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God created man to live in paradise in the garden of Eden. It was God's will for mankind to live in paradise.
Don't blame God for your ancestor's decision to bring sin into a perfect world and mess stuff up.
Romans 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned
Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? 2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
Bro. Winter
I posted a message of truth with scripture rightly divided and some vile reprobate devils attacked me for teaching truth on my own page (but no one really has a page or a group because the devils running Facebook can block you at their whim.) I responded to the reprobate devils with more truth and they managed to get some corrupt filth at Facebook to censor my replies to them and to block me from posting for 7 days and block me even from communicating privately with friends. I have spent these 7 days posting in other places and promoting http://www.facebookcensorship.com I now ask all real Christians reading this to agree with me in prayer that the Lord would reward those reprobate filth according to their works and really bring it home to them along with those at Fbook who cooperated with them.
It is very important to be aware of the corruption and anti-Christian and anti-conservative nature of Facebook. If you are building on Facebook you are building your house on sand. You could lose your ability to communicate with your friends with no notice at some devil's whim. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. You cannot trust Facebook. I know this to be true. That is why I post most of my material at http://biblefolk.com/forum/4 and then just share parts of it on FB.
Please take a moment and share this post around Facebook and warn others about Facebook censorship and corruption.
Bro. Steve Winter
Some protest the need for baptism in Jesus name and saying something like this, “ We are saved simply when we believe Jesus and call upon His name…”Calling on the name of the Lord”
Often times people will quote Romans 10:13 (“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”) not understanding what it means to “call on the name of the Lord” biblically. This verse in Romans 10:13 is actually a quote of Joel 2:32. This is the same exact verse the apostle Peter quoted in Acts chapter 2 at the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:21).
In Acts 2, we see that after Peter quotes them the verse in Joel they still ask Peter, (in Acts 2:37) “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter does not respond by telling them to say a prayer. Peter does not lead them in any prayer! NO!
Instead PETER tells them what they must do to be saved. Peter gives them the answer mankind needs so desperately to hear. Peter declared to them,
“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call."
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day”. (Acts 2:38-41).
The Bible tells us what it means “to call on the name of the Lord”. To “call on the name of the Lord” is equated with repentance and baptism into Christ’s name ( Acts 2:17-38;22:16)..
“Calling on the name of the Lord” being equated with baptism is further reinforced in Acts 22:16 says, “And now what are you waiting for?Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'”
James says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22).
Some people still protest the need for baptism in Jesus name, and often they would always quote, John 3:16???For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life?
This is perhaps the most often quoted verse in the New Testament. It is often isolated and set apart from the rest of the dialogue in which it took place. Remember! To “believe in Jesus” means to believe the gospel message, and baptism is a part of that gospel message. It must also be remembered this verse is only one small part of a much larger conversation that Jesus had with Nicodemus. Verse 16 (of chapter 3) deals with faith JESUS. Repentance is talked about in regards to the snake that was lifted up and then again in verses 19-21.
Verses 3 and 5 also deal with baptism. This shows the importance of looking at the overall picture and not focusing in on any single verse or passage.
Furthermore, the NIV is the only translation that uses the word “shall” in John 3:16. All other translations render this verse, “…whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The NIV erroneously takes a “maybe” and turns it into a “will be”.
According to James, faith alone, by itself, will not save us:
James 2:19-20--You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?
Faith must have actions to back it up with.
What about Acts 16:30-31??? He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household."
This verse is often quoted but then the questioner stops short right in the middle of the story. People like to quote verses 30 and 31 but they don’t quote verses 32 and 33. Those very next two verses state that the Word of the Lord was preached to them and then they were immediately baptized. We know from James 2:19-20 that the jailer did not stop once he had a belief in Jesus. Indeed, there was more as verses 32-33 illustrate so clearly. See Acts 16:16-33 for more detail. It does no good to tell someone about baptism unless they are first told the message of Jesus Christ. The first step is to believe, then baptism will be effectual. Faith in Christ is what gives baptism its significance. Obviously, it does no good to tell someone to get baptized unless they have first heard the message of the cross and the story of Jesus.
Some people would still protest the need for baptism in Jesus name, and they will always quote Scripture references from the Romans 10:9-10, “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Remember first, Paul just finished explaining in Romans chapter 6, and in great detail, the role of baptism in Jesus name. This verse does not nullify that chapter. But it is of significance, however, to note the commentary on this verse in the NIV study Bible that states, --“Jesus is Lord”, the earliest confession of Christian faith, probably used at baptism.” The verbal confession of faith that Jesus is the Christ is made at baptism, and is what is seen in the case of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. Notice the eunuch asks to be baptized and Philip tells him “if you believe with all your heart, you may.” And then the Ethiopian eunuch confesses faith in Christ with his mouth, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” He is then baptized.
Read : Acts 8:26-40 (King James Version KJV).
Verse 26, And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
Verse 27, And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
Verse 28, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
Verse 29, Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
Verse 30, And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
Verse 31, And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
Verse 32, The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
Verse 33, In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
Verse 34, And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
Verse 35, Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
Verse 36, 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?
Verse 37 ,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.
Verse 38, And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Verse 39, And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
Verse 40, But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
REMEMBER!!!! Notice belief never stands alone, by itself. There is always some other action associated with it. Jesus started preaching by telling us to “repent and believe the Good News.” Jesus also said in Luke 13:3 that unless we repent we will all perish. So, Therefore Jesus said,
‘He that believeth and baptized shall be saved “ ( Mk 16:16).
Repent and believe.
Looking at it from another angle, notice also that baptism always has something else tied to it:
Believing (Acts 8:37; Mark 16:16)
Repentance (Acts 2:38) { Luke 13:3,5}
Confession of faith in Jesus Christ (Acts 8:36-37)
Which all leads to:
Being baptized in the name of JESUS CHRIST (in water) for the forgiveness of sins- and received the gift of the Holy Spirit-Acts 2:38!!!
This is where we get:
1.) Hear the Word
2.) Believe
3.) Repent of our sins
4.) Confess faith in Christ
5.) Be baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit- Acts 2:38
It’s that simple?
I hope this helps!.
Should we actually invoke or utter the name of Jesus when baptizing a person?
