WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO REALLY BE BORN-AGAIN?

The term "Born Again" is one of the most used phrases among
present day religious people. Yet, if asked what the term "Born
Again" means, ninety percent of the world's church members could
not give a clear explanation.

The vital importance of this study is shown in that Jesus said,
"Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God"
(John 3:3). Here Jesus is saying that TO BE BORN AGAIN IS TO
BE SAVED. Being born again is the plan of salvation that Jesus
authored at Calvary. It is imperative that we understand what is
required for us to be born again!


All agree that when Jesus went to the cross, he brought in the means
of salvation for everyone who will accept it. But what really
happened at Calvary? What can it do for me? How do I accept what
was done there in my own personal life?!

Let us first consider what really happened at Calvary. There were
three steps to the work of Christ to see that these three steps make
up the act of being born again spoken of by Jesus. To die, to be
buried, and to rise again So we see that Jesus through his death,
burial, and resurrection bought for us the plan of being born again
spoken of in John 3:3, whereby we receive salvation.

The fact that Jesus purchased a plan of salvation for us is the
greatest news the world has ever received. The thing we must
understand is that not only was it necessary for Jesus to do
something, but also it is absolutely essential for us to act upon what
he did. Jesus told Nicodemus, "Ye MUST be born again" (John
3:7).

Now the astonishing thing is that Nicodemus was a religious leader
of his day; yet, he had no conception of what it meant to be born
again! We find that the very same thing is true in the day in which
we live. Many men who fill positions of spiritual leadership in our
world have no real understanding of the "Born Again" experience.
Nicodemus inquired of Jesus in John 3:4, "How can a man be born
when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's
womb, and be born?" Jesus answered, "Verily, verily, I say unto
thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot
enter into the kingdom of God." Nicodemus, you can't be born
again of a woman. The second birth is a spiritual birth.

Notice that Jesus said without being born again we cannot see or
enter the kingdom of God. In other words, we cannot be saved. On


the day of Pentecost when Peter preached the first message after
Calvary, the men cried out, "What must 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" (Acts 2:38). Here Peter was giving to them the plan
of salvation repentance,baptism and the infilling of the Holy Ghost.
If being born again is to be saved, Peter was evidently talking to
them about being born again.


Remember, there were three steps to Calvary The way to accept
Calvary in our individual life is to accept the death,burial, and
resurrection of Christ.

We don't have to literally die,literally be buried, and literally rise
again. Jesus was our substitute and did this for us. All we must do is
accept what he did by spiritually dying, symbolically being buried,
and spiritually rising again.

We take on his death by repentance which is spiritual death. When a
person truly repents, he dies out to his own will, renounces it
forever, and vows to live from that time on according to the will of
Jesus Christ.

We take on his burial by baptism in water, by immersion into His
name.

Romans 6:4 says, "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism".
Baptism MUST be done by immersion; for something cannot be
buried by sprinkling a little dirt on the top of it. That burial after a
few days would certainly prove to be insufficient! Furthermore,
EVERY baptism of which we have Biblical record was
administered by immersion. That alone should determine our course
of action on this matter.

Finally, we partake of the resurrection of Jesus Christ by the
infilling of the Holy Ghost. This is the new life that enables us to
live as a Christian should.

We see then that being born again means to spiritually die
symbolically be buried. Thus, in plain language an individual must
repent of his sins, be baptized into the name of Jesus Christ by
immersion, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. IJohn 5:8 tells
us, "And there are three that bear witness in the earth, the Spirit, and
the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one." What is the
one thing in which the spirit, water, and blood agree? Is it not the
new birth? Blood covers our sins at repentance; the waters of
baptism wash them away, thus making us clean for the spirit to
come into our lives to dwell. When the Roman soldiers thrust the
spear into Jesus' side after he died, the scripture tells us that there
came forth blood and water (John 19:34). This was for cleansing of
the nations. It takes blood and water to eradicate sin. Blood is the
cleansing agent, and water is the flushing agent. When a jar is


washed for canning, soap AND water are necessary to cleanse that
jar so that it might be filled with good fruit. Likewise, blood and
water are necessary to cleanse the human soul so that it may receive
the spirit of Christ which is the Holy Ghost. This teaching was
verified by Peter when he said, "Repent and be baptized FOR the
REMISSION of SINS" (Acts 2:38). Repentance and baptism are
both absolutely essential for the remission of sins!

