THE DOCTRINE OF BAPTISM
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“THE DOCTRINE OF BAPTISM”
Hebrews 6:13
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection;
not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead,
and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit.
I. What is Truth?
A. Pilate’s Question
John 18:3338
Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him,
Art thou the King of the Jews? 34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or
did others tell it thee of me? 35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the
chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? 36 Jesus answered, My
kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants
fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I
am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should
bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. 38 Pilate saith
unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and
saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all.
B. Jesus’ Answer
John 17:17
Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
C. The Weakness of Opinions
1. Our opinions are meaningless.
a. It has been said that “just as there are many roads which
lead to Chicago, so there are many roads which lead to Heaven.”
(1) Not so, my friend, for there is only one way to
Heaven and that’s through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 4:5
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Matthew 7:1314
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to
destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and
narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
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b. We will not be judged by what we think or believe, but by
the neverchanging
Word of God.
John 12:48
He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word
that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
(2) Paul emphatically stated that there is only ONE true
gospel.
Galatians 1:8
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that
which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
d. I pray that each of you may find the grace to accept the
truth as it is in Christ Jesus regardless of WHO or HOW MANY OTHERS preach and
teach it otherwise.
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.
e. We must not allow our tradition to stand in the way of
truth.
Matthew 15:3
But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of
God by your tradition?
f. While tradition may be comfortable, convenient, and
familiar, the Truth will Make You Free!
John 8:32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
II. Is Baptism Essential?
A. More than “an Outward Sign”
1. The first question we must seek to answer must be that of the
necessity of water baptism.
a. Must we partake of this ordinance, or is it merely “an
outward sign of an inward grace”?
b. To find the correct answers, we must look to the Word of
God.
B. The Commands of Christ
Mark 16:16
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be
damned.
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1. This verse is selfexplanatory.
a. The problem we might encounter is the way some people
seem to read it: “He that believeth and is saved should be baptized.”
John 3:35
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born
again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be
born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
5 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.
2. There is an argument today which claims that Jesus spoke of the
natural birth when He said “born of water,” and that He was not referring to water
baptism.
a. This argument won’t “hold water,” so to speak, since Jesus
made this birth an absolute prerequisite for entering the Kingdom of God.
b. In order to fully explain my refutation of this argument, let
us examine the natural birth process.
(1) Just prior to birth, the amniotic sac (“bag of
waters”) usually ruptures, resulting in a rush of water form the mother’s body. If the sac
ruptures early in labor, as frequently happens, the birth is termed a “dry birth.” Thus,
those multitudes who were born a “dry birth” have never been “born of water,” if that is
what the Lord meant. They would, therefore, be eternally excluded from God’s Kingdom
because of something that was completely out of their control. Remember, Jesus said the
waterbirth
was essential. Would a just God damn a dryborn
baby? No, no, a thousand
times, no!
(2) Jesus was not speaking of the natural birth, but
rather water baptism. “Except a man be baptized and receive the Spirit of God, he cannot
enter the Kingdom of God” was without a doubt what Jesus was telling Nicodemus.
John 19:34
But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood
and water.
3. According to I Corinthians l5:45, Jesus is “the second Adam.”
1 Corinthians 15:45
And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was
made a quickening spirit.
a. Since the first Adam was a picture of the second, let us
draw an analogy from the first Adam.
Genesis 2:2122
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And the L ORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one
of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; 22 And the rib, which the L ORD God had
taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.
(1) The first Adam’s bride came from his side while he
slept.
(2) Now let us see where the second Adam’s bride, the
church (Rev. 21:9), came from.
John 19:30
When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his
head, and gave up the ghost.
(3) John 19:30 tells us Jesus “gave up the ghost,” or
died. Thus, in a sense, He was asleep.
(4) Four Verses later, we see something coming from
His side—blood and water! From where should the bride of Christ come? According to
the analogy, from His side. We are made His bride, therefore, not only through His blood,
but we cannot exclude the water that came out simultaneously.
