verses 15 and 16. Please note that they had believed and had been baptized (in Jesus name) and still had not received the holy spirit. Just believing does not guarantee that you automatically receive the Holy Spirit as some preach.
I don't think he was terror-stricken, after reading what he ask for, which was "that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me" come upon me suggest that it not in or on him. He speaks of a prayer for him for future not present...and Im careful not to follow traditions, being that some are subliminal and could be leading down the wrong path
I don't believe in adding my opinion to the Word of God, rather accepting it and obey it all. There is a command to teach nations and baptizing them ( Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16, Acts 10:48, Acts 19:5, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-5), and even in 1 Corinthians 1:13-15 and Colossians 3:17 that all we do in word or deed should be in the name of Lord Jesus. To me, it is not about what I think, it is about obeying the Word.
Acts 8:37 is probably a more thorough reminder that we should have our hearts and minds in serious mode and consider what we are about to commit to, but not being included doesn't really change the meaning or point one tiny bit. Don't be distracted or get into Bible Versions War, unless the difference in word usage contradicts The Good News of Christ and/or turns us away from accepting Him as Savior of the World.
God’s word is AWESOME, and I just believe what it says about Acts 8:37. There was a question asked by Philip; if you believe that Jesus is the son of God you will be saved. But you have to believe with all thine heart and that takes FAITH and I do believe that Jesus is the son of GOD. Amen, I do.
@Anthony,
One more thing; I would suggest you read the baptism of the Eunuch by Philip, in Acts 8:26-38, and see his reaction after the baptism. That’s the joy the Holy Spirit brings when we accept Christ.
The apostle Paul said that he preached the Word of God with boldness. It is with this same boldness I now speak. I am in awe and, at the same time, fury over the comments I have read on this website. Why people do not take the word for what it says in its ENTIRETY, I will never understand. I want to address multiple comments in this post, so please read my post knowing it is in sincerity and in the love of Christ that I write.
First, I would like to talk about those who say that baptism does not consist of water. Baptism is derived from the Greek word "baptizo" which means "immersion." Now, I ask, in what are we immersed? A prime example of immersion takes place in Acts 8, when Philip is called by the Spirit to go and explain the scripture to the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip “preached unto him Jesus” ( Acts 8:35). It continues, “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? 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. 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” ( Acts 8:36-38). How did the eunuch know that he needed to be baptized? Because Philip preached unto him Jesus. Jesus is the word; therefore we must take ALL of the word – not some of it only to make it say we want it to say. Jesus said in Mark 16:16, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned”. Jesus thought baptism to be important enough to mention it as part of his last words on earth. Don’t you think that means it’s pretty significant? Shouldn’t it be easy enough just to say “well, Jesus said it, so I am going to do it”? I would think so. But so many denominations have taken the precious word of God and twisted it so it fits what they want it to. Matthew 28:19 says, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”. Jesus was talking to the apostles here who were men. Men cannot baptize in the Holy Ghost. Only God can baptize in the Holy Ghost. So this proves that it HAD to be water baptism.
Secondly, I have heard so much about the “thief on the cross” that I am seriously sick. I am sick of people AGAIN not interpreting the Bible for what it says. Let’s look at the setting of Calvary and the conversation that took place between Jesus and this thief. First, Jesus was still alive when this all took place. THE OLD LAW WAS STILL IN EFFECT. Jesus’ blood had not been shed yet; therefore, baptism was not in effect yet and would not be until the day of Pentecost. When Jesus died and fulfilled the Old Law, the New Law entered into effect. And if it were not enough that the Old Law was still in effect, he was Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and could do what he wanted to do. He forgave sins long before the thief on the cross. What about Zacchaeus ( Luke 19:9)? What about the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with oil ( Luke 7:48)? Both of these were granted salvation by Jesus, yet you don’t hear people basing their salvation off them! Jesus did not tell the man that his sins were forgiven. Jesus told the thief he would be with Him in paradise. Paradise. Not Heaven. Now, granted, no one knows what paradise was, but I think it possible to be the place where Jesus went during the three days after his crucifixion. 1 Peter 3 says that, “he went and preached to the spirits in prison”. Maybe this was the paradise in which Jesus spoke of. If I could I would list all the examples of baptism in the New Testament as “what now saves us”, 1 PETER 3:21. But I do not have enough time nor space in which to write. It is my earnest prayer that you study your Bible. Please read it with an open mind and take it LITERALLY and not interpret it. Do NOT take another man’s word for what it says. Read it and believe it by yourself.
