Baptism According to Matthew 28:19

Baptism According to Matthew 28:19

Cover: Bishop Sanford L. Wade baptizing his daughter Joy in Lake Erie (Cleveland, Ohio)

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Books by Dr. Bernie L. Wade I Have a Questions Series Does God Have a Name?

Baptism According to Matthew 28:19

The Next Wave – Restoration of the Charismata

I Was the Ugly Duckling

Charismata – A History of Apostolic Reformation

The Israel of God

IS CHRISTMASs CHRISTIAN?

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Baptism According to Matthew 28:19 Š1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2004, 2012 Apostolic Identity Ministries Dr. Bernie L. Wade

Figure 1 – Cover of original version of Baptism According to Matthew 28:19

Published by Truth, Liberty and Freedom Press PO. Box 72 Sulphur, KY 40070 Printed in the United States of America All Rights Reserved 4

THE WORDS OF A TRUE PREACHER ARE PONDEROUS WORDS: THEY WEIGH LIKE TONS OF BRICKS. THEY ARE EATING WORDS; THEY BURN LIKE CAUSTIC. THEY ARE SHARP WORDS; THEY CUT LIKE A SWORD OR RAZOR EDGE

E. M. BOUNDS

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DEDICATION

THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED TO MY WIFE PASTOR DAISY R. WADE. SHE IS MY BEST FRIEND, MY CLOSEST CONFIDANT, A CONSTANT ENCOURAGER TO MY LIFE AND MINSTRY.

Special thanks to Lea Bates for editing this manuscript.

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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to this study on baptism. In our continued quest to restore the Apostles doctrine to the Body of Jesus Christ we focus on the doctrine of the New Testament Church as taught by the Apostles of Jesus Christ. While men have many ideas on what they think, religion is just that – what men say that God said. However, that does not mean that it is what God said. For Christians there can only be one authority, the Word of God as recorded in the Bible.

In the 1990‟s I was blessed to write a series of books that we published as booklets as teaching tools. We published these as a series called the “I Have a Question series.

These books have found their way all around the world. Recently, my dear friend, Bishop Frank T. Bozeman asked me to revisit this particular book, “Baptism According to Matthew 28:19 for an update.

The reason for the subject of baptism is that it is necessary for salvation. We are not seeking members for a denomination or religious organization; but more members of the Body and Bride of Jesus Christ.

To some the subject of water baptism may not be confusing. These have simply obeyed the Word of God and the Commandments that Jesus Christ set forth concerning baptism. We celebrate you!

However, for many the subject of baptism is confusing. Thus, the purpose of this book is to explain New Testament baptism. WE will look at four areas:

 What is the Reason or Purpose for Baptism?  What Mode?  What Formula?  What about the Trinity?

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CHAPTER 1 WHAT IS THE REASON OR PURPOSE FOR BAPTISM?

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned (Mark 16:16)

There is a mindset that claims that Grace alone is enough and baptism is not necessary. Those who proclaim this are in error. These love to quote from Acts 16 and the Phillippian jailer. This is a wonderful passage of Scripture when used properly. Yet, many fail to consider that this man and his household followed the same formula given by Apostle Peter in Acts chapter 2. First there was belief (faith), then obedience to the commandments of God. This is the combination for salvation.

Grace plus nothing equals nothing. If Grace alone will save you then Jesus Christ shed his blood in vain. Grace is the unmerited, undeserving favor of God bestowed upon a person through the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the source of Grace! Without him there is no Grace! For by grace are ye saved through faith. God‟s grace caused Him to manifest Himself in flesh as Jesus Christ, assume human limitations, freely give Himself on Calvary and arise on the third day for our justification. To deny the plan He set for our salvation is to deny Him. To contend that you believe yet you do not obey is untrue. A believer will act upon the belief.

Baptism is essential to salvation. Although all of the teaching of Jesus Christ on believing, repenting, baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost are crystal clear. There are some who claim that water baptism is not essential for salvation. They need to remember the command for baptism comes from God not from man. The reason for baptism was answered in Apostle Peter‟s address in Acts Chapter 2. Baptism is for the remission of sin.

“And you being dead in your sins and the un-circumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses. Blotting 8

out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it his cross.” Col 2:13-14.

Controversy comes from those who support the idea that baptism is a work of man and not essential. Without remission of sins through faith there is no hope of salvation. The blood of bulls and goats would not suffice for the remission of sins by faith. They could only supply a covering. On the other hand, the blood of Jesus Christ is the power to remit and to cleanse all from their sins.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; In Acts chapter 7 we find the Scripture that has been a stumbling block for many. We have Apostle Stephen standing before the Council and he has a vision. What he saw he describes as „the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God.” (v. 55) - Those seeped in religious tradition quickly assume that this is two gods in heaven. As one minister phrased it, “when people get to heaven they expect they will see two thrones and a bird perch.”

However, there are seventeen Biblical references to „the glory of God‟ in the Bible.