Paul taught that the three steps of Calvary was the gospel that we
should preach. In I Corinthians 15:1-4 he tells us, "Moreover,
brethren, I declare unto you the GOSPEL which I preached unto
you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which
also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I have preached unto
you, unless ye have BELIEVED IN VAIN. For I delivered unto you
first of all that which I also received, how that Christ DIED for our
sins according to the scriptures; And that he was BURIED, and that
he ROSE AGAIN the third day according to the scriptures:". Paul
went on the say in II Thessalonians 1:7-8, "And to you who are
troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from
heaven with his mighty angels. In flaming fire taking vengeance on
them that know not God, and that OBEY NOT THE GOSPEL of
our Lord Jesus Christ." Paul told us that the gospel is the death,
burial, and resurrection of Christ. How can we OBEY the death,
burial, and resurrection as we have previously explained? Notice
that the Lord Jesus is to appear "in flaming fire taking vengeance on
them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel." It is
absolutely necessary for every human being to obey the gospel by
being BORN AGAIN. Jesus told Nicodemus, "Ye MUST be BORN
AGAIN" (John 3:7).

Old Testament Speaks Of Born Again Plan.

Let us consider another Biblical lesson given to us concerning this
subject.

The Bible teaches us that the things of the Old Testament were
types and shadows of the things to come. When the priests of the
law ministered by offering sacrifices, there were three major steps
to their duties.

First they slew the animal to be offered on the brazen altar. The
blood here was shed and caught in a container for use in the Holy
Place. The flesh of the animal was to be consumed by fire. This
teaches us of the first step of salvation sacrifice, and our sins are
covered by the blood of Jesus.

After the shedding of blood, the priests were ordered to wash at the
laver and to cleanse themselves with water in preparation for
entering the Holy Place. The laver, a round fountain-like structure,
was overlaid in the bottom with a looking glass. When the priests
bent over to wash, he was able to see himself so that he could be
sure that he was clean. When an individual is baptized, he should


examine himself to be sure that he is leaving the world behind once
and for all. We see then that the second step of the tabernacle
ministration plainly teaches us of water baptism. Blood and water
cleansed them to prepare them for entry into the Holy Place, even as
blood and water cleanses us in preparation of receiving the Holy
One into our lives! After cleansing, the priest would then take the
fire from off of the brazen altar and would enter through the veil
into the Holy Place. The Holy Place had no doors or windows
through which light could come. The only light to be provided here
was to come from the golden candlesticks. These candlesticks
consisted of seven wicks fed by oil from seven bowls. The wicks
had to be lit with the fire brought by the priest from the brazen altar.
The uniting at the candlesticks of the oil and fire to produce light is
a perfect type of the Holy Ghost and fire promised to New
Testament believers (Matthew 3:11). Without the light of the Holy
Ghost, we could not see to live in the Holy Place which is where
every Christian should live. God spoke of His great plan of
redemption in the Old Testament in types and shadows; and then in
the New Testament He spoke plainly to us so that we would have
no doubt of His will! Once again we recall the words of 1 John 5:8,
"There are three that bear witness in the earth, the SPIRIT, the
WATER, and the BLOOD; and these three agree in one". This Old
Testament lesson beautifully reaffirms to us the absolute necessity
of the full Born Again plan in each life for salvation!

Some Common Misconceptions.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ

Acts 16:30-31 reads this way, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
And they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be
saved, and thy house." Many have taken this scripture to teach that
all that is required for salvation is to believe that Jesus Christ is the
Savior of the world; and from that point on, the individual is saved.
It is definitely true that an individual must believe that Jesus is the
Savior in order to be saved.

However, Paul, who spoke these words in Acts 16, has some further
teaching on the subject in Romans 10:13-15. Let's consider the text:
"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
How then shall they call on him OF WHOM they have not heard?
and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they
preach, except they be sent?" If we wanted to be absurd, we could
take this thirteenth verse to teach that all an individual must do for
salvation is to call out the name of Jesus one time and he has
received salvation. Paul tells us they can't call on him in whom they
have not believed. Furthermore, he said that they can't believe in
him OF WHOM they have not heard. We cannot merely believe.
We must believe SOMETHING about Christ. When Paul told the
jailer in Acts 16 to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, he went on to
speak unto him the word of the Lord (verse 32). The word which
Paul spake was apparently the GOSPEL; for the result in verse 33


was that the jailer and all his house were baptized at midnight.
That's how essential baptism is for salvation. Paul took all these
people out AT MIDNIGHT and baptized them!