(5) That’s why John said “the Spirit, the WATER, and
the blood … agree in one.”
1 John 5:8
And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood:
and these three agree in one.
(6) Thus, as we learned in John 3:5, we not only must
be born of the Spirit , but we also must be born of the water!
C. The Commands of Peter
Acts 2:37
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to
the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
1. Here were men who had come to realize their sin and guilt and
called on the apostles to show them the way to salvation. “What shall we do?” was the
despairing cry of their convicted hearts.
a. Notice that at this crucial moment when men were wanting
to know God’s plan of salvation, Peter did not say, “Accept Christ as your personal
Saviour and you shall be saved.” However, Peter did give them God’s plan.
b. You see, Jesus had given Peter “the keys of the kingdom of
heaven” (Matt.16:19).
Matthew 16:19
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt
bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be
loosed in heaven.
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c. Peter knew exactly how to use those keys when he gave the
penitent multitude the plan of salvation.
Acts 2:38
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.
(1) Pay close attention to the words Peter said. He told
them to “be baptized … FOR the remission of sins”.
(2) This word “for” is translated from the Greek word
“eis,” which means “in order to,” or “in order to obtain” In light of this fact, the phrase
could correctly be read, “be baptized … in order to obtain remission of sins.” You cannot,
therefore, obtain remission of sins without baptism.
(3) There are some who would argue this interpretation
of “eis.” It is their opinion that “eis” would mean “because of,” or “because you have
obtained” remission of sins. Let us examine, however, another passage of New Testament
scripture in which the word “eis” is used exactly the same way.
Matthew 26:28
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of
sins.
(4) Here we find the same word used in the same way
in the same phrase. Thus, what it means in one, it must mean in the other as well. Did
Jesus shed His blood because the world had already obtained remission of sins? Nobody
who has any idea of the gospel scheme believes this. The idea is absurd.
(5) It is obvious that Jesus shed His blood in order that
the world might obtain remission. Therefore, in Acts 2:38, the word “for” must also mean
the same thing—“in order to obtain.”
(6) Dr. A.D. Kyriasko, a native of Greece, and at one
time a professor at the University of Athens, said, “The preposition ‘for’ in Acts 2:38
does not mean ‘because sins are remitted,’ but ‘in order that sins may be remitted.’” This
is a very damaging testimony against the opponents of the interpretation I have presented.
Acts 10:4448
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the
word. 45 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.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can
any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy
Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
2. Here we find the story of a righteous man named Cornelius, to
whose house Peter had come and to whom he had preached Jesus.
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a. While Peter was preaching, Cornelius and his household
received the Holy Ghost and spoke in tongues (verse 46), but notice that Peter
“ commanded them to be baptized.”
(1) If baptism was not essential, why did Peter
command them to be baptized when they had already received the Holy Ghost?
Evidently, baptism is essential.
1 Peter 3:2021
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the
days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved
by water. 21 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:
3. Just as Noah and his family were separated from the wicked world
by water, it is going to be the waters of baptism which will separate the family of God
today!
D. Typology
1. I also feel it is important to note that there are Old Testament types
and shadows which cast a firm ballot for the essentiality of baptism.
a. You see, God has always worked in various patterns, and
when you understand those patterns, many things become much clearer.
b. This is true with His plan of salvation. I shall prove this by
a few examples.
(1) In Genesis I, we find a world that was “without
form, and void.” Then, the Spirit moved upon the water. The result was a new and living
world.
(2) The Book of Exodus tells of the Children of Israel
in Egyptian bondage. Their only way of escape was through the Red Sea. After passing
through the water, they were free from bondage and began a new life.
(3) While they were in the Wilderness, they built a
tabernacle. The first piece of furniture one encountered when entering the court of the
tabernacle was the Brazen Altar, the place of sacrifice and death. Next, the priest had to
pass by the Brazen Laver, the place of washing and cleansing. (Ex. 30: 20, “wash with
water, that they die not.”) From there, they could enter into the tabernacle proper, in
which the Spirit of God dwelt.