All of them are referring to the manifestation of God. Jesus Christ was and is the glory of God! There are eight Biblical references to the „right hand of God‟. All of them are in the New Testament. All of these are references to Jesus Christ. The „right hand‟ is symbolism. Scripture (Matthew 28:18) tells us that ALL power in heaven and in the earth is in Jesus Christ. To continue this theme, Apostle Peter gave this instruction to the assembled multitude on the day of Pentecost” “Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:33). Here Apostle Peter is informing the Jews in particular that this power came from Almighty God. This vision of Apostle Stephen‟s that people try to explain carnally (when it should be discerned spiritually) is verification that Jesus Christ is the Mighty God! Because he proclaimed that Jesus was God, the Council in Jerusalem stoned the man of God, Apostle Stephen.

In Acts Chapter 8, Apostle Phillip went down to Samaria. Those that believed were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. In this same chapter, Apostle Phillip is caught away to meet the Eunuch, who is reading from the Prophet Isaiah. He inquired of 9

Phillip, of whom is the Prophet speaking? Phillip instructs him that it was Jesus and then he baptized the Eunuch. Acts 8:26-38.

In Acts Chapter 9, Saul of Tarsus falls to the earth, blinded by a great light from heaven. He asks this question, “Who art thou Lord?” The answer: “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

Saul, who becomes the Apostle Paul, was filled with the Holy Ghost and Baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Salvation came fully to the Gentiles in Acts Chapter 10. Cornelius, an Italian, was filled with the Holy Spirit and baptized by Apostle Paul. We already know the formula for baptism he used is in the name of Jesus Christ.

Another popular idea on conversion is the concept that the only necessary thing is to believe with the mind. This is referred to as “Easy Believism”. Yet, in Acts Chapter 16 we see that belief is only part of the answer. This answer comes fully with faith.

There were definitely actions of faith that followed believing. Scripture records that they were ALL baptized.

Apostle Paul on the upper coast of Ephesus finds some followers of John the Baptist (Acts Chapter 19). He asks them if they had received the Holy Ghost since they believed. Paul is confirming they are believers but rather than walk away he makes further inquiry. These men did not know that the Holy Ghost had been given.

Paul then asked them, “Unto what then were ye baptized?”

They replied, “Unto John‟s baptism”.

Apostle Paul then informs them that there is a greater baptism than the one that John was able to preach about. John had baptized only to repentance. He had also instructed his followers to believe on Him (singular) that should come after him, that is Christ Jesus. Notice what happened: “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 Ghost come on them; and they spake with tongues and prophesied.” These men were baptized or more correctly rebaptized in the name of Jesus! They were obvious believers as they were followers of John the Baptist. Yet, obviously, belief was not enough.

Now the question is why were they re-baptized? Was the previous baptism insufficient? Obviously it was not enough. This baptism of believing was lacking what? The Pharisees came to John the Baptist and asked him why he even bothered to baptize people? John answered them, “I baptize you with water, but 10

there standeth one among you, who ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me…”

Believing is like love, it is a doing word! You cannot love without action. You cannot believe without action. John the Baptist told his followers to believe on the one (singular, not a triumvirate or quorum) who came after him. These disciples of John who Apostle Paul finds on the upper coast of Ephesus did as he had told them.

Acts 2:41 depicts the proper attitude that we must have toward God‟s grace. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Those who want for salvation will obey God‟s word after they hear it. Without obedience there is no faith. Without faith there is no action and without action there is no salvation. Not that it is in your power to bring salvation. For, of truth, we have no power of ourselves, but only through Jesus Christ who shed his blood for us.

Today, millions have been baptized unto repentance instead of being baptized for the remission of sins. Apostle Paul saw it as so significant that he baptized those in such a situation in the name of Jesus Christ.

“Be ye doers of the word, not hearers only.” Jas 1:22 “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” Jas 2:18 “…wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” Jas 2:20 In summary, there are at least 8 reasons for baptizing in the name of Jesus Christ.  Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. Col. 3:17  Neither is there salvation in ANY other; for there is none other NAME under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12  And he said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:46-47  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be Baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your 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, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Acts 2:3839.

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 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles to take out of them a people for His Name. Acts 15:14  And in His NAME shall the Gentiles trust. Mat. 12:21  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is ABOVE EVERY NAME; that at the NAME OF JESUS, every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD to the glory of God the Father. Phil 2:9-11  These are written, that ye might believe that JESUS IS THE CHRIST, the son of God‟ and that believing ye might have life through HIS NAME. John 20:31 Every New Testament church was founded by men who were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and filled with the Holy Ghost. These men also baptized their converts in the name of Jesus Christ.  The Church at Jerusalem – 3000 baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Acts 2  The Church at Samaria – believed and was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Both men and women. Acts 8  The Church at Caesarea – Apostle Peter commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ  The Church at Philippi – Lydia and the Phillippian Jailer baptized. Acts 16  The Church at Corinth – They believed and were baptized.  The Church at Ephesus – Paul re-baptizes the disciples of John.  The Church of Galatia – Believed Paul‟s message and were baptized.  The Church at Colossi – They were buried with Christ in baptism.  The Church at Rome – they died to sin, and then were buried in baptism.

