WHAT IS THE TRUE FORMULA FOR WATER BAPTISM ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE AND HISTORY?
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matt. 28:19).
Ever since the first lie was introduced to humanity, lies have competed against the truth. There is an ongoing war between the truth and the lies for humanities affection and loyalty. Every person living will take a side in this conflict. The truth is being on God’s side the lies being on the one creature who opposes God and has led a rebellion.
Today, I would like to say nothing but the true biblical water baptismal formula-not a man-made pagan baptismal formula!
As we all know, in this our generation, so called - Confusion has been left in the minds of many as to whether or not it is valid to use the words Father, Son and Holy Ghost for the baptismal formula and for the basis of the Trinity doctrine. A careful study of the original text, taken from ancient manuscripts and from the earliest historical writings, should dispel all doubt concerning the true baptismal formula. Note the following textual criticism: Elsewhere in the New Testament the Triune formula is not used. Some scholars thus doubt the accuracy of the quotation in Matthew (Encyclopedia Britannica, 1987 Edition, Vol. 1, p. 877).
Matthew 28:19 has been disputed on textual grounds. There is grave doubt whether they (the traditional words Father, Son and Holy Ghost) may be regarded as the actual words of Jesus (The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible, 1980 Edition, Vol. 1, p. 35).
All ancient manuscripts, which contain the original words of Jesus found in Matthew 28:19, were either lost or destroyed. We have no complete manuscript older than the year 400 (Hibbert Journal, F. C. Conybeare, 1902 Bound Edit., p. 108). In all still existing MSS (manuscripts which contain Matthew 28:19) the text is found in the traditional (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) form (Encyclopedia of Religion & Ethics, Vol. 2, p. 380). In the only codices (manuscripts) which would be likely to preserve an older reading, namely the Sinaitic Syriac and the oldest Latin MS., the pages are gone which contained the end of Matthew (Hibbert Journal, Conybeare, 1902, p. 108). To settle the question about the baptismal formula, we must turn to the earliest quotations of the original text.
The noted Greek scholar Eusebius of Caesarea (A.D. 270-340), who lived in the greatest Christian library of his time, had access to much older MSS than currently exist, and also exegesis of Origen, of Clement, of Alexandria, of Pantaenus and of many other ancient works (Hibbert Journal, Conybeare, 1902, p. 104). Eusebius quoted from Matthew 28:19 many times in his writings, in which he clearly revealed that Jesus commissioned the apostles to use a singular name---"His Name." The following is an actual quotation taken from the ancient manuscripts of the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19: "Go ye and make disciples of all the nations IN MY NAME, teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I commanded you" (Demonstratio Evangelica, by Eusebius, A.D. 300-336, col. 240, p. 136: English --- The Proof Of The Gospel, Translated by W. J. Ferrar, 1981 Edition, p. 152,159,179).
In "The Proof Of The Gospel" Eusebius emphasized, "He (Jesus) did not bid them (Apostles) simply and indefinitely to make disciples of all nations, but with the necessary addition of 'IN MY NAME' " (p. 157). Any other form of text he had never heard, and knew nothing until he had visited Constantinople and attended the Council of Nicaea. Then in two controversial works written in his extreme old age he used the common (traditional) reading (Hibbert Journal, Conybeare, 1902, p. 105). This of course reveals that he was persuaded to replace the original text with the traditional wording.
Other authors who had access to the original text also refer to the use of a singular name in the commission of Christ. The anonymous author of De Rebaptismate in the 3rd century dwelt at length on the power of the Name of Jesus invoked upon a man by baptism (De Rebaptismate 6,7: Dictionary Of The Bible, William Smith, Vol. I, p. 352).
In Justin Martyr's writings between A.D. 130 and 140, there is a passage which has been regarded as an echo of Matthew 28:19 by various scholars: "God hath not yet inflicted nor inflicts the judgment, as knowing of some that still even today are being made disciples in the Name of His Christ, and are abandoning the path of error, who also do receive gifts each as they be worthy, being illumined by the Name of this Christ" (Justin Martyr's Dialogue with Trypho 39, p. 258: Hibbert Journal, Conybeare, 1902, p. 106). This certainly suggests that Justin did not know the traditional text of Matthew 28:19 (The Encyclopedia Of Religion And Ethics, Vol. 2, p. 380).