Some would object here by saying that we are saved by faith alone.
It is true that we are saved by faith, but it is also true that true faith
always produces action on the part of the believer. Let's study from
James 2:14-22 to verify this point.

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith,
and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or a sister be
naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them,
Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give
them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it
profit? Even so faith if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea,
a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works; shew me thy
faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also
believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith
without works IS DEAD? Was not Abraham our father justified by
works when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thus
how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made
perfect?"

When an individual believes on the Lord Jesus Christ, what do they
believe about him? They believe the gospel, which is the death,
burial, and resurrection (I Corinthians 15:1-4). James teaches us that
faith without action is dead, or it is not really faith at all. When a
sinner hears the true gospel and truly believes, he will obey the
gospel. An individual obeys the death, burial, and resurrection of
Christ by repentance, baptism, in Jesus' name, and the infilling of
the Holy Ghost, evidenced by speaking with other tongues. (Write
for our free booklet "Tongues - Devilish or Divine"). This is the
salvation of Calvary! "Seest thou how faith wrought with his works,
and by works was faith made perfect?" (or complete).

If you are still having trouble conceding to this teaching because of
the element of works involved, let's reason concerning one more
point. Being born again is not considered by God to be a work. In
Titus 3:5 we are taught, "Not by works of righteousness which we
have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing
of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost;". This
scripture tells us that regeneration which is being born again is NOT
a work of righteousness.

Concluding this matter, we will cite a familiar Biblical example. In
the great revival at Samaria in Acts 8:5-23, a sorcerer named Simon
heard the preaching of Philip. He believed and was baptized and
continued with Philip beholding the signs and miracles which were
done. Many people would say that because Simon believed, he was
saved. Yet the Apostle Peter said of him in Acts 8:23, "For I
perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of


iniquity."

It is impossible for anyone in the bond of iniquity to be saved; for
the scriptures tell us, "if the Son therefore shall make you free, ye
shall be free indeed" (John 8:36). Simon believed and was baptized,
but he had not received the Holy Ghost; therefore, he was not born
again. We cannot be half-born and survive. The entire work of
Calvary is necessary for our salvation.

The thief on the cross.

Many have asked, "If an individual must repent, be baptized, and
receive the Holy Ghost for salvation, how was the thief on the cross
with Jesus saved?"

(Luke 23:38-43). First of all, it was impossible for anyone to be
born again at this time, for the born again plan was not yet
complete. Jesus had not died, been buried, and risen again. God has
always had a plan of salvation for each dispensation of time. In
Noah's day the only way of salvation was to get in the ark. In
Moses' day the only plan was the law. In the church dispensation,
the only way to be saved is to be born again. Jesus told Nicodemus,
"Ye MUST be Born Again."

Conclusion

May we point out as we conclude this study that we have been
given the first church and the Apostles after which to pattern our
teaching and practices.

In each recorded account of conversions under the Apostles'
ministries, the three steps of being born again are evident. In Acts
2:38, it was repentance, baptism, and the Holy Ghost. In Acts 8:12,
Acts 10:44-48, and Acts 19:1-6, we find the born again experience
taught and received. Why should we vary from this practice when
we are to be built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets,
Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone?

Do not allow anything to turn you aside from this truth AGAIN. If
you haven't as yet, you should do so TODAY!

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Pastor King,

I appreciate your words of wisdom and encouragement. Like you, it's not about me or me being right - it's all about JESUS.

I have much respect for Sis. Della in spite of our differences of interpretation and understanding concerning baptism. It pleases me to know that she is saved and that's good enough for me.
Im going to pray for you for real Pat Harris you need to be saved
but... to follow the commandment as given is to baptize IN the NAME... not repeat what he said...

again... so simple this is...

every father is someone's son... or brother... or husband... but NONE of those is his NAME!!
write a check and try and cash it with brother, son, or husband on it... IT DOESN'T WORK!! LOL

Peter did as Jesus instructed/commanded when he preached on the day of Pentecost...

Search the scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life...
Pat:Yes Jesus Words are very important! But you did not answer my question? Can you show me in scripture where his apostles fulfilled that Command from Jesus in Matthew 28:19? Also were the Apostles wrong for Baptizing in Jesus Name?

