THE TRUTH ABOUT WATER
BAPTISM
With the Actual Quotation of the Original Text of Matthew 28:19
Biblical and Historical Proof
by Eddie Jones
You have a right to know the truth about water baptism. What
does the Bible say? What does history say? Do not take mere theories and ideas
of men; learn the truth about this important subject. The following information
is based on Biblical and historical proof that cannot be denied.
IS WATER
BAPTISM ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION?
Jesus commanded, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every
creature. He that believeth and is BAPTIZED shall be saved;
but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15,16). This command
of Christ is merely an extension of His own ministry through His disciples.
"Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, though Jesus
Himself baptized not, but His disciples" (John 4:1,2). The words
cited above show that making disciples and baptizing them went together. Jesus
said to Nicodemus, "Except a man be born of WATER
and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God" (John 3:5).
Paul said, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according
to His mercy He saved us (How?) by the WASHING of regeneration,
and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3:5).
On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached, "Repent, and be BAPTIZED
everyone of you in the Name of Jesus Christ FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS
..." (Acts 2:38). To the Gentiles Peter said, "Can any man
forbid water, that these should not be baptized ...? And he COMMANDED
THEM TO BE BAPTIZED ..." (Acts 10:47,48). "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 BAPTISM
DOTH ALSO NOW SAVE US" (I Peter 3:20,21).
Baptism occupied a place of great importance in the Christian community of the
first century and was regarded as essential to the new birth and to membership
in the Kingdom of God (Encyclopedia Britannica, 1982 Edition, Vol. 1, p. 798).
Water baptism is an act of obedience to the command of Christ, necessary for
the remission of sins, and essential to the new birth. It is therefore definitely
essential to salvation.
WHAT IS THE
CORRECT MODE FOR WATER BAPTISM?
The word baptize is derived from the Greek word "baptizo" which means
to dip, immerse, plunge or sink (Greek-English Lexicon). A careful study of
the New Testament Church will prove that immersion was the original mode used
for water baptism.
Paul said, "We are BURIED with Him by baptism"
(Rom. 6:4). When Jesus was baptized by John in Jordan River, He came straightway
up out of the water (Mark 1:9,10). When Philip baptized the eunuch, both went
down into the water and then came up out of it (Acts 8:36-39).
The "Early Christians" practiced immersion (submerging a person in
water) as the method of baptism (World Book Encyclopedia, 1987 Edition, Vol.
B, p. 71,72).
The original mode of baptism was by immersion of the entire body in water, but
a wide accepted method since the 2nd century has been baptism by affusion (pouring
water on the head employed by the Roman Catholic Church) (Encyclopedia International,
1982 Edition, Vol. 2, p. 378).
It is evident that Baptism in the early Church was by immersion. The Didache
(Christian writings around the second and third centuries) and Cyprian (Bishop
of Carthage) are generally cited as the earliest evidence for the allowance
of affusion instead of immersion. Baptism by sprinkling is admitted by the present
discipline of the Roman Catholic Church (New Catholic Encyclopedia, 1977 Edition,
Vol. 2, p. 56,65).
Nowhere will you find that the New Testament Church baptized by sprinkling or
pouring. They baptized by immersion of the entire body in water.
WHAT IS THE
CORRECT FORMULA FOR WATER BAPTISM?
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the Name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matt. 28:19).
Confusion has been left in the minds of many as to whether or not it is valid
to use the words Father, Son and Holy Ghost for the baptismal formula and for
the basis of the Trinity doctrine. A careful study of the original text, taken
from ancient manuscripts and from the earliest historical writings, should dispel
all doubt concerning the true baptismal formula. Note the following textual
criticism: Elsewhere in the New Testament the triune formula is not used. Some
scholars thus doubt the accuracy of the quotation in Matthew (Encyclopedia Britannica,
1987 Edition, Vol. 1, p. 877).
Matthew 28:19 has been disputed on textual grounds. There is grave doubt whether
they (the traditional words Father, Son and Holy Ghost) may be regarded as the
actual words of Jesus (The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible, 1980 Edition,
Vol. 1, p. 35).