The conclusion is established by a preponderance of evidence. The Formula for baptism of the New Testament Church was not the titles of Father, Son and Holy Ghost, but in the name of Jesus Christ or Lord Jesus.

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Chapter 2

WHAT MODE? Some baptize by sprinkling, others by pouring, some spraying with a hose; others baptize by submersing three times forward, some three times backward, some dip only in rivers, lakes and moving water, others use tubs, pools and baptisteries. Some say nothing over the candidate, other just pray, still others believe that unless the name of Jesus is called over the candidate the baptism is invalid.

How then should one be baptized? Please remember that the prerequisite to baptism is repentance by faith.

Repentance is turning around or an about face; going n a new direction. The mode of baptism of the New Testament church really is no debate. Everyone in Scripture was baptized by immersion. The very word „baptize‟ comes from the Greek word „baptizo‟ which means to immerse, plunge into, dip, or bury. WE have no New Testament records of anyone using the mode of sprinkling or pouring for baptism. All were immersed.

“Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 Apostle Paul says buried in baptism. Nothing is buried or planted until it is completely covered. Seeds do not grow until they have been buried and watered. So it is in baptism.

The candidate must be completely immersed in water. John the Baptist baptized at Aenon near Salim because there was MUCH water there. If you are sprinkling you can sprinkle a multitude with a gallon or two, but to immerse you need some serious water. Jesus was baptized in the river Jordan, and straightway came up out of the water. John was not at Jordan sprinkling, he was burying them in baptism. His mode of baptism was not in question.

In Acts Chapter 8, Apostle Phillip and the Ethiopian man both went down into the water.

If our form of baptism cannot be found in the Bible then what is the origin and who has the authority to authorize such a change? The last message Jesus gave His disciples

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before ascending into heaven was to start at Jerusalem and baptize the whole world in His Name (Luke 24:47): “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His Name among all nations beginning at Jerusalem.”

Here are a few other authorities on the subject of Scriptural baptism: 1. Shaff-Herzog Religious Encyclopedia – Baptism is always a burial. The command to baptize was a command to immerse.

2. Catholic Biblical Encyclopedia – Immersion was the oldest method employed.

Buried in baptism.

3. World Book Encyclopedia – The early church practiced immersion or submerging under the water.

4. Encyclopedia of Lutheran Church – Martin Luther preferred immersion as more true to the original practice.

5. Pulpit Commentary by Imminent Scholars – Romans 6:4, “Buried in Baptism”.

This reference is to baptism by immersion.

6. Britannica Encyclopedia, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Page 365. Baptism was changed from the name of Jesus to the words Father, Son and Holy Ghost in the 2nd Century. The triune and trinity baptismal idea was not used from the beginning and up until the third century baptism in the name of Christ only was so wide spread that Pope Stephen in opposition to St. Cyprian said that baptism in the name of Christ was valid. However Catholic missionaries who omitted one or more of the person of the Trinity when they did baptisms were anathematized by as by the Roman Church. Now the formula of Rome is I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Nearly all Christian sects and denominations have adopted this Roman Catholic version.

7. Canney Encyclopedia of Religion, page 53 – The early Church baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus until the development of the Trinity, afterward they were baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

8. Hastings Encyclopedia of Religion, Volume 2 – Christian baptism was administered using the words, “in the name of Jesus.” Page 377.

9. Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 2, Page 263. Here the authors acknowledge that the baptismal formula was changed by their church. The Athanasius Creed: Whosoever will be saved before all things it is necessary that he hold the Catholic faith. Which faith, except everyone do keep the whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly, for alike we are compelled by the Christian verify to acknowledge every person by himself to be God and Lord. So there is one Father, not three Fathers, One Son, not three Sons, One Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts, and in this trinity none is before or after the other, none is less or greater than another, but the whole three persons are co-eternal 14

together and co-equal. He therefore that will be saved must thus think of the Trinity. In the Scripture there is, as to yet, no single term by which the three divine personas are denoted together.

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

10. Hastings Dictionary of the Bible, page 88 – it must be acknowledged that the three fold name of Matthew 28:19 does not appear to be used by the primitive church, but rather in the name of Jesus, Jesus Christ or Lord Jesus. It has been customary to trace the institution of the practice to the words of Christ in Matthew 28:19, but the authenticity of the passage has been challenged on Historical as well as textual grounds. It must be acknowledged that he formulas of the threefold name, which is here enjoined, does not appear to have been used by the primitive church, which so far as our information goes baptized „in‟ or „into‟ the Name of Jesus, or Jesus Christ, or the Lord Jesus, without any reference to the Father or the Spirit.

11. Dictionary of the Bible by Scribners, Page 241, Volume 1 – The original form of words were into the Name of Jesus or Lord Jesus. Baptism in the trinity was a later development… by the Roman Catholic Church.

