Monday, May 23, 2011
Understanding the Trinity vs Three Manifestations: Proof in Romans that Jesus Christ is the one Lord ...
Understanding the Trinity vs Three Manifestations: Proof in Romans that Jesus Christ is the one Lord ...: "Romans 1:7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Ch..."
Proof in Romans that Jesus Christ is the one Lord God Almighty (1 John 5:20, Revelation 1:8)
Romans 1:7
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Translation: To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints. Grace to you and peace from God who is our Father even his manifestation as the Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:1-22
Paul is preaching to the Romans that God has shown them who he is by his revelation of Jesus Christ. They had seen God’s power and Godhead. (Colossians 1:19, 2:8-10). They knew God (Jesus Christ) but they didn’t honor nor glorify Jesus as God and they weren’t even thankful that they knew him. Note: Their hearts were darkened because they didn’t believe that Jesus was God. Therefore, they lost their understanding of the mystery. They thought they were enlightened and had wisdom about who God is; but they became fools because of their unbelief.
Today, we have become vain in our own imaginations - thinking that God is more than one through “The doctrine of the Trinity.” The doctrine of the Trinity is foreign to the three major religions, Judaism, Islam, and true Christianity. These major religions are strictly monotheistic, meaning God is one. God never said he is more than one. God is not three persons in one God. The doctrine of the Trinity is a figment of man’s imagination (Colossians 2:8-10). Study the origin of the “Trinity” in the Public Library. One can’t believe in the Trinitarian doctrine and understand how we are buried with Jesus Christ in baptism.
Romans 6:3-4
Buried with him in baptism. This is another revelation of Jesus Christ. We are buried into Jesus Christ by the baptism in Jesus name (Acts 2:38). This is extremely important because this scripture doesn’t say we are buried (baptized) with the Father, Son and Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19). Jesus Christ is all of these manifestations. We are buried with Jesus Christ through baptism in Jesus name, God’s highest name. There is no other name whereby we must be saved. The name of Jesus Christ carries the blood that was shed for the remission of our sins.
Therefore, we are to be baptized in his name. Ref: the whole book of Acts. Nobody has ever been baptized in the titles, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The apostles always used the name of the Lord in baptism because they knew the mystery of his Godhead and his true identity through revelation (Acts 19:1-5, Romans 6:3-4, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:12, Colossians 1:14-19, 2:9). The apostles also knew that the Spirit of Christ and the Spirit of God is the same Spirit that carried the name of Jesus Christ.
Romans 8:9-11
The Spirit of Christ/Spirit of God. This scripture is important. This scripture will show you that the name of the Holy Ghost is Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19). It tells us that the Spirit of God dwells in us. And then it says that if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. The Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ are written in the same verse because they are the same Spirit. Therefore;
1. The Spirit of God is - Jesus Christ
2. The Spirit of Christ is – Jesus Christ
3. The Holy Spirit is – Jesus Christ (Spirit of God/Christ which dwells in us)(One Spirit, same God - Jesus Christ).
Jesus Christ, God’s highest name, is the sure foundation. The Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ and the Holy Spirit are used interchangeable throughout the scriptures. The Spirit of Christ is God, therefore, Jesus Christ is God and the one Lord (Deuteronomy 6:4, Luke 2:11).
Verse 11. But if the Spirit of him (Spirit of God) that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, that same Spirit that raised up Christ (Spirit of God) from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit (Spirit of Christ) that dwell in you.
I’m sure you have heard of a tongue twister, well, this seems like a “reading twister.” However, if you can see that Jesus is the Holy Spirit and the Spirit of God, then you can begin to see the revelation that Jesus is that one Spirit (Spirit of Christ/God) and that Jesus is the one Lord who is God. (Deuteronomy 6:4, Revelation 1:8, 22:13).
The Holy Spirit of God, who is Jesus Christ, will raise up his own fleshly body and that same Spirit of God/Christ/Holy Ghost which dwells in our body will also quicken our bodies at the resurrection. This is the Holy Spirit of God also called the Holy Ghost or the Spirit of Christ. The Spirit of Jesus is over all.
Romans 9:5
Jesus is over all. Question? If Jesus is over all, does that mean he is over the Father? No. why? Because he is the Father (Isaiah 9:6). Jesus Christ is over all because he is also the Almighty God, Revelation 1:8, the creator of the universe, John 1:10, Colossians 1:14-19. There is no other God save our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We must know and believe that Jesus is God and our Saviour before you will understand the saving power of his Holy name. Therefore you can’t just confess with your mouth and be saved. This statement was used by born again believers only not for sinners.
Romans 10:9-13
Confess with thy mouth and be saved. This is another scripture that is true to those that believe but it is used out of context by many of the general Christian population of today. This scripture will make potential new converts think that they are saved when they are not. This is a stumblingstone for those who don’t understand that the mystery of God centers on Christ. If we as believers - believe in Christ, we won’t be ashamed when we tell you that you must believe, repent, and be baptized in Jesus name for remission of sins (Romans 9:33, Acts 2:38).
Many preachers and teachers are misguided because they don’t believe that Jesus is the only God, the promised Messiah, God in the flesh (Isaiah 9:6, John 1:14, I Timothy 3:16, Revelation 1:8). Therefore, because of their unbelief and disobedience, they will never suggest that you, a follower, repent, and get baptized in Jesus name for remission of your sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost/Spirit because they don’t understand the revelation of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:16, Acts 2:38).
Only believers, converted sinners, in the name of Jesus Christ can call on the name of the Lord and be saved. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved (Mark 16:16). If one truly believes in Jesus Christ, his death, burial and resurrection, that person would not have a problem getting baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for remission of sins (Acts 2:37-38). Jesus name is a sure foundation. If you don’t believe that Jesus name will save, then you won’t get baptized in his name.
Some preachers and teachers have a zeal for God but they don’t have the knowledge and mystery of Christ (Romans 10:2-4). They want to set up their own righteousness by using this scripture and saying that’s all you have to do to be saved (born again) is to “confess with your mouth and believe in your heart” without taking in consideration Peter’s first sermon.
Look at Peter’s first sermon, Acts 2:14-41. Peter made known that Jesus Christ is the end of the law for righteousness and he explained what we must do to be saved, if we believe in the name of Jesus Christ. There is no other name whereby we must be saved. For every one who believes; Jesus Christ is a sure foundation in all forms, whether it be in baptism, works, deeds, activities, etc. Whatever we do in word or deed, we should do it all in Jesus name (Colossians 3:17). Jesus name establishes a sure foundation (John 8:12).
Peter told us what we must do to be saved. Why would we establish our own righteousness by repeating this “statement of salvation” and telling new converts they are O.K? (Romans 10:3).
These preachers/teachers don’t know God, neither do they know that Jesus Christ, God’s highest name, is the end of the law of righteousness (Romans 10:4). If they would only believe God’s Word and search the scriptures, God will reveal these things to them (Matthew 28:18,19, John 3:5, Acts 2:37, 38). We are not ignorant of this mystery.
Roman 11:20-25
Ignorant of this mystery. Let’s explore how important it is for you to know the mystery of Christ. Paul explains to the Gentiles that they are grafted into the faith by their belief in Jesus Christ. Paul goes on to say that God will cut off unbelievers just like he cut off the natural branches (the Jews) because of their unbelief. God is good and because of his goodness, he will allow you to express your belief in him by your actions as instructed by Peter. Once you have followed God’s direction through Peter, God will restore you back into the faith.
You must believe that Christ is the Messiah, the Saviour, the oneness of God, the revelation that Jesus is God, and you must believe in the “keys” that were given to Peter and how they were used in Acts 2:37-38 to open the door to the church. If you don’t understand the mystery of who Jesus is, you will find other ways to try to be saved rather than follow the instructions given by Peter. If you don’t understand the mystery, you won’t believe that Jesus is the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (Colossians 1:19, 2:8-10). Therefore, you will try to come up another way to be saved (John 10:1). Thus you will never get baptized in Jesus name for remission of sins because of unbelief.
