THE BIBLE and HISTORICAL REFERENCES
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Mar 22, 2012, 12:04:04 PM3/22/12
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Water Baptism
according to . . .
THE BIBLE and HISTORICAL REFERENCES
that relate to doctrines and practices of the Early Church, 33-100
A.D.
Compiled by Lewis Manuwal
SHOULD YOU BE IMMERSED or SPRINKLED WHEN BAPTIZED?
The LAST MESSAGE preached by Jesus was a COMMAND to BAPTIZE all
nations. Matthew 28:19
The FIRST MESSAGE preached by the apostles resulted in a command for
EVERYONE to be BAPTIZED. Acts 2:38
BAPTISM IS IMPORTANT AND SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED ACCORDING TO
SCRIPTURE.
Below are two columns listing the SCRIPTURES for IMMERSION
and the SCRIPTURES for SPRINKLING
IMMERSION
SPRINKLING
MUCH WATER " And John also was baptizing in Aenon . . . because there
was much water there" John 3:23
INTO THE WATER "They went down both into the water, . . . and he
baptized him" Acts 8:38
OUT OF THE WATER "They were come up out of the water" Acts 8:39
BURIED "We are buried with him by baptism" Romans 6:4
PLANTED "We have been planted together" Romans 6:5
Without question the early church taught and practiced baptism by
immersion.
Paul said, "If we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel let
him be accursed" Galatians 1:8, 9
IMMERSE or SPRINKLE?
BAPTIZO - GREEK RANTIZO - GREEK
Below are writings of eminent Bible scholars and authorities on the
subject.
Most of these references can be found in your local library.
GREEK
Greek-English Lexicon Baptism taken from Greek word baptizo - to dip,
immerse.
Classic Greek-English Dictionary, by Pollet Greek word baptizo means
to dip under.
Greek-English Dictionary, by Divry's Greek word baptizo - to
immerse.
AUTHORITIES
Schaff-Herzog Religious Encyclopedia Baptism was always a burial.
The command to baptize was a command to immerse. Vol 1, pg 451
Catholic Biblical Encyclopedia Immersion was oldest method employed.
Buried in baptism. Romans 6:4. Pg 61, Paragraph 2.
Encyclopedia Dictionary of the Bible It is evident that the action
performed in baptizing was immersion. Page 202
World Book Encyclopedia The early church practiced immersion or
submerging under the water. Volume 2, page 70.
Encyclopedia of Lutheran Church Martin Luther preferred immersion as
more true to original practice. Volume 1, Page 188.
Pulpit Commentary, by Eminent Scholars Romans 6:4, "Buried in
baptism." The reference is to baptism by immersion. Volume 18, Page
156.
LOGIC
An important factor is overlooked by the exponents of sprinkling. The
original New Testament text and the spoken language of that day was
Greek. The authors of the New Testament knew the Greek word "baptizo"
meant to immerse. They also knew the Greek word "rantizo" meant to
sprinkle. These often used words were never interchangeable, having
separate meanings. If God had intended for His ministers to sprinkle,
the Greek word "rantizo" would have been employed, not "baptizo."
If sprinkling cannot be found in the Bible, then the practice is a
tradition of man,
which makes the "word of God of none effect" Mark 7:13
INFANT BAPTISM?
As with sprinkling, the doctrine of infant baptism cannot be found in
the New Testament without adding to it. Scriptural logic cries out
against infant baptism. The very mode (immersion) makes it illogical
and impractical. The teaching surrounding baptism automatically
prohibits it.
THE BIBLE SPEAKS!
MATTHEW 28:19 Teach all nations, baptizing them" Teaching or
preaching must precede baptism. See Acts 2:41.
ACTS 8:36-37 Eunuch, "What doth hinder me to be baptized?" Philip,
"If Thou believest with all thine heart." Believing is a
prerequisite of baptism. See Mark 16:16.
ACTS 2:38 "Repent and be baptized everyone of you." Repentance must
precede baptism. See Luke 24:47
DID YOU KNOW?
Chambers Encyclopedia. Vol 2, Pg 112
The first recipients of baptism were adults. Infant baptism was a
later development that led to sprinkling.
Interpreters Bible Dictionary, Vol. 1, Pg. 352 There is no direct
evidence in the New Testament for infant baptism
Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol 1, Pg 138 The earliest Christian
literature makes no reference to baptism of infants
History of Church, by Walker, Pgs 87, 88 The first mention of infant
baptism was about 185 A.D. Not universal until 6th Century.
Time Magazine, Pg. 58 - May 1968 That 350 Lutheran pastors of W.
Germany wish to abandon infant baptism. Many of these same pastors
refused to baptize their own infants. They felt that baptism should
be understood first by the recipient.
Time Magazine, Pg 58 - May 1968 That Karl Barth of Switzerland, the
best known theologian of 20th Century said, "There is not Biblical
basis for infant baptism - this tradition is simply an old error of
the church."