12. New International Encyclopedia, Volume 22, Page 476 – Trinity Doctrine.

The Catholic faith is this; We worship one God in Trinity, but there is one person of Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost. The Glory equal – the majesty co-eternal. The doctrine is not found in Scriptures. At the time of the Reformation, the Protestant Church took over the doctrine of the Trinity without serious examination. Leaving more than one Catholic Pope to claim that all who embrace the Trinitarian formula for baptism are part of the Roman Church.

13. New International Standard Bible Encyclopedia – The formula for baptism.

The formula for baptism or mode which prevailed is given in Matthew 28:19 …

Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

It is curious that he words are not given in any description of Christian baptism until the time of Justin Martyr. There they are not repeated exactly but in a slightly extended form. In every account of the performance of baptism in Apostolic times, a much shorter formula is in use. On the Day of Pentecost, 3000 believers were baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ. The same formula was used at the baptism of Cornelius and those that were with him. Indeed it would appear to have been the usual one, from Paul‟s question to the Corinthians, where Paul asks them, “Were you baptized in the Name of Paul?”

No record of the Trinitarian formula can be discovered in the Acts of the Apostles. The difficulty was considered by Fathers.

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14. Johnson‟s New Universal Encyclopedia – the monotheism of the Old and New Testament is unquestionable. The Greek Church and the Eastern schism adopted or allowed the modes of baptism by pouring or sprinkling, since continued by most Protestants. This practice can be traced back certainly to the third century before which its existence is disputed. The word “Trinity‟ is not found in Scriptures, and is said to have been first used by Theophilus, Bishop of Antioch, in the second century.

15. The World Book Encyclopedia – But the doctrine of the three in one is considered to be a mystery for which there is not adequate explanation. The first authoritative statement of belief in father, Son and Holy Ghost was made by the earliest general council of churches (The Roman Catholic Church) held in Nicaea in 325 which also declared the Son to be of equal substance with the Father.

The obvious conclusion offered by this block of overwhelming evidence is that he only way we can have Scriptural redemption (salvation) is through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. The only way that the shed blood of Jesus Christ is applied to our lives is in baptism. This is not accomplished by applying some titles or a formula constructed by men through religious counsels. This is done by immersion in the NAME OF JESUS CHRIST. Without Jesus having shed His blood, there would be no redemption of sins. Without baptism in the name of Jesus Christ this redemption is never activated in our life. With baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ we have a new life, old things are passed away.

We become new creatures in Christ through baptism, redeemed by blood of the perfect sacrifice Jesus Christ!

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Chapter 3

WHAT FORMULA? Why do ye transgress the commandment of God by your TRADITION? (Matt.15:3) The confusion in the formula of baptism among churches today primarily comes from the belief that when Matthew spoke in 28:19, he was referring to a baptismal formula that embraced the Roman Catholic invention of the Trinity. From this conclusion arises the confusion of many. In the Pentecostal movement it has been the source of division and schism. Let us fairly examine this subject and determine exactly what Scripture records. The book of Matthew, according to scholars, was written between 65 and 70 AD. Until that time no historian has ever questioned that everyone baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ as witnessed in Acts Chapters 2, 8, 10, and 19. In fact, there are no theologians that question that this was the formula of the Apostles and the New Testament Church till at least the third century.

This original baptismal formula prior to the third century was the one all of the Apostles used and the one that Scripture records multiple places but first on the day of Pentecost (See Acts Chapter 2). In that account, 120 believers who were gathered in Jerusalem were the recipients of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Among them were eleven of the original 12 Apostles, Mary the Mother of Jesus, and other notables of the New Testament Church. These being full of the Holy Ghost caused quite a commotion in the city of Jerusalem. The commotion was such that those who observed them commented that they acted drunk. Then, Apostle Peter stood up and explained the way more clearly to them and as a result; they were pricked in their hearts. This indicates that conviction from the Holy Spirit fell upon them. In response they asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

So here we have a question. Those assembled in Jerusalem who had been observing the commotion made by these folks who received the Holy Spirit had subsequently heard the first New Testament sermon or message and responded by asking how they could also participate in this life changing experience. Apostle Peter quickly gives the answer. “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 Ghost. For this promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” Acts 2:38-29 17

This is a marvelous and simple solution making salvation attainable to all. The formula given is as simple as A, B, C. A. Repent of your sins B. Be Baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ C. Receive the Holy Spirit For Mankind, burdened by sin, this simple formula is a welcome relief; such a relief that that three thousand people responded to this first „altar call‟. All the Glory and Honor belongs to Jesus!

In spite of the fact that there is no record of any disharmony on this glorious day, some contend that even though Matthew and Peter were both in attendance at these events that they disagreed on the baptismal formula. Some claim that Peter had one formula for baptism and Matthew another. Think about that for a moment. It would never work.

