Baptism

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by Elder Jacob O. Meyer a publication of Assemblies of BAPTISM BurBurBurialialial intointointo LifeLifeLife

Throughout nominal Christian- by cleansing which he administered to ity, Messianic Elder Jacob O. Meyer repentant sinners. baptism has been a doctrine that In the it was com- has troubled and puzzled laymen With the guidance of the Holy Spirit manded that Moses, Aaron, and the and theologians alike. Numerous of Yahweh a diligent search of the priests should wash their hands and different methods of baptism have Scriptures will bring forth the clear feet when they entered the sanc- been proposed and utilized, from answers to our questions. tuary, Exodus 40:30-32. To be immersion to pouring, sprinkling, Baptism is often believed to have cleansed of uncleanness, whether or no baptism at all. Some groups originated in the New Testament through a disease or an impurity, have even baptized converts with with John the Baptist and his he was