Spiritual Warfare

If we want to be strong in the Lord, we must put on the whole armor of God. Our battle is not with people, but against evil forces of the unseen world. Therefore, our armor is spiritual.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:12 KJV

Our loins need a covering of truth. The loins are a place of reproduction. For spiritual reproduction, we need a covering of truth. The truth of one God and the gospel of our salvation is essential in our spiritual reproduction. (Deuteronomy 6:4, 1Corinthians 15:1-4, Acts 2:38)

"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth…" - Ephesians 6:14 KJV

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him." - John 14:6-7 KJV

"To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation." - 2 Corinthians 5:19 KJV

"In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise," - Ephesians 1:13 KJV

"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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

We must have the breastplate of righteousness protecting our heart and lungs.

"…and having on the breastplate of righteousness;" - Ephesians 6:14 KJV

"For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." - 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV

It is by the gospel that we find peace with God, for He reconciled us back to Himself. It is by the gospel that we are able to stand. In order for us to stand our feet must be shod with the TRUE gospel.

"And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;" - Ephesians 6:15 KJV

"And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself…" - Colossians 1:20 KJV

"Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;" - 1 Corinthians 15:1 KJV

"I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ." - Galatians 1:6-7 KJV

We must have faith and trust in God as our deliverer from ANY attack of the enemy. What fiery darts does our faith in God quench? Anger, grief, lust, fear, doubt, confusion, false accusations, guilt, jealousy, hate.

"Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked." - Ephesians 6:16 KJV

"And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; the God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence." - 2 Samuel 22:2-3 KJV

By our repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost, we have put on protection of our mind. It is by our mind that our body takes direction. We cannot survive without our mind. We cannot survive without salvation.

"And take the helmet of salvation…" - Ephesians 6:17 KJV

"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; how shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;" - Hebrews 2:1-3 KJV

"For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." - 1 Corinthians 2:16 KJV

Just as Christ attacked the devil in his temptation with the word of God, so must we. We attack with the word as well as with the Spirit by praying in the spirit.

"…And the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" - Ephesians 6:17 KJV

"And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." - Luke 4:3-4 KJV

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;" - Ephesians 6:18 KJV

By putting on the whole armor of God we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11) We may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13)

We must be ready for battle.

While John the Baptist’s baptism is the baptism of repentance and preparation for the coming of Christ, the baptism of Jesus is a blood covenant with God.

Like John the Baptist’s baptism, repentance is the requirement before being baptized in Jesus name.

Repentance is being sorrowful for our sinful life and a turning away from sin to living for God. It is a change of mind.

We enter into the new covenant [testament] with Jesus by water baptism in Jesus name.

"For this is my blood of the new testament [covenant], which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28 KJV

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul." -Leviticus 17:11 KJV

"And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." - Hebrews 9:22 KJV

It is by Jesus’ suffering and death that He shed His blood for our sins. When we are baptized in Jesus name, we are baptized into His death. It is here that the blood of Jesus is applied to our life for the remission of our sins.

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?" - Romans 6:3 KJV

It is by the blood of Jesus that there is remission of sins. The blood of Jesus is carried by the name of Jesus. Remission of sins is through the name of Jesus because His name carries His blood. By Jesus name baptism, the blood of Jesus is applied to our life.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins..." - Acts 2:38 KJV

We receive remission of our sins by His blood when we are baptized in Jesus name.

"To him give all the prophets witness, that THROUGH HIS NAME whosoever believeth in him shall receive REMISSION OF SINS." - Acts 10:43 KJV

"And that repentance and REMISSION OF SINS should be preached IN HIS NAME among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." - Luke 24:47 KJV

"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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"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 KJV

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be BAPTIZED, and WASH AWAY THY SINS, CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD." - Acts 22:16 KJV

Thy kingdom come

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He spoke of His kingdom saying to pray, Thy kingdom come. (Luke 11:1-2, Matthew 6:10). What was Jesus talking about?

"And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." - Luke 17:20-21 KJV

We see by this verse, that the kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom, not a physical kingdom. (2Corinthians 10:3-5, Ephesians 6:12)

We see that the kingdom of God is within us as the Holy Ghost.

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." - Romans 14:17 KJV

How do we become part of the kingdom of God?

