Oneness, Trinity and Baptism

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Oneness, Trinity and Baptism

Posted On : Oct-13-2011 | seen (908) times | Article Word Count : 4187 |

The position of the Oneness and of the trinitarians, along with baptism is explored in history and in the sacred Scriptures. Please do not read this article if you wish to remain in the traditions of men, falsehood and oppressed by Satan.

Oneness

Oneness (modalism) teachings began with the Apostles. However, the first official school of modalism was opened by Sabellius, who was a member of the church of Rome under Bishop Zephyrinus (199-217 AD) and Bishop Callixtus I (217-222 AD). Callixtus I excommunicated Sabellius as a heretic as a result of this doctrine.

The Scriptures

The Godhead is described in depth in the New Testament by Jesus, Paul, John, Peter, Luke and Mark. Jewish people today, like the ancient church of old, still believe only in one God (however, the Jews for the most part still reject Jesus as God enfleshed). Polycarp was a Oneness believer. Polycarp was a disciple of John, who was Jesus' disciple.

Trinitarian

Tertullian (200 AD) and Hippolytus were the first Christians to write about the Trinity. Tertullian later abandoned his form of Christianity for Montanism - of which little is known of these later beliefs. Hippolytus established another church in Rome (and is known as the first anti-pope) from which he wrote harsh criticism about Bishop Callixtus' doctrine and moral practices (stemming from Callixtus' doctrine of absolution for repentant sinners). By 270 AD the Roman Church had become Trinitarian, and Bishop Felix I (269-274 AD) was introducing this doctrine to other churches, notably Alexandria.

Note: Anastasius I was the first Bishop of Rome to use the title "Pope" in 400 AD. Prior to Anastasius I, the pastor of the Church at Rome was simply called the "Bishop of Rome."

The Early Church of Rome Did Not Believe the Doctrine of the Trinity

As evidence that the Catholic Church has not always been Trinitarian, the doctrine of the Bishop of Rome, Callixtus I, who was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, is summarized below. Note that this summary is by Hippolytus, an early trinitarian and dissenter from the Church of Rome:

"For," says (Callistus), "I will not profess belief in two Gods, Father and Son, but in one. For the Father, who subsisted in the Son Himself, after He had taken unto Himself our flesh, raised it to the nature of Deity, by bringing it into union with Himself, and made it one; so that Father and Son must be styled one God, and that this Person being one, cannot be two."

“And Callistus...acknowledges that there is one Father and God, viz., the Creator of the universe, and that this (God) is spoken of, and called by the name of Son, yet that in substance He is one Spirit. For Spirit, as the Deity, is, he says, not any being different from the Logos, or the Logos from the Deity; therefore this one person, (according to Callistus,) is divided nominally, but substantially not so. He supposes this one Logos to be God, and affirms that there was in the ease of the Word an incarnation. And he is disposed (to maintain), that He who was seen in the flesh and was crucified(2) is Son, but that the Father it is who dwells in Him.” (Hippolytus, the Refutation of all Heresies: Chapter XXIII)

Any sincere Christian should wonder first of all why the terminology of the trinity is not found in the Bible. There are many words, terms and phrases that the trinity preachers use to indoctrinate their people with. When you speak what the word of God says, it is very difficult to go into false teachings. However, when you think that God needs your help in describing Him, by saying that God is a trinity, three persons and the like, you have made yourself wiser and smarter than God Himself. Now here's a little history of the origin of the trinity. When did the trinity water baptism start? How did the early church baptize? Find the answers below.

CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA, VOLUME 8

“Justin Martyr was one of the early Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church who helped change the ancient baptism of “in the Name of Jesus Christ” to the titles of Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”

FORMULA “With regard to the form used for baptism in the early Church, there is the difficulty that although Matthew 28:19 speaks of the Trinitarian formula which is now used, the Acts of the Apostles (2:38, 8:16, 10:48, 19:5) and Paul (I Corinthians 1:13, 6:11, Galatians 3:27, Romans 6:3) speak only of baptism “in the Name of Jesus.”

CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA, 1967 edition, volume 2, pages 56, 59.

“An explicit reference to the Trinitarian formula of baptism cannot be found in the first centuries.”

CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA, 1913 edition, volume 2, Page 265:

“They acknowledge that the original formula for baptism was in the Name of Jesus, but the pope changed it.”