For example, “Confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, believe in your heart, and you will be saved.” This statement doesn’t have any indication of baptism in the name of Jesus, repentance, remission of sins, nor receiving the Holy Spirit. It doesn’t speak of the water nor the Spirit (St. John 3:5). Water and Spirit are the main tenets of salvation and the born again experience. No one can have the complete born again experience unless they repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remissions of sins (water) and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost/Spirit (Spirit) (Acts 2:28). If you take this scripture, Romans 10:9, out of context, then you don’t know nor understand the mystery of Christ nor how to be born again. Therefore, you will get lost in your own philosophy, deceit, and tradition of men, after the rudiments of this world and not after Christ. (Colossians 2:8-10). Romans 10:9 is true for believers who are going on to perfection and continuing in the faith. This is not a born again scripture for sinners. There are some scriptures that seem to contradict each other but we must understand the context and the oneness of God.
Romans 15:6
There are some scriptures that seem to contradict the oneness of God. This is one. Some verbiage is used to clarify other parts of God’s Word. For example, the Spirit is the Father of the Son. Once we have a thorough knowledge of who God is, then we can better understand the New Testament as it relates to one God.
Let me give you another example of the dual nature of God. This scripture tells us that we should have the same mind and glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The explanation of this scripture is that we should glorify the Spirit which begot the Son. The Spirit is the Father of the Son, the manifested flesh of God. Once we understand the relationship of the Spirit of God and his nature as a man, we will get a different understanding of the operations of God.
Now let’s look at it again. “We should glorify God, even the Father (Spirit) of our Lord Jesus Christ (flesh).” This is a short scripture with a powerful message. I’m always concerned when someone doesn’t believe the Word of God because God tells us through his Word that we should mark them.
Romans 16:17-27
Mark them which cause divisions and offenses. This is another powerful scripture by Paul in the congregation of many of his brethren in Christ. Paul had a serious concern that the gospel would be perverted by unbelievers who would try to change the doctrine of Christ. Paul was so concerned about this perversion that he told his brethren to avoid them. Again Paul admonishes us to speak the same thing (I Corinthians 1:9-16). What does that have to do with the gospel today? The gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by Paul and the apostles has been perverted by a doctrine called, “The doctrine of the Trinity.” This doctrine preaches that there are three persons or three personalities in One God.
This Trinitarian doctrine teaches that you should confess with your mouth and believe in your heart and you will be saved, and that you should be baptized in the titles Father, Son, and Holy Ghost and not in the name of Jesus Christ. This is a perversion of the gospel of Christ (Matthew 15:7-9). The Trinitarian doctrine can’t be explained nor understood because it is based on the philosophy of men and not on the doctrine of Christ (Mark 7:6-9, Galatians 1:6-12, Colossians 2:8-10).
I have never seen a preacher, teacher, scholar, prophet, evangelist, theologian, etc., who could fully explain “The Trinity” using the scriptures. The true doctrine of Christ is mentioned in the scriptures and they are used interchangeably. They are the apostles doctrine, (Acts 2:42) doctrine of baptisms, (Hebrews 6:2) the doctrine of Christ (Hebrews 6:1) and the doctrine of God (Titus 2:10). Look all through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and you will find that the Trinitarian doctrine is a doctrine and philosophy of men (Mark 7:6-13, Colossians 2:8-10). It’s not in the Bible. It’s not a sound doctrine. It can’t be understood, it’s unexplainable, and it is unscriptural.
The doctrine of Christ/God is based on the oneness of God and the one Lord. The doctrine of Christ is the belief that Jesus is the one Lord, “The Christ - The Messiah,” being born again, repentance, using the name of Jesus Christ in baptism for remission of sins and receiving the Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ who is the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38). The whole gospel message is based on the name of Jesus Christ, which is called the doctrine of Christ.
This doctrine is based on the name of Christ because he is our Saviour, (Isaiah 43:3, 11, Luke 2:11), mighty God, everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6), Son of God, “The Christ-Messiah,” the Lord and God, (Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:3, Mark 12:29, John 20:28), The Holy Ghost (John 14:26) our Shepherd, our High Priest, the Lamb of God (John 1:29, Revelation 15:3 – The Lamb is God Almighty), our Rock, (I Corinthians 10:4), the Chief corner stone, a sure foundation, the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 30:12, 15, 43:3, 14), King of Kings, Lord of Lords, (Revelation 19:16) Prince of Peace, (Isaiah 9:6), the only wise God our Saviour, (Isaiah 43:14, Luke 1:47, 2:11, Romans 16:27, Jude 1:25), the Almighty God (Revelation 1:8,11, 22:13) etc., In conclusion, this sure foundation and doctrine of Christ is based on one God and one name -Jesus Christ-Jehovah Saviour.
Look at this comparison to see how far we have strayed from the true gospel and doctrine of Christ.
Doctrine of Men Apostles Doctrine of Christ/God (A perversion of the Gospel) (The True Gospel of Christ)
1. There are three persons in God– No scripture 1. There is only one God with three manifestations (I John 5:7) (Col. 2:9)
2. Confess w/mouth; you are saved-Romans 10:9 2. You must be born again – water and Spirit (John 3:5, Acts 2:38)
3. Baptizes in titles (Matt 28:19) - No record 3. Baptizes In Jesus name (Records of actual baptisms using titles. in the book of Acts)
4. Jesus is one of three persons - No scripture 4. Jesus Christ is the only Person `(Heb. 1:3)
5. Gospel based on the Trinitarian Doctrine 5. The Gospel based on Christ and the apostles doctrine (Acts 2:42, Col.2:8-12)
6. Belief that Jesus is the Son only – No scripture 6. The belief that Jesus is a manifestation of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – one God (Colossians 1:14-19, 2:9,10).
7. Belief that baptism doesn’t save. 7. Belief that baptism saves (I Peter 3:21, Mark 16:16)
These are the reasons that Paul says to mark them and stay away because they are unbelievers, they don’t have the revelation nor mystery of Christ, and they don’t follow the doctrine of Christ as taught by the apostles (Galatians 1:6-12).
The revelation of the only wise God, Jesus Christ, Jude 1:25, I Corinthians 2:7,8, was kept secret from the foundation of the world. The prophets knew that God would come in the flesh (“The Christ”) because they foretold of his coming in their writings.
However, the manifestation of God in “The Son,” did not take place until years after these prophecies. The mystery of God is; Jesus Christ is the one God – the promised Messiah and Saviour - Isaiah 43:10-13) God's mystery was revealed by God’s manifestation as the Son, wherein the Spirit becomes flesh - John 1:1,14. And this story is written in the New Testament (I Timothy 3:16). Jesus is the one Lord according to the Old and New Testaments.
This is an edited excerpt from my book, "Understanding the Trinity, Three Persons vs Three Manifestations. To order call 1-888-280-7715.
Understanding the Trinity vs Three Manifestations: In Acts there is proof that Jesus Christ is the on...
Understanding the Trinity vs Three Manifestations: In Acts there is proof that Jesus Christ is the on...: "The book of Acts is a historical book of the actions of the apostles and how the door of the church was opened, by Peter, according to the d..."
In Acts there is proof that Jesus Christ is the one Lord God Almighty (John 1:1, 3, 10, 14)
The book of Acts is a historical book of the actions of the apostles and how the door of the church was opened, by Peter, according to the directions of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). I am so intrigued by the book of Acts because; this is also the book that shows us the answer to the question Nicodemus asked Jesus concerning the born again experience (John 3:5). We will explore “how to be born again,” how this experience is connected to the “keys of the kingdom of heaven” and how Peter used those keys to open the door, Jesus Christ, to the Church (Matthew 16:19).
