Remember That Jesus Christ Of the Seed of David Was Raised From the Dead According To The Gospel That They May Also Obtain the Salvation Which Is In Christ Jesus With Eternal Glory - Part 1435

Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him JESUS. (Acts 8:35)

"For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that JESUS was Christ." (Acts 18:28)

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." (Romans 15:4)

The message of this day is JESUS -- that the covenant that was confirmed before of God in Christ could be shared and bring life and joy to those who believe that Jesus was indeed the prophesied Messiah, as foretold in the first covenant. 

"And this I say, that the covenant that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul that it should make the promise of none effect, for if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise, but God gave it to Abraham by promise." (Galatians 3:17)

And thus, as the scripture hath concluded -- all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. You and I who were under the law before faith came --"shut up unto the faith which should afterward be revealed, wherefore, the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith ... for ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:22-29)

Repentance being the first step of faith, whereby we believe on Jesus as our Lord God and Saviour -- as both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) But our desire to be like Jesus should not stop there. As evidenced throughout the new testament scriptures, there is one more step which should emanate from our willingness and desire as believers in Jesus the Christ by faith. That is, to become fully clothed in His righteousness, putting on His garment of righteousness. 

I am referring her to water baptism. Not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience toward God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. (I Peter 3:21)

We see this same passing through the water with Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few -- that is eight souls -- were saved by water. (I Peter 3:18-22) And also when the Red Sea was parted so that God's chosen people could be saved. In fact, Jesus relayed this same message to Nicodemus -- "except a man be born of water AND of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:3)

Jesus answered and said unto Nicodemus, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus saith unto him, "How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again." (John 3:1-7)

But sadly, many within the church community suggest that water baptism is no longer necessary, with some actually referring to water baptism as a ritual. However, like Jesus, and the apostles asked -- "What do the scriptures saith?" Furthermore, those who still do baptize in the religious culture today preach and practise water baptism in the titles. And, these do so, fully recognizing that not one example of water baptism in the scriptures was performed in this fashion. Indeed, every baptism after the cross, in this new dispensation of grace, was performed in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

These do not baptize in the NAME. The Name which is above every other name, and the only Name whereby one must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

This is why the first 3,000 who repented on the day of Pentecost were also baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin. (Acts 2:36) This is why Peter (standing with the eleven) instructed those who were pricked in their heart to be baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:38) Note that those who "gladly received the Word" were baptized.

Does this mean there were others who chose to stand on the bank and not get wet (as was the case in the time of John the baptist), refusing to adhere to the Word (that was and is Jesus) as preached by the apostles? Doing everything in both word or deed in the Name of Jesus, as instructed in the scriptures? (Colossians 3:17) I am sure there were, but nevertheless, those who "gladly" received the Word -- those who "gladly" received Jesus -- did not dispute the desire to be water baptized.

And as we see from Acts 2, these also continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul; and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles, and all that believed were together and had all things common, and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, "as every man had need." And thy, continuing daily with one accord int he 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." (Acts 2:36-47)

In one accord.

But there are those who seek to cause division -- the wolves in sheep's clothing -- who want to override and replace the scriptures -- His Word -- with religious culture. This is why it is critical that we study the scriptures to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)

The foundation of God standing sure, having this seal -- "The Lord knows them that are His" and "Let every one that names the Name of Christ depart from iniquity ...  but in a great house, there are not only vessels of gold, and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the Master;'s use, and prepared unto every good work." (II Timothy 2:19-21)

It is in this context that we address water baptism. The first point that needs to be made is that Matthew 28:19 was not in the original scriptures. Historically, the pope(s) have acknowledged 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 timeline.

It might also be pertinent here to think of the saying -- "actions speak louder than words." In the scriptures, there is no record of water baptism in the titles Father, Son, Holy Spirit. If water 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. But Father is not a name. And neither is Son a name. Spirit also is not a name.

JESUS is the ONLY Name whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12; Hebrews 9:15-18)

This is why we as believers are 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!

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. Check these scriptural 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 (as described in Romans 6:3-4)  To say this suggests that they are willing to lay aside the Word. They would rather teach as doctrine the historical traditions and commands of men based on a textual revision that had no basis.

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 ... and the Word was confirmed.

"Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." 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 2:36-38)

Clear as mud? Don't be deceived any longer. Repent, and be water baptized into JESUS death. We are confident that when one is baptized in Jesus' name, God will resurrect you too, and you will be clothed in the righteousness of God our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7) "And ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)

Be blessed as you move forward this day. Stand in the offering plate.