(4) After wandering in the wilderness for forty years,
their only way out was to cross the Jordan. Once they had gone through the water, they
finally arrived in the Promised Land, the land of Canaan.
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(5) The real strength of these types is the fact that the
gospel message itself fits very beautifully into the pattern. Paul defines the gospel in I
Corinthians 15.
1 Corinthians 15:14
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which
also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in
memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto
you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to
the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to
the scriptures:
(a) Herein is the gospel—the death, burial, and
resurrection of Jesus Christ.
(b) The way we understand how the gospel fits
into this pattern is by using Acts 2:38 as the key. Peter said we should repent. This is the
death, the altar. Then he said to be baptized. Here we see the Red Sea, the Jordan River,
the Laver, and, according to Romans 6:4, the burial of Jesus. Finally, we have the
promise of receiving the Holy Ghost. This is a beautiful experience, typified by the new
and living world, the freedom from Egyptian bondage, the Land of Promise, the presence
of God, and the Lord’s resurrection.
(6) I would also like to point out that when Abraham
sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac, Rebekah was found at the well (Gen. 24) .The
analogy here is that the true bride of Christ will be found through the waterway!
(7) Another example is the testing of Gideon’s army.
The final test was performed at the water (Judges 7) .God’s army will be determined by
the water!
(8) Consider also the fact that baptism is the New
Testament equivalent of circumcision. Genesis 17 tells us that circumcision wan “a token
of the covenant” between God and Abraham, and that any male descendant who was not
circumcised, “that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant”
(Gen. 17:14)
Genesis 17:14
And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that
soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.
(a) Colossians gives us the New Testament
concept of circumcision.
Colossians 2:1112
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting
off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: 12 Buried with him in
baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God,
who hath raised him from the dead.
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(b) Thus, the only way to keep from breaking
the New Covenant is to be baptized according to Scripture.
2. I trust that by now every honest heart should be able to clearly see
that baptism is, in fact, essential to one’s salvation.
III. Immersion or Aspersion?
A. The Proper Mode
1. Having concluded that baptism is essential, let us now consider the
proper mode or method of baptism.
a. Should we baptize using immersion or, as is commonly
practiced among many large denominations, using aspersion (more frequently called
“sprinkling”)?
2. First, let us study the word “baptize.”
a. This word was translated (or more accurately,
transliterated) from the Greek word “baptizo.”
b. Dr. Kyriasko, the native of Greece to whom I previously
referred, explains, “The verb baptizo in the Greek language never has the meaning of to
pour or to sprinkle, but invariably that of to dip. Baptizo means immersion, not
sprinkling. This latter expression is called ratizo in Greek.”
c. Dr. Kyriasko is not alone in his interpretation, because
lexicographers universally agree that the primary meaning of “baptizo” is “to dip,” or “to
immerse.”
(1) Baptism and immersion are synonymous; to say
baptism by sprinkling is to say immersion by sprinkling, or any other absurdity of the
same nature.
3. Let us again look to scripture.
Romans 6:4
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.
Colossians 2:12
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the
operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
a. It is obviously impossible to bury a person by sprinkling or
even pouring dirt on the head of the corpse. The body has to be submerged, or at least
completely enclosed!
4. The act of baptism as recorded in scripture was ALWAYS by
immersion.
Matthew 3:16
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And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the
heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and
lighting upon him:
a. Jesus gave us the example of immersion – He “went up
straightway out of the water.”
Acts 8:3839
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. 39 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.
b. Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch followed that example of
immersion – “they went down both into the water” and “they were come up out of the
water.”
c. The references to going down into the water and coming up
out of the water definitely imply that the baptisms mentioned were done by immersion.