This book also explores the actions of the apostles before and after the Holy Ghost experience and the application of that experience to the gospel of Christ (John 14:16-18, 26, 15:26, 16:13-16). If you want to understand the instructions in Matthew 28:19, the book of Acts, which is the actions of the apostles, will enlighten your understanding. You will understand the revelation and mystery of Christ; the things he said, and the things he taught concerning himself. Jesus was seen by the saints in a glorified body which helped the saints understand his Deity.
Acts 1:2-9
Jesus was seen by the saints in a visible Spirit type form that they didn’t understand. For 40 days after his passion (resurrection). Jesus gave his instructions/commandments. Jesus not only speaks through the Holy Ghost, he speaks as the Holy Ghost. His instructions were clear. They were to wait until they received the power of the Holy Ghost to carry out his mission (Matthew 28:19-20).
Acts 2:1-5
The apostles waited for the power that Jesus had promised. The Holy Ghost/Spirit of Jesus Christ filled the saints of God and gave them a new way of speaking as the Holy Ghost spoke through them. The beginning of the gospel was when Jesus came to be baptized by John and was anointed by the Spirit of God (Matthew 3:1-7, Mark 1:1-11). However, after the resurrection the gospel would begin to be taught in Jerusalem (verse 5). In Jerusalem, Peter would use the “keys of the kingdom of heaven.”
Acts 2:36-38
These scripture verses show us how Peter used the “Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.” Peter preached the first sermon of the gospel of Jesus Christ on the day of Pentecost. After the Holy Ghost came upon the disciples, Peter being full of the Spirit, preached a sermon about the prophecies in the Old Testament which described who Jesus was. He explained that they had crucified the Lord Jesus (“The Christ - God himself”). The mens’ hearts were broken, they were hurt, so they wanted to know, what could they do to get this thing right.
What Peter did at this point, was to open the door to the church, using the “keys of the kingdom of heaven,” by saying, 1st Key “Repent, 2nd Key “be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins,” 3rd Key “and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost/Spirit.” These were the keys that Peter used to open the door (Jesus Christ) to the Church and this was also the fulfillment of the answer that Jesus gave to Nicodemus when he told him that he must be born of the water, in Jesus’ name and the Spirit which is in Jesus name (John 3:5) Jesus is the rock of our salvation.
The Jesus name baptism is the rock upon which salvation and the born again experience is based (II Samuel 22:1-4, 32, 47). The Jesus name baptism is the application of the blood to the souls of men. The Jesus name baptism is also the fulfillment of and the application of the death, burial, and resurrection of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. For we are buried with him by baptism (Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:8-12).
Again, Acts 2:38 is “the born again scripture” which fulfilled John 3:5. Many preachers preach that you must be born again but they can’t tell you how. These preachers baptize new converts by = erroneously using God’s titles - the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as mentioned in Matthew 28:19. They don’t know God the Father, neither do they know the Son, nor the Holy Ghost - because of their unbelief in the name of Jesus Christ.
Today’s Christians have fallen into the “wilderness” of the Trinitarian doctrine because of their unbelief. Remember that the children of Israel were lost in the “wilderness” because of their unbelief. They didn’t realize that they were traveling in circles. Only God can break the cycle of unbelief and return his people to the gospel of Christ. Men have developed their own doctrine, starting at the Nicaean Council of 325 A.D. However, I believe in my heart that God is bringing us out of the “wilderness” of the Trinitarian doctrine by the power of his Word.
To those that believe, Peter tells us what we must do to become a child of God. Because we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the anointed body of the One and only God of heaven and earth (John 1:10 - the Lamb that was slain - John 1:29), we will get baptized in his name. Remember: Jesus himself instructed Peter and the apostles. You can rest assuredly that Peter was correct in everything that he said we should do in the name of Jesus Christ, the only name given to men whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
The baptism in Jesus name is the catalyst for understanding the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost/Spirit (Matthew 28:19). This is my understanding of the revelation of this scripture in Mark 16:16. He that believeth and is baptized, “in the name of Jesus Christ,” shall be saved and he that believeth not shall be damned. Jesus said, why do you call me Lord and don’t do the things that I say? (Luke 6:46-48). Saints of God will tell you about repentance, being baptized in Jesus name and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and you won’t hear nor believe them. You won’t do what the Lord told Peter to tell you to do. These are not Peter’s words only; these words are the Word of God.
Using these “keys of the kingdom of heaven” as instructed by Peter is building a foundation on a rock (Luke 6:46-49, Matthew 16:18-19). Jesus is the door. And Peter used these keys to open the door to Jesus, the kingdom of heaven, and to the knowledge and mystery of Christ. For believers, Acts 2:38 – is the opening of the door to the Church, the washing of the blood of the Lamb, repentance - something you must do, the remission of sins, being buried with him, being raised with him, walking in the newness of life, and taking on the name of Jesus as the bride of Christ. Preachers should listen and be obedient to the instructions that were given to Peter by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (Romans 3:3-4). Let me ask you something? Do you remember the Passover? God said when the death angel sees the blood, he will pass over you.
When we get baptized in the blood of Jesus Christ, we have a type of Passover. The blood has been applied to our souls. How this baptism in Jesus name will be used in the judgment is unclear. However, I can assure you that it’s extremely important that we follow God’s Word and get washed in the blood of the Lamb using the name of Jesus Christ (the Lamb) in baptism.
We should fully understand the apostolic doctrine so that we can follow God’s instructions. There are some churches that use the name Apostolic for a reason. The following scripture is one that is used by Apostolics to explain their doctrine and to name their churches.
Acts 2:42
This scripture is used by the Apostolic Church to identify their doctrine and their church. The apostles’ doctrine is used interchangeable with the doctrine of God (Titus 2:10) and the doctrine of Christ (2 John 1:9), which means the doctrine that was taught to the apostles by Christ who is God. Therefore, the doctrine of Christ is the doctrine of God. Matthew 7:28, Romans 16:17-18, Ephesians 4:11-14.
Many Christians don’t understand why Churches have the word “Apostolic” in the name of their
Churches. To learn more about the Apostolic doctrine, I would suggest that you research Oneness Apostolic Churches. Apostolic means – those Christians who follow the doctrine of the apostles which is the doctrine of Christ/doctrine of God. It is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, repentance, remission of sins, receiving the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues and the baptism in Jesus name as directed by Peter and the apostles (Acts 2:38-42, Acts 19:1-5, Romans 6:3-4, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:12). According to believers who follow the apostles doctrine, if anyone would call themselves Apostolic and don’t baptize in Jesus name, they are not true Apostolics, in the strictest sense of the word and have strayed from the faith (Acts 8:14-17). They don’t understand the mystery of Christ (Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38).
There are three baptisms for salvation (Hebrews 6:2);
1. Baptism of repentance (Natural - Mark 1:4 - Baptism by John (fulfilled in Acts 2:38).
2. The baptism in Jesus name (Natural & Spiritual) (fulfilled in Acts 2:38)
3. The baptism of the Holy Ghost (Spiritual) (Luke 3:16) (fulfilled in Acts 2:38).
The reference to the baptism of repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and baptism in the Holy Ghost is fulfilled in the water baptism in Jesus name (Acts 2:38, Ephesians 4:5, Colossians 2:10-12).
Therefore, when there is any mention of baptism, that one baptism is in water and Spirit in Jesus name. Refer: Book of Acts 8:35-39, Mark 16:16. There is no other name whereby we must be saved except through the name of Jesus Christ by baptism. The scriptures are extremely plain and soft spoken to those that believe. For unbelievers, this is a hard saying and they will try to explain it away by their own traditions of unbelief. Not realizing that they are being used by the spirit of the antichrist - against Christ.