A child should be old enough to receive teaching, believe, and repent
of sin before being baptized.
Dedicating children to God and asking Him to bless them is Biblical.
This Jesus did in Luke 18: 15-17, Matthew 19: 13-15.
BAPTISM -- IS IT IN THE PLAN OF SALVATION?
1. THE BIBLE SAYS SO!
JOHN 3:5 "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot
enter the kingdom of God." Most Bible commentaries agree that water
here refers to baptism.
See, Matthew Henry; Adam Clark; History Christian Church, Walker;
Catholic Encyclopedia; Oxford Dictionary of Church; Interpreters
Dictionary of Bible; Temples Bible Dictionary.
MARK 16:16 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved."
Notice how Jesus places baptism in conjunction with salvation.
I PETER 3:21 "Baptism doth also now save us." Also see Acts 10:6, 48
2. IT REMITS SIN
HEBREWS 9:22 The application of the blood of Christ is necessary to
remit sin. What then is the Biblical way to receive remission of
sin? The answer to this question will also be the way to get the
Savior's blood applied.
LUKE 24:47 "Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in
his name" (Jesus)
ACTS 2:38 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of
Jesus Christ for the remission of sins . . . " The blood of Jesus is
applied through water baptism in the name of Jesus. Also see I John
5:8 and Acts 22:16.
3. BAPTISM IN THE CHURCH
Every New Testament church was formed by those whom were baptized
after believing and repenting.
Galatians 3:27 and 1 Corinthians 12:13.
1. CHURCH AT JERUSALEM 3000 WERE BAPTIZED Acts 2:41
2. CHURCH AT SAMARIA Believed & were baptized, men & women. Acts
8:12-16
3. CHURCH AT CAESAREA Peter commanded them to be baptized Acts
10:48
4. CHURCH AT PHILLIPPI Lydia & the Phillippian jailer baptized
Acts 16:14-33
5. CHURCH AT CORINTH Believed and were baptized Acts 18:8
6. CHURCH AT EPHESUS Paul rebaptizes certain disciples Acts 19:1-6
7. CHURCH AT GALATIA Believed Paul and baptized into Christ Gal.
3:27
8. CHURCH AT COLOSSE They were buried with Christ in Baptism Col.
2:12
9. CHURCH AT ROME They died to sin, then buried in baptism Romans
6:1-4
Baptism
1. IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON & HOLY GHOST
OR
2. IN THE NAME OF JESUS
Which of these were practiced by the
Apostles and the Early Church?
Below are two columns for listing the scriptures where the Apostles
either taught or practiced water baptism
IN THE NAME OF JESUS FATHER, SON AND HOLY GHOST
Jews - "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ" Acts 2:38
Samaritans - They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts
8:16
Gentiles - "And he (Peter) commanded them to be baptized in the name
of the Lord" Acts 10:48. Jesus is Lord (Acts 2:36)
Peter taught - For there is none other name under heaven given among
men, whereby we must be saved" Acts 4:12.
Paul taught - "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus" Col. 3:17
Matthew 28:19 was a command by Jesus to baptize in a NAME. The
Apostles did not repeat the words of the command, but they did obey it
as seen in the scriptures above. Since Father, Son and Holy Ghost are
titles of the manifestations of the Almighty Spirit and His body, the
Apostles understood His SAVING NAME to be JESUS. Can any dare say
that the Apostles disobeyed the Lord, or failed to baptize properly?
THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY GHOST IS JESUS. The actions of
the Apostles in the Book of Acts prove this to be true.
Baptism
IN THE NAME OF JESUS
HOW DID THE EARLY CHURCH INTERPRET CHRIST'S COMMAND IN MATTHEW 28:19?
ACTS 2:38, 8:16, 10:48, and 19:5 are four Biblical references that
answer this question. If the Biblical record is not enough, please
examine the findings of the educated scholars and historians.
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."
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."
Hastings's Dictionary of the Bible (1898), I, 241 "[One could
conclude that] the original form of words was 'into the name of Jesus
Christ' or 'the Lord Jesus.'"
The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge (1957), I,
435 "The New Testament knows only baptism in the name of Jesus."
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.'"
IS IT AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY THAT THE NAME OF JESUS BE SPOKEN WHEN A
CANDIDATE FOR WATER BAPTISM IS BEING BAPTIZED?
For the answer to this question, please read Acts 15:17 and James 2:7
[Greek Interlinear]. First Century Christians INVOKED OR CALLED the
name of Jesus over believers in water baptism. If, as some say, "the
name of Jesus means the authority of Jesus", then so much more should
the NAME, rather than titles, be called over an individual in
baptism. Read Matthew 28:18, Acts 4:12 and Colossians 2:9. Jude 3 is
an exhortation to "CONTEND FOR THE FAITH ONCE DELIVERED TO THE
SAINTS." See Galatians 1:8-9 also. Should anyone dare to change what
CHRIST and the Apostles established?
