How does someone wash away their sins?
Proverbs 30:12
[There is] a generation [that are] pure in their own eyes, and [yet] is not washed from their filthiness.
God commands us to believe in Jesus Christ, repent of our sins, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission or washing away of our sins, receive his Holy Spirit, continue in his word, and endure to the end. After Jesus walked on the face of the earth with his disciples and was crucified, buried, and resurrected, He gave his disciples the mission to go into all the world and preach the Gospel (God news of salvation through Jesus Christ) and to baptize the people who believe. Jesus said, he that believes and is baptized shall be saved but he that believes not shall be damned. What does it mean to believe? Our belief is evident when we obey the Truth. If we say that we believe but don’t obey God’s Word, then we are living the lie that the Devil has been using to deceive the whole world.
Matthew 7:24
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Romans 2:13
For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 12:44
Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
John 3:18
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Acts 10:43
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Matthew 7:24
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Romans 2:13
For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 12:44
Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me.
John 3:18
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Acts 10:43
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Let’s take a look at the essential element of baptism of which there are numerous different doctrines throughout the world. The Bible says that there is only one true way to be baptized. God teaches us that baptism has been given for the remission of our sins. Some churches and religious leaders say that baptism is not necessary for salvation. Others say that baptism is necessary for salvation. Some churches sprinkle in lieu of baptism. Some churches fully immerse in water in order to baptize someone. Some churches baptize “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” Other churches baptize “in the name of Jesus Christ.” Some churches practice the traditions, ceremonies, and philosophies passed down from generation. Others practice what is taught in the Bible. What is false and what is true? Some people say that the Bible is too hard to understand and has too many contradictions. But, which of the people who say this have made the effort and taken the time to read the entire Bible? And which of the people who say this have asked God for the wisdom and understanding of his word? So, if they have not done these things, what is the basis of their assumption that the “Bible is too hard to understand and has too many contradictions.” The Bible says that God is not the author of confusion. Well, as you suggested, let us “test” the spirits to see whether they are of God.
1Corinthians 14:33
For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
First, we may ask ourselves, “Why does God require the use of water as a necessary part of salvation - eternal life?” Who knows? Who knows why God does anything the way that he does? He is God and created all things. He is God and can do anything that he wants in the way that he wants. Did we create ourselves? Did anyone ever will himself into existence? God created us. We did not create him. Who are we to question God about why he does anything the way that he does. God tells us that his ways are not our ways and that his thoughts are not our thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9
For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Proverbs 21:2
Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
Proverbs 16:25
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.
Romans 9:20
Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed [it], Why hast thou made me thus?
Revelation 4:11
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
1Corinthians 14:33
For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
First, we may ask ourselves, “Why does God require the use of water as a necessary part of salvation - eternal life?” Who knows? Who knows why God does anything the way that he does? He is God and created all things. He is God and can do anything that he wants in the way that he wants. Did we create ourselves? Did anyone ever will himself into existence? God created us. We did not create him. Who are we to question God about why he does anything the way that he does. God tells us that his ways are not our ways and that his thoughts are not our thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9
For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Proverbs 21:2
Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
Proverbs 16:25
There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof [are] the ways of death.
Romans 9:20
Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed [it], Why hast thou made me thus?
Revelation 4:11
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
It is completely evident that God has chosen to use water in significant ways throughout life and throughout the entire Bible. Even nature (all of God’s creation) can confirm and verify the importance of water for life. Scientists agree that life (as we know it) cannot exist without water. So, is it an incomprehensible thing for God to reveal that eternal life cannot exist without the use of water? (As Above, So Below) When scientists search for life outside of the earth, the first thing they look for is the presence of water. Because, scientists know that planets need water to sustain life. So, we can see that water is an essential substance for life even in the physical world. God created the earth with 70% of its surface covered with water. Scientists claim that the average human body is composed of 57% to 78% water. Water is needed for plants to grow and bear fruit. Water is used by living creatures as an essential substance for it’s bodily functions and processes. Water regulates the climate and temperatures on Earth. Scientists even agree that water is a universal solvent, i.e. cleanser. When you want to clean something that is dirty, what do you do? You wash it with water. Who taught man how to wash things using water? God taught us to wash a stain with water when he washed the stain of sin from the world with water during the great flood of Noah’s day.