Don’t find it strange that some don’t believe in the baptism in Jesus name. Everybody didn’t believe Jesus when he walked on the earth, neither did everyone believe the apostles. The Priests, Scribes, Pharisees and the “so called educated people” thought the apostles were unlearned men so they wouldn’t listen to them. However, they did recognize that they had been with Jesus.
I don’t expect everyone to believe because only God can give his revelation, mystery, and knowledge of Jesus Christ. There will be people whom you respect for their intelligence and leadership abilities but they won’t believe the Word of God nor will they understand what you are showing them.
God has not given his mystery to the ones who think that they are so wise, educated, and intelligent. God has given his mystery to babes in Christ. God will give his revelation to anyone who has a heart for Christ and the ones who would diligently seek to know the mystery and knowledge of Him. You might feel very sad that these educated people won’t believe. But you must remember; God gave you the revelation and mystery of Christ and it’s time for you to live in the light that God has given you. You must go on and believe the Word of God and follow the directions of the apostles, especially the born again scripture in Acts 2:38, which is the Rock and foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
If people won’t believe God and the instructions he gave to Peter, God has the wisdom to deal with their unbelief. I would suggest that you show them the Word, pray for them and move on lest you fall into the same traditions of unbelief and philosophies of men (Colossians 2:8-12). Don’t try to pull them along, they will not be able to see the mystery of Christ because of their unbelief. Satan doesn’t want you to understand the oneness of God which is in the body of Christ nor does he want you to understand the plan of salvation as it relates to John 3:5 and Acts 2:38.
Satan trembles at the very thought of the oneness of God and he will use the people you respect to dissuade you from the belief in the oneness of God and the knowledge and mystery of Christ (James 2:19-23). The people you respect have faith without works. The works is the baptism in Jesus name. You must show your faith with works by the baptism in Jesus name. If they won’t hear you, knock the dust off your feet and move on, they can’t see neither can they hear because their unbelief has seared their consciousness. They won’t realize that they are in error and they won’t understand how Jesus can be the Chief corner stone.
Acts 4:5-12
Let’s talk about Jesus being the Chief corner stone and its relationship to God. In these scripture verses, we find 3 things;
1. The power of God is in the name of Jesus – the chief corner stone
2. Jesus is God himself. There is no other God. God doesn’t know of any other God (Isaiah 44:8).
3. There is no other name whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Everything we do, we should do it all in the name of Jesus Christ - including baptism because the power and blood is in the name (Colossians 3:17, Acts 2:38).
Peter spoke to all the religious leaders and explained to them that Jesus was God, “The Christ.” If these religious people knew the scriptures, they would have understood what Peter was saying when he told them that this same Jesus which you thought was nothing, is the stone that has become the head of the corner – meaning the foundation of the gospel. The religious leaders should have known what Peter was saying, if they knew the scriptures. In Isaiah 28:16, God said, I lay in Zion for a foundation. Jesus is the foundation, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. And he that believeth in Jesus Christ shall not be ashamed.
In verse 11, Peter is letting them know that Jesus is God according to this scripture in Isaiah. The same God, who spoke in Isaiah, is the same God I am talking to you about right now. That same God’s name is Jesus Christ, the one whom you crucified.
Then Peter explained to them that there is no other name given whereby we must be saved. Why? Because the name “Jesus Christ” is the highest name of God. God purchased us with his own blood (Acts 20:28). Look at this. The Spirit of God doesn’t have blood. God has blood only in the fleshly body of Jesus Christ. Therefore, when God says we were purchased with his own blood, he is saying my name is Jesus Christ, for this is my own blood. Jesus is the only God – there is no such thing as two or three persons in one God. Jesus is a manifestation of the One God (John 1:1, 10, 14, Colossians 1:19, 2:8-9, I Timothy 3:16) Jesus is the Chief cornerstone and the sure foundation (Isaiah 28:16, Ephesians 2:20-22).
When you base your beliefs and doctrine on Jesus Christ and you repent to the Lord Jesus Christ, get baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, who is the Spirit of Jesus Christ; you are on a sure foundation. Acts 2:38 is the sure foundational scripture and the keys to the born again experience.
This foundation is not based on the “Trinity” nor a concept of three personalities in one God. This foundation is based on the complete oneness of God and the One name of God. The whole gospel foundation is based on the baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. For there is no other name under the heavens that is the sure foundation, save the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:6, 10-11, Colossians 2:8-10). This same Jesus is both Lord and Christ, God and Man. God has shown us on a number of occasions how we should use his name as a sure foundation through baptism.
Acts 8:35-38
Philip baptizes the eunuch. This scripture doesn’t specifically mention the baptism in Jesus name. However, it is obvious that the eunuch was baptized in the name of Jesus for that was the only method that was taught by Peter and the apostles. There was no other form of baptism after the reception of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38). Remission of sins is by belief and baptism in Jesus name. Because the eunuch believed, he was baptized according to the teachings of Paul and the apostles, in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:1-5). For Paul knew Jesus as the Almighty.
Acts 9:1-6, Acts 22:6-16, Acts 26:13-19
Paul learns that Jesus is the Almighty God. According to Jewish teachings, there is but one God. We know by studying the scriptures that only God or his angels will speak out of heaven. Therefore, when Saul asks the Lord, Who Art thou Lord? Saul knew that this must be God speaking to him because of his Jewish training about the oneness of God. When Jesus said, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” Saul realized for sure, at that time, that Jesus was the Almighty God. Jesus is the same God who spoke to Moses and the prophets, in his Spiritual form, and he is the same God who spoke out of heaven to Saul (I Corinthians 10:4).
There is only one Lord God and his highest, eternal and saving name is Jesus Christ - Jehovah Saviour. For we know that Jesus is Lord. Jesus was Lord in the Spiritual sense in the Old Testament and he is Lord in a fleshly sense in the New Testament. Jesus is both the Spiritual Lord (Father) and Natural Lord (Son); for there is only one Lord (Ephesians 4:5) and his name is Jesus Christ. Jesus is Lord according to Matthew 3:3, Luke 1:43, and Saviour according to Acts 13:23, Luke 2:11, Acts 10:36, Ephesians 4:5. The Lord and Saviour and the Lord and God are used interchangeably in the scriptures. (Luke 1:47, 2:11, John 20:28). Therefore, Jesus is God. Simple algebra. But what if some don’t believe? That’s a decision that everyone will have to make for themselves (Romans 3:3-4).
In Dr. Charles Stanley’s book, “How to Listen to God,” page 6, he states that God spoke audibly in biblical days. The key praise is; “God spoke audibly.” And he gave the example of God speaking to Saul of Tarsus who was on his way to persecute believers in Damascus (Acts 9). God introduces himself to Saul and tells Saul his highest, glorious, and eternal name – Jesus Christ.
Dr. Stanley, who is one of my favorite preachers, believes in one God, and he recognizes Jesus Christ as the God who spoke out of heaven in biblical days. Remember; only God or his angels spoke out of heaven. Based on these facts, either Jesus is God or he is an angel. We know that Jesus is the only God who speaks out of heaven because of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (I Corinthians 10:4). Again, based on this scripture and others, we understand that Jesus in his Spiritual form, spoke to Moses and the prophets (I Corintians 10:4). And since Paul knew that Jesus is God, all converts were always baptized in God’s name, Jesus Christ, whether they were Jews or Gentiles.
Acts 10:48
The Gentiles get baptized in the name of the Lord. Peter preached to the Gentiles that Jesus is Lord of all and that God has no respecter of persons. If Jesus is Lord of all, and there is only one Lord; that means Jesus is the same Lord who spoke to the prophets in the Old Testament (Acts 10:35-48, Ephesians 4:5). Reference: Old Testament – Look for the many times that God called himself the Lord. Jesus is the Lord and the Lord is God (Isaiah 42:8, 43:10-12, Ephesians 4:5). After Peter’s sermon Cornelius and his household received the gift of the Holy Ghost and were baptized in the name of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 43:11, Luke 2:11). This is the only baptism that was taught and practiced by the apostles, and there are no indications that they were baptized any other way. New believers were always baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in some form, even though, Jesus name was not mentioned in every scripture, as in the case of Lydia.