In Origen's works, as preserved in Greek, the first part of the verse (Matthew 28:19) is used three times, but his quotation always stops short at the words "the nations." That in itself suggests that this text has been censored, and that the words which followed "in My Name" struck out (Hibbert Journal, 1902, p. 105).
In the 3rd century baptism in the Name of Christ was still so widespread that Pope Stephen, in opposition to Cyprian of Carthage, declared it to be valid. Ursinus, an African monk also asserted that baptism into the Name of Christ alone was valid (Encyclopedia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, Vol. 3, p. 365,366).
Dr. Swete, professor at Cambridge, wrote in his book on the Apostles creed (London, 1894) that the triple formula forms the framework of the so-called Apostles' creed. He pointed out that the baptismal creed is seen to rest on the baptismal words Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (Hibbert Journal, 1902, p. 102).
Matthew 28:19 is the central piece of evidence for the traditional view of the institution of baptism by Christ. The objection made to the historical criticism is that the references to baptism in the Acts point to the earliest form as baptism "in the Name of the Lord" (The Encyclopedia Of Religion and Ethics, Vol. 2, p. 380).
In the oldest sources it is stated that baptism takes place "in the Name of Jesus" (Encyclopedia Britannica, 1937 Edition, Vol. 3, p. 82).
For centuries the Trinitarian formula for water baptism has been primarily based on the traditional wording of Matthew 28:19. With all the Scriptural and historical evidence now available, there remains absolutely no solid foundation to support the triune name baptism.
The traditional wording of Matthew 28:19 cannot be used to support the trinitarian formula without clashing with Scriptural and historical evidence. It can only be used in reference to three manifestations of one God and not three persons with a triune name. Which ever text you choose to use: the original or traditional; a singular name is required. Notice that Jesus said, "NAME" (singular). Father, Son and Holy Ghost are only titles or offices in which the one true God has manifested Himself --- This is not His proper Name! To repeat the titles and refuse to state the Name is failure to fulfill the commission of Christ. Therefore, to obey the commission, the NAME must be used. What is the NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost?
Name of Father ---IS JESUS---Jesus said, "I am come in my Father's Name" (John 5:43).
Name of Son ---IS JESUS-- "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His Name JESUS" (Matt. 1:21). (Also Luke 1:31.)
Name of Holy Ghost ---IS JESUS--Jesus said, "The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in MY NAME, He shall teach you all things" (John 14:26).
Emphatically the NAME IS JESUS! Zechariah prophesied, "... In that day (day of Salvation) shall there be ONE LORD, and HIS NAME ONE" (Zec. 14:9). "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow ... and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord . . ." (Phi. 2:9-11). Paul declared the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and in earth is named (Eph. 3:14,15).
A trinitarian name-mysticism in Matthew 28:19 is quite out of the question. The Greek words "eis to onoma" (in the name) seems rather to have been a technical term in Hellenistic commerce "to the account." In both cases the use of the phrase is understandable, since the account bears the name of the one who owns it, and in baptism the Name of Jesus is pronounced (Acts 22:16) (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Kittel, Vol. 1, p. 539,540).
Luke also records the "Great Commission" of Christ, which agrees with the original text of Matthew 28:19. Then Jesus opened the understanding of the disciples to the Scriptures, and said, "... That repentance and REMISSION OF SINS should be preached IN HIS NAME among all nations beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:45-47). WHAT IS " IN HIS NAME.."? WE KNOW HIS NAME IS JESUS- MATHEW 1:21; ACTS 4:12; COLOSIANS 3:17;ZECHARIAH 14:9!
In obedience to the commission of Christ, Peter stood with the other apostles in Jerusalem and said, "Repent, and be baptized everyone 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). To question the words of Peter is to doubt the divine wisdom of God, for Jesus gave to Peter the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt. 16:13-19). Certainly the apostles were authorities on the correct formula for water baptism. (Also see Eph. 2:20.)
When Philip preached Christ in Samaria, they that believed were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 8:16).
To the Gentiles at the house of Cornelius in Caesarea, Peter said, "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 (R.V., Weymouth, Vulgate-'Name of Jesus Christ')" (Acts 10:47, 48).