The Rest of the Story
by Aquila & Priscilla
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man,
and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
This man was instructed in the way of the Lord: and bring fervent in
the the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord
knowing only the baptism of John (He had never heard the rest of the
story.) Acts 18:25, in the Living New Testament.
And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and
Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him
the way of God more perfectly. (They told him the rest of the story.)
Acts 18:24-26
Is It Possible
Is it possible to be eloquent, instructed and knowledgeable in the
scripture, fervent and bold in preaching, and yet be wrong?
Is it possible to be one hundred percent honest and sincere and not
possess the full and more perfect plan of salvation?
I truly believe there are many outstanding, well educated and gifted
ministers, such as Apollos, who have never heard the rest of the
story. Perhaps the greatest attribute of Apollos was his humble and
receptive spirit, that made him willing to hear and obey the more
perfect plan of God. I wish today that men could share the spirit and
humility of this great man.
The Rest of the Story
What was the rest of the story? What is the more perfect plan of
salvation? Aquila and Priscilla knew it, for they were tentmakers
with Paul, and had received it from him. Read on, as the rest of the
story unfolds in the following chapter. Acts 19:1-6
Verse one, Paul visits Ephesus and finds certain disciples whom
Apollos had recently baptized. (Please remember, Apollos knew only
the baptism of John. Acts 18:25. These were not disciples of John the
baptist; John had been dead nearly twenty four years.
Verse two, Paul asks if they had received the Holy Ghost since they
believed? They answered that they had never heard of the Holy Ghost.
Verse three Paul's curiosity mounts, he quickly asks, "How then were
ye baptized?" Their answer, "Unto John's baptism." (This was all
Apollos knew at that time.)
Verse four Paul explains, "John didn't have the whole story, he
merely taught to repent and to believe on the Lord Jesus." How typical
this is of todays teaching by those who have never heard the rest of
the story.
Verse five and six, Paul wastes no time in putting the more perfect
plan into action, He rebaptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus,
laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost and spake in
tongues.
PLEASE NOTE; The apostles always baptized in the name of Jesus. The
trinitarian formula was never used. They knew that the name of the
Father, Son & Holy Ghost was Jesus. John 5:43, 14:26, & Matt. 1:21,
Heb. 1:4, Jesus inherited His Father's name even as children do today.
The More Perfect Way
What then is the more perfect way? The 19th chapter made it quite
clear. We must not only believe in the Lord Jesus and repent of out
sins; but we must be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and
receive the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in other
tongues.
Paul resisted this way at first, but on his way to Damascus to
persecute Christians, he was struck down. The Lord told him to arise
and go into the city and it would be told him what he must do. Once
there, Ananias told him to receive the Holy Ghost and be baptized.
Acts 9:1-18. Paul retells it again in Acts 22:16, "Why tarriest thou,
arise and be baptized for the washing away of thy sins, calling on the
name of the Lord."
2 or 3 Witnesses
A story can only be proven true in the mount of two or three
witnesses. Let's go from Ephesus to the household of Cornelius; these
were the first gentiles to be saved. Acts 10. The angel told
Cornelius to send for Peter who would tell him what he oughtest to
do. Vs 6 Retold in Acts 11:14. "Who shall tell thee words whereby
thou and all thy house shall be saved."
While Peter was telling them the rest of the story, the Holy Ghost
fell on them. How did they know this? For they heard them speak with
other tongues. Peter quickly cried out "can any man forbid water that
these should not be baptized." Immediately he commanded them to be
baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (RV) Acts 10:44-48
The Keys
Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom and wanted him to be the
first to reveal the perfect plan of salvation. Matt16:19. On the Day
of Pentecost, the birthday of the church, Peter had this opportunity.
While preaching to a great multitude, they suddenly cried out, "Men
and brethren, what shall we do?" Then Peter said unto them, "Repent
and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of your sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy
Ghost." That day over 3,000 responded and were baptized. Acts
2:37-41
Friend, now that you've heard the rest of the story, or the more
perfect plan of God, what will you do with it? Why not do what the
Ephesians did? It can change you from an ordinary christian into a
genuine born again child of God. It will place you in the same
category with Apollos, Aquila and Priscilla, the Ephesian christians,
and the household of Cornelius. When it comes to anything as
important as eternal life, why settle for anything less than the more
perfect way?
Written by : Lewis Manuwal (c) Lewis Manuwal
THE TRUTH ABOUT
ONE LORD
ONE FAITH
ONE BAPTISM
Ephesians 4:5
By Lewis E. Manuwal
Many Bible Proofs
The following scriptures, properly interpreted, give us positive proof
that Christ and God are one. It will also, without a doubt, give us
the only true plan of Bible salvation
ONE LORD
Over seven hundred times in the Old Testament, the Jewish name of God
was JEHOVAH THE LORD. When the word "LORD" was spelled with all
capitals, it always meant "JEHOVAH."
