First Principles

Lesson 8

Lesson Text—Matthew 28:16-19

Matthew 28:16-1916 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

Lesson Text—Matthew 28:16-19

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 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:

Lesson Text—Matthew 28:20

Matthew 28:2020 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Lesson Text—Mark 16:15-18

Mark 16:15-1815 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Lesson Text—Mark 16:15-18

17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Lesson Text—Luke 24:47

Luke 24:47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Lesson Text—Acts 2:38

Acts 2:38Then 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.

Focus Verse—Acts 2:38

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.

Focus Thought

Not only does baptism fulfill the

Lord’s command, but it applies the

name of Jesus to the believer.

I. The Doctrine of BaptismCULTURE CONNECTION

A Perspective on TraditionsTraditions! Every family and

institution has them. Every church has them. Every person has them. And interestingly, traditions can be good or bad, depending on what they are.

When my three daughters were young, living at home, and growing up, my wife and I worked at creating some family traditions.

I. The Doctrine of BaptismI am pleased to say that many of those traditions were deeply ingrained in my girls so that the traditions still are important to them, even though they all are married and are raising their own families now. That is the power of traditions, and they can be a delightful experience in a family or church.

What happens, however, when there are deep-rooted traditions that run counter to biblical teaching?

I. The Doctrine of BaptismThese traditions can become destructive, using their strong influence to lead individuals, families, or churches away from the biblical plan of God for them. That is when we must recognize the danger of traditions, reject any that are contrary to the principles of God’s Word, and fully embrace and recommit to the final authority of Scripture.

I. The Doctrine of BaptismThat is the tension tradition creates—both for good and for evil. The only real solution for the believer to maintain his or her biblical balance is to have courage to submit every tradition to the rigorous light of Scripture and be willing to accept the principles of God’s Word as the final authority.

I. The Doctrine of BaptismCONTEMPLATING THE

TOPICCurrent ecumenical trends have

diminished the once ardent passion churches felt about cardinal Bible doctrines. Among them is the doctrine of water baptism. However, this diminishing passion for the doctrine of water baptism must not appear among Oneness Pentecostals, who have embraced the biblical mandate of baptism from the time of the birth of the church.

I. The Doctrine of BaptismAs Jude urged his readers, so Apostolics today must “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). The gospel of Jesus Christ has not changed since it was originally taught by Jesus Christ to His disciples who then preached it in Jerusalem and the regions beyond. We too must continue to preach it and teach it as He delivered it.

I. The Doctrine of BaptismWhen it comes to the subject of water

baptism, there are, as Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary suggests, “widely differing interpretations,” even among Christian groups. Many evangelical churches believe water baptism to be the rite of initiation into the Christian church but not essential to salvation. On another point, some contend the only valid Christian baptism requires the triune formula of the titles Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, while others believe the only valid Christian baptism requires the name of

Jesus Christ—not titles.

I. The Doctrine of BaptismWhatever the argument, there is but one reliable source for determining sound doctrine—the Holy Bible. God’s Word is the only sure foundation on which to build our eternal hopes (See Matthew 7:21-29.)

Only pursuing and embracing biblical truth can shield us from the deception of false teaching.

I. The Doctrine of BaptismFor example, those believing salvation is a matter of faith alone maintain water baptism is a nonessential, saying, “What need is there of water baptism?” They contend, “Are we saved by grace or water?” Yet, according to Scripture, the evidence of saving faith appears in how we respond to God’s Word. (See James 2:14-26.)

I. The Doctrine of BaptismSince water baptism was commanded, not suggested, by both Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15-16) and the apostles (Acts 2:38; 10:48; 16:32-33; 19:4-5; 22:12-16), it becomes a matter of obedience. Our obedience is the evidence of our faith.

Water baptism does not contradict salvation by “grace . . . through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). Rather, it agrees with it. Believers submit to water baptism because both Jesus and His disciples commanded it. Because Jesus taught and commanded it, we respond with

obedience.