The 3000 converts would have been confused. Who can prepare for battle if the trumpet gives and uncertain sound? If that had been the case we would have seen a schism in the New Testament Church on its first day.

The answer is simple, Apostle Peter gave a command in Apostolic Authority and they followed it to the letter. Apostle Peter commanded them and their children and all that would ever hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

He did not make exceptions or allowances. He did not authorize church counsels of denominations or organizations to change his message.

If, as some propose, Matthew had offered a different baptism would not some have asked why their baptism was different? It must be noted that there was no question raised on the subject. Further, no historical or Biblical account supports such a notion.

Since the claim of many is that Matthew preached another formula let us examine what Matthew tells followers of Jesus Christ to do on this subject. In Matthew 28:19 (the title of our study), Matthew quotes Jesus as saying this: “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.”

The first part of this commandment is known as the Great Commission. This is centered on the commandment to followers of Jesus Christ to evangelize the world: “Go ye therefore”. The second part deals with teaching those who believe and are converted or candidates for conversion, “And teach all nation”. The third part deals with baptism, “baptizing them”. Let us make sure we do not throw the baby out with the bath water (or the baptismal water in this case). This verse deals with preaching to and teaching the whole world about Jesus! Once they are committed then we are to baptize them, “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”

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Here is the point of contention. Church denominations claim that this was a different formula that what Peter preached on the day of Pentecost. There is no quarrel that this message from Jesus Christ precedes the message from Apostle Peter on the Day of Pentecost. Is it possible that Peter did not hear Jesus? No, that is not possible. Is it possible that Peter disobeyed Jesus? No, that is not possible. Is it likely that Peter fully understood the instruction of Jesus Christ and because of his understanding addressed the crowd on the Day of Pentecost with basic instructions for leaving earth? Yes, it is not just likely it is what happened. There was no disagreement that everything, baptism included should be done in the name of Jesus Christ.

The instruction in Matthew 28 tells us specifically to baptize in the Fathers name, the Son‟s name and the Holy Spirit‟s name. What name is this? Does the Father have a name? We will receive little or no debate from anyone about the name of the Son. His name is clearly Jesus.

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21.

Jesus asked Apostle Peter, “Whom say ye that I am?”

Peter answered, “Thou art the Christ.”

Peter later told the assembled multitude in Acts Chapter 2, “God hath made this same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.” The reason is obvious. The disciples knew the name of Jesus Christ. Jesus wanted to be sure that they understood that he (Jesus) and the Father were one. He had just given them a lesson on the subject, but he was leaving nothing to mere chance.

Jesus said, “If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and form henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.”

You cannot make such a statement. When we see you we have not seen your Father even if you look like your father, we have not seen him. Jesus was a much different case. He was the manifestation (made clearly visible) of the Father. Jesus was trying to get his disciples to understand that He was God manifested in the flesh. He told Peter, “flesh and blood has not revealed this unto you but my Father”. He was telling him that understanding had to come from spiritual revelation not by some idea or communication of men.

And without controversy great is the mystery of Godliness; God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit There is no question as to whether the Son‟s name is Jesus. Let us then sincerely examine what is the name of the Father and the Holy Ghost. This name that Matthew 19

has told us that Jesus commanded us to baptize converts. In the Gospel of John we read: “I am come in my Father‟s name” John 5:43 Jesus certainly could have said that He represented the Father, but he is more specific by declaring that he has come in the Fathers NAME. Jesus also said, “I have manifested they NAME” and again “O, Righteous Father… I have declared unto them Thy name”. His name is revealed. It was first revealed to a young lady by an angel and repeated throughout the New Testament era. This is a name higher than any other name. A name that all will bow down to worship. His name is revealed to us as Jesus Christ. Since He came in His Father‟s name His Father must be named Jesus.

This is certainly not unusual as many fathers name their sons after them. The Son‟s name is revealed as Jesus. Is it not then reasonable that the Fathers name is Jesus, a family name revealed in Jesus Christ.

What is the name of the Holy Spirit? Jesus tells us in John 14:25: “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.”

This is not coincidence. Jesus is making it very clear that the Comforter or the Holy Spirit would come to us in His name. One could ask why not in the Father‟s name.

That is a good question, but as we have already covered, Jesus was the revealed name of the Father, thus the Father in Creation, the Son in redemption and the Holy Spirit as Comforter are all manifested in Christ Jesus! He could have said, “The Comforter, whom the Father will send in His name, yet He did not. He made it clear that the Comforter would come in the name of Jesus. This is how the Comforter or the Holy Spirit comes, by calling on the name of Jesus! It was Jesus who was seen of Angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world and received up into glory.

Apostle Peter confirms that the Comforter comes in His name. “And He shall send Jesus Christ, which was before preached unto you (Acts 3:20).” When had they heard this before? In John 14:25, “He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings; and the word which you her is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me.”

Jesus in the name of the Father (John 5:43) Jesus is the name of the Son (Matthew 1:21) Jesus is the name of the Holy Spirit (John 14:26) The Gospel of John reveals much about this Jesus: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God (John 1:1).

