Many are blinded where the subject of water baptism is concerned. One cannot fail to see it is one, if not the most contested topic in the word of God. The question all should consider is, Why is that? What truth lies behind the ongoing resistence to administer water baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus?
Many have no idea that water baptism as administered in most churches today is a total distortion of what is taught in the word of God. And in fact today's tradition, begun years after the apostolic era, actually results in stripping away the very core of God's intended purpose of water baptism; being joined/buried with Jesus into His death. (Rom. 6:3-6) Jesus' sacrifice paid the penalty for all mankind. Yet, not all will take hold of what He died to provide for them personally.
For those who are unaware, it was the forerunners of the Roman Catholic Church that changed how water baptisms were administered. They rejected the biblical mandate to water baptize individuals in the name of Jesus. And opted rather to insist on using the phrase Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The detour down the rabbit trail began around 325 A.D. and continues even unto today. This truth as recorded in numerous historical encyclopedias is accessible to all those willing to search it out.
Again, scripture is plain. It reveals the apostles water baptized in the name of Jesus as the command specifically relates to His sacrifice. Those who believe and obey the command are justified through faith, being buried with Jesus into His death, and rising a new creation in Him. This truth is found throughout scripture but many fail to see it. Why? Because they associate Father, Son and Holy Ghost with water baptism when in fact every time the bible references baptism in the name of Jesus it speaks of water baptism.
I believe those willing to remove the lens of distortion, (perpetuated by the RCC) that has kept so many in darkness for so long, will see the truth. Go ahead, take a peek, there is no mention of Father, Son and Holy Ghost when the apostles water baptized individuals. What is revealed is the Name above all names, Jesus... (Acts 2:4-41, 8:12-18, 10:43-48, 19:1-7, 22:16)
The account in Acts 19 confirms how a person is water baptized does matter. Those previously baptized in water by John had to be rebaptized in the name of Jesus. (Acts 19:1-7) Therefore, those who have not been water baptized in the name of Jesus should do so. "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?..." Romans 6:3-6
Many have no idea that water baptism as administered in most churches today is a total distortion of what is taught in the word of God. And in fact today's tradition, begun years after the apostolic era, actually results in stripping away the very core of God's intended purpose of water baptism; being joined/buried with Jesus into His death. (Rom. 6:3-6) Jesus' sacrifice paid the penalty for all mankind. Yet, not all will take hold of what He died to provide for them personally.
For those who are unaware, it was the forerunners of the Roman Catholic Church that changed how water baptisms were administered. They rejected the biblical mandate to water baptize individuals in the name of Jesus. And opted rather to insist on using the phrase Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The detour down the rabbit trail began around 325 A.D. and continues even unto today. This truth as recorded in numerous historical encyclopedias is accessible to all those willing to search it out.
Again, scripture is plain. It reveals the apostles water baptized in the name of Jesus as the command specifically relates to His sacrifice. Those who believe and obey the command are justified through faith, being buried with Jesus into His death, and rising a new creation in Him. This truth is found throughout scripture but many fail to see it. Why? Because they associate Father, Son and Holy Ghost with water baptism when in fact every time the bible references baptism in the name of Jesus it speaks of water baptism.
I believe those willing to remove the lens of distortion, (perpetuated by the RCC) that has kept so many in darkness for so long, will see the truth. Go ahead, take a peek, there is no mention of Father, Son and Holy Ghost when the apostles water baptized individuals. What is revealed is the Name above all names, Jesus... (Acts 2:4-41, 8:12-18, 10:43-48, 19:1-7, 22:16)
The account in Acts 19 confirms how a person is water baptized does matter. Those previously baptized in water by John had to be rebaptized in the name of Jesus. (Acts 19:1-7) Therefore, those who have not been water baptized in the name of Jesus should do so. "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?..." Romans 6:3-6