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGION AND ETHICS Scribner‘s T & T Clark, Edinburgh, 1924, vol 1 Page 380

“Christian baptism, when connected with the mention of a formula, is alluded to four times in the Acts (2:38, 8:16, 10:48, 19:5) and the formula is never that of (Matthew 28:19) but is twice in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38, 10:48) and twice in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 8:16, 19:5). That this was the usual formula of Christian baptism is supported by the evidence of the Pauline Epistles, which speak of being baptized only into Christ or into Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:27, Romans 6:3). Is it possible to reconcile these facts with the belief that Christ commanded the disciples to baptize in the trine name? The obvious explanation of the silence of New Testament on the trine name, and the use of another formula in Acts and Paul is that this other formula was the earlier, and that the trine formula is a later edition. It would require very strong argument to controvert this presumption, and none seems to exist”.

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGION AND ETHICS James Hastings, Published 1924, volume 2, Pages 377, 378, 384, 389:

Page 377. “It is clear from the contemporary usage (Acts 1:15; 11:13; Revelations 3:4) that ‘name’ was an ancient synonym for ‘person.’

Page 378 “Whereupon the latter sealed the reception of the candidate into the holy community by invoking ‘the fair name’ of the Lord Jesus upon his head (James 2:7; Revelations 7:3; 9:4; 14:1; 22:4).”

Page 384. “The formula used was “in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ,” or some synonymous phrase. There is no evidence for the use of the triune name.”

Page 389. The earliest known formula is, “in the name of the Lord Jesus” or some similar phrase...”

ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA—1910, 11th Edition, Volume 3, pages 365-366

Page 361 “The trinitarian formula and trine immersion were not uniformly used from the beginning, nor did they always go together. The teachings of the Apostles indeed prescribes baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, but on the next page speaks of those who have been baptized into the name of the Lord—the normal formula of the New Testament. In the 3rd century, baptism in the name of Christ was still so widespread that Pope Stephen, in opposition to Cyprian of Garthage, declared it to be valid. From Pope Zachariah (ep.x) we learn that the Celtic missionaries in Baptizing omitted one or more persons of the trinity, and this was one of the reasons why the church of Rome anathematized them; Pope Nicholas, however (858867), allowed baptism to be valid (Tantum in Nimine Christi; in the name of Jesus Christ), as in Acts.

Ursinus, an African Monk A.D. 1284), also asserted that baptism into the name of Christ alone was valid. The formula of Rome is; “I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and Son, and holy Spirit”

Page 366 No record of such use can be discovered in the Acts or the Epistles of the Apostles. The baptisms recorded in the New Testament after the day of Pentecost were administered “in the Name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 2:38), “into the name of the Lord Jesus” (8:16) “into Christ” (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27). This difficulty was considered by the Fathers.

THE ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA 13th. Edition Volume 3, pages 365-366

The baptismal formula, the trinitarian and the trine immersion were not uniformly used from the beginning nor did they always go together.

A DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE—James Hastings, Scribner’s New York Published 1900, Volume I. page 241.

“the original form of words was ‘into the name of Jesus Christ’ or ‘the Lord Jesus’. Baptism into the name of the Trinity was a later development”

DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE— James Hastings, 1906 Edition, volume 1, page 241

“Moreover there is no mention in the New Testament of any one being baptized into the name of the trinity.”

HASTINGS ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGION—Vol 2, pages 377, 378, 389.

“The Christian baptism was administered using the name of Jesus. The use of the trinitarian formula of any sort was not suggested in the early Church history, Baptism was always in the Name of the Lord Jesus, until the time of Justin Martyr, when the trinity formula was used. Volume 2, page 377, commenting on Acts 2:38, “Name was an ancient synonym for person. Payment was always made in the name of some person, referring to ownership, therefore, one being baptized in Jesus name became his personal property, “Ye are Christ’s I Corinthians 3:23.

HASTINGS DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE— PAGE 88.

“It must be acknowledged that the three-fold name of Matthew 28:19 does not appear to have been used by the primitive church, but rather in the” “Name of Jesus, Jesus Christ or Lord”

THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPEDIA—Volume 1 pages 392, 393, 396.