Genesis 6: 17
And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven and every thing that is in the earth shall die.
1 Peter 3
18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Proverbs 30:12
[There is] a generation [that are] pure in their own eyes, and [yet] is not washed from their filthiness.
Job 25:4
How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean [that is] born of a woman?
Isaiah 1:16
Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
Psalms 51:2
Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
Psalms 51:7
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Ephesians 5
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Titus 3
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 22:16
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
1Corinthians 6:11
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
John 15:3
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Additionally, the significance of water in baptism is better understood when one sees the historical use of water in the Bible. In many places throughout the Bible, water is used to signify cleansing/washing, renewal, sanctification /separation from sin and evil, and even birth/rebirth, which are all elements of baptism.
Exodus 14
15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:
16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
1 Corinthians 10
1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven and every thing that is in the earth shall die.
1 Peter 3
18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Proverbs 30:12
[There is] a generation [that are] pure in their own eyes, and [yet] is not washed from their filthiness.
Job 25:4
How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean [that is] born of a woman?
Isaiah 1:16
Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
Psalms 51:2
Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
Psalms 51:7
Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Ephesians 5
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
Titus 3
5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 22:16
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
1Corinthians 6:11
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
John 15:3
Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
Additionally, the significance of water in baptism is better understood when one sees the historical use of water in the Bible. In many places throughout the Bible, water is used to signify cleansing/washing, renewal, sanctification /separation from sin and evil, and even birth/rebirth, which are all elements of baptism.
Exodus 14
15 And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:
16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea.
17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.
1 Corinthians 10
1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
Colossians 2:12
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Galatians 3:27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Romans 6
1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4Therefore 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.
5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Acts 8:38
And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Galatians 3:27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Romans 6
1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4Therefore 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.
5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Acts 8:38
And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Is baptism necessary for salvation?
Yes. Jesus declares baptism’s necessity for salvation when he included baptism as an integral part of the Great Commission. John the Baptist’s whole purpose of existence was to “prepare the way of the Lord”. And how did John “prepare the way of the Lord” … by baptizing the people unto repentance. And that they should believe on Jesus Christ. Jesus commanded his disciples to do the same.
Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Acts 19
1And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coastscame to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, Wehave not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4Then 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.
5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
John 3
1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
1 Peter 3
18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
Yes. Jesus declares baptism’s necessity for salvation when he included baptism as an integral part of the Great Commission. John the Baptist’s whole purpose of existence was to “prepare the way of the Lord”. And how did John “prepare the way of the Lord” … by baptizing the people unto repentance. And that they should believe on Jesus Christ. Jesus commanded his disciples to do the same.
Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Acts 19
1And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coastscame to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, Wehave not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4Then 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.
5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
John 3
1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
1 Peter 3
18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
It is interesting to note that Jesus, the perfect example for all of us to follow, was baptized. And it was not until Jesus was baptized that the Holy Spirit, like a dove, descended upon him. And it was not until Jesus was baptized, that the Heavenly Father said, “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3
13Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Matthew 3
13Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Just as water cleansed the earth of sin during Noah’s time, just as the children of Israelpassed through the Red Sea, God has commanded baptism of water as a necessary part for the remission of our sins and saving of our souls today.
1 Peter 3: 20-21
20Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
1 Corinthians 10
1Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 22:16
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Ephesians 5:26
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
John 3
1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I sayunto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
In order to be saved, we must be born of the water and spirit and put on Christ. And, how do we put on Christ? By being baptized into Christ.
Galatians 3:27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Romans 6
1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4Therefore 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.