Some Trinitarian churches- do always argue that the phrase only means to baptize with Christ's authority and has no reference to the actual formula. Therefore, baptism in the Trinity formula is also valid.
In response, some Trinitarians argue that the phrase only means to baptize with Christ's authority and has no reference to the actual formula.
Remember. Jesus gave the church power and authority to cast out devils in His name and to pray for the healing of the sick in His name (Mark 16:17-18; James 5:14). How did the New Testament church implement this? The Apostle Peter declared to the lame man, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk" (Acts 3:6). He told the multitude, "And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong" (Acts 3:16). Peter actually invoked the name of Jesus and also exercised faith in Jesus.
He told the Jewish council that the man was healed "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth" (Acts 4:10), quoting the words he had used. When Paul cast a demon out of a young woman, he said, "I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her" (Acts 16:18). He called the name of Jesus. When the sons of Sceva sought to cast out demons, they said, "We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth" (Acts 19:13). They knew that Paul cast out demons by using the name of Jesus, so they attempted to do the same. They were unsuccessful because they did not have faith in Jesus or a genuine relationship with Him.
Whenever the Early Church exercised the power and authority of Jesus to obtain a spiritual work, they always invoked the name of Jesus in faith. Baptism for the remission of sins is no exception. Invoking the name Theologians and church historians generally recognize that the Book of Acts gives the baptismal formula of the Early Church.
HISTORICAL REFERENCES- ( HISTORICAL BAPTISM):
• The Encyclopedia of Religion and ethics states, with respect to New Testament baptism, "The formula used was "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" or some synonymous phrase; there is no evidence for the use of the trine name:"
• The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible says, "The evidence of Acts 2:38; 10:4-8 (cf. 8:16; 19:5), supported by Galatians 3:27, Romans 6:3, suggests that baptism in early Christianity was administered, not in the three-fold name, but "in the name of Jesus Christ" or "in the name of the Lord Jesus:" This is the natural reading of the phrase, "baptized in the name of Jesus Christ;' and a person must use questionable and twisted methods of biblical interpretation to deny that the words mean what they appear to mean.
According to both the Bible and history, the New Testament church invoked the name of Jesus at water baptism. Its baptismal formula was "in the name of Jesus Christ" or "Lord Jesus;' not "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.' The Scriptural Record Every time the Bible records the name or formula associated with an actual baptism in the New Testament church, it was the name Jesus. All five such accounts occur in the Book of Acts, the history book of the Early Church. It records that the following people were baptized in Jesus' name.
• The Jews. "Then Peter said unto to 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).
• The Samaritans. "They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 8:16).
• The Gentiles. "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord" (Acts 10:48). (The earliest Greek manuscripts say, "in the name of Jesus Christ," as do most versions today.)
• The disciples of John (rebaptized). "They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:5).
• The Apostle Paul. "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16).
• Moreover, the Epistles contain a number of references or allusions to baptism in Jesus' name. See Romans 6:3-4; I Corinthians 1:13; 6:11; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; James 2:17.
The only verse of Scripture that anyone could appeal to in support of a threefold baptismal formula is Matthew 28:19, in which Jesus commanded baptism "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:' The word name in this verse is singular, however, indicating that the phrase describes one supreme name by which the one God is revealed, not three names of three persons.
The apostles understood Christ's words as a description of His own name, for they fulfilled His command by baptizing in the name of Jesus Gangte Christian ( Acts 2:38;8:16;10:48;19:5;Gal 3:27; Romans 6:3-5; Acts 22:16). There is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4), and He has one supreme name today (Zechariah 14:9). Jesus is the incarnation of all the fulness of the Godhead (Colossians 2:9).
Jesus is the only saving name (Acts 4:12; Matt 1:21), the name in which we receive remission of sins, the highest name made known to us, and the name in which we are to say and do all things (Acts 4:12; 10:4-3; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 3:17). Thus the one supreme, saving name of Matthew 28:19 is Jesus. We are to fulfill the command of that verse as the Early Church did, by invoking the name of Jesus at baptism.
The Historical Record Respected historical sources verify that the early Christian church did not use a threefold baptismal formula but invoked the name of Jesus in baptism well into the second and third centuries.
• Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics (1951), II, 384, 389: "The formula used was 'in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ' or some synonymous phrase; there is no evidence for the use of the trine name. . . . The earliest form, represented in the Acts, was simple immersion . . . in water, the use of the name of the Lord, and the laying on of hands. To these were added, at various times and places which cannot be safely identified, (a) the trine name (Justin), . . "
• Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible (1962), I, 351: "The evidence ...suggests that baptism in early Christianity was administered, not in the threefold name, but 'in the name of Jesus Christ' or 'in the name of the Lord Jesus'."
• Otto Heick, A History of Christian Thought (1965), I, 87: "At first baptism was administered in the name of Jesus, but gradually in the name of the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit."
• Hastings's Dictionary of the Bible (1898), I, 24-1: "(One could conclude that) the original form of words was 'into the name of Jesus Christ' or 'the Lord Jesus: Baptism into the name of the Trinity was a later development."
• Williston Walker, A History of the Christian Church (1947), page 58: The trinitarian baptismal formula . . . was displacing the older baptism in the name of Christ."
• The New Schaff-Herzog Religious Encyclopedia (1957), I, 435: "The New Testament knows only baptism in the name of Jesus . . . , which still occurs even in the second and third centuries."
• " Canney's Encyclopedia of Religions (1970), page 53: "Persons were baptized at first 'in the name of Jesus Christ' . . . or 'in the name of the Lord Jesus: . . . . Afterwards, with the development of the doctrine of the Trinity, they were baptized 'in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost'."
• Encyclopedia Bibilca (1899), I 4-73: "It is natural to conclude that baptism was administered in the earliest times 'in the name of Jesus Christ; or 'in the name of the Lord Jesus: . . . This view is confirmed by the fact that the earliest forms of the baptismal confession appear to have been single-not triple, as was the later creed."
• The Catholic Encyclopedia, II, 263: "The baptismal formula was changed from the name of Jesus Christ to the words Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by the Catholic Church in the second century."