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Who was the Word? Well, verse 14 of this chapter will reveal the answer: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.

Who is the Word? Again, this is an area of little debate. The Word is clearly Jesus Christ. Then it should also be no debate that Jesus Christ was in the beginning; and the Word was with God. With this simple understanding we can easily conclude that Jesus is God. How? Simply: “And the Word (Jesus Christ) was God.” How could we seek for it to be any plainer to us? No one would contend that the name of the Father is „Father‟, or that the name of the Son is „Son‟. According to Hebrew 1:4, Jesus received his name by inheritance. Proving once more that His and the Father‟s name were the same. This is the most obvious since a son inherits his father‟s name.

Isaiah 9:6, which any scholar or theologian will explain to be prophecy concerning Jesus Christ, tells us that he is the mighty God, the everlasting Father. And in Philippians 2:9, we find that Jesus was given a name above every other name. What name could He have borne except that of Almighty God‟s?

Let us more carefully look at the 28th Chapter of Matthew. While much attention is given to verse 19, little or none is given to verse 18. “All power is giving unto me in heaven and in earth.” Here Jesus informs His closest friends and followers, his disciples, that he holds ALL POWER. He then exhorts them to evangelize, teach, baptize, and to do so in HIS name! The name of the three offices which He holds as the bodily representative of the fullness of the Godhead. This is how He could tell the disciples, “If you have seen me you have seen the Father.”

In verse 20 Jesus instructs and expounds on What to Teach.

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

Notice the clear command to teach them to observe “ALL” things that they have been taught. In truth, Matthew and Peter had nothing to disagree about. They were both present on the day of Pentecost. They both were involved in the baptism of some 3000 converts. They certainly did so in the „… only name given under heaven whereby we must be saved, Jesus Christ … … Neither is there salvation in any other … (Acts 4:12).‟ Those who rely on Matthew 28:19 to support the Triune Godhead baptismal formula need to look for another answer. Jesus Christ never intended for anyone to baptize with 21

someone calling over them the words, “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit”. of the reasons why this baptismal formula is un-scriptural.

Let us list some

1. Any good English student can quickly tell you that the words: “Father, Son and Holy Ghost”, are not names, they are titles. Titles or attributes of Almighty God are not names for us in salvation or redemption.

2. The Scriptures clearly declare the baptismal formula is to be in the Name (singular) of those titled. The only name offered is Jesus Christ.

3. Matthew 18:18 clearly tells us that all power is in Jesus. With this in mind, why would anyone try to be baptized in some other way and chance disobeying the One with ALL of the power?

4. While many men could use the title, “father”, what confusion would take place if several million fathers decided to start using the title father instead of their real names?! The title father would mean nothing.

5. The pagans had many gods which they gave father and son qualities, but there was only one Jesus Christ.

6. There is NO record anywhere in all of Holy Writ that anyone was baptized with the use of titles.

7. There are many references to water baptism. All of these refer to or include the name of Jesus.

8. There is no other place in all of Scripture where the Matthew formula alone is used or written like it is here. Obviously, not enough to establish a doctrine on, since the Word of God teaches that, “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”

9. The disciples were in agreement on the baptism subject.

10. In the name of Jesus means „by the authority of Jesus‟ This is a very serious subject. Apostle Paul soundly wrote, if any man preach any other Gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. (Gal. 1:9) Since the Church is the bride of Christ (Jesus) she surely will take her Husband‟s name. Jesus is not coming back after a modern bride but one that takes His name.

Baptism in the name of Jesus is the „taking on of His name‟.

Let us look at those incidents in the Bible where people were actually baptized and carefully examine each of those events. In Acts Chapter 4, we find that Apostle Peter was brought before the High Priest. The reason for this was that Apostles Peter and John were involved in the Lord‟s healing of the lame man at the gate of the temple, which was called Beautiful. The high priest, Annas, asked them a leading question. This question was on everyone‟s mind in Jerusalem.

“By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?”

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Can you imagine what would have happened if they had said in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost? That would have meant nothing, but when the Apostles said in the name of Jesus Christ – there was a name! A name they hated!

This priest and all the people understood that was not someone with a generic title who accomplished this miracle! So, the question stood, BY WHOSE POWER OR

BY WHAT AUTHORITY HAVE YE DONE THIS? Apostle Peter answered them thus, “Be it known unto you all, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. Baptism is an act of faith based on the commandment of God. When the Pharisees asked John the Baptizer (John the Baptist) about baptism and why he baptized people, he defended baptism as an act of faith on the grounds that those who heard his message were obeying God in baptism.

The book of Genesis records that Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Those who preach the modern grace doctrine believe there was nothing else needed.