Matthew 28:18-19 (King James Version)

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

19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Man made religions says: There are many baptisms and many bodies, and many faiths.

The Word of God says: "who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you - not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, it saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."(1Peter 3:21)

Note: Look at the above verse carefully. It teaches the water of Noah's flood is a symbol of baptism--and baptism saves us. The "it" in the phrase "it saves you" is referring to baptism So this verse actually states two times that baptism saves us!

Man made religions says: Baptism does not save you--baptism is merely a symbol.

The Word of God says: "and you were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead." (Col 2:12)

Man made religions says: Baptism is a work of Man.

The Word of God says: "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for as many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." (Galatians 3:26-27)

Man made religions says: Baptism does not put us into Christ--belief alone does.

The Word of God says: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)

Man made religions says: Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, telling them to pray for me to come into their life, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you;It doesn't matter how you are baptized and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age.

The Word of God says: "Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, "See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?" Then 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." So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing." (Acts 8:36-39)

Man made religions says: Baptism is required, but not in water. Baptism is in "spirit". And if water is used, sprinkling or pouring is ok. And candidate for baptism need not believe (such as with infants).

The Word of God says: "And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name." (Acts 22:16)

Man made religions says: Paul had been praying and fasting for three days at this point, and called Jesus "Lord", so he was already saved. Baptism had nothing to do with having his sins washed away.

The Word of God says: "You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone." (James 2:24)

Man made religions says: We are justified by faith alone.

Romans 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

God's Word has spoken! Will you give heed or continue down the path of destruction, taking precious people with you?
Della Morton, Why do we stand accused? Although we choose to believe a part of the Bible that you do not choose, does this make us degenerate? We still believe the Bible. And as for the right way, there are many factors to consider, not just the words spoken only. But I'm sure you know this already...Oh wise and learned one. Why condemn that which you do not understand? There are as many devils baptising in Our Lord's Name as there are not baptising at all. And as for religion...Do you think the Father has called us to religion? Yes we are religious, but this is our own doing. God has called us to Holiness. Religion is man-made period. Jesus has proven it time after time and over again throughout His ministry. He is our teacher and our Lord. Have we become greater than Him, to challenge His words with the very book and faith that He Himself has authored? No one has condemned you or your religion. Nor do I condemn your teaching. Some of it has merit even. But I think it distasteful that religious people would impose their thoughts and views on others in this way to offer slander against other believers in the same Lord just because they don't see it the way you see it. The Bible teaches us not to compare ourselves against ourselves, this is not wise. This is why I do baptize in Jesus Name. I am tired of seeing good people having their faith being made shipwreck through indoctrination. I can see you have a strong conviction about what is the so-called right way to be baptized. You enjoy that. I am glad you have come to the portion of this profound truth that you have come to already. I do not knock you by no means. But Sweety, There is MORE. Get out of the rut and pick on someone your own size. Leave the children alone. God is able to take care of what belongs to Him. Surely God will judge me if I do not baptize "correctly". He will also judge those who have caused his little ones to faint through doctrinal confusion. God is indeed your Father, but He has not authored this confusion that you voice. I do not see people being drawn by your words. But I will tell you what I do see. I see a people being divided. Jesus said one thing, The apostles said something else. Is Christ divided? Am I wrong if I follow the apostles? Am I wrong if I follow after Christ? Who nshould I then follow, Christ or the apostles. I shall endeavor to follow them both, because they agree. It is the same to say the words spoken by Jesus as it is to say the words spoken by the apostles. This my dear sister is not religion, this which the apostles share with Christ comes by divine inspiration. If we follow, we become partakers of this divine nature. You say well when you say, God's Word has spoken. But Your words do not win me. They only encourage me to continue up the path which God's Word has lighted for me. For truly His word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. And I only hope that I can take millions of precious people with me...And by the way...We are justified by faith; or would you again continue to challenge Christ with the very words He himself has authored? I sincerely pray all the goodnes and mercies of God be poured out continually upon your life and those whom you love and touch.
Pastor King, Can one say they have faith and Not Obey the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus Christ?
For Example :You can Take a drunk man In a Bar and he says YEAH I BELIEVE in JESUS! Will he make it? Let us read what scripture has to say?