Today as a Christian, we should use the biblical baptismal formula as found in the New Testament ( Acts 2:38;10;48;19:5; Gal 3:27; Acts 22;16; 8:16; Romans 6:3-5; Col 3:17).
Everyone should be baptized by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins- Acts 2:38-41!
Today we are commanded to obey the gospel of Christ and continue in the apostles doctrine (Acts 2:38-47; John 3:5;. Rom 10:10; Rev 2:10; Acts 2:42; 2 Jn 9).
Do this and live forever.
LIVE FOREVER-obey ACTS 2:38!
THE ONE TRUE GOD AND HIS NAME:
Jehovah God said concerning His Name "Jehovah" in Exodus 3:15 "This is my name unto all generations . . ." Since God cannot lie it is clear that the Name of Jehovah will always be the one and only true name for God. There are many extensions of the name of Jehovah that God has revealed himself in. Yet all of these extensions of the divine name always begin with "Jehovah." It is necessary to call the One True God by His true name to distinguish the One True God from the many false Lords and Gods. The apostle Paul confirms in 1 Corinthians 8:5, ". . . there be many that are called gods . . . as there be gods many, and lords many . . ." Titles such as Elohim and El are not names at all. They were common titles used for pagan deities such as the Philistine god Dagon and the Canaanite god Ashtoreth. God even called Moses a god (Elohim) unto Pharoah. Therefore, God's true name cannot be called God (God simply means "Supreme") for there are many false Gods who claim this same title. Nor can God's name be called "LORD" or "Father," or "Son," or "Holy Spirit," or "Christ," or "Word," or "Holy One," or "Eternal," or "Creator," or "Adonai," etc. These are not names but terms or titles used to describe God's manifold functions and attributes. Since many pagan deities as well as mere mortals also hold some of these titles, it is essential that we both know and utilize the one true name of our God. Jehovah's prophets plainly declared that God's true people would know His Name: "Therefore my people SHALL KNOW MY NAME." (Isaiah 52:6) "They SHALL KNOW THAT MY NAME IS JEHOVAH." (Jeremiah 16:21)
THE IDENTITY OF JESUS IS REVEALED THROUGH HIS NAME
FACT: THE NEW TESTAMENT OPENS AND CLOSES WITH THE DECLARATION OF THE DEITY OF CHRIST.
Matthew 1:23 informs us that the name of Jesus shall be called "EMMANUEL" meaning "GOD WITH US."
Rev. 22:6,16,20 calls Jesus "THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY OF THE HOLY PROPHETS."
FACT: THE NAME OF JESUS LITERALLY MEANS "JEHOVAH SAVES or JEHOVAH IS MY SAVIOR"
This is why the angel declared, "You shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."
Although many Jews may have had this name, no Jewish man could ever claim that his name was given by an angel of the Lord. Thus his name revealed his true identity as "God manifest in the flesh." 1 Timothy 3:16
FACT: THE NAME OF JESUS IS APPLIED TO JEHOVAH
Jer. 23:5,6 "A righteous branch, and a King shall reign . . . and this is His Name whereby He shall be called, The LORD (JEHOVAH) our righteousness." Note: Every time we see the word "LORD" in scripture it is a substitute for the one Divine name of God.
FACT: THE NAME OF JESUS IS THE NAME OF THE FATHER
Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
If the name of Jesus can be called the name of the Mighty God and the name of the Everlasting Father then his name must be the divine name of God the Father Himself.
FACT: JESUS COMMANDED HIS DISCIPLES TO BAPTIZE IN A SINGLE NAME.
Matthew 28:19 "Go you therefore . . . baptizing them in THE NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." The words, "IN THE NAME OF" clearly point to one name, not three names.
FACT: THE FATHER IS NOT A NAME IT IS A TITLE
FACT: THE SON IS NOT A NAME IT IS A TITLE
FACT: THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOT A NAME IT IS A TITLE
Trinitarians allege that the titles Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three separate names for an alleged three person Deity. This is an absurd belief, since there are many fathers and sons in our world today. No father or Son in his right mind could allege that his legitimate name was "Father" or "Son." Nor could a father or son sign his name on a check or legal document as "Father" or "Son." Can you imagine trying to sign a check with the title "Father" or "Son" as your name? Can you imagine Mary having a Son and calling his name Son? This would be ludicrous. The angel clearly gave us the name of the Son: "You shall call his name Jesus (JEHOVAH SAVES) for he shall save his people from their sins."
The divine name of Jehovah is used over 5,500 times throughout scripture. This is significant because 1 Corinthians 8:5 declares that there are many false lords and false gods: "There be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many)." Therefore the divine name of Jehovah was repeatedly used numerous times throughout scripture to distinguish the One True God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob from the many false lords and gods. Hence, it is essential to know the one divine name of God in order to identify which God or Lord we are talking about. Many Pagan Deities were called "Lords and Gods." For instance, the Philistine God Dagon was called "Elohim" just as Jehovah was called "Elohim." Therefore it is essential that Christians know the name of their God in order to distinguish Him from the many Pagan Deities.
God informed Moses in Exodus 3:15 that the name of Jehovah would be the name of the one true God "forever" and "unto all generations." This includes our generation.
God has revealed many extensions of his name to the Hebrews but these extensions of the divine Name always began with the divine name Jehovah (Yahweh in the Hebrew). Some examples: Jehovah Shammah, Jehovah Nissi, Jehovah Rapha, Jehovah Tsidkenu, Jehovah Mckeddish, etc. The last revelatory extension of Jehovah's name is Jehovah Hashua (Yeshua is the contracted form of Yahweh Hashua) which means "Jehovah Saves." We translate Yeshua (Jehovah Saves) into the English as Jesus. Therefore we can conclude that the name of Jesus (Jehovah Saves) is the divine Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE FATHER? YAHWEH
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE SON? YAHWEH HASHUA
Note: The shortened form of the name "YAHWEH HASHUA" is "Yeshua" which literally means "Jehovah Saves."
A good example: My YOUNGER Son's name IS SAMUEL MANOAH but we always call him SAMU for short. So likewise, the proper name for Yeshua is "Yahweh Hashua" but they always called his name "Yeshua" for short.
Jesus further stated: "I am come in my Father's Name" John 5:43.