5. The early leaders, reformers, and church fathers spoke plainly and
explicitly on the subject of immersion.
a. Martin Luther, “Those who are baptized should be deeply
immersed.”
b. John Wesley (on Rom. 6:4), “Buried with him, alluding to
the ancient practice of baptizing by immersion.”
c. Adam Clark, “They received baptism as an emblem of
death in voluntarily going under the water.”
d. John Calvin, “The word baptize signifies to immerse, and it
is certain that the rite of immersion was observed by the ancient church”
e. Eusebius (the “father of church history”), “The first
instance on ecclesiastical record of pouring or sprinkling is that of Novatian in the year
251. He (Novatian) fell into a grievous distemper, and, it being supposed that he would
die immediately, he received baptism, being sprinkled with water on the bed whereon he
lay, if that can be termed baptism”
6. For the sake of those few who are still not convinced, I shall list
yet more references, both religious and secular.
a. A Summary of Christian History: “Sprinkling did not
become the general after the ninth century.”
b. Christianity Through the Centuries: “Immersion seems to
have been widely practiced during the first century. Baptism was normally by
immersion.”
c. Liberty Bible Commentary: “The use of baptized indicates
the form of baptism as immersion, of dipping or dunking into water.”
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d. Funk and Wagnall’s New Standard Encyclopedia: “It is
indisputable that at a very early period the ordinary mode of baptism was by immersion.”
e. The American Peoples Encyclopedia: “In the manner of
baptism there is little doubt that the original practice was immersion.”
f. The National Encyclopedia: “With the Jews the bathing of
the whole body in clear, cold water was a recognizable means of restoration from a state
of ceremonial uncleanness. According to rabbinical teachings, even before the temple,
baptism was an absolutely necessary condition to be fulfilled by each proselyte to the
Jewish faith.”
g. The Standard American Encyclopedia: “In the primitive
church the person baptized was dipped.”
h. The World Book Encyclopedia: “In early times, baptism
was by complete immersion.”
i. The Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words:
“Baptisma” – “baptism, consisting of the processes of immersion, submersion, and
emergence.”
j. No further discussion on this topic should be necessary.
IV. Unto What Then Were Ye Baptized?
A. The Importance of Formulas
1. In chemistry, an improper formula can cause disaster.
a. Take one part oxygen, mix it with two parts hydrogen. The
result is H 2 O or water.
b. Add one part carbon and the result is CH 2 O or
Formaldehyde! One molecule makes it undrinkable.
c. Remove the hydrogen and the result is CO or carbon
monoxide which could kill you!
d. If you double the oxygen, it becomes CO 2 or carbon
dioxide.
B. The Scriptural Connection
1. Inasmuch as it is extremely important what formula you use when
you are preparing chemicals, doesn’t it make sense that it is even MORE important what
formula you use when you are preparing your soul?
a. Remember, there is only ONE WAY to Heaven – God’s
way!
John 14:6
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Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the
Father, but by me.
(1) Jesus did NOT say, “I am one of many ways;”
rather, He said, “I am THE [definite article, meaning ONLY] way”
b. Since baptism is so important, we must be certain that we
use the proper formula when we are baptized.
Acts 19:16
And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the
upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 He said unto them, Have ye
received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so
much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3 And he said unto them, Unto what then
were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. 4 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. 5 When they heard this, they
were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon
them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
(a) If you had been baptized by John the Baptist,
wouldn’t you feel pretty secure about your baptism? Yet Paul required these believers to
be rebaptized!
(b) Well discover Paul’s reasoning later.
C. God’s Baptismal Formula
1. Jesus’ Command (Matthew 28:19)
Matthew 28:1819
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven
and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
a. Notice: “in the name” (SINGULAR).
b. Notice: “in the name” (NOT TITLES).
c. Notice: “in the name OF” (NOT JUST “IN THE NAME”).
This is what is called the “genitive (or possessive) case.”
(1) There is a vast difference between “the name
Father” and “the name OF the Father.” This is best illustrated in Luke 3:34, where the
genitive case is again used, speaking of Isaac as the “son of Abraham.” If the genitive
was ignored, the result would be “the son Abraham,” which would refer to Abraham as
being the son mentioned here. However, the scripture was not referring to “the son
Abraham”, “but the son OF Abraham,” or Isaac.