The Greek word for "Lord" in the New Testament, when spelled with a
capital "L" always means "JEHOVAH." It was used over six hundred
times.
W.E Vine's Expository of New Testament Words says that "Jesus" is a
transliteration of "Joshua," meaning "JEHOVAH is salvation."
Acts 2:36 - "Let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath
made that same Jesus both Lord (JEHOVAH) and Christ (Messiah)."
Jesus was asked in Matt. 22:36-38 and in Mark 12:28-30, "What is the
first and great commandment of them all?" In Mark, Jesus quoted Deut.
6:4, "Hear, O Israel. the LORD our God is one LORD."
NOTE: In the Encyclopedia Britannica under the word "trinity," it
states that because of Deut. 6:4, it would be impossible for Jesus and
HIS Jewish apostles to believe in a trinity.
ONE FAITH The world today recognizes many faiths: Methodist, Baptist,
Lutheran, Catholic and others.
The true church, which started on the day of Pentecost, was Apostolic
and preached the Apostolic doctrine.
Jude, in verse three, admonished all to "contend for the faith that
was once delivered to the saints."
Who delivered this faith? Peter, having the keys to the kingdom of
heaven (Matt. 16:19), delivered the saving message to the Jews and
later to the Gentiles (Acts 10). The Jews, under great conviction,
cried out to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "What shall we do?"
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. The promise is unto you and your children, and to
all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall
call" (Acts 2:38, 39)
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same
day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (Acts
2:41) This is the Apostolic faith and doctrine in action. Acts 2:42
- "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine.
DARE WE, OR EVEN AN ANGEL PREACH ANY OTHER GOSPEL? Read the answer in
Galatians 1:8
ONE BAPTISM All of the recorded baptisms in the Bible after the Day
of Pentecost were done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Apollos
baptized the Ephesians wrong (Acts 18 and 19). Paul came to Ephesus
and re-baptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus and they received
the Holy Ghost and spake in tongues (Acts 19: 1-6).
Read on for proof of how to become a member in the Body of Christ (the
Church).
ONE SPIRIT AND
ONE BODY Ephesians 4:4 -- "There is one body and one Spirit." I Cor.
12:27 -- The body of Christ is the church.
What is the Bible way to get into Hs body or the church? I Cor. 12:13
-- "for by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body" (church),
whether we be Jews or Gentiles. The Jews received this experience on
the Day of Pentecost. Acts 2:4 -- One hundred and twenty, including
Mary the mother of Jesus, were "filled with the Holy Ghost and began
to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."
The Gentiles in Acts 10 were filled with the Holy Ghost while Peter
was preaching unto them. "They likewise spake in tongues as the Jews
did at Pentecost. Peter immediately commanded them to be baptized in
the name of the Lord Jesus." (RV). Friend, God makes no exceptions.
If you have received the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues, then to have
Bible salvation, you must be baptized in Jesus' name. Acts 4:12 --
"Neither is there salvation in any other name" (Jesus).
ONE GOD AND
FATHER Ephesians 4:6 -- "One God and Father of all."
Yes, there is only one God and one Father. Jesus is known as both God
and Father. Isaiah 9:6 -- "Unto us a child is born, a son is given.
His name shall be called the Mighty God and the everlasting
Father, . . . You must consider the dual nature of Christ. For
thirty-three years, He was both man and God. Further scripture should
convince you that Christ and God are one and not two persons.
Genesis 17:1 The Lord told Abraham. "I am the Almighty God."
Exodus 6:3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob,
by the name of God Almighty . . .
Rev 1:18 Jesus said, "I am the Almighty."
1 John 5:20 (in the Living New Testament) "God's son, Jesus Christ,
is the only true God and eternal life."
Titus 2:13 Our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (NIV).
Jude 25 "To the only wise God our Saviour" (Jesus).
NO, NO! There cannot be two "Almighty Gods." Surely, God and Christ
are one and only one.
ONE CREATOR Perhaps the most undeniable proof in the Bible that
Christ and God are one is the story of creation.
Nehemiah 9:16 "Thou art the LORD alone, thou hast made the heaven and
the earth and all things that are therein."
Isaiah 44:24 "Thus saith the LORD (JEHOVAH), I am the LORD that
maketh all things, who stretcheth forth the heavens alone, that
spreadeth abroad the earth by myself. (Alone" and "by myself" -- Quite
plain!)
St John 1:3 and 10 "All things were made by Him and without Him
nothing was made that was made." Vs. 10 -- "He (Jesus) was in the
world, the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not."
Col 1:14-17 "We have redemption through His blood." He "is the image
of the invisible God," (the part you can see of God). "For by Him
(Jesus) were all things created, that are in heaven and earth."
Isaiah 44:24 God (JEHOVAH) said that He made all things alone and by
Himself, Surely God and Christ are one.
HOW CAN YOU HELP BUT BELIEVE IT?
according to . . .
