Joel 2:30 "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 31The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. 32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD has said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call."
Baptism - Or "Why Do We Baptize?"
There are 2 kinds of Baptisms taught in the Scriptures as necessary for our salvation. There is Water Baptism and there is Holy Spirit Baptism. It is very clear if anyone reads the 4 gospels and the book of Acts recorded by Luke that these Baptisms were the trademarks of the Born Again requirement that Jesus taught in John 3:5 "Except a man be born of WATER and of the SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God,"
Similarly on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, about 3000 people repented and were Water Baptized in the name of Jesus Christ in obedience to Peter's preaching. Some were also filled or Spirit Baptized with the Holy Spirit that same day, and then we see the same message being preached by the disciples as their starting point throughout Acts ["Acts of the Apostles"]. Every church mentioned in the book of Acts and throughout the scriptures was established in this manner. [see last part of article for examples]
Afterwards, the epistles were written to established congregations who were already water baptized. Paul told the Romans, the Corinthians, and the Galatians that they were buried with Jesus Christ in baptism into His death.
Romans 6:3 (NKJV) "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." [Newness of life results from the fruit of repentance - a turning away from sin - evidenced by walking in the Spirit of Christ - which is the new birth. This shows that salvation is a process, not just a quick one-time prayer]
A very famous interaction occurred between Jesus and Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a spiritual teacher of Israel —who at the time had no knowledge of Jesus' gospel. But what did Jesus tell him?
"Except a man be born of WATER and of the SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God,"
Yes the same message Peter preached on Pentecost and to the Romans (house of Cornelius) is the same message that John the Baptist preached— water baptism for repentance & obedience on man's part, and Holy Spirit baptism on God's part for regeneration power and Kingdom authority! John said he baptized with water for repentance and Jesus would baptize with the Spirit. Some have said that the water Jesus spoke about was the womb of the mother, but every person is already born of the womb, so how would that be a requirement to enter God's Kingdom? Next, just supposing being a person is all that Jesus meant - it did not replace the many undeniable examples of water baptisms that were taught, commanded, and took place as a requirement of faith, repentance, and obedience. Willing believers --from John the Baptist's gospel of repentance and belief in the coming Messiah, to Jesus' gospel of repentance, salvation and faith were all water baptized. And then again from the Apostle's gospel of salvation by faith, repentance and receiving the Spirit to the early church and now to modern times where the believers are still baptized in water. Why? Because when we read God's word, the scriptures both show and tell us that it is required. Water baptism is not merely a tradition or a ritual --It is a commandment of God!
In the natural water represents outward cleansing, but spiritually it often refers to the message of the gospel and the cleansing power of God's word, even as Jesus told his disciples that they were clean by the word that Jesus spoke to them and Paul said the washing of water cleans us by the word of God. Jesus said if we would drink the water He has it would eventually spring up into everlasting life.
Ephesians 5:26 That He might sanctify and cleanse it [the Church] with the washing of water by the word,
John 15:3 "Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you."
Acts 22:16 "Now why do you wait? Arise, be [water] baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord."
Water Baptism itself is an outward public witness of an inward washing by the word of God. Those that refuse to be water baptized are rejecting the Word of GOD and the testimony God has given by His ministers...the prophets, the apostles, pastors (shepherds), evangelists and teachers. [Jesus Himself demonstrated all these 5 fold ministries] Baptism is the also only ceremony where a person publicly acknowledges their acceptance of Jesus as the only name (the only gospel too!) given to men whereby they must be saved.
Salvation is a partnership between us and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ which requires something on our part and something on God's part. God doesn't save anyone who doesn't want to be saved. But He is longsuffering—2Peter 2:3 (NKJV) 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." Jesus said unless we repent we will perish. That is why He went to the cross —that His sacrifice for us might motivate us to repentance! Repentance is symbolized by obedience through water baptism! We receive and take on the Name of the Lord through water baptism also!
The word "baptize" means to fully immerse and that is what they did, they did not just sprinkle with a few drops of water like is now taught in some religions. John baptized repentant believers in the Jordan river and in Aenon "where there was much water" until the time when he was taken prisoner by Herod. John even scolded the ones who showed up but were not repentant, so it is important that we do not just go through the motions of water baptism but that we are truly repentant for our sins People turned up in droves to be water baptized by John.
Matthew 3:5 "People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region around the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River."