All ancient manuscripts, which contain the original words of Jesus found in
Matthew 28:19, were either lost or destroyed. We have no complete manuscript
older than the year 400 (Hibbert Journal, F. C. Conybeare, 1902 Bound Edit.,
p. 108). In all still existing MSS (manuscripts which contain Matthew 28:19)
the text is found in the traditional (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) form (Encyclopedia
of Religion & Ethics, Vol. 2, p. 380). In the only codices (manuscripts)
which would be likely to preserve an older reading, namely the Sinaitic Syriac
and the oldest Latin MS., the pages are gone which contained the end of Matthew
(Hibbert Journal, Conybeare, 1902, p. 108). To settle the question about the
baptismal formula, we must turn to the earliest quotations of the original text.
The noted Greek scholar Eusebius of Caesarea (A.D. 270-340), who lived in the
greatest Christian library of his time, had access to much older MSS than currently
exist, and also exegesis of Origen, of Clement, of Alexandria, of Pantaenus
and of many other ancient works (Hibbert Journal, Conybeare, 1902, p. 104).
Eusebius quoted from Matthew 28:19 many times in his writings, in which he clearly
revealed that Jesus commissioned the apostles to use a singular name---"His
Name." The following is an actual quotation taken from the ancient manuscripts
of the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:19: "Go ye and make disciples of
all the nations IN MY NAME, teaching them to observe all things,
whatsoever I commanded you" (Demonstratio Evangelica, by Eusebius,
A.D. 300-336, col. 240, p. 136: English --- The Proof Of The Gospel, Translated
by W. J. Ferrar, 1981 Edition, p. 152,159,179).
In "The Proof Of The Gospel" Eusebius emphasized, "He (Jesus)
did not bid them (Apostles) simply and indefinitely to make disciples of all
nations, but with the necessary addition of 'IN MY NAME' "
(p. 157). Any other form of text he had never heard, and knew nothing until
he had visited Constantinople and attended the Council of Nicaea. Then in two
controversial works written in his extreme old age he used the common (traditional)
reading (Hibbert Journal, Conybeare, 1902, p. 105). This of course reveals that
he was persuaded to replace the original text with the traditional wording.
Other authors who had access to the original text also refer to the use of a
singular name in the commission of Christ. The anonymous author of De Rebaptismate
in the 3rd century dwelt at length on the power of the Name of Jesus invoked
upon a man by baptism (De Rebaptismate 6,7: Dictionary Of The Bible, William
Smith, Vol. I, p. 352).
In Justin Martyr's writings between A.D. 130 and 140, there is a passage which
has been regarded as an echo of Matthew 28:19 by various scholars: "God
hath not yet inflicted nor inflicts the judgment, as knowing of some that still
even today are being made disciples in the Name of His Christ, and are abandoning
the path of error, who also do receive gifts each as they be worthy, being illumined
by the Name of this Christ" (Justin Martyr's Dialogue with Trypho 39, p.
258: Hibbert Journal, Conybeare, 1902, p. 106). This certainly suggests that
Justin did not know the traditional text of Matthew 28:19 (The Encyclopedia
Of Religion And Ethics, Vol. 2, p. 380).
In Origen's works, as preserved in Greek, the first part of the verse (Matthew
28:19) is used three times, but his quotation always stops short at the words
"the nations." That in itself suggests that this text has been censored,
and that the words which followed "in My Name" struck out (Hibbert
Journal, 1902, p. 105).
In the 3rd century baptism in the Name of Christ was still so widespread that
Pope Stephen, in opposition to Cyprian of Carthage, declared it to be valid.
Ursinus, an African monk also asserted that baptism into the Name of Christ
alone was valid (Encyclopedia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, Vol. 3, p. 365,366).
Dr. Swete, professor at Cambridge, wrote in his book on the Apostles creed (London,
1894) that the triple formula forms the framework of the so-called Apostles'
creed. He pointed out that the baptismal creed is seen to rest on the baptismal
words Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (Hibbert Journal, 1902, p. 102).