2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 (King James Version)

7And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,

8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
So after Jesus Christ resurrected THE GRACE OF GOD APPEARED UNTO ALL MEN AND THE GOSPEL WAS PREACHED BY HIS Apostles. How Can I say His apostles have the truth?John 17:17-20 (King James Version)

17Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

18As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.

19And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

20Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
WHO'S WORD? THE APOSTLES. We are to believe on Jesus Christ through THEIR WORD! God Gave them the TRUTH!

So What Did they Preach to Be Saved for all man kind? Acts 2:37-40 (King James Version)

37Now 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?

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.

39For 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.

40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.


Romans 6:14-16 (King James Version)

14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

15What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

16Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?

1 Corinthians 6:8-10 (King James Version)

8Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.

9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

The person by walking in God's Grace Must Decide if He's Going to Walk in God's Word or Do NOTHING!
Acts 5:32 (King James Version)

32And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him


As we Read It's Also important To Obey the Gospel.
Here's another example in Romans 2:7-9 (King James Version)

7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

8But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,

9Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

God Has Granted Grace to Us So we can have space to repent and Believe The Gospel before we die! Not To Continue in Sin And Say Yeah I Believe You Lord Your Grace will save me and Do Nothing!

Guess What? In James 1:22 (King James Version)says:

22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
James 2:19-21 (King James Version)

19Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

20But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Well you can say what's wrong with Matthew 28:19 for baptism,but I will tell you the truth and you will not hear me? The Name is Missing! Without The Name of Jesus being invoked in water baptism guess what? There is no remission of sins. The fulfillment is Acts 2:38 Acts 4:12.
The Gospel is the death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Church was Born in the book of Acts. Not in the 4 gospels or the epistles will you find salvation for this dispensation. So it's up to us to obey what Peter was given the Keys to do. Preach Salvation!

21Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

He Had Faith What God HAD Said and By His Works HE SHOWED HE BELIEVED GOD!
What If Abraham Said YEAH LORD I BELIEVE AND Went on a picnic with His Son and forgot about What God Asked Him to Do? He would have been disobedient.


OK, Another example is Noah. When God Told Noah to Build the Ark . What If Noah Said YEAH LORD I HAVE FAITH YOU CAN MAKE US FLOAT ABOVE THE WATER WHEN THE FLOODS COME AND YOU SAVE US! AND WENT AND SAT UNDER AN OLD OAK TREE UNTIL THE FLOODS CAME?
WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED? HE AND HIS FAMILY AND ALL THE ANIMALS WOULD HAVE DROWNED! WHY? Because He Didn't Obey God at His WORD!

Also when he built the ark by FAITH God TOLD HIM TO MAKE IT OUT OF GOFER WOOD! If Noah built it out of some other wood It Would have probably Would have Sunk! SO IT"S VERY IMPORTANT TO DO IT THE WAY GOD SAYS TO DO IT!
God Sent These Men (The Apostles) (John 17:17-20)He GAVE THEM TRUTH AND PRAYED THAT WE WOULD BELIEVE ON HIM THROUGH THEIR WORD! WHO"S Word? The Apostles. Read it for your self. He Gave Peter The Keys!
So What Did He Preach to be saved? Acts 2:38 (King James Version)

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.
Notice those who gladly received the Word of God Was Baptized. (Acts 2:41 same chapter)They Had Faith and obedience by the Grace Of God! Some People say Baptism is not necessary!
If The Rest of The Apostles Didn't agree with this message Don't you think one of them would have stood up and Corrected Him?

I had someone say to me Well Whose Words are you going to believe? Jesus(God) Or MANS THE APOSTLES?
I replied I am going To Believe THE WHOLE WORD OF God! Both! What we Have Here Is Man contradicting Scripture! If YOU DON"T BELIEVE THE Apostle's Word THAN YOU MIGHT AS WELL THROW AWAY MOST OF THE ENTIRE NEW TESTAMENT! why even bother reading it if you don't believe it!