Luke 3:34
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Which was the son of Jacob, which was the son of Isaac, which was the son of
Abraham, which was the son of Thara, which was the son of Nachor,
(a) Just as there is a difference between “the son
Abraham,” and “the son of Abraham,” so there is a difference between “the name Father”
and the “name of the Father.” The Father has a name which must be used. Because of the
genitive case, one might well translate this verse to read, “baptizing them in the name
which belongs to the Father, and in the name which belongs to the Son, and in the name
which belongs to the Holy Ghost.”
(b) One wellknown
televangelist came out with
an article in which he dealt with the subject of water baptism. In the article, he claimed
that Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, were, in fact, names. As ridiculous as this claim is,
even if it were true, it would still not substantiate the usage of the “threefold
name” in
baptism. Jesus plainly said to baptize “in the name OF the Father, and OF the Son, and
OF the Holy Ghost.” In other words, Jesus commanded to baptize “in the Father’s name,
in the Son’s name, and in the Holy Ghost’s name.” He made it very clear that the Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost have A NAME in which we must baptize.
(c) That being true, it is imperative that we find
out what that singular name is. The following scriptures should suffice.
(2) The Name of the Father.
John 5:43
I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his
own name, him ye will receive.
(3) The Name of the Son.
Matthew 1:21
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name J ESUS : for he shall save his
people from their sins.
(4) The Name of the Holy Ghost.
John 14:26
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he
shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have
said unto you.
(5) The Family Name
Ephesians 3:15
Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
(6) The ONLY Name
Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given
among men, whereby we must be saved.
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(a) Nowhere, I repeat, nowhere in the New
Testament can you find ONE example of ANYONE being baptized using the triune
formula. It is always done in the name of Jesus!
D. Biblical Proof
1. The Actual Practice as recorded in the New Testament.
Acts 2:38
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 8:16
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the
Lord Jesus.)
Acts 10:48
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him
to tarry certain days.
Acts 19:5
When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 22:16
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on
the name of the Lord.
Colossians 3:17
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.
a. “All” includes baptism.
b. Jesus said that “repentance and remission of sins would be
preached in His name ... beginning at Jerusalem.”
Luke 24:47
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all
nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
(a) That is exactly what happened. On the day of
Pentecost, in Jerusalem, Peter preached to the convicted crowd, telling them to “repent,
and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ FOR THE REMISSION OF
SINS.” Remission comes ONLY through baptism in Jesus’ name! (See my notes on Acts
2:38.)
d. Baptism could, in one sense, be likened to a check. I could
write you a check for a large sum of money and sign it “Father, Son, and Husband,” but
you would not (could not) receive one cent until I placed my name (i.e., the name of the
one providing the remittance) on that check.
(1) The name of the payer MUST be applied before the
check is valid. So, in baptism, Jesus Christ has written us “a check” for remission of sins.
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(a) Until His name is applied, the baptism is not
valid. It is WORTHLESS! When you are baptized in the titles “Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost,” all you get is wet!
(b) Of course, some will argue that Jesus is not
“writing a check” for remission of sins through baptism. My friend, I want you to know
that if you have not been baptized in Jesus’ name, your sins have never been remitted.
B. Historical Proof
1. Earlier, I mentioned an article written by a wellknown
televangelist. In
his treatise, he stated, “The Matthew 28:19 baptismal formula is abundantly confirmed by
the earliest Christian writings while the [Acts 2:38] formula has no historical support at
all.” Either the author was mistaken, deceived, or untruthful. History is replete with proof
that baptism in Jesus’ name is the ONLY correct way to baptize.
a. The Encyclopedia Britannica, “Everywhere in the oldest
sources it is stated that baptism took place in the name of Jesus.”
b. The Westminster Dictionary of Church History, “The
Trinitarian formula did not emerge until the second century.”
c. The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, “The evidence of
Acts 2:38, 10:48 (cf. 8:16, 19:5), supported by Galatians 3:27, and Romans 6:3, suggest
that baptism in early Christianity was administered, not in the threefold
name, but in the
name of the Lord Jesus.”