“the formula of Christian baptism, in the mode which prevailed, is given in Matthew 28:19, ‘I baptize thee in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost’ But it is curious that the words are not given in any description of Christian baptism until the time of Justin Martyr; and there, they are not repeated exactly, but in a slightly extended and explanatory form. In every account of the performance of the rite in Apostolic times a much shorter formula is in use. The 3,000 believers were baptized on the Day of Pentecost “in the Name of Jesus” (Acts 2:38), and the same formula was used at the baptism of Cornelius and those that were with him (Acts 10:48). Indeed it would appear to have been the usual one, from St Paul’s question to the Corinthians: “Were ye baptized into the name of Paul?” (I Corinthians 1:13). The Samaritans were baptized “into the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 8:16); and the same formula was used in the case of the disciples at Ephesus. (Acts 19:1-5)....Others think that the full formula was always used and that narratives in the book of Acts and in the Pauline Epistles are merely brief summaries of what took place; an idea rather difficult to believe in the absence of any single reference to the longer formula The evidence to show that the formula given by St Matthew became the established usage is overwhelming; but it is more than likely that the use of the shorter formula did not altogether die out, or, if it did, that it was revived. The historian Socrates informs us that some of the more extreme Arians “corrected” baptism by using the Name of Christ only in the formula. “The practice of using the shorter formula existed in the 5th. and 6th. Centuries, at all events in the East”

Page 396. “No record of such use can be discovered in the Acts of the Epistles of the Apostles. The baptisms recorded in the New Testament after the Day of Pentecost are administered “in the Name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 2:38), “into the name of the Lord Jesus” (8:16), “into Christ” (Romans 6:3, Galatians 3:27). This difficulty was considered by the Fathers.”

HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE APOSTOLIC AGE—A.C. McGiffert, Scribners, 1901, page 61.

"Of the trinitarian formula, into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, which later became universal in the Church, we have no trace in the New Testament, except in the single passage, (Matthew 28:19). It is difficult to suppose that it was employed in the early days with which we are here concerned; for it involves a conception of the nature of the rite which was entirely foreign to the thought of the primitive Christians, and indeed no less foreign to the thought of. When and how the formula arose, we do not know.”

Three Questions for the Trinity Baptizer

Please answer these three questions so that the oneness people that baptize in the name of Jesus Christ may know your thoughts and feelings. Thank you!.

1. Since your argument regarding the trinity water baptism is taken from Matthew 28:19, what verse in the Bible would you use to teach your baptism if there there was no Matthew 28:19 (If Matthew 28:19 did not exist)? Please make your answer specific to a verse in the Bible regarding this matter.

2. We know as stated in Acts that Matthew was present when Peter preached water baptism in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38). Seeing that Matthew wrote the book of Matthew specifically chapter 28:19 your argument would be that Matthew believed and preached the Trinity baptism. If that is the case why then is there no record of Matthew interrupting Peter in Acts chapter two regarding the command to be baptized in Jesus name? The Apostle Peter preached Jesus name baptism and your belief is that Matthew preached the Trinity baptism. If that being true there is a direct contradiction between these two Apostles. We can see in Acts chapter two that there were at least 3,000 people baptized in the name of Jesus that same day. My question to you is why did Matthew not stop Peter? Why did he not at least ask why he was preaching that? We see in other places in the book of Acts and the Epistles where there were disagreements and offences among the Apostles. Why was Matthew silent on this all important subject? No Apostle is recorded as baptizing in the Triune formula. Since the resurrection of Jesus we only see water baptism administered in the name of Jesus. We do not have a record of Matthew baptizing in the Triune name and as far as I am concerned he no doubt himself baptized his converts in the name of Jesus as Peter, Paul and the rest of the Apostles.

3. Who in the Bible was baptized in the Trinity formula (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)? Please provide the persons name or description, book, chapter and verse where located.

Jesus’ Name in the Scriptures

Jesus’ name carries authority in heaven and on earth. Jesus gave us specific instructions about the use of his name in his teachings, and the apostles continued that teaching throughout the New Testament.

The New Testament represents a New Covenant - one where anyone can approach the throne of God, through Jesus.

Philippians 2:9-10
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Proverbs 18:10
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Matthew 18:20
“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Mark 9:41
“I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.”

John 14:13-14
“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”

John 20:31
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Acts 4:10-12
…then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed… Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

Acts 10:43
All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.

Ephesians 5:20
…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

James 5:14
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.

1 John 5:13
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

Revelation 19:13
He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.

In the 19th chapter of Revelation, we are told of the “rider on the white horse” who wears the words “King of kings, Lord of Lords”. In reference to his name being the Word of God, we can look at the gospel of John, chapter 1, verses 1-18.

The Descriptions of Jesus

In different settings, Jesus gave himself descriptions that pointed to special roles he was ready to fulfill for people. Some of these refer back to the Old Testament promises of the Messiah. Others were ways to help people understand him.