According to Paul's testimony, he was baptized, washing away his sins, calling on the Name of the Lord (R.V. --- "His Name") (Acts 22:16).
The believers in the church at Rome were baptized into Jesus Christ. Paul said, "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism ..." (Rom. 6:3,4).
To the church at Corinth Paul asked the question, "Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul" (I Cor. 1:12-15)? This indicated that Jesus was crucified and they were baptized in His Name.
The believers in the churches of Galatia were baptized into Christ. Paul said, "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Gal. 3:27).
Certain disciples at Ephesus were REBAPTIZED in the Name of the Lord Jesus, when they heard the preaching of the apostle Paul (Acts 19:4, 5).
The believers in the church of Colosse were buried with Christ in baptism. Paul said, "Ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with Him in baptism ..." (Col. 2:11,12).
In agreement with the Scripture, history further proves that water baptism in the Name of Jesus was universally practiced by the New Testament Church for many years after Christ, and was changed by the Roman Catholic Church with the development of the Trinity. Examine the following additional historical proofs:
The original form of words was "into the Name of Jesus Christ" or "the Lord Jesus." Baptism into the Trinity was a later development (Dictionary of the Bible by James Hastings, Thirteenth Edition, Vol. 1, p. 241: Revised Edition, Vol. 1, p. 88).
The early church always baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus until the development of the Trinity, afterward they were baptized in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost (Canney Encyclopedia, p. 53).
The first use of the Latin word "trinitas" (trinity) with reference to God is found in Tertullian's writings (about 213 A.D.). He was the first to use the term "persons" (plural) in a Trinitarian context (New Catholic Encyclopedia, 1977 Edition, Vol. 13, p. 1012).
The word "Trinity" is not in Scripture. The term persons (plural) is not applied in Scripture to the Trinity (Encyclopedia Americana, 1957 Edition, Vol. 27, p. 69).
Belief in Father, Son and Holy Ghost was first defined by the earliest general council of churches. This was the First Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. (World Book Encyclopedia, 1987 Edition, Vol. T. p. 363). (For Nicene Creed see Encyclopedia Americana, 1983 Edition, Vol. 20, p. 310.).
The triune and trinity formula was not used from the beginning, and up until the third century, baptism in the Name of Christ only was wide-spread . . . (Baptismal formula changed by the Roman Catholic Church). Now the formula of Rome is "I baptize thee in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost (Britannica Encyclopedia, Eleventh Edition, Vol. 3, p. 365,366).
The Trinity doctrine. The Catholic Faith is this: We worship one in trinity, but there is one person of the Father, another of the Son and another of the Holy Ghost. The Glory equal --- the Majesty coeternal. The doctrine is not found in its fully developed form in the Scriptures. Modern theology does not seek to find it in the Old Testament. At the time of the Reformation the Protestant Church took over the doctrine of the Trinity without serious examination (New International Encyclopedia, 1916 Edition, Vol. 22, p. 476,477).
The doctrine of the Trinity did not form part of the apostles' preaching, as this is reported in the New Testament (Encyclopedia International, 1982 Edition, Vol. 18, p. 226).
No record of the Trinitarian formula can be discovered in the Acts or the Epistles of the Apostles (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 396).
Is this not sufficient proof? Nowhere, absolutely nowhere, will you find that the New Testament Church baptized using the words Father, Son and Holy Ghost. They baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Honest hearts, receive the truth! It is of utmost importance that water baptism be applied in the Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. "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).
'' Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For IN HIM DWELLETH ALL the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are COMPLETE IN HIM, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye 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" (Col. 2:8-12). Ye are WASHED, ye are sanctified, ye are justified IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS, and by the Spirit of our God (I Cor. 6:11). "Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, DO ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS" (Col. 3:17). There is only ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, AND ONE BAPTISM (Eph. 4:5).
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 our Trinitarian beloved Brethren, 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. 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, 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."
True Christians today should use the biblical baptismal formula as found in the New Testament. Everyone should be baptized by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
Lastly but not the least, remember this that,the book of the Acts of the Apostles is an historical record of the birth and development of the original Church. It records examples of the disciples baptizing people and also the formula for baptism which was "In the name of Jesus".
You may say "We baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost because Jesus said so" Matthew 28: 19.