I. The Doctrine of BaptismThus, water baptism is an act of obedience or faith, and without such faith, it is impossible to please God. (See Hebrews 11:6.)

One cannot claim Jesus Christ as his Lord while at the same time failing to obey His Word. (See Luke 6:46.) Further, we should remember it is possible for people to have an incomplete salvation experience lacking a proper baptism. (See Acts 19:1-6.)

I. The Doctrine of BaptismThe biblical response to the gospel is to repent, to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the Holy Ghost with the initial evidence of speaking with other tongues (Acts 2:38). Anything less is an incomplete salvation experience. Jesus said, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). It takes both water and Spirit baptism to be saved. Both are essential.

I. The Doctrine of BaptismDespite the numerous schools of

thought, water baptism in the New Testament is not a complex subject. Just as Israel was willingly blind to the truth of Jesus Christ being their promised Messiah, tradition blinds many people to the truth of water baptism in Jesus’ name. We must not reject the name of Jesus, even in water baptism, for there is salvation in no other name (Acts 4:12).

I. The Doctrine of BaptismWhatever we do in “word or deed,” we must do “in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). This certainly includes water baptism. Further, if we deny Jesus, He will in turn deny us. (See Matthew 10:32-33.)

Matthew10:32-33

“Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny

before my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew10:32-33).

I. The Doctrine of BaptismTraditional views are hard to break

away from, but the honest and sincere seeker must examine the evidence contained in the Scriptures. The New Testament makes the matter of water baptism perfectly clear, removing any need for verbal quibbling or any effort to disprove the facts. If a person’s traditions do not agree with what the Scriptures reveal, he must decide whether he will cling to tradition or embrace truth. There is only one true gospel and to deviate from its precepts carries severe consequences. (See Galatians 1:6-9.)

Galatians 1:6-9 “I marvel that ye are so soon removed

from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not

another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which

we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel

unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9).

I. The Doctrine of BaptismIn Noah’s day, God judged sin and cleansed the earth by water (the Flood), giving humankind a fresh start. Likewise, God judges our sin and gives us a new start, which includes water baptism in Jesus’ name. (See I Peter 3:20-21.)

I. The Doctrine of BaptismPaul recalled Ananias’s instruction to him after his Damascus-road experience: “And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). So it is for all believers who follow the plan of salvation including water baptism in the name of Jesus.

I. The Doctrine of BaptismSEARCHING THE

SCRIPTURESThe Doctrine of Baptism

Paul, in communicating with Timothy, acknowledged the inspirational and divine origin of the Scriptures, which are profitable for doctrine (II Timothy 3:16).

II Timothy 3:16

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for

doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (II

Timothy 3:16).

I. The Doctrine of BaptismThe New International Version of II

Timothy 3:16 says the Scriptures are useful for “teaching.” Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines doctrine as “teaching” or “that which is taught.” Doctrine or teaching is beneficial in that it helps us understand God’s will. It is not in mankind to direct his own steps (Jeremiah 10:23); he needs instruction, correction, and persuasion of the truth so he may walk in the will of God. Doctrine is vital because a man left to his own way will only die. (See Proverbs 14:12; 16:25.)

I. The Doctrine of BaptismPaul indicated that Timothy’s

knowledge of the Scriptures made him “wise unto salvation” (II Timothy 3:15). Timothy’s scriptural knowledge helped to prepare him for eternity. Therefore, doctrine and one’s personal salvation are inseparable. Doctrine or teaching is essential to the moral, spiritual, and eternal well-being of an individual. Knowing what the Bible says on any subject is important, for it will guard against the possibility of deception.

I. The Doctrine of BaptismDoctrine is our main defense

against error. Paul told Timothy that evil men and seducers would increase, “deceiving, and being deceived,” and urged him to remain committed to sound doctrine (II Timothy 3:13-14). In an age in which deception is rampant, doctrine should become increasingly important. However, for many people the reverse has become true; sound, biblical doctrine has become increasingly unpopular and undesirable.

I. The Doctrine of BaptismWe would do well to remember

Paul’s exhortation to Timothy: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (II Timothy 4:2-4).

