Baptism

[CorrectiveLens]

Scripture in no way supports this. Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is water baptism as in Acts 2:38 and is clearly, VERY clearly, evidenced by other records of conversions such as the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. Baptism is always water baptism unless otherwise stated. People like you go to great lengths by twististing the simplicity of scripture in feeble attempts to deny the necessity of water baptism as relates to salvation. Belief alone absolutely does NOT wash away sins and no scripture even comes close to suggest or infer that.
Go study some more.

Acts 22:16

16And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Acts 2:38

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.

Acts 19: 1-6 And it came to pass that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper borders came to Ephesus and, finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Spirit since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there is any Holy Spirit. And he said unto them, Unto what, then, were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on Him who should come after him, that is on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.
Baptism in the name of the Son occurs when a person believes on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. John's baptism with water was a baptism of repentance. The Jews that came from all around the Jordan to get baptized by John knew nothing about salvation through Jesus Christ. Throughout the Old Testament, God's chosen people experienced hardships when they broke away from the God of their Father's. When they repented and returned to God, God forgave them and they received good fortune. That is why Jews went to get baptized by John. It was a Jewish ritual to publicly and to God declare repentance and a return to God so that they can receive good fortune from God. The water represented the washing away of their sins as they acknowledged their sins aloud and repented.
1 Cor 1: 16-17 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas; besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
If he baptized with water, he would know who else he baptized. His not knowing means that in his preaching, he does not know all who gladly received his words.
For Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the gospel;
In other words, let Jesus do the baptizing by our preaching.
John 5: 2-7 Now there is at Jerusalem, by the sheep gate, a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water; whosoever then first, after the troubling of the water, stepped in was made whole of whatever disease he had. And a certain man was there, who had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had been thus now a long time, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made well? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool; but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
The Jews believed that infirmity was the result of sin. If you are born with an infirmity, then it was your parents that sinned. The above scripture describes a mikveh. The Jews used mikvehs to get spiritually clean before God. Numerous mikvehs consisting of rectangular pools with steps have been excavated in and around the Temple. In modern Judaism it is common for mikvehs to be constructed in synagogues because baptism is still a common practice in the Jewish religion. Mikvehs are used in Jewish conversions, before marriages, women's monthly cycles, to commemorate personal transitions, to mark changes or challenges, to combat illnesses, to prepare spiritually for the shabbat and Yom Kippur ( the day of Atonement), or before an ordination.

 

[DJT_47]

Acts 19: 1-6 And it came to pass that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper borders came to Ephesus and, finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Spirit since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there is any Holy Spirit. And he said unto them, Unto what, then, were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on Him who should come after him, that is on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.
Baptism in the name of the Son occurs when a person believes on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. John's baptism with water was a baptism of repentance. The Jews that came from all around the Jordan to get baptized by John knew nothing about salvation through Jesus Christ. Throughout the Old Testament, God's chosen people experienced hardships when they broke away from the God of their Father's. When they repented and returned to God, God forgave them and they received good fortune. That is why Jews went to get baptized by John. It was a Jewish ritual to publicly and to God declare repentance and a return to God so that they can receive good fortune from God. The water represented the washing away of their sins as they acknowledged their sins aloud and repented.
1 Cor 1: 16-17 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas; besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
If he baptized with water, he would know who else he baptized. His not knowing means that in his preaching, he does not know all who gladly received his words.
For Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the gospel;
In other words, let Jesus do the baptizing by our preaching.
John 5: 2-7 Now there is at Jerusalem, by the sheep gate, a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water; whosoever then first, after the troubling of the water, stepped in was made whole of whatever disease he had. And a certain man was there, who had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had been thus now a long time, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made well? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool; but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
The Jews believed that infirmity was the result of sin. If you are born with an infirmity, then it was your parents that sinned. The above scripture describes a mikveh. The Jews used mikvehs to get spiritually clean before God. Numerous mikvehs consisting of rectangular pools with steps have been excavated in and around the Temple. In modern Judaism it is common for mikvehs to be constructed in synagogues because baptism is still a common practice in the Jewish religion. Mikvehs are used in Jewish conversions, before marriages, women's monthly cycles, to commemorate personal transitions, to mark changes or challenges, to combat illnesses, to prepare spiritually for the shabbat and Yom Kippur ( the day of Atonement), or before an ordination.

