One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism - Part 1109

Ask yourself these questions pertaining to water baptism. Please note that these scriptural references are freely given so that you may benefit to the fullest from God's glorious redemption message.

Working towards perfection -- "not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you." (Philippians 3:12-15)

To recap, most of the so-called churches in today's world preach and practice in some form or another Matthew 28:19. Indeed, modern day religion and church-anity hinge their doctrinal statements to this one scripture. Hardly ever do any of these same institutional preachers/teachers/pastors/priests admit that Matthew 28:19 was revised by the Roman Catholic church leaders in the third century AD. Why? Because if they did, believers would wonder what other teachings might not align with His Word.

Certainly, the current practice of water baptism according to Matthew 28:19 (which does not align scripturally with Jesus teachings) is a sad consequence of believers trusting others to read and interpret the scriptures and not diligently searching the scriptures for themselves. Nevertheless, the most important point to note here is that there is no scriptural reference in the new testament scriptures for baptizing new believers "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" (or "Holy Ghost). None. Zero.

Also note that when it comes to water baptism, some churches sprinkle water on the recipient, others splash water, others submerse individuals totally in water while still others cover you with a plastic covering pouring water onto the plastic. This latter practice is supposed to represent the children of Israel passing through the river, whereby no one got wet.

Regardless, we need to know the truth as Jesus set forth truth. Jesus commanding the apostles through the Holy Ghost, as per Acts 1:2-3. So, let's read what the Bible does state.

The first point that needs to be made is that the Matthew 28:19 reference was not in the original scriptures. Even the present day pope acknowledges this point. In fact, the scriptures were altered by the church fathers in Rome. We have elaborated on this point before. Instead of reiterating the same information again, we suggest reviewing earlier posts for the historical details, references and timelines.

It might also be pertinent here to think of the saying that actions speak louder than words. In the scriptures, there is no actual water baptism where any believer in the early Christian assemblies were baptized using such a format. If baptism was to be rendered using the titles "Father, Son and Holy Spirit" then the apostles would have included this reference when they baptized new believers. The scriptures would also have made reference to the titles as well, beyond the "revised/added" Matthew 28:19.

Certainly for the record, we recognize that Father is not a name. Son is not a name. Spirit is not a name. But do not fret because there are no scriptural references to support baptism in the titles, or actual examples of believers baptized in the titles in the Bible.

What we do need to concern ourselves with is the deception that is leading people on a pathway opposite to what God originally commanded. It is this mindset that takes one back to the situation in the Garden of Eden, when satan boldly spoke contradictory words opposing what God had instructed Adam to do. Such is the case today where a lie continues rather than accurate scriptural references taking precedent.

Remember, believers were instructed to search the scriptures and know that "I am God." It is the Spirit of this one God that leads and guides us into all truth and brings all things to our remembrance ... whatsoever the Lord Himself spoke whilst walking in our midst, as a Son! (John 1:1-18; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23; I Timothy 3:16)

Moreover, there is only one name given unto men whereby they can be saved. That name is JESUS. There is no salvation in ANY OTHER NAME. In the book of Acts, we find records of the actions of those who walked with Jesus and those words being confirmed by God’s own Spirit. All of the baptisms recorded in the scriptures are administered in the name of Jesus. In the name of the Lord Jesus. Check these references for yourself.

While we are on this topic, we should also mention that there are some who suggest that being baptized is immaterial. In other words, one only has to accept Jesus crucifixion. They say they love God even up to the crucifixion. But in contrast to the scriptures, they then go on to state that there is no way that they are going to be buried into the symbolical watery grave. To say this suggests that they are willing to lay aside the Word. They would rather teach as doctrine the commands of men, or historical traditions based on a textual revision that had no basis.

"And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: for he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ." (Acts 18:24-28)

Still, it is your decision on the best way to deal with these revelations. From our perspective, the Holy Ghost made it clear what to do ... in Acts 2 verses 37 thru 44. We suggest obeying the scriptures as presented and therefore, being baptized into JESUS death. We are confident that when one is baptized in Jesus' name, God will resurrect YOU! Be blessed as you move forward this day.

Stand in the offering plate.