Acts 16:14-15
Lydia gets baptized. This scripture doesn’t mention the baptism in Jesus name. However, we know that there is only one Lord, one faith and one baptism. Therefore, based on the preaching and teaching of Paul, we know that Lydia was baptized in Jesus name. All of the apostles including Peter, preached that one should be baptized in the name of the One Lord of heaven and earth – Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:5, Acts 10:36). Therefore, through deductive reasoning, we know that Lydia would have been baptized in Jesus name. There were others, such as the keeper of the prison, who were baptized in the name of the Lord.
Acts 16:27-33
The keeper of the prison gets baptized. The keeper of the prison was in charge of all the prisoners
including Paul and Silas. After seeing the miraculous way in which God freed Paul and Silas, the jailer wanted to know what he could do to be saved. First Paul said, you must believe on the Lord Jesus and the jailer and his household would be saved. Once a person believes, then he would have no problem getting baptized in Jesus name. Paul, who was baptized in the name of the Lord, Acts 22:16, took the jailer and all his associates and baptized them in the name of the Lord according to the teachings of the apostles. Refer to other baptism scriptures. In order to fully understand the scriptures, one should search the scriptures daily for understanding.
Acts 17:2-11
Search the scriptures daily. Paul went to the synagogue in Thessalonica to talk to the Jews about the Deity of Jesus Christ and that he was God in the flesh, “The Christ,” according to the Old Testament. The Old Testament was the only scriptures available because the New Testament had not been written.
Look at these Old Testament Scriptures: (Isaiah 9:6 – Jesus is The everlasting Father and the mighty God. Isaiah 40:3 – make a highway for our God “The Christ,” “The Lord” – Jesus is both Lord and God. Jesus is God and also our Saviour - Isaiah 43:3, 10, 11, 44:6-8, 45:21-23, 46:9, 48:12, 49:26, 52:6, 53:1-12, 60:16, Zechariah 12:10 –They shall look upon me whom they have pierced. – Jesus is the God they pierced. Notice that God did not say, they pierced my Son. God said, they pierced me.
Using these Old Testament scriptures, Paul tried to explain to the Jews that this is the same God that spoke to the prophets of old and that they had killed “The Christ” who was God himself in the flesh. The Jews in Thessalonica wouldn’t believe, but the noble Jews in Berea searched the scriptures daily to see if these things were true. Some will believe, others will not believe, and others will search the scriptures. The truth is in the Word of God.
It is very important that you search the scriptures for yourself, believing that there is only one God. You will never understand the mystery of the gospel unless you first believe in and understand the oneness of God. Once you understand the oneness of God, then you should search the Old and New Testaments to find the highest, most sacred, eternal and saving name of God and how the power of God’s name was used for salvation in the New Testament.
Some believers will understand the Word better than others, but the revelation and mystery of Jesus Christ will only come by the Spirit of God. Paul didn’t have a problem telling men that Jesus is God, “The Christ.”
Acts 17:18-34
Paul tells the men of Athens that Jesus is God. There were some philosophers who were upset with Paul because every where that Paul went; he preached that Jesus was the “Christ” using the Old Testament scripture which revealed the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, thereby proving that Jesus Christ is the only God according to Jewish foundational training.(Deuteronomy 6:4, Luke 2:11).
The people of Areopagus had not heard the doctrine of Christ and they didn’t know what it meant. However, the Athenians were willing to listen and discuss the doctrine. Paul let them know that they were superstitious because he saw their devotion to an altar with the inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Paul took this opportunity to explain to them that they didn’t know that this same unknown God who is Jesus Christ, is the same one that I have been talking to you about. The God that was crucified and was resurrected is Jesus Christ. In other words, Paul let the people know that he was teaching them that Jesus Christ is this unknown God.
Guess What? Some believed and some did not. We can preach Jesus being the one God of heaven and earth all we want, we can show them in the scriptures who Jesus is, and some still won’t believe. What if some don’t believe? Does it make God’s Word of none effect? God forbid. Paul got so upset with the Jews because of their unbelief that he turned to the Gentiles (Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1,10,14, I Timothy 3:16).
Acts 18:1-6
Paul gets upset with the Jews and turn to the Gentiles. This is interesting because Paul always taught the Jews about Jesus, “The Christ” (God), in the synagogues, on the sabbath, wherever he went, and at every opportunity while he was in Corinth. The only thing that Paul taught was the Deity of Jesus, the concept that Jesus is God, “The Christ.”
Paul taught that they should repent, be baptized in Jesus name and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Jews understood “The Christ” to be God, based on their Old Testament training. However, they didn’t believe that Jesus was “The Christ.” They were so upset at the teachings of Paul about Jesus being “The Christ” that they blasphemed. Paul was upset with them because of their unbelief. After this confrontation, Paul decided to spend his time preaching to the Gentiles. Thank God for Paul. Paul taught the Corinthians and they got baptized in Jesus name.
Acts 18:8
Corinthians get baptized in Jesus name. Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue and his household believed the gospel message which was delivered by Paul and they were baptized in Jesus name. The only baptism taught by Paul and the apostles was the baptism in Jesus name. Paul gave us an example of how we should get re-baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:1-5, Romans 6:3-4, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:12).
Acts 19:1-5
Paul re-baptizes disciples in the name of the Lord Jesus. This scripture gives us an understanding that once we have found out how one should be baptized, we should correct the situation by baptizing converts correctly – in the name of the Lord Jesus for remission of sins.
One of the things that we find in our religious circles today is that most religious leaders speak highly of Paul and the gospel of Christ. However, they won’t follow the teachings of Paul. They don’t realize that Paul taught and re-baptized believers in the name of the Lord Jesus (Galatians 1:6-12). Some of the best known apostles – Peter and Paul taught the doctrine of Jesus being God “The Christ” and that if we believe, we should repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).
There are many preachers who do not baptize in Jesus name. Who are they following? Are they following their own philosophies and traditions? (Mark 7:6-13). It’s time for all religious leaders to teach repentance and re-baptize their converts in Jesus name so that they might receive remission of sins and the Holy Ghost/Spirit. Note: God has given the Holy Spirit before and after baptism in Jesus name. I’m of the opinion that it doesn’t matter how or when we receive the Holy Spirit as long as we receive it. The important thing is that we follow the directions given to us in Acts 2:38. God will give the Holy Spirit wherever, whenever and to whomever he chooses. Paul understood that it was important that we follow the directions of God. Therefore, Paul gets baptized calling on the name of the Lord. Paul was buried with him, washed in his blood and took on his name by baptism (Acts 22:16).
Acts 22:1-18
Paul gets baptized in the name of the Lord. Paul relates how he found out that Jesus Christ is the name of the Lord God Almighty of heaven and earth whom he had persecuted. Paul was baptized in the name of the Lord following his encounter with Jesus Christ (verse 16). Jesus told Paul to leave Jerusalem because they would not believe his story. Note: The story - God spoke personally to Paul out of heaven and gave Paul his highest and glorious name – Jesus Christ. Paul got baptized in the name of the Lord for remission of sins because he believed on Jesus Christ and the revelation of God. Question? Why would Paul preach or teach any other way to get baptized if he was personally baptized in the name of the Lord? (Acts 22:16, Galatians 1:6-12).
There is no record of anyone getting baptized in these titles - the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Baptisms in the New Testament were in the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16), in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38), or the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:5). All baptisms by the apostles were in the name of Jesus Christ in some form.
This is an edited excerpt from my book, "Understanding the Trinity, Three Persons vs Three Manifestations. To order call 1-888-280-7715.