Today, many people and the pastors are only baptized of water. We have 2 kinds of baptism which all Christians must be baptized with:
1. Is the baptism of water (which is the first to receive after you have accepted the word);
2. The baptism of the Holy Spirit (which is the second one after you are baptized of water); read Acts 1:5; read again Acts 19:2. Paul asks some Christians if they are baptized of the holy spirit, and their answer was NO, we are not and we don’t even know about that kind of baptism (they only know the one of water). He baptized them (NOTE: it is the apostle who does this and his name is Paul). Acts 8:16, when they heard that the Samaritans have accepted the word, they sent the apostle to that country, none of them has received the holy spirit, though they accepted the word. And they were then baptized of the holy spirit by the apostles. Acts 8:18, Simon the witch saw that by being laid on the hands by the apostles, the holy spirit was received he then wanted to buy it with money. Guys my concern and I pray that people must meet the apostles in order to receive the holy spirit. You can be baptized with water by almost every pastor but when it comes to the baptism of the holy spirit you need to meet the apostles for this task. Once you are only baptized with water, that’s not enough, even if you are a pastor or a leader in the church you need to be baptized with the holy spirit. People think that by reading a bible or by praying for yourself you can be baptized with the holy spirit. NO. if you think so, why when you need to be baptized by water you call the pastor to baptize you? WHY don’t u just pray and Deep yourself by yourself in water. But instead you need someone to deep you in water and baptize you. Same Rules applies to the baptism of the holy spirit. You need to get an authorized person (AND THAT IS THE APOSTLES ONLY) to baptize you. Please try to look for the apostles they will help you free. I thank God for is grace that he showed me. Today I am baptized of both water and the holy spirit. I pray that you meet the apostles. We are going house by house preaching the word and those who accept us, are getting help. They have built the church of God in me. Their Role is great. May God be with you, until you receive this power that I am talking about. Lots of pastors from different churches today have come to the apostles to be baptized.
1 Corinthians 15:29, it is true that there are people on earth who are baptized for the Dead or on behalf of the Dead as the scripture says. This is the baptism which most people do not, not even some pastors on earth. It is the baptism of the holy spirit. Apostles know about what I mean. If you are baptized of water only, please try to meet the apostles, ask them, you will get help for free. Read Acts 8:14-20 for more understanding. There are two kinds of baptism which Christians must undergo! That is: baptism of water and baptism of the holy spirit. Unfortunately ONLY the apostles are given the authority to baptize with holy spirit. So people must meet them! Please start looking for apostles.
Acts 8:14-20, most people today are only baptized of water. If you are baptized of water, you still aught to be baptized of the Holy spirit. We read that by being laid the hands by APOSTLES you can receive the holy sprit. Most people think they have holy spirit, but none of them was laid hands by the apostles. I would like to state it clearly that the ONLY way to have holy spirit is when you are laid hands by the apostles. You don’t just get baptized by the holy spirit by reading a bible or by praying for yourself. NO! Hence that is why when you were baptized of water, you did not just get into river (water and Deep yourself) by yourself and come out then say: now I am baptized. No! But someone with an authority, dept you and baptized you, then you were baptized. Same applies to the baptism of the holy spirit, someone with Authority (The Apostles) must baptize you. It is then that you can say that you are baptized of the holy spirit. I pray that people will meet the apostles for them to receive or to be baptized of the holy ghost, for they are the only people given an authority to do so.
@Elizabeth Lee,
Verse 32- Here again we must know the period of time and which Jesus is making reference to. This is why one must find a good bible believing church to help in the study of the scriptures ( Acts 8:26-35). This is another parable as in all parables that Jesus uses a physical to explain a spiritual.
1. If Jesus is not God, there is no hope of us being saved and we are lost in our sins and destined for eternal hell ( I Corinthians 15:12-19);
2. When Jesus is making reference to the Jews he is known as the son of man (verse 34). Jesus is informing us that we can know the season when we are getting close to the 2nd advent by watching is real (fig tree) and other events in the world;
3. As the son of man he is 100% man and that part of the divine nature was just not privy to the exact day and hour of Christ returns;
4. We are to be in ready mode at all times, this is why it is called living by faith not by sight ( II Corinthians 5:7);
5. There are some of God’s divine nature he chose not to bring with him when he came to earth as our saviour and I suppose this was one of them.
As Jesus said in John 14:6 "I am the way (Greek Houdos) which is translated way, journey and highway... Jesus is the highway and journey of believers which is illuminated by the truth.." I am the truth" which is the word of God.. I am the life! The Journey is truth and this highway leads to eternal life with the Father... This is what Philip and the Apostles preached!
Acts 8:37 corresponds with other portions of scripture in the Bible, both New Testament and Old Testament. Romans 10, John 3:16-18, and Genesis 15:6, among others. I don't see why it isn't in all the versions.
"Hear ( Mt 7:24), believe ( Jn 8:24) repent ( Lk 13:3,5) confess ( Acts 8:37) and be baptized for the remission of your sins, ( Acts 2:38, 8:12, acts 22:16)"
AMEN. THAT SUMS IT ALL UP. TRUE REPENTANCE AND ACCEPTING CHRIST SACRIFICIAL LOVE ON CALVARY IS WHAT'S REQUIRED. PAUL SAYS LET EVERY MEN BE WRONG AND GOD'S WORD BE RIGHT. NOW WE SEE THINGS DARKLY THRU THE GLASS, BUT THEN FACE-TO-FACE, WE SHALL BEHOLD HOLD HIM CHRIST THE LORD. IT GIVES ME REAL JOY HAVING TO KNOW CHRIST. THE ONLY REASON I LIVE IS TO WORSHIP HIM. GOD BLESS SAINTS!
