Baptism in Jesus Name |
There is a controversy among some Christians over the method of baptism and even if it is really necessary. Mark 16:16 states "He that believeth and is baprized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned". So, is baptism necessary? I believe so. The next question is, if bapttism is necessary how are we to be baptized? Matthew 28:19 says, "Go ye therefore into all the world, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the "name" of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost". Note that name is singular, which means there is just one name to used in baptism. This name of Jesus has been used in all baptisms recorded in the Book of Acts. It was first revealed on the Day of Pentecost when the Apostles were in the Upper Room and the Holy Ghost fell and they began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave the utterance. This was noised abroad and people began to gather to learn what was going on. When they questioned it, Peter stood up and began to preach about Jesus and that the Jews had crucified their Messiah. (Acts 2:14-36) The Bible says they were pricked in their hearts and asked what they must do to be saved. Again Peter answered them, "Repent and be baptized everyone 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) There were three thousand baptized that day. (Acts 2:41) Note that "name" is again singular, so if you remember what you learned in English class, baptism is in Jesus Name. Also notice that this was not just for that time period, as some teach. In Acts 2:39 Peter says " For the promise is for you, and your children, and to all that are afar off" (that's us). If you would like to learn more about this or to be baptized in Jesus Name, you can find a United Pentecost Church online or in the telephone book, or visit the website, United Pentecostal Church International. |