Shouldn't Your Pastor Understand Baptism?

When Pastors Teach that you don't have to be baptized to be saved, you can know they are missing the point entirely, and in their political correctness they are being disobedient.

Baptism is a Commandment of Major Importance

Baptism is How to Receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit

1. Baptism Relates to Washing Away Your Sins, Providing Remission: Acts 22.6-16, Acts 2.38

2. Baptism Relates to Putting On Christ: Galatians 3:27

3. Baptism Relates with the Blood of Jesus: 1 John 5.6

4. Baptism Relates to Salvation: Mark 16.16

5. Baptism Relates 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

What are the Prerequisites of Baptism?

1. Hearer of the Gospel: Acts 8.35, Acts 15.7, Acts 18.8, Romans 10.14-17

3. Repent & Believe the Gospel: Matthew 21.32, Mark 1.14-15, Mark 16.16, John 3.14-21, John 6.69, John 8.24, Acts 19.4, Acts 8.12-13, Acts 8.36-38, 

4. Confess with Your Mouth; Believe Jesus is the Son of God: Romans 10.10-13, Acts 8.36-38, Luke 12.8-10, 1 John 4.14-15

The Scripture places great emphasis on immediacy when it comes to the subject of baptism. 

They didn't wait at Pentecost (Holy Day of Shabuwa`) after Peter delivered The Word:

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place [Acts 2:1 KJV]... Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls [Acts 2:41 KJV].

No Matter Who Preached, Baptism was Included, and Performed Immediately:

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 to 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 8:12-16 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 to some 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 [Acts 8:35-39 KJV].

And Saul was baptized at Jesus order by Ananais:

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, and arose, and was baptized [Acts 9:17-18 KJV].

Then in Chapter 22 there’s more insight into the same account: 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 to the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” And I answered, “Who are 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 your 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 [Acts 22:6-16 KJV].

Baptism 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 what about Jesus whom we are called to follow?

Is it fitting for you as a Believer to fulfill all righteousness, or would you rather fulfill disobedience?

Just prior to the Temptation of Jesus Christ, the Bible records this: Jesus comes from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of you, and come you to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, “Permit it now for it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And behold a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased [Mat 3.13-17 KJV].

So we can see Baptism is a specified standard and immediate practice, according to the Bible.

If you have never been baptized, or properly baptized, then please be encouraged to do so as soon as possible.  Ignoring baptism, or blowing it off as unnecessary, is like to joining a military unit and then refusing to do the very first thing the commander tells you.  

The next section on this subject will help you understand the purpose and benefits of baptism, and why baptism is necessary.

You must hear the good news of the Kingdom of God, and believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God whom God sent, and change your mind from dead works toward faith in God. Based on this good news that is deliverance from sin, and confessing with your mouth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, you should move on to your first act of obedience which is baptism. 

You will find a more defined approach to the teaching of the Kingdom of God in the Gospel Series, and how to become a New Creation in Christ Jesus so you may enter into immortality. 

In this section we are focusing on the qualifications for Baptism: 

1. Hearer of the Gospel: Acts 8.35, Acts 15.7, Acts 18.8, Romans 10.14-17

3. Repent & Believe the Gospel: Matthew 21.32, Mark 1.14-15, Mark 16.16, John 3.14-21, John 6.69, John 8.24, Acts 19.4, Acts 8.12-13, Acts 8.36-38, 

4. Confess with Your Mouth; Believe Jesus is the Son of God: Romans 10.10-13, Acts 8.36-38, Luke 12.8-10, 1 John 4.14-15

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 2:38 KJV].

Remission means pardon figuratively and deliverance literally; the overall context being that your sins will be overlooked, and the power of God’s Holy Spirit shall now enable you to be delivered from practicing sin. 

The next step would then be to walk in obedience in the lifelong process of sanctification. 

He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned [Mark 16:16 KJV]. I have heard many pastors say baptism is not necessary for salvation, which makes you wonder what they are thinking?

So we can see that Baptism is a Commandment with Results (Acts 2.38, Acts 10:44-48).

The sense of urgency concerning Baptism is based on the power and results of Baptism, as among other key items, Baptism is said to wash away sins! 

Baptism is Even the Method to Receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit:

1. Baptism Relates to Washing Away Your Sins, Providing Remission: Acts 22.6-16, Acts 2.38

2. Baptism Relates to Putting On Christ: Galatians 3:27

3. Baptism Relates with the Blood of Jesus: 1 John 5.6

4. Baptism Relates to Salvation: Mark 16.16

5. Baptism Relates 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

Eight Souls were Saved, or Escaped through Water according to 1 Peter 3.20.

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 [Romans 6:4 KJV].

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ [Galatians 3:27 KJV].

The bottom line is if you DON'T want to put on Jesus Christ (?), then it would make sense you DON'T want to be baptized under the authority of the name of Jesus Christ. On the other hand, if you do want to put on Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and receive the power to walk in the presence of the set-apart Spirit of God the Father, that is in Christ and comes through Christ, then you should desire to be baptized.

