Salvation

Studies in Salvation

Water Baptism – For the Remission of Sins

Posted by on Dec 1, 2009 in Salvation

Many Churches have practiced the act of water baptism over the years. Some believe strongly that baptism is essential, while others see it as something you should do. Some believe baptism is not necessary at all, claiming that it doesn’t apply to us today. Is baptism essential? If so, how are we to be baptized? By immersion? By sprinkling? In what name? What is baptism for?

What is baptism? Water baptism is a ceremony for those that have repented of their sins. It is an immersion into water in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins. We see throughout the New Testament that we are commanded to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.

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In the Name of – a Study in Greek

Posted by on Nov 28, 2009 in Salvation

The phrase ‘in the name of’, as applied to baptism, has sparked many debates over the years. The Popular view of the baptismal formula comes from Matthew 28:19, which uses the titles Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. An argument that is used against the formula ‘in the name of Jesus’, as seen in the book of Acts, is that the phrase ‘in the name of’ means ‘by the authority of’. This study will look at the Greek words in this phrase to see what was meant when Jesus and the Apostles said “in the name of’.

One argument against baptism in the name of Jesus is that the phrase ‘in the name of Jesus’ only refers to the authority of Jesus. It is true that ‘in the name of’, and ‘in his name’, is in reference to the power and authority of Jesus (Bernard, p. 72). It is by Jesus’ authority that we use His name, because Jesus has all power.

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In the Name of Jesus

Posted by on Nov 26, 2009 in Godhead, Salvation

When God chose to manifest Himself in flesh as our savior He chose a name that would signify the essence of who He is. The name He chose would not only reveal who He was, but also what His mission on Earth was. The name Jesus means Jehovah-Savior, meaning that Jehovah is our Savior.

We are told in scripture that God would dwell with us.

Isaiah 7:14  Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Jesus is the fulfillment of this prophecy.

Matthew 1:21-23  21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.  22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,  23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

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In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost

Posted by on Nov 24, 2009 in Godhead, Salvation

Jesus gave us a command in the Great Commission to spread His gospel and to baptize. Most have misunderstood His command. Let’s examine the command of baptism in the Great Commission and compare scripture for a clearer understanding.

The command is to baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

Matthew 28:18-20  18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen

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Salvation Part 2 – Repentance, Baptism, and the Holy Ghost

Posted by on Nov 5, 2009 in Salvation

Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews that believed Jesus was sent from God. He came to see Jesus by night and Jesus told him about being born again.

John 3:3  Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus didn’t understand what Jesus meant.

John 3:4  Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

Jesus explained what he meant by being born again.

John 3:5  Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

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Salvation Part 1 – Grace, Faith, and Obedience

Posted by on Nov 3, 2009 in Salvation

Adam and Eve were created without sin. When they disobeyed God and ate of the forbidden fruit, sin entered into the world. Because of their disobedience, we are all born into sin. God’s holiness requires atonement for sin. To solve this, God provided a way to push back the wages of sin until the ultimate sacrifice could be given. God took animal sacrifices until He Himself was manifest in flesh to become the sacrifice for our sins.

We are lost without salvation, but God provides salvation by His grace.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Remission of sins requires shedding of blood.

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