The Great Escape

I was doing a little research on the amount of fuel left in our sun.  I found some interesting things were involved, like; there is an energy deposit being made by the process of nuclear fission at the same time that a total energy withdrawal is being made.  Meaning that it will take a long time for the fuel in the sun to run out… good thing because I am counting on getting my social security check soon!  (I couldn’t find any information on how long that will last… a somewhat shorter period than the time the sun’s fuel supply will last, I’m sure.)  And when it comes to predicting the sun’s life span, there were some numbers with exponents on them that were way beyond my ability to fathom.

Anyway, it appears that it will be a while before we freeze to death on this third rock.  Some far thinking folks have begun to be concerned with the matter and are, even now, trying to figure out how to make an escape from the planet.  I am sure they are the same folks that inwardly hope there is life on other planets and that we are having visits from those beings.  It would lend at least a small quantity of encouragement to them that an escape is possible… i.e. if the space men can do it… we can do it.  Or, better yet maybe they can help us.  I wonder what other inward hopes the “salvation by escape” crowd possesses.

It is surely a fact that the sun will someday run out of energy and life on earth will vanish.  It would appear that there is a lot of time left to get it figured out, but still maybe we should be thankful for those who are letting their concerns for the ultimate survival of earth’s population drive them into the realms of space escape mentality.  I have heard of the Mars One project that plans to colonize Mars (I wonder if they know that Mars has the same sun as earth?).  Over 200,000 have applied to be volunteers to participate in the program.  I have even heard an interview with one who has volunteered to go on a one way trip to the Red Planet to get this whole thing started.  (I don’t remember what he said.)

I’m thinking about all this political correctness going on down here on earth, too.  As I sit here trying to write about some of the stories I’ve heard the concerning absurdities of the P.C. indoctrination that has flooded our society, I find myself somewhat stymied in my writing.  As each example of the lunacy comes to mind I find myself being afraid of offending someone or a group of someones if I put it down in black and white (whoops… was that racist?) 

And… I wonder how many of the same people who have the inward hopes that life exists on other planets also are part of the politically correct people who are tip-toeing through life down here trying not to offend anyone.  I kind of hope it’s a large percentage.  I really don’t have any desire to go through life offending as many people as I possible, but sometimes it just happens… especially when you really do believe in a few absolutes… like; stars are not the only source of light.  The first and last chapters in the bible tell us that… but if they must, I wish those well who are forging ahead to figure a way out of here. 

Mars One has at one point declared the year 2025 as a target for its first teams of Mars colonizers to head out.  Hopefully, they are not only spacey visionaries of the great escape from a dying planet, but they also are P.C. in their philosophy.  I’m thinking there might be an answer here.  I remember the words of an early 70’s song:

“Well, I dreamed I saw the silver space ships flying in the yellow haze of the sun… all in a dream, all in a dream the loading had begun.  They were flying Mother Nature’s silver seed to a new home in the sun.”       

Nearly Fifty years “After the Goldrush” (Neil Young) the loading is about to begin and I’m thinking maybe there is an answer here.  Volunteers for Mars and beyond… maybe the privilege of being part of the great escape should only be afforded to the Politically Correct.  Look out universe those that tried to ruin a planet have been unleashed into the larger realm of habitable bodies throughout galaxies untold.  Leaving the only form of intelligent life… back here on earth. 

A Greater Acceptance

The pendulum swings both ways.  Extremism happens at either end of the arc of the bob’s travel and most people don’t act or think from those excessive positions.  In an effort not to be a voice from a radical view point, we may sometimes find ourselves being unduly silent. 

However, when a view, seeming to be extreme in the early stages of a given situation, begins to become more moderate (i.e. more acceptable to a larger segment of a population group) at that time a judgement as to when to promote that view becomes necessary.  As that situation begins to more fully develop, the development brings a greater validation to the formerly radical view.    It is at this point of judgement that I find myself.  Not wanting to be alarmist or extremist, I have remained somewhat silent in the affairs dominating news on nearly every front.  But if any good is to come of foresight at all; that foresight must be made known.  When news reporters, anchors, and commentators become more vocally bold in their assessments of world affairs and the directions they are headed than the preachers who have more than just the facts of the news to base their judgments on, it might be an indication that it is time for the voice of the church to be a little louder.  

It’s not that prophecies are just now being seen, for they have been seen and disseminated for years, but that they are being historically validated as their fulfillments are taking place in front of us.  Some have seen and understood particular prophecies as the pendulum’s bob was in a far more extreme edge of the swing, but have kept relatively silent as the larger majority of people (even within the church itself) have not been ready to receive the implications of these prophecies as they relate to themselves and to the world near them. 

The time has come, not to sound the trumpet of alarm-ism… at some vague notion of what might come in some distant future; but to sound the trumpet warning of impending troubles whose precursors are evident before our eyes... especially in light of ancient scriptures whose accuracies are being borne out by the very dilemmas playing out before us… at home and abroad.  

I have watched for Russia’s move into the Mid-East since the late sixties and early seventies and at times thought that it was taking place.  But what I observe today uncannily fits the scenario of Ezekiel’s prophecies in the 38^th and 39^th chapters of the Bible book bearing his name.  While the prophecy is still in the developmental stages, an awareness of its predictions is of vital importance to any who care to prepare for the final stages of its fulfillment.  Guns, food, and bunkers may not be the kind of readiness needed in this ominous scenario… they may prove far too little for that which is coming.  A greater and more sure preparedness is to be found in the spiritual realm, but in that regard we are often much less able to discern what it is we need to do to be ready.

Too often we have been event oriented in our efforts to prepare.  It is not, however, so much knowing the events, their nearness, and their chronological order that prepares us, as it is knowing spiritual concepts that can begin to be placed in our lives even now as Russia begins its long predicted activity in the Mid-East.  Indeed, the world is about to see incredible events take place on a global scale, but incredible events can also be taking place on individual scales… but we need to know how to access them into our lives… this is true preparedness.

Some principles needed especially at this time are covered in several books that I have written over the last seven years.  The need for spiritual preparedness in perilous times was always in the back of my mind as I wrote.  While I feel the pendulum is swinging back (perhaps on its final swing) now and instruction on preparation is in order, there will be articles forthcoming on the subject of events… however, a greater means of preparation is to be found in the seven books I have written on your personal preparation that are not dependent on totally predicting end time events.  We need to watch these prophecies and the current events that are bring to pass their fulfillments, but an even greater preparation is that of knowing what spiritual preparations are in order for you.  May I humbly suggest a look at one or more of my books on Amazon.

 Sterling Dean Davidson Author Page

Fruit of the Theory

When all varieties of plants begin to shoot up out of the soil in the early spring it is hard to determine which type of plant is which.  At the early stages of growth many plants are indistinguishable from one another… at least to the average person.  While there are some who are trained in botany, or earn their living by producing crops, who can tell early on what a plant is, the majority of us have to wait a while before we know for sure.  While we can speculate and sometimes even guess the identity of a species, it usually takes a certain event for us to know for sure what the plant is. 