The Son of Man (John 6:27)

Jesus’ favorite reference to himself. It emphasized his humanity - but the way he used it, it was a claim to divinity.

Bread of Life (John 6:35)

Refers to his life-giving role. That he is the only source of eternal life.

Light of the World (John 8:12)

Light is a symbol of spiritual truth. Jesus is the universal answer for man’s need of spiritual truth.

Gate for the Sheep (John 10:7)

Jesus is the only way into God’s kingdom.

Good Shepherd (John 10:11)

Jesus appropriated the prophetic images of the Messiah pictured in the Old Testament. This is a claim to divinity, focusing on Jesus’ love and guidance.

The Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)

Not only is Jesus the source of life, he is the power over death.

The Way and the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)

Jesus is the method, the message, and the meaning for all people. With this title he summarized his purpose in coming to earth.

The Vine (John 15:1)

This title has an important second part, “you are the branches.” As in so many of his other names, Jesus reminds us that just as branches gain life from the vine and cannot live apart from it, so we are completely dependent on Christ for spiritual life.

Baptism Thoughts

There is no one Scripture that says baptism by immersion, but all of the examples of people being baptized show that it is by immersion.

There's the example of Jesus being immersed – Jesus is a good example to follow.
The example of Philip and the Eunuch – Acts 8
Baptism Definition – Greek The very word “Baptism” means to be fully wet. Baptizo, bap-tid’-zo; make whelmed (i.e. fully wet)

Why Be Baptized

1. Jesus Commands It.
2. It is a Necessary Part of Our Spiritual Foundation.
3. It Breaks the Bondage of Sin in our Lives.
4. We Identify With Christ In His Death, Burial and Resurrection.
5. Our Old Nature Is Crucified With Him.
6. Our New Nature Comes Forth.
7. We Experience Circumcision of the Heart.
8. God Promises to Bless Everywhere His Name is Recorded and Applied.

We are married to Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul says, "I have espoused you as a chaste virgin unto Christ." This means we are the bride, and He is the groom. You might say prior to our baptism we were in a courting relationship with Christ, simply getting to know Him. But after we have gotten to know him, we are allowing ourselves to be officially His. Water Baptism is the only experience that we as Christians have to take upon the name of our Bridegroom.

The Scriptures Concluded

Acts 2:37-38 "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."

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

Colossians 2:12 "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."

Galatians 3:27 "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

Mark 16:16 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."

Acts 8:16 "For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."

Acts 10:48 "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."

Acts 19:5 "When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."

The scriptures above will be in agreement with what Jesus taught. Jesus taught that salvation should be in the Death, Burial, and Resurrection. The message Peter preached in Acts 2:38 says to REPENT, to have the old man die, we must repent and this is the DEATH. And be BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF JESUS. When a man is dead we bury him, the Bible says we are buried with Christ in baptism, and this is the BURIAL. And ye shall receive the Holy Ghost, this is the resurrection. The Bible says we can take part in the resurrection of Christ if we have his spirit, this is the RESURRECTION. So if you follow Peter's answer and 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. You will have obeyed Jesus and have taken part in the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Christ!

The Conclusion

What must we do to be saved from our sins? We must hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, for faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). We must believe the gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:16). We must repent of our sins (Acts 2:38). Repentance is a change of mind brought about by godly sorrow, resulting in a reformation of life and is accompanied by restitution whenever possible. We must confess our faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:32-33). We must be baptized in Jesus name in order to receive the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38). Yes friends, no matter what the devil's preachers may say, the Bible teaches that we cannot be saved from our sins without being baptized. In fact, every time the Bible includes the words baptism and salvation in the same sentence baptism always comes first, without exception. A person who has not been baptized in order to receive the forgiveness of his sins is a person who is still lost in his sin.

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<h1>Oneness, Trinity and Baptism</h1> Author: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/profile_Steve-0.aspx'>Steve-0</a> Oneness

Oneness (modalism) teachings began with the Apostles. However, the first official school of modalism was opened by Sabellius, who was a member of the church of Rome under Bishop Zephyrinus (199-217 AD) and Bishop Callixtus I (217-222 AD). Callixtus I excommunicated Sabellius as a heretic as a result of this doctrine. 
 