What does the word perfect mean in scripture? But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it--he will be blessed in what he does.( James 1:25). Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." ( Matthew 19:21) Does the perfect here means something different than the perfect used in 1st Corinthians 13:10? What is the perfect law of liberty? What was Jesus referencing when he told the rich young ruler if thou would be perfect go sell all that you have and come follow me. Could perfect mean complete? I'm just saying! Sometimes we make things more difficult than they should be! My feeling or my opinion is fruitless when it comes to the word of God. Solomon said in Proverbs 16:25 "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." In Matthew 7:24 Jesus said these words "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock." The Hebrew writer said in Hebrews 5:8-9 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation,
Hear ( Mt 7:24), believe ( Jn 8:24) repent ( Lk 13:3,5) confess ( Acts 8:37) and be baptized for the remission of your sins, ( Acts 2:38, 8:12, acts 22:16)
Let me tell you something .. Jehovah was used for the Old testament .. We live in the New Testament now and do you find Jehovah in the New Testament. Jehovah was just another name for God .. Do you find them using Jehovahs name to cast out devils in the Old Testament ? NO ! Revelation 1:8 - I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. ~ Jesus said this .. We are reading from Isaiah are we not ? 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, Counsellor, *The mighty God*, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Hey for Ian Wilson and the ones who "think" the name of the almighty should be Jehovah read this. 18 Let no man deceive himself. 1 Corinthians 3:18 If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
Here is a little more Scripture for you . John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
John 1:1 Tells us that "The Word was god" in John 1:14 it says "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us ! " then it talks about how we beheld his "glory" .. let me add this .. In Isaiah (which is the Old Testament) 42:8 , It says " i am the Lord: that is my name: and my 'glory' will i not give to another ~ and in 1 Corinthians 2:8 is says " which none of the princes of this world knew: for had that known it, they would not have crucified the 'Lord of glory'. They would not have crucified Jesus if they knew that he was god wrapped in flesh! Let me add 1 Timothy 3:16 .. "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit,soon of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world,received up into *glory* " !!
Exodus 3:14 - And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
John 8:24 - I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that *I AM HE*, ye shall die in your sins.
* Act 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 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Barbara- it's possible; however, Jesus IS GOD, so when he breathed on them, he was giving them the Holy Spirit. A pastor is NOT God. IF the pastor has the Holy Spirit, and God so wills, the pastor laying hands upon or breathing on those who have received Christ CAN be the method God uses to Give the Holy Spirit to them. (If you read Acts; the apostles laid hands on people and the people received the Holy Spirit) Acts 8:14-17 - 14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
The gospel of God could be preached under persecution,and people will give their lives to God.Secondly one could equally received salvation at the first instance of hearing the gospel, ie like the Ethiopian Eunuch received the word on the road and He was baptized.
I am going to suggest something that no other person has. Matt. 12:8 calls the son of man the LORD of the sabbath (relates to rest and the number 7). The ministry of Christ started about age 30 and was cut short at age 33 1/2. His ministry should have gone another 3 1/2 years accordingly if He is Lord of shabbat. The first part of His ministry was the introduction to man concerning the salvation of GOD as to the acceptable sacrifice through the fulfillment of the Holy scriptures. I have to make an assumption that the second part to be completed yet is Christ's just judgment of mankind. we can see this occurring in the book of revelation. This wrath of GOD is 3 1/2 years. The first 3 1/2 years of Jacobs trouble is brought by the so named Antichrist. This is supported by some scholarly understanding of Daniel, Revelation, Corinthians, and Thessalonians. I think perhaps the judgment that Christ was taken from was the judgment GOD the Father has committed to His son. It needs further confirmation by study using only the Holy Scriptures.I realize this is a different view, but keep this in mind....the number 7 is a number reserved throughout scripture pertaining to GOD or works of.
Only those translations that are saying "remission" of sins are correct to the original Greek which is the word "Aphesis". Remission & forgiveness are not the same. But above all, The Name Of The Lord JESUS Christ must be spoken, & both the baptizer & the one receiving the baptism must be qualified for it. The one must be an apostolic minister or anyone who has already been baptized in the Name of the Lord, & the one who goes through the baptism, to be taught prior to it, the importance & the revelation of the Name, & have full faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Below is a good article:
THE BIG
MISTAKE
This message is no doubt one of the most important messages you will ever read. It concerns a
commandment that was given by our Lord Jesus Christ, which is being carried out incorrectly by
nearly every church that is professing Christianity. This statement is true, even though the
command is plain and easy to understand. I am referring to the clear teaching of water baptism.