In the spiritual world Jesus referred to this event as the litmus test for identifying whether a developing theory is true or false.  He said (concerning men and their teachings) “ye shall know them by the fruit they bear.”  Returning to the plant kingdom for a moment… it is easy to tell what a plant is when the fruit is on the branch (vine or whatever).  If you pick a peach from a tree, you will know the tree is without a doubt a peach tree!  Fruit is a declaration of true identity.  The fruit of a plant generally is on the plant in the later part of the growing season.  The Lord alluded to this when he told the disciples not to take the tares out of the field until harvest time… the reason was that they could not positively identify the plants until the time of harvesting the grain (fruit) from the wheat plant.  Again, the fruit declares the plant’s identity.

False teaching is by design often supported by very compelling logic.  However, if the teaching is considered long enough for its fruit to be manifest identification becomes, not only easy, but absolute!  For those teachings that have been with us long enough to come to fruition there is no need to struggle with their veracity.  Just look at what kind of fruit they have brought forth!

In the second half of the 19^th century a theory was brought forth from a man named Charles Darwin and it has been called “evolution”.  Much debate has occurred and the controversy even entered a courtroom during the “Scopes Monkey Trial” in 1926.  Fortunately, we have been able to see the fruit of the concept in the years since.  I write “fortunately” for the sake of identification, not for the horrendous results that we must consider… the fruit of that teaching.

In 1912 an article was written applauding the relatively new theory.  It was written by Anton Pannekoek.  From the view of the writer the “plant” looked to be legitimately valid… yet it was still in a stage of development (and acceptance).  It was too soon to see the fruit that would come forth.  Within a few years from his writing, fruit would begin to emerge… however not totally recognized.  The article was praising the relative new idea of the “survival of the fittest”.  In support of Darwin’s theory Pannekoek wrote, “The scientific importance of Marxism as well as of Darwinism consists in their following out the theory of evolution…”  He then began to extol the virtues of evolution by expounding on the logic of the idea of the strongest individuals of a species surviving in the competition for limited food supplies, thus producing a continuing better and stronger breed or specie.  He quotes Mr. Darwin himself in explanation.

“In October, 1838, that is, fifteen months after I had begun my systematic inquiry, I happened to read for amusement Malthus on population, and being well prepared to appreciate the struggle for existence which everywhere goes on from long continuous observation of the habits of animals and plants, it at once struck me that under these circumstances favorable variations would tend to be preserved and unfavorable ones to be destroyed.  The result of this would be the formation of new species.  Here, then, I had at last got a theory by which to work.” 

Again, much debate has centered around this concept and the majority of attempts to prove or disprove the theory has been in the realm of evidences that support either the validation of, or the repudiation of the idea of evolution.  But using the illustration of the plant’s identification (something Jesus taught us to do in His method of conceptual teaching… i.e. parables), it becomes a matter of simply observing the fruit of the idea rather than trying to figure the truth of the matter by examining the concept as it is in the developmental stages.  Simply, it would be like trying to figure the identity of a plant by its leaf structure, height, branches, etc. while the fruit of the plant was hanging over head!  Just look at the fruit… you will identify the plant!

So what is the fruit of the theory of evolution?

Simply, and ironically, the fruit of the “survival of the fittest” is death!  The season of fruitfulness of this so-called scientific conclusion can be seen in history.  The period of time was to begin shortly after Pannekoek wrote his article in praise of evolution’s supposed superior intellectual position in comparison to the older and more primitive concept of creative design.  The fruit of Marxism’s ideology was about to show itself on the branches of the tree.  It was to come, as Pannekoek wrote in explanation of economist Malthus influence on Darwin’s concepts, in the form of societal evolution:

“There is not enough food for all; people must therefore struggle with each other for their existence, and many must go down in this struggle. By this theory capitalist competition as well as the misery existing were declared as an unavoidable natural law.”

We see the seeds of not only Darwinism being planted here, but of Marxism as well!  Indeed Evolution and Communism are not so “strange bedfellows”.  The ideology of Evolution is the promoter of Communism; and Communism (Marxism) is dependent on Evolution (Darwinism).  Both of these see the need for elimination of competition as a natural and even needed aspect of their ideology. 

Indeed “many must go down” became the justifier of a horrific season of fruit production beginning in the “teens” of the 20^th century and lasting through the middle of the same.  The “greater good” concept begins to infect human reasoning with murderous results to follow.  Notice the similar thinking in regard to the organic world:

        “… Darwin turned to another line of experience. The animal breeder and the gardener are able to raise artificially new races and varieties. When a gardener wants to raise from a certain plant a variety having large blossoms, all he has to do is to kill before maturity all those plants having small blossoms…”    

            “If we should ask an animal-breeder to raise a long-necked animal from a short-necked one, it would not appear to him an impossibility. All he would have to do would be to choose those having partly longer necks, have them inter-bred, kill the young ones having narrow necks”

As the Bolsheviks were rebelling in Russia at the end of WWI to set up a Marxist state, the influence of Darwinism was being planted in the mind of one Adolf Hitler as he began to adopt the ideology of a “master race” of superior humans… namely blond haired, blue eyed Germans.  In his writing, Darwinism and the Nazi Race Holocaust, Jerry Bergman wrote, “Hitler believed that the human gene pool could be improved by using selective breeding similar to how farmers breed superior cattle strains.  In the formation of their racial policies, Hitler’s government relied heavily upon Darwinism…”

“All you would have to do is kill!”  Indeed, the fruit was forming on the vine of Evolution’s theory!  By the time Hitler had finished his promotion of the master race over 50 million people would lie dead… the horrible consequence of an unproved theory accepted and promoted as fact by a mad man.  Of course, the most atrocious of the killing was in the attempted genocide of the Jewish people who were considered the “weak” of a society needing desperately to “evolve” to a higher level… at least in the mind of the mentally mad! 

In the meantime, and for a longer duration another 50 million would die as societal evolution was taking place under Darwinian justification in the mind of one Joseph Stalin.  Communism was living by the simple “survival of the fittest” idea that “all you have to do is kill”. 

These are the ultimate results of an educational system teaching that which is false.  While the debate may continue for years over the veracity of the theory of evolution, the fruit of the idea has long been seen on the branches of not so ancient history and it is a simple conclusion that must be drawn.  The fruit of this idea is evil in the grandest of forms!   

The Year of Jubilee

We are well into the first week of the fortieth Jubilee year since Christ.  Among other things the Jubilee is a year of the returning of things to their original owners.  After the conquest of the Promised Land by Joshua, each tribe (and family) received a portion of land for an inheritance.  While these portions could be sold, the sale lasted only until the year of Jubilee; the price of the sale then was adjusted to the closeness to the Jubilee.  All parties understood that on the fiftieth year the sold property would be returned to the original inheritors.  This law has emerged in modern times in relation to the nation of Israel.  