This book also explores the actions of the apostles before and after the Holy Ghost experience and the application of that experience to the gospel of Christ (John 14:16-18, 26, 15:26, 16:13-16). If you want to understand the instructions in Matthew 28:19, the book of Acts, which is the actions of the apostles, will enlighten your understanding. You will understand the revelation and mystery of Christ; the things he said, and the things he taught concerning himself. Jesus was seen by the saints in a glorified body which helped the saints understand his Deity.
Acts 1:2-9
Jesus was seen by the saints in a visible Spirit type form that they didn’t understand. For 40 days after his passion (resurrection). Jesus gave his instructions/commandments. Jesus not only speaks through the Holy Ghost, he speaks as the Holy Ghost. His instructions were clear. They were to wait until they received the power of the Holy Ghost to carry out his mission (Matthew 28:19-20).
Acts 2:1-5
The apostles waited for the power that Jesus had promised. The Holy Ghost/Spirit of Jesus Christ filled the saints of God and gave them a new way of speaking as the Holy Ghost spoke through them. The beginning of the gospel was when Jesus came to be baptized by John and was anointed by the Spirit of God (Matthew 3:1-7, Mark 1:1-11). However, after the resurrection the gospel would begin to be taught in Jerusalem (verse 5). In Jerusalem, Peter would use the “keys of the kingdom of heaven.”
Acts 2:36-38
These scripture verses show us how Peter used the “Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.” Peter preached the first sermon of the gospel of Jesus Christ on the day of Pentecost. After the Holy Ghost came upon the disciples, Peter being full of the Spirit, preached a sermon about the prophecies in the Old Testament which described who Jesus was. He explained that they had crucified the Lord Jesus (“The Christ - God himself”). The mens’ hearts were broken, they were hurt, so they wanted to know, what could they do to get this thing right.
What Peter did at this point, was to open the door to the church, using the “keys of the kingdom of heaven,” by saying, 1st Key “Repent, 2nd Key “be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins,” 3rd Key “and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost/Spirit.” These were the keys that Peter used to open the door (Jesus Christ) to the Church and this was also the fulfillment of the answer that Jesus gave to Nicodemus when he told him that he must be born of the water, in Jesus’ name and the Spirit which is in Jesus name (John 3:5) Jesus is the rock of our salvation.
The Jesus name baptism is the rock upon which salvation and the born again experience is based (II Samuel 22:1-4, 32, 47). The Jesus name baptism is the application of the blood to the souls of men. The Jesus name baptism is also the fulfillment of and the application of the death, burial, and resurrection of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. For we are buried with him by baptism (Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:8-12).
Again, Acts 2:38 is “the born again scripture” which fulfilled John 3:5. Many preachers preach that you must be born again but they can’t tell you how. These preachers baptize new converts by = erroneously using God’s titles - the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as mentioned in Matthew 28:19. They don’t know God the Father, neither do they know the Son, nor the Holy Ghost - because of their unbelief in the name of Jesus Christ.
Today’s Christians have fallen into the “wilderness” of the Trinitarian doctrine because of their unbelief. Remember that the children of Israel were lost in the “wilderness” because of their unbelief. They didn’t realize that they were traveling in circles. Only God can break the cycle of unbelief and return his people to the gospel of Christ. Men have developed their own doctrine, starting at the Nicaean Council of 325 A.D. However, I believe in my heart that God is bringing us out of the “wilderness” of the Trinitarian doctrine by the power of his Word.
To those that believe, Peter tells us what we must do to become a child of God. Because we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the anointed body of the One and only God of heaven and earth (John 1:10 - the Lamb that was slain - John 1:29), we will get baptized in his name. Remember: Jesus himself instructed Peter and the apostles. You can rest assuredly that Peter was correct in everything that he said we should do in the name of Jesus Christ, the only name given to men whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
The baptism in Jesus name is the catalyst for understanding the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost/Spirit (Matthew 28:19). This is my understanding of the revelation of this scripture in Mark 16:16. He that believeth and is baptized, “in the name of Jesus Christ,” shall be saved and he that believeth not shall be damned. Jesus said, why do you call me Lord and don’t do the things that I say? (Luke 6:46-48). Saints of God will tell you about repentance, being baptized in Jesus name and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and you won’t hear nor believe them. You won’t do what the Lord told Peter to tell you to do. These are not Peter’s words only; these words are the Word of God.
Using these “keys of the kingdom of heaven” as instructed by Peter is building a foundation on a rock (Luke 6:46-49, Matthew 16:18-19). Jesus is the door. And Peter used these keys to open the door to Jesus, the kingdom of heaven, and to the knowledge and mystery of Christ. For believers, Acts 2:38 – is the opening of the door to the Church, the washing of the blood of the Lamb, repentance - something you must do, the remission of sins, being buried with him, being raised with him, walking in the newness of life, and taking on the name of Jesus as the bride of Christ. Preachers should listen and be obedient to the instructions that were given to Peter by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (Romans 3:3-4). Let me ask you something? Do you remember the Passover? God said when the death angel sees the blood, he will pass over you.
When we get baptized in the blood of Jesus Christ, we have a type of Passover. The blood has been applied to our souls. How this baptism in Jesus name will be used in the judgment is unclear. However, I can assure you that it’s extremely important that we follow God’s Word and get washed in the blood of the Lamb using the name of Jesus Christ (the Lamb) in baptism.
We should fully understand the apostolic doctrine so that we can follow God’s instructions. There are some churches that use the name Apostolic for a reason. The following scripture is one that is used by Apostolics to explain their doctrine and to name their churches.
Acts 2:42
This scripture is used by the Apostolic Church to identify their doctrine and their church. The apostles’ doctrine is used interchangeable with the doctrine of God (Titus 2:10) and the doctrine of Christ (2 John 1:9), which means the doctrine that was taught to the apostles by Christ who is God. Therefore, the doctrine of Christ is the doctrine of God. Matthew 7:28, Romans 16:17-18, Ephesians 4:11-14.
Many Christians don’t understand why Churches have the word “Apostolic” in the name of their
Churches. To learn more about the Apostolic doctrine, I would suggest that you research Oneness Apostolic Churches. Apostolic means – those Christians who follow the doctrine of the apostles which is the doctrine of Christ/doctrine of God. It is the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, repentance, remission of sins, receiving the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in other tongues and the baptism in Jesus name as directed by Peter and the apostles (Acts 2:38-42, Acts 19:1-5, Romans 6:3-4, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:12). According to believers who follow the apostles doctrine, if anyone would call themselves Apostolic and don’t baptize in Jesus name, they are not true Apostolics, in the strictest sense of the word and have strayed from the faith (Acts 8:14-17). They don’t understand the mystery of Christ (Matthew 28:19 and Acts 2:38).
There are three baptisms for salvation (Hebrews 6:2);
1. Baptism of repentance (Natural - Mark 1:4 - Baptism by John (fulfilled in Acts 2:38).
2. The baptism in Jesus name (Natural & Spiritual) (fulfilled in Acts 2:38)
3. The baptism of the Holy Ghost (Spiritual) (Luke 3:16) (fulfilled in Acts 2:38).
The reference to the baptism of repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and baptism in the Holy Ghost is fulfilled in the water baptism in Jesus name (Acts 2:38, Ephesians 4:5, Colossians 2:10-12).
Therefore, when there is any mention of baptism, that one baptism is in water and Spirit in Jesus name. Refer: Book of Acts 8:35-39, Mark 16:16. There is no other name whereby we must be saved except through the name of Jesus Christ by baptism. The scriptures are extremely plain and soft spoken to those that believe. For unbelievers, this is a hard saying and they will try to explain it away by their own traditions of unbelief. Not realizing that they are being used by the spirit of the antichrist - against Christ.
