Water Baptism! Were the Apostles Wrong?

Water baptism is considered an essential prerequisite for the attainment of salvation within the Christian faith.

The passage in Mark 16:16 asserts that individuals who possess faith and undergo baptism will attain salvation, whilst those who lack faith will face condemnation.

In addition, the passage in 1 Peter 3:21 states that baptism serves as a means of salvation, not via the mere act of cleansing the physical body, but rather as a demonstration of a sincere and righteous commitment to God, made possible by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In the context of water baptism, a number of inquiries typically emerge. What is the prescribed method according to the Bible? Is the act of baptism typically conducted by the method of sprinkling? Alternatively, could it be achieved through submersion in water? The question is to the utilization of the designations "Father, Son, and Holy Ghost" as mentioned in Matthew 28:19, or the use of the name "Lord Jesus Christ" as referenced in Acts 2:38.

The Bible is considered to be the infallible Word of God, and therefore, it is widely believed that it does not contain any contradictions. In contemporary times, there exists a pressing need for a divine revelation from the omnipotent deity to facilitate a comprehensive and accurate comprehension of its contents. Hence, it is imperative to undertake a more in-depth examination of this perennially contentious matter.

The term "baptize" finds its etymological roots in the Greek word "baptizo," denoting the act of immersing an individual in water. Throughout the first thirteen centuries following the demise of Christ, the act of baptism consistently entailed the complete immersion of the individual beneath the surface of water.

According to Acts 8:39, Philip and the Eunuch descended into the water, where Philip proceeded to baptize him. According to John 3:23, it is mentioned that John was performing baptisms at Aeneon due to the presence of a substantial amount of water at that location. According to the biblical account in Acts 8:39, the individuals in question emerged from the aquatic environment. Hence, it may be deduced from the aforementioned scriptural evidence that the act of Water Baptism was initially conducted through the complete submersion of the individual beneath the water's surface.

Should baptism be done with titles or names?

The biblical passage found in Matthew 28:19 presents Jesus' significant directive to His disciples, sometimes referred to as the "Great Commission." In this verse, Jesus instructs His followers to embark on a mission to educate individuals from all nations, while also emphasizing the importance of baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

According to Christian doctrine, Jesus Christ, who is regarded as the central figure and ultimate source of our faith, did not instruct his followers to perform baptisms using many names, but rather emphasized the use of a solitary name. The key aspect to consider is the identification of the specific designation held by the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. It is important to acknowledge that the term "Father" does not function as a proper noun. The term "Son" does not function as a proper name, and similarly, the Holy Ghost does not qualify as a proper name. These titles represent the only deity known as the ONE true GOD. Upon examining the Old Testament, it becomes evident that the name attributed to God the FATHER consistently corresponds to the term "LORD," denoted by capital letters "L-O-R-D."

In the New Testament, it is evident that the name "JESUS" was bestowed upon the divine offspring, commonly referred to as the Son of God. During the contemporary era characterized by the bestowal of divine favor, commonly referred to as the dispensation of grace, the Holy Ghost has been bestowed upon humanity since the Day of Pentecost. In this context, the Holy Ghost is commonly referred to as the "CHRIST" or the "Anointing" of God.

Based on the aforementioned evidence, it can be inferred that the designations "Father, Son, and Holy Ghost" actually pertain to a singular composite appellation, specifically the sole name that was bestowed upon humanity as the means of salvation on earth (Acts 4:12). This name, without any alternative, is none other than the name of "LORD JESUS CHRIST," which represents the comprehensive name of the divine entity.

The utilization of Jesus' name in water baptism is consistently observed among all of His disciples throughout many passages in the Bible (Acts 2:38; Acts 19:1-5; Acts 10:46-48; Acts 8:14).

Nowhere in the entirety of the Bible can we identify any instance where individuals were baptized using the designations of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. If you conduct independent research, it is highly unlikely that you will discover any evidence supporting the claim. Today, a monetary reward of one million dollars is being offered to anybody who are able to locate a single passage that explicitly affirms the aforementioned proposition.