I. The Doctrine of BaptismAll doctrine must be based upon

Scripture (II Timothy 3:16). The doctrine of water baptism in Jesus’ name is no exception. We are accountable to embrace the teachings in Scripture pertaining to water baptism. Let us reexamine the teaching and practice of John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, and the apostles regarding water baptism.

A. Emphasized by JohnA. Emphasized by John

The Bible introduces water baptism with John the Baptist, who baptized those believing the message he preached regarding the “baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Mark 1:4). The central theme of John’s ministry was repentance and water baptism. Baptism was such an integral part of John’s mission he was known as the baptist, or the baptizer.

I. The Doctrine of BaptismJohn was a man sent from God who

earned the distinction of being called by Jesus the greatest prophet ever born (John 1:6; Luke 7:28). We should refrain from dismissing or undervaluing the significance of John’s ministry because his influence was far reaching. Apollos, a disciple of John, was from Alexandria in North Africa (Acts 18:24-25), and Paul encountered more disciples in Ephesus (Acts 19:1-7).

I. The Doctrine of BaptismThe Evangelical Dictionary of

Biblical Theology states, “Apart from Jesus Christ, John the Baptist is probably the most theologically significant figure in the Gospels.” The theological importance of John’s influence is clear; when a replacement was sought for the vacated “bishoprick” of Judas Iscariot, exposure to John’s ministry, particularly beginning at Jesus’ baptism, was necessary. (See Acts 1:15-26).

I. The Doctrine of BaptismOne could argue that John’s baptism of Jesus served a fundamental purpose in view of future baptisms to be performed by the apostles.

One of the characteristics of John’s baptism is that he completely immersed his converts in water. In short, he did not sprinkle; he plunged the people beneath the water’s surface. This is evident in John’s baptism of Jesus Christ. When John baptized Jesus, He came up “out of the water” (Matthew 3:16).

I. The Doctrine of BaptismFurther, the place where John baptized was a place where there was “much water” (John 3:23). If John had practiced sprinkling, he would have needed only a small amount of water. As far as John’s practice and beliefs regarding water baptism are concerned, the scriptural evidence supports immersion, and this was the same method employed by the apostles.

In addition to his example of immersion, John’s baptism was one of preparation for the promise of the

spiritual cleansing the Messiah soon would bestow.

Matthew 3:11

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh

after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he

shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire”

(Matthew 3:11).

I. The Doctrine of BaptismThe disciples of John whom Paul

encountered at Ephesus had not received the Holy Ghost because they had not heard of it (Acts 19:2). However, upon hearing of it, they submitted themselves to be rebaptized in Jesus’ name and they received the Spirit. They willingly accepted Paul’s instruction because John had taught them this vital truth. (See Matthew 3:11.)

I. The Doctrine of BaptismWith John, Jesus, and the apostles all consistently teaching the essentiality of water and Spirit baptism, is it not odd that many today wrongly consider them to be nonessential?

The teaching and example of John the Baptist clearly laid the groundwork for immersion as the only mode of water baptism, and that water baptism is correlated to the remission of sins and receiving the Holy Ghost. The teaching and examples of Jesus and the apostles also supported these truths.

B. Commanded by JesusB. Commanded by Jesus

Jesus endorsed water baptism by His example when He approached John to be baptized (Matthew 3:13-17). Seeing that Jesus submitted to water baptism, on what authority can any Christian today dismiss this vital teaching? However, Jesus not only endorsed water baptism by His example, He commanded water baptism as an essential element of salvation.

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” (Matthew 28:19).

I. The Doctrine of BaptismJesus commanded His disciples to go into the entire world and baptize believers. He excluded no nation or people from His command. If water baptism were not essential to salvation, why would the Lord make such a command for the global community?

In Mark 16:16, Jesus further linked water baptism with one’s salvation.

Mark 16:16

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16).

