This is the third article in a four-part series addressing the subject of salvation and what it means to “believe the Gospel”. The first article was entitled Salvation – the Gospel. The second article was entitled Repent and Believe the Gospel!
The next step on our journey to the gospel plan is water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Baptism was preached by Peter in Acts 2:38.
Acts 2:38 (KJV) – “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Total Immersion
The proper method of baptism is by total immersion. This is how we identify with the burial of Jesus Christ. The word “burial” means: to put a dead body in the earth, a tomb, etc.; to hid or cover; to immerse. The only mode of baptism that can qualify as a “burial” is total immersion.
Romans 6:4-5 (KJV) – “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:”
The English word “baptism” is derived from the Greek word “baptizo” which means to dip, to plunge, or immerse. Since water baptism is likened unto a burial, it demands complete immersion. During a burial, I’ve never seen anyone just sprinkle a small amount of dirt over a dead body. A “burial” demands total immersion. Since the “old man” has died in repentance, he, therefore, must be “buried” in water baptism.
Water Baptism – Essential
The scriptures clearly reveal that water baptism is an essential part of the salvation plan. In Acts 2:38 were are told that sins are remitted in water baptism. The dictionary meaning of remission is to cancel a debt, charge or penalty. Indeed, the gospel plan cancels our debt of sin.
Mark 16:16 (KJV) – “He that believeth and is baptized.”
Many people place a heavy emphasis on “faith” and faith alone. However, it is impossible to separate faith and baptism. Baptism is an expression of ones faith and obedience.
John 3:5-6 (KJV) – “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. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
Here in John chapter three Jesus is referring to water baptism in His Name. Water baptism is an essential part of the gospel plan of salvation often referred to as the “New Birth”. A person must be born of the water and of the Spirit in order to enter into the kingdom of God. We will discuss the baptism of the Spirit in the final article of this series.
1 Peter 3:21 (KJV) – “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:”
Baptism in Jesus Name
The scriptures are clear on the mode and method of baptism. The Acts of the Apostles, which is a history of the early church provides numerous examples of water baptism.
In Acts 2:38 three thousand believers were baptized in Jesus name.
In Acts 8:16 the Samaritans were baptized in Jesus name.
In Acts 10:38 Cornelius and his household were baptized in Jesus name.
In Acts 19:5 the men of the city of Ephesus were baptized in Jesus name.
The scriptures reveal that baptism was by total immersion in water administered in the Name of Jesus Christ. The “name” that is above all names must be called or “invoked” over the candidate for baptism.
Acts 2:38 (KJV) – “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Peter preached the first salvation message on the Day of Pentecost. He was the spokesman for the other apostle. In Matthew 16:18-19 Jesus Himself had given Peter the “keys” to the Kingdom. As Peter preached in Acts chapter two all of the Apostles were present (Acts 2:14-38). There is NO indication in scripture that they disagreed with Peter’s salvation message.
Acts 4:12 (KJV) – “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Baptism is an essential part of the plan of salvation, and the name of Jesus is the only saving name. That word “must” is a final, demand word. We “must” be baptized in the name of Jesus.
Colossians 3:17 (KJV) – “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
There are some folks who will do everything in “Jesus name” except submit to water baptism in that name. Baptism includes both “word” and “deed”.
Matthew 28:19 (KJV) – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
Matthew 28:19 has been the source of considerable confusion regarding the manner in which water baptism is to be performed. Many consider Matthew 28:19 as the proof scripture for water baptism. They might even declare that they would rather follow the commands of Jesus than the Apostles. However, please remember that there is no record in scripture of Jesus baptizing anyone. Matthew 28:19 is a command from Jesus. Jesus did not say repeat after me! His disciples carried out His command by baptizing in “Jesus name”.
Notice that the scripture points to “the name” that is singular. So we are commanded to “baptize” in one “name.” Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not names but titles. I am a “father”, someone’s “son” and someone else’s “husband”. However, I only have one name, and it is not “father”, “son” or “husband”. I certainly couldn’t sign a legal document as “father” or “son”.
So what is the “name” of the “Son” in Matthew 28:19? Well, that one’s easy. The name of the Son is Jesus. Matthew 1:21 states that “thou shalt call his name Jesus.” Well, then what’s the name of the Father? Is it “Father”? The name of the Father is Jesus because in John 5:43 the scriptures declare “I am come in may Father’s name.” What about the “Holy Ghost”? John 14:26 states “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name.” The power of salvation is in the name of Jesus. Jesus was the name of the father, son and Holy Ghost!
Luke 24:47 (KJV) – And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
This is Jesus Himself speaking in Luke chapter 24. He is giving a clear command that when repentance and remission of sins are preached it should be done in His Name. When a person repents and is water baptized in Jesus name remission of sins follows. Jesus clearly states that water baptism should be in His name. Aren’t you glad that the Lord has made away for us. He has a plan for you and me!
This was the third article in a series on the plan of salvation. The first article was entitled Salvation – the Gospel. The second article was entitled Repent and Believe the Gospel.
- The Mystery of 17 - December 23, 2023
- God’s Land Promise to Abraham – Fulfilled? - November 14, 2023
- World Without End – Amen! - February 18, 2019
Sincerely have enjoyed this new site that was found this morning. 2 articles on prophecy were outstanding. Thank you. This one on water baptism has me to offer some thoughts: The thief on the cross that got saved without water and Cornelius & his household in Acts 10 receiving the Holy Ghost without water. Peter said they got saved by words because Peter remembered what the Lord said (Acts 11:14-16). Be blessed in Jesus’ sweet name
When the thief on the cross died it was still under the Old Covenant. The New Covenant would arrive on the day of Pentecost when Peter preached the 1st salvation message. Cornelius & his household where baptized (read all of Acts 10). Read here in Acts 10:45-48 (KJV) “And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not… Read more »
James 2:7 (AMPC) Is it not they who slander and blaspheme that precious name by which you are distinguished and called [the name of Christ invoked in baptism]?
Hello Ron, what happens if someone who hasn’t given his life to Christ gets baptised by immersion because it’s part of tradition in his parents church? Does it have spiritual implications for the guy?
He would only be getting wet! Baptism must follow repentance and be in Jesus Name!
I believe very strongly in the Apostolic Faith and their doctrine. Having understood the Old Testament prophecies of the New Covenant to include the promise of the Holy Ghost in becoming God’s people. The power in becoming a child of promise as an heir of God through Christ Jesus is in the Holy Ghost. The Kingdom of God is now and is eternal through Jesus. He will deliver it to God at the end of His reign according to 1 Corinthians 15:23-28 when God shall be all in all. The reign of Christ is until all things are put under… Read more »
Richard – thank you so much for visiting our website and taking the time to comment. In partial response to your comments regarding speaking in tongues I’d like to refer you to our article on the subject:
https://www.scripturerevealed.com/the-church/tongues-sign-of-the-infilling-of-gods-spirit/
Ron I had a preacher tell me that speaking in tongues has ceased along with prophesying. He said it was no longer needed (in N.T.) as we had the Bible in its completed form. It doesn’t sound like you believe this. What scripture do you have that speaks to tongues being used presently?
I disagree with your preacher. I posted an article on the necessity of speaking in tongues on my website. It will answer your questions. BTW my entire immediate family of 6 (including myself) spoke with another tongue when God filled us with his Spirit!
I really enjoyed this read… please continue the work.