Those at Ephesus were rebaptized into Christ having only been previously baptized unto John's baptism. The baptisms are both the same by immersion in water, however, being baptized into Christ also adds you to tge body of Christ which is his church as well as gives you the gift of the Holy Spirit, whereas John's did neither. And baptism into Christ is a one time event whereas John would have to be repeated upon committing new sin. What is your point?

Why would you assume Paul would have remembered each and every one he baptized? In those early days of the church, multitudes were being baptized such as the 3000 on the day of Pentecost, wnich grew to 5000 that was recorded in Acts 4. Unlike today where people are baptized onesy twosy and very infrequently. Once again, what is your point? Water baptism is a requirement of salvation and by which your sins are remitted, you receive tge gift of the Holy Ghost, and you are added to the body of Christ according to scripture.

 

[Wansvic]

Acts 19: 1-6 And it came to pass that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper borders came to Ephesus and, finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Spirit since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there is any Holy Spirit. And he said unto them, Unto what, then, were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on Him who should come after him, that is on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.
Baptism in the name of the Son occurs when a person believes on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. John's baptism with water was a baptism of repentance. The Jews that came from all around the Jordan to get baptized by John knew nothing about salvation through Jesus Christ. Throughout the Old Testament, God's chosen people experienced hardships when they broke away from the God of their Father's. When they repented and returned to God, God forgave them and they received good fortune. That is why Jews went to get baptized by John. It was a Jewish ritual to publicly and to God declare repentance and a return to God so that they can receive good fortune from God. The water represented the washing away of their sins as they acknowledged their sins aloud and repented.
1 Cor 1: 16-17 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas; besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
If he baptized with water, he would know who else he baptized. His not knowing means that in his preaching, he does not know all who gladly received his words.
For Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the gospel;
In other words, let Jesus do the baptizing by our preaching.
John 5: 2-7 Now there is at Jerusalem, by the sheep gate, a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water; whosoever then first, after the troubling of the water, stepped in was made whole of whatever disease he had. And a certain man was there, who had an infirmity thirty and eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had been thus now a long time, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made well? The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool; but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
The Jews believed that infirmity was the result of sin. If you are born with an infirmity, then it was your parents that sinned. The above scripture describes a mikveh. The Jews used mikvehs to get spiritually clean before God. Numerous mikvehs consisting of rectangular pools with steps have been excavated in and around the Temple. In modern Judaism it is common for mikvehs to be constructed in synagogues because baptism is still a common practice in the Jewish religion. Mikvehs are used in Jewish conversions, before marriages, women's monthly cycles, to commemorate personal transitions, to mark changes or challenges, to combat illnesses, to prepare spiritually for the shabbat and Yom Kippur ( the day of Atonement), or before an ordination.

Only God can baptize with the Holy Ghost. Paul rebaptized the twelve in water in the name of Jesus, and afterward he laid hands upon them and the Holy Ghost came to dwell in them. Two separate experiences.

It is also clear from the account that people do not receive the Holy Ghost the moment they believe the gospel message. Paul's initial question proves that point. "Have ye received the Holy Ghost SINCE you believed?" (Acts 19:1) There was no need for Paul tp ask that question if people automatically receive the Holy Ghost the moment they believe.

 

[turbosixx]

You are correct! Baptism in the name of Jesus occurs when a person puts their trust or belief in Jesus' death for the forgiveness of sins. It is He that baptizes with the Holy Spirit ( as John stated ), not us with water. Water baptism was a Jewish tradition that continued with the apostles (who were devout Jews). Remember that they were wrong when they first thought that only Jews would be saved and when they first thought that non-Jews had to be circumcised. They thought that baptism with water while declaring their sins would make them spiritually clean in God's eyes. It is belief in Christ that washes away our sins, not man and water. They persisted in their water baptism and permeated itself into general Christianity. But a true Christian knows that people get baptized through preaching the gospel by the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and not by man and water. WAKE UP PEOPLE!