THEREFORE JESUS IS CLEARLY THE NAME OF YAHWEH = "JEHOVAH SAVES"
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? YAHWEH
Since the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jehovah Himself, the name of the Holy Spirit has to be Jehovah. Joel 2:28,29 proves this to be true. "I am Jehovah your God, and none else . . . I will pour out MY SPIRIT upon all flesh. . ." Acts chapter two proves that the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples. Hence, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jehovah.
CONCLUSION
1. JESUS IS THE NAME OF THE FATHER JEHOVAH SAVES
2. JESUS IS THE NAME OF THE SON JEHOVAH SAVES
3. JESUS IS THE NAME OF THE SPIRIT JEHOVAH SAVES
THE SCRIPTURES PROVE THAT THE NAME OF JESUS CAN BE APPLIED TO ALL THREE TITLES OF THE ONE TRUE GOD: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. THEREFORE THE SCRIPTURES SUPPORT THE ONENESS VIEW OF GOD RATHER THAN THE TRINITARIAN CONCEPT.
FACT: NOT EVEN ONCE DID THE APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH EVER BAPTIZE IN THE TRINITARIAN FORMULA "In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
WHAT ABOUT BAPTISM INTO THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT?
Our Lord Jesus Christ clearly commanded the apostles to baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Did the apostles fail to obey Christ's command when they baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus? If the apostles were in error when they always baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, then there would be a clear contradiction within the pages of the Bible. Does God's Word contradict itself? Or are many misinterpreting the Word of God? Let's take a closer look at Matthew 28:19.
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
Notice that the apostles of Christ were commanded to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus did not say, "in the names of the Father, Son, and Spirit." He clearly stated, "in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit." The titles of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not names at all. They are titles or positions that God holds. He is our Father as the creator, Son as our redeemer manifest in the flesh, and Holy Spirit as God's indwelling Spirit within the Church.
No one in their right mind would sign a check by writing, "Father," or "Son," or "Spirit." There are many fathers, many sons, and many spirits who are holy (the angels of God and born again believers who are truly living for God have holy spirits). Any grammarian would state that the titles Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not names. There must be a Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We know that the name of the Son is Jesus. We also know that the meaning of the name of Jesus means "Jehovah Saves." Scripture further states that Jesus came in his Father's Name. John 5:43 states that Jesus said, "I am come in my Father's name, and you receive me not..." Therefore when we put all of the scriptures together we can clearly understand that they do not contradict each other at all. They fit together in perfect harmony much like a child fits many pieces of a jig saw puzzle together in perfect harmony. When a Pastor or Elder carries out the divine command to baptize in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, he will baptize in the Name of Jesus Christ. For Jesus, meaning "Jehovah Saves," is the Name of the Father, Son, and Spirit.
It is truly enlightening when one considers that the very passage of scripture that the Roman Catholic Church used to change the mode of water baptism and formulate the false doctrine of a Trinity of three divine people actually proves the Oneness of God, the full deity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and water baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ. For Jesus' command to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit proves that the singular name of Jesus Christ is the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit. All three titles or manifestations of God comprise the One Supreme Being we call Jehovah God. There cannot be three divine Jehovah's. Jesus is not a second divine person of God. Nor is Jesus Jehovah Junior. The scriptures plainly declare that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the "Alpha and Omega, ... which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty (Rev. 1:8). And again the scriptures declare that our wonderful Jesus is "the beginning and the end, the first and the last (Rev. 22:13)." The Roman Catholic Church developed the false creedal doctrine of the Trinity which states that our Jesus is "the second person of a Trinity." A phrase which clearly contradicts inspired scripture and is no where to be found in the Bible.
One might argue that the concept of the Trinity is taught in the Bible. I certainly agree that the concept of the plurality of God's Might and Majesty cannot be denied in scripture. Nor can we deny the fact that the One True God created all human beings after his own image and likeness. Since man is a tripartite being of spirit, soul, and body - so also God is a tripartite Being manifested to us as Father, Son (The Word Incarnate), and Holy Spirit. The fact that Adam was created as one person in the image and likeness of God (not three persons with three heads) proves that God is also absolutely ONE, not two or three!!!!. The whole concept of Catholism calling God three divine co-equal, co-eternal persons is completely foreign to the Bible. It is a false and misleading invention of the devil. It leads to a pseudo form of Christian Baptism which takes the saving Name of Jesus Christ out.
THE APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH ALWAYS BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF JESUS ALONE- Acts 2:38;8:16;10:48;19:5; Gal 3:27; Romans 6:3-5; Acts 22:16.
"Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ."
Acts 2:38
"They were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 8:16
"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 19:5
". . . so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death."
Romans 6:3
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."
Gal. 3:26,27.
"And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." Col.3:17
There is absolutely no instance in the entire New Testament where the apostles and evangelists of the early church ever baptized in the titles Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The actions of the apostles prove that the name of the Father, Son and Spirit has to be Jesus, which literally means "Jehovah Saves."
Jehovah God said concerning His Name "Jehovah" in Exodus 3:15 "This is my name unto all generations . . ." Since God cannot lie it is clear that the Name of Jehovah will always be the one and only true name for God. There are many extensions of the name of Jehovah that God has revealed himself in. Yet all of these extensions of the divine name always begin with "Jehovah." It is necessary to call the One True God by His true name to distinguish the One True God from the many false Lords and Gods. The apostle Paul confirms in 1 Corinthians 8:5, ". . . there be many that are called gods . . . as there be gods many, and lords many . . ." Titles such as Elohim and El are not names at all. They were common titles used for pagan deities such as the Philistine god Dagon and the Canaanite god Ashtoreth. God even called Moses a god (Elohim) unto Pharoah. Therefore, God's true name cannot be called God (God simply means "Supreme") for there are many false Gods who claim this same title. Nor can God's name be called "LORD" or "Father," or "Son," or "Holy Spirit," or "Christ," or "Word," or "Holy One," or "Eternal," or "Creator," or "Adonai," etc. These are not names but terms or titles used to describe God's manifold functions and attributes. Since many pagan deities as well as mere mortals also hold some of these titles, it is essential that we both know and utilize the one true name of our God. Jehovah's prophets plainly declared that God's true people would know His Name: "Therefore my people SHALL KNOW MY NAME." (Isaiah 52:6) "They SHALL KNOW THAT MY NAME IS JEHOVAH." (Jeremiah 16:21)
THE IDENTITY OF JESUS IS REVEALED THROUGH HIS NAME
FACT: THE NEW TESTAMENT OPENS AND CLOSES WITH THE DECLARATION OF THE DEITY OF CHRIST.