The various religions of this world baptize people with water 635 different ways. In the realm of
nominal Christianity, people are baptized primarily one way; this way omits the use of any name
at all. Thus, Satan with his crafty devices has seen to it that almost everyone who has been
baptized has been baptized wrong!
In the denominations of nominal Christianity, the Scripture verse of Matthew 28:19 is misused in
a very clever way. Matthew 28:19 reads as follows: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” We must bear
in mind that when this command was given, no actual baptism was happening at the time. A
command was given, and God intended that it be carried out, not just repeated. Countless
thousands of ministers repeat the exact words of the command without ever doing what the
command says to do. Jesus specifically ordered that we are to be baptized in the NAME
(singular) of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost! In order to find out what that name
is, we simply look in the Bible at incidents of water baptism after Calvary as administered by the
apostles of Jesus Christ. We will find that there is not one incident ever where anyone was
actually baptized using the words, “Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” It was always done in the
saving name of Jesus, which fulfills the command to use the singular name. When we say the
words, “I baptize you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,” we are in full obedience of Matthew
28:19. Jesus said, “I am come in my Father’s name….” ( John 5:43). The angel of the Lord said
to Joseph regarding Mary, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins” ( Matthew 1:21). In John 16:7, Jesus said He would
send the Holy Ghost. It all happens in the name of Jesus!
We will now look at actual events of baptism to see exactly how it was done by the Apostles of
Jesus Christ. In the book of the Acts of the Apostles, we will begin with chapter 2 where many
people who were listening to Peter were convicted of their sins and were looking for the remedy
to the problem. In Acts 2:37-39 we read as follows: “Now when they heard this, they were
pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles, Men and brethren,
what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the
name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as
the Lord our God shall call.” As we can see, the titles Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not even
alluded to by Peter as he answered their question, because the Apostles understood full-well that
Jesus commanded his saving name to be used to fulfill Matthew 28:19. Were the Apostles
correct in this matter? In Acts 2:41 we read the following: “Then they that gladly received his
word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
Another example of an actual baptism is found in Acts 8:14-16 as follows: “Now when the
apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent
unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might
receive the Holy Ghost: (for as yet he was fallen on none of them: only they were baptized in the
name of the Lord Jesus.)
Yet another example showing how the singular name of the Lord Jesus Christ was being used in
water baptism is found in Acts 10:47-48, which tells us, “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….” In this example, we must also note that water
baptism was not simply suggested, but it was commanded! This is consistent with the very words
of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, when he commanded in Mark 16:15-16, “….Go ye into all
the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be
saved: but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
One question that frequently arises regarding water baptism is whether or not a person should be
rebaptized if they had not previously been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. In Acts 19:3-5
that question is answered, and the matter is settled. The Apostle Paul met with some people who
had been disciples of John the Baptist and were baptized by him. We know that when John
baptized, no name was used, but it was simply done unto repentance, opening the way for people
to receive Jesus, the Lamb of God. After Jesus shed his blood on the cross, the saving name was
required in baptism. Even those who had received the valid baptism of John needed to be
rebaptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. That is why we read of this in Acts 19:3-5 as follows:
“And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that
they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they
heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
At this point I must also point out that the word baptize, comes from a Greek word that means to
make fully whelmed, which means to put completely under the water. It was the Roman Catholic
religion that started baptizing by sprinkling and pouring during the time of the building of St.
Peter’s Basilica. Because they charged money for baptizing, they began to baptize infants,
because they needed the money.
We must also remember that the Bible tells us that we are not to be baptized into a church, but
rather into Christ! Romans 6:3-4 tells us in no uncertain terms the following: “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 into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the
glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
When we consider the subject of water baptism, it is essential that we remember that it is in the
Gospel! In I Corinthians 15:1-4, the Gospel is clearly defined as the death, burial, and
resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Thus, our repentance is the death of our old sinful self; baptism
with water in the name of our Saviour, Jesus, is our burial; and receiving the Holy Ghost is our
first resurrection unto a new life. The resurrection of all people at Judgment Day is the final
resurrection from the earthly graves. We cannot ignore any part of the Gospel, or we have
ignored the whole Gospel.
So much more could be said about this subject, and we can learn so much by reading our Bibles
rather than reading catechisms and other church books, which contain doctrines of men. The
points we must remember are: 1. Baptism is commanded. 2. Baptism must be by immersion. 3.
Baptism must be done using the name of Jesus. 4. Baptism must be done once the Gospel is
understood. Babies are not to be baptized.
It is a sad fact that nearly everyone that has been baptized in these last days has accomplished
nothing more than getting wet. It is a problem that can be easily corrected. Acts 4:12 will meet
all of humanity on Judgment Day, and it should be heeded now, while there is still a little time.
That powerful verse still echoes down the corridor of time with these words, “Neither is there
salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we
must be saved.”
