Spirit of Truth and
Prophecies
21st Century Relevancy
TH
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“The Spirit of truth will guide you into ALL the TRUTH. He will tell you what is yet to come.” John 16:13; 15:26
God's Truth and Prophecies for
the present Common Era are found
in the Bible's New Testament.
CATEGORIES
Is Your BAPTISM VALID before God?
God the Father conceived the baptism preached by John the Baptist, Christ and the apostles of the 1st century, establishing its mode and purpose, which the baptizer and the baptized should understand and fulfill.
There is only “one baptism,” says the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:5. The literal one, in water: God’s baptism. His criteria define the ONLY VALID BAPTISM for him, rendering invalid any baptism that differs.
Jesus Christ was baptized in the river Jordan by John the Baptist. Matthew 3:13-17. Both men baptized others in that river, near Ae’non, “because there was much water there.” John 3:22-23. “…much water” is required to carry out the only true baptism. A few drops, a small amount poured on the head or a small container are not enough.
Valid baptism is a burial in water. “We are buried” with Christ “by baptism… planted… with him in the likeness of his death.” Romans 6:3-6
When the treasurer of Ethiopia asked the evangelist Phillip to baptize him, coming to a “certain water,” “both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. When they had come up out of the water…” Acts 8:26-40
Assuredly, the only VALID BAPTISM is by IMMERSION in WATER. Have you been immersed thus?
John the Baptist preached “the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3. Christ ordered every minister of the gospel to preach: “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved,” not omitting baptism as a requisite. Mark 16:15-16. In accordance with that commandment, on the day of Pentecost, the apostles instructed the multitude to be baptized “for the forgiveness of sins.” Acts 2:38
And Ananias exhorted Saul: “…be baptized, and wash away your sins.” Acts 22:16
And Peter wrote: “Baptism… now saves you.” 1 Peter 3:21
And Paul calls it “the washing of regeneration” (Titus 3:5), necessary to put on Christ (Galatians 3:27), to be received into the “body-church-kingdom.” 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:21
And Paul calls it “the washing of regeneration” (Titus 3:5), necessary to put on Christ (Galatians 3:27), to be received into the “body-church-kingdom.” 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 1:21
Be born “of water,” so Christ teaches, to “enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:1-6
Very definitely, the PURPOSE assigned by God to baptism is: “for the forgiveness of sins.” Do you dare contradict him? To change the divine purpose? Were you baptized “for the forgiveness of sins?” Do you have this VALID BAPTISM?
“…about three thousand souls” were baptized “that day” of Pentecost, of the year 30, not postponing baptism. Acts 2:41
“…AT ONCE” the Philippian jailer and his family were baptized, after midnight, before dawn, in waters outside their house. Acts 16:26-40
“And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins,” Ananias urges Saul. Acts 22:16
Very definitely, VALID BAPTISM is AT ONCE! Why the HURRY? Because baptism is for the FORGIVENESS of SINS!
“…make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” charges Christ, having received “all authority” (Matthew 28:18-20), and this is the ONE VALID BAPTISM. No speculative human theology about the Deity should ever invalidate it.
If your baptism is invalid, or you have never been baptized, hurry and be baptized according to “the purpose of God” (Luke 7:30). A profound, spiritual act of obedience that brings enormous blessings!
Relevant subjects
"Approaching God in Search of Pardon, Honor, Glory, and Immortality"
"On this rock I will build my church." The church Christ built.
Your evaluation of this resource for spiritual growth is important for the author. hshappley@yahoo.com