Matthew 1:23 informs us that the name of Jesus shall be called "EMMANUEL" meaning "GOD WITH US."
Rev. 22:6,16,20 calls Jesus "THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY OF THE HOLY PROPHETS."
FACT: THE NAME OF JESUS LITERALLY MEANS "JEHOVAH SAVES or JEHOVAH IS MY SAVIOR"
This is why the angel declared, "You shall call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."
Although many Jews may have had this name, no Jewish man could ever claim that his name was given by an angel of the Lord. Thus his name revealed his true identity as "God manifest in the flesh." 1 Timothy 3:16
FACT: THE NAME OF JESUS IS APPLIED TO JEHOVAH
Jer. 23:5,6 "A righteous branch, and a King shall reign . . . and this is His Name whereby He shall be called, The LORD (JEHOVAH) our righteousness." Note: Every time we see the word "LORD" in scripture it is a substitute for the one Divine name of God.
FACT: THE NAME OF JESUS IS THE NAME OF THE FATHER
Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
If the name of Jesus can be called the name of the Mighty God and the name of the Everlasting Father then his name must be the divine name of God the Father Himself.
FACT: JESUS COMMANDED HIS DISCIPLES TO BAPTIZE IN A SINGLE NAME.
Matthew 28:19 "Go you therefore . . . baptizing them in THE NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." The words, "IN THE NAME OF" clearly point to one name, not three names.
FACT: THE FATHER IS NOT A NAME IT IS A TITLE
FACT: THE SON IS NOT A NAME IT IS A TITLE
FACT: THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOT A NAME IT IS A TITLE
Trinitarians allege that the titles Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three separate names for an alleged three person Deity. This is an absurd belief, since there are many fathers and sons in our world today. No father or Son in his right mind could allege that his legitimate name was "Father" or "Son." Nor could a father or son sign his name on a check or legal document as "Father" or "Son." Can you imagine trying to sign a check with the title "Father" or "Son" as your name? Can you imagine Mary having a Son and calling his name Son? This would be ludicrous. The angel clearly gave us the name of the Son: "You shall call his name Jesus (JEHOVAH SAVES) for he shall save his people from their sins."
The divine name of Jehovah is used over 5,500 times throughout scripture. This is significant because 1 Corinthians 8:5 declares that there are many false lords and false gods: "There be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many)." Therefore the divine name of Jehovah was repeatedly used numerous times throughout scripture to distinguish the One True God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob from the many false lords and gods. Hence, it is essential to know the one divine name of God in order to identify which God or Lord we are talking about. Many Pagan Deities were called "Lords and Gods." For instance, the Philistine God Dagon was called "Elohim" just as Jehovah was called "Elohim." Therefore it is essential that Christians know the name of their God in order to distinguish Him from the many Pagan Deities.
God informed Moses in Exodus 3:15 that the name of Jehovah would be the name of the one true God "forever" and "unto all generations." This includes our generation.
God has revealed many extensions of his name to the Hebrews but these extensions of the divine Name always began with the divine name Jehovah (Yahweh in the Hebrew). Some examples: Jehovah Shammah, Jehovah Nissi, Jehovah Rapha, Jehovah Tsidkenu, Jehovah Mckeddish, etc. The last revelatory extension of Jehovah's name is Jehovah Hashua (Yeshua is the contracted form of Yahweh Hashua) which means "Jehovah Saves." We translate Yeshua (Jehovah Saves) into the English as Jesus. Therefore we can conclude that the name of Jesus (Jehovah Saves) is the divine Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE FATHER? YAHWEH
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE SON? YAHWEH HASHUA
Note: The shortened form of the name "YAHWEH HASHUA" is "Yeshua" which literally means "Jehovah Saves."
A good example: My YOUNGER Son's name IS SAMUEL MANOAH but we always call him SAMU for short. So likewise, the proper name for Yeshua is "Yahweh Hashua" but they always called his name "Yeshua" for short.
Jesus further stated: "I am come in my Father's Name" John 5:43.
THEREFORE JESUS IS CLEARLY THE NAME OF YAHWEH = "JEHOVAH SAVES"
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? YAHWEH
Since the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jehovah Himself, the name of the Holy Spirit has to be Jehovah. Joel 2:28,29 proves this to be true. "I am Jehovah your God, and none else . . . I will pour out MY SPIRIT upon all flesh. . ." Acts chapter two proves that the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples. Hence, the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jehovah.
CONCLUSION
1. JESUS IS THE NAME OF THE FATHER JEHOVAH SAVES
2. JESUS IS THE NAME OF THE SON JEHOVAH SAVES
3. JESUS IS THE NAME OF THE SPIRIT JEHOVAH SAVES
THE SCRIPTURES PROVE THAT THE NAME OF JESUS CAN BE APPLIED TO ALL THREE TITLES OF THE ONE TRUE GOD: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. THEREFORE THE SCRIPTURES SUPPORT THE ONENESS VIEW OF GOD RATHER THAN THE TRINITARIAN CONCEPT.
FACT: NOT EVEN ONCE DID THE APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS IN THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH EVER BAPTIZE IN THE TRINITARIAN FORMULA "In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
WHAT ABOUT BAPTISM INTO THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT?
Our Lord Jesus Christ clearly commanded the apostles to baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Did the apostles fail to obey Christ's command when they baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus? If the apostles were in error when they always baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, then there would be a clear contradiction within the pages of the Bible. Does God's Word contradict itself? Or are many misinterpreting the Word of God? Let's take a closer look at Matthew 28:19.
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
Notice that the apostles of Christ were commanded to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus did not say, "in the names of the Father, Son, and Spirit." He clearly stated, "in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit." The titles of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not names at all. They are titles or positions that God holds. He is our Father as the creator, Son as our redeemer manifest in the flesh, and Holy Spirit as God's indwelling Spirit within the Church.