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." - John 3:3-6 KJV

We see later that being born of water is baptism in Jesus name, and being born of the Spirit is being baptized with the Spirit, which is the Holy Ghost.

Jesus’ disciples, even after His death, burial, and resurrection, still did not understand that the kingdom of God is spiritual, not physical. God’s kingdom is one of power in the Holy Ghost. Jesus explained this to His disciples.

"When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight." - Acts 1:6-9 KJV

On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached how to be born of water and of the Spirit.

"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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

To enter into the kingdom of God we must repent and be washed and justified by the blood of Jesus by baptism in Jesus name. We must be sanctified by the Spirit of God, which is the Holy Ghost.

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV

"Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:" - Colossians 1:11-15 KJV

“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." - Matthew 6:13 KJV

"Knowing this, that our old man [our old sinful self] is crucified with him [Jesus], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." - Romans 6:6 KJV

"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 into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:" - Romans 6:3-5 KJV

We kill sin in our life by repentance, getting water baptized in Jesus name to bury our sins, and receiving the gift of God’s Spirit, the Holy Ghost.

"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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

By God’s Spirit in us we have His power to resist sin. We can become a witness to others of our changed life through Christ and can share the salvation message of Acts 2:38.

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8 KJV

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13 KJV

The Face of God

There is a chorus, Oh, I want to see Him, look upon His face…

We look forward to heaven and looking upon the face of our Savior Jesus. Within this song and within the Bible, we find there is a deeper meaning "to look upon His face".

Jacob spoke of the face of God when his brother Esau was on his way to meet him, coming against him. God gave Jacob favor and mercy after Jacob “wrestled a man” through the night until the man blessed him.

"And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel (“the face of God”): for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." - Genesis 32:30

The Bible says of Moses:

"And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend." - Exodus 33:11a

The priestly blessing includes these words:

"The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:" - Numbers 6:25

The Bible speaks of God’s favor towards Israel:

"And they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land: for they have heard that thou LORD art among this people, that thou LORD art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that thou goest before them, by day time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night." - Numbers 14:14

When God hides His face, it is in anger and forsaking.

David pleaded with God to not hide His face from him. Above all, David wanted God’s love, favor, and mercy:

"Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation." - Psalm 27:9

God spoke of His response to Israel when they would forsake Him and break their covenant with Him:

"Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall befall them…And I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evils which they shall have wrought, in that they are turned unto other gods." - Deuteronomy 31:17-18

"I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will shew them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity." - Jeremiah 18:17

When God came in the form of man in the name of Jesus, He brought mercy. We find glory in His face:

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." - 2 Corinthians 4:6

Those that look upon the face of Jesus in heaven are in God’s Mercy.

"And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads." - Revelation 22:3-4

We will look upon his face - there to sing forever of His saving grace. On the streets of glory let me lift my voice - cares all past, home at last, ever to rejoice!

Jesus gives us the power we need to overcome sin in our life.

When we turn to Jesus and away from a lifestyle of sin, and are baptized in His name Jesus, He forgives us and washes away all of our sins. When He fills us with His Holy Ghost, He gives us the power we need to overcome sin.

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." - Acts 1:8

It is through His Spirit, the Holy Ghost, that we mortify the deeds of our body, putting to death our old sinful habits that we had when we were “living after the flesh.”

"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live." - Romans 8:13

Jesus promises us His Holy Ghost when we repent and are baptized in His name.

"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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39

When we are connected to Jesus, full of His Spirit, we not only have the power to overcome sin in our life, but the power to be fruitful in the kingdom of God.

"I am the vine, ye are the branches: he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." - John 15:5 KJV

What does this verse mean?

"My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation." - James 3:1 KJV

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines the word that is translated as “masters” in this verse as “of those who in the religious assemblies of Christians undertook the work of teaching, with the special assistance of the Holy Spirit.”

The word translated as “condemnation” means “judgement.” According to Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, specifically for James 3:1, “God’s judgment upon men.”

So what is this verse saying?

Another translation says, "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly." - James 3:1 NIV

"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body [Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way]." - James 3:2 KJV

The next verses warn of the power of the tongue. It appears that this is directly connected to the first verse: with greater position in the church, comes greater responsibility. There must be total surrender of the tongue to the Spirit, not giving in to words coming from bitter envy and selfish ambition.