However, Apostle Paul reminds us that grace without faith is nothing. Those who preach grace alone must be mystified as to why Noah actually built the ark. Let me explain: Noah built the ark because of the commandment of God. John the Baptist preached and baptized people because of the commandment of God. Noah had already found grace before he built the ark. Yet, because of the commandment of God, he built the ark. WE have also found grace by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Yet, we are baptized because of the commandment of God. Baptism is an act of FAITH, not a work of grace. Baptism is obedience to the commandment of God. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Apostle Peter wrote concerning Noah‟s salvation by water in the ark states, “The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also save us… There is no doubt, according to Scripture that there is action required on the part of the believer. If there is no action required then Noah built the ark in vain.

Baptism is burial with Jesus. “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 ye 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 unto 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.” Romans 6: 4-5.

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When you are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ you take on the family name of God. Just like when a bride is wedded, she takes on the family name of her spouse.

We are indeed the bride of Jesus Christ if we have taken His name and been buried with Him in baptism. Some are still waiting for His name to be revealed. It has been revealed! His NAME IS JESUS! Without the spiritual washing there is not remission or sin. Jesus Christ is coming back after a baptized bride that has taken on his name. He is looking for a clean and Holy people, “that he might present it to Himself (notice present it to the Father but to Himself) a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

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Chapter 4

WHAT ABOUT THE TRINITY? Thou shalt have not other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything. (Exodus 20:3-4) Many today are confused by Theologians and the edicts of men and their manmade systems and ideas. To this we must direct the believer to the words of the Apostles who said, “Though we or an angel from heaven come preaching any doctrine other than that which we have preached to you let them be accursed.” Gal 1:8 The first commandment excluded a pluralistic concept of God and prohibited being made into the likeness of anything such as idols and worship of things in heaven, earth, seasons, etc. Was this just chance? No! God does everything with a purpose and order. He made it clear that he was a jealous God. The Jewish people of the Old Testament times only worshipped ONE God. It was only when they apostatized that they worshipped a trinity of idols. Belief that there were three gods or a three headed god was not to be found in the Old Testament. This concept was not taught by any of the Old Testament Prophets, Teachers and writers of that time. The idea is not taught in the New Testament either. The idea of two or three persons in some pluralistic godhead simply did not exist in the Apostolic Age. This idea came as the New Testament Church became more and more apostate. This doctrine of multi-gods began before the flood, but was never associated with the worship of the one True God. It was always associated with paganism. The Babylonians re-birthed this heresy and then it was adopted by mystics practicing a form or Judaism called the Kabalah. It was also adopted by Gentile apostates. The Gnostics both of Judaism and Christianity embraced this pluralistic godhead and the idea of a trinity exists throughout a myriad of eastern religions. Gnostic thinkers came to the Counsel of Nicaea of the Roman Catholic Church with this confusion and it was „adopted‟ as cannon by the Roman Church.

Backed by the pagan emperor Constantine who saw religion as a way to control the people, The Counsel of Nicaea convened in 325 AD and among other things accepted 25

and confirmed the belief and teaching of Athanasius, who taught that there were multiple personalities in the Godhead, equal in power. All Protestant denominations hold this same view.

It is very significant that the first commandment is to serve ONE God and Him only.

“Hear O‟ Israel; the Lord our God is One Lord.”

The significance of this is a contrast to the pagan gods who all existed in a pantheon.

The God of Israel was different. He did not have a split personality or a plurality he was just God and beside Him there is no other. Thou shalt have no other gods before (besides) me. This Commandment remains for God‟s people today. This is a teaching that has been confirmed by the New Testament writers and cannot be refuted by use of the Scriptures falsely. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my Commandments.” This is one of His commandments.

The Catholic Church admits it created the Trinity, the idea of a triune Godhead the Pope said, “The Trinity was created by Rome”. Those who believe in a Triune God have much difficulty reconciling their ideas with Scripture. Their theologians attempt to wrest or twist Scripture to meet their dogma rather than just believing the Word of God. Those who have not been polluted by this pluralistic thinking have little difficulty understanding that God is one. Nine hundred times in the New Testament the Apostles wrote of Jesus as THE LORD. Fifty times in the Old Testament the Prophets wrote, “God is the Lord” or “the Lord is God”. Ephesians 4:5 says ONE LORD, ONE FAITH AND ONE BAPTISM. Consider this: The word Trinity is not in the Bible. 2nd person is not in the Bible. 3rd Person is not in the bible. God, the Holy Ghost is not in the Bible. The idea of a TriGod or three gods or three persons of a triune God or three rulers of a Roman Triumvirate is not in the Word of God. This idea came from paganism. The idea of Roman rulers being part of a Triumvirate of shared power was well known in Roman times. The Roman Church simply applied their pagan governmental system to heaven.

Scholars speak of God the Father. Who is their God Father of? They have Him in their Triumvirate as the Father of Jesus or the Father of the Second Person. Yet, the Bible says that the Holy Ghost is the father of Jesus!

God is a Spirit. He has no beginning, and no end. He does not co-exist with anyone.

He does not co-rule in some Roman contrived Triumvirate or Tri-Unity or Trinity He is simply God. He holds a plethora of attributes and titles but has only ever had one proper name associate with Him and that is Jesus.