d. The New International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, “No
record of the Trinitarian formula can be discovered in the Acts of the Apostles. The
baptisms recorded in the New Testament after the day of Pentecost are administered in
the name of Jesus Christ. That this formula was the established usage in the Christian
Church is proven by records of baptisms in Justin and Tertullian.”
e. The Dictionary of the New Testament, “It is maintained that
the formula at first ran in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
f. Harpers Bible Dictionary, “The Trinitarian formula was a
late addition.”
g. Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words,
“The phrase baptizing them in the name would indicate that the baptized one was closely
bound to or became the property of the one into whose name he was baptized.”
h. The Theology of the New Testament, “There is the fact that
from the very beginning, baptism undoubtedly was performed in the name of Jesus, i.e.,
with the pronouncing of the name and hence with the invocation of Jesus.”
C. Conclusion
1. Let us not be guilty of the same thing as the Pharisees.
Mark 7:9
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And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep
your own tradition.
V. Objections Answered
A. The Need for Answers
1. Before we bring this discussion to an end, let us consider some of
the objections which are often encountered by those of us who believe the truth of God’s
Holy Word concerning water baptism in Jesus’ name.
B. The Most Common Arguments
1. “The Thief on the Cross was not Baptized.”
Luke 23:3843
And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and
Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. 39 And one of the malefactors which were
hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. 40 But the other
answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same
condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but
this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when
thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day
shalt thou be with me in paradise.
1. From the very beginning of time, there have been different
“dispensations,” or time periods in which God dealt with man in a particular way. Each
dispensation has ended with judgment.
a. Adam and Eve lived during the age of Innocence. Their
dispensation ended when they were banished from Eden. Next, God dealt with man
through Conscience. Conscience ended with the flood. After Conscience was the
dispensation of Human Government. This dispensation ended with the dividing of the
languages and the dispersion of the people from Babel. Next was Promise, which ended
with the bondage of Egypt. Following Promise was Law.
b. During the dispensation of Law, the only way Moses and the
people of his day could be saved was through obedience to the law. Law ended with
God’s judgment of sin at Calvary.
c. At Pentecost, the dispensation of Grace came into being. Today,
we are saved by the grace of God, and not by the law.
d. When the thief hung on the cross, he was not living under the
dispensation of grace. The Spirit of God was not yet given because Jesus was not yet
glorified.
John 7:39
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the
Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)
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e. The salvation of the thief can in no way be compared to ours, any
more than can Moses’ salvation. Moses did not have to be baptized in Jesus’ name under
the old dispensation, and neither did the thief.
2. “The Philippian Jailer was Only told to Believe”
Acts 16:31
And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy
house.
a. It is very true that Paul answered the jailer, “Believe on the
Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved;” however, that was not ALL he said.
b. Remember that Paul was the first man to carry the gospel
into Philippi. No one there had heard about this great salvation which Jesus could bring.
c. In the jailer we find a man who could not be made to understand
the plan of salvation until he first acknowledged that Christ really was the Messiah. Paul
was saying, “If you’ll believe that Jesus was the Christ, I can explain to you how to be
saved.” Why tell a man to offer a prayer of repentance to Jesus unless he believes that
Jesus is the Christ? The first step in anyone’s salvation is to believe. That is NOT,
however, the final step.
d. If Paul meant, as some say, that in the moment the jailer believed
he became saved, there is a great problem with the remainder of that verse. Paul said,
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved AND THINE HOUSE!” If the
jailer was immediately saved upon believing, then at the same instant his entire family
became saved whether they believed or not! Paul was not guaranteeing immediate
salvation. Rather, he said, “thou SHALT be saved” (future tense). Salvation did not take
place until later.
e. To further substantiate this claim, consider verses 32 and 33.
Acts 16:3233
And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. 33 And
he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he
and all his, straightway.
(1) Evidently Paul did not just tell him to believe. When he
“spake unto him the word of the Lord,” he MUST have included baptism.