It is here that Christians may say something like, “But I was baptized when I was a baby, so why would I need to be baptized again”, or “Do you think I was baptized in the right church or proper authority?”

These questions will be answered in Part 3 of this Baptism Series.

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, and then when they are of the age that they are able to fulfill repentance and confession, then we baptize them into the faith. 

Is Baptism Just a Ritual? 

No! Baptism is a Commandment directly associated with the Gospel and inseparable to the preaching, and teaching, and healing of Jesus Christ.

And now “Why do you wait”? arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord [Acts 22:16 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 [Acts 26:23 KJV].

And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, 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 [Revelation 1:5 KJV].

Is Baptism Insignificant?

If you are an American Christian then you may have heard it said that baptism is an "Outward Expression (or Confession) of an Inward Decision (or Conversion)" or some other "watered down" philosophical phrase like this, but Baptism is a commandment that yields results, so it’s best to teach that truth which fulfills a commandment of Christ in obedience.

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 [Romans 6:1-7 KJV].

Do we really need water for Baptism?

Yes! Man Can't Forbid Water: Acts 10:47-48, according to the Scripture.

How do you think the eunuch knew to ask to be baptized in Acts 8:36-39? 

Acts 8 gives us the answer. The eunuch asked for understanding concerning Isaiah 53:7-8.

Here is what those two verses say:

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he didn’t open his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he doesn’t open 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 [Isaiah 53:7-8 KJV].

Then Acts 8:35 it 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.

It’s probable that 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 concerning much prophecy while also including baptism from prophecy when he got to chapter 63. Let's have a look at how water, and the Holy Spirit, and the Everlasting Name tie together at the "red sea”:

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 a horse in the wilderness never stumbles? [Isaiah 63:11-13 KJV]

YHWH places the spirit of holiness in his people, which is the same to say he gives them His Holy Spirit.

Water is often included in the “types” that bring forth the picture painted in the Bible: 

1. Moses and the Red Sea

2. Noah and the Flood

3. The Rock that brought Water

4. You must be Born of Water and the Spirit

5. Priestly Washings: Exodus 30:18-20, John 13:9, 1 Peter 3:21

Hence we have a HIGH PRIEST to God, that is THE CHRIST!

Baptism is a Commanded and Prophetic Way that God delivers his people!

There is deep and powerful prophetic meaning to submersion in water and “rising up” into the newness of everlasting life. 

Many say Baptism doesn't really matter...or it must be done in “their church’s authority” and by their interpretation also.

To say baptism is unnecessary speaks against a very basic component of the Gospel message, like Noah and the eight that were saved by water (1 Peter 3.20).

This context of being saved through, or by, or out of water is all over the scripture, but let's focus on the brilliant writer of Hebrews who makes something profoundly 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:

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need to be taught again the first elements of the oracles (words) of God; as you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who consumes only milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe (a baby). But solid food belongs to those who are matured, that is, those who have the skill to exercise their senses to discern both good and evil [Hebrews 5.12-14 KJV]. 

Therefore leaving the beginning sayings of Christ (arche logos christos), let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of the resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment [Hebrews 6.1-2 KJV] .

You see when the author of Hebrews sums up the "Principle Words of Christ" (arche logos christos), immediately the basics are stated: Repent (change your mind about works that lead to death) and turn to God (by faith in trust), be baptized, and have hands laid on you (for receiving the Holy Spirit and empowerment), for the resurrection (the great hope for eternal life) and judgment (to escape the second death and receive due rewards). 

These are the standard teachings of Jesus Christ concerning the Word of YHWH, so we should teach that baptism is essential, and not just a nice ritual or religious gesture. Baptism was taught and practiced in the authority of Jesus Christ, and we are to follow Christ. So if we do anything else besides this, then we speak against the Word of God and against His Christ. 

The true action of proper baptism is immersion in water. The scripture gives us this only instruction to follow. There isn't any reference or instruction as to which direction you must go in: backward, forward, or straight down. 

However, it is of interest what the Scripture says about what happened to Jesus, if you consider a careful reading. This could be an indication of how our adopted specific method of laying down backward in baptism is a tradition?

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up [G305] straightway out of the water: and, behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And behold a voice from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” [Matthew 3.16-17 KJV].

This is the first time God himself refers to Jesus as his son, of which we should take special note of this reality. Baptism is in the direct path to becoming a Son of God, and to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

So certainly we should “speak for baptism” unless we just don’t believe, because Jesus believed in his own need to be baptized to fulfill righteousness, while he also had no need for repentance because he had not sinned.  Are you better than Jesus Christ?

Additionally, if you look at the etymology here you will find the feet are involved, which could mean the one being baptized stands up out of the water with their own two feet, rather than being lifted by another man. 

This is something here to consider:

Strong’s Reference: ἀναβαίνω anabaínō, an-ab-ah'-ee-no; from G303 and the base of G939; to go up (literally or figuratively):—arise, ascend (up), climb (go, grow, rise, spring) up, come (up).