THE BIBLE and HISTORICAL REFERENCES
that relate to doctrines and practices of the Early Church, 33-100
A.D.
Compiled by Lewis Manuwal
SHOULD YOU BE IMMERSED or SPRINKLED WHEN BAPTIZED?
The LAST MESSAGE preached by Jesus was a COMMAND to BAPTIZE all
nations. Matthew 28:19
The FIRST MESSAGE preached by the apostles resulted in a command for
EVERYONE to be BAPTIZED. Acts 2:38
BAPTISM IS IMPORTANT AND SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED ACCORDING TO
SCRIPTURE.
Below are two columns listing the SCRIPTURES for IMMERSION
and the SCRIPTURES for SPRINKLING
IMMERSION
SPRINKLING
MUCH WATER " And John also was baptizing in Aenon . . . because there
was much water there" John 3:23
INTO THE WATER "They went down both into the water, . . . and he
baptized him" Acts 8:38
OUT OF THE WATER "They were come up out of the water" Acts 8:39
BURIED "We are buried with him by baptism" Romans 6:4
PLANTED "We have been planted together" Romans 6:5
Without question the early church taught and practiced baptism by
immersion.
Paul said, "If we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel let
him be accursed" Galatians 1:8, 9
IMMERSE or SPRINKLE?
BAPTIZO - GREEK RANTIZO - GREEK
Below are writings of eminent Bible scholars and authorities on the
subject.
Most of these references can be found in your local library.
GREEK
Greek-English Lexicon Baptism taken from Greek word baptizo - to dip,
immerse.
Classic Greek-English Dictionary, by Pollet Greek word baptizo means
to dip under.
Greek-English Dictionary, by Divry's Greek word baptizo - to
immerse.
AUTHORITIES
Schaff-Herzog Religious Encyclopedia Baptism was always a burial.
The command to baptize was a command to immerse. Vol 1, pg 451
Catholic Biblical Encyclopedia Immersion was oldest method employed.
Buried in baptism. Romans 6:4. Pg 61, Paragraph 2.
Encyclopedia Dictionary of the Bible It is evident that the action
performed in baptizing was immersion. Page 202
World Book Encyclopedia The early church practiced immersion or
submerging under the water. Volume 2, page 70.
Encyclopedia of Lutheran Church Martin Luther preferred immersion as
more true to original practice. Volume 1, Page 188.
Pulpit Commentary, by Eminent Scholars Romans 6:4, "Buried in
baptism." The reference is to baptism by immersion. Volume 18, Page
156.
LOGIC
An important factor is overlooked by the exponents of sprinkling. The
original New Testament text and the spoken language of that day was
Greek. The authors of the New Testament knew the Greek word "baptizo"
meant to immerse. They also knew the Greek word "rantizo" meant to
sprinkle. These often used words were never interchangeable, having
separate meanings. If God had intended for His ministers to sprinkle,
the Greek word "rantizo" would have been employed, not "baptizo."
If sprinkling cannot be found in the Bible, then the practice is a
tradition of man,
which makes the "word of God of none effect" Mark 7:13
INFANT BAPTISM?
As with sprinkling, the doctrine of infant baptism cannot be found in
the New Testament without adding to it. Scriptural logic cries out
against infant baptism. The very mode (immersion) makes it illogical
and impractical. The teaching surrounding baptism automatically
prohibits it.
THE BIBLE SPEAKS!
MATTHEW 28:19 Teach all nations, baptizing them" Teaching or
preaching must precede baptism. See Acts 2:41.
ACTS 8:36-37 Eunuch, "What doth hinder me to be baptized?" Philip,
"If Thou believest with all thine heart." Believing is a
prerequisite of baptism. See Mark 16:16.
ACTS 2:38 "Repent and be baptized everyone of you." Repentance must
precede baptism. See Luke 24:47
DID YOU KNOW?
Chambers Encyclopedia. Vol 2, Pg 112
The first recipients of baptism were adults. Infant baptism was a
later development that led to sprinkling.
Interpreters Bible Dictionary, Vol. 1, Pg. 352 There is no direct
evidence in the New Testament for infant baptism
Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol 1, Pg 138 The earliest Christian
literature makes no reference to baptism of infants
History of Church, by Walker, Pgs 87, 88 The first mention of infant
baptism was about 185 A.D. Not universal until 6th Century.
Time Magazine, Pg. 58 - May 1968 That 350 Lutheran pastors of W.
Germany wish to abandon infant baptism. Many of these same pastors
refused to baptize their own infants. They felt that baptism should
be understood first by the recipient.
Time Magazine, Pg 58 - May 1968 That Karl Barth of Switzerland, the
best known theologian of 20th Century said, "There is not Biblical
basis for infant baptism - this tradition is simply an old error of
the church."
A child should be old enough to receive teaching, believe, and repent
of sin before being baptized.