Here are the rest of the verses that go with this:

"Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! [In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.]" - James 3:3-5 KJV

"And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell. For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God." - James 3:6-9 KJV

"Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh." - James 3:10-12 KJV

"Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." - James 3:13-16 KJV

Another translation: "If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind." - James 3:13-16 NLT

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated [willing to yield to others], full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality [favoritism], and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace." - James 3:17-18 KJV

Christ and the Church- Father and Mother in the New Birth

Throughout the Bible, the relationship of God to His people is typed as a husband and wife. In Ephesians 5, Paul describes the relationship between husband and wife and concludes with this statement: “but this speak I of Christ and the Church”.

In I Corinthians 15.46 the scriptures reveal, “Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual”.

God’s first commandment in the Bible, “Be fruitful and multiply"… was natural. Jesus’ great commission to the Church, “Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them"… was spiritual. First God commanded natural reproduction, but then spiritual reproduction.

As in the natural relationship of husband and wife, each having their own role in reproduction, so it is in the spiritual relationship. Christ’s role as the husband in spiritual birth is to baptize with His Spirit. The Church’s role as the wife in spiritual birth is to baptize with water in Jesus name.

Only the Husband is capable of His role of baptizing with the Spirit, and only the wife is capable of her role of baptizing with water. Husband and wife cannot interchange their roles and both water and Spirit are necessary for the New Birth. As Jesus answered Nicodemus, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

When the wife does her part - water baptism in Jesus name, the Husband PROMISES to do His part. Peter said in Acts 2:38-39, “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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." God promises.

In John 20:22-23, Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost”. Then He said, “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”

Jesus revealed in this Scripture that the Church is in a very powerful position of salvation: If the Church does not remit sins, the sins are retained.

Sins are remitted in the name of Jesus in water baptism. If the Church does not realize this imperative responsibility as her primary obligation, will souls be lost?

The baptism of the Holy Ghost supplies the power to overcome sin. It is vital that the Church brings souls to the point of receiving the Holy Ghost by travailing in prayer as well as assisting them in receiving the Holy Ghost in the New Birth process at the altar. However, the bottom line is, only God can fill them with His Spirit. And, He PROMISES He will fill them with His Spirit when they repent and are baptized in the name of Jesus, if a person will receive His Spirit.

The Church is commanded to preach repentance and to water baptize in the name of Jesus, and God promises His Spirit:

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, BAPTIZING them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: (the NAME “Jesus”)

Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Mark 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is BAPTIZED shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned…

Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with [them], and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

Luke 24:46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:

Luke 24:47 And that REPENTANCE and REMISSION OF SINS should be preached IN HIS NAME among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Luke 24:48 And ye are witnesses of these things.

Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

John 20:21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as [my] Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

John 20:22 And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

John 20:23 Whose soever SINS YE REMIT, they are remitted unto them; [and] whose soever [sins] ye retain, they are retained.

God can baptize with His Holy Spirit and the New Birth not be completed if the Church does not likewise fulfill her role of baptizing with water in the name of Jesus. While it is essential to preach about the Holy Ghost, to pray for souls to receive the Holy Ghost, and to assist people in receiving the Holy Ghost, the Church's necessary role in the New Birth is to water baptize people in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins.

Jesus gave His great commission to His disciples before He ascended in bodily form into heaven. It is found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John:

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." - Matthew 28:19-20

"And he said unto them, 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. And these signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." - Mark 16:15-18

"And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." - Luke 24:46-49

"Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained." - John 20:21-23

In each of these accounts, Jesus sent out His disciples. Matthew emphasized they were to go and teach; Mark emphasized they were to go and preach the gospel; Mark emphasized they were to go and preach repentance and remission of sins; John emphasized they were to go with the message of peace/reconciliation.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations/ Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature/ Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations/ Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

In each of these accounts, Jesus was commissioning them to baptize in His name for the remission of sins. Each writer emphasized a different aspect. Matthew emphasized there is one name in baptism; Mark emphasized baptism saves; Luke emphasized there is remission of sins through His name; John emphasized peace (reconciliation) and authority to remit sins by baptism.