Two Jubilees ago the world was at war… World War One.  On November 2, 1917 (the third month of that Jubilee year) the United Kingdom’s Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour transmitted a letter (the Balfour declaration) to the Jewish community stating that Great Briton would support the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine.  A little over a month later (December 11) British General Edmund Allenby walked into Jerusalem as the Ottoman Empire was surrendering to the British forces and the Jewish people received a return of their ancient land.

One Jubilee ago war erupted again, Egypt, Jordan, and Syria were quickly defeated by Israel in what is known as the six day war.  The result of which was the return of Gaza, the Sinai Peninsula, the West Bank, the Golan heights, and most significantly the Old city of Jerusalem (East Jerusalem) to the Jewish nation. 

As we enter into this year of “returns” one might wonder what might be that which is returned this time?  In the agreement with Jordan concerning the old city of Jerusalem the “temple mount” was to remain under the “custodianship” of Jordan, while Israel technically has control over it.  Under the agreement (which was a gesture of peace toward the Arabs after the six day war) only Islamic prayers are allowed on the site.  This however, is being contested even as this year of Jubilee begins.  The coming year may prove to be very interesting indeed!  Especially as we see Gog entering into Syria with transports, extensions of runways, and fighter jets… (See Ezekiel 38 and 39). 

There are many ways this may play out, but at the years end (Jubilee) I would not be surprised to see significant changes in the area… in fact, I expect there to be.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!  Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.   For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” 

Matthew 23: 37-39

When the Lord returns to his temple Israel will call him blessed… there will be a temple!  

Putting Things Together

I used to think I could put those boxed up cabinets together without using the instructions.  You know the kind that you scatter all the parts around the living room in what you are sure will be a 15 minute project.  Three hours latter you are taking it apart for the second time because there were too many parts left over and the ones that were attached to the conglomeration didn’t swing right.  Now you are looking for the instruction pages that were thrown away with the packaging.

Now, I get the instructions out first and actually read through the whole thing.  Then I return to step one and follow the directions carefully.  What seemed to me to be a waste of time at first, was finally realized to be the quickest path to a completed project.  (Don’t get me wrong, I still refuse to stop anyone for directions when I am driving… I know where I am… just need to go back a block or two and make that other turn!)  However, if I were to put a second piece of whatever kind of furniture (or toy, or whatever) together that was just like the first one, I would keep the instructions close by for reference.  But I wouldn’t need to go meticulously step by step as I did the first time.  And if I did a third one, I would use the directions less.  Eventually, I could probably do it without the directions at all.

I would like to point out something though.  Memorization of the instructions was not what allowed me to come to the point where I could do the project without referring to them.  What actually happened was I began to understand the concept of how the project looked when finished, what the major components were, and how and when they went together. 

Often people’s approach to learning the ways of God is the same.  Trial and error is a painstakingly slow process that may not ever get you to the intended goal.  When learning spiritual truths that are new to you, the instructions (Bible) are vital.  When learning, each individual point must be carefully grasped. But equally important is the ability to connect those points to others, which begins to develop larger concepts that help us to gain a small picture of the subject of study. As we begin to carefully continue assimilating factual statements into our reservoir of knowledge, more and more connections are made… like pieces of a puzzle.  This is a process where memorization is great help.

However, as our knowledge reservoir increases we must begin to form concepts into which the bits of knowledge that continue to accumulate can be placed.  These concepts must continually be adjusted as we learn more and more factual information.  A dangerous tendency however is too start developing formulas, which resist any type of change to their structure.  Formulas tend to continue focusing on adding more and more supporting facts, thus seeking to prove the formula as opposed to allowing new knowledge to shape a more flexible concept.

Jesus’ method of teaching was parabolic, which almost entirely was conceptual in nature.  That is to say His teaching required the engagement of the student’s mind as the stories (or story forms) he shared became the structure (concepts) into which spiritual “facts” could be placed.  Most biblical debates revolve around biblical “statements” and less around biblical “concepts”.  There is not much debate as to what the parable of the sower means… especially as Jesus gave the meanings for us!  But great debates arise as statements in the bible are considered. 

“I will open my mouth in a parable…” the Old Testament prophesied the manner of Jesus’ teaching.  “Without a parable spake he not unto them.”  The New Testament agrees.  It is important to go beyond the “classic” parable when the teaching of Jesus is considered, for much of even his terminology is parabolic.  While His discussion with Nicodemus is not termed a parable, it uses parabolic language almost exclusively:  Born again (illustrating salvation) is one instance of parabolic terminology.  The wind (illustrating the moving of the Spirit) is another.

The subject of tongues is a much debated one.  However, the concept from which it emanates is rarely, if ever, debated.  Infrequently is it ever taught.  Jesus, and Moses stated it… “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” and “the word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart…”  Tongues proceeded according to the scriptures as “the Spirit gave the utterance”.  The Spirit filled the heart and the tongue spoke!  There are many more examples… but that is the nature of conceptual thinking.  Once a biblical concept is in place many statements align with the concept making proper understanding much easier. 

The gospel is a concept which was literally given to us by the Lord’s passion.  The story of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus brings images to our minds.  They are not difficult images.  As we use these images to place factual statements from scriptures into, a very efficient and organized way of interpretation begins to be put into place.  Using these three images many scriptures make perfect sense.  Once in place the concept cannot be totally forgotten even if a person were to try… for whatever reason.  A biblical fact can be moved around from one doctrinal position to another without too much trouble, but a biblical concept cannot.  A concept is an enlargement of one’s thinking and once the mind grasps a larger concept it can never be shrunk back to its former size.  No wonder it was the preferred, prophetically announced means of teaching by Jesus!  I can never “un-think” the story of the treasure in the field.

One last example is what is often referred to as the “great commission”.  While not going through it in great detail here, we know that most denominations use the words of Jesus… “of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” in there baptismal rites.  But what if repeating the words of Jesus to the exclusion of the intent of Jesus was taking place in those instances?  Would it be too far-fetched to understand that in His statement to the disciples He was (once more) putting forth a concept to be understood, rather than a formula to be repeated?  When Nicodemus first heard the term “born again”, he tried to see it with a literal interpretation, but Jesus corrected his thinking by helping the seeking Pharisee see beyond the statement and into the concept.  It is most apparent that this is the case here as well, as there is no bible example of anyone being baptized using the words “of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost”.  

We see then, the superiority of conceptual thinking as opposed to factual thinking.  Concepts give a broader picture to a particular subject and help us to properly “place facts” into their intended contexts.  While strictly factual thinking becomes a chaotic jumble of information relying on our own judgment for interpretation… which leads to the forbidden “private interpretation” spoken of by Peter.  It is important to remember that our concepts must be based upon the stated facts.  That is why in the beginning we must use the factual method until the first concepts (however small) begin to take shape.  Kind of like carefully using the directions when we first start assembling our “out of the box” project in the living room.