God's Word Is in Agreement through out the Whole Bible! It ALWAYS flows in Perfect Harmony! It Never Changes!
My Prayer Is : 2 Timothy 2:25-26 (King James Version)

25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
The Lord Bless You All IN JESUS NAME! And Thank you for taking the time to Read This. Love in Christ Della Morton
Sister Della, You are being an extremist, besides being very very very very chatty. You think that you shall convince others by your much speaking. I do not judge the drunkard. Nor do I judge you. God alone is judge of us all. For what man knoweth the mind of a man save the spirit that is in him? I see your words and I do understand you perfectly. Have I not made it clear that I do not judge your way? Why then have I become a target for your judgement? I have not compelled men to disobey. I Only say obey. Here the words of Christ for He is the LORD, and here the apostles for they are the Lord's. You do not disobey when you follow a direct command from Jesus. Neither do you disobey when you obey the commands given by him to His apostles. But I perceive that you are most argumentative having on blinders so that you can see the truth, but not the whole truth. You say, what if this had happened or what if that had happened. But the truth is, those things did not happen. Noah heard God and he obeyed. How is your point made when there really is no truth to base it on. Peace be with you sister.
Pastor King, Aren't you familiar with Church History?
Today's Pope Benedict, when he was a cardinal in 1988, actually admitted the Catholic church changed the baptism:

-- The basic form of the (Matthew 28:19 Trinitarian) profession of faith took shape during the course of the second and third centuries in connection with the ceremony of baptism. So far as its place of origin is concerned, the text (Matthew 28:19 came from the city of Rome."
Quoted from: Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Introduction to Christianity, pp.50-51.
It formerly was worded in MY NAME! But since then the catholic Church changed it to read the way it does now.

Look it up don't take just my word for it!


The Catholics claim they are the true church that started Christianity. But my bible is Where the True church originated! Jesus and His Life,and The apostles The True Church was Born in Acts.
33 A.D


During the dark ages and mediaeval times the Roman Catholic Church adopts to additional forms of water baptism. These are pouring water on and sprinkling.
In their church writings they acknowledge these changes came via tradition and there is no Bible foundation for these changes. In the Greek Orthodox churches of the East these two new forms of water baptism are rejected as false doctrine.

With the coming of the reformation movement and Martin Luther, water baptism is declared to have no saving quality and is only an outward sign of an inward faith. This is due to the fact that the Reformers believed the blood was applied at confession and not in water baptism. In looking at the formula of water baptism Luther decided to use the Western trinity and formula of water baptism which the majority of Protestant churches still use today.

In Mark 7:8 Jesus said, "Laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men." History tells us that it was not until many years after the apostles that the mode and formula of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ were changed. (See Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible, vol. 1, p. 241.) Which means more to you, the command of the Lord or the tradition of men?

God Bless!
HOW DID THE EARLY CHURCH INTERPRET CHRIST'S COMMAND IN MATTHEW 28:19?

ACTS 2:38, 8:16, 10:48, and 19:5 are four Biblical references that answer this question. If the Biblical record is not enough, please examine the findings of the educated, scholars, and historians.

Britannica Encyclopedia, 11th Edition, Volume 3, page 365 – Baptism was changed from the name of Jesus to words Father, Son & Holy Ghost in 2nd Century.

Canney Encyclopedia of Religion, page 53 – The early church baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus until the second century.

Hastings Encyclopedia of Religion, Volume 2 – Christian baptism was administered using the words, "in the name of Jesus." page 377. Baptism was always in the name of Jesus until time of Justin Martyr, page 389.

Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 2, page 263 – Here the authors acknowledged that the baptismal formula was changed by their church.

Schaff – Herzog Religious Encyclopedia, Volume 1, page 435 – The New Testament knows only the baptism in the name of Jesus.

Hastings Dictionary of Bible, page 88 – It must be acknowledged that the three fold name of Matthew 28:19 does not appear to have been used by the primitive church, but rather in the name of Jesus, Jesus Christ or Lord Jesus.

IS IT AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY THAT THE NAME OF JESUS BE SPOKEN OR CALLED OVER A CANDIDATE FOR WATER BAPTISM WHEN HE IS BEING BAPTIZED? For the answer to this question, please read Acts 15:17 and James 2:7 [Greek Linear]. First Century Christians INVOKED OR CALLED the name of Jesus over believers in water baptism. If, as some say, "the name of Jesus means the authority of Jesus', then so much more should the NAME, rather than titles, be called over an individual in baptism. Read Matthew 28:18, Acts 4:12 and Colossians 2:9. Jude 3 is an exhortation to "CONTEND FOR THE FAITH ONCE DELIVERED TO THE SAINTS." See Galations 1:8-9 also. Should anyone dare to change what Christ and the Apostles established?

BAPTISM

1. IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON & HOLY GHOST
-or-
2. IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST

Which of These Were Practiced
By the Apostles in the Early Church?