Baptizing them in the NAME of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost/ He that believeth and is baptized shall be SAVED/ Repentance and REMISSION OF SINS should be preached in His NAME/ Whose soever SINS YE REMIT, THEY ARE REMITTED unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

In each of these accounts, Jesus foretold of receiving His Holy Ghost, which is His presence in them. Matthew emphasized that the Holy Ghost is Jesus; Mark emphasized the Holy Ghost comes with the speaking in tongues; Luke emphasized the Holy Ghost is the promise and would come with power; John emphasized the Holy Ghost would come like breath and that the Holy Ghost needs to be received.

And, lo, I am with you alway / they shall speak with new tongues/ I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high/ He breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.

(Side note regarding “breathed on them”: “Breath” and “wind” is the same word in Hebrew – and “wind” and “Holy Ghost”/”Spirit” is the same word in Greek. (Ezekiel 37:9, John 3:8) Jesus said there was a sound just as with the wind with everyone born of the Spirit.)

The Great Commission began its fulfillment in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. On that day, the Holy Ghost was first poured out. On that day, the gospel was preached. On that day, souls were baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins.

"And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. ... And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:2, 4

There was a sound as of a wind, and there was speaking with other tongues.

Then, Apostle Peter preached the gospel message.

"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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39

Peter preached the gospel of peace/reconciliation by repentance and remission of sins in the name of Jesus through baptism, and the promise of receiving the Holy Ghost.

"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation." - Acts 2:40

By the authority given to them by Jesus, the apostles then remitted the sins of about three thousand souls by baptizing them in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins. They were also baptized with the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

How would we know this?

Those disciples in the upper room were already baptized in Jesus name and then filled with the Holy Ghost. Then, about three thousand souls were "baptized" (water and Spirit) and "were ADDED unto them."

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." - Acts 2:41

"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. ... Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:42, 47 KJV

We are baptized in the name of the One crucified for us!! We are baptized in the name of JESUS!!
"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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

When we draw close to God, He will draw close to us. (James 4:8)

We draw close to Jesus by prayer – thanking Him for all He has done for us, from giving us breath, to giving food on our table, to meeting our needs. (Philippians 4:6)

He speaks to us when we read His word, the Bible. When we pray and ask the Lord for His will in our life, He will direct our paths. (Proverbs 3:6)

We know that because of God’s mercy, we can always come to Him. If we have wandered from the Lord, we can return to Him and He will forgive us. (Acts 2:38-39, Isaiah 55:6-7, Psalms 145:8, James 4:10, Luke 15:24)

We draw close to God when we go to the House of God to worship, give thanks, pray, and hear the preaching of His word. (Titus 1:3, Hebrews 10:25)

"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD." - Psalms 122:1

The Mighty God, who is the Everlasting Father, robed Himself in the flesh and blood of a human body and walked among us as the Son of God. The Great Creator is our Savior! His Name is JESUS!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

“Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." - Isaiah 9:6-7 KJV

"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:" - Deuteronomy 6:4 KJV

There are some that say we are forgiven by the blood of Jesus, but we do not need to be baptized in Jesus name to apply it – just have faith and believe in the blood.

What does the Bible say about the blood of Jesus?

"For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28

The Bible compares Jesus to the Passover lamb.

The LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron in the land of Egypt about the Passover lamb. He gave them detailed instructions. The people of Israel had been in cruel bondage to the Egyptians.

"For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD." - Exodus 12:12

"Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover. And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning. For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you." - Exodus 12:21-23 KJV

"And the children of Israel went away, and did as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so did they." - Exodus 12:28

The children of Israel believed and obeyed.

"And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle." - Exodus 12:29

But the children of Israel were saved, because they had applied the blood of the lamb.

"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt." - Exodus 12:13 KJV

The Bible says that Christ is our Passover that is sacrificed for us. Jesus is the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:" - 1 Corinthians 5:7

Leaven represents sin. We purge out the old leaven of sin by repentance. We then apply the blood of Christ our Passover by water baptism in Jesus name.

Jesus shed His blood for the remission of sins. We need to APPY His blood for our salvation, just like the blood of the Passover lamb was applied to save the lives of the firstborn the night of the Passover.

"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." - Acts 2:38

Just as the children of Israel were in bondage in Egypt and the Lord delivered them, we were in bondage to sin and death and the Lord delivered us.

"Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." - Hebrews 2:14-15 KJV

Just as it took the application of blood on their houses on the night of Passover to save the firstborn Israelite from death, it takes the application of the blood of Jesus by water baptism in Jesus name upon our “house,” our bodies, to save our souls.

In the New Testament, the Bible speaks of Moses and his obedience to the Lord’s commands the night of the Passover. Moses’ faith was coupled with obedience. Moses instructed the people that they MUST apply the blood to their house.

Through faith in God’s word, the people of Israel APPLIED THE BLOOD of the lamb to their door posts. Through faith in God’s word, they STAYED INSIDE their house that had the covering of the lamb’s blood on the doors, and did not go out until the morning.

That night when the LORD passed though Egypt to bring death, He passed over the obedient people of Israel and none died – they were saved because they believed God and applied the blood of the lamb to their house.

"And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt." - Exodus 12:13 KJV

The Bible speaks of the faith of Moses.

"Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them." - Hebrews 11:28

The Bible says Moses “kept” the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood. Another translation says, “It was by faith that Moses commanded the people of Israel to keep the Passover and to sprinkle blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not kill their firstborn sons.”

BECAUSE Moses had faith and believed God, he OBEYED Him, so that their firstborn would not be touched by the destroyer.

It was by the APPLICATION of blood that their firstborn sons were saved from death. FAITH in the blood AND the APPLICATION of the blood go hand in hand.

If the people of Israel had faith in the blood of the Passover lamb, but had NOT applied the blood to their house, there firstborn sons would have PERISHED that night.

Faith and belief must be coupled with obedience for salvation. When we have faith in the blood of Jesus, we APPLY HIS BLOOD BY BAPTISM IN JESUS NAME FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS.

When Paul preached Jesus to the twelve men at Ephesus, they “believed on him,” and STRAIGHT AWAY were baptized in the name of Jesus. It was BECAUSE they believed on Jesus, that they got baptized in Jesus name.

"Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. " - Acts 19:4-6

What does it mean, “to KNOW them which labour among you”?

"And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves." - 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 KJV

The definition from Thayer’s Greek Lexicon of this word “know,” (which is specific for this one verse), is the following:

“Hebraistically, εἰδέναι τινα to have regard for one, cherish, pay attention to: 1 Thessalonians 5:12”

Whom is this verse speaking of? It is speaking of pastors, the shepherds appointed by God to feed, lead, and guard the flock. The flock is God’s church. According to the Bible, we are to have regard for our pastor, to cherish, pay attention to, and esteem them highly in love.

"And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. ... Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." - Acts 20:17, 28 KJV

"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine." - 1 Timothy 5:17 KJV

"Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you." - Hebrews 13:17 KJV

"The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." - 1Peter 5:1-4 KJV

There are words in the song, “Crimson Stream of Blood" that say, "When gloom and sadness whisper, ‘You’ve sinned—no use to pray,’ I look away to Jesus, and He tells me to say: I see a crimson stream of blood, it flows from Calvary, its waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me."

The enemy will come to us to steal the spiritual blessings we have received, to kill us spiritually by trying to get us to give up and go back, and to destroy us. BUT God has given us His unfathomable MERCY by His BLOOD when we obeyed the Gospel and got baptized in JESUS name for the REMISSION of SINS!!!

Jesus said,

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." - John 10:10-11 KJV

"For this is my blood of the new testament [new covenant], which is shed for many for the remission of sins." - Matthew 26:28 KJV

"Now when they heard this [heard the Gospel Peter preached to them], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 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." - Acts 2:37-38 KJV

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." - Ephesians 6:10-13 KJV

We have VICTORY IN JESUS! When our feet are shod with and stand in the Gospel, God has given us the shield of faith that we may quench ALL the fiery darts of the wicked!

"Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" - Ephesians 6:14-17 KJV

Thank you Jesus for your BLOOD!

Here are the words to the song, "Crimson Stream of Blood” by GT Haywood:

On Cal’vry’s hill of sorrow where sin’s demands were paid, and rays of hope for tomorrow across our path were laid.

I see a crimson stream of blood, it flows from Calvary, its waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me.