Pastor David J. Meyer
Last Trumpet Ministries International
After further study on baptsm I think that most people miss the point. Johin baptized with water to "manifest" Jesus Christ to Israel (they required a sign) in John 1:33 John the Baptist speaks of the "real" Baptism, which by Christ putting believers into the Body by his Holy Spirit. ( 1 Cor.12:13) So what happens today is; a lot of unsaved people are trusting in their Water Baptism. The NIV leaves out the confession of the Ethopian ( Acts 8:37)and takes the man right into the water! The confession that they use today is the confession of a demon in Luke 4:41; "Thou art Christ the Son of God."..."The devils also believe, and tremble." ( James 2:19) DGL
Greetings everyone in the Name of Jesus Christ! In Matthew 28:19 our Lord gave the command to the disciples to go baptize in the Name (of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost). To find out how this commandment was carried out, we must search the book of Acts. On the day of Pentcost, Acts 2:37 Baptism was in the Name Of JESUS. This was preached by the Apostle Peter. Acts 8:12-17 the Church at Samaria was established and they were baptised in the Name of Jesus by Philip, another of Christ's diciples. The Church at Caesarea, Acts 10:44-48, baptism was also preformed by Peter in the Name of the Lord, which is Jesus. The Church of Philippi, Acts l6:14,15,also verses 25-34; as also the Church of the Ephesians were baptized by Paul in the Name of Jesus. Acts 18:1-11, Acts 19:1-7Romans 6:3, Acts 22:16 are also examples. Even those that were baptized by John the Baptist, after they received instruction by Apostle Paul were RE-baptized in the Name of Jesus. Now I ask you to answer this question-- Did the Apostles and Disciples of Jesus defy His command to be baptized IN THE NAME of the father,son,and Holy Ghost or were they carrying out His instructions knowing there is only ONE NAME given under heaven whereby ye must be saved? Allow Jesus to take the blinder off your mind and receive this wonderful truth: Jesus is the Name of God (father,son, Holy Ghost) He is the Word made flesh. No more than you can separate your word from who you are, Neither can the ONE GOD separate Himself into three separate Gods. It is One God in three offices---Father, Son, Holy Ghost...OH PRAISE THAT SAVING NAME WHICH REVEALED BY THE ANGEL !!! Read Isaiah 9:6--The prophecy of His Name. GOD CAME WRAPPED IN A NAME IN BETHLEHEM. May the Lord reveal His Truth to you.
What do I think? After being saturated in the subject for over thirty years, here's what I have learned: (From Matthew 28:19)
Soon after Jesus arose from the dead, He met with His disciples and commanded them with the words we read in the verses above; commonly referred to as the Great commission. Clearly, it is through the process of baptism that disciples are made. Question: were the disciples to process people from the standpoint of their already being “in” the name of the Godhead, as the translated preposition “in” would suggest, or, something else? Translating the Greek word “eis “to read “in” would appeal to the question “how”; where translating it to read, “into” would solicit the question, into “what”. If the Greek preposition “eis” was translated “into” instead of “in” like the original text suggests then we would find that Jesus was indeed, telling His disciples to process people “into” the family name of the Godhead.
Some Denominational leaders argue that the phrase; “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” is a formula, while others try to assign a given name to each, or a single element of the Godhead. Believe it or not, there was a time in our history when people were dipped three times; in each name respectively. What is interesting to note is that the Bible is silent as to what the name is/are; so why guess? Seems to me that knowing the name is not what’s important as what our being processed into that name accomplishes.
It should not be a hard to believe that the process of being baptized “into” the name of the Godhead creates an immediate change in status of citizenship ( Eph 2:19). More than anything, it establishes kinship and family, communion and fellowship, the very thing that Jesus came to restore.
A name is simply an abbreviated totality of anything we see or can perceive through one of our senses. The Name “God” is an abbreviated totality of Who and What He is; it encompasses ALL of Him. This applies to all people and things as well. Jesus is the Name God gave to His Son; it defines who and what He is to and for the world; the Holy Spirit is the Name ascribed to the invisible part of God in whom all His Power is resident and Father is the Name taken by the One who begot Jesus and us through Him. In this one Name, He has combined all of the Names He was known by in the past. One final thought; a name is inseparable from the person or thing it is ascribed; they are one and the same.
Once the process of baptism is complete, one becomes authorized to function as a disciple. Through the instruction handed down by Jesus, disciples would become, not only devoted followers of Christ, but able to carry-on with the perpetual task of bringing Jesus to the Nations. Once baptized, we are joined is an affinity with God and His Kingdom.
Baptism in action:
Acts 2:38-39
Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in (epi = upon) the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:16-17
For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in (eis = into) the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 10:48 (ALSO: Acts 19:5-6, Rom 6:3, 1 Cor 12:13, Gal 3:27)
And he commanded them to be baptized in (en = in) the name of the Lord.
So, in the final analysis, people are baptized “into = eis” Jesus, “upon the basis of = epi” His Name by one who is already “in = en” the Name of Jesus, having authority to implement the process.
