Escape the 2nd Death by the Testimony of Jesus Christ and Bible Prophecy
What's the Church Missing about Baptism?
Sad but Compelling...this is Fascinating!
By far, the one thing that I have seen lacking in churches concerning baptism is immediacy. There is usually never a sense of urgency placed on the need to baptize someone right away when they "profess Jesus Christ". What happened to Repent, believe, be baptized, and the laying on of hands for the giving of the Holy Spirit? Evil Forces have worked very hard to deceive "the church" about baptism, to trick people into believing baptism isn't urgently essential.
Yet the Scripture places a HUGE emphasis in the NOW when it comes to the subject. In fact it is so important that when the Philippian jailer was saved they baptized him at night...immediately in the same hour.
[Acts 16:25-33 NKJV] But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here." Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed [their] stripes. And immediately he and all his [family] were baptized.
And Paul was baptized at Jesus order:
[Acts 9:17-18 KJV] And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, that appeared unto you in the way as you came, has sent me, that you might receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight [right away], and arose, and was baptized.
They didn't wait at Pentecost after Peter delivered the word:
[Acts 2:1 KJV] And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place...[Acts 2:41 KJV] Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.
No Matter Who Preached, Baptism was included and Immediate:
[Acts 8:12-16 KJV] But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
[Acts 8:35-39 KJV] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on [their] way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, [here is] water; what hinders me to be baptized? And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
Why isn't this a Standard Practice?
Apparently It's No Big Deal!
Now at this point if you have been a Believer for any reasonable length of time, you have to be honest with yourself and ask "Why isn't this a standard practice"?
Even churches that believe it's necessary to baptize tend to usually always wait! Some churches host monthly or quarterly baptisms...if that. I personally know people who claim to be believers that still haven't been baptized, after years, even decades. Hmmmmmm? Certainly it's hardly ever the case that baptisms are held within the same exact timeframe as hearing the gospel!
Not convinced? Let's look at what happened at Paul's conversion from another record:
[Acts 22:6-16 KJV] And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and came near unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? And I answered, Who art you, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute.And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spoke to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told to you of all things which are appointed for you to do.
And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt [there], Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And he said, The God of our fathers has chosen you, that you should know his will, and see that Just One, and should hear the voice of his mouth. For you shall be his witness unto all men of what you have seen and heard. And now why do you wait? arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Not only is there a sense of urgency, but baptism is claimed to wash away sins! Hmmm...?
So What Are the Precursors of Baptism?
1. Hearer of the Gospel Acts 18:8, Acts 19:9-11
2. Believe the Gospel Acts 8:36-38, John 3:16, John 8:24, Mark 1:1-15
3. Repent & Believe the Gospel Mark 1:14-15
4. Confess Romans 10:10-13, Acts 8:36-38
[Acts 2:38 KJV] 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 you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
Mark 16:16
Baptism is a Commandment with Results Acts 2.38, Acts 10:44-48
1. Baptism Relates to Washing Away Your Sins (Provides Remission) Acts 22.6-16, Acts 2.38
2. Baptism Relates to Putting On Christ Galatians 3:27
3. Baptism is Related with the Blood of Jesus 1 John 5.6
4. Baptism Related to Salvation Mark 16.16
5. Baptism is Related to How You Die with Christ Romans 6.4
6. Baptism is the Answer of a Good Conscience Toward God 1 Peter 3.21
7. Baptism Relates to Receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit Acts 2.38
Interesting that 8 Souls were saved by water 1 Peter 3.20
[Romans 6:4 KJV] Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27
Is Baptism for Infants?
No! The Scripture is clear on the requirements for Baptism. You must be able to Hear the Gospel, Believe, Repent, and Confess. Infants and very young children are not able to do these things, so we leave them to God until such time they come of age.
Is Baptism Just a Ritual? No!
[Acts 22:16 KJV] And now [Why do you wait]? arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
[Acts 26:23 KJV] That Christ should suffer, [and] that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should "declare or preach" light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
[Revelation 1:5 KJV] And from Jesus Christ, [who is] the faithful witness, [and] the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.
Is Baptism Insignificant?
If you are an American Christian then you were probably taught that baptism is an "Outward Expression (or Confession) of an Inward Decision (or Conversion)" or some "watered down" philosophical phrase like this. Isn't that ironic that a Bible Teacher would "water down" baptism. I would say unbelievable...but the devil does masquerade as an angel of light and his ministers as false apostles of righteousness, so this is no surprise. As we have already learned, Baptism is a commandment that yields results, let's just be real and stop making stuff up to tickle the ears of the congregation.
[Romans 6:1-7 KJV] What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Do we really need water for Baptism?
Yes!
Acts 10:47-48 man can't forbid water
Acts 8:36-39 How do you think the eunuch knew to ask to be baptized? Acts Chapter 8 gives us the answer. The eunuch asked for understanding concerning Isaiah 53:7-8.
Here is what those two verses say:
[Isaiah 53:7-8 KJV] He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
Then [Acts 8:35 KJV] says: Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. All we know is that Philip "began" at this Scripture to preach Jesus to the eunuch. It is unclear what scriptures he went through afterward.