I'm sorry but this is all wrong.
Baptism in the name of Jesus is water baptism.
47 “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

What John said about baptized with the HS, only happened twice. Do a search and you will see it only happened twice and each was a special situation.

 

[River]

The context of the mikveh had to do with ritual uncleaness. What they were doing in coming to John was getting ritually clean by confessing their sins ( their uncleaness )and repenting to get right with God because the Messiah was coming.

Hey CorrectiveLens
Always delighted to meet someone who enjoys Hebraic Roots studies.

However, I would suggest that the definition you have provided on mikveh is not sufficient. Mikveh was not just used for ceremonial cleaning, it was used for the consecration of the Priests in preparation for their service in the Tabernacle / Temple. Priests were fully immersed in the Brazen Sea before they were able to participate in the service of sacrifice. The Lavers that the Priests washed themselves in before they could enter the Holy Place were also considered a form of mikveh. The animals who were being prepared for sacrifice went through the waters of Mikveh. And finally, as young Levites who turned the age of 30, went through the waters of Mikveh to consecrate them for the priesthood.

How does this relate to this current discussion on Baptism?
1) Messiah was baptized by John when he turned 30 - to fulfill all righteousness . . . possibly to be consecrated for His 3 years of ministry as our High Priest in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5 - 7)
2) In the historical context of Israel's sacrificial system, baptism would be closely connected with the idea of being consecrated into the service of ministry. Since every believer is set apart as part of the Royal Priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), I think it is unfortunate we have lost the significance of this meaning of Baptism.
3) Messiah crossed through the waters of the Jordan River once again just before he was sacrificed on the cross as the Lamb of God

Mikveh is also connected to Noah's Ark, The Feast of First Fruits, and the bowls of wrath in Revelation 16, but this is enough information for now.

 

[Wansvic]

Hey CorrectiveLens
Always delighted to meet someone who enjoys Hebraic Roots studies.

However, I would suggest that the definition you have provided on mikveh is not sufficient. Mikveh was not just used for ceremonial cleaning, it was used for the consecration of the Priests in preparation for their service in the Tabernacle / Temple. Priests were fully immersed in the Brazen Sea before they were able to participate in the service of sacrifice. The Lavers that the Priests washed themselves in before they could enter the Holy Place were also considered a form of mikveh. The animals who were being prepared for sacrifice went through the waters of Mikveh. And finally, as young Levites who turned the age of 30, went through the waters of Mikveh to consecrate them for the priesthood.

How does this relate to this current discussion on Baptism?
1) Messiah was baptized by John when he turned 30 - to fulfill all righteousness . . . possibly to be consecrated for His 3 years of ministry as our High Priest in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5 - 7)
2) In the historical context of Israel's sacrificial system, baptism would be closely connected with the idea of being consecrated into the service of ministry. Since every believer is set apart as part of the Royal Priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), I think it is unfortunate we have lost the significance of this meaning of Baptism.
3) Messiah crossed through the waters of the Jordan River once again just before he was sacrificed on the cross as the Lamb of God

Mikveh is also connected to Noah's Ark, The Feast of First Fruits, and the bowls of wrath in Revelation 16, but this is enough information for now.

Also noteworthy, being washed at the laver was a requirement of both the high priest and his sons prior to their being adorned with the garments of service. (Ex 29) I am reminded of Jesus' parable concerning the importance of acquiring a proper garment in Matthew. The consequence for those who attempt to enter the marriage supper without a proper garment was dire:


"And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
14 For many are called, but few are chosen." Matt 22:11-14



"And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.
5 And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod:
6 And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.
7 Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him.
8 And thou shalt bring his sons, and put coats upon them.
9 And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest's office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons." Ex 29:4-9

 

[Wansvic]

...
3) Messiah crossed through the waters of the Jordan River once again just before he was sacrificed on the cross as the Lamb of God...

Which scripture references this particular crossing of the waters of the Jordan?

 

[oyster67]

Just in case someone is confused about the difference between Baptism unto Salvation (Holy Spirit Baptism) and Water Baptism...