Today no condemnation abides to turn away my soul from His salvation, He’s in my heart to stay.

I see a crimson stream of blood, it flows from Calvary, its waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me.

When gloom and sadness whisper, “You’ve sinned—no use to pray,” I look away to Jesus, and He tells me to say:

I see a crimson stream of blood, it flows from Calvary, its waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me.

And when we reach the portal where life forever reigns, the ransomed hosts’ grand final will be this glad refrain.

I see a crimson stream of blood, it flows from Calvary, its waves which reach the throne of God, are sweeping over me.

Bishop G. T. Haywood was filled with the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues, and baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins. "He was a revered Bible teacher, apologist, and hymn writer. The church that Bishop Haywood founded and pastored until his death in April 1931, Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, was a center of Apostolic revival and was seminal in the establishment of other Oneness Pentecostal churches and ministries throughout Indiana and the entire Midwest." [apostolicarchives.com]

How can we know God?

"Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:" - Jeremiah 31:31 KJV

This is a prophecy of Jeremiah speaking of the new covenant. This covenant would not be the covenant of the Law, written on tables of stone.

"Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:" - Jeremiah 31:32 KJV

This new covenant would be the LORD’s law written in their hearts.

"But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." - Jeremiah 31:33 KJV

This new covenant would be like the covenant of the Law in that it would also be a marriage covenant. While the covenant of the Law was a covenant of Divine Justice, this new covenant would be a covenant of Divine Mercy. It would bring forgiveness of sin, and for the first time since the Garden, the LORD would fill man with His Spirit. This new covenant would be an intimate relationship between God and His people.

"And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." - Jeremiah 31:34 KJV

The word “know” in this verse is the Hebrew word “yada.” One meaning of “yada” is, “dedicating ourselves to a person so we can engage them with our love and affection.”

Because baptism in Jesus name is a marriage covenant with the LORD, and because Jesus gives us the gift of His Spirit as a promise for entering this covenant with Him, we can see how this is an intimate relationship between Jesus and His people. Those that are part of this new covenant truly know the LORD.

This new covenant began on the Day of Pentecost. The LORD poured out His Spirit on the believers that were gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem.

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:1-4 KJV

The Jews that were gathered from every nation for Pentecost, when they heard the preaching of the gospel by Peter, asked Peter and the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Peter preached to them how to enter the new covenant.

"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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

"And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers." - Acts 2:40-42 KJV

The Bible describes heaven as a beautiful place. It is a place no one wants to miss going to! There is the saying, Everyone wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to die to get there. This is true.

The requirement to make heaven our destination truly is death, but in reality, that requirement is death to sin. We need to become dead to sin by repentance, turning from a sinful lifestyle to a lifestyle of living our life for Jesus. The Bible says,

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 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 into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:1-4

We become dead to sin by repentance, being sorrowful for past sins, and crucifying our sinful lifestyle. We must bury those sins and that old sinful lifestyle by water baptism in Jesus name, which not only buries but washes away our sins. Jesus promises the gift of His Holy Ghost when we do this. His Holy Spirit gives us the power we need in our lives to overcome sin. By the infilling of His Spirit, our lives are changed to walk a new life in Jesus.

"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. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39

The Spirit of Jesus is the power that raised Jesus' body from the grave, which will also raise us up from the grave when we are filled with His Spirit. (“quicken” means “to make alive”)

"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." - Romans 8:11

When we are filled with the Spirit of Christ, we pass from death to life. We contain within our body eternal life.

"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:22-23

In the Bible, those that have repented of their sins, have been baptized in Jesus name, and are filled with His Holy Ghost, when they experience a physical death, they are said to be “asleep.”

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." - Acts 7:59-60

It also describes them as being “dead in Christ” as well as those that are “asleep.” The following verses describe the Rapture:

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Not everyone wants to die out to sin and live for Jesus. But this is how we will get to heaven!

Complete Forgiveness

We as Jesus Name Holy Ghost filled believers desire to be Christ-like. When it comes to forgiveness, do we say, "I forgave that person, but they are going to have to answer to God for what they did."?

If we REALLY forgive someone, we will say, "Lord, forgive them for what they have done to me – totally erase it from their account."