After so after I get the concepts, I can now look at all the pieces of the unassembled “whatever” on the living room floor and confidently know that in a little while there will be a completely ready to use “whatever” standing there.  And there are no parts left over!

The Name (17)

As I contemplate this chapter, I realize the subject before me is one that to cover completely would take several chapters… even an entire book!  We have already addressed the use of Jesus’ name in baptism as one “calls on the name of the Lord”. For the purpose of this writing we will somewhat limit our considerations to that single application along with a few general thoughts about the name that is above all names!

To reinforce its essentiality in the salvation experience and its integral part of the gospel we can start with a statement from the apostle Peter.  “This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.  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: 11-12) 

Again, the teaching of Paul, the preaching of Peter, and the prophecy of Joel all say “Whosoever calleth on the name of the Lord shall be saved”.  Combining that with the example of Paul’s baptism in Acts 22 where it is told to him to call on the name of the Lord “washing away thy sins”, the conclusion must be made that baptism, remission of sins, and the authority of the name of Jesus all combine when the sinner, who has repented of his sins, is buried symbolically with Christ in the watery grave.

As we have observed, every instance of someone being baptized in the New Testament Church was in the name of the Lord Jesus.  While this is only a brief consideration of the subject of the saving name, there is one point in scripture that may tend to be somewhat confusing if it is not understood. 

It is found in the last chapter of Matthew.  “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”   (Matthew 28: 19)

While all the scriptural examples of baptism reveal that the name of Jesus is the only name ever used, the majority of churches have elected to use the “formula” in Matthew of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Again, to understand how to rectify the apparent difference we should start with the context of the verse in question.

“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.  And when they saw him, they worshipped him:  but some doubted.”  (Matthew 28: 16-17)  

The disciples worshipped Jesus… but some doubted.  Two questions must be answered if we are to fully comprehend our passage:  Why would they worship Jesus?  And, what did some doubt?

The disciples were all Jews who, no doubt, believed what is known as the “shama” (the Hebrew word translated “Hear”). “Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God is one LORD.”   (Deuteronomy 6:4)  They also would have known the first of the Ten Commandments, which forbid them from worshipping any other God but the LORD (Jehovah). 

“Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”  (Exodus 20: 3)

It is obvious then, for the disciples to worship Jesus they would have to recognize Him as God (in flesh… human form).  This, then, is the answer to our first question; they worshipped because they believed Him to be the incarnate God.

This brings us to the second question:  What did they doubt?  At this point it is evident that some were not sure of His deity.  The next statement of Jesus addresses their concerns.

“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”  (Verse 18)  Only God has all power and as deity in human form, Jesus had been given all power.  To totally eliminate confusion from their thinking he spoke to them, as was his method, in parabolic form.  (In other words, they would need to consider what He said by examining his statement more than in a superficial manner.)  What truth could be wrapped up in the following commission?

“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.” (Verses 19 & 20)

We must remember that some of the disciples were in doubt concerning who Jesus was… so He was aiding them by these words:  Let us consider them as well.

We have seen by numerous examples that these same disciples always baptized in the name of Jesus.  No one was ever baptized in the bible using the words that Jesus just spoke here in Matthew 28.  Is there a reason for this?  Of course.  Let us find out what it is.

The command was:  Go ye therefore (because He has all power), and teach (give understanding to… to impart understanding one has to have understanding) all nations.  Baptizing them (after they have been taught by the apostles) in the name (singular… not names… name) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  In as much as all baptisms by these men were done in the singular name of Jesus, is it possible that the point of His commission to them was to identify Himself as the mighty Jehovah God in flesh?

The name of the Father is probably considered to be Jehovah by most.  The name of Jesus is actually a compound name that when broken into its two parts literally means “Jehovah (“Je”) salvation (“sus”).  Isaiah who revealed the name of Jesus to mean Immanuel (God with us) also wrote:

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song: he also is become my salvation.”  (Isaiah 12:2)  He goes on to say, “Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.”  Jehovah has become my salvation is an almost literal translation of the name of Jesus.  The wells of salvation are a theme evidenced in the ministry of Jesus!

The compounding of the Old Testament name of Jehovah with other words describes particular attributes of the LORD.  Some of these names are:  Jehovah-Jireh, Jehovah-Nissi, Jehovah-Raah, Jehovah-Rapha, Jehovah-Shammah, Jehovah-Tsidkenu, Jehovah-Mekoddishkem, Jehovah-Shalom, Jehovah-Sabaoth, and Jehovah-Yesha.  The numerous compound names all add a dimension to the character of the LORD and no one would deny that each is still a legitimate name of Jehovah.  The name of Jesus is simply one more compound name using for a base the name Jehovah (the self-existent one).  Some of those compound names identify the LORD as: provider, banner, shepherd, healer, present, righteousness, sanctification, peace, over the host, and yes, salvation! 

Jesus made it clear when he spoke to the Jewish leaders in John 5: 43, “I am come in my Father’s name, and ye receive me not…”  Paul also declared that Jesus had received his name by inheritance (Hebrew 1:4).

The name of the son is rather obvious, but let us consider the fact that Jesus was named after the instruction of the angel who spoke to Joseph.

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”  (Matthew 1:21)

The name of the Holy Ghost also can be identified as Jesus.  The Lord said that, “But the comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name…”

We can see, then, that the disciples used the name of Jesus to baptize people because it was the true understanding of the words of Jesus on the mountain.  If this was not the case, the apostles, who were sent of God, were not in obedience to the Lord’s command.  But as we have seen the name of Jesus does fulfil the conditions of his command in Matthew 28:19. 

Paul instructs us to do all in the name of Jesus.  “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of Jesus”!  (Col. 3:17)

The Obstacles (16)

It is important to realize that this study, while somewhat thorough, is not exhaustive.  There is much more to be learned about the subject of salvation.  There are important points that have not even been touched upon due to my desire to keep this writing relatively short.  There will be a follow up study that will cover more of this intriguing, not to mention, vital subject.

Before we conclude this first part of the salvation study, there are a few points I would like to touch on.  So as we begin the conclusion process several things will be mentioned… some of which will be covered more in depth in part two of this series.

The teaching of the gospel by Jesus

We have seen that it was clearly the actions of Jesus that put the New Testament Gospel into force:  It was His death, burial, and resurrection that put the power of salvation into effect.  But, as we saw with John the Baptist’s message, the gospel was taught by Jesus as something that would soon be available to the lost… that is, it was yet to come.

The beginning of the ministry of Jesus began with the same message as John preached:  “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  (Matthew 4:17)  We have the first element of the template in agreement with the preaching of Jesus.  Upon repentance the door is unlocked and a two-step entrance is available to usher the seeker into the Kingdom of God.  Those two steps are the now familiar components of burial (of the repentant nature by baptism) and resurrection (bringing new life to the believer).  Jesus taught it by using the symbolism of the new birth… that is, water and Spirit.  Again the words of Jesus:

“Except a man be born of water and Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”  (John 3:5)

The bride from the side

This is in total agreement with the teaching in I John chapter 5 as John tells us that this he that came by water and blood.  It was from the side of Jesus that water and blood flowed when upon His death the Roman soldier pierced Him.  And as the first Adam received his bride from an opened side, so the second Adam will soon receive his bride (the church) from His opened side… those who came to the kingdom (Holy Ghost) by means of the blood (repentance) and water (baptism).  While there is further study of these truths, we will wait for the second in the series to consider it more.