One more thing; I would suggest you read the baptism of the Eunuch by Philip, in Acts 8:26-38, and see his reaction after the baptism. That’s the joy the Holy Spirit brings when we accept Christ.
First, I would like to talk about those who say that baptism does not consist of water. Baptism is derived from the Greek word "baptizo" which means "immersion." Now, I ask, in what are we immersed? A prime example of immersion takes place in Acts 8, when Philip is called by the Spirit to go and explain the scripture to the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip “preached unto him Jesus” ( Acts 8:35). It continues, “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? 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. 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” ( Acts 8:36-38). How did the eunuch know that he needed to be baptized? Because Philip preached unto him Jesus. Jesus is the word; therefore we must take ALL of the word – not some of it only to make it say we want it to say. Jesus said in Mark 16:16, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned”. Jesus thought baptism to be important enough to mention it as part of his last words on earth. Don’t you think that means it’s pretty significant? Shouldn’t it be easy enough just to say “well, Jesus said it, so I am going to do it”? I would think so. But so many denominations have taken the precious word of God and twisted it so it fits what they want it to. Matthew 28:19 says, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”. Jesus was talking to the apostles here who were men. Men cannot baptize in the Holy Ghost. Only God can baptize in the Holy Ghost. So this proves that it HAD to be water baptism.
Secondly, I have heard so much about the “thief on the cross” that I am seriously sick. I am sick of people AGAIN not interpreting the Bible for what it says. Let’s look at the setting of Calvary and the conversation that took place between Jesus and this thief. First, Jesus was still alive when this all took place. THE OLD LAW WAS STILL IN EFFECT. Jesus’ blood had not been shed yet; therefore, baptism was not in effect yet and would not be until the day of Pentecost. When Jesus died and fulfilled the Old Law, the New Law entered into effect. And if it were not enough that the Old Law was still in effect, he was Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and could do what he wanted to do. He forgave sins long before the thief on the cross. What about Zacchaeus ( Luke 19:9)? What about the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with oil ( Luke 7:48)? Both of these were granted salvation by Jesus, yet you don’t hear people basing their salvation off them! Jesus did not tell the man that his sins were forgiven. Jesus told the thief he would be with Him in paradise. Paradise. Not Heaven. Now, granted, no one knows what paradise was, but I think it possible to be the place where Jesus went during the three days after his crucifixion. 1 Peter 3 says that, “he went and preached to the spirits in prison”. Maybe this was the paradise in which Jesus spoke of. If I could I would list all the examples of baptism in the New Testament as “what now saves us”, 1 PETER 3:21. But I do not have enough time nor space in which to write. It is my earnest prayer that you study your Bible. Please read it with an open mind and take it LITERALLY and not interpret it. Do NOT take another man’s word for what it says. Read it and believe it by yourself.
1. Is the baptism of water (which is the first to receive after you have accepted the word);
2. The baptism of the Holy Spirit (which is the second one after you are baptized of water); read Acts 1:5; read again Acts 19:2. Paul asks some Christians if they are baptized of the holy spirit, and their answer was NO, we are not and we don’t even know about that kind of baptism (they only know the one of water). He baptized them (NOTE: it is the apostle who does this and his name is Paul). Acts 8:16, when they heard that the Samaritans have accepted the word, they sent the apostle to that country, none of them has received the holy spirit, though they accepted the word. And they were then baptized of the holy spirit by the apostles. Acts 8:18, Simon the witch saw that by being laid on the hands by the apostles, the holy spirit was received he then wanted to buy it with money. Guys my concern and I pray that people must meet the apostles in order to receive the holy spirit. You can be baptized with water by almost every pastor but when it comes to the baptism of the holy spirit you need to meet the apostles for this task. Once you are only baptized with water, that’s not enough, even if you are a pastor or a leader in the church you need to be baptized with the holy spirit. People think that by reading a bible or by praying for yourself you can be baptized with the holy spirit. NO. if you think so, why when you need to be baptized by water you call the pastor to baptize you? WHY don’t u just pray and Deep yourself by yourself in water. But instead you need someone to deep you in water and baptize you. Same Rules applies to the baptism of the holy spirit. You need to get an authorized person (AND THAT IS THE APOSTLES ONLY) to baptize you. Please try to look for the apostles they will help you free. I thank God for is grace that he showed me. Today I am baptized of both water and the holy spirit. I pray that you meet the apostles. We are going house by house preaching the word and those who accept us, are getting help. They have built the church of God in me. Their Role is great. May God be with you, until you receive this power that I am talking about. Lots of pastors from different churches today have come to the apostles to be baptized.
Verse 32- Here again we must know the period of time and which Jesus is making reference to. This is why one must find a good bible believing church to help in the study of the scriptures ( Acts 8:26-35). This is another parable as in all parables that Jesus uses a physical to explain a spiritual.