The apostles understood that baptism in those names was not to be interpreted literally, similar to when Jesus instructed them, "Unless you partake of my physical body and consume my blood, you will not possess life within you." There is no explicit mention in the Bible of the literal eating of Jesus' flesh or the ingestion of his blood. The act of consuming Jesus' flesh and blood in a literal sense, as instructed, would result in individuals assuming the characteristics of cannibals and vampires. However, it was disclosed to them that the act of consuming His Body signifies "engaging with His teachings" and the act of drinking His Blood signifies "accepting His redemptive offering" into their existence. During the ritual of Water Baptism, the participants were enlightened on the true identities of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, as well as the authentic name of God. The whole name of God is "Lord Jesus Christ."

The apostles were recipients of an accurate revelation.

In the biblical text of Acts 2:38, Apostle Peter, who was entrusted with the keys to the Kingdom, issued a directive to the Jewish audience. He urged them to engage in an act of repentance and undergo baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, with the purpose of obtaining forgiveness for their sins. Additionally, Peter conveyed that by following these instructions, they would also receive the bestowed gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Saint Paul employed the identical formula. In the biblical account found in Acts 19:1-5, it is recorded that Paul personally administered the sacrament of rebaptism to the followers of John the Baptist. During this ritual, Paul posed a question to them, inquiring whether they had received the Holy Ghost subsequent to their initial belief. They expressed uncertainty over the existence of the Holy Ghost. Paul inquired, "What was the manner in which you underwent the sacrament of baptism?" The individuals stated that they had undergone the ritual of baptism under the authority of John the Baptist. Paul stated that John indeed administered a baptism centered on repentance, instructing individuals to place their faith in the forthcoming Messiah, namely Jesus Christ. Upon hearing this proclamation, the individuals in question underwent the sacrament of baptism, specifically in the name of the Lord Jesus.

In Acts 10:48, it is stated that Peter and John administered the same practice of baptism to the Samaritans, as they were commanded to undergo baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus.

The individuals of non-Jewish descent residing within the residence of Cornelius, who were the initial recipients of the Gospel, were likewise subjected to the ritual of baptism (Acts 10:46-48). This was due to their ability to audibly express themselves in various languages, which resulted in the exaltation of God. In response, Peter inquired, "Is it within anyone's authority to prohibit the act of baptizing individuals who have received the Holy Spirit, just as we have?" The individuals were instructed by him to undergo baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus (NIV).

All individuals who adhere to the teachings of the Bible, including Jews, Gentiles, and Samaritans, were universally baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, as this practice aligns with the authentic and scriptural approach. May I inquire about your perspective on the matter?

The introduction of the practice of sprinkling as a form of baptism, and the subsequent alteration of the baptismal formula from the invocation of the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to the trinitarian formula of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, can be attributed to the Roman Catholic Church after the year 325 A.D. The majority of her daughters, namely the Protestant churches, have adhered to the same dogma up to the present time, and continue to observe it without being aware of their adherence. Please refer to the historical facts provided below.

Did St. Peter and Paul make errors in their beliefs or actions?

These apostles have knowledge that eludes the majority of contemporary religious leaders.

Firstly, it is asserted that the appellation "the NAME of the Lord Jesus Christ" serves as the collective designation for all individuals who identify as Christians, irrespective of their earthly or heavenly abode. This notion finds support in the scriptural reference in Ephesians 3:15.

Secondly, it is imperative to acknowledge that there exists no alternative appellation inside the celestial realm by which our deliverance can be attained, but alone by invoking the Name of Jesus, as stated in Acts 4:12.

Thirdly, it is stated in the book of Colossians 2:9 that the entirety of the divine nature is physically present in the person of Christ.

Furthermore, it is imperative that the act of BAPTISM be carried out in the name of the CRUCIFIED, as stated in 1 Corinthians 1:13.

According to the biblical passage found in Colossians 3:17, it is stated that individuals should engage in all actions, whether verbal or physical, with the intention of attributing them to the authority and influence of the Lord Jesus Christ. According to the teachings of Jesus, it was emphasized that the proclamation of "repentance and forgiveness of sins" should be disseminated in His name, commencing from Jerusalem and extending to the farthest corners of the world (Luke 24:47).

The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost represent three distinct titles. However, there exists just a one designation. The apostles were informed that redemption is exclusively attained by the invocation of the name of Jesus Christ, as stated in Acts 4:12.