This “anabaino” is a hybrid word that combines “ana” and “baino”.

Strong’s Reference: ἀνά aná, an-ah'; a primary preposition and adverb; properly, up.

Strong’s Reference: βάσις básis, bas'-ece; from βαίνω baínō (to walk); a pace ("base"), i.e. (by implication) the foot:—foot.

So literally we might say “up foot” or “up by foot”.

Other verses using “anabaino” also seem to indicate a direct upward meaning:

And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up [G305] and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. And others fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up [G305] and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some a 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 [Mark 4.7-8 KJV].

While we shouldn't be dogmatic about this above point, it is interesting enough to consider that we might also want to consider foregoing being dogmatic about the current method(s) we use, as they may simply be traditions that have no basis in scripture.

Though it can’t be said that it is wrong to lay someone down in the water backwards, it also can’t be said that it’s wrong for them to be submerged straight downward, or forward. 

Although, if one were to remain firmly on their feet, being able to come straight up out of the water, then it seems submersion straight downward makes the most sense if you follow Jesus’ Matthew 4.4 principle: Man shall not live on bread alone, but “every” word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. 

As witnesses to the world and our brothers and sisters, especially when it comes to Scripture and our related actions, we should keep in the forefront of our minds this question: 

What part of what we are doing is simply tradition rather than an express instruction from the Word of God?

In this way we can find the purer voice to speak on behalf of the Word of God as truly faithful disciples and ambassadors of Christ, wherein we are blameless, giving no man a reason to find fault to speak against baptism, or any other commandment, statute, or judgment given by the Word of God.

In this section we’ll cover the purpose and nature of baptism, and the common misconceptions concerning Matthew 28.19, answering why Jesus used this phrase even though all authority has been given to him.  In short, ALL authority has been given to the Son of God by God the Father, and any true disciple of Jesus Christ has the authority.  If Your Pastor says that only their church denomination or sect has the authority, or themselves personally, well then Your Pastor Lies!

Jesus had a short time on earth, yet accomplished more than any man that ever lived. And of all that Jesus could’ve started and ended his ministry with, it was baptism. In the beginning Jesus urged John the Baptist to baptize him in order to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3.15). 

A few years later, at the end of Jesus’ ministry, he told his disciples to teach the nations baptizing them (Matthew 28.19).

So we see Jesus’ Ministry was flanked on both sides with the bookends of Baptism. This should really get our attention if we call ourselves Believers. 

Yet so many downplay Baptism!  I’ve heard many Christians dismiss baptism with the saying, “What about the thief on the cross? He wasn’t baptized”. To that I say, “But you aren’t the thief on the cross!” It’s troubling when fundamentals like baptism are treated loosely as if time is not of the essence, because the Bible communicates that Repentance and Belief and Baptism go together in an accelerated unified manner that leads to empowerment by the Holy Spirit. 

We hear this in the heart of the Eunuch seeking to be baptized immediately upon seeing water as Phillip is preaching prophecies about Jesus. The Eunuch affirms Phillip that he “believes Jesus Christ is the Son of God” and Phillip commands the chariot to stop and baptizes him on the spot in Acts 8. 

We see a similar story with the Jailer in Acts 16 who comes trembling at Paul and Silas’ feet after an earthquake, asking “What must I do to be saved?” And they said: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you and your house shall be saved. 

Then they shared the Word of the Lord with the prison keeper and his house and the “SAME HOUR THAT NIGHT” they were all baptized.

There are many traditional interpretations of baptism, including dismissive definitions like “Baptism is an Outward Expression of an Inward Decision”, or a similar watered-down phrase that does not serve the concept in pure justice, which only quotes one verse in part. But there is only “one consolidated way” to interpret Baptism according to the Scripture!

When Peter stood and preached in Acts 2:38 he said, 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. And in Acts 22 verse 16 Ananias said to Paul: And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins.

So I think we should embrace this idea of the immediacy of Baptism as we spread the Gospel “in the name of Jesus”. But why should we consider this specifically “in the name of Jesus”? And what exactly does this mean “in the name”.

As we have already seen in the previous teachings in this series, Baptism relates to salvation in Mark 16.16, and receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2, and the washing away sins in Acts 22, and dying with Christ in Romans 6.4, and putting on Christ in Galatians 3.27, and the Blood of Jesus in 1 John 5.6, and the answer of a good conscience toward God through the resurrection of Jesus in 1 Peter 3.21. 

The scripture is abundant on baptism, especially after the crucifixion of the thief, so there is no question as to the essential nature of this command. However, there is some confusion on a crucial point among God’s people that should be dealt with more readily.

Is there a specific name into which Believers should be baptized? What is it…and why?

The Apostles thought it was the name of Jesus!

However Matthew 28.18-20 seems to challenge this idea. So we need to be diligent and find the solution to what otherwise appears to be a contradiction. Is there something of a different nature in this passage than what was recorded concerning Jesus’ disciples future actions?

In Acts 2:38 Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ.

And in Acts 8:12 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…and in verse 16 they were baptized in the name of Jesus.