The scriptures teach that John the Baptist commanded water baptism to demonstrate repentance from sin, not that John had thought this idea up all by himself, but was sent and commissioned by God Himself to baptize His people and prepare them for the coming of Jesus. Jesus said John the Baptist was the "Elijah who was to come!"as prophesied by Malachi. The Gospel of John the Apostle says this:
John 1:6 "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light."
Lets study Mark's account courtesy of the "Berean Study Bible".
The Mission of John the Baptist — Mark 1:1-15
Mark 1:1 This is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.”
3“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” [so God had clearly sent John to Water Baptize people so they will be prepared to receive Jesus]
4John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5People went out to him from all of Jerusalem and the countryside of Judea. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. [here they are water baptized confessing to God that they are sinners but are repenting (turning away from sin)].
6John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 7And he began to proclaim: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
[here John says that men can only Water Baptize, but that Jesus is able to BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT which He begins to do in Acts 2. Note that in the 4 gospels - that Jesus and His disciples still also Water Baptize, even though Jesus has received the Holy Spirit (without measure). Later in the Great Commission, Jesus commands Water Baptism which is what they/we can do as our part of teaching (and receiving) the gospel to the world, and Jesus will do His part - which is to Holy Spirit baptize them as taught and demonstrated in Acts including the Romans in Cornelius' house - which we will look at shortly]
The Baptism of Jesus
9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens breaking open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. 11And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” [here Jesus Himself is Water Baptized and sets the example for all mankind to be Water Baptized - if they are His disciples. Notice that after Jesus is water baptized, He becomes Spirit baptized as the Spirit descends upon Him -thus demonstrating the 2 baptisms!]
John was reluctant to baptize Jesus, but Jesus being fully human (& fully God as the WORD) tells John that water baptism is a righteous requirement of God in Matthew 3:13 "Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. " [So Jesus Himself declares that Water Baptism is necessary to fulfill the righteous requirement of God and He submits Himself to water baptism in obedience to the plan of God.]
The Temptation of Jesus [continuing in Mark chapter 1]
12"At once the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness, 13and He was there for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels ministered to Him. " [again the Holy Spirit baptism demonstrated]
Jesus Preaches in Galilee
14After the arrest of John, Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God. 15“The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”
[so now that Jesus has been both Water and Spirit baptized, He begins His ministry right where John finished his, preaching Repentance and Water Baptism!]
Jesus Earthly Ministry:
Jesus began His ministry right after He was baptized in the river of Jordan by John the Baptist. He is already teaching us by His example of fasting and obedience after being driven by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness and overcoming the tempting by Satan. The impact of His message was noticed immediately by the chief priests and one of the rulers Nicodemus came to see Jesus during the night when he would not be noticed by his peers. We read in John 3...
John 3:3 (5)"Except a man be born of WATER and of the SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God," — This was the first doctrinal teaching that Jesus stated in His ministry. Then shortly after speaking with Nicodemus we read a few verses later that John's disciples are reporting to John the Baptist—that Jesus is now also water baptizing "all" believers.
John 3:22-26 (NKJV) "After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea; and there He tarried with them, and baptized. [so now we see that Jesus and His disciples are also water baptizing believers] 23. And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. [plus John the Baptist is also still baptizing] 24. For John was not yet cast into prison. 25. Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. 26. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, He that was with you beyond Jordan, to whom you bear witness, behold, the same baptizes, and all men come to Him.” [and here witnesses confirm that John and Jesus (disciples) are both water baptizing believers]
Jesus demonstrated that everyone is to be Water and Spirit baptized.
So when Jesus began His ministry, with His disciples they began with the same preaching as John the Baptist - "Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand" and they too baptized believers in water. The Scriptures show that Jesus Himself was water baptized in order to fulfill all righteousness and thereby establishes the example for His disciples (and us) to do and preach the same doctrine [apostles doctrine].
The Romans receive Jesus as Lord:
In Acts we are taught that the house of Cornelius, the Roman Centurion, received the Holy Spirit Baptism first, but then were immediately also required to be Water Baptized by Apostle Peter- clearly demonstrating the two baptisms that Jesus required and commanded. In fact, God wanted to save Cornelius because he was a devout man, and he sent an angel to tell Cornelius to send for Peter - and that Peter would tell Cornelius what he must do!
Acts 10:3 (NKJV) "About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!” 4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do."
Rebellious and Foolish!