I. The Doctrine of BaptismJesus placed believing and being

baptized together in the salvation experience. Individuals demonstrate their faith or act of belief by obeying the command of Christ to be baptized in water. Believing involves doing something about one’s belief. If a person believes the gospel of Jesus Christ, he will obey the Scriptures and be baptized in Jesus’ name for the remission of sins. If he does not believe, neither will he be baptized, and Jesus warned that failure to believe would cause eternal condemnation.

I. The Doctrine of BaptismJesus told His disciples that

repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:47). Believers fulfilled this command in Acts 2 on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem, and God confirmed their obedience when He fulfilled His promise by filling them with His Spirit. Peter proceeded to instruct the convicted hearers to repent of their sins and be baptized in Jesus’ name for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).

I. The Doctrine of BaptismClearly, there was no inconsistency

or disagreement between Matthew and Peter regarding the formula for baptism, for these two men stood in agreement as Peter preached the necessity of Jesus Name baptism in Jerusalem (Acts 2:14, 38). If Matthew felt Peter was wrong on the issue of invoking Jesus’ name in water baptism, he surely would have voiced his disagreement. However, the record in Acts tells a different story.

I. The Doctrine of BaptismObviously, Matthew did not infer the use of a triune formula but the use of a singular name, the name of Jesus (Matthew 28:19). Jesus is the only name that can save a person from sin (Matthew 1:21; Acts 4:12).

I. The Doctrine of BaptismBy His example, Jesus endorsed

immersion as the only mode of water baptism. By His command to His disciples He taught that water baptism is essential to salvation for all individuals everywhere and that sins are remitted through His name. And clearly, the apostles interpreted the fulfillment of His instructions as including water baptism in Jesus’ name for the remission of sins, and that is what they practiced.

C. Practiced by the ApostlesC. Practiced by the Apostles

The example and practices of the apostles relative to water baptism leave no question as to their interpretation of the expectations and commands of Jesus. Luke bore this out clearly in the Book of Acts. They immersed believers in water in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.

I. The Doctrine of BaptismChrist’s command as recorded in

Matthew 28:18-20 established the following:

• What the apostles preached and practiced was authorized by Jesus Christ and they obediently operated under His authority (Matthew 28:18; Acts 4:8-10).

• What the apostles preached and practiced would be consistent from country to country and culture to culture (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38-39; 10:34-48).

I. The Doctrine of Baptism• What the apostles preached and

practiced originated from their teacher, Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:20).

The apostles consistently baptized all believers by immersing them in water in the name of Jesus Christ. They baptized Jews (Acts 2), Samaritans (Acts 8), and Gentiles (Acts 10) the exact same way without a single exception. We dare not argue with the consistency of Scripture.

I. The Doctrine of Baptism

Based on the biblical record, we must assume that if any one of the apostles were to baptize a convert today, he would do it in the same way they did it throughout the Book of Acts.

II. The Mode of BaptismThe Mode of Baptism

The word mode refers to the manner in which something is done. Within the Christian community, controversy exists over the mode of water baptism—whether by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling. On this issue, Christian groups basically divide into two major camps—those insisting on the exclusive use of immersion and those permitting and practicing plural forms of baptism. Both cannot be right. It is imperative that we allow the Scriptures to settle the issue.

I. The Doctrine of BaptismFurther, Christianity also divides

over whether water baptism is to be administered in the name of Jesus or whether it is to be performed using the triune formula. Again, however, Scripture must establish biblical doctrine (II Timothy 3:16). No doctrine should rest on private interpretation, but all teaching should harmonize with the whole of Scripture (II Peter 1:20). The Scriptures clearly establish the proper mode of water baptism through multiple New Testament references.

A. By ImmersionA. By Immersion

One of the strongest arguments for baptism by immersion revolves around the Greek word for baptism in the New Testament. The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary indicates that “immersion” is confirmed from the meaning of the original Greek word baptizo used in various Greek writings—popular, historical, and biblical.