Don’t find it strange that some don’t believe in the baptism in Jesus name. Everybody didn’t believe Jesus when he walked on the earth, neither did everyone believe the apostles. The Priests, Scribes, Pharisees and the “so called educated people” thought the apostles were unlearned men so they wouldn’t listen to them. However, they did recognize that they had been with Jesus.
I don’t expect everyone to believe because only God can give his revelation, mystery, and knowledge of Jesus Christ. There will be people whom you respect for their intelligence and leadership abilities but they won’t believe the Word of God nor will they understand what you are showing them.
God has not given his mystery to the ones who think that they are so wise, educated, and intelligent. God has given his mystery to babes in Christ. God will give his revelation to anyone who has a heart for Christ and the ones who would diligently seek to know the mystery and knowledge of Him. You might feel very sad that these educated people won’t believe. But you must remember; God gave you the revelation and mystery of Christ and it’s time for you to live in the light that God has given you. You must go on and believe the Word of God and follow the directions of the apostles, especially the born again scripture in Acts 2:38, which is the Rock and foundation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
If people won’t believe God and the instructions he gave to Peter, God has the wisdom to deal with their unbelief. I would suggest that you show them the Word, pray for them and move on lest you fall into the same traditions of unbelief and philosophies of men (Colossians 2:8-12). Don’t try to pull them along, they will not be able to see the mystery of Christ because of their unbelief. Satan doesn’t want you to understand the oneness of God which is in the body of Christ nor does he want you to understand the plan of salvation as it relates to John 3:5 and Acts 2:38.
Satan trembles at the very thought of the oneness of God and he will use the people you respect to dissuade you from the belief in the oneness of God and the knowledge and mystery of Christ (James 2:19-23). The people you respect have faith without works. The works is the baptism in Jesus name. You must show your faith with works by the baptism in Jesus name. If they won’t hear you, knock the dust off your feet and move on, they can’t see neither can they hear because their unbelief has seared their consciousness. They won’t realize that they are in error and they won’t understand how Jesus can be the Chief corner stone.
Acts 4:5-12
Let’s talk about Jesus being the Chief corner stone and its relationship to God. In these scripture verses, we find 3 things;
1. The power of God is in the name of Jesus – the chief corner stone
2. Jesus is God himself. There is no other God. God doesn’t know of any other God (Isaiah 44:8).
3. There is no other name whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:12).
Everything we do, we should do it all in the name of Jesus Christ - including baptism because the power and blood is in the name (Colossians 3:17, Acts 2:38).
Peter spoke to all the religious leaders and explained to them that Jesus was God, “The Christ.” If these religious people knew the scriptures, they would have understood what Peter was saying when he told them that this same Jesus which you thought was nothing, is the stone that has become the head of the corner – meaning the foundation of the gospel. The religious leaders should have known what Peter was saying, if they knew the scriptures. In Isaiah 28:16, God said, I lay in Zion for a foundation. Jesus is the foundation, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. And he that believeth in Jesus Christ shall not be ashamed.
In verse 11, Peter is letting them know that Jesus is God according to this scripture in Isaiah. The same God, who spoke in Isaiah, is the same God I am talking to you about right now. That same God’s name is Jesus Christ, the one whom you crucified.
Then Peter explained to them that there is no other name given whereby we must be saved. Why? Because the name “Jesus Christ” is the highest name of God. God purchased us with his own blood (Acts 20:28). Look at this. The Spirit of God doesn’t have blood. God has blood only in the fleshly body of Jesus Christ. Therefore, when God says we were purchased with his own blood, he is saying my name is Jesus Christ, for this is my own blood. Jesus is the only God – there is no such thing as two or three persons in one God. Jesus is a manifestation of the One God (John 1:1, 10, 14, Colossians 1:19, 2:8-9, I Timothy 3:16) Jesus is the Chief cornerstone and the sure foundation (Isaiah 28:16, Ephesians 2:20-22).
When you base your beliefs and doctrine on Jesus Christ and you repent to the Lord Jesus Christ, get baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, who is the Spirit of Jesus Christ; you are on a sure foundation. Acts 2:38 is the sure foundational scripture and the keys to the born again experience.
This foundation is not based on the “Trinity” nor a concept of three personalities in one God. This foundation is based on the complete oneness of God and the One name of God. The whole gospel foundation is based on the baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. For there is no other name under the heavens that is the sure foundation, save the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:6, 10-11, Colossians 2:8-10). This same Jesus is both Lord and Christ, God and Man. God has shown us on a number of occasions how we should use his name as a sure foundation through baptism.
Acts 8:35-38
Philip baptizes the eunuch. This scripture doesn’t specifically mention the baptism in Jesus name. However, it is obvious that the eunuch was baptized in the name of Jesus for that was the only method that was taught by Peter and the apostles. There was no other form of baptism after the reception of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38). Remission of sins is by belief and baptism in Jesus name. Because the eunuch believed, he was baptized according to the teachings of Paul and the apostles, in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:1-5). For Paul knew Jesus as the Almighty.
Acts 9:1-6, Acts 22:6-16, Acts 26:13-19
Paul learns that Jesus is the Almighty God. According to Jewish teachings, there is but one God. We know by studying the scriptures that only God or his angels will speak out of heaven. Therefore, when Saul asks the Lord, Who Art thou Lord? Saul knew that this must be God speaking to him because of his Jewish training about the oneness of God. When Jesus said, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” Saul realized for sure, at that time, that Jesus was the Almighty God. Jesus is the same God who spoke to Moses and the prophets, in his Spiritual form, and he is the same God who spoke out of heaven to Saul (I Corinthians 10:4).
There is only one Lord God and his highest, eternal and saving name is Jesus Christ - Jehovah Saviour. For we know that Jesus is Lord. Jesus was Lord in the Spiritual sense in the Old Testament and he is Lord in a fleshly sense in the New Testament. Jesus is both the Spiritual Lord (Father) and Natural Lord (Son); for there is only one Lord (Ephesians 4:5) and his name is Jesus Christ. Jesus is Lord according to Matthew 3:3, Luke 1:43, and Saviour according to Acts 13:23, Luke 2:11, Acts 10:36, Ephesians 4:5. The Lord and Saviour and the Lord and God are used interchangeably in the scriptures. (Luke 1:47, 2:11, John 20:28). Therefore, Jesus is God. Simple algebra. But what if some don’t believe? That’s a decision that everyone will have to make for themselves (Romans 3:3-4).
In Dr. Charles Stanley’s book, “How to Listen to God,” page 6, he states that God spoke audibly in biblical days. The key praise is; “God spoke audibly.” And he gave the example of God speaking to Saul of Tarsus who was on his way to persecute believers in Damascus (Acts 9). God introduces himself to Saul and tells Saul his highest, glorious, and eternal name – Jesus Christ.
Dr. Stanley, who is one of my favorite preachers, believes in one God, and he recognizes Jesus Christ as the God who spoke out of heaven in biblical days. Remember; only God or his angels spoke out of heaven. Based on these facts, either Jesus is God or he is an angel. We know that Jesus is the only God who speaks out of heaven because of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (I Corinthians 10:4). Again, based on this scripture and others, we understand that Jesus in his Spiritual form, spoke to Moses and the prophets (I Corintians 10:4). And since Paul knew that Jesus is God, all converts were always baptized in God’s name, Jesus Christ, whether they were Jews or Gentiles.
Acts 10:48
The Gentiles get baptized in the name of the Lord. Peter preached to the Gentiles that Jesus is Lord of all and that God has no respecter of persons. If Jesus is Lord of all, and there is only one Lord; that means Jesus is the same Lord who spoke to the prophets in the Old Testament (Acts 10:35-48, Ephesians 4:5). Reference: Old Testament – Look for the many times that God called himself the Lord. Jesus is the Lord and the Lord is God (Isaiah 42:8, 43:10-12, Ephesians 4:5). After Peter’s sermon Cornelius and his household received the gift of the Holy Ghost and were baptized in the name of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 43:11, Luke 2:11). This is the only baptism that was taught and practiced by the apostles, and there are no indications that they were baptized any other way. New believers were always baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in some form, even though, Jesus name was not mentioned in every scripture, as in the case of Lydia.