Some have said (and will say) that water baptism is optional, but resisting and refusing God's commands is plain disobedience and foolishness. Some deceivers even preach against water baptism now at great personal peril to themselves and their followers! If all their followers were thieves on crosses about to die in the next minute then that might be different, but most are able bodied, and capable of choosing to be obedient or disobedient to God's commands. However that argument just shows their ignorance to the New Testament. More precisely though, the thief on the cross was saved under the old covenant of the law. After Jesus died He became the testator of the new Testament and the New Testament church started on the day of Pentecost when He built it on the Rock (according to His own prophecy and fulfilling it starting with Peters ministry in Acts 2 and includes the command of baptism)--And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it! When God tells us this is the way it is - and the way that it is going to be, He means it! Carnal or earthly people resist the commands of God because the natural (unregenerated) man thinks that God's ways are foolishness - they think they know better. The blind will follow the blind into the ditch as Jesus put it. Meanwhile others are earnestly seeking the truth trying to wade through a myriad of deception and false gospel...but if they earnestly seek...they shall find! It is all in God's Word! (read it!!) Unfortunately, many religious leaders of Jesus time never accepted John the Baptist ministry or Jesus either.
Matthew 17:12 "But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.”
1Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV) "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
God told Cornelius via His angel that Peter will tell him "what you must do" which was to listen, believe, repent, and be water baptized. Therefore Peter goes to these Romans who are Gentiles (non-Jews) with the gospel message and while he is speaking about Jesus, the Holy Ghost comes upon all the Romans at Cornelius house. This indicates to us that Holy Spirit baptism confirms and bears witness (certifies) that the words that Peter is preaching [about Jesus Christ and the Name of Jesus Christ] and being received- are God's words - and Jesus confirms this by sealing them with Holy Spirit promised in Joel and in Acts. [This is the same message Phillip preached in Samaria where people there were also baptized.] The Spirit, the Water, and the Blood are in agreement and these three testify as one in saving the believer.
1John 5:8 "And there are three that bear witness on earth, the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree in one. 9If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he has testified of his Son." [Amen! There is salvation in Jesus available for us in believing and obeying His gospel.]
Cornelius relates how he was told to send for (Simon)Peter:
Acts 10:32 (NKJV) "Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”
Preaching to Cornelius’ Household
34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”
The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. [this is still how it happens today! Millions and millions have received the Holy Spirit exactly like this -evidenced by speaking in tongues and praising God]
Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
Although these believers received the Holy Spirit first, the new converts to Jesus Christ were/are still commanded to be water baptized in the Lord's name. Cornelius recognized that Peters words were the commands of God, just as teh angel said. Words and commands that would result in their salvation if believed and obeyed. Essentially these commands were/are are the LORD's commands in the same way the Holy Ghost spoke through Peter at Pentecost saying:
Acts 2:36 (NKJV) “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:41"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls,". [see in v 37 - they were Crushed! Convicted! Repentant! And asked "How can we make it Right?"]
Here the Scriptures testify that 3000 people believed, repented, and obeyed Apostle Peter - so they were water baptized on the day of Pentecost in the name of Jesus. These 3000 water baptisms are in addition to the 120 who Jesus already had baptized in the upper room with the Holy Spirit! This is in complete agreement with Jesus's Great Commission given in Luke! He told them to wait in Jerusalem until He Baptized them with the Holy Spirit - just like John the Baptist prophesied that Jesus would do!
Now they had the power and authority to preach the gospel just like when Jesus was living with them - because now Jesus was living on the "inside" of them by His Spirit. (read and study the Gospel of John prayerfully and you will understand this).
Luke 24:45-49 (KJV)
45 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.[water baptism and Holy Ghost Baptism preaching began in Jerusalem in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost which was the fulfilment of this Great Commission]
48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry you in the city of Jerusalem, until you be endued with power from on high. [Holy Spirit baptism]
Water Baptism in the name of Jesus is the BURIAL of a person who has DIED TO SIN by REPENTANCE. While SPIRIT BAPTISM [receiving the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues (study 1Cor. 12 & 14)] is the RESURRECTION of a man who has DIED TO SIN and been filled with the ETERNAL LIFE OF GOD. As Paul said we are raised from baptism to walk in the newness of life. Apostle Paul compared the two baptisms to the Israelites crossing the Red Sea when they were delivered out of Egypt - they had to go through-in the water and also through - in the Cloud:
1 Corinthians 10:2." Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, "
A type of SPIRIT baptism is "in the cloud" while "in the sea" is a type of WATER baptism. This was a forerunner of new testament gospel. Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism are linked together - they go hand in hand after repentance.
