on the Day of Pentecost, He told the crowd, "You men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by Him in the midst of you, as you yourselves also know -- Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God -- you have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain -- whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death because it was not possible that He should be holden of it." (Acts 2:22-24)

Peter, referring back to the writings of David the psalmist in the old testament, continued his message. Quoting what David had written concerning Jesus, Peter said, "I foresaw the Lord always before my face -- for He is on my right hand that I should not be moved. Therefore, did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad. Moreover, also my flesh shall rest in hope. [Why?] Because Thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt Thou suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life. Thou shalt make me full of joy with Thou countenance." (Acts 2:25-28)

But Peter did not stop there. He went on to explain what was meant by these words. He said:

"Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. Therefore, being a prophet and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on His throne. He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ that His soul was not left in hell, neither His flesh did see corruption."

This Jesus hath God raised up -- whereof we all are witnesses -- therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which you now see and hear. For David is not ascended into the heavens but he saith himself, "The Lord said unto my Lord, be thou on my right hand until I make thy foes thy footstool. Therefore let all Israel know assuredly that God has made that same Jesus whom we have crucified both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) More recent Bible translations use "both Lord and Messiah."

Still, the hearts of the people listening were pricked. So much so that they asked Peter and the eleven apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

Peter did not hesitate in his response. He said unto them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins -- and ye [too] shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you and to your children and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."

They that gladly received his word were baptized. That same day there were added about 3,000 to the body of Christ church. These continued in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and payers. Many wonders and signs were done by the apostles and all that believed were together, and had all things common. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. Praising God and having favour with all the people.

If we continue reading Acts, we see that every time someone was baptized, the baptism was performed in the name of our Lord Jesus. Perhaps, this is why the scriptures state, "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)

Consider for yourself what the Word is saying. John 8:32 states, "And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." Press into Jesus. He never fails. Stand in the offering plate.