The Scriptures

The Godhead is described in depth in the New Testament by Jesus, Paul, John, Peter, Luke and Mark. Jewish people today, like the ancient church of old, still believe only in one God (however, the Jews for the most part still reject Jesus as God enfleshed). Polycarp was a Oneness believer. Polycarp was a disciple of John, who was Jesus' disciple. 
 
Trinitarian

Tertullian (200 AD) and Hippolytus were the first Christians to write about the Trinity. Tertullian later abandoned his form of Christianity for Montanism - of which little is known of these later beliefs. Hippolytus established another church in Rome (and is known as the first anti-pope) from which he wrote harsh criticism about Bishop Callixtus' doctrine and moral practices (stemming from Callixtus' doctrine of absolution for repentant sinners). By 270 AD the Roman Church had become Trinitarian, and Bishop Felix I (269-274 AD) was introducing this doctrine to other churches, notably Alexandria.
 
Note: Anastasius I was the first Bishop of Rome to use the title "Pope" in 400 AD. Prior to Anastasius I, the pastor of the Church at Rome was simply called the "Bishop of Rome."

The Early Church of Rome Did Not Believe the Doctrine of the Trinity
 
As evidence that the Catholic Church has not always been Trinitarian, the doctrine of the Bishop of Rome, Callixtus I, who was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, is summarized below. Note that this summary is by Hippolytus, an early trinitarian and dissenter from the Church of Rome:
 
"For," says (Callistus), "I will not profess belief in two Gods, Father and Son, but in one. For the Father, who subsisted in the Son Himself, after He had taken unto Himself our flesh, raised it to the nature of Deity, by bringing it into union with Himself, and made it one; so that Father and Son must be styled one God, and that this Person being one, cannot be two."

“And Callistus...acknowledges that there is one Father and God, viz., the Creator of the universe, and that this (God) is spoken of, and called by the name of Son, yet that in substance He is one Spirit. For Spirit, as the Deity, is, he says, not any being different from the Logos, or the Logos from the Deity; therefore this one person, (according to Callistus,) is divided nominally, but substantially not so. He supposes this one Logos to be God, and affirms that there was in the ease of the Word an incarnation. And he is disposed (to maintain), that He who was seen in the flesh and was crucified(2) is Son, but that the Father it is who dwells in Him.” (Hippolytus, the Refutation of all Heresies: Chapter XXIII)          
 
Any sincere Christian should wonder first of all why the terminology of the trinity is not found in the Bible. There are many words, terms and phrases that the trinity preachers use to indoctrinate their people with. When you speak what the word of God says, it is very difficult to go into false teachings. However, when you think that God needs your help in describing Him, by saying that God is a trinity, three persons and the like, you have made yourself wiser and smarter than God Himself. Now here's a little history of the origin of the trinity. When did the trinity water baptism start? How did the early church baptize? Find the answers below.

CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA, VOLUME 8

“Justin Martyr was one of the early Fathers of the Roman Catholic Church who helped change the ancient baptism of “in the Name of Jesus Christ” to the titles of Father, Son and Holy Ghost.”
 
FORMULA “With regard to the form used for baptism in the early Church, there is the difficulty that although Matthew 28:19 speaks of the Trinitarian formula which is now used, the Acts of the Apostles (2:38, 8:16, 10:48, 19:5) and Paul (I Corinthians 1:13, 6:11, Galatians 3:27, Romans 6:3) speak only of baptism “in the Name of Jesus.”
 
CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA, 1967 edition, volume 2, pages 56, 59.

“An explicit reference to the Trinitarian formula of baptism cannot be found in the first centuries.”

CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA, 1913 edition, volume 2, Page 265:
 
“They acknowledge that the original formula for baptism was in the Name of Jesus, but the pope changed it.”

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGION AND ETHICS Scribner‘s T & T Clark, Edinburgh, 1924, vol 1 Page 380

“Christian baptism,  when connected with the mention of a formula, is alluded to four times in the Acts (2:38, 8:16, 10:48, 19:5) and the formula is never that of (Matthew 28:19) but is twice in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38, 10:48) and twice in the name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 8:16, 19:5). That this was the usual formula of Christian baptism is supported by the evidence of the Pauline Epistles, which speak of being baptized only into Christ or into Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:27, Romans 6:3). Is it possible to reconcile these facts with the belief that Christ commanded the disciples to baptize in the trine name? The obvious explanation of the silence of New Testament on the trine name, and the use of another formula in Acts and Paul is that this other formula was the earlier, and that the trine formula is a later edition. It would require very strong argument to controvert this presumption, and none seems to exist”.

ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGION AND ETHICS James Hastings, Published 1924, volume 2, Pages 377, 378, 384, 389:

Page 377. “It is clear from the contemporary usage (Acts 1:15; 11:13; Revelations 3:4) that ‘name’ was an ancient synonym for ‘person.’
 
Page 378 “Whereupon the latter sealed the reception of the candidate into the holy community by invoking ‘the fair name’ of the Lord Jesus upon his head (James 2:7; Revelations 7:3; 9:4; 14:1; 22:4).”

Page 384. “The formula used was “in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ,” or some synonymous phrase. There is no evidence for the use of the triune name.”
 
Page 389. The earliest known formula is, “in the name of the Lord Jesus” or some similar phrase...”

ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA—1910, 11th Edition, Volume 3, pages 365-366

Page 361 “The trinitarian formula and trine immersion were not uniformly used from the beginning, nor did they always go together. The teachings of the Apostles indeed prescribes baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, but on the next page speaks of those who have been baptized into the name of the Lord—the normal formula of the New Testament. In the 3rd century, baptism in the name of Christ was still so widespread that Pope Stephen, in opposition to Cyprian of Garthage, declared it to be valid.  From Pope Zachariah (ep.x) we learn that the Celtic missionaries in Baptizing omitted one or more persons of the trinity, and this was one of the reasons why the church of Rome anathematized them; Pope Nicholas, however (858867), allowed baptism to be valid (Tantum in Nimine Christi; in the name of Jesus Christ), as in Acts.
 
Ursinus, an African Monk A.D. 1284), also asserted that baptism into the name of Christ alone was valid. The formula of Rome is; “I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and Son, and holy Spirit”

Page 366 No record of such use can be discovered in the Acts or the Epistles of the Apostles. The baptisms recorded in the New Testament after the day of Pentecost were administered “in the Name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 2:38), “into the name of the Lord Jesus” (8:16) “into Christ” (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27). This difficulty was considered by the Fathers.

THE ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA 13th. Edition Volume 3, pages 365-366

The baptismal formula, the trinitarian and the trine immersion were not uniformly used from the beginning nor did they always go together.

A DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE—James Hastings, Scribner’s New York Published 1900, Volume I. page 241.
 
“the original form of words was ‘into the name of Jesus Christ’ or ‘the Lord Jesus’. Baptism into the name of the Trinity was a later development”

DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE— James Hastings, 1906 Edition, volume 1, page 241
 
“Moreover there is no mention in the New Testament of any one being baptized into the name of the trinity.”

HASTINGS ENCYCLOPEDIA OF RELIGION—Vol 2, pages 377, 378, 389.

“The Christian baptism was administered using the name of Jesus. The use of the trinitarian formula of any sort was not suggested in the early Church history, Baptism was always in the Name of the Lord Jesus, until the time of Justin Martyr, when the trinity formula was used. Volume 2, page 377, commenting on Acts 2:38, “Name was an ancient synonym for person. Payment was always made in the name of some person, referring to ownership, therefore, one being baptized in Jesus name became his personal property, “Ye are Christ’s I Corinthians 3:23.
 
HASTINGS DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE— PAGE 88.

“It must be acknowledged that the three-fold name of Matthew 28:19 does not appear to have been used by the primitive church, but rather in the” “Name of Jesus, Jesus Christ or Lord”
 
THE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPEDIA—Volume 1 pages 392, 393, 396.

“the formula of Christian baptism, in the mode which prevailed, is given in Matthew 28:19, ‘I baptize thee in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost’ But it is curious that the words are not given in any description of Christian baptism until the time of Justin Martyr; and there, they are not repeated exactly, but in a slightly extended and explanatory form. In every account of the performance of the rite in Apostolic times a much shorter formula is in use. The 3,000 believers were baptized on the Day of Pentecost “in the Name of Jesus” (Acts 2:38), and the same formula was used at the baptism of Cornelius and those that were with him (Acts 10:48). Indeed it would appear to have been the usual one, from St Paul’s question to the Corinthians: “Were ye baptized into the name of Paul?” (I Corinthians 1:13). The Samaritans were baptized “into the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 8:16); and the same formula was used in the case of the disciples at Ephesus. (Acts 19:1-5)....Others think that the full formula was always used and that narratives in the book of Acts and in the Pauline Epistles are merely brief summaries of what took place; an idea rather difficult to believe in the absence of any single reference to the longer formula The evidence to show that the formula given by St Matthew became the established usage is overwhelming; but it is more than likely that the use of the shorter formula did not altogether die out, or, if it did, that it was revived. The historian Socrates informs us that some of the more extreme Arians “corrected” baptism by using the Name of Christ only in the formula. “The practice of using the shorter formula existed in the 5th. and 6th. Centuries, at all events in the East”
 