Death, Burial and Resurrection is the complete work of the new birth
in Christ Jesus. DEATH is accomplished by REPENTANCE. BURIAL is accomplished by WATER BAPTISM in Jesus name. RESURRECTION is accomplished by receiving the Holy Ghost speaking in other tongues.
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,"
The BLOOD of Jesus, the WATER of Baptism and the Baptism of the HOLY GHOST COMBINE as ONE WORK to save our eternal soul!
1 Peter 3:20-21. (KJER) "...in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were SAVED BY WATER. The like figure whereunto even [WATER] BAPTISM does also now save us, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh [not merely just a bath] but the answer of a clear conscience toward God."
Do we want a clear conscious towards God? Meaning do we want to obey God? Or not? We will always have free will to either obey or disobey God - for that never changes whether we are believers or not...but the Holy Spirit helps us to obey, which is why we all must become Spirit baptized.
So there we have it, from John the Baptist, to Jesus and His disciples in the 4 gospels, to the book of Acts and all the New Testament churches that were planted in all the various cities where the Apostles evangelized. We can close this article by listing the scriptures where these two baptisms go hand in hand with repentance and are confirmed as absolute gospel foundations - over and over again:
Acts 8:12
Samaria: "When they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, THEY WERE [Water] BAPTIZED, both men and women,"
Acts 8:13
SIMON THE SORCERER WATER BAPTIZED immediately upon his conversion: "Then Simon himself believed also: and when HE WAS [WATER] BAPTIZED, he continued with Philip,"
Acts 8:16-17.
THE SAMARITANS BAPTIZED IN JESUS' NAME before they received the Holy Ghost: "(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only THEY WERE [Water] BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST,"
Acts 8:36-38.
THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH demanded that Philip WATER BAPTIZE him immediately: "And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain WATER: and the eunuch said, See, HERE IS WATER; what doth hinder me to be BAPTIZED? ...and they went down both INTO THE WATER, both Philip and the eunuch; and HE BAPTIZED HIM,"
Acts 22:16, Acts 9:18
ANANIAS COMMANDS SAUL (Paul) to WASH AWAY his sins (be WATER BAPTIZED) IN THE NAME OF JESUS: "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and BE [Water] BAPTIZED, and WASH AWAY THY SINS, CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD," Acts 9:18."And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and WAS [WATER] BAPTIZED,"
Acts 16:14-15
The Philippians! LYDIA and HER HOUSEHOLD get WATER BAPTIZED immediately when she heard Paul preach the Gospel BESIDE THE RIVER in Philippi: "And a certain woman named Lydia, ...whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when SHE WAS [WATER] BAPTIZED, AND HER HOUSEHOLD ...she constrained us [to stay],"
Acts 16:33
The PHILIPPIAN JAILER and ALL HIS household get WATER BAPTIZED in the MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT when he first believed: "And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was [Water] BAPTIZED, he and all his straighway,"
Acts 18:8
ALL the believers at CORINTH get WATER BAPTIZED: "And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were [water] BAPTIZED,"
Acts 19:2-6
The believers at EPHESUS (already were baptized by John the Baptist) but get RE-BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF JESUS: "He said unto them, "Have you 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. " And he said unto them, "Unto what then were you [Water] BAPTIZED?" And they said, "Unto JOHN'S BAPTISM". 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." When they heard this, they were [Water] baptized in the name of THE LORD JESUS. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied,"
Galatians 3:27.
The GALATIANS WERE BAPTIZED "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ,"
Incidentally you will notice that in all the scriptures that there is not one occurrence given in the Bible of anyone ever being baptized using just the titles of "the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost! Nor was anyone ever even prayed for, healed, or was the gospel ever preached, etc. using these titles. The apostles understood that Jesus was the name implied by these and the many other titles of Christ. Here is an article that lists 123 titles of Christ including the "Everlasting Father", the "Mighty God", "God with us", etc.
History also tells us that the early Church always baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, or in the name of the Lord Jesus, or in the name of the Lord. It was always by full submersion into water. Whatever we do in word or in deed is to be done in Jesus name just as the apostles commanded, taught, and demonstrated time and time again. Jesus is the name of the Everlasting Father, The Son of God/Man, and the Spirit of Christ. Our lengthy article "What is Trinity" shows why some baptize differently than the disciples, apostles, and early church did.
The word of God is freely available in the scriptures; written by inspiration of God.
Isaiah 55:1 "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price."
