Steve, first of all, thank you for responding as salvation is so important & also for your kind remarks. I too enjoyed reading your post. I agree that this is a great place to share information regarding everything about our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ. I agree with you in that there are differences of opinions on some matters and I am well aware that this is one of them. I respectfully agree that we disagree on this topic and there's nothing wrong with that. Like you said, this is not necessarily just for you or me but for all that read these posts to let them decide through the word of God in the bible and through prayer.

 

I'll admit I was a little over-zealous in a couple of my remarks on my post. I suppose it's because I have a strong burden re: this topic. I had been in a few denominations prior to my current one and had virtually no relationship with God. It's not that I did not want to, I just didn't know what else to do to get closer to the Lord. I was so lost and didn't even realize it. But now I am attending a church that is preaching and teaching the bible as closely as possible. I received the Holy Ghost at my current church upon repentance. I also was baptized in Jesus name. 

 

I would like to present some more scripture and thoughts. Steve, you may of course respond or not, that's up to you. I just want healthy conversation regarding this very important topic. I encourage anyone to respond with comments, questions, etc. It is very important that we look to the recorded and inspired word of God that is our bibles.

 

Jesus did not baptize, however, Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan:

 

Mark 1:10  And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

 

The new testament which began on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost was given is when the "new testament" form of baptism would take effect as described in Acts 2:38. Jesus obviously would not be doing the water baptisms for the new testament believers but he would be and still is doing the Holy Ghost baptisms. John the Baptist said this in:

 

Mark 1:8  I indeed have baptized you with water: but he (Jesus) shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

 

I want to point out some water baptism examples in the book of Acts. Acts is one of the most important books in the bible for the new testament church and I would say one of the most overlooked. This describes the formation of the church, salvation message from Peter, baptism examples, etc. This is still applicable to us today, I suppose until the rapture; I'm not aware of any newer covenant or testament that supercedes this.  

Acts 8:38  And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water,

 

        8:16  (For as yet he (the Holy Ghost) was fallen upon none of them (Samarians): only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

 

       10:47  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.

 

       16:33  And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.

 

       19:4   Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5  When they                               heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

  

       22:16  And now why tarriest thou (Paul)? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

 

Doves, decide for yourselves, but I read and see a whole lot of water baptisms in Jesus name! Peter commanded it in 10:48, it's not optional (Peter has the keys to heaven). Paul was involved in the re-baptizing of John the Baptist disciples in 19:4. Paul had his sins washed away in 22:16. Jesus said to believe and be baptized and he said to be born again of the water and the Spirit. 

 

In conclusion, the water baptism in Jesus name is when you receive remission of all your past sins. I feel this is essential to salvation to be able to enter into heaven. We can't carry unforgiven sins into heaven, can we? Look at these verses below and Acts 16:33 & 22:16 above again and you'll see it describes a symbolic washing away of sins.

Luke 24:47  And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

 

Acts 2:38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 

Thanks so much for your attention to this topic and God Bless!

 

Kent