Let us remember that, Jesus never wrote a word of the New Testament, but his words were recorded by his disciples. Let us take a careful look at what Jesus actually said. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the NAME (singular, not names) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost".
We know that, Jesus did not tell his disciples to repeat his words as a baptismal formula.The focus of Jesus' command was to baptize in a single name, and not three titles, eg Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
There is a difference between a name and a title. Father is a title meaning ' Male parent ', Son is a title meaning ' Male child ', Holy Ghost is describing the purity of GOD's Spirit. None of these are GOD's name. JESUS is the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost (John 5:43; Matt 1:21; Jn 14:26; Acts 4:12; Col 3:17; Col 2:9; Zechariah 14:9;Ephe 4:5-6).
The terms Father, Son and Holy Ghost refer to the three manifestations (Not persons) of the one God whose name is Jesus. GOD has many titles, but only one name, which is JESUS. " And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus , receive my spirit " Acts 7:59.
I do understand, you 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 One Person. The whole concept of 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!
•"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."
Sometimes, am wondering, WHY most churches believe in praying, casting out devils and healing the sick in the name of Jesus, but reject or even become offended at the thought of being baptized in his name. Paul said "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed (baptism is a deed), do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” READ - Colossians 3 : 17 & Acts 19 : 5.
We must make a choice between tradition and truth. Paul has given to us these words of warning:
"Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him" Colossians 2:9-10).
If we are complete in Him, we should be willing to take upon ourselves His name in water baptism- Gal 3:27!
When we truly repent of our sins, and are willing to be baptized in Jesus name, the Holy Ghost is promised unto us! Peter said:
"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 church is built on the teaching of the apostles, which is nothing other than the teaching of Christ, made known through them and subsequently recorded in the New Testament. Together with Christ, the apostles and prophets form the foundation of the church: "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:19,20).
Like some Trinitarian brethren today, even in the first century there were false teachers who rejected the authority of the apostles. Paul warned: "If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 14:37).
•Acts 2:42 - The first disciples "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine." The teaching of the apostles was their standard of authority, because it was the word of God.
•Luke 10:16 - If we accept the teaching of inspired prophets, we are listening to Jesus (because they taught His will). If we reject the Apostles, we reject Jesus! ( Lk 10:16; Jn 20:22-23; Matt 28:20;Matt 16:18-20), because Jesus guided them in what they taught ( Mark 16:20;Matt 28:20).
Remember! That our Lord Jesus called and sent the apostles to teach ( Matt 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-17). The Apostles, who were taught by JESUS, administered water baptism “in the name of Jesus” ( Acts 2;38; 8:16;10:48; 19:5; Gal 3:27; Romans 6:3; Acts 22;16; Col 3:17). The apostles never baptized believers according to the Roman Catholic man-made formula!!!
•ACTS 2 : 38 : 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 8 : 16 For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the NAME of the LORD JESUS.
•ACTS 19 : 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the NAME of the LORD JESUS.
The Apostles NEVER repeated the words " In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost " as a formula for water baptism. And they continued steadfastly in the APOSTLES' DOCTRINE Acts 2 : 42!
They taught what God through the Holy Spirit guided them to teach. If we hear what they (Apostles) say, we are of God. Otherwise, we are not of God but we are of the DEVIL!
“Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44).
The names of the twelve apostles are on the foundations of the wall of Zion (Revelation 21:14). We will not gain entrance to the heavenly city unless we continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine ( Acts 2:17-42).
Honest hearts, receive the truth! It is of utmost importance that water baptism be applied in the Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ( Galatians 3:27)! "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).
•'' Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For IN HIM DWELLETH ALL the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are COMPLETE IN HIM, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye 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" (Col. 2:8-12).
• "YE ARE WASHED, ye are sanctified, ye are justified IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS, and by the Spirit of our God "(I Cor. 6:11).
•"Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, DO ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS" (Col. 3:17). There is only ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, AND ONE BAPTISM (Eph. 4:5).
You must make a choice between tradition (man-made doctrines) and truth (biblical apostles Doctrines)!
Heaven or Hell? The Choice is Yours….!
"Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32).
I hope this helps!
Bro.Paogin Mangte
www.atsseminaryindia.webs.com