And again in Acts 19:4 Paul said: John baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people, that they should believe on another, that’s Christ Jesus, and in verse 5, When they heard, they were baptized in the name of the Jesus.

So this difference in Matthew 28.19 is puzzling, but there’s ultimately a solution. 

Romans 6:3 says: Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 

And Jesus said to his disciples in Luke 24.44, 46, 47: all must be fulfilled that’s written in the Law and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me. It’s necessary for Messiah to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 

And of course we all know and understand that “there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2.5-6). That’s One Mediator! Not two. 

And John records that One Mediator several times as saying that anything we ask in Jesus Name shall be granted to those who abide in Jesus’ words (John 14.13, 14, 16, 26, 15.16, and 16.23, 24, 26). That Other Helper Jesus promised is a key to most Christian misunderstanding and false teaching.

So let’s look at the excerpt in Matthew 28 closely and see what we find:

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying: All power has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you (Matt 28.18-20).

So why did Peter, and Philip, and Paul all baptize ONLY in the Name of Jesus if Jesus told his disciples to do something different? Were the three P’s all being disobedient? 

If we redirect our attention to verse 18 where Jesus says all power (authority) has been given to ME (moi in the Greek), that “me” is Jesus. We find “He’s the ONE”. Also, if we only follow verse 19 as some exact magical baptismal formula, by saying the word “son” we actually miss the name of Jesus. This is Key! Again, if you say your magic formula, “in the name of the father son and holy spirit”, you actually miss the name of Jesus. Hmmmmm? Fear not though for there is a solution to this to and it have to do with “authority” and not “pronunciation!

What if Jesus simply originally said “My Name” in verse 19 and the rest was falsely inserted later to promote or substantiate a particular doctrine? This is one possible solution to this “seeming contradiction”. 

An insertion like this is called an interpolation by the scholars. While we won’t get into the depths of textual criticism in this part of the series, it would be a good idea for you to familiarize yourself with this concept on interpolation as there are evidences of this concerning the Bible historically. For example, there is a widely understood interpolation in 1 John 5.7-8 called the Johannine Comma, wherein “honest” scholars today admit that there is a portion of the verse that cannot be validated (aka forgery). This change of the Scripture at 1 John 5.7-8 is easily verifiable, whereas the difficulty in Matthew 28.19 is not so readily verifiable as an interpolation. In other words this may be what Jesus said (?), i.e. what we currently have written in our text (maybe?). 

So in this teaching we will simply focus on Jesus’ words: In verse 18 of Matthew 28 Jesus says “Power (Authority) has been given to ME” and in verse 20 Jesus says “I have commanded”. The phrase “in the name of” can and does include a specific name, but the true central and overall context of the phrase “in the name” has to do with “authority and power”, which is the very construct of what Jesus said in context, to begin with and to end with in all his teaching.

It doesn’t appear as though this small portion of verse 19 is in agreement with Jesus’ other statements, and the overall narrative of the New Testament, and the disciples action. So there must be a readily identifiable sound doctrine clearly stated whereby we can find a single name (not names, as it reads in Matthew 28.19), in the Father, Son, (and Holy Spirit), like Ephesians, with a focus on verses 3.14-16; but really all throughout Ephesians we find this common thread of “holy” mixed with “spirit” as it pertains to the promise which is the ultimate fulcrum point of the gospel: Ephesians 1:4, 13, 2:21, 3:5, 4:24, 30, 5:27). This is the real Key!

But first, in all this, there’s something to consider foremost, as there is an ocean of verses the Apostles wrote where all kinds of things are done specifically “in the name of Jesus”: 

1. Being Saved  

2. The Power to become Sons of God

3. Being Sanctified 

4. Departing from Iniquity 

5. Healing  

6. Teaching  

7. Preaching 

8. Speaking Boldly 

9. Speaking in Tongues   

10. Performing Miracles  

11. Gathering Together 

12. Casting out Devils  

13. Rejoicing in Insults (I Mostly Get these from Pastors & Christians! Hmmmm?)

14. Receiving Little Children 

15. Giving a Cup of Water

16. Entering into Everlasting Life  

17. Every Knee Bowing

18. To be of One Accord; Unity 

ALL the above, in the name above all names; the precious name of Jesus! (Eph. 1.20, Phil. 2.9)
See legend for Bible references at the end for all these items above**
 

Being exhorted in every place to call on and magnify the name of Jesus (1 Cor. 1.2, Acts 19.17)
Whatever we do in word or deed we do in the name of Jesus (Col. 3.17)
that the name of Jesus be glorified in you (2 Thess. 1.12)

To die for the name of our Lord Jesus (Acts 21.13, Phil. 1.20, 1 Cor. 15.31)
And ask in Jesus name that our joy may be full for answered prayer (John 16.24)
even withdrawing from disorderly brothers in the name of Jesus (2 Thess. 3.6)

It’s the Father’s will that we believe upon his son Jesus!  (John 17.20-26, John 3.16), because Jesus righteously declared the Father in faith, speech, and action (John 1.18, John 17.26)

So why not also baptize in the Name of Jesus? The overall counsel of the text of the Gospel in the New Covenant message hones in entirely on the name (the authority) of Jesus! So is it possible that everything in the New Testament concerning the instructions to the New Creation in Christ Jesus is to be done in the name of Jesus “except Baptism”?