(2) Furthermore, unless Paul had told the jailer that baptism
was essential, he was a fool to risk his life taking these prisoners out of jail in the middle
of the night to perform a religious ceremony. He must have been convinced of the
absolute necessity of water baptism to engage in such a dangerous act.
3. “We are Saved by Faith and not Works”
Ephesians 2:89
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
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a. This argument is often worded, “Faith plus nothing, minus
nothing.” Both of these statements must be closely examined, however, in order to
understand the fallacious concept involved.
b. Please pay close attention to the wording of Ephesians
2:89.
We are saved by grace through faith. It is neither our works NOR our faith which
saves us. It is His grace! Our faith becomes the agent through which grace is made
available.
c. The word “faith” here, however, does not mean simple
belief. Rather, it connotes conviction — belief which motivates to action. Without
obedience, one does not have biblical faith.
d. If our works do not accompany our faith, then our “faith” is
dead.
James 2:17
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
(1) To say that salvation comes by “faith plus nothing,
minus nothing” is simply a contradiction of scriptural truth.
e. James goes on to emphatically state that we are justified by
works, just as Abraham and Rahab were.
James 2:2326
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed
unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. 24 Ye see then how that
by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise also was not Rahab the
harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out
another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead
also.
(1) In fact, please note verse 24: “Ye see then how that
by works a man is justified, and not by faith only .”
(2) Consider also what John the Beloved wrote in his
first epistle.
1 John 2:4
He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is
not in him.
(3) It is simply impossible to be saved by “faith plus
nothing, minus nothing!” For one thing, Peter plainly stated that “baptism doth also now
save us.”
1 Peter 3:21
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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:
(4) While we are on the subject of justification by
works, it is also interesting to note that 1 Corinthians 6:11 teaches that we are justified in
Jesus’ name. Evidently our works, including water baptism, must be done in His name!
1 Corinthians 6:11
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are
justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
4. “In the Name Of” actually means “by the authority of.”
a. Does “in the name of” mean “by the authority of” (as in,
“Stop in the name of the Law”)?
b. Others will argue that the phrase “in the name of” actually
means “by the authority of.” If this is true, then it sheds new light on Mark 13:56.
Mark 13:56
And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: 6 For
many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
(1) Was Jesus saying the deceivers would come by His
authority? Of course not! He did say, however, that they would come in His name.
(2) A close look at the original Greek will clear this
matter up rather well. In Acts 10:48, for example, “in the name” is εν τω ονοματι , which
should be literally translated, “with or at the mention of the name.” Another example is
Acts 2:38, where the actual rendering is επι τω ονοματι , or “when the name is
mentioned, using the name.”
5. “I’d Rather Obey Jesus than Peter”
Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Acts 2:38
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.
a. While this is a VERY common argument, people do not
understand the magnitude of their dispute. To begin with, when you obey what Peter said,
you ARE obeying Jesus! If you remember what I said about Matthew 28:19, then you
readily recognize that to baptize in the triune formula is NOT obedience to Jesus’ words.
It is merely repetition of those words.
b. Jesus said to baptize “in the name” (singular). He did not
say, “in the name s ” (plural). He made it very clear that there is only one name in which to
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baptize. When one uses the titles (not names) Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, he is simply
repeating the words of our Lord. It is not obedience.
c. To further exemplify the difference between repetition and
obedience, consider the following scenario. Suppose that the Lord spoke to me and said,
“Go preach.” I, in turn, looked at you and said, “Go preach.” It would be obvious that I
was not obeying; I would merely be repeating.
d. When Jesus said to baptize “in the name,” He did NOT
mean “repeat these titles.” He meant exactly what He said — baptize IN THE NAME!
There is only ONE NAME given to bring salvation and that name is Jesus!
Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given
among men, whereby we must be saved.