Water Baptism is never associated with either Salvation or receiving the Holy Spirit.
In John 1:33, John Baptist draws a direct distinction between his water baptism and Holy Spirit baptism by Jesus...

John 1:33
“And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.”

In the book of Acts, The Holy Spirit is introduced in stages. The time of Acts is a transitional period.

1.) In Acts 2, The HS comes upon a group meeting in an upper room and is manifest in a flame of fire...
Acts 2:
1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

2.) Later in Acts, the Holy Spirit is bestowed upon John Baptist's followers by the laying on of Hands by the Apostles.
e.g...
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.

We now understand that the baptism that is associated with salvation and the receiving of the Holy Ghost is Jesus' Baptism. We no longer seek out Apostles for laying on of hands but go directly to Jesus.

Water baptism is now only a ritual which points back to our true experience of being born again by Jesus.

 

[DJT_47]

Just in case someone is confused about the difference between Baptism unto Salvation (Holy Spirit Baptism) and Water Baptism...

Water Baptism is never associated with either Salvation or receiving the Holy Spirit.
In John 1:33, John Baptist draws a direct distinction between his water baptism and Holy Spirit baptism by Jesus...

John 1:33
“And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.”

In the book of Acts, The Holy Spirit is introduced in stages. The time of Acts is a transitional period.

1.) In Acts 2, The HS comes upon a group meeting in an upper room and is manifest in a flame of fire...
Acts 2:
1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

2.) Later in Acts, the Holy Spirit is bestowed upon John Baptist's followers by the laying on of Hands by the Apostles.
e.g...
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.

We now understand that the baptism that is associated with salvation and the receiving of the Holy Ghost is Jesus' Baptism. We no longer seek out Apostles for laying on of hands but go directly to Jesus.

Water baptism is now only a ritual which points back to our true experience of being born again by Jesus.

You're at odds with scripture. Water baptism is absolutely necessary for salvation.

1 Peter 3:21

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:

Acts 22:16

16And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

 

[oyster67]

You're at odds with scripture. Water baptism is absolutely necessary for salvation.

1 Peter 3:21

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:

Acts 22:16

16And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Neither of your verses have anything to do with water baptism. They are about salvation. It is Jesus Blood which washes away our sins. We must call upon the name of the Lord.

 

[DJT_47]

Neither of your verses have anything to do with water baptism. They are about salvation. It is Jesus Blood which washes away our sins. We must call upon the name of the Lord.[/QUOTE

Sure. And where, when, and how does contact the blood of Christ?

 

[oyster67]

Sure. And where, when, and how does contact the blood of Christ?

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13

 

[DJT_47]

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13

You rely on one scripture but ignor the rest

 

[River]

Which scripture references this particular crossing of the waters of the Jordan?

Jesus returned to the waters of the Jordan River for the final time when he traveled from the headwaters of the Jordan River at Mount Hermon, where He was transfigured (see Matt. 17:1-7), and then down to Bethabara Beyond the Jordan (see Matt. 19:1), where He preached His last sermon. (see Matt. 19:1 - 20:16). On this final crossing, exhorted His audience to be satisfied with whatever God graciously gave them (see Matt. 20:1-16), revisiting all three areas of Jesus' first temptation in the wilderness (the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life). On this crossing to His Passion, He would be washed and prepared for sacrifice as the Lamb of God.

 

[Wansvic]

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13

Calling upon the name of the Lord is making an appeal unto the Lord. This is achieved through obedience to water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. Note this truth as revealed in scripture:

"...be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...Acts 2:38

"...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...
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)"
Acts 8:12-17

"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." Acts 10:47-48

"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.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus..." Acts 19:1-6
This is referring to water baptism because the account indicates the group received the Holy Ghost after they were baptized.

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Acts 22:16

 

[Wansvic]

Jesus returned to the waters of the Jordan River for the final time when he traveled from the headwaters of the Jordan River at Mount Hermon, where He was transfigured (see Matt. 17:1-7), and then down to Bethabara Beyond the Jordan (see Matt. 19:1), where He preached His last sermon. (see Matt. 19:1 - 20:16). On this final crossing, exhorted His audience to be satisfied with whatever God graciously gave them (see Matt. 20:1-16), revisiting all three areas of Jesus' first temptation in the wilderness (the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life). On this crossing to His Passion, He would be washed and prepared for sacrifice as the Lamb of God.