Acts 16:14-15
Lydia gets baptized. This scripture doesn’t mention the baptism in Jesus name. However, we know that there is only one Lord, one faith and one baptism. Therefore, based on the preaching and teaching of Paul, we know that Lydia was baptized in Jesus name. All of the apostles including Peter, preached that one should be baptized in the name of the One Lord of heaven and earth – Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:5, Acts 10:36). Therefore, through deductive reasoning, we know that Lydia would have been baptized in Jesus name. There were others, such as the keeper of the prison, who were baptized in the name of the Lord.
Acts 16:27-33
The keeper of the prison gets baptized. The keeper of the prison was in charge of all the prisoners
including Paul and Silas. After seeing the miraculous way in which God freed Paul and Silas, the jailer wanted to know what he could do to be saved. First Paul said, you must believe on the Lord Jesus and the jailer and his household would be saved. Once a person believes, then he would have no problem getting baptized in Jesus name. Paul, who was baptized in the name of the Lord, Acts 22:16, took the jailer and all his associates and baptized them in the name of the Lord according to the teachings of the apostles. Refer to other baptism scriptures. In order to fully understand the scriptures, one should search the scriptures daily for understanding.
Acts 17:2-11
Search the scriptures daily. Paul went to the synagogue in Thessalonica to talk to the Jews about the Deity of Jesus Christ and that he was God in the flesh, “The Christ,” according to the Old Testament. The Old Testament was the only scriptures available because the New Testament had not been written.
Look at these Old Testament Scriptures: (Isaiah 9:6 – Jesus is The everlasting Father and the mighty God. Isaiah 40:3 – make a highway for our God “The Christ,” “The Lord” – Jesus is both Lord and God. Jesus is God and also our Saviour - Isaiah 43:3, 10, 11, 44:6-8, 45:21-23, 46:9, 48:12, 49:26, 52:6, 53:1-12, 60:16, Zechariah 12:10 –They shall look upon me whom they have pierced. – Jesus is the God they pierced. Notice that God did not say, they pierced my Son. God said, they pierced me.
Using these Old Testament scriptures, Paul tried to explain to the Jews that this is the same God that spoke to the prophets of old and that they had killed “The Christ” who was God himself in the flesh. The Jews in Thessalonica wouldn’t believe, but the noble Jews in Berea searched the scriptures daily to see if these things were true. Some will believe, others will not believe, and others will search the scriptures. The truth is in the Word of God.
It is very important that you search the scriptures for yourself, believing that there is only one God. You will never understand the mystery of the gospel unless you first believe in and understand the oneness of God. Once you understand the oneness of God, then you should search the Old and New Testaments to find the highest, most sacred, eternal and saving name of God and how the power of God’s name was used for salvation in the New Testament.
Some believers will understand the Word better than others, but the revelation and mystery of Jesus Christ will only come by the Spirit of God. Paul didn’t have a problem telling men that Jesus is God, “The Christ.”
Acts 17:18-34
Paul tells the men of Athens that Jesus is God. There were some philosophers who were upset with Paul because every where that Paul went; he preached that Jesus was the “Christ” using the Old Testament scripture which revealed the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, thereby proving that Jesus Christ is the only God according to Jewish foundational training.(Deuteronomy 6:4, Luke 2:11).
The people of Areopagus had not heard the doctrine of Christ and they didn’t know what it meant. However, the Athenians were willing to listen and discuss the doctrine. Paul let them know that they were superstitious because he saw their devotion to an altar with the inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Paul took this opportunity to explain to them that they didn’t know that this same unknown God who is Jesus Christ, is the same one that I have been talking to you about. The God that was crucified and was resurrected is Jesus Christ. In other words, Paul let the people know that he was teaching them that Jesus Christ is this unknown God.
Guess What? Some believed and some did not. We can preach Jesus being the one God of heaven and earth all we want, we can show them in the scriptures who Jesus is, and some still won’t believe. What if some don’t believe? Does it make God’s Word of none effect? God forbid. Paul got so upset with the Jews because of their unbelief that he turned to the Gentiles (Isaiah 9:6, John 1:1,10,14, I Timothy 3:16).
Acts 18:1-6
Paul gets upset with the Jews and turn to the Gentiles. This is interesting because Paul always taught the Jews about Jesus, “The Christ” (God), in the synagogues, on the sabbath, wherever he went, and at every opportunity while he was in Corinth. The only thing that Paul taught was the Deity of Jesus, the concept that Jesus is God, “The Christ.”
Paul taught that they should repent, be baptized in Jesus name and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Jews understood “The Christ” to be God, based on their Old Testament training. However, they didn’t believe that Jesus was “The Christ.” They were so upset at the teachings of Paul about Jesus being “The Christ” that they blasphemed. Paul was upset with them because of their unbelief. After this confrontation, Paul decided to spend his time preaching to the Gentiles. Thank God for Paul. Paul taught the Corinthians and they got baptized in Jesus name.
Acts 18:8
Corinthians get baptized in Jesus name. Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue and his household believed the gospel message which was delivered by Paul and they were baptized in Jesus name. The only baptism taught by Paul and the apostles was the baptism in Jesus name. Paul gave us an example of how we should get re-baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:1-5, Romans 6:3-4, Galatians 3:27, Colossians 2:12).
Acts 19:1-5
Paul re-baptizes disciples in the name of the Lord Jesus. This scripture gives us an understanding that once we have found out how one should be baptized, we should correct the situation by baptizing converts correctly – in the name of the Lord Jesus for remission of sins.
One of the things that we find in our religious circles today is that most religious leaders speak highly of Paul and the gospel of Christ. However, they won’t follow the teachings of Paul. They don’t realize that Paul taught and re-baptized believers in the name of the Lord Jesus (Galatians 1:6-12). Some of the best known apostles – Peter and Paul taught the doctrine of Jesus being God “The Christ” and that if we believe, we should repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).
There are many preachers who do not baptize in Jesus name. Who are they following? Are they following their own philosophies and traditions? (Mark 7:6-13). It’s time for all religious leaders to teach repentance and re-baptize their converts in Jesus name so that they might receive remission of sins and the Holy Ghost/Spirit. Note: God has given the Holy Spirit before and after baptism in Jesus name. I’m of the opinion that it doesn’t matter how or when we receive the Holy Spirit as long as we receive it. The important thing is that we follow the directions given to us in Acts 2:38. God will give the Holy Spirit wherever, whenever and to whomever he chooses. Paul understood that it was important that we follow the directions of God. Therefore, Paul gets baptized calling on the name of the Lord. Paul was buried with him, washed in his blood and took on his name by baptism (Acts 22:16).
Acts 22:1-18
Paul gets baptized in the name of the Lord. Paul relates how he found out that Jesus Christ is the name of the Lord God Almighty of heaven and earth whom he had persecuted. Paul was baptized in the name of the Lord following his encounter with Jesus Christ (verse 16). Jesus told Paul to leave Jerusalem because they would not believe his story. Note: The story - God spoke personally to Paul out of heaven and gave Paul his highest and glorious name – Jesus Christ. Paul got baptized in the name of the Lord for remission of sins because he believed on Jesus Christ and the revelation of God. Question? Why would Paul preach or teach any other way to get baptized if he was personally baptized in the name of the Lord? (Acts 22:16, Galatians 1:6-12).
There is no record of anyone getting baptized in these titles - the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Baptisms in the New Testament were in the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16), in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38), or the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 19:5). All baptisms by the apostles were in the name of Jesus Christ in some form.
This is an edited excerpt from my book, "Understanding the Trinity, Three Persons vs Three Manifestations. To order call 1-888-280-7715.
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