BELOW ARE THE LISTINGS OF THE SCRIPTURES WHERE THE APOSTLES EITHER TAUGHT OR PRACTICED WATER BAPTISM.

IN JESUS NAME

JEWS – "Repent and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:38.

SAMARITANS – They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 8:16.

GENTILES – He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Lord Jesus. Acts 10:48.

PETER TAUGHT – There is none other name given whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12.

PAUL TAUGHT – Whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Col. 3:17.

FATHER, SON AND HOLY GHOST
Just one scripture stands alone.

Matthew 28:19 was a command by Jesus to baptize in a NAME. The Apostles did not repeat the words of the command, but they did obey it as seen in the scriptures above. Since Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are titles of the mainifestations of the Almighty Spirit and His body, the Apostles understood His SAVING NAME to be JESUS. Can any dare say that the Apostles disobeyed the Lord, or failed to baptize properly? THE NAME OF THE FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST IS LORD JESUS CHRIST. The actions of the Apostles in the Book of Acts prove this to be true.
BAPTISM IN JESUS NAME
According to The Bible

JESUS TAUGHT – THAT REPENTANCE & REMISSION OF SINS SHOULD BE PREACHED IN HIS NAME BEGINNING AT JERUSALEM." Luke 24:47

PETER OBEYED – "REPENT & BE BAPTIZED EVERYONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS." Acts 2:38-39

SAMARITANS – ". . .THEY WERE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS." Acts 8:16

GENTILES WERE COMMANDED – "HE COMMANDED THEM TO BE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF LORD JESUS." RV. Acts 10:48

PAUL RE-BAPTIZED – ". . . WHEN THEY HEARD THIS THEY WERE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS." Acts 19:3-5

NO OTHER NAME FOR SALVATION – ". . .THERE IS NONE OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN WHEREBY WE MUST BE SAVED." Acts 4:10-12

EVERYTHING DONE IN JESUS NAME – "WHATSOEVER YOU DO IN WORD OR IN DEED, DO ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS." Col. 3:17

The above scriptures are not given to refute Matthew 28:19 where JESUS told Apostles to baptize in the name of the FATHER, & OF THE SON, & OF THE HOLY GHOST. They merely show how the command was interpreted and obeyed by them.

The Apostles knew what most religious leaders of today fail to recognize. First: That the Lord Jesus Christ is the family name. Eph. 3:15. Second: That the FULNESS of the GODHEAD (Deity or God) dwelleth bodily in CHRIST. Col 2:9

They knew the name of the SON was JESUS. Matthew 1:21. They knew that the SON came in the FATHER'S name. John 5:43. They also knew that the HOLY GHOST was the SPIRIT of CHRIST and would come in JESUS NAME. John 14:26.

The name JESUS means JEHOVA SALVATION. Faussets' Bible Encyclopedia. Page 359.
BAPTISM IN JESUS NAME
According to History

BRITANICA ENCYCLO. – The baptismal formula was changed from the name of Jesus Christ to the words Father, Son & Holy Ghost by Catholic Church in the second century. 11th Edition, Vol 3, page 365-366.

BRITANICA ENCYCLO. – Everywhere in the oldest sources it states that baptism took place in the name of Jesus Christ. Vol. 3, page 82.

CANNEY ENCYCLO. OF REL. – The early church always baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus until development of Trinity Doctrine in 2nd century. Page 53.

CATHOLIC ENCYCLO. – Here the Catholics acknowledged that baptism was changed by the Catholic Church. Vol. 2, Page 263.

HASTINGS ENCYCLO. OF REL. – Christian Baptism was administered using the words, "IN THE NAME OF JESUS." Vol. 2, Page 377.
The use of a Trinitarian formula of any sort was not suggested in early Church History. Vol. 2, Page 378.
Baptism was always in name of the Lord Jesus until time of Justin Martyr when Triune formula used. Vol. 2, Page 389.

CATHOLIC ENCYCLO. – Justin Martyr was one of the early Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church. Vol. 8

HASTINGS ENCYCLO. OF REL. – Name was an ancient synonym for "person." Payment was always made in name of some person referring to ownership. Therefore one being baptized in Jesus name became his personal property. "Ye are Christs." Vol. 2, Page 377 on Acts 2:38.

NEW INTERNATIONAL ENCYCLO. – The term "Trinity" was originated by Tertullian. A Roman Catholic Church Father. Vol. 22, Page 477.

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