No one in their right mind would sign a check by writing, "Father," or "Son," or "Spirit." There are many fathers, many sons, and many spirits who are holy (the angels of God and born again believers who are truly living for God have holy spirits). Any grammarian would state that the titles Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are not names. There must be a Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We know that the name of the Son is Jesus. We also know that the meaning of the name of Jesus means "Jehovah Saves." Scripture further states that Jesus came in his Father's Name. John 5:43 states that Jesus said, "I am come in my Father's name, and you receive me not..." Therefore when we put all of the scriptures together we can clearly understand that they do not contradict each other at all. They fit together in perfect harmony much like a child fits many pieces of a jig saw puzzle together in perfect harmony. When a Pastor or Elder carries out the divine command to baptize in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, he will baptize in the Name of Jesus Christ. For Jesus, meaning "Jehovah Saves," is the Name of the Father, Son, and Spirit.
It is truly enlightening when one considers that the very passage of scripture that the Roman Catholic Church used to change the mode of water baptism and formulate the false doctrine of a Trinity of three divine people actually proves the Oneness of God, the full deity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and water baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ. For Jesus' command to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit proves that the singular name of Jesus Christ is the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit. All three titles or manifestations of God comprise the One Supreme Being we call Jehovah God. There cannot be three divine Jehovah's. Jesus is not a second divine person of God. Nor is Jesus Jehovah Junior. The scriptures plainly declare that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the "Alpha and Omega, ... which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty (Rev. 1:8). And again the scriptures declare that our wonderful Jesus is "the beginning and the end, the first and the last (Rev. 22:13)." The Roman Catholic Church developed the false creedal doctrine of the Trinity which states that our Jesus is "the second person of a Trinity." A phrase which clearly contradicts inspired scripture and is no where to be found in the Bible.
One might argue that the concept of the Trinity is taught in the Bible. I certainly agree that the concept of the plurality of God's Might and Majesty cannot be denied in scripture. Nor can we deny the fact that the One True God created all human beings after his own image and likeness. Since man is a tripartite being of spirit, soul, and body - so also God is a tripartite Being manifested to us as Father, Son (The Word Incarnate), and Holy Spirit. The fact that Adam was created as one person in the image and likeness of God (not three persons with three heads) proves that God is also absolutely ONE, not two or three!!!!. The whole concept of Catholism calling God three divine co-equal, co-eternal persons is completely foreign to the Bible. It is a false and misleading invention of the devil. It leads to a pseudo form of Christian Baptism which takes the saving Name of Jesus Christ out.
THE APOSTLES AND EVANGELISTS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH ALWAYS BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF JESUS ALONE- Acts 2:38;8:16;10:48;19:5; Gal 3:27; Romans 6:3-5; Acts 22:16.
"Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ."
Acts 2:38
"They were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 8:16
"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 19:5
". . . so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death."
Romans 6:3
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."
Gal. 3:26,27.
"And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus." Col.3:17
There is absolutely no instance in the entire New Testament where the apostles and evangelists of the early church ever baptized in the titles Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The actions of the apostles prove that the name of the Father, Son and Spirit has to be Jesus, which literally means "Jehovah Saves."
Some protest the need for baptism in Jesus name ( Acts 2:38; Lk 24:47), saying something like “But God has answered my prayers for a long time, so how could I not be saved?”
Answered prayer is not “proof” we are saved. God answers prayers of unsaved people all the time. That is how loving, caring, all-powerful, all-knowing, merciful, and perfect God is.
“He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” –Matthew 5:45
When God answers our prayers even before we are saved, He is drawing us to Him. When we reach out for God, He does not push us away. He answers so we will know He is there. He answers so we will know he is real. He answers so we will believe He exists. God answers so we will continue to seek after Him.
It is not unusual for God to hear the prayers of people that are seeking Him, even before they are saved. See Cornelius in Acts chapter 10:
Verses 30-33 says
Cornelius answered: "Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at
three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, 'Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. Send to
Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner,
who lives by the sea.' So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come.
Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has
commanded you to tell us."
God not only heard Cornelius’ prayer before he was saved, He sent an angel in response to provide him with more information through Peter! Peter later told Cornelius the rest of the message so that he could be saved ( Read Acts 10:43-48).
Jesus warned us that even miracles performed in His name does not mean we are saved:
Matthew 7:21-23
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' ( Jesus said, " I Never Knew you" He didn't say " We Never knew you"- This proof that Jesus is the One true God, beside Him there is no other God- Isaiah 44:6- Rev 1:8; Col 2:9-10).
In the above verse, how could these people cast out demons unless they pray? How could they perform any of these works without prayer? Notice Jesus does not deny they did these things. But Jesus tells them to depart because they did not do His will. How do we know what God’s will is? By reading the Scriptures (Bible- II Tim 3:16-17) and doing what they say.
Think about this: If God did not answer our prayers at all before we were saved, how would we ever find Him?
Imagine a parent that looses their child in a store. Does the parent not cry out and call to that lost child? And when the child hears his mother or father, does he not run in the direction of that voice?
That is what God does with us!
And, in God’s eyes, we are not considered found until we are in Christ:
• Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? –Romans 6:3
• For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for as many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. -- Galatians 3:26-27.
Some still protest the need for baptism in Jesus name, and they often quoted John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life?"
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
This is perhaps the most often quoted verse in the New Testament. It is often isolated and set apart from the rest of the dialogue in which it took place. Remember! To “believe in Jesus” means to believe the gospel message, and baptism is a part of that gospel message. It must also be remembered this verse is only one small part of a much larger conversation that Jesus had with Nicodemus. Verse 16 (of chapter 3) deals with faith JESUS. Repentance is talked about in regards to the snake that was lifted up and then again in verses 19-21.
Verses 3 and 5 also deal with baptism in Jesus name. This shows the importance of looking at the overall picture and not focusing in on any single verse or passage.
Furthermore, the NIV is the only translation that uses the word “shall” in John 3:16. All other translations render this verse, “…whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The NIV erroneously takes a “maybe” and turns it into a “will be”.