As Paul said, “So I plead with you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus, that we all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among us that we be perfectly joined together in one mind (1 Corinthians 1.10). But Christianity is highly divided by more denominations than anyone can likely truly count!

So if we see something in the text giving off even the appearance of contradiction, we need to work together diligently to overcome while we graciously allow each other to ask questions, and be fulfilled in each individual quest to seek the truth of the Word of God. Digging deep in these areas always provides profound revelation concerning the overall counsel of Scripture.

We should also note that the concept “in the name” of something has a lot more to do with essence rather than simply saying or pronouncing a name correctly. So if you or someone you know was baptized in the name of “the father, son, and holy spirit”, or you yourself baptized others in this way, it does not mean that this baptism is invalid. If one hears the true gospel and believes unto repentance according to the words of the Son of God whom God sent, then in all spiritual reality that baptism was still conducted in the Spirit of the name of Christ Jesus. This is really all about the essence of the authority in heaven and earth that has been given to Jesus by the Father. 

But there is more to the “singular name” that we will get to shortly, because “the name” is just as relevant in that it is the plate where the authority has been placed (Exodus 28:36, Exodus 39:30), which is the True Tabernacle that was commanded and fulfilled by the Living Temple Jesus, which is how he is worthy to have been given all authority in the first place.

So please take the understanding in this teaching in a way that avoids false judgment. Don’t fear that you aren’t in Christ because of the potential for misplaced words in a single moment. Let us simply consider the element offered here and move onto perfection in Christ Jesus that we may be able to handle the Word of Truth with all integrity. His name matters in concept, word, essence, and most importantly deed: deeds of righteous holiness to YHWH.

Righteousness is in his name, but his name alone does not make you righteous, unless you take action in your belief. We are saved by grace unto good works (that’s what Ephesians 2.8-10 “really” says), and faith in Christ without works is dead (which is what James “really” said in James 2.18-26). Just like the Father’s Name is in Jesus’ Name, herein lies the unity without contradiction as it relates to the two: Father and Son…YHWH is in Jesus’ name YHSWH (YHWH YSH—Yahowshuah, Joshua), and so we can see that Jesus possesses His Father’s Name within his own name. So it’s really only the Holy Spirit that we have to provide an explanation for since it seems as though the Holy Spirit “appears” to have NO NAME. And the reason it “appears” as though the Holy Spirit has NO NAME is because of multiple assumptions that are brought about by the Trinitarian Doctrine concerning the Nature of God. We need not be distracted by this though, as the text directly states without question that Jesus’ Father is the Holy Spirit (Luke 1.35 and Matthew 1.18-20). So this all can be reduced to one question: Why did Jesus say “one name” concerning Father and Son and Holy Spirit if the Holy Spirit is simply The Father? Shouldn’t he have said “in the name S”, and what then would be “the name” of the Holy Spirit, IF the Holy Spirit is a “third party”. 

The reason for all the misunderstanding is because the construct of the temple of “fellowship” is the communion! Jesus’ ability to be totally unified to The Father as the Only Begotten Son at conception and the Firstborn Son of the Holy Spirit from the Dead is all hinged upon The Father giving His holy spirit to His Son, as it is the Spirit of God dwelling inside that gives life. This is the gospel. “The who” that is the Holy Spirit gave his holy spirit that is “the what” which is “the communion”. 

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 [1 Corinthians 6:11 KJV]. Take note how there are two here working in operation and unity (by One Spirit). As Paul said at the end of his last letter to the Corinthians in reflection of “the unity”: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the holy spirit, [be] with you all (2 Corinthians 13.14). That is what verses like 2 Corinthians 13.14 mean, otherwise the communion (fellowship) listed in this verse would be confined to the “third party” alone. The Holy Spirit of God is what was and is in Christ and is the same spirit that should be in you. Is it?

Assuming that Matthew 28.19 is what Jesus really said, and not fraudulently modified, then still it is NOT a Trinitarian statement or Trinitarian baptismal formula, but rather an expression concerning Jesus’ total immersion in his Father’s Name and Spirit. 

Before the truth got all discombobulated by the Evil Trinitarian Demonic Doctrine, at the time of the outpouring of God the Father’s Holy Spirit, right after Christ’s resurrection, first century New Creations in Christ Jesus would have understood the Gospel properly in this context of being One with Jesus as being One with The Father “by His Spirit” (Galatians 3.28, Romans 5.17, 12.5, 1 Corinthians 8.6, Ephesians 1.10, 4.1-16, 1 John 1.7). So then Paul (in 2 Corinthians 13.14) is just repeating the context of what Jesus’ “might have said” in Matthew 28.19.