God did not demand justice for us for what we have done. Instead, He died in our place, paying the price of our sins. When we repented of our sins and were baptized in His name Jesus for the remission of our sins, He completely forgave us, totally erasing our sin from our record and filling us with the gift of His Holy Ghost.

Stephen was baptized in Jesus name and filled with the Holy Ghost. Stephen was Christ-like. This is what the Bible says about Stephen:

"And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people." - Acts 6:8

There were some that rose up against Stephen, disputing with him, stirring up the people, bringing him to the council, and setting up false witnesses against him. (Acts 6:9-15) When Stephen gave his testimony of Jesus, the leaders were furious and went into a rage. They threw him out of the city. (Acts 7:1-58)

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." - Acts 7:59-60 (He died but would awake at the rapture).

Stephen was innocent, yet they killed him. He did not ask God for justice. In fact, Stephen went beyond forgiving the people that stoned him to death: he asked God to not charge them with this sin.

Stephen did not want God to take vengeance on these people and judge them for their sin against him. Stephen did not ask for justice for what they did – instead, Stephen wanted God to TOTALLY ERASE THEIR SIN AGAINST HIM FROM THEIR RECORD, not charging them for his murder.

This is true and complete forgiveness.

When we were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of our sins, we were baptized into Jesus Christ and baptized into His death. We repented of our sins and became dead to sin.

What does it mean to be dead to sin?

"God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” - Romans 6:2

To be dead to sin means, “To become wholly alienated from a thing, and freed from all connection with it” {Thayer’s Greek Lexicon}

“True Christians are said simply as ‘you have died’, having put off all sensibility to worldly things that draw them away from God:” {Thayer’s}

"For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God." - Colossians 3:3 KJV

"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 into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." - Romans 6:3-4 KJV

“Since they owe this habit of mind to the death of Christ, they are said also, ‘they are dead with Christ’. {Thayers’s}

"Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:" - Romans 6:8 KJV

"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you." - Romans 6:17 KJV

What is that doctrine?

"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." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." - Romans 6:22-23 KJV

The Holy Ghost - the Spirit of Jesus in us - is not just a good thing to have - the Holy Ghost is necessary to be saved!

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

If we are not filled with the Spirit of Jesus, the Bible says we are none of His!

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. ... But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." - Romans 8:1, 9 KJV

How are we born of the Spirit? And how are we filled with the Holy Ghost?

We are born of the Spirit and filled with the Holy Ghost just like they were on the day of Pentecost. Jesus commanded His disciples to wait for the promise of His Spirit which He would soon pour out.

"And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." - Luke 24:46-49 KJV

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:1-4 KJV

Peter preached the gospel to all those that saw and heard the disciples as they received the promised Holy Ghost.

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

“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.

“For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

“And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." - Acts 2:37-41 KJV

They repented of their sins, they were baptized in Jesus name, they received the gift of God’s Spirit - the Holy Ghost.

"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

“... And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." - Acts 2:42, 47 KJV

There are some that say you only have to believe and that you do not have to be baptized in Jesus name to be saved.

It is by baptism in Jesus name that we have remission of sins. How can a person be saved when their sins have not been remitted?

“Remission” means, “forgiveness, pardon, of sins (the letting them go, as if they had not been committed), remission of their penalty” (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon).

Jesus spoke to His disciples,

"And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." - Luke 24:46-47

Jesus told His disciples to wait in Jerusalem.

"And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." - Luke 24:49

Just as Jesus promised them, they were all filled with the Holy Ghost after they tarried in Jerusalem, and there Peter first preached repentance and remission of sins in Jesus name.

"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." - Acts 2:38

Later, the Gentiles also received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Peter had just finished preaching to them the gospel and the power of the name of Jesus to remit sins.

"While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 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. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." - Acts 10:44-48

When we apply the name of Jesus by water baptism in Jesus name, we receive remission of sins.

As Peter preached on the day of Pentecost, we are to “be baptized EVERY ONE OF YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR the remission of sins…” We are baptized in Jesus name, why? FOR the remission of sins.

Peter understood the necessity of water baptism in Jesus name for salvation. When Peter saw the Gentiles received the gift of the Holy Ghost, he COMMANDED THEM TO BE BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF THE LORD.

It is by the name of Jesus, applied when we are baptized in Jesus name, that we have salvation.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:1