Some objections

There are some ligitament concerns that need addressing as there are a few passages that perhaps would cause confusion.  I would like to mention three that are often used to object to the clear message of the gospel that we have seen.

In order of their appearance in the scriptures:

The thief on the cross is sometimes used as an example of salvation that does not seem to fit the pattern we have been seeing.  In our study we have actually already laid the basis for biblically answering this concern.  Simply, the New Testament Gospel, which is the means of salvation during the church age… our age, came into force after the death of the person whose will (testament) we are considering.  A testament is a statement of the will of someone (testator) at their death.  A will never is in force while the testator lives.  Jesus, although near death, was still living when He told the thief that he would join Him in paradise that day.  The thief on the cross died under the Old Testament law and Jesus, as the Word of God in flesh, had divine power to forgive sins and proclaim his eternal destiny.

The Philippian jailer in Acts chapter 16 asked, “what must I do to be saved?”  He was immediately (as he was about to kill himself with a sword) told to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved…”  (Verse 31).  The context of the story reveals the reality of the situation as well as the fact that the full message of salvation was not given at that “emergency moment”.

To save the man from suicide Paul needed first to give the man hope… it was not time to explain the gospel in its entirety.  Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ covered “all the bases”… the gospel message is generally understood as an act of believing… for all of the message is contingent upon believing… or faith!  So statements such as “we are saved by faith” are true statements… however, faith and belief are abstract terms needing further clarification.  The three-fold gospel clarifies the general terminology of “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ”.  Our study has also laid the foundation for this concept as John declared that “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself…”  John taught that there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.”  (I John 5: 8)

Finally, in considering the context of the story.  We should read the rest of the verse and the verses following the statement that is often used as I just presented it… in an incomplete manner.  At the end of the verse that I quoted (believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved) are three more words, they are:  “and thy house.”  If we are to take this verse as it is often presented, as a complete answer to the question of the jailer of “what must I do to be saved”, we would have to believe that upon his belief that his house (family) would also be saved by his belief.  Common sense tells us that each member of the family would need to believe as well and that the belief of the jailer would open the door of opportunity for their own salvation.  While their salvation is not automatic upon the jailor’s belief, it is (to a great extent) contingent on his belief. 

In is obvious that there would need to be further explanation to his family… but not to them only… the jailer himself received more instruction.  Notice: “And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.”  We are not told the entirety of what was said, however there is no reason to believe that it was any different than what has been shown over and over to be the message of the gospel.  We can see a partial result of the words which were spoken to him and his family.

“And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes (the stripes he put on them!  Evidence of repentance.); and was baptized, he and all his straightway.”  (Acts 16:33)  Although it is not mentioned that they received the Holy Ghost it is clear that the message they were given, the word of the Lord, was one that when fully explained included baptism.  Again there is no reason to assume the message that Paul and Silas preached in the home of the jailer was in anyway different than the rest of the examples given.  After all it was Paul who said if “we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel… let him be accursed”!

A familiar verse often used as a salvation “proof” text is found in Romans the 10^th chapter.  It says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”  Again, we see that John’s mention of the three-fold internal witness of one’s belief as being the water, Spirit, and blood is once more applicable, as belief is a condition of salvation. 

However, there is more to be considered in this passage.  We notice a phrase being used in this verse that is not used anywhere else in scripture.  “… if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus…”  Why would it appear here and not anywhere else?  This is especially important given the weight this one verse is given in espousing a salvation doctrine taught by many.  Let us consider why it is used and in doing so we will clearly see its proper application.

Questions arising from biblical statements can almost always be answered by simply looking at the context of those statements.  This case is no different.  A few questions about the setting of this verse can help us to identify why this particular language is used. 

·         Who is it written to?

·         Who is it written about?

·         Are the terms in it abstract or concrete?

·         Are unfamiliar terms standalone commands or are they simply different ways of saying something that has already been stated?

The book of Romans was written by Paul to the church (saved) in Rome.  Again, we will not be seeing verbatim instruction to the lost of how to be saved.  This book is written to those who already are saved and know the plan of God as taught by the apostles who preached it to them. 

The tenth chapter is written about Israel.  Paul begins this portion of scripture by saying (Verse 1), “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.”  It is imperative that this is understood as the knowledge that this is written concerning the Jews is essential to seeing why the verse is worded the way it is. 

While the salvation plan does not change from group to group, or person to person, or religion to religion, the obstacles preventing differing groups of people from perceiving its relevance and truth can be different.  Paul wrote, “For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:  But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness”.  (I Corinthians 1: 22 & 23)   

A crucified Christ was not the mindset of the Jews of Israel.  Yet their salvation depends on an acknowledgment that their Messiah was crucified.  Peter put it this way, “Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious:  and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded… the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense…”  (I Peter 2: 6 & 8)

The Jew’s biggest problem, the one that was literally keeping from salvation, was their inability to confess that Jesus was their Messiah.  What was keeping them from salvation?  Repentance?  Baptism? Receiving the Spirit?  Of course, all of those things are necessary as we studied the verses to follow quite thoroughly (Verses 13 – 15)  But until they confess the Lord Jesus and believe in their hearts that He was raised from the dead, all of the elements of our template do not matter.  Paul’s heart’s desire and prayer was that Israel be saved.  To be saved what did they first need to do?  It is this concern that Paul is addressing… the biggest stumbling block to Israel was confessing Jesus.  So what did they need to do?  Confess… and they will be saved.  Obviously, the elements of the gospel are not negated because of this primary need, but rather they are easily understood and obeyed once the stumbling block is removed by confession and belief. 

This is not to say that other groups or religions don’t need confession and belief… we all do, but some road blocks are peculiar to specific people… such was (and is) the case with the Jews of Israel. 

We see then, the reason for the use of the phrase here and not elsewhere.  Paul was singling out a specific group of people and addressing their greatest particular hindrance to obedience to the universal gospel.  The terminology of confessing and believing is somewhat abstract, leaving the concrete terms of death, burial, and resurrection in place as the three-fold concrete witness to the abstract terms.

The Disciples (15)

John the Baptist is often called the forerunner of Christ.  He came to prepare the people for the Lord’s coming.  A quick look at his message will reveal a very familiar pattern as he plowed through the religious hypocrisies of his day like a bull dozer. As Jesus would later say he was not a man of soft clothing… unless one would consider camel hair soft.  His message was not soft either.  It was very straight forward and it shook the religious world of his time. 

“Repent!”  John cried, “for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”  He came to call the nation of Israel to repentance in preparation for the coming Messiah. 