There are 2 kinds of Baptisms taught in the Scriptures as necessary for our salvation. There is Water Baptism and there is Holy Spirit Baptism. It is very clear if anyone reads the 4 gospels and the book of Acts recorded by Luke that these Baptisms were the trademarks of the Born Again requirement that Jesus taught in John 3:5 "Except a man be born of WATER and of the SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God,"
Similarly on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2, about 3000 people repented and were Water Baptized in the name of Jesus Christ in obedience to Peter's preaching. Some were also filled or Spirit Baptized with the Holy Spirit that same day, and then we see the same message being preached by the disciples as their starting point throughout Acts ["Acts of the Apostles"]. Every church mentioned in the book of Acts and throughout the scriptures was established in this manner. [see last part of article for examples]
Afterwards, the epistles were written to established congregations who were already water baptized. Paul told the Romans, the Corinthians, and the Galatians that they were buried with Jesus Christ in baptism into His death.
Romans 6:3 (NKJV) "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." [Newness of life results from the fruit of repentance - a turning away from sin - evidenced by walking in the Spirit of Christ - which is the new birth. This shows that salvation is a process, not just a quick one-time prayer]
A very famous interaction occurred between Jesus and Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a spiritual teacher of Israel —who at the time had no knowledge of Jesus' gospel. But what did Jesus tell him?
"Except a man be born of WATER and of the SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God,"
Yes the same message Peter preached on Pentecost and to the Romans (house of Cornelius) is the same message that John the Baptist preached— water baptism for repentance & obedience on man's part, and Holy Spirit baptism on God's part for regeneration power and Kingdom authority! John said he baptized with water for repentance and Jesus would baptize with the Spirit. Some have said that the water Jesus spoke about was the womb of the mother, but every person is already born of the womb, so how would that be a requirement to enter God's Kingdom? Next, just supposing being a person is all that Jesus meant - it did not replace the many undeniable examples of water baptisms that were taught, commanded, and took place as a requirement of faith, repentance, and obedience. Willing believers --from John the Baptist's gospel of repentance and belief in the coming Messiah, to Jesus' gospel of repentance, salvation and faith were all water baptized. And then again from the Apostle's gospel of salvation by faith, repentance and receiving the Spirit to the early church and now to modern times where the believers are still baptized in water. Why? Because when we read God's word, the scriptures both show and tell us that it is required. Water baptism is not merely a tradition or a ritual --It is a commandment of God!
In the natural water represents outward cleansing, but spiritually it often refers to the message of the gospel and the cleansing power of God's word, even as Jesus told his disciples that they were clean by the word that Jesus spoke to them and Paul said the washing of water cleans us by the word of God. Jesus said if we would drink the water He has it would eventually spring up into everlasting life.
Ephesians 5:26 That He might sanctify and cleanse it [the Church] with the washing of water by the word,
John 15:3 "Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you."
Acts 22:16 "Now why do you wait? Arise, be [water] baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord."
Water Baptism itself is an outward public witness of an inward washing by the word of God. Those that refuse to be water baptized are rejecting the Word of GOD and the testimony God has given by His ministers...the prophets, the apostles, pastors (shepherds), evangelists and teachers. [Jesus Himself demonstrated all these 5 fold ministries] Baptism is the also only ceremony where a person publicly acknowledges their acceptance of Jesus as the only name (the only gospel too!) given to men whereby they must be saved.
Salvation is a partnership between us and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ which requires something on our part and something on God's part. God doesn't save anyone who doesn't want to be saved. But He is longsuffering—2Peter 2:3 (NKJV) 9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." Jesus said unless we repent we will perish. That is why He went to the cross —that His sacrifice for us might motivate us to repentance! Repentance is symbolized by obedience through water baptism! We receive and take on the Name of the Lord through water baptism also!
The word "baptize" means to fully immerse and that is what they did, they did not just sprinkle with a few drops of water like is now taught in some religions. John baptized repentant believers in the Jordan river and in Aenon "where there was much water" until the time when he was taken prisoner by Herod. John even scolded the ones who showed up but were not repentant, so it is important that we do not just go through the motions of water baptism but that we are truly repentant for our sins People turned up in droves to be water baptized by John.
Matthew 3:5 "People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region around the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River."
The scriptures teach that John the Baptist commanded water baptism to demonstrate repentance from sin, not that John had thought this idea up all by himself, but was sent and commissioned by God Himself to baptize His people and prepare them for the coming of Jesus. Jesus said John the Baptist was the "Elijah who was to come!"as prophesied by Malachi. The Gospel of John the Apostle says this:
John 1:6 "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light."