A. By ImmersionVine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words points out the word baptizo means “to dip” and was “used among the Greeks to signify the dyeing of a garment, or the drawing of water by dipping a vessel into another, etc.” This implies submerging a garment into dye or plunging a container beneath the water’s surface so as to fill it. The original language of the New Testament implies immersion.

John the Baptist practiced water baptism by immersion and the early church followed this practice.

A. By ImmersionFurther, the Scriptures do not support any other form of water baptism. The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia suggests, “There is nothing in the New Testament to offset this obvious and inevitable interpretation.” The Evangelical Dictionary of Theology contends, “Immersion was fairly certainly the original practice.”

The language of the New Testament is one witness for the practice of immersion in water baptism; however, there are other witnesses.

A. By ImmersionFor example, when baptized by John, Matthew recorded that Jesus “went up straightway out of the water” (Matthew 3:16). Similarly, Mark recorded that Jesus came up “out of the water” (Mark 1:9-10). It is clear that John submerged Jesus beneath the water and then brought Him up again. Further, John baptized in Aenon near Salim, because “there was much water there” (John 3:23). John needed such places in order to immerse those he baptized.

A. By ImmersionWhen Philip baptized the Ethiopian

eunuch, they went down “into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him” (Acts 8:38). This clearly indicates Philip led the eunuch into water deep enough to submerge him.

Paul taught we are buried with Christ by water baptism (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). Burial is a process of completely covering the deceased. Likewise, a person who has died out to sin through repentance must be buried by baptism.

A. By ImmersionBurial implies being submerged. Paul went on to describe how the believer emerges to walk in the newness of life. The imagery of Paul’s words gives further credibility to the mode of immersion for water baptism.

B. In Jesus’ NameB. In Jesus’ Name

Since the Bible is the sole authority for the doctrine of salvation, we should examine it closely. In view of the subject of Jesus Name baptism, it is noteworthy that Scriptures do not record a single occasion of anyone being baptized using a triune formula. One can trace the origin of the triune formula through church history, but it should not be necessary to do so.

B. In Jesus’ NameThe Book of Acts chronicles numerous occasions where the actions of the apostles demonstrated how they interpreted the teachings of the Lord regarding water baptism. Throughout the Book of Acts the apostles’ practice was consistent—baptizing new believers in Jesus’ name for the remission of sins. The Scriptures reveal no exceptions to this practice. Jesus taught His disciples that “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47).

B. In Jesus’ NameIt is evident how the apostles interpreted Christ’s command; in Acts 2, they stood in agreement as Peter proclaimed Jesus as both Lord and Christ to a condemned audience and instructed them to repent of their sins and be baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:14, 38).

When Peter stood in Acts 2 and preached on the Day of Pentecost, he gave the plan of salvation for all mankind (Acts 2:38).

B. In Jesus’ NameThe plan and promise is for all people regardless of culture, nation, or generation (Acts 2:39). The apostles were consistent in their practice whether baptizing Jews, Samaritans, or Gentiles; all were baptized in Jesus’ name (See Acts 2:38; 8:12-16; 10:48.)

Transparency 2

III. What Does Baptism DoesSince only the name of the Lord

brings salvation, Jesus is the name of the Lord (Acts 9:5), and there is but one Lord (Ephesians 4:5), what other name is there to invoke in water baptism? Both Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38 require a name be invoked at baptism. The Bible makes it completely clear this is the name of Jesus.

A. Remits SinWhat Does Baptism

DoesA. Remits Sin

Jesus taught His disciples that remission of sins should be preached in His name, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:47). Acts 2 records how the disciples interpreted this, and they linked it with water baptism in Jesus’ name.

III. What Does Baptism DoesThe biblical record declares that remission of sins can occur only when the name of Jesus is invoked at baptism. To omit the name of Jesus from water baptism is an unscriptural baptism, and it robs the baptismal candidate of its intended benefit—the remission of sins.

Jesus tied the remission of sins to His name (Luke 24:47). In their understanding of the commands of Jesus, the apostles tied the remission of sins to water baptism in Jesus’ name (Acts 2:38).