Page 396. “No record of such use can be discovered in the Acts of the Epistles of the Apostles. The baptisms recorded in the New Testament after the Day of Pentecost are administered “in the Name of Jesus Christ” (Acts 2:38), “into the name of the Lord Jesus” (8:16), “into Christ” (Romans 6:3, Galatians 3:27). This difficulty was considered by the Fathers.”
 
HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE APOSTOLIC AGE—A.C. McGiffert, Scribners, 1901, page 61.

"Of the trinitarian formula, into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, which later became universal in the Church, we have no trace in the New Testament, except in the single passage, (Matthew 28:19). It is difficult to suppose that it was employed in the early days with which we are here concerned; for it involves a conception of the nature of the rite which was entirely foreign to the thought of the primitive Christians, and indeed no less foreign to the thought of.  When and how the formula arose, we do not know.”      
 
Three Questions for the Trinity Baptizer

Please answer these three questions so that the oneness people that baptize in the name of Jesus Christ may know your thoughts and feelings. Thank you!.

1. Since your argument regarding the trinity water baptism is taken from Matthew 28:19, what verse in the Bible would you use to teach your baptism if there there was no Matthew 28:19 (If Matthew 28:19 did not exist)? Please make your answer specific to a verse in the Bible regarding this matter.

2. We know as stated in Acts that Matthew was present when Peter preached water baptism in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38). Seeing that Matthew wrote the book of Matthew specifically chapter 28:19 your argument would be that Matthew believed and preached the Trinity baptism. If that is the case why then is there no record of Matthew interrupting Peter in Acts chapter two regarding the command to be baptized in Jesus name? The Apostle Peter preached Jesus name baptism and your belief is that Matthew preached the Trinity baptism. If that being true there is a direct contradiction between these two Apostles. We can see in Acts chapter two that there were at least 3,000 people baptized in the name of Jesus that same day. My question to you is why did Matthew not stop Peter? Why did he not at least ask why he was preaching that? We see in other places in the book of Acts and the Epistles where there were disagreements and offences among the Apostles. Why was Matthew silent on this all important subject? No Apostle is recorded as baptizing in the Triune formula. Since the resurrection of Jesus we only see water baptism administered in the name of Jesus. We do not have a record of Matthew baptizing in the Triune name and as far as I am concerned he no doubt himself baptized his converts in the name of Jesus as Peter, Paul and the rest of the Apostles.
 
3. Who in the Bible was baptized in the Trinity formula (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)? Please provide the persons name or description, book, chapter and verse where located.

Jesus’ Name in the Scriptures
 
Jesus’ name carries authority in heaven and on earth. Jesus gave us specific instructions about the use of his name in his teachings, and the apostles continued that teaching throughout the New Testament.
 
The New Testament represents a New Covenant - one where anyone can approach the throne of God, through Jesus. 
 
Philippians 2:9-10
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
 
Proverbs 18:10
 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.
 
Matthew 18:20
 “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
 
Mark 9:41
 “I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.”
 
John 14:13-14
 “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
 
John 20:31
 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
 
Acts 4:10-12
 …then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed… Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.
 
Acts 10:43
 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.
 
Ephesians 5:20
 …always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 
Colossians 3:17
 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
 
James 5:14
 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
 
1 John 5:13
 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
 
Revelation 19:13
 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.
 
In the 19th chapter of Revelation, we are told of the “rider on the white horse” who wears the words “King of kings, Lord of Lords”. In reference to his name being the Word of God, we can look at the gospel of John, chapter 1, verses 1-18.

The Descriptions of Jesus
 
In different settings, Jesus gave himself descriptions that pointed to special roles he was ready to fulfill for people. Some of these refer back to the Old Testament promises of the Messiah. Others were ways to help people understand him.

The Son of Man (John 6:27)
 
Jesus’ favorite reference to himself. It emphasized his humanity - but the way he used it, it was a claim to divinity.

Bread of Life (John 6:35)
 
Refers to his life-giving role. That he is the only source of eternal life.
 