According to James, faith alone, by itself, will not save us:
James 2:19-20
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Remember this, faith must have actions to back it up with!! ( Acts 2:37-41; 19:5;16:30-33; Mark 16:16).
Some still protest the need for baptism in Jesus name, and they often quoted the bible verse from Acts 16:30-31He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household."
This verse is often quoted but then the questioner stops short right in the middle of the story. People like to quote verses 30 and 31 but they don’t quote verses 32 and 33. Those very next two verses state that the Word of the Lord was preached to them and then they were immediately baptized. We know Apostle Paul and the early church always baptized people in the name of Jesus Christ ( Acts 19:2-5; 22:16; 10:48; Col 3:17; Eph 4:5). We also know from James 2:19-20 that the jailer did not stop once he had a belief in Jesus. Indeed, there was more as verses 32-33 illustrate so clearly. See
Acts 16:16-33 for more detail:-
Acts 16:30-33
Verse 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
Verse 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Verse 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
Verse 33 -And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
It does no good to tell someone about baptism unless they are first told the message of Jesus Christ. The first step is to believe, then baptism will be effectual ( Mark 16:16 says " He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned"). Faith in Christ is what gives baptism in Jesus name- its significance. Obviously, it does no good to tell someone to get baptized unless they have first heard the message of the calvary and the story of Jesus.
Today we are commanded to obey the gospel of Christ and continue in the apostles doctrine ( Acts 2:38-47; John 3:5;. Rom 10:10; Rev 2:10; Acts 2:42; 2 Jn 9). Do this and live forever.
LIVE FOREVER-obey ACTS 2:38!
Answered prayer is not “proof” we are saved. God answers prayers of unsaved people all the time. That is how loving, caring, all-powerful, all-knowing, merciful, and perfect God is.
“He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” –Matthew 5:45
When God answers our prayers even before we are saved, He is drawing us to Him. When we reach out for God, He does not push us away. He answers so we will know He is there. He answers so we will know he is real. He answers so we will believe He exists. God answers so we will continue to seek after Him.
It is not unusual for God to hear the prayers of people that are seeking Him, even before they are saved. See Cornelius in Acts chapter 10:
Verses 30-33 says
Cornelius answered: "Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at
three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, 'Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. Send to
Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner,
who lives by the sea.' So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come.
Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has
commanded you to tell us."
God not only heard Cornelius’ prayer before he was saved, He sent an angel in response to provide him with more information through Peter! Peter later told Cornelius the rest of the message so that he could be saved ( Read Acts 10:43-48).
Jesus warned us that even miracles performed in His name does not mean we are saved:
Matthew 7:21-23
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' ( Jesus said, " I Never Knew you" He didn't say " We Never knew you"- This proof that Jesus is the One true God, beside Him there is no other God- Isaiah 44:6- Rev 1:8; Col 2:9-10).
In the above verse, how could these people cast out demons unless they pray? How could they perform any of these works without prayer? Notice Jesus does not deny they did these things. But Jesus tells them to depart because they did not do His will. How do we know what God’s will is? By reading the Scriptures (Bible- II Tim 3:16-17) and doing what they say.
Think about this: If God did not answer our prayers at all before we were saved, how would we ever find Him?
Imagine a parent that looses their child in a store. Does the parent not cry out and call to that lost child? And when the child hears his mother or father, does he not run in the direction of that voice?
That is what God does with us!
And, in God’s eyes, we are not considered found until we are in Christ:
• Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? –Romans 6:3
• For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for as many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. -- Galatians 3:26-27.
Some still protest the need for baptism in Jesus name, and they often quoted John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life?"
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.
This is perhaps the most often quoted verse in the New Testament. It is often isolated and set apart from the rest of the dialogue in which it took place. Remember! To “believe in Jesus” means to believe the gospel message, and baptism is a part of that gospel message. It must also be remembered this verse is only one small part of a much larger conversation that Jesus had with Nicodemus. Verse 16 (of chapter 3) deals with faith JESUS. Repentance is talked about in regards to the snake that was lifted up and then again in verses 19-21.
Verses 3 and 5 also deal with baptism in Jesus name. This shows the importance of looking at the overall picture and not focusing in on any single verse or passage.
Furthermore, the NIV is the only translation that uses the word “shall” in John 3:16. All other translations render this verse, “…whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The NIV erroneously takes a “maybe” and turns it into a “will be”.
According to James, faith alone, by itself, will not save us:
James 2:19-20
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Remember this, faith must have actions to back it up with!! ( Acts 2:37-41; 19:5;16:30-33; Mark 16:16).
Some still protest the need for baptism in Jesus name, and they often quoted the bible verse from Acts 16:30-31He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household."
This verse is often quoted but then the questioner stops short right in the middle of the story. People like to quote verses 30 and 31 but they don’t quote verses 32 and 33. Those very next two verses state that the Word of the Lord was preached to them and then they were immediately baptized. We know Apostle Paul and the early church always baptized people in the name of Jesus Christ ( Acts 19:2-5; 22:16; 10:48; Col 3:17; Eph 4:5). We also know from James 2:19-20 that the jailer did not stop once he had a belief in Jesus. Indeed, there was more as verses 32-33 illustrate so clearly. See
Acts 16:16-33 for more detail:-
Acts 16:30-33
Verse 30 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
Verse 31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Verse 32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
Verse 33 -And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
It does no good to tell someone about baptism unless they are first told the message of Jesus Christ. The first step is to believe, then baptism will be effectual ( Mark 16:16 says " He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned"). Faith in Christ is what gives baptism in Jesus name- its significance. Obviously, it does no good to tell someone to get baptized unless they have first heard the message of the calvary and the story of Jesus.
Today we are commanded to obey the gospel of Christ and continue in the apostles doctrine ( Acts 2:38-47; John 3:5;. Rom 10:10; Rev 2:10; Acts 2:42; 2 Jn 9). Do this and live forever.
LIVE FOREVER-obey ACTS 2:38!
I have made it back. For the longest time, no matter what I tried I could not log in, now when I'm able I have a lot to catch up on.
Some people says, “We are not saved by baptism; we are saved by grace.”