III. What Does Baptism DoesAnd since there is no other name under Heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:10-12), we must be saved by the name of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we are baptized in Jesus’ name so our sins may be remitted and we may be saved.

In the Old Testament, Israel was released or delivered from Egyptian bondage through the shed blood of the paschal lamb. Similarly, Jesus Christ made provision for our deliverance from sin by the shedding of His blood.

III. What Does Baptism DoesIn Egypt, the Israelites applied the blood of the paschal lamb to the two side posts and upper door post of their houses (Exodus 12:7). Likewise, for sinners to be freed from the bondage of sin, they must demonstrate their faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ by repenting of their sins and submitting to water baptism in His name.

Only by the shedding of blood is remission of sins possible (Hebrews 9:22). Paul’s questions to the Corinthians become relevant at this point.

III. What Does Baptism DoesIn responding to their quarrelsome divisions regarding ministry preferences, Paul attempted to refocus them on the core issue upon which they must unite—Jesus Christ crucified. Paul asked them if he (Paul) had been crucified for them. Paul then asked, “Were ye baptized in the name of Paul?” Clearly, he implied the importance of being baptized in the name of the one whose blood was shed for the remission of sins—Jesus Christ. (See I Corinthians 1:13.)

B. Buries One with ChristB. Buries One with Christ

Burial follows death, which is the cessation of life. Therefore, when Paul stated, “we are buried with him [Jesus] by baptism,” he implied there had been a death (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). Our former life in sin ceases through repentance (Romans 6:2). At that point, burial is appropriate. Water baptism is like burial. Our faith response to the gospel of Jesus Christ correlates to His death, burial, and resurrection.

B. Buries One with ChristThe sinner who truly believes the gospel of Jesus Christ will die to sin at repentance; he will be buried with Christ at water baptism; and he will be raised up to walk in a brand new life as he is filled with Christ’s resurrection power—the Holy Ghost.

C. Applies the Name of JesusC. Applies the Name of Jesus

The only way to biblically practice the command of Jesus in Matthew 28:19 and to apply His name for salvation is to invoke the name of Jesus Christ. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not names. Jesus Christ is the one and only, singular name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Jesus came in His Father’s name (John 5:43). The Holy Ghost comes in the name of Jesus (John 14:26). The name of the Son is Jesus (Matthew 1:21).

III. What Does Baptism DoesBaptism that omits the name of Jesus fails to obey the Scriptures that command baptism in His name. Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ was the only method used by the early church. Baptism using a triune formula was a later development.

D. Saves UsD. Saves Us

According to Peter, just as water separated the saved from the perishing in Noah’s day, water baptism in Jesus’ name saves us today (I Peter 3:20-21). In Noah’s day, God judged sin by water, which resulted in a fresh start for the human race. Likewise, the old man of sin dies at repentance and is buried at baptism, and the believer rises to walk in a new life as he receives the Holy Ghost. Being born again of the water and Spirit as Jesus commanded is truly a new beginning.

D. Saves UsINTERNALIZING THE

MESSAGECritical thinking is essential if we

are to discern truth from error. The difference between a person who is established in sound doctrine and a theological pushover is the ability to think critically—to spot weaknesses or inconsistencies in an argument; to distinguish fact from fable or opinion; to judge the credibility of a position or assess the soundness of the evidence presented.

D. Saves UsIn a day when ecumenical jargon shrouds the truth, we desperately need to become skilled at critical thinking. In view of eternity, truth does matter! Regarding what the Bible has to say about water baptism, one must examine the evidence and consider it carefully. Doing so will clarify the issues surrounding this subject. John the Baptist, Jesus Christ, and the apostles taught and demonstrated the importance of water baptism as well as the proper mode.

D. Saves UsJude urged his readers to contend earnestly for the original beliefs and practices of the early church (Jude 3-4). In some respects, modern-day Christianity has drifted from this. Paul warned the Galatians there are dire consequences awaiting those who depart from the one and only gospel of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:6-9). It is time for believers to renew their faith and confidence in the Scriptures and allow nothing to keep them from the truth!