Thank you for sharing!

I'm reminded of many OT scriptures where water is mentioned in reference to crossing/transition:

Noah believed and acted upon his belief by building an ark to the saving of his house. They were preserved and saved through water. During this event, water was the vehicle by which the Earth was cleansed of all sin.

Baby Moses was placed in an ark and floated to safety.

Moses parted the Red Sea and the children of Israel escaped from their enemies through water. Again, their sinful enemies were washed away in water.

OT Priesthood: Upon consecration into the priesthood; the candidate was to be washed head to toe in the tabernacle laver. Afterward he could enter the tabernacle only after washing his hands and feet. The first requirement parallels with New Testament water baptism wherein our sins are literally washed away, the second parallels ones need to be kept clean by daily washing away thoughts and actions from our lives after seeing the error of our ways in the Word of God.

Elijah and Elisha: Prior to Elijah be taken up in a whirlwind, he smote the Jordan with his mantle and the waters parted. He and Elisha went over on dry ground, immediately the chariot of fire appeared and he was taken up to Heaven in a whirlwind. We know that every recorded word in the Bible is there to broaden our understanding. Evidently, going through the water was necessary before Elijah could be taken to Heaven. Upon receiving Elijah's mantle Elisha then smote and crossed back over the Jordan.

Joshua and the Israelites: After lodging at the Jordan for three days, Joshua and the Israelites walked across the Jordan into the promised land. The Ark of the Covenant caused the water to rise up in a heap. A man from every tribe (12) left a stone of remembrance as evidence for all future generations of how God brought them into the promised land. Interestingly, twelve apostles were commanded to preach water baptism in the New Testament. It is also interesting to note, as well, that those present had to pass through water to get to the earthly promised land. How does this apply to our own entrance into the promised land of eternity? After passing over the Jordan, the Israelites were commanded to be circumcised at the hill of Gilgal. We see the connection between circumcision of the Old Testament and water baptism of the New Testament reflected in that single event.

 

[Wansvic]

You rely on one scripture but ignor the rest

Calling upon the name of the Lord is making an appeal unto the Lord. Scripture reveals this is achieved through obedience to water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:38-41, 8:12-18, 9:17-18, 10:43-48, 19:1-6, 22:16)

 

[oyster67]

oyster67 said:
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:13

You rely on one scripture but ignor the rest

What part of Romans 10:13 do you have a problem with?

Do you have a problem with John 3:16?

Do you have a problem with John 14:6?

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 14:6
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

 

[oyster67]

Calling upon the name of the Lord is making an appeal unto the Lord. This is achieved through obedience to water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. Note this truth as revealed in scripture:

"...be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...Acts 2:38

"...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...
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)"
Acts 8:12-17

"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord." Acts 10:47-48

"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.
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus..." Acts 19:1-6
This is referring to water baptism because the account indicates the group received the Holy Ghost after they were baptized.

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Acts 22:16

Water baptism saves no man. It is simply a response and testimony to what the blood has already done for a man who has called upon the name of the Lord and invited Him in to be their Lord and Savior.

Revelation 3:20
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

 

[Wansvic]

Water baptism saves no man. It is simply a response and testimony to what the blood has already done for a man who has called upon the name of the Lord and invited Him in to be their Lord and Savior.

Revelation 3:20
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

You are right. Water baptism in and of itself does not save. Salvation involves belief and obedience to the entire gospel message.

God is awesome. As I began to respond He revealed the connection between two verses. In the verse you quoted, Jesus said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice AND open the door I WILL COME IN TO HIM..." This parallels exactly what happened first at Pentecost. Hearts were pricked. (Jesus knocked) The command to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus, although spoken by Peter, came directly from Jesus via His Holy Spirit. (Acts 1:2) Those who heard and obeyed were given the promise of receiving the Holy Ghost. (being indwelt)


"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
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.

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." Acts 2:37-42