“John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.  Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.”  (Matthew 3: 4-6)

Our template is showing up very plainly.  This is not to be surprising to us as when truth is discovered within the word of God there tends to be many confirmations… especially on important doctrines like salvation.  There are many more witnesses to this templates’ legitimacy.  Repentance (death) and baptism (burial) are the key parts of John’s message up to this point in the bible’s account of his ministry.

John had one more element to his preaching (by now we should expect that to be the case… and we even have an idea what that element might be!).  John declares, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance.  But he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear:  he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire”!  John preached repentance and practiced baptism.  His final message was that there was coming a empowering of the Holy Ghost!  It was from these teachings that many people followed and became his disciples.

In the meantime Jesus began his own ministry and many of John’s disciples followed the Lord… John said “He must increase and I must decrease.”  He knew this was God’s plan… his was a ministry of preparation and by the time his work was winding down, Jesus had begun his.

Not all of John’s disciples were local.  Some moved on into other regions before Jesus came on the scene… so they continued in all that they knew… John’s teachings.  It is here our story begins.

“And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?  And they said unto him, we have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.  And he said unto them, unto what then were ye baptized?”  (Acts 19: 1-3)

The setting of this event was in modern day Turkey, far from the land of Israel.  Paul comes across this group of disciples and begins to visit with them.  Asking if they had received the Holy Ghost he was informed that they didn’t know if there was a Holy Ghost.  Paul then asks, what appears to be, a strange question.

“Unto what then were ye baptized?”

Before we read on let us examine his question, which actually is a very logical one… once we see why he asked it. 

When these disciples answered that they didn’t know if there was a Holy Ghost Paul realized something.  (More likely than whether the Holy Ghost existed… as the King James makes it sound, they did not know if the Holy Ghost was poured out yet.  These disciple would have known of the existence of the Holy Ghost… we will know that when they answer Paul’s question.)

Paul understood (as do we) that the first proclamation of the New Testament plan of salvation came at Pentecost when Peter stood with the eleven and preached the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and told the crowd to repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and that they would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Basically, it was a package deal.  It all was first preached at Pentecost and was practiced then as well.  Three thousand people responded and were added to the church that day… the first day of the Churches existence.  

Paul knew it all went together.  If they had not known about the Holy Ghost, then he understood they most likely had not been baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins.  While he was ready to find out if they had received the Holy Ghost, he realized that they had probably not been baptized in the “only name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.”  He needed to know how, or if, they had been baptized.  Their answer gives him all the information needed for Paul to continue ministering to their salvation need.

“Unto John’s baptism.”  The answer came and Paul knew what to do!

“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.”  (Acts 19: 4)  Now that Paul knew where these disciples stood he could tell them where they stood!  They understood his message and responded appropriately.  By doing what?  (Lets’ look for a template!)

“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.  All the men were about twelve.”  (Acts 19: 5 & 6)

Again, we see the element of repentance (accomplished some time earlier under John’s ministry), baptism (actually a re-baptism in this case), and the out pouring of the Holy Ghost (by the laying on of the Apostles hands with the accompanying sign of tongues).

This is a story of a group of believers who had gone as far as they knew to go in their religious understanding and subsequent experience, but needed more.  How vital it is for people in any age to have the same attitude as the disciples of John in this chapter of Acts.  Many people today have gone as far as they understand, but like these disciples, they need more.  

One more thing

The need to go further in the Lord’s plan is illustrated by one more account in Acts… from the previous chapter… a man (mentioned in verse one of our story) named Apollos.

“And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.  This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.”  (Acts 18: 24 & 25)

We see that Apollos was a gifted speaker and knew the scriptures well.  He would not be one that we would expect to need further explanations in the ways of God.  However, he knew only the baptism of John (like our group of twelve men in Ephesus).

“And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them and expounded unto him in the way of God more perfectly.”  (Verse 26) 

The preacher needed more!  How humbling it must have been to need to have the way expounded more perfectly, when he was an eloquent, educated, preacher who was fervent in the Spirit.  The need of being teachable is maybe nowhere in the scripture made more clear than in the example of this great and yet humble man who wasn’t presumptuous about his salvation.  He was willing to have his faith (as well as his teaching) verified.  His humility did not hurt him, or his reputation, as after he was recommended in writing to the disciples in Achaia it was said of him…

“For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.”  (Verse 28)

While it is not specifically written what Aquila and Priscilla taught this man who knew only the baptism of John, it is known what was taught twelve others who knew only the baptism of John!  We can safely conclude that it was the same message!  Paul confirms this as he later writes concerning Apollos that they worked together in reaching the lost.

“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”  (I Corinthians 3:6)

One does not need to be eloquent or educated like Apollos (the disciples of Jesus were called “unlearned and ignorant men”) to understand the ways of the Lord.  One reason is the simplicity of the Gospel… Death… Burial… Resurrection.  The point is:  Anyone can understand this simple message if they have an open mind, can set aside the traditional teachings of religious dogmas, and be taught by those who have learned for themselves what the original message of the apostles to the lost was.  You can count yourself among that group now!  Obey the gospel and become an Apollos, or a Peter, or a Paul… or, best of all be yourself in the hands of God!  How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel!  We can see why!

The Gentiles (14)

It was a strange sight to say the least.  A sheet was being let down from heaven with all kinds of animals on it.  Then it was taken back up.  It happened that way three times.  Fortunately, this was not a literal event, but a vision!

Of course it had its purpose, but before we explore that let us examine the setting of the spiritual sight.  A man by the name of Cornelius was praying (but it wasn’t him who received the vision). 

“There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.”  (Acts 10: 1&2)

As Cornelius was praying one afternoon he saw a vision (not the one mentioned earlier), it was of an angel of God who spoke his name, “Cornelius.” 

“And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, what is it, Lord?”  (Acts 10: 4)

The angel spoke and told him that his “prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God”.  Cornelius was instructed by the angel to send men to Joppa and “call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:  He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.”  (Verses 4-6)

When the angel left, Cornelius sent two servants and a soldier to Joppa to get the apostle Peter.  The next day they as they were approaching Joppa, Peter was on the roof of the house… it was about noon and Peter grew hungry as he prayed.  While lunch was being prepared it happened.  Peter fell into a trance and saw the afore mentioned sight.  “Heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth”. 

The point of the vision was to show Peter, who was a Jew and did not eat the kinds of animals on the sheet, that “what God hath cleansed, call that not common.”  He was told to “Kill and eat.”  There was something else Jews didn’t do… they wouldn’t come into company with Gentiles… Italians if you would.  Peter, because of his religion, would not associate with Cornelius.  That is, until God spoke to him… but it took three times!

All of this was happening so that the door to the last region of gospel propagation could be opened… “the utter most parts of the earth.”  Jesus was biding Peter to break tradition and fulfill the promise made to Abraham two thousand years earlier that all the families of the earth (Gentiles and Jews alike) would be blessed.