1. If Jesus is not God, there is no hope of us being saved and we are lost in our sins and destined for eternal hell ( I Corinthians 15:12-19);
2. When Jesus is making reference to the Jews he is known as the son of man (verse 34). Jesus is informing us that we can know the season when we are getting close to the 2nd advent by watching is real (fig tree) and other events in the world;
3. As the son of man he is 100% man and that part of the divine nature was just not privy to the exact day and hour of Christ returns;
4. We are to be in ready mode at all times, this is why it is called living by faith not by sight ( II Corinthians 5:7);
5. There are some of God’s divine nature he chose not to bring with him when he came to earth as our saviour and I suppose this was one of them.
AMEN. THAT SUMS IT ALL UP. TRUE REPENTANCE AND ACCEPTING CHRIST SACRIFICIAL LOVE ON CALVARY IS WHAT'S REQUIRED. PAUL SAYS LET EVERY MEN BE WRONG AND GOD'S WORD BE RIGHT. NOW WE SEE THINGS DARKLY THRU THE GLASS, BUT THEN FACE-TO-FACE, WE SHALL BEHOLD HOLD HIM CHRIST THE LORD. IT GIVES ME REAL JOY HAVING TO KNOW CHRIST. THE ONLY REASON I LIVE IS TO WORSHIP HIM. GOD BLESS SAINTS!
Hear ( Mt 7:24), believe ( Jn 8:24) repent ( Lk 13:3,5) confess ( Acts 8:37) and be baptized for the remission of your sins, ( Acts 2:38, 8:12, acts 22:16)
1 Corinthians 3:18 If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
Here is a little more Scripture for you .
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
John 1:1 Tells us that "The Word was god" in John 1:14 it says "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us ! " then it talks about how we beheld his "glory" .. let me add this .. In Isaiah (which is the Old Testament) 42:8 , It says " i am the Lord: that is my name: and my 'glory' will i not give to another ~ and in 1 Corinthians 2:8 is says " which none of the princes of this world knew: for had that known it, they would not have crucified the 'Lord of glory'. They would not have crucified Jesus if they knew that he was god wrapped in flesh! Let me add 1 Timothy 3:16 .. "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit,soon of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world,received up into *glory* " !!
Exodus 3:14 - And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
John 8:24 - I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that *I AM HE*, ye shall die in your sins.
* Act 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 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Acts 8:16 etc...
THE BIG
MISTAKE
This message is no doubt one of the most important messages you will ever read. It concerns a
commandment that was given by our Lord Jesus Christ, which is being carried out incorrectly by
nearly every church that is professing Christianity. This statement is true, even though the
command is plain and easy to understand. I am referring to the clear teaching of water baptism.
The various religions of this world baptize people with water 635 different ways. In the realm of
nominal Christianity, people are baptized primarily one way; this way omits the use of any name
at all. Thus, Satan with his crafty devices has seen to it that almost everyone who has been
baptized has been baptized wrong!
In the denominations of nominal Christianity, the Scripture verse of Matthew 28:19 is misused in
a very clever way. Matthew 28:19 reads as follows: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” We must bear
in mind that when this command was given, no actual baptism was happening at the time. A
command was given, and God intended that it be carried out, not just repeated. Countless
thousands of ministers repeat the exact words of the command without ever doing what the
command says to do. Jesus specifically ordered that we are to be baptized in the NAME
(singular) of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost! In order to find out what that name
is, we simply look in the Bible at incidents of water baptism after Calvary as administered by the
apostles of Jesus Christ. We will find that there is not one incident ever where anyone was
actually baptized using the words, “Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” It was always done in the
saving name of Jesus, which fulfills the command to use the singular name. When we say the
words, “I baptize you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,” we are in full obedience of Matthew
28:19. Jesus said, “I am come in my Father’s name….” ( John 5:43). The angel of the Lord said
to Joseph regarding Mary, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS:
for he shall save his people from their sins” ( Matthew 1:21). In John 16:7, Jesus said He would
send the Holy Ghost. It all happens in the name of Jesus!
We will now look at actual events of baptism to see exactly how it was done by the Apostles of
Jesus Christ. In the book of the Acts of the Apostles, we will begin with chapter 2 where many
people who were listening to Peter were convicted of their sins and were looking for the remedy
to the problem. In Acts 2:37-39 we read as follows: “Now when they heard this, they were
pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles, Men and brethren,
what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the
name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as
the Lord our God shall call.” As we can see, the titles Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not even
alluded to by Peter as he answered their question, because the Apostles understood full-well that
Jesus commanded his saving name to be used to fulfill Matthew 28:19. Were the Apostles
correct in this matter? In Acts 2:41 we read the following: “Then they that gladly received his
word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
Another example of an actual baptism is found in Acts 8:14-16 as follows: “Now when the
apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent
unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might
receive the Holy Ghost: (for as yet he was fallen on none of them: only they were baptized in the
name of the Lord Jesus.)