Light of the World (John 8:12)
 
Light is a symbol of spiritual truth. Jesus is the universal answer for man’s need of spiritual truth.
 
Gate for the Sheep (John 10:7)
 
Jesus is the only way into God’s kingdom.
 
Good Shepherd (John 10:11)
 
Jesus appropriated the prophetic images of the Messiah pictured in the Old Testament. This is a claim to divinity, focusing on Jesus’ love and guidance.
 
The Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)
 
Not only is Jesus the source of life, he is the power over death.
 
The Way and the Truth and the Life (John 14:6)
 
Jesus is the method, the message, and the meaning for all people. With this title he summarized his purpose in coming to earth.
 
The Vine (John 15:1)
 
This title has an important second part, “you are the branches.” As in so many of his other names, Jesus reminds us that just as branches gain life from the vine and cannot live apart from it, so we are completely dependent on Christ for spiritual life.
 
Baptism Thoughts

There is no one Scripture that says baptism by immersion, but all of the examples of people being baptized show that it is by immersion.

There's the example of Jesus being immersed – Jesus is a good example to follow.  
The example of Philip and the Eunuch – Acts 8
Baptism Definition – Greek The very word “Baptism” means to be fully wet.  Baptizo, bap-tid’-zo; make whelmed  (i.e. fully wet)

Why Be Baptized

1. Jesus Commands It.
2. It is a Necessary Part of Our Spiritual Foundation. 
3. It Breaks the Bondage of Sin in our Lives. 
4. We Identify With Christ In His Death, Burial and Resurrection. 
5. Our Old Nature Is Crucified With Him.
6. Our New Nature Comes Forth.
7. We Experience Circumcision of the Heart.
8. God Promises to Bless Everywhere His Name is Recorded and Applied.

We are married to Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul says, "I have espoused you as a chaste virgin unto Christ." This means we are the bride, and He is the groom. You might say prior to our baptism we were in a courting relationship with Christ, simply getting to know Him. But after we have gotten to know him, we are allowing ourselves to be officially His. Water Baptism is the only experience that we as Christians have to take upon the name of our Bridegroom.

The Scriptures Concluded

Acts 2:37-38 "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."

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

Colossians 2:12 "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."

Galatians 3:27 "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

Mark 16:16 "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."

Acts 8:16 "For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."

Acts 10:48 "And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days."

Acts 19:5 "When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."

The scriptures above will be in agreement with what Jesus taught. Jesus taught that salvation should be in the Death, Burial, and Resurrection. The message Peter preached in Acts 2:38 says to REPENT, to have the old man die, we must repent and this is the DEATH. And be BAPTIZED IN THE NAME OF JESUS. When a man is dead we bury him, the Bible says we are buried with Christ in baptism, and this is the BURIAL. And ye shall receive the Holy Ghost, this is the resurrection. The Bible says we can take part in the resurrection of Christ if we have his spirit, this is the RESURRECTION. So if you follow Peter's answer and 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. You will have obeyed Jesus and have taken part in the Death, Burial and Resurrection of Christ!

The Conclusion

What must we do to be saved from our sins? We must hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, for faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). We must believe the gospel of Jesus Christ (Mark 16:16). We must repent of our sins (Acts 2:38). Repentance is a change of mind brought about by godly sorrow, resulting in a reformation of life and is accompanied by restitution whenever possible. We must confess our faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:32-33). We must be baptized in Jesus name in order to receive the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38). Yes friends, no matter what the devil's preachers may say, the Bible teaches that we cannot be saved from our sins without being baptized. In fact, every time the Bible includes the words baptism and salvation in the same sentence baptism always comes first, without exception. A person who has not been baptized in order to receive the forgiveness of his sins is a person who is still lost in his sin.
About the Author: Tertullian, Hippolytus, Polycarp, Justin Martyr, Catholic Encyclopedia, Religion and Ethics, Wikipedia, The King James Bible Article Source: <a href='http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Oneness-Trinity-and-Baptism_91882.aspx'> http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Oneness, Trinity and Baptism_91882.aspx</a>

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Oneness, Trinity and Baptism_91882.aspx

Author Resource :
Tertullian, Hippolytus, Polycarp, Justin Martyr, Catholic Encyclopedia, Religion and Ethics, Wikipedia, The King James Bible

Keywords : origin, trinity, wise, God, oneness, Rome, Matthew, formula, titles, father, son, Holy Ghost, Jesus, baptism, immersion, change, catholic, chu,

Category : Society : Religion

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