Indeed, we are saved by grace. But just what is ‘grace’? The Oxford American Dictionary defines grace as: God’s loving mercy toward mankind. Other words that may be found in a thesaurus as synonyms for “grace” include: mercy, favor, kindness, blessing, and compassion.
Indeed, we are saved by grace. But just what is ‘grace’? The Oxford American Dictionary defines grace as: God’s loving mercy toward mankind. Other words that may be found in a thesaurus as synonyms for “grace” include: mercy, favor, kindness, blessing, and compassion.
And it is because of God’s mercy, His favor, His kindness, His blessing and His compassion that He has provided mankind with a salvation plan! We are saved by God’s mercy. We do not deserve the blessings God has given us.
Ephesians 2:4-9---But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast.
Baptism in no way minimizes or nullifies God’s grace as some critics argue that baptism does. They make this argument because they do not understand the role baptism plays in God’s salvation plan. Baptism in Jesus name-confirms and verifies God’s grace to us! God’s grace is manifested in baptism- READ MK 16:16; I Peter 3:20-21! after we are baptized in Jesus name and received the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), His grace continues to cover us.
Notice this passage says:
God made us alive in Christ when we were dead—and this is God’s grace.
God raised us up with Christ
God expresses His grace to mankind by giving us Christ Jesus
God’s grace is through faith.
When did God make us alive when we were dead, and raise us up with Christ? What is Paul talking about?
Romans 6:3-5 describes just such a scenario-- when we were dead in sin and God raised us up with Christ:
“Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his”.
An Analogy of Grace and Faith :
Here is an analogy that may help to put what we have learned into perspective. Suppose Smith tells Jack "Meet me at the bank tomorrow morning at 11:00 A.M. and I will give you $2,000." (This is a condition for receiving the gift.) If Jack really believes Smith, he will appear at the appointed place and time. (Faith necessarily produces trust, response, and reliance) If Jack shows up, has he thereby earned the money? Of course not, because the money is a free gift. Yet his appearance is a necessary condition that must be met in order to receive the gift. (Grace on Smith's part, faith on Jack’s part.) If Jack fails to show up, he will not receive the gift and the responsibility for the failure will fall totally upon him. (Lack of faith in the promise.)
Similarly, we must respond to God in faith by seeking repentance, remission of sins at water baptism according to Acts 2:38-41; Acts 10:44-48, Therefore Jesus said, “He that believeth and baptized shall be saved” (Mk 16:16) also read I Peter 3:20-21. If we do, God will graciously grant our petition, and we will receive salvation totally as a free gift and not as an earned right. If we do not respond in obedience to God's Word, we will not receive salvation, and the blame will rest totally upon us ( Read Mark 16:16; Gal 1:8-9; Acts 2:37-41; Acts 19:1-7).
The Bible says that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). And when we had sinned and were dead, and had received only what we deserved, God in His mercy and grace provided a way for us to be saved—He robed Himself in flesh and gave of Himself as the Son of God to reconcile the world to Himself (II Corinthians 5:19). The one True God of the Old Testament, the great Creator of the universe, humbled Himself in the form of man so that man could see Him, understand Him, and communicate with Him. He made a body for Himself, called the Son of God ( I Tim 3:16;I Isaiah 44:6).Hence, without Jesus, baptism is meaningless- Therefore, we must be baptized in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Jesus name baptism is necessary. We know that Jesus name is the only saving name given in the New Testament ( Acts 4:12). Baptism in Jesus name, coupled with faith, is the means by which we become unified with Christ. Baptism is how we are “put into” Christ( Gal 3:27).
We should be grateful and thankful beyond measure that God has provided a salvation plan for us who deserve nothing but death.
Remember! To “believe in Jesus” means to believe the gospel message, and baptism is a part of that gospel message- Mark 16:16; John 3:5; Acts 2:38-41!
If we say we are not saved by baptism in Jesus name, we are saying we are not saved by God’s salvation plan ( Read Luke 24:47; Mk 16:16; Acts 22:38; 2:38-39).
God wants everyone to be saved and to know the truth. It is by God’s abundant mercy and grace that he provides us with a way out of the darkness. His salvation plan is available to every human being! His invitation is extended to everybody and it is by His grace that anyone gets an invitation at all. Yet even though His salvation is open to all, we must each, individually, respond to this invitation, to His grace, and to His call. We do this by believing, by repenting, by confessing our faith in Christ and by being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, receiving gift of the Holy Spirit- Acts 2:38; John 3:5! Then in Christ you can live forever.
The word of God is not a dead letter. It is “living and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12). Although our flesh is like grass that withers away, through the “living and powerful” word of God we can live forever. Let us hold fast the “word of life” (Philippians 2:16).
“Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus said: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matthew 24:35). “The word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). Today we are commanded to obey the gospel of Christ and continue in the apostles doctrine ( Acts 2:38-47; John 3:5;. Rom 10:10; Rev 2:10; Acts 2:42; 2 Jn 9). Do this and live forever.
LIVE FOREVER-obey ACTS 2:38!
Bro Paogin Mangte
President/Founder
Apostolic Theological Seminary New Delhi,India.
General Pastor- OAPCI India.
I still go to the Apostolic Church. I saw most real Christian women do not wear those earrings. I wonder. Do the earrings link with worshipping the idols ? During Moses's time, Hebrews disobeyed Moses and God's warning against worshipping idols. Guess what ? They used their golden earrings for melting them, and molding into golden bull idol. They worshipping the false god.
Moses made them stopping wearing the earrings forever no more. That means they are not allowed to wear the earrings. God wants them to stay holy for His holy land.
Is that right, Steve Winters ?
I am curious. I know that God is very holy of all. God will not allow the smoking, unless they must quit smoking for the repentance and must become reborn christian. The addiction of smoking the cigarettes keep them from going to heaven. I will never understand too many hypocrites in the church. One problem is they will kill themselves with cancer through smoking. I think that smoking is wrong. I am not sure. Steve Winters, you know better than I do. Too many die from cancer.
It's that time of year again when so many preachers are making too much money to tell you the truth about Eostre.
See http://www.heathenholidays.com for truth that many preachers don't love you enough to tell you.
Bro. Winter http://biblefolk.com
#easter #eostre #easterbunny #holiday #holidays #heathen #christianity