5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Colossians 2:12
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
When we study God's Word, it is obvious from the Truth that God commanded baptism for salvation. But it seems there are so many different ways to be baptized. Does it matter how a person is baptized? Since Jesus commanded baptism nearly two thousand years ago, there has only been one True way that baptism was performed by Jesus’ disciples. The disciples, who walked and talked with Jesus and who were the first Christians to fulfill God’s commandment of baptism, always performed baptism in one certain way. After Jesus told them to go into all the world and preach the gospel and baptize people for the remission of their sins, how did the disciples fulfill Jesus' commandment? It is recorded very clearly in the book of Acts and New Testament. The disciples of Jesus fully immersed the person in water and the people were baptized in the name of Jesus. And we should follow this example because it is the Truth. From Peter to Paul to present day, true Christians always baptize in the “name of Jesus” for the remission of sins. So, even though many religions have sprung up since Christ, and many man-made doctrines have been introduced into the world, the Truth (God’s Word) teaches that there is only one proper way that a person is to be baptized. There is only one door. The Truth says that there is only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.
Ephesians 4:5
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Do I need to be sprinkled or fully immersed in water?
1 Peter 3: 20-21
20Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
1 Corinthians 10
1Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 22:16
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Ephesians 5:26
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
John 3
1There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I sayunto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
In order to be saved, we must be born of the water and spirit and put on Christ. And, how do we put on Christ? By being baptized into Christ.
Galatians 3:27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Romans 6
1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4Therefore 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.
5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
Colossians 2:12
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
When we study God's Word, it is obvious from the Truth that God commanded baptism for salvation. But it seems there are so many different ways to be baptized. Does it matter how a person is baptized? Since Jesus commanded baptism nearly two thousand years ago, there has only been one True way that baptism was performed by Jesus’ disciples. The disciples, who walked and talked with Jesus and who were the first Christians to fulfill God’s commandment of baptism, always performed baptism in one certain way. After Jesus told them to go into all the world and preach the gospel and baptize people for the remission of their sins, how did the disciples fulfill Jesus' commandment? It is recorded very clearly in the book of Acts and New Testament. The disciples of Jesus fully immersed the person in water and the people were baptized in the name of Jesus. And we should follow this example because it is the Truth. From Peter to Paul to present day, true Christians always baptize in the “name of Jesus” for the remission of sins. So, even though many religions have sprung up since Christ, and many man-made doctrines have been introduced into the world, the Truth (God’s Word) teaches that there is only one proper way that a person is to be baptized. There is only one door. The Truth says that there is only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.
Ephesians 4:5
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Do I need to be sprinkled or fully immersed in water?
Biblical baptism is total submersion in water. The word baptize comes from the Greek word baptizo[2], meaning “to make whelmed, fully wet.” The word sprinkle comes from the Greek word rhantizo[3], meaning “to render besprinkled, aspersed.” The mode of baptism in the religious world was changed by men in 1311 AD[4], to allow the sprinkling of water to substitute for baptism. However, no man has the right or authority to change God’s word and judgment. We didn’t have the right or authority to do it in 325AD, nor in 1311AD, nor will we ever. Yet many people do believe and accept these man-made changes because they put their trust in man’s understanding and not in God’s word. Only those who put their trust in God’s word will be able to stand before God in judgment.
Should I be baptized in the name of the “Father, Son, Holy Ghost” or in the “name of Jesus Christ”?
According to God, there is only “One Lord, one faith, and one baptism.” So which is the correct baptism? Well, let’s first take a look at Matthew 28.
Should I be baptized in the name of the “Father, Son, Holy Ghost” or in the “name of Jesus Christ”?
According to God, there is only “One Lord, one faith, and one baptism.” So which is the correct baptism? Well, let’s first take a look at Matthew 28.
Ephesians 4:5
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
How does this one verse, Matthew 28:19, fit in with the rest of the Bible? How does the rest of the Bible confirm and verify this verse? The Bible teaches us that every matter should be established through the mouth of two or three people.
2 Corinthians 13:1
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. The author of the book of Matthew is one person. Now we need one or two more people in the Bible to confirm and verify what the author of the book of Matthew wrote in Matthew 28:19. According to God’s word, baptism is performed for “the remission of a person’s sins”. It is significant to note that Jesus gave the authority for“the remission of sins” to his disciples.
John 20
20And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD.
21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
It is even more important to note how the disciples remitted the sins of the people while at the same time fulfilling Jesus’ commandment in Matthew 28:19.
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Luke 24
44And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Acts 10
44While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 19
1And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4Then 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.
5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Acts 8:14-16
14Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalemheard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15Who, 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.)