Dedicating children to God and asking Him to bless them is Biblical.
This Jesus did in Luke 18: 15-17, Matthew 19: 13-15.
BAPTISM -- IS IT IN THE PLAN OF SALVATION?
1. THE BIBLE SAYS SO!
JOHN 3:5 "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot
enter the kingdom of God." Most Bible commentaries agree that water
here refers to baptism.
See, Matthew Henry; Adam Clark; History Christian Church, Walker;
Catholic Encyclopedia; Oxford Dictionary of Church; Interpreters
Dictionary of Bible; Temples Bible Dictionary.
MARK 16:16 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved."
Notice how Jesus places baptism in conjunction with salvation.
I PETER 3:21 "Baptism doth also now save us." Also see Acts 10:6, 48
2. IT REMITS SIN
HEBREWS 9:22 The application of the blood of Christ is necessary to
remit sin. What then is the Biblical way to receive remission of
sin? The answer to this question will also be the way to get the
Savior's blood applied.
LUKE 24:47 "Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in
his name" (Jesus)
ACTS 2:38 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of
Jesus Christ for the remission of sins . . . " The blood of Jesus is
applied through water baptism in the name of Jesus. Also see I John
5:8 and Acts 22:16.
3. BAPTISM IN THE CHURCH
Every New Testament church was formed by those whom were baptized
after believing and repenting.
Galatians 3:27 and 1 Corinthians 12:13.
1. CHURCH AT JERUSALEM 3000 WERE BAPTIZED Acts 2:41
2. CHURCH AT SAMARIA Believed & were baptized, men & women. Acts
8:12-16
3. CHURCH AT CAESAREA Peter commanded them to be baptized Acts
10:48
4. CHURCH AT PHILLIPPI Lydia & the Phillippian jailer baptized
Acts 16:14-33
5. CHURCH AT CORINTH Believed and were baptized Acts 18:8
6. CHURCH AT EPHESUS Paul rebaptizes certain disciples Acts 19:1-6
7. CHURCH AT GALATIA Believed Paul and baptized into Christ Gal.
3:27
8. CHURCH AT COLOSSE They were buried with Christ in Baptism Col.
2:12
9. CHURCH AT ROME They died to sin, then buried in baptism Romans
6:1-4
Baptism
1. IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON & HOLY GHOST
OR
2. IN THE NAME OF JESUS
Which of these were practiced by the
Apostles and the Early Church?
Below are two columns for listing the scriptures where the Apostles
either taught or practiced water baptism
IN THE NAME OF JESUS FATHER, SON AND HOLY GHOST
Jews - "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus
Christ" Acts 2:38
Samaritans - They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts
8:16
Gentiles - "And he (Peter) commanded them to be baptized in the name
of the Lord" Acts 10:48. Jesus is Lord (Acts 2:36)
Peter taught - For there is none other name under heaven given among
men, whereby we must be saved" Acts 4:12.
Paul taught - "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name
of the Lord Jesus" Col. 3:17
Matthew 28:19 was a command by Jesus to baptize in a NAME. The
Apostles did not repeat the words of the command, but they did obey it
as seen in the scriptures above. Since Father, Son and Holy Ghost are
titles of the manifestations of the Almighty Spirit and His body, the
Apostles understood His SAVING NAME to be JESUS. Can any dare say
that the Apostles disobeyed the Lord, or failed to baptize properly?
THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON AND HOLY GHOST IS JESUS. The actions of
the Apostles in the Book of Acts prove this to be true.
Baptism
IN THE NAME OF JESUS
HOW DID THE EARLY CHURCH INTERPRET CHRIST'S COMMAND IN MATTHEW 28:19?
ACTS 2:38, 8:16, 10:48, and 19:5 are four Biblical references that
answer this question. If the Biblical record is not enough, please
examine the findings of the educated scholars and historians.
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."
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."
Hastings's Dictionary of the Bible (1898), I, 241 "[One could
conclude that] the original form of words was 'into the name of Jesus
Christ' or 'the Lord Jesus.'"
The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge (1957), I,
435 "The New Testament knows only baptism in the name of Jesus."
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.'"
IS IT AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY THAT THE NAME OF JESUS BE SPOKEN WHEN A
CANDIDATE FOR WATER BAPTISM IS BEING BAPTIZED?
For the answer to this question, please read Acts 15:17 and James 2:7
[Greek Interlinear]. First Century Christians INVOKED OR CALLED the
name of Jesus over believers in water baptism. If, as some say, "the
name of Jesus means the authority of Jesus", then so much more should
the NAME, rather than titles, be called over an individual in
baptism. Read Matthew 28:18, Acts 4:12 and Colossians 2:9. Jude 3 is
an exhortation to "CONTEND FOR THE FAITH ONCE DELIVERED TO THE
SAINTS." See Galatians 1:8-9 also. Should anyone dare to change what
CHRIST and the Apostles established?