Matthew 28:19 is the central piece of evidence for the traditional view of the
institution of baptism by Christ. The objection made to the historical criticism
is that the references to baptism in the Acts point to the earliest form as
baptism "in the Name of the Lord" (The Encyclopedia Of Religion and
Ethics, Vol. 2, p. 380).
In the oldest sources it is stated that baptism takes place "in the Name
of Jesus" (Encyclopedia Britannica, 1937 Edition, Vol. 3, p. 82).
For centuries the trinitarian formula for water baptism has been primarily based
on the traditional wording of Matthew 28:19. With all the Scriptural and historical
evidence now available, there remains absolutely no solid foundation to support
the triune name baptism.
The traditional wording of Matthew 28:19 cannot be used to support the trinitarian
formula without clashing with Scriptural and historical evidence. It can only
be used in reference to three manifestations of one God and not three persons
with a triune name. Which ever text you choose to use: the original or traditional;
a singular name is required. Notice that Jesus said, "NAME"
(singular). Father, Son and Holy Ghost are only titles or offices in which the
one true God has manifested Himself --- This is not His proper Name! To repeat
the titles and refuse to state the Name is failure to fulfill the commission
of Christ. Therefore, to obey the commission, the NAME must
be used. What is the NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost?
Name of Father --- Jesus said, "I am come in my Father's Name" (John
5:43).
Name of Son --- "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His
Name JESUS" (Matt. 1:21). (Also Luke 1:31.)
Name of Holy Ghost --- Jesus said, "The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,
whom the Father will send in MY NAME, He shall teach you all
things" (John 14:26).
Emphatically the NAME IS JESUS! Zechariah prophesied, "...
In that day (day of Salvation) shall there be ONE LORD, and
HIS NAME ONE" (Zec. 14:9). "Wherefore God
also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name:
that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow ... and that every tongue should
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord . . ." (Phi. 2:9-11). Paul declared
the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ of whom the whole family in heaven and in
earth is named (Eph. 3:14,15).
A trinitarian name-mysticism in Matthew 28:19 is quite out of the question.
The Greek words "eis to onoma" (in the name) seems rather to have
been a technical term in Hellenistic commerce "to the account." In
both cases the use of the phrase is understandable, since the account bears
the name of the one who owns it, and in baptism the Name of Jesus is pronounced
(Acts 22:16) (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Kittel, Vol. 1, p.
539,540).
Luke also records the "Great Commission" of Christ, which agrees with
the original text of Matthew 28:19. Then Jesus opened the understanding of the
disciples to the Scriptures, and said, "... That repentance and REMISSION
OF SINS should be preached IN HIS NAME among all nations
beginning at Jerusalem" (Luke 24:45-47).
In obedience to the commission of Christ, Peter stood with the other apostles
in Jerusalem and said, "Repent, and be baptized everyone of you in
the NAME OF JESUS CHRIST for the remission of sins, and ye
shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38). To question
the words of Peter is to doubt the divine wisdom of God, for Jesus gave to Peter
the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt. 16:13-19). Certainly the apostles were
authorities on the correct formula for water baptism. (Also see Eph. 2:20.)
When Philip preached Christ in Samaria, they that believed were baptized in
the Name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 8:16).
To the Gentiles at the house of Cornelius in Caesarea, Peter said, "Can
any man forbid water that these should not be baptized, which have received
the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the Name
of the Lord (R.V., Weymouth, Vulgate-'Name of Jesus Christ')" (Acts
10:47, 48).
According to Paul's testimony, he was baptized, washing away his sins, calling
on the Name of the Lord (R.V. --- "His Name") (Acts 22:16).
The believers in the church at Rome were baptized into Jesus Christ. Paul said,
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ
were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism ..."
(Rom. 6:3,4).