Lets study Mark's account courtesy of the "Berean Study Bible".
The Mission of John the Baptist — Mark 1:1-15
Mark 1:1 This is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way.”
3“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’” [so God had clearly sent John to Water Baptize people so they will be prepared to receive Jesus]
4John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5People went out to him from all of Jerusalem and the countryside of Judea. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. [here they are water baptized confessing to God that they are sinners but are repenting (turning away from sin)].
6John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 7And he began to proclaim: “After me will come One more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I baptize you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
[here John says that men can only Water Baptize, but that Jesus is able to BAPTIZE WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT which He begins to do in Acts 2. Note that in the 4 gospels - that Jesus and His disciples still also Water Baptize, even though Jesus has received the Holy Spirit (without measure). Later in the Great Commission, Jesus commands Water Baptism which is what they/we can do as our part of teaching (and receiving) the gospel to the world, and Jesus will do His part - which is to Holy Spirit baptize them as taught and demonstrated in Acts including the Romans in Cornelius' house - which we will look at shortly]
The Baptism of Jesus
9In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens breaking open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. 11And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.” [here Jesus Himself is Water Baptized and sets the example for all mankind to be Water Baptized - if they are His disciples. Notice that after Jesus is water baptized, He becomes Spirit baptized as the Spirit descends upon Him -thus demonstrating the 2 baptisms!]
John was reluctant to baptize Jesus, but Jesus being fully human (& fully God as the WORD) tells John that water baptism is a righteous requirement of God in Matthew 3:13 "Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”15 But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. " [So Jesus Himself declares that Water Baptism is necessary to fulfill the righteous requirement of God and He submits Himself to water baptism in obedience to the plan of God.]
The Temptation of Jesus [continuing in Mark chapter 1]
12"At once the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness, 13and He was there for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels ministered to Him. " [again the Holy Spirit baptism demonstrated]
Jesus Preaches in Galilee
14After the arrest of John, Jesus went into Galilee and proclaimed the gospel of God. 15“The time is fulfilled,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!”
[so now that Jesus has been both Water and Spirit baptized, He begins His ministry right where John finished his, preaching Repentance and Water Baptism!]
Jesus Earthly Ministry:
Jesus began His ministry right after He was baptized in the river of Jordan by John the Baptist. He is already teaching us by His example of fasting and obedience after being driven by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness and overcoming the tempting by Satan. The impact of His message was noticed immediately by the chief priests and one of the rulers Nicodemus came to see Jesus during the night when he would not be noticed by his peers. We read in John 3...
John 3:3 (5)"Except a man be born of WATER and of the SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God," — This was the first doctrinal teaching that Jesus stated in His ministry. Then shortly after speaking with Nicodemus we read a few verses later that John's disciples are reporting to John the Baptist—that Jesus is now also water baptizing "all" believers.
John 3:22-26 (NKJV) "After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea; and there He tarried with them, and baptized. [so now we see that Jesus and His disciples are also water baptizing believers] 23. And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. [plus John the Baptist is also still baptizing] 24. For John was not yet cast into prison. 25. Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. 26. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, He that was with you beyond Jordan, to whom you bear witness, behold, the same baptizes, and all men come to Him.” [and here witnesses confirm that John and Jesus (disciples) are both water baptizing believers]
Jesus demonstrated that everyone is to be Water and Spirit baptized.
So when Jesus began His ministry, with His disciples they began with the same preaching as John the Baptist - "Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand" and they too baptized believers in water. The Scriptures show that Jesus Himself was water baptized in order to fulfill all righteousness and thereby establishes the example for His disciples (and us) to do and preach the same doctrine [apostles doctrine].
The Romans receive Jesus as Lord:
In Acts we are taught that the house of Cornelius, the Roman Centurion, received the Holy Spirit Baptism first, but then were immediately also required to be Water Baptized by Apostle Peter- clearly demonstrating the two baptisms that Jesus required and commanded. In fact, God wanted to save Cornelius because he was a devout man, and he sent an angel to tell Cornelius to send for Peter - and that Peter would tell Cornelius what he must do!
Acts 10:3 (NKJV) "About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!” 4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do."
Rebellious and Foolish!