As Peter considered the vision, the three men arrived at his door and the Spirit told Peter that they were there and to go with them, not doubting anything.  The men spoke to Peter and said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee”. 

As Peter would later recount the story to those who “were of the circumcision” (Jews) and told them that Cornelius sent men to Joppa, and called for him.  Cornelius described Peter as the man “who shall tell thee words, where by thou and all thy house shall be saved.”  (Acts 11: 14)

While Peter was coming to meet with Cornelius, the family and friends of the centurion gathered together to hear what Peter was going to say.  It should be noted here that the description of Cornelius was that of a prayerful, giving, and good man… but he still needed saved (according to his own words… and the word of God… “For all have sinned and have fallen short”).  Peter was there with words that were going to save, not only Cornelius, but his whole household as well!

As Cornelius explains to Peter the events that precipitated their meeting he told him, “Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come.  Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.”  (Acts 10: 33)

“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons…  and we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:  Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us (the apostles), who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.  To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.”  (Acts 10: 34-43)

Peter is addressing the spiritual needs of Cornelius and all his house, but not only theirs, but of all humanities as well.  It was determined early in this writing that the sin nature (as well as specific “sins”) needed removed from the creation of God called “man”.  Here we see Peter sharing with people who were not the chosen nationality of God how to have the sins and the sin nature removed from their being.  Not by means of natural death that comes to all, but by means of a spiritual “type” of death that can send the sin “before (physical death) to judgment”.  That spiritual type of death is through the typology of the gospel: the death, the burial, and the resurrection.  Peter is preaching that remission (removal) of sin is now available through faith in the name of Jesus.  This is such great and exciting news to these gentiles that something happens… faith arises in their hearts and they immediately receive a type of resurrection:

“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on them which heard the word.”  These were filled with the Spirit of Resurrection before they were even baptized… before Peter even finished his message!  The men who had journeyed with Peter to witness these things were astonished because they saw the Holy Ghost fill these gentiles!  And, like Simon the Sorcerer they were able to observe Cornelius and his family receiving the Holy Ghost!

This time scripture tells us how they knew they received the Spirit:  “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.” (Verses 45 & 46)

Peter, in his recount of the story to the Jews in Jerusalem, confirmed that what happened to Cornelius and his house was the same experience that came upon the 120 in the upper room as they initially waited for, and received, the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost.  In Peter’s own words, “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.”  (Acts 11: 15)

At this point it is clear that by the description of his life and character Cornelius was a repentant man… the gospel type of death had then been fulfilled.  They of his house all received the gift of the Holy Ghost thus fulfilling the gospel type of resurrection.  This leaves only one more leg of the template we are using for establishing a consistently preached and taught salvation message… and one more gospel precept to be accounted for… burial… water… baptism (as we have studied:  all representing the different symbols of the same thing).  For the fulfillment of the types, and for the obedience to the gospel… including calling on the name of the Lord, we would expect to see baptism be part of the story of Acts chapter ten as the door to the gentiles is opened to the gospel… and salvation!

“Then (after they received the Holy Ghost) 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.”  The gentiles now had the complete salvation experience… and we have our complete salvation doctrine once again being confirmed.

The sheet carrying the animals that were in the vision had made its point.  Peter took the gospel to the gentiles for the first time.  The door to the uttermost parts of the earth was opened.   A man and his family were saved.  And, the elements of the gospel and of our template have remained intact and consistent.  Again, the words of Jesus ring loud and true… the scriptures cannot be broken! 

The Samaritans (13)

When truth is discovered in scripture, there will be confirmation regarding that truth.  While we have seen that the message Peter preached on the day of Pentecost fits the template perfectly, as well as answering the question of how to call on the name of the Lord, further confirmations should be expected.  Confirmation coming by other accounts of the lost receiving the apostle’s words would lend an absolute credibility to what we have seen so far.

Before considering those accounts, let us return, momentarily, to John’s symbolic terminology as a reminder of our three-fold template’s application. 

·         Blood:     Which represents death, is accomplished in us through repentance.

·         Water:   Which represents burial, is accomplished in us through water baptism.

·         Spirit:   Which represents resurrection, is accomplished in us through the baptism of the Holy Ghost.

We can see then that John’s symbols of blood, water, and Spirit are representations of the Gospel and that the message of Peter on the day of Pentecost solved the Kingdom Mystery of how to obey the Gospel.  Mankind, by the words of the apostle, can now become obedient to the Gospel of Christ!  Have you obeyed it?

Let us then continue to examine the actions of the apostles to determine if Peter’s message was ever delivered again to those seeking salvation.  We will continue in the order given in the book of Acts.

Example:  Acts 8   

“Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ unto them.”  (Verse 5)

Jesus had given instructions to the apostles to go into all the world to preach the gospel… Samaria was the next door neighbor of Judea (in which Jerusalem was situated).  This was the first step outward in their efforts at world evangelism.  The Lord had told them to be witnesses after they received the Holy Ghost.

“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)

The Gospel’s points of progression were declared by Jesus.  It was to start in Jerusalem.  This corresponds to what Jesus told His disciples after His resurrection in the book of Luke. 

“Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved 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 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 24:45-49)

Peter’s message was delivered in the city of Jerusalem, thus fulfilling the words of Jesus in the book of Luke, as well as fulfilling the order of progression as delineated by Jesus in Acts chapter one.  Jerusalem is located in the region of Judea, which were the first two locations Jesus declared would receive the witness of the gospel.  Now the word is going forth in Samaria, by the preaching of Philip.

“And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.  For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.  And there was great joy in that city.”  (Acts 8: 6-8)

God, through the preaching of the evangelist Philip, was doing great things in Samaria.  It would appear that all was well and nothing was lacking, however, as we read on we find that there was something lacking.

“… when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”  (Verse 12)

So far we have seen that Philip preached Christ to them in Samaria and the resulting works of God were impressive to say the least.  People’s lives were being changed and turned around.  The word translated from the Greek to “repentance” means to turn around.  We find evidence of this happening as they heard and responded to the preaching of Philip.  As he preached the “things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ” the response of the Samaritans was to be baptized.  It is apparent that baptism was part of the message of Philip.

As these things were taking place, a sorcerer named Simon became interested in what was happening as he saw the “miracles and signs which were done.”  “Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized he continued with Philip.”  (Acts 8:13)

Even though many things were taking place as God moved in this new region, there was not a total administering of the gospel to the Samaritans.  Notice the actions of the apostles at this point.

“Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:  Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:  (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of Jesus.)”  (Acts 8: 14 &15)

We see that Philip’s preaching moved the people to the point where they had repented and had been baptized in the name of Jesus.  This is the same as Peter’s instructions to the crowd at Jerusalem, but it was specifically noted that none of them had received the Holy Ghost at that point.  It was then that Peter and John were sent to Samaria.  Let us see what happens when the apostles arrive.

“Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.”  (Verse 17)  The gospel had now reached Samaria in its fullness.  Apostolic authority was present and we see that the same elements preached by Peter in Jerusalem were present in Samaria.  The last arena of evangelism on Jesus’ list is the “uttermost parts of the earth.”  We will see it preached there in the tenth chapter of Acts.

One more thing

When the Holy Ghost was received by the Samaritans, Simon was present to witness the event.  He was so impressed that he offered to buy the Holy Ghost with money. 

“And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money…”  (Verse 18)

While this verse begins to move us into another part of the story, a very interesting point is seen.  Simon was able to observe the people receiving the Holy Ghost.  How was he able to tell that they received the Spirit?

In summary, as the gospel began to be spread from Jerusalem and Judea, the first place beyond these was the “city of Samaria”.  This is in total agreement to the Lord’s declaration that the apostles would be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, and then in Samaria… the apostle Peter was part of each of these expansions.  It is thought that this was because unto him the keys of the kingdom of God were given to him by Jesus.  See Matthew 16.

The elements of repentance, baptism in Jesus name, and the baptism of the Holy Ghost were all preached and/or evidenced here in the Samaritan revival of Acts chapter 8.  Our template is still in alignment with the Acts of the Apostles! 

The Preaching (12)

The preaching of the Apostles to the lost is the highest order of witness to the true salvation message.  This must be pointed out, as randomly choosing scriptures to “prove doctrines” can cause great confusion.  We are told to study to show ourselves approved… rightly dividing the word of truth.  It is imperative to place every word into its proper context in order guarantee accurate conclusions.

Examples of New Testament Divisions:

·         As we read the letters (the epistles) to the churches, we do not read accounts of the lost being brought to the Lord and to not observe the verbatim gospel message as it is delivered first hand to those who desire and are seeking salvation.  These are instructional letters written to various churches and individuals… all of who already have received the salvation message… they do not need the gospel explained to them again as they already know it.   

·         The ministry of Jesus (the four gospels) was that of choosing His disciples, teaching kingdom concepts by parables, healings and miracles, and finally His death, burial and resurrection.  But the gospel message of salvation could not go forth until the steps of the gospel were lived out by the Messiah, i.e. Jesus had to die, be buried, and rise again before the message of the same could go forth.  For example:  (“But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.”)  (John 7:39)

·         The prophetic book of Revelation alludes to salvation and reveals the results of obeying the gospel and the consequences of not obeying it, but we do not see the apostles delivering the salvation message to those seeking salvation. 

·         The New Testament was not in force until after the death (and subsequently the burial and resurrection) of Jesus.  Hebrews 9:16 & 17 tell us that “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.  For a testament is of force after men are dead:  otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.”

All of this leaves one book in which we can find actual examples of people being brought into the New Testament church by means of the salvation purchased at Calvary.  The book is call the book of Acts.  It might be well if we used the fuller version of this book’s name as a reminder of its importance in light of the things we have learned and studied in this writing.  Its full name is The Acts of the Apostles.  Where else would we expect to find the apostles preaching the salvation message to the lost.  This is the history book of the church.  This is what they did in the beginning… this is the record of the original source!

Let’s consider the first instance where an account of people receiving salvation instruction from one (or more) of the apostles is given.  Remembering we are looking for the template pattern of the death, burial, and resurrection, as well as for people calling on the name of the Lord as they follow the gospel pattern.  It seems like that is asking a lot… but God wants you to know, by “many infallible proofs” that you have the “real deal” when it comes to your eternal salvation!

The day of Pentecost… it is referred to as the “birthday of the church”… and rightly so.  It was on the celebration of the feast of Pentecost, a few days after the ascension of the resurrected Lord Jesus, that like a mighty rushing wind from heaven, the Spirit of God “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 2:2-4)  The apostles were gathered in “one accord” in an upper room where a total of 120 people were waiting for the promise of the Holy Ghost.  The entrance of the Spirit of God into that room, and more importantly into the hearts of those gathered there, is what was just described in the book of Acts chapter 2.

The Spirit who resurrected Jesus from the dead, descended from heaven, into an upper room, and into the hearts of those who were seeking and waiting for it to come.  The spirit of resurrection was now on earth and available for those who would prepare for its coming. 

The infilling of the 120 caused quite a commotion and it wasn’t long until quite a crowd had gathered to see what was going on.  Peter stood with the other apostles and began to explain what was happening.  He used a prophecy of the prophet Joel concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit to show what was taking place… the last quotation from Joel’s prophecy went like this:

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  (Acts 2:21) 

Peter is now using the exact words of Paul!  The words we have already considered… remember we are looking for the answer of how to call on the name of the Lord.  Interestingly, the very Old Testament scripture quoted by Peter in explanation of the Spirit’s initial baptism of the church contains the quote Paul used in Romans 10.  Remember it was to this quote Paul posed the four questions that made the point stating that no one can call upon the name of the Lord without the preaching of an apostle.  Peter is an apostle and he is preaching… and he just quoted the verse in question!  Things are aligning.  Now we will just read (Acts 2), or in this case, retell the story and find out what he said to do in reference to calling on the name of the Lord Jesus.

Peter began to expound on the resurrection and deity of Christ concluding with the statement from the 36^th verse; “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”  

The crowd knew they had made a terrible mistake in crucifying Jesus.

“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?”  (Acts 2:27)

At this point let us consider the factors:

·         Peter has quoted the very verse that Paul taught needed an explanation by an apostle… that of how to call on the name of the Lord in order to be saved.

·         The very first sinners in the church era are gathered before the apostles (all 12) and they are asking what to do… for they have been convicted of their sin by the Holy Ghost through Peter’s preaching.

·         This is the birthday of the church.

·         Peter is poised to give an answer that (according to our study) must tell them: 1) How to call on the name of the Lord.  2)  How to obey the three elements of the gospel… the death, burial, and resurrection (also, matching our template).

What does Peter tell them?

“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)

There it is!  The very first answer of an apostle to a sinner’s question of what to do.  Now we must see if all of our considerations up till now align with Peter’s response to their need of salvation.

Was the name of the Lord called upon?

They were told to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Does this constitute calling on His name?

The account of Paul’s baptism in Acts 22 affirms that it does:

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

Secondly, does Peter’s answer fulfill the gospel and its three elements?

Death

We have already shown that death comes to self through repentance… that is, in as much as the salvation plan of sending sins before to judgment is concerned.  Peter commanded the people to repent.

Burial

We are buried with Jesus (and in his name) in baptism as we have read before.  Peter preached to be baptized in the name of Jesus.

Resurrection

The agent of the resurrection is the Spirit.  Paul declared that it was the Spirit that raised Christ from the dead.  Peter proclaimed that the promise of the Holy Ghost would come on those who died to themselves by repentance, and were buried with Jesus in baptism.  He called it a promise.  And in the next verse he proclaimed that this was for everyone everywhere!

“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 2:39)

We now have the initial response by an apostle to a group of sinners who asked what to do to be saved.  This is what Peter would tell you to do if he were here.  But, we will continue to verify even further.