In one place Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, except a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (John 3.5).  The unity of the One True Holy Spirit of God is the essence of the Gospel message, which Christ the Son of God was the first to accomplish through the fullness of baptism, which was worked out in the Spirit of the Law of God the Father doing the work of with holy spirit inside the Tabernacle of Christ. And at the resurrection Jesus was literally born of the Holy Spirit as his Father gave him everlasting spirit-life. 

Matthew 28.19 is not a description of the Nature of God as a Trinity, but rather a description of Divine Authority in Christ Jesus according to the Unity the Father and his selfsame holy spirit as the operative agent for eternal spirituality. Thus all the confusion on this topic may very well be resolved by unraveling a little “conjunction confusion”. Notice how Jesus is using singular personal pronouns concerning his authority and presence as you read the key verse below. And then note how the “and” that is especially highlighted is “kai”, and how this “kai” could otherwise be understood and translated as something else besides “and”, thereby creating an entirely different sense of the passage over a single particle. We should also note this single particle is the most common conjunction in the New Testament that is used in many ways besides “AND”, having a copulative and also a cumulative force.

KAI = accompanied (1), actually (2), after (2), again (1), again* (1), along (4), also (535), although (1), although* (1), besides* (1), both (37), both* (1), certainly (1), continue (1), either (2), else (1), even (132), forty-six* (1), if (1), including (1), indeed (20), indeed* (2), just (3), likewise (1), more* (2), moving about freely* (1), nor (4), now (2), only (2), only* (1), or (11), same (1), so (30), than (2), than* (4), then (105), though (1), though* (6), together (1), too (34), until (1), very (3), well (13), when (7), whether (1), while (1), whose* (1), without* (4), yet (9). 

And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and [also or even] of the holy spirit: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, unto the end of the [age] (Mat 28.18-20). So, 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 (Hebrews 10:22 KJV).

Be blessed in the name of Jesus the Messiah, Yahuwshuah ha Mashiach; aka YaHuWaH YaShA the anointed one, for in his name is the name of the Father, and they are One in the Father’s Spirit, just as Jesus prayed we would also be One just before his crucifixion: And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to you. Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom you have given me, that they may be one, as we are (John 17.11). 

You can also see this truth shining through Peter’s preaching now that we have this understanding: 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 spirit. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call (Act 2.38-39). Again all three are present, but here there are two entities (Father & Son) and one what (holy spirit).

Do you see how three items in the text here can appear without having to make the three as three separate persons? This understanding continues in Acts: 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.) Then laid they hands on them, and they received the holy spirit (Act 8.14-17). This is in keeping with Jesus instruction and also exactly what the Hebrews writer claims in “The Beginning of the Word of Christ” in Hebrews 6.1-2; the Arche Logos Christos. Wait! Christ has a logos that says “Turn toward God”? Does that mean Jesus was teaching people to turn toward himself? No. Jesus means his Father is his God? 

And the continuity of this understanding progresses further later in Acts as “…it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have you received the holy spirit since you believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any holy spirit. And he said unto them, unto what then were you 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 which 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…(Acts 19.1-7).

If you follow the instructions of the “real Jesus” instead of following “another Jesus”, you will find yourself in the process of partaking of the Divine Nature of God the Father’s Spirit through the One Mediator Jesus Christ: According as his divine power has given unto us all things that [pertain] unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these you might be partakers [fellowship] of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Peter 1.3-4). If you repent from your dead works (sin, for whatever is not of the true faith is sin), and turn toward God the Father, and be baptized and have hands laid upon you so you can receive the holy spirit “according to the promise” made by God the Father and fulfilled by and through Christ Jesus, then you have entered into the New Covenant relationship with God the Father and Jesus Christ on the Father’s terms. Jesus followed the Father’s terms first by Jesus’ loyalty in obedience to the Father, living a sinless life and making a voluntary sacrifice, according to his Father’s Law. 

You can see this Unity of the Spirit in passages like Romans 8. But this Unity is commonly mislabeled by the Mainstream as Three Persons in One God in Matthew 28.19, because the eisegesis comes from a presupposition that is an erroneous tradition of men. To say Matthew 28.19 has three distinct yet equal persons that are one God in this verse is to go WAY OUTSIDE of what Jesus said, adding an entire doctrine that is not there in the text.  If the phrase from Jesus in this verse about the Father, Son, and holy spirit are original (not interpolated), then the three things this verse would be referring to are: God the Father; his Son the Lord Jesus Christ (two whos); and the holy spirit (one what), which is a gift from God (Act 2.38, 10:45, Hebrews 6.4). The holy spirit reference here is in relation to that portion (or portions) of the Father’s Spirit that Father YHWH promised to pour out in the Old Testament prophecies (Proverbs 1.23, Joe 2.28-29) which then happens in the New Testament (Act 2.17-18). YHWH’s Spirit is not a third person. When the holy spirit is referred to in the context of a “what”, the holy spirit is the Father’s Spirit coming from the Father, and when the Holy Spirit is being referred to as a “who”, then Holy Spirit is a designation for the Father; like a title/name. There is no spirit more Holy than God the Father. 