According to biblical teachings, salvation is exclusively attainable via the name of Jesus Christ, as stated in Acts 4:12. However, it is important to note that Jesus Christ is referred to as the "Rose of Sharon," the "Lily of the Valley," the "Morning Star," and the "Alpha and Omega." It is crucial to understand that while these titles hold significant meaning, salvation can only be found via the name of Jesus Christ.

There are numerous titles attributed to God, including "Our Righteousness," "Our Peace," "Ever-Present," "Our Father," "Our King," "Prince of Peace," "Son," and "Holy Ghost." However, it is important to note that He possesses solely a single human name, which is JESUS. It is through this particular designation that all individuals will humbly submit and acknowledge his supreme authority as the sovereign ruler over all earthly monarchs and the ultimate master over all individuals.

Accordingly, individuals who undergo the ritual of baptism by invoking the designations of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are, in essence, being baptized without any specific name being said. Various titles such as Minister, Reverend, Doctor, and others, including familial designations such as Father, Son, Daughter, and Wife, exist to denote specific roles or positions throughout society. One could argue that there is no discernible distinction. Consider experimenting with placing your TITLE rather than your NAME on the check, and observe whether the BANK will honor it. For instance, you may attempt endorsing the cheque by stating, "I hereby endorse this check on behalf of the Husband." It is logical to accept the veracity of God's Word, given the presence of revelation that is readily seen.

The term "NAME" serves as the password granting access to the realm of heaven. Moreover, it serves as the fundamental determinant for accessing the celestial blessings and extraordinary endowments bestowed upon the ecclesiastical community by the divine entity. According to the biblical passage found in Mark 16:17-18, it is stated that individuals possess the ability to expel demons, communicate in unfamiliar languages, and provide healing through the invocation of a certain name. If one were to make a request in my NAME, I would fulfill it. The biblical verse referenced is John 14:14.

What is the significance of Matthew 28:19 in the context of biblical studies?

The aforementioned passages from the Book of Acts do not serve as a contradiction to Matthew 28:19, in which Jesus instructed the apostles to perform baptisms in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The primary purpose of the biblical accounts is to illustrate the manner in which the disciples comprehended and adhered to the given order.

An invitation

If an individual has not undergone the process of baptism in the specific name of the deity known as the Lord Jesus Christ, it might be argued that their baptism is not in accordance with the correct procedure. In order to receive the Spirit of God, it is necessary to undergo a second baptism, known as rebaptism, which is performed in the name of Jesus Christ.

The biblical passage in Acts 2:38 explicitly instructs individuals to repent and undergo baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the purpose of obtaining forgiveness for their sins. It emphasizes that those who are not baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ remain in a state of sin, as salvation is only possible through this specific act. Additionally, the passage states that those who follow these instructions will receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The individual is being urged by a higher power to return to their original faith, as it was initially imparted to the devout followers. According to the biblical passage in Romans 8:30, individuals who were predestined by God were also called by Him. Those who were called were afterwards justified, and those who were justified were ultimately glorified.

If an individual is considered to be the predestined offspring of God, they will undoubtedly acknowledge this particular Message as the ultimate embodiment of truth. The baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will be administered to you in a very short period of time. It is advisable to reconcile with the divine being at present, availing oneself of the opportunity to receive mercy and grace. The biblical verse from 1 Samuel 15:22 asserts the superiority of obedience over sacrifice.

Locate a religious institution that adheres to sound theological doctrine, and undergo the sacrament of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, as a means to secure one's salvation.

Records and Historical facts

According to the Britannica Encyclopedia, the earliest records consistently indicate that the act of baptism was performed using the name of Jesus Christ. According to the 11th edition of the academic source, specifically Volume 3, page 82, it is stated that...

According to the Canny Encyclopedia of Religion, it is noted that during the early period of the Church, the practice of baptism was always conducted in the Name of the Lord Jesus. However, a significant shift occurred in the 3rd Century with the emergence and establishment of the Trinity Doctrine. (Page 53).

According to the Hastings Encyclopedia of Religion, the administration of Christian Baptism involved the use of the phrase "In the Name of Jesus." The early history of the church did not propose the utilization of any form of Trinity formula. The practice of baptism historically involved the invocation of the name of the Lord Jesus until the period when the triune formula was introduced, as evidenced by the writings of Justin Martyr. The reference provided is Volume 2, pages 377-378.