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
How does this one verse, Matthew 28:19, fit in with the rest of the Bible? How does the rest of the Bible confirm and verify this verse? The Bible teaches us that every matter should be established through the mouth of two or three people.
2 Corinthians 13:1
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. The author of the book of Matthew is one person. Now we need one or two more people in the Bible to confirm and verify what the author of the book of Matthew wrote in Matthew 28:19. According to God’s word, baptism is performed for “the remission of a person’s sins”. It is significant to note that Jesus gave the authority for“the remission of sins” to his disciples.
John 20
20And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD.
21Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
22And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
It is even more important to note how the disciples remitted the sins of the people while at the same time fulfilling Jesus’ commandment in Matthew 28:19.
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Luke 24
44And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Acts 10
44While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 19
1And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4Then 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.
5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Acts 8:14-16
14Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalemheard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15Who, 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.)
No one in the bible was ever baptized “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” Does it even matter? Yes, because as we read earlier, the bible teaches us that there is only one true baptism. And, since baptism is for the washing away of a person's sins, then there is only one true way for someone to have their sins washed away... and that is according to God's Word. The bible also says that we must be saved by Jesus’ name.
Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Acts 10:43
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
John 3:18
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
As we saw in the previous section titled, "What is in a name?", the name of the Father, the name of the Son, and the name of the Holy Spirit is JESUS. In the book of Acts, when the disciples baptized the people in the “name of Jesus” for the remission of their sins, they were not contradicting Matthew 28:19: they were fulfilling it. Every account of an actual baptism in the New Testament references the name of Jesus Christ. Baptism using the titles “Father”, “Son”, and “Holy Ghost”, started in the early Fourth Century[1], in 325AD. There is no reference in the Bible of any person being baptized in the titles “Father,” “Son,” and “Holy Ghost,” but rather in the name of “Jesus.” The difference is important to understand: God has many titles, but only the name of Jesus has been given for salvation, and baptism is certainly a part of salvation (Acts 8:12-16, Acts 2:38-41, Acts 4:10-12, Colossians 3:17, Philippians 2:9-11, Acts 8:35-39, Acts 16:14, Acts 19:1-5, 1 Corinthians 1:13-16, Acts 16:32-34).
Finally, it is critical to point out where history shows us that the Catholic Church changed the way that people were baptized. From there on people continued to follow this man-made tradition, probably because it fit so well with the man-made Trinitarian doctrine:
BRITANICA ENCYCLOPEDIA
The baptismal formula was changed from the name of Jesus Christ to the words Father, Son & Holy Ghost by the Catholic Church in the Second Century. –11th Edit., Vol. 3, ppg. 365-366.
CANNEY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGION
The early church always baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus until development of the Trinity Doctrine in the Second Century.
CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA
Here the Catholics acknowledged that baptism was changed by the Catholic Church. – Vol. 2, pg. 263.
HASTINGSENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGION
Christian baptism was administered using the words, "in the name of Jesus." – Vol. 2, pg. 377. Baptism was always in the name of Lord Jesus until time of Justin Martyr when Triune formula used. – Vol. 2, pg. 389. NAME was an ancient synonym for "person." Payment was always made in the name of some person referring to ownership. Therefore one being baptized in Jesus’ name became His personal property. "Ye are Christ’s." – Vol. 2, pg. 377 on Acts 2:38.2
God has not commanded us to follow and obey man-made doctrines. We will only be saved by following God's Word.
Finally, it is critical to point out where history shows us that the Catholic Church changed the way that people were baptized. From there on people continued to follow this man-made tradition, probably because it fit so well with the man-made Trinitarian doctrine:
BRITANICA ENCYCLOPEDIA
The baptismal formula was changed from the name of Jesus Christ to the words Father, Son & Holy Ghost by the Catholic Church in the Second Century. –11th Edit., Vol. 3, ppg. 365-366.
CANNEY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGION
The early church always baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus until development of the Trinity Doctrine in the Second Century.
CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA
Here the Catholics acknowledged that baptism was changed by the Catholic Church. – Vol. 2, pg. 263.
HASTINGSENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGION
Christian baptism was administered using the words, "in the name of Jesus." – Vol. 2, pg. 377. Baptism was always in the name of Lord Jesus until time of Justin Martyr when Triune formula used. – Vol. 2, pg. 389. NAME was an ancient synonym for "person." Payment was always made in the name of some person referring to ownership. Therefore one being baptized in Jesus’ name became His personal property. "Ye are Christ’s." – Vol. 2, pg. 377 on Acts 2:38.2
God has not commanded us to follow and obey man-made doctrines. We will only be saved by following God's Word.
Matthew 15:9
But in vain they do worship me, teaching [for] doctrines the commandments of men.
Acts 5:29
Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
According to the Truth, it is possible to have already received the Holy Ghost before ever being baptized. But we are still commanded to be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins.
Acts 10
44While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
What if a person was previously baptized a different way, should they be re-baptized the correct way? Yes, they must be baptized the correct way according to the Bible. The Truth tells us that there is only ONE true way for the remission of our sins and only one true door to salvation. Jesus, who is our perfect example and is sinless, was baptized of John to "fulfill all righteousness."
Matthew 3
13Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Acts 19
1And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4Then 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.
5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
Matthew 3
13Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Acts 19
1And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4Then 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.
5When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
It is by obeying God’s Word (the Truth) that we put on God’s righteousness and not our own righteousness. God has commanded belief in Jesus Christ and baptism in His name as the means whereby a person may receive the remission of sins, the washing away of sins. What if God told us that we needed to swim across the Red Sea in order to wash away our sins. Would we do it? What if God told us that we had to travel to Israel and cross the Jordan River in order to wash away our sins. Would we do it? What if God said we had to climb Mount Sinai to be saved? Would we do it? We would probably try since our eternal life depended on it? But, God hasn’t told us to do any of these difficult or nearly impossible things. It’s no wonder He called His Word the gospel (good news). It is very good news that we don’t have to do some almost impossible thing to be saved. For what is hard about believing in Jesus Christ and being baptized in His name for the washing away of our sins? Once we follow God’s word to salvation, we put on His righteousness and become one with God. And we must continue in His Word to be saved.
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
John 17:11
And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
John 17:21
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Remember the people described in Matthew 7?
Matthew 7
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
John 17:11
And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
John 17:21
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Remember the people described in Matthew 7?
Matthew 7
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
These people were “saved” in their own eyes but they were not saved in the eyes of God. They went out to establish their own righteousness by doing many good works, casting out devils, and prophesying but did not have God's righteousness. It is apparent that the people described in Matthew 7 above thought that what they were doing was right. They followed their personal beliefs but did not follow God's Word. According to God’s Truth, they were working iniquity, which is sin. God explains that these people did a lot of things but none of them were in the will of God (according to God’s Word). It is evident that these people were deceived to believe a lie, just as the Devil deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden. God tells us that, “There is a way which seems right to a man but the end thereof are the ways of death.” God tells us that every way of a man is right in his own eyes. God admonishes us to trust in the Lord and not to lean on our own understanding.
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 21:2
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
Proverbs 3
5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
God isn’t impressed with singing or praises. God says that to obey is better than offering sacrifices.
1 Samuel 15:22
And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
Matthew 15:8
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
God isn’t impressed with people who worship.
Matthew 15:9
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Mark 7:7
Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Colossians 2:8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 21:2
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.
Proverbs 3
5Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
God isn’t impressed with singing or praises. God says that to obey is better than offering sacrifices.
1 Samuel 15:22
And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
Matthew 15:8
This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
God isn’t impressed with people who worship.
Matthew 15:9
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Mark 7:7
Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Colossians 2:8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
God isn’t impressed with "good" people doing "good" works. Remember, according to God, there is not one person on earth who is good in God's sight. So if a person is relying on his or her "goodness" to get to heaven, they are being deceived.
Romans 3:12
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Matthew 7
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The people described in Matthew 7 were clean in their own eyes but were not clean in God’s eyes. Contrary to what they thought, their sins had not been washed away.
Proverbs 30:12
There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
God has told us what we need to do to wash away our sins and to be saved.
Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 22:16
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
1 Peter 3:21
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Romans 3:12
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Matthew 7
21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
The people described in Matthew 7 were clean in their own eyes but were not clean in God’s eyes. Contrary to what they thought, their sins had not been washed away.
Proverbs 30:12
There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
God has told us what we need to do to wash away our sins and to be saved.
Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Acts 2:38
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 22:16
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
1 Peter 3:21
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
In summation, no one in the Bible was ever “sprinkled” by the disciples. No infants were ever baptized in the Bible. Baptism is for the remission of sins. Infants do not need to be baptized because, they do not have the knowledge between good and evil and therefore do not have sin. God’s Word says that to him that knows to do good and does it not, to him it is sin. Therefore, being innocent and sinless, infants have no need for the remission or forgiveness of sin. No one in the Bible was ever baptized using the phrase “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” The thief on the cross did not have to be baptized for the remission of his sins. Jesus has power on earth to forgive sins. Jesus, Himself, forgave the thief’s sins at that very moment while he was hanging on the cross. Only God forgives sins. Jesus is God manifested in the flesh. But God has commanded us to be baptized for the remission of sins. Baptism, full immersion in water, was always performed by the disciples in the name of Jesus. Because it is the name of Jesus that saves. God commands us that we must be saved in the name of Jesus.
James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Mark 2:10
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be
saved.
Luke 24
44And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Please keep in mind, according to God’s word, salvation requires more than just being baptized the right way. God’s word teaches us that we must first believe in Jesus, repent of our sins, be baptized according to his word, receive his spirit, and continue in his word in order to be saved. God’s word tells us that we are saved by grace, saved by hope, saved by faith, saved by belief, saved by mercy, saved by calling on the name of the Lord, saved by baptism, saved by having his spirit, and saved by enduring to the end. One of these elements alone cannot save us. We are not saved by just one part or one verse of the Bible. The entire word of God is what saves us. We are saved by having all of these elements. It is very easy to create a belief based on one verse in the Bible. And this is where a lot of religions create false doctrines and how a lot of false Christs emerge. But salvation is not based on one or a few verses. Salvation is based on the “Entire” word of God. We do not have to create our own interpretations of the Bible. The Bible will interpret itself with itself. We are going to be judged by God’s word, not by man’s interpretation of God’s word.
John 12:48
He that rejects me, and does not receive my words, has one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
It is very evident according to God’s word, that being baptized properly (i.e. according to God’s word) is a necessary element of salvation. But, please don’t take my word for any of this. In fact, don’t take anyone’s word for it. God’s Word says to consider all men to be liars but let God be true. Read the entire Bible for yourself and ask God what is the Truth. The Truth is right in front of us in black and white… “It is written”… The question is, do we know what “is written” ?
Romans 3:4
God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
Mark 2:10
But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)
Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be
saved.
Luke 24
44And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Please keep in mind, according to God’s word, salvation requires more than just being baptized the right way. God’s word teaches us that we must first believe in Jesus, repent of our sins, be baptized according to his word, receive his spirit, and continue in his word in order to be saved. God’s word tells us that we are saved by grace, saved by hope, saved by faith, saved by belief, saved by mercy, saved by calling on the name of the Lord, saved by baptism, saved by having his spirit, and saved by enduring to the end. One of these elements alone cannot save us. We are not saved by just one part or one verse of the Bible. The entire word of God is what saves us. We are saved by having all of these elements. It is very easy to create a belief based on one verse in the Bible. And this is where a lot of religions create false doctrines and how a lot of false Christs emerge. But salvation is not based on one or a few verses. Salvation is based on the “Entire” word of God. We do not have to create our own interpretations of the Bible. The Bible will interpret itself with itself. We are going to be judged by God’s word, not by man’s interpretation of God’s word.
John 12:48
He that rejects me, and does not receive my words, has one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
It is very evident according to God’s word, that being baptized properly (i.e. according to God’s word) is a necessary element of salvation. But, please don’t take my word for any of this. In fact, don’t take anyone’s word for it. God’s Word says to consider all men to be liars but let God be true. Read the entire Bible for yourself and ask God what is the Truth. The Truth is right in front of us in black and white… “It is written”… The question is, do we know what “is written” ?
Romans 3:4
God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.