Maybe he just stayed in Isaiah and moved forward from that point through to the end of the scroll? Along the way he would have been able to preach Jesus with the inclusion of baptism when he got to chapter 63. Let's have a look at how water, and the holy spirit, and the everlasting name all tie together at the "red" sea:
[Isaiah 63:11-13 KJV] Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, [and] his people, [saying], Where [is] he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where [is] he that put his holy Spirit within him? That led [them] by the right hand of Moses with his glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make himself an everlasting name? That led them through the deep, as an horse in the wilderness never stumble?
Why Christians Speak Against Baptism?
They say Baptism doesn't really matter...or it must be done in their authority and interpretation.
Those who say baptism is unnecessary speak against a very basic component of the Gospel message, like Noah and the 8 that were saved by water (1 Peter 3.20).
This context is all over the scripture, but let us focus on the brilliant writer of Hebrews who makes it very clear. For the first 5 chapters the Hebrews writer dedicates his ink to laying out the foundational truths from the Old Testament, and then clearly states this:
[Hebrews 5:12-14 NKJV] For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
[Hebrews 6:1-2 KJV]
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
You see when the author of Hebrews sums up the "Principle Words of Christ", immediately the basics are stated: Repent, turn to God, be baptized, have hands laid on you (for receiving the Holy Spirit), for the resurrection (the great hope for eternal life) and judgment (to escape the second death). These are the basics, so why teach that baptism is not essential, or that baptism is some ritual, or that baptism is just an expression? Or that baptism is in some other authority besides Jesus Christ? Don't speak against the Word of God.
Even Satan's followers believe in baptism, although they pervert the scripture with their mystical interpretation of needing to be baptised in blood instead of water.
The true action of proper baptism is immersion in water. The scripture gives us this only. There isn't even any reference as to which direction you must go in: backward, forward, straight down? There isn't a specific instruction about this. However, it is of interest concerning what the Scripture says about what happened to Jesus, if you consider a careful reading. This could be an indication of how even our specific method of laying down backward in baptism is just a tradition?
[Matthew 3:16-17 KJV] And 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: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
If you look at the etymology here you will find the feet involved, and also other verses that seem to indicate a directly upward meaning like these following verses:
[Mark 4:7-8 KJV] And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up [G305] and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up [G305] and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. [Mark 4:32 KJV] But when it is sown, it grows up,[G305] and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.
While I wouldn't be dogmatic about this above point, it is interesting.
Is there a specific name you should be baptized in?
Yes! In the name of Jesus!
Now before all the "scholars and pastors and teachers" divide with me on this one, I simply pray and ask that you hear me out. I say this in love: In the Name of Jesus; Yahowshuah!
But what about Matthew 28:19
[Matthew 28:19 KJV] Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy [Spirit].
For those who don't understand what an interpolation is, please read this definition: the insertion of something of a different nature into something else.
I would simply ask for those who have not looked into the concept of Matthew 28:19 being an interpolation, to consider some sound reason. Much like the The Johannine Comma (Latin: Comma Johanneum), the interpolated phrase in verse 1 John 5:7-8 of the First Epistle of John; a touchpoint for Protestant and Catholic debates over the doctrine of the Trinity, it is highly possible that this is the case with Matthew 28.19 as well. We would simply determine this in considering the overall narrative of the text.
Firstly, Matthew 28:18 says: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. So why would the next verse contradict the preceding verse?
Try not to yell at me, please. Consider furthermore that when you hang your hat on verse 19 and baptize someone, you actually leave out the name of Jesus. It's subtle, and people don't notice it, but when you say "Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" you don't actually say the name of Jesus.
I can hear someone giving me the speech about how "name" is actually about "essence" and so the name doesn't matter. Let us not be ignorant that names don't matter. Have you ever corrected someone when they got your name wrong? Please. This attitude is how we covered up YHWH's name with the title LORD. And yet many still argue this is reverence. I think men just like their titles.
Another camp might yell about how Jesus name is Zeus and it's from the devil and all that, and unless you pronounce it exactly correctly then you're going to burn in hell forever...or something like that. I perfectly understand that there are other ways to pronounce Jesus name. I like to say Yahowshuah. But that doesn't make me all righteous and stuff. It just makes me interested in His Name. Many people say Yeshua, which means salvation. No matter how you pronounce Jesus' name, it carries power. Just yell Jesus in a crowd and see what happens. Some will scoff, and others will accuse you of cursing without even seeking to understand why you said the name Jesus "aloud".
No matter what we choose to argue, we should all be unified in the name of Jesus, unless we are obstinate. This fits with the narrative of the entire text:
[Acts 2:38 KJV] 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 you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
[Acts 8:12 KJV] But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
[Acts 8:16 KJV] (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
[Acts 19:4 KJV] Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
[Acts 19:5 KJV] When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
[Romans 6:3 KJV] Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
[1 Corinthians 6:11 KJV] And such were some of you: but you are washed, but you are sanctified, but you are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
We just need to look at the scripture brothers and sisters and follow the ONE MEDIATOR!
[1 Timothy 2:5-6 KJV] For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.
Jesus the last adam and the second man is the One Mediator--no one else.
[Hebrews 10:22 KJV] Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
[John 3:5 KJV] Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say unto you, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
[1 Peter 3:21-22 KJV] The like figure whereunto [even] baptism does 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: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.
[Acts 16:14-15 KJV] And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought [us], saying, If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide [there]. And she constrained us.
Have you heard the True Gospel and been Baptized in the name of Jesus Christ? To learn the True Gospel, push the Escape Button below and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.