Philippians 2:910
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above
every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and
things in earth, and things under the earth;
e. When I discussed Acts 2:3738,
I noted that Peter was
given the “keys of the kingdom,” and whatsoever he “loosed on earth” would be loosed
in heaven and whatsoever he “bound on earth” would be bound in heaven.
Matthew 16:19
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt
bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be
loosed in heaven.
(1) THIS is the one who said to be baptized in Jesus’
name!
f. Consider also the fact that, according to Acts 1:13,
Matthew was present at Pentecost when Peter said what he did.
Acts 1:13
And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both
Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and
Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
(1) Why didn’t Matthew correct him and remind him of
what Jesus really said? In fact, not only did Matthew not correct Peter, but according to
Acts 2:14, Matthew stood up in agreement with Peter!
Acts 2:14
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But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men
of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my
words:
(2) The reason behind Matthew’s actions was that he
knew Peter was explaining and fulfilling what Jesus had said, not contradicting or
destroying it.
g. Will anyone dare say that the Apostles gave wrong
instructions to more than 3,000 hungry souls on the day of Pentecost? Consider what this
would imply! It would imply that the inspiration imparted to the Apostles was useless. It
would imply that Christ’s personal instruction for more than 3 years (not to mention the
final teachings for 40 days after His resurrection) was wasted. This kind of logic would
denote that the plain statement in Luke 24:45 that the Lord Himself “opened their
understanding” was a lie, and that the anointing of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost was a
farce! Such a statement charges Christ with showing less discernment in the choice of His
apostles than the average business man exhibits in the hiring of his employees. Yet this is
the very thing some people have dared to do!
Luke 24:4549
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And
said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from
the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in
his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 And ye are witnesses of these
things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city
of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
h. My friend, if you are not willing to accept the words of an
inspired Apostle, then you might as well throw away the entire New Testament. Each of
these 27 books was written by men under the same inspiration Peter was under when he
gave the baptismal formula in Acts 2:38! While you’re at it, you might as well throw
away the entire Old Testament as well, for it was written in the same fashion!
2 Peter 1:21
For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake
as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
i. Do you really think God would allow such a tremendous
mistake or contradiction in His word? EVERY ONE of the apostles baptized according to
the formula which is found in Acts 2:38. Surely you don’t think ALL the apostles were
wrong and disobeyed Jesus.
j. Jesus Himself left no written word. We depend entirely on
the word of His Apostles for the only record we have of His commandments. In fact,
Jesus said that we would believe on Him THROUGH THE WORD OF HIS APOSTLES!
John 17:20
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their
word;
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(1) Friend, we are “built upon the foundation of the
apostles and prophets.”
Ephesians 2:20
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself
being the chief corner stone;
(2) In fact, those that are spiritual recognize the
writings of the apostles as the commandments of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 14:37
If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the
things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.
(3) It is the teachings of the apostles which determine
whether we are in truth or error!
1 John 4:6
We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us.
Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
k. I feel certain that the poor soul who proudly proclaims, “I’d
rather obey Jesus than Peter” says it with good intentions. But good intentions and
sincerity cannot be substituted for truth.
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of
death.
l. I WOULD TO GOD THAT PEOPLE REALLY
WOULD WANT TO OBEY JESUS! If they did, they would be baptized by immersion in
Jesus’ name!
VI. Conclusion
A. One Faith
Ephesians 4:5
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
1. Why not obey the Bible and be baptized according to the formula
used by the apostles? After all, Paul said if anyone preaches any other gospel than what
the apostles preached, they are to be accursed.
Galatians 1:8
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that
which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
B. The Importance of Obedience
1. Why not give in to God’s infallible Word?
1 Samuel 15:2223
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And Samuel said, Hath the L ORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in
obeying the voice of the L ORD ? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken
than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as
iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the L ORD , he hath also
rejected thee from being king.
2. Jesus taught that those who genuinely love Him will keep His
commandments.
John 14:15
If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 14:23
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my
Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
a. One of those commandments is baptism in His name.
3. Allow me to close by saying that this lesson was not intended to
cause division or strife. Rather, it was written that men might be free.
John 8:32
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.