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“I am the Lord, that is my name; and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.” Isa. 42:8 Of Jesus we learn, “For in Him dwelleth ALL the fullness of the Godhead bodily.

And hath given Him a Name which is above every name…” Col 2:9. One again we have this word ALL associated with Jesus. He had ALL power and He has all the Godhead. Further he has the highest name, JESUS! Who is man to make Him some co-equal ruler? By whose authority is He reduced to the status of a co-regent? Please!

Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature! The Son is the visible image of the invisible God. The Son is God‟s visible presence. He is the only “PERSON” in the Godhead. The others are not “Persons”. Jesus is the brightness of God‟s glory, and the express image of His person.

The believer need not understand the confusion of the Trinity, or the doctrine of the Trinity, as neither is Scriptural. They are but man-made ideas. The believer DOES need to believe in One God whose name and express image is Jesus Christ. The believer must be buried in baptism with Him, in His name. This is the only Name given under heaven whereby we MUST be saved. This Gospel is so simple that a fool can understand.

If you would like more information on this or any subject, write or call. WE are happy to assist you as you quest for truth and light. You may also have interest in a personal Bible Study. We are willing to come to your home and help you better understand the Scriptures and God‟s will for our lives. We are praying for you as you quest for Righteousness. Let God be true and all men be liars.

Revelations 14:1, “And I looked and lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred and forty and four thousand, having HIS FATHERS NAME written in their foreheads.”

Read by faith, hear by faith, learn by faith, act by faith, receive by faith and believe in faith. And there shall be no more curse; but the throne (notice one throne not multiple thrones) of God and the Lamb (one throne for both because they are one) shall be in it and His servants shall serve Him (not them) and they shall see His face (not their faces, God and the Holy Spirit are spirits and have no visible face) and HIS NAME (not their names) shall be in their foreheads.” (Rev. 22:3-4) In another text it says “HIS FATHERS NAME” would be in their foreheads. So what is the name in the foreheads?

If you are trying to correlate some pantheon of Gods this is confusing. However, if you

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know that Jesus is God and that there is only one God then you understand that the name in the foreheads is Jesus Christ and that is the end of the story.

SELF TEST

1. Jesus Christ gave instructions to his Apostles to baptize in His name or in the titles of co-equal regents? Which one?

2. Jesus said He would send the Comforter in what name?

3. The name of the Father is?

4. The name of the Son is?

5. The name of the Holy Ghost is?

6. Father and Son are names or titles?

7. According to the Bible who has ALL power?

8. There is only one name given under heaven whereby we must be saved. What is that name?

9. According to Scripture there is only one name by which we may obtain salvation. What is that name?

10. The idea that the baptismal formula would be titles began where?

11. Applying the blood of Jesus Christ to our lives in baptism remits what?

______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________ ______________

12. The Bible says, “Hear O‟ Israel, the Lord our God is ________ God. 13. Is the word Trinity in the bible? ______________ 14. Jesus said, He came in who‟s name? ______________ 15. Father, Son and Holy Ghost are not names, they are ______________ 16. At what name shall every knee bow? ______________ 17. The __________ ___________ changed the baptismal formula from baptism in the name of Jesus Christ during the second Century.

18. According to Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia the New Testament knows only baptism in the name of 19. Jesus Christ was _______ manifested in the flesh?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Bernie Wade has dedicated his entire life to working in ministry. As a child he helped his parents pioneer a number of church plants. As a young man he served as an evangelist, assistant pastor, pastor and more. Today, he fills his busy schedule writing, teaching, preaching and traveling around the world ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

He is a focused on the restoration or reformation of the Church to the tenets that were taught by the New Testament Church and the original Apostles of Jesus Christ. Toward this end most of his writing focuses on those essential biblical doctrines. He is committed to teaching and focusing other church leaders to return to our Biblical foundation.

He serves as President to the global ministry of International Circle of Faith (ICOF). ICOF is a global network of ministers, churches, ministries and more.

ICOF‟s global network has more than 40,000 ministers and some 20 million adherents, with representation in nearly every country in the world. For more information visit: http://www.icof.net International Circle of Faith Colleges Seminaries and Universities (ICOF CSU) is a global network of Christian schools of higher learning and represents ICOF‟s leaders collective commitment to quality Christian education.

Dr. Bernie Wade sees the current spiritual climate as another great wave of the Holy Spirit similar to the wave of the Spirit that swept the world after the Wales and Azusa Street revivals a century ago.

Bishop Daniel Joseph, Bishop Joseph Rankin and Bishop Wade with many other ministers at an ICOF Leadership Summit in Ghana West Africa.

With this wave of the Holy Spirit in mind, Dr. Wade is instructing leaders to position themselves and their followers to get ready for The Next Wave. In this light a magazine was launched appropriately called, “The Next Wave”. To learn more about The Next Wave Magazine visit: http://www.icof.net/index.php/thenextwave Welcome to The Next Wave!

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