Some have said (and will say) that water baptism is optional, but resisting and refusing God's commands is plain disobedience and foolishness. Some deceivers even preach against water baptism now at great personal peril to themselves and their followers! If all their followers were thieves on crosses about to die in the next minute then that might be different, but most are able bodied, and capable of choosing to be obedient or disobedient to God's commands. However that argument just shows their ignorance to the New Testament. More precisely though, the thief on the cross was saved under the old covenant of the law. After Jesus died He became the testator of the new Testament and the New Testament church started on the day of Pentecost when He built it on the Rock (according to His own prophecy and fulfilling it starting with Peters ministry in Acts 2 and includes the command of baptism)--And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it! When God tells us this is the way it is - and the way that it is going to be, He means it! Carnal or earthly people resist the commands of God because the natural (unregenerated) man thinks that God's ways are foolishness - they think they know better. The blind will follow the blind into the ditch as Jesus put it. Meanwhile others are earnestly seeking the truth trying to wade through a myriad of deception and false gospel...but if they earnestly seek...they shall find! It is all in God's Word! (read it!!) Unfortunately, many religious leaders of Jesus time never accepted John the Baptist ministry or Jesus either.
Matthew 17:12 "But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.”
1Corinthians 2:14 (NKJV) "But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
God told Cornelius via His angel that Peter will tell him "what you must do" which was to listen, believe, repent, and be water baptized. Therefore Peter goes to these Romans who are Gentiles (non-Jews) with the gospel message and while he is speaking about Jesus, the Holy Ghost comes upon all the Romans at Cornelius house. This indicates to us that Holy Spirit baptism confirms and bears witness (certifies) that the words that Peter is preaching [about Jesus Christ and the Name of Jesus Christ] and being received- are God's words - and Jesus confirms this by sealing them with Holy Spirit promised in Joel and in Acts. [This is the same message Phillip preached in Samaria where people there were also baptized.] The Spirit, the Water, and the Blood are in agreement and these three testify as one in saving the believer.
1John 5:8 "And there are three that bear witness on earth, the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree in one. 9If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he has testified of his Son." [Amen! There is salvation in Jesus available for us in believing and obeying His gospel.]
Cornelius relates how he was told to send for (Simon)Peter:
Acts 10:32 (NKJV) "Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 So I sent to you immediately, and you have done well to come. Now therefore, we are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God.”
Preaching to Cornelius’ Household
34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all— 37 that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. 40 Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”
The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. [this is still how it happens today! Millions and millions have received the Holy Spirit exactly like this -evidenced by speaking in tongues and praising God]
Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
Although these believers received the Holy Spirit first, the new converts to Jesus Christ were/are still commanded to be water baptized in the Lord's name. Cornelius recognized that Peters words were the commands of God, just as teh angel said. Words and commands that would result in their salvation if believed and obeyed. Essentially these commands were/are are the LORD's commands in the same way the Holy Ghost spoke through Peter at Pentecost saying:
Acts 2:36 (NKJV) “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:41"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls,". [see in v 37 - they were Crushed! Convicted! Repentant! And asked "How can we make it Right?"]
Here the Scriptures testify that 3000 people believed, repented, and obeyed Apostle Peter - so they were water baptized on the day of Pentecost in the name of Jesus. These 3000 water baptisms are in addition to the 120 who Jesus already had baptized in the upper room with the Holy Spirit! This is in complete agreement with Jesus's Great Commission given in Luke! He told them to wait in Jerusalem until He Baptized them with the Holy Spirit - just like John the Baptist prophesied that Jesus would do!
Now they had the power and authority to preach the gospel just like when Jesus was living with them - because now Jesus was living on the "inside" of them by His Spirit. (read and study the Gospel of John prayerfully and you will understand this).
Luke 24:45-49 (KJV)
45 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.[water baptism and Holy Ghost Baptism preaching began in Jerusalem in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost which was the fulfilment of this Great Commission]
48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry you in the city of Jerusalem, until you be endued with power from on high. [Holy Spirit baptism]
Water Baptism in the name of Jesus is the BURIAL of a person who has DIED TO SIN by REPENTANCE. While SPIRIT BAPTISM [receiving the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues (study 1Cor. 12 & 14)] is the RESURRECTION of a man who has DIED TO SIN and been filled with the ETERNAL LIFE OF GOD. As Paul said we are raised from baptism to walk in the newness of life. Apostle Paul compared the two baptisms to the Israelites crossing the Red Sea when they were delivered out of Egypt - they had to go through-in the water and also through - in the Cloud:
1 Corinthians 10:2." Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, "
A type of SPIRIT baptism is "in the cloud" while "in the sea" is a type of WATER baptism. This was a forerunner of new testament gospel. Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism are linked together - they go hand in hand after repentance.