When one is Baptized in the name of Jesus in the proper authority of Jesus as it was given by the Father (same authority) to Jesus, you Baptize both in essence of The Name and literally in the Name, as the Father’s Name is in fact in Jesus name: YHWH is in YHSWH’s name. Then furthermore, the Message of the Good News totally hinges on receiving the holy spirit of Our Father in Heaven through Jesus the Anointed One that we may become spiritual Sons of God to the Glory of God the Father. Hence, born of the Holy Spirit, you are sealed with the holy spirit.

In type and shadow we have in Genesis 48.16 a place where you can see in most translations this “authority and essence” is what the term “name” can mean. Otherwise we would have trouble explaining the “two names named” of Jacob’s fathers spoken in his blessing (Abraham and Isaac) over Joseph. But that’s another message for another time. Those who are super familiar with the type and shadow of Joseph in Christ should get the reference immediately.

One last word on the subject in an attempt to end all confusion: If Matthew 28.19 is to imply three names, then why do all English translations translate “name in the singular” rather than “names in the plural”? See Matthew 10.2! The answer is in the difference between onoma (name) and onomata (names). Thus we can see the word onoma is singular, but we all know Jesus and the Father don’t have the exact same literal name, but Yahushuwah has the Father’s name.

This verse of Matthew 28.19 is about the intention of Jesus Christ to express that the authority that he has been given is not originally his, but his Father’s, which boils down to every word Jesus spoke (Matthew 4.4). He did not speak his own words, but the words of his Father which is why Jesus is given all authority, because the Father trusts Jesus fully to carry out the Father’s will. Why?  Jesus does not speak of himself, but only of the Father, in the right Spirit in the unified bond of holiness in fellowship.

**Bible Reference Legend for things done in the name of Jesus in the New Testament 

1. Matt. 1.21, Acts 16.31, Rom 10.9

2. Gal. 3.26, Gal 4.4-6

3. 1 Cor. 1.2, 1.30, 6.11

4. 2 Tim. 2.19, Eph. 4.20-24, Acts 2.36

5. 1 Cor. 12.3-11, Mk. 3.13-15, Acts 4.29-30, Acts 3.6, Acts 9.34, 1 Pet. 2.24

6. Acts 4.29-30, Acts 5.42, Acts 28.31

7. Acts 9.27, Acts 5.42, Acts 28.31, Mk. 16.20

8. Acts 9.27, Acts 4.29-30, Acts 28.31

9. Mk. 16.17-18, 1 Cor. 12.3-11

10. 1 Cor. 12.3-11, Mk 9.38-41, Acts 8.5-6

11. John 11.51-52, Eph. 1.10, Mat. 18.20, 1 Cor. 5.4

12. Acts 16.48, Mk 3.13-15, Mk. 9.38-41, Mk 16.17-18

13. Rom. 5.1-5, 1 Pet. 4.14

14. Lk. 18.16-17, Mt. 8.2-5

15. Mk. 9.38-41, Mt 10.40-42

16. John 3.16, John 6.40, Rom 6.22-23

17. Phil. 2.9-11, Mt. 28.18

18. Acts 2.38-47, Acts 5.12-16, Acts 15.25-26, Phil 2.1-4

There are two stories concerning baptism that are most worthy of noting, especially when considering the two together. 

The first is in Matthew 3:

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and behold the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him, and behold a voice from heaven, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” [Matthew 3.16-17 KJV].

Jesus Christ, who was not in any need of repentance as it concerned sin, because he never sinned, was still constantly in the process of conforming to the will of God’s Holy Spirit and Word(s). In the case of these verses in Matthew 3, at Christ’s obedience, we see this is the first time Jesus is referred to directly by God as “His Son”, after he was born of the Holy Spirit as conceived in Mary.

So we might say it is here that Jesus is literally baptized into the Family of God, because the Bible says Jesus receives the Holy Spirit of the Father at his baptism.

This is the first stage of baptism, that Jesus’ followers are instructed to receive, which is the beginning of the progression of discipleship in Christ where one receives the Holy Spirit. This enables one to walk in the Father’s will in sanctification, and die to self-will.

We pick up another exchange in Matthew 20 where Jesus speaks of this death by baptism:

The mother of Zebedee's children came to Jesus with her sons, worshipping, and desiring a certain thing of him. 

And Jesus said unto her, “What do you desire?” 

She says unto him, “Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on your right hand, and the other on the left, in your kingdom. 

But Jesus answered and said, “You don’t know what you ask. Are you able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” 

They say unto him, “We are able.” 

And Jesus says unto them, “You shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but for whom it is prepared of by my Father [Matthew 20.20-23 KJV].

What Jesus was referring to is the total commitment to the cause of Christ that would ultimately lead to the death of Christ, followed later by the death of the two Sons of Thunder named James and John. The cup is of the blood of sacrifice, which is death, and the ultimate baptism.

Baptism in one major context is the commitment to die to self and do the will of God, to serve others for the cause of Christ. In the second or ultimate context, this dying to self means a disciple may be called to literally die for the cause. In either case, whether you are dead or alive, you are to be dead as a dead man to self that you may be living out the will of God in and through Christ. 