To the church at Corinth Paul asked the question, "Is Christ divided?
was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul"
(I Cor. 1:12-15)? This indicated that Jesus was crucified and they were baptized
in His Name.
The believers in the churches of Galatia were baptized into Christ. Paul said,
"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ"
(Gal. 3:27).
Certain disciples at Ephesus were REBAPTIZED in the Name of
the Lord Jesus, when they heard the preaching of the apostle Paul (Acts 19:4,
5).
The believers in the church of Colosse were buried with Christ in baptism. Paul
said, "Ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands,
in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Buried with Him in baptism ..." (Col. 2:11,12).
In agreement with the Scripture, history further proves that water baptism in
the Name of Jesus was universally practiced by the New Testament Church for
many years after Christ, and was changed by the Roman Catholic Church with the
development of the Trinity. Examine the following additional historical proofs:
The original form of words was "into the Name of Jesus Christ" or
"the Lord Jesus." Baptism into the Trinity was a later development
(Dictionary of the Bible by James Hastings, Thirteenth Edition, Vol. 1, p. 241:
Revised Edition, Vol. 1, p. 88).
The early church always baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus until the development
of the Trinity, afterward they were baptized in the Name of the Father, Son
and Holy Ghost (Canney Encyclopedia, p. 53).
The first use of the Latin word "trinitas" (trinity) with reference
to God is found in Tertullian's writings (about 213 A.D.). He was the first
to use the term "persons" (plural) in a Trinitarian context (New Catholic
Encyclopedia, 1977 Edition, Vol. 13, p. 1012).
The word "Trinity" is not in Scripture. The term persons (plural)
is not applied in Scripture to the Trinity (Encyclopedia Americana, 1957 Edition,
Vol. 27, p. 69).
Belief in Father, Son and Holy Ghost was first defined by the earliest general
council of churches. This was the First Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. (World
Book Encyclopedia, 1987 Edition, Vol. T. p. 363). (For Nicene Creed see Encyclopedia
Americana, 1983 Edition, Vol. 20, p. 310.)
The triune and trinity formula was not used from the beginning, and up until
the third century, baptism in the Name of Christ only was wide-spread . . .
(Baptismal formula changed by the Roman Catholic Church). Now the formula of
Rome is "I baptize thee in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of
the Holy Ghost (Britannica Encyclopedia, Eleventh Edition, Vol. 3, p. 365,366).
The Trinity doctrine. The Catholic Faith is this: We worship one in trinity,
but there is one person of the Father, another of the Son and another of the
Holy Ghost. The Glory equal --- the Majesty coeternal. The doctrine is not found
in its fully developed form in the Scriptures. Modern theology does not seek
to find it in the Old Testament. At the time of the Reformation the Protestant
Church took over the doctrine of the Trinity without serious examination (New
International Encyclopedia, 1916 Edition, Vol. 22, p. 476,477).
The doctrine of the Trinity did not form part of the apostles' preaching, as
this is reported in the New Testament (Encyclopedia International, 1982 Edition,
Vol. 18, p. 226).
No record of the Trinitarian formula can be discovered in the Acts or the Epistles
of the Apostles (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, p. 396).
Is this not sufficient proof? Nowhere, absolutely nowhere, will you find that
the New Testament Church baptized using the words Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
They baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Honest hearts, receive the truth! It is of utmost importance that water baptism
be applied in the Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. "Neither
is there salvation in any other; for there is NONE OTHER NAME
under Heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).
'' Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after
the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
For IN HIM DWELLETH ALL the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
And ye are COMPLETE IN HIM, which is the head of all principality
and power: In whom also ye are ... BURIED WITH HIM IN BAPTISM,
wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God,
who hath raised Him from the dead" (Col. 2:8-12). Ye are WASHED,
ye are sanctified, ye are justified IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS,
and by the Spirit of our God (I Cor. 6:11). "Whatsoever ye do in word or
deed, DO ALL IN THE NAME OF THE LORD JESUS" (Col.
3:17). There is only ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, AND ONE BAPTISM
(Eph. 4:5).
"Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (John
8:32).