Yet another example showing how the singular name of the Lord Jesus Christ was being used in
water baptism is found in Acts 10:47-48, which tells us, “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….” In this example, we must also note that water
baptism was not simply suggested, but it was commanded! This is consistent with the very words
of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, when he commanded in Mark 16:15-16, “….Go ye into all
the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be
saved: but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
One question that frequently arises regarding water baptism is whether or not a person should be
rebaptized if they had not previously been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. In Acts 19:3-5
that question is answered, and the matter is settled. The Apostle Paul met with some people who
had been disciples of John the Baptist and were baptized by him. We know that when John
baptized, no name was used, but it was simply done unto repentance, opening the way for people
to receive Jesus, the Lamb of God. After Jesus shed his blood on the cross, the saving name was
required in baptism. Even those who had received the valid baptism of John needed to be
rebaptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. That is why we read of this in Acts 19:3-5 as follows:
“And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that
they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they
heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
At this point I must also point out that the word baptize, comes from a Greek word that means to
make fully whelmed, which means to put completely under the water. It was the Roman Catholic
religion that started baptizing by sprinkling and pouring during the time of the building of St.
Peter’s Basilica. Because they charged money for baptizing, they began to baptize infants,
because they needed the money.
We must also remember that the Bible tells us that we are not to be baptized into a church, but
rather into Christ! Romans 6:3-4 tells us in no uncertain terms the following: “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 into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the
glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
When we consider the subject of water baptism, it is essential that we remember that it is in the
Gospel! In I Corinthians 15:1-4, the Gospel is clearly defined as the death, burial, and
resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Thus, our repentance is the death of our old sinful self; baptism
with water in the name of our Saviour, Jesus, is our burial; and receiving the Holy Ghost is our
first resurrection unto a new life. The resurrection of all people at Judgment Day is the final
resurrection from the earthly graves. We cannot ignore any part of the Gospel, or we have
ignored the whole Gospel.
So much more could be said about this subject, and we can learn so much by reading our Bibles
rather than reading catechisms and other church books, which contain doctrines of men. The
points we must remember are: 1. Baptism is commanded. 2. Baptism must be by immersion. 3.
Baptism must be done using the name of Jesus. 4. Baptism must be done once the Gospel is
understood. Babies are not to be baptized.
It is a sad fact that nearly everyone that has been baptized in these last days has accomplished
nothing more than getting wet. It is a problem that can be easily corrected. Acts 4:12 will meet
all of humanity on Judgment Day, and it should be heeded now, while there is still a little time.
That powerful verse still echoes down the corridor of time with these words, “Neither is there
salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we
must be saved.”
Pastor David J. Meyer
Last Trumpet Ministries International
Soon after Jesus arose from the dead, He met with His disciples and commanded them with the words we read in the verses above; commonly referred to as the Great commission. Clearly, it is through the process of baptism that disciples are made. Question: were the disciples to process people from the standpoint of their already being “in” the name of the Godhead, as the translated preposition “in” would suggest, or, something else? Translating the Greek word “eis “to read “in” would appeal to the question “how”; where translating it to read, “into” would solicit the question, into “what”. If the Greek preposition “eis” was translated “into” instead of “in” like the original text suggests then we would find that Jesus was indeed, telling His disciples to process people “into” the family name of the Godhead.
Some Denominational leaders argue that the phrase; “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” is a formula, while others try to assign a given name to each, or a single element of the Godhead. Believe it or not, there was a time in our history when people were dipped three times; in each name respectively. What is interesting to note is that the Bible is silent as to what the name is/are; so why guess? Seems to me that knowing the name is not what’s important as what our being processed into that name accomplishes.
It should not be a hard to believe that the process of being baptized “into” the name of the Godhead creates an immediate change in status of citizenship ( Eph 2:19). More than anything, it establishes kinship and family, communion and fellowship, the very thing that Jesus came to restore.
A name is simply an abbreviated totality of anything we see or can perceive through one of our senses. The Name “God” is an abbreviated totality of Who and What He is; it encompasses ALL of Him. This applies to all people and things as well. Jesus is the Name God gave to His Son; it defines who and what He is to and for the world; the Holy Spirit is the Name ascribed to the invisible part of God in whom all His Power is resident and Father is the Name taken by the One who begot Jesus and us through Him. In this one Name, He has combined all of the Names He was known by in the past. One final thought; a name is inseparable from the person or thing it is ascribed; they are one and the same.
Once the process of baptism is complete, one becomes authorized to function as a disciple. Through the instruction handed down by Jesus, disciples would become, not only devoted followers of Christ, but able to carry-on with the perpetual task of bringing Jesus to the Nations. Once baptized, we are joined is an affinity with God and His Kingdom.
Baptism in action:
Acts 2:38-39
Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in (epi = upon) the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 8:16-17
For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in (eis = into) the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 10:48 (ALSO: Acts 19:5-6, Rom 6:3, 1 Cor 12:13, Gal 3:27)
And he commanded them to be baptized in (en = in) the name of the Lord.
So, in the final analysis, people are baptized “into = eis” Jesus, “upon the basis of = epi” His Name by one who is already “in = en” the Name of Jesus, having authority to implement the process.