We also see in 1 John 5:1 that “Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loves him, who begat him, loves him also that is begotten of him.

The business of the process of God begetting his children is something we should desire and get to know very well. At first God begets His Messiah by his Holy Spirit in Mary, and then calls him Son of God the first time at Baptism, following Jesus’ birth, and brings His Holy Spirit to Jesus.  How important is that? 

Then the writer of Acts 13.33-34 shows us how Jesus is begotten at his resurrection from death, as it was written in the second Psalm (Psalm 2.7). It is of the highest Scriptural importance to understand that this is the final baptism from death to life in the resurrection of “immortality”; birthing of eternal children of God, beginning with Christ and the New Creation. 

This Kingdom of God Gospel passage in Psalm 2 is essential in determining the central ultimate point of baptism, and how critical obedience is concerning the command of baptism. Immortal sons and daughters of God is what we also aim to become, and it happens following our baptismal death, in a spiritual and literal sense. 

The model to follow in both baptisms is evidence that helps us understand the difference between the two different times Jesus was begotten: 1) at birth as the Son of Man by the Holy Spirit, and then 2) when he is born from the dead at His resurrection, again by his Father God.

It’s after this event of the death-and-rebirth and ascension of Christ that Psalm 110.1 begins to come to pass, even though it was true long before when it was spoken by the Word of YHWH: 

YHWH said to Adoni (Jesus, not Adonai), “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” This is the summarized definition of prophecy at its finest, in the most quoted verse from the Old Testament into the New Testament, as written by Jesus disciples from Psalm 110.1.

Later on Paul reveals the framework of being in Christ’s Spirit in Romans 8.9, and then he writes in Galatians 3.26-27: For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you that were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 

And this is where the baptism of 1 John 5.1 comes into full view concerning the begotten son of god: “Whosoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and every one that loves him (the Father), who begat him (the Father concerning Jesus), loves him also that is begotten (Jesus) of him (the Father) [1 John 5.1 KJV]. 

Note there are only two: Father God and the Son of God.

This reveals that the business of being born-again is a process, which is meant to lead to holiness in the body and soul while we are still alive, that we may be born again immortal unto life. The key is holiness, which the Bible teaches as being separated to the will of God. 

God can’t live (tabernacle) with his people while they are practicing sin. When we enter into the family of God, because God is holy, we can’t take our sin into the family of God. So God the Father arranged that the past is forgiven in His plan for salvation, wiped clean like a white board, making The Way fresh in love, for the writing of sanctification in us, by the Holy Spirit of our Father, in and through Christ Jesus.

Continuing in 1 John 5.2-5, we see the how this love is defined: By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not a burden. For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith. Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

So we can see that this belief in the Son of God, whom God the Father sent, has related actions of proof that one believes. This is proof of “the faith”. 

John’s epistle combines the first and second greatest commandments, as taught by Jesus Christ found in Matthew 22.37-40, which Jesus got from the Torah of YHWH: 

Jesus said unto him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with your entire mind (Deut. 6.5). This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Leviticus 19.18). On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets”.

This is the context of the definition of love in which the Believer’s sins are also covered in the future, for in the eyes of God, a Dead Man Can’t Sin.

As Paul said in Romans 6:3: Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?  

Once we die in, and with, Christ in baptism, our future sins are washed away as well, and we will enter into everlasting life, should we remain in the faith! However, Believers will still be held accountable, and may even suffer loss for that which does not withstand the test of fire at the judgment (1 Corinthians 3.13-15). The guide of measurement used for this judgment, for all that is good and bad, is the commandments of God, though the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ at the Tribunal of Christ (2 Corinthians 5.10).

So how important is Baptism really?

This is how we receive the power of the Holy Spirit to maintain a lifestyle pleasing to God, having been “born again” into the Family of God to perform the miracles of faith. 

This is designed to make us spiritually functional to properly worship God, to participate and support the children of the Most High, and win brothers to the Kingdom who don’t yet know the gospel. 

Baptism is also what Jesus told us to do by living out the Words of the Father to the fullest extent, which he himself did. So even if we don’t understand why, we still need to be baptized in the name of Jesus, that we may be able to walk the way we’re called to walk, as Jesus did.  

We must learn to trust our Father God and Jesus Christ to lead us by the one unified Spirit of Truth, for it is in this that we continue to grow in grace (2 Peter 3.18). The Bible defines how we are continually seen as Holy by God through the works of Christ (Hebrews 9) while we walk in faith. 

Defining the essence of baptism in Christ Jesus is one of the most profound understandings in the Bible. And while understanding baptism is important and foundational, it is way more significant to be obedient than it is to understand. 

Baptism is not a work of men nor in the authority of some random man or miscellaneous sect or schism, but the work of the Holy Spirit of God in through the Son of God Jesus Christ. 

When we respond by faith, in obedience, we reap the rewards of support from the Holy Spirit that is in Christ from God.