Our Heart's Desire Should Include Baptism in the Name of Jesus - Part 1015

Repentance and remission of sin should be preached among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. The apostles preached that repentance and remission of sin was now by the grace of God and similarly available to all believing people - the "whosoever| that believe in the once and for all sacrifice of God Himself.

Indeed, our Lord God and Saviour sacrificed Himself. No man took His life from Him. In fact, Jesus laid down His life willingly so that we might have salvation through the precious blood He shed on the cross. This is the reason our Creator entered into this world -- a world whereby Adam’s fallen race through their/our disobedience to the Word of God became captives to satan's house of bondage.

But the mystery that was hid in the bosom of the Father from the beginning was destined to be revealed. God's plan all along was to redeem man back to Himself. This is why God Himself (as the only begotten Son) was manifest in the flesh. He came to seek and to save those individuals who would have otherwise been totally lost for all eternity. Why? Because He loves us beyond measure.

However, in order to receive His gift of salvation, a Saviour was required. Still, there was none other in heaven or upon earth who were righteous enough to pay the price for the redemption of man -- therefore God Almighty came Himself. (Isaiah 9:6) He who knew no sin became sin for you and I. He came Himself purchasing redemption (or buying back) salvation for all who call upon His name - JESUS!

Moreover, when we believe in Jesus, we are redeemed. But our faith journey should not start and stop there. All those who have become partakers of the free gift of redemption ought now to move onward into the new birth which is freely offered to all who are redeemed. Seeking Jesus and His righteousness through His Word, as a workman diligently completes his or her work.

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)
How do we do this? By adorning yourself with the words of salvation spoken to the first 3,000 believers on the day of Pentecost. When these people asked the apostles “What must we do to be saved?” how did Peter (standing with the eleven) respond?

As recorded in the scriptures, the apostles (in complete agreement) said that each and every one in the audience ought to repent and be baptized into the name of JESUS Christ for the remission of their sin. And in so doing, they would receive the promised gift of the Holy Ghost.

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall 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 2:37-38)

3,000 believers responded to the call of salvation that day. Consequently, the 3,000 were baptized into the name of JESUS which is the ONLY NAME whereby anyone can be saved.

"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)
Furthermore, these same believers were baptized that very same day. For they had received the Word of God and did as they were instructed to do. Note too that it was the Lord who was working with the apostles adding more believers daily. From JESUS' side came forth blood and water!

Repeated examples of new believers being baptized can be found in the scriptures. Therein, we also read that EVERY example of water baptism in His Word includes baptism in Jesus' name. "Lo, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" (Acts 8:36) This should be our heart's desire too. And while there will be those from the religious culture who will say water baptism does not matter, or conversely, will tell you that baptism "in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" is the same as being baptized "in the name of Jesus" note that it would not be accurate according to the scriptures.

"God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar." As it is written, "That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged." (Romans 3:4)
Therefore, if the Word is our foundation for the gospel of Jesus Christ, then don't be deceived by those who profess to preach and don't align their teachings with His Word. Their choice does not negate the fact that God laid down His life for each and every one of us, and instructed us to seek Him through His Word. All that is asked of Adam’s fallen race -- you and I -- is that we obediently believe the scriptures, becoming partakers of assurance that we have been reconciled to God, even as the first 3000 believers did in Acts 2. This is why we endeavour by the grace of God to continue steadfastly in obedience to His Word.

Peace be to one and all in Jesus' name! Stand in the offering plate.