Death, Burial and Resurrection is the complete work of the new birth
in Christ Jesus. DEATH is accomplished by REPENTANCE. BURIAL is accomplished by WATER BAPTISM in Jesus name. RESURRECTION is accomplished by receiving the Holy Ghost speaking in other tongues.
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,"
The BLOOD of Jesus, the WATER of Baptism and the Baptism of the HOLY GHOST COMBINE as ONE WORK to save our eternal soul!
1 Peter 3:20-21. (KJER) "...in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were SAVED BY WATER. The like figure whereunto even [WATER] BAPTISM does also now save us, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh [not merely just a bath] but the answer of a clear conscience toward God."
Do we want a clear conscious towards God? Meaning do we want to obey God? Or not? We will always have free will to either obey or disobey God - for that never changes whether we are believers or not...but the Holy Spirit helps us to obey, which is why we all must become Spirit baptized.
So there we have it, from John the Baptist, to Jesus and His disciples in the 4 gospels, to the book of Acts and all the New Testament churches that were planted in all the various cities where the Apostles evangelized. We can close this article by listing the scriptures where these two baptisms go hand in hand with repentance and are confirmed as absolute gospel foundations - over and over again:
Acts 8:12
Samaria: "When they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, THEY WERE [Water] BAPTIZED, both men and women,"
Acts 8:13
SIMON THE SORCERER WATER BAPTIZED immediately upon his conversion: "Then Simon himself believed also: and when HE WAS [WATER] BAPTIZED, he continued with Philip,"
Acts 8:16-17.
THE SAMARITANS BAPTIZED IN JESUS' NAME before they received the Holy Ghost: "(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only THEY WERE [Water] BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they RECEIVED THE HOLY GHOST,"
Acts 8:36-38.
THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH demanded that Philip WATER BAPTIZE him immediately: "And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain WATER: and the eunuch said, See, HERE IS WATER; what doth hinder me to be BAPTIZED? ...and they went down both INTO THE WATER, both Philip and the eunuch; and HE BAPTIZED HIM,"
Acts 22:16, Acts 9:18
ANANIAS COMMANDS SAUL (Paul) to WASH AWAY his sins (be WATER BAPTIZED) IN THE NAME OF JESUS: "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and BE [Water] BAPTIZED, and WASH AWAY THY SINS, CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD," Acts 9:18."And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and WAS [WATER] BAPTIZED,"
Acts 16:14-15
The Philippians! LYDIA and HER HOUSEHOLD get WATER BAPTIZED immediately when she heard Paul preach the Gospel BESIDE THE RIVER in Philippi: "And a certain woman named Lydia, ...whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when SHE WAS [WATER] BAPTIZED, AND HER HOUSEHOLD ...she constrained us [to stay],"
Acts 16:33
The PHILIPPIAN JAILER and ALL HIS household get WATER BAPTIZED in the MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT when he first believed: "And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was [Water] BAPTIZED, he and all his straighway,"
Acts 18:8
ALL the believers at CORINTH get WATER BAPTIZED: "And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were [water] BAPTIZED,"
Acts 19:2-6
The believers at EPHESUS (already were baptized by John the Baptist) but get RE-BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF JESUS: "He said unto them, "Have you 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. " And he said unto them, "Unto what then were you [Water] BAPTIZED?" And they said, "Unto JOHN'S BAPTISM". 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." When they heard this, they were [Water] baptized in the name of THE LORD JESUS. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied,"
Galatians 3:27.
The GALATIANS WERE BAPTIZED "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ,"
Incidentally you will notice that in all the scriptures that there is not one occurrence given in the Bible of anyone ever being baptized using just the titles of "the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost! Nor was anyone ever even prayed for, healed, or was the gospel ever preached, etc. using these titles. The apostles understood that Jesus was the name implied by these and the many other titles of Christ. Here is an article that lists 123 titles of Christ including the "Everlasting Father", the "Mighty God", "God with us", etc.
History also tells us that the early Church always baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, or in the name of the Lord Jesus, or in the name of the Lord. It was always by full submersion into water. Whatever we do in word or in deed is to be done in Jesus name just as the apostles commanded, taught, and demonstrated time and time again. Jesus is the name of the Everlasting Father, The Son of God/Man, and the Spirit of Christ. Our lengthy article "What is Trinity" shows why some baptize differently than the disciples, apostles, and early church did.
The word of God is freely available in the scriptures; written by inspiration of God.
Isaiah 55:1 "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price."
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