This is why John wrote: "Hereby, know ye the Spirit of God. Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God ... and this is that spirit of anti-christ, whereof ye have heard that it should come, and even now already is it in the world." (I John 4:1-3)
In the new testament, there is a definite division between that which is earthly and worldly, and that which is spiritual. The scriptures tell us that "hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error" because he or she that knows God hears also the teachings of the apostles. (I John 4:6)
This is a critical insight because many religions will share the words of Jesus (the red verses in a red letter Bible), but then, when challenged about "how" the apostles implemented Jesus' teachings, these same representatives of the religious sector pull rank.
Indeed, we see this happening all the time in water baptism. Much of the religious culture of this day sadly aligns water baptism directly to Matthew 28:19, totally ignoring the many other scriptures that show how water baptism should be performed.
The reason for this -- these same religious will state -- is because Jesus specifically told the eleven disciples on the mountain to "go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever, I have commanded you, and, lo. I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:19)
What these same religious will not tell you is that the wording in Matthew 28:19 was changed by the Roman Catholic church around 385 AD. Google it, and find out for yourself. Moreover, these religious will also fail to tell you that all the scriptures must align perfectly in agreement. Why? Because God is not the author of confusion.
What does this mean? That all teachings in the new testament -- both Jesus and the apostle's teachings, including those verses pertaining to water baptism -- must agree. This is why as believers by faith, we are to seek Jesus and His righteousness, so that all these things -- including His wisdom and knowledge, and the mystery of the Godhead will be revealed. (Colossians 2:2)
But where do we start?
First, we need to recognize that there is "One Lord, One faith, One baptism." (Ephesians 4:5)
Second, we need to recognize that "he that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16)
Third, "for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27)
Fourth, our salvation is "not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." (Titus 3:5)
Fifth, we are buried with Him by baptism so sprinkling of water over someone is not baptism. "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? 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, even so we also should walk in newness of life." (Romans 6:3-4)
Sixth, we as believers are "buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [Him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead." (Colossians 2:2)
Seventh, "(for as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:16)
Eighth, we need to know His name. "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)
Again, note what Jesus said. "I am come in My Father's name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive." (John 5:43)
Ninth, "when therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (though Jesus Himself baptized not, but His disciples." (John 4:1-2)
Investigating further in the scriptures, we learn that the first 3,000 believers in Jesus by faith were baptized on the Day of Pentecost.This is outlined in the second chapter of Acts.
Therein, Peter standing with the eleven is preaching the good news gospel message of Jesus. The scriptures note that these were "all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire and it sat upon each of them." (Acts 2:1-3)
What happens next? The scriptures state: "And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them ... and they were all filled with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:4) Within the assembled group, there were Jews and devout men out of every nation under heaven. The people were confounded "because every man heard them speak in his own language." (Acts 2:6)
Beyond the Jews, those nations speaking in tongues while proclaiming the wonderful works of God included Galilaeans, Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians. (Acts 2:9-11)
Peter said, "Ye 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 ... this Jesus hath God raised up, wherefore we are all witnesses." (Acts 2:14-32)
Now when the people heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what must we do?" Then Peter said unto them:
"Repent, 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)
What happens? Three thousand people gladly received His Word were baptized, continuing steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers. (Acts 2:39-47)
But more importantly, note that baptism in the name of Jesus as performed in Acts chapter two was not just an isolated event. Just as we as believers in Jesus are instructed to do everything in word or deed in the name of Jesus, the apostles continued to baptize everyone in water, using the name of the Lord Jesus. (Colossians 3:17)
Other examples of water baptism from the scriptures include:
"And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)
"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." (Acts 10:47-48)
And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, "See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" And Philip said, "If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." ... "and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him." (Acts 8:26-39)
"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)
"And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized." (Acts 18:8)
And brought them out, and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. (Acts 16:30-33)
Like these, we are to baptized into the "name." Father is not a name. Son is not a name. Holy Spirit is not a name. What is the name? Yes, Jesus is the name. Therefore, if the scriptures are to agree and there is only One Lord, One Faith, and One baptism, then we must align all of Jesus teachings with the Acts of the apostles.
As the first 3,000 asked, "What must we do to be saved?" the answer has not changed. Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Stand in the offering plate.
Therein, Peter standing with the eleven is preaching the good news gospel message of Jesus. The scriptures note that these were "all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire and it sat upon each of them." (Acts 2:1-3)
What happens next? The scriptures state: "And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them ... and they were all filled with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:4) Within the assembled group, there were Jews and devout men out of every nation under heaven. The people were confounded "because every man heard them speak in his own language." (Acts 2:6)
Beyond the Jews, those nations speaking in tongues while proclaiming the wonderful works of God included Galilaeans, Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians. (Acts 2:9-11)
Peter said, "Ye 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 ... this Jesus hath God raised up, wherefore we are all witnesses." (Acts 2:14-32)
Now when the people heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what must we do?" Then Peter said unto them:
"Repent, 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)
What happens? Three thousand people gladly received His Word were baptized, continuing steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers. (Acts 2:39-47)
But more importantly, note that baptism in the name of Jesus as performed in Acts chapter two was not just an isolated event. Just as we as believers in Jesus are instructed to do everything in word or deed in the name of Jesus, the apostles continued to baptize everyone in water, using the name of the Lord Jesus. (Colossians 3:17)
Other examples of water baptism from the scriptures include:
"And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16)
"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." (Acts 10:47-48)
And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, "See, [here is] water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" And Philip said, "If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." ... "and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him." (Acts 8:26-39)
"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)
"And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized." (Acts 18:8)
And brought them out, and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house." And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. (Acts 16:30-33)
Like these, we are to baptized into the "name." Father is not a name. Son is not a name. Holy Spirit is not a name. What is the name? Yes, Jesus is the name. Therefore, if the scriptures are to agree and there is only One Lord, One Faith, and One baptism, then we must align all of Jesus teachings with the Acts of the apostles.
As the first 3,000 asked, "What must we do to be saved?" the answer has not changed. Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Stand in the offering plate.
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