The Rest of the Story
by Aquila & Priscilla
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man,
and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
This man was instructed in the way of the Lord: and bring fervent in
the the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord
knowing only the baptism of John (He had never heard the rest of the
story.) Acts 18:25, in the Living New Testament.
And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and
Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him
the way of God more perfectly. (They told him the rest of the story.)
Acts 18:24-26
Is It Possible
Is it possible to be eloquent, instructed and knowledgeable in the
scripture, fervent and bold in preaching, and yet be wrong?
Is it possible to be one hundred percent honest and sincere and not
possess the full and more perfect plan of salvation?
I truly believe there are many outstanding, well educated and gifted
ministers, such as Apollos, who have never heard the rest of the
story. Perhaps the greatest attribute of Apollos was his humble and
receptive spirit, that made him willing to hear and obey the more
perfect plan of God. I wish today that men could share the spirit and
humility of this great man.
The Rest of the Story
What was the rest of the story? What is the more perfect plan of
salvation? Aquila and Priscilla knew it, for they were tentmakers
with Paul, and had received it from him. Read on, as the rest of the
story unfolds in the following chapter. Acts 19:1-6
Verse one, Paul visits Ephesus and finds certain disciples whom
Apollos had recently baptized. (Please remember, Apollos knew only
the baptism of John. Acts 18:25. These were not disciples of John the
baptist; John had been dead nearly twenty four years.
Verse two, Paul asks if they had received the Holy Ghost since they
believed? They answered that they had never heard of the Holy Ghost.
Verse three Paul's curiosity mounts, he quickly asks, "How then were
ye baptized?" Their answer, "Unto John's baptism." (This was all
Apollos knew at that time.)
Verse four Paul explains, "John didn't have the whole story, he
merely taught to repent and to believe on the Lord Jesus." How typical
this is of todays teaching by those who have never heard the rest of
the story.
Verse five and six, Paul wastes no time in putting the more perfect
plan into action, He rebaptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus,
laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost and spake in
tongues.
PLEASE NOTE; The apostles always baptized in the name of Jesus. The
trinitarian formula was never used. They knew that the name of the
Father, Son & Holy Ghost was Jesus. John 5:43, 14:26, & Matt. 1:21,
Heb. 1:4, Jesus inherited His Father's name even as children do today.
The More Perfect Way
What then is the more perfect way? The 19th chapter made it quite
clear. We must not only believe in the Lord Jesus and repent of out
sins; but we must be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus and
receive the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking in other
tongues.
Paul resisted this way at first, but on his way to Damascus to
persecute Christians, he was struck down. The Lord told him to arise
and go into the city and it would be told him what he must do. Once
there, Ananias told him to receive the Holy Ghost and be baptized.
Acts 9:1-18. Paul retells it again in Acts 22:16, "Why tarriest thou,
arise and be baptized for the washing away of thy sins, calling on the
name of the Lord."
2 or 3 Witnesses
A story can only be proven true in the mount of two or three
witnesses. Let's go from Ephesus to the household of Cornelius; these
were the first gentiles to be saved. Acts 10. The angel told
Cornelius to send for Peter who would tell him what he oughtest to
do. Vs 6 Retold in Acts 11:14. "Who shall tell thee words whereby
thou and all thy house shall be saved."
While Peter was telling them the rest of the story, the Holy Ghost
fell on them. How did they know this? For they heard them speak with
other tongues. Peter quickly cried out "can any man forbid water that
these should not be baptized." Immediately he commanded them to be
baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (RV) Acts 10:44-48
The Keys
Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom and wanted him to be the
first to reveal the perfect plan of salvation. Matt16:19. On the Day
of Pentecost, the birthday of the church, Peter had this opportunity.
While preaching to a great multitude, they suddenly cried out, "Men
and brethren, what shall we do?" Then Peter said unto them, "Repent
and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of your sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy
Ghost." That day over 3,000 responded and were baptized. Acts
2:37-41
Friend, now that you've heard the rest of the story, or the more
perfect plan of God, what will you do with it? Why not do what the
Ephesians did? It can change you from an ordinary christian into a
genuine born again child of God. It will place you in the same
category with Apollos, Aquila and Priscilla, the Ephesian christians,
and the household of Cornelius. When it comes to anything as
important as eternal life, why settle for anything less than the more
perfect way?
Written by : Lewis Manuwal (c) Lewis Manuwal
THE TRUTH ABOUT
ONE LORD
ONE FAITH
ONE BAPTISM
Ephesians 4:5
By Lewis E. Manuwal
Many Bible Proofs
The following scriptures, properly interpreted, give us positive proof
that Christ and God are one. It will also, without a doubt, give us
the only true plan of Bible salvation
ONE LORD
Over seven hundred times in the Old Testament, the Jewish name of God
was JEHOVAH THE LORD. When the word "LORD" was spelled with all
capitals, it always meant "JEHOVAH."
The Greek word for "Lord" in the New Testament, when spelled with a
capital "L" always means "JEHOVAH." It was used over six hundred
times.
W.E Vine's Expository of New Testament Words says that "Jesus" is a
transliteration of "Joshua," meaning "JEHOVAH is salvation."
Acts 2:36 - "Let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God hath
made that same Jesus both Lord (JEHOVAH) and Christ (Messiah)."
Jesus was asked in Matt. 22:36-38 and in Mark 12:28-30, "What is the
first and great commandment of them all?" In Mark, Jesus quoted Deut.
6:4, "Hear, O Israel. the LORD our God is one LORD."
NOTE: In the Encyclopedia Britannica under the word "trinity," it
states that because of Deut. 6:4, it would be impossible for Jesus and
HIS Jewish apostles to believe in a trinity.
ONE FAITH The world today recognizes many faiths: Methodist, Baptist,
Lutheran, Catholic and others.
The true church, which started on the day of Pentecost, was Apostolic
and preached the Apostolic doctrine.
Jude, in verse three, admonished all to "contend for the faith that
was once delivered to the saints."
Who delivered this faith? Peter, having the keys to the kingdom of
heaven (Matt. 16:19), delivered the saving message to the Jews and
later to the Gentiles (Acts 10). The Jews, under great conviction,
cried out to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "What shall we do?"
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. The promise is unto you and your children, and to
all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall
call" (Acts 2:38, 39)
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same
day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. (Acts
2:41) This is the Apostolic faith and doctrine in action. Acts 2:42
- "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine.
DARE WE, OR EVEN AN ANGEL PREACH ANY OTHER GOSPEL? Read the answer in
Galatians 1:8
ONE BAPTISM All of the recorded baptisms in the Bible after the Day
of Pentecost were done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Apollos
baptized the Ephesians wrong (Acts 18 and 19). Paul came to Ephesus
and re-baptized them in the name of the Lord Jesus and they received
the Holy Ghost and spake in tongues (Acts 19: 1-6).
Read on for proof of how to become a member in the Body of Christ (the
Church).
ONE SPIRIT AND
ONE BODY Ephesians 4:4 -- "There is one body and one Spirit." I Cor.
12:27 -- The body of Christ is the church.
What is the Bible way to get into Hs body or the church? I Cor. 12:13
-- "for by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body" (church),
whether we be Jews or Gentiles. The Jews received this experience on
the Day of Pentecost. Acts 2:4 -- One hundred and twenty, including
Mary the mother of Jesus, were "filled with the Holy Ghost and began
to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance."
The Gentiles in Acts 10 were filled with the Holy Ghost while Peter
was preaching unto them. "They likewise spake in tongues as the Jews
did at Pentecost. Peter immediately commanded them to be baptized in
the name of the Lord Jesus." (RV). Friend, God makes no exceptions.
If you have received the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues, then to have
Bible salvation, you must be baptized in Jesus' name. Acts 4:12 --
"Neither is there salvation in any other name" (Jesus).
ONE GOD AND
FATHER Ephesians 4:6 -- "One God and Father of all."
Yes, there is only one God and one Father. Jesus is known as both God
and Father. Isaiah 9:6 -- "Unto us a child is born, a son is given.
His name shall be called the Mighty God and the everlasting
Father, . . . You must consider the dual nature of Christ. For
thirty-three years, He was both man and God. Further scripture should
convince you that Christ and God are one and not two persons.
Genesis 17:1 The Lord told Abraham. "I am the Almighty God."
Exodus 6:3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob,
by the name of God Almighty . . .
Rev 1:18 Jesus said, "I am the Almighty."
1 John 5:20 (in the Living New Testament) "God's son, Jesus Christ,
is the only true God and eternal life."
Titus 2:13 Our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (NIV).
Jude 25 "To the only wise God our Saviour" (Jesus).
NO, NO! There cannot be two "Almighty Gods." Surely, God and Christ
are one and only one.
ONE CREATOR Perhaps the most undeniable proof in the Bible that
Christ and God are one is the story of creation.
Nehemiah 9:16 "Thou art the LORD alone, thou hast made the heaven and
the earth and all things that are therein."
Isaiah 44:24 "Thus saith the LORD (JEHOVAH), I am the LORD that
maketh all things, who stretcheth forth the heavens alone, that
spreadeth abroad the earth by myself. (Alone" and "by myself" -- Quite
plain!)
St John 1:3 and 10 "All things were made by Him and without Him
nothing was made that was made." Vs. 10 -- "He (Jesus) was in the
world, the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not."
Col 1:14-17 "We have redemption through His blood." He "is the image
of the invisible God," (the part you can see of God). "For by Him
(Jesus) were all things created, that are in heaven and earth."
Isaiah 44:24 God (JEHOVAH) said that He made all things alone and by
Himself, Surely God and Christ are one.
HOW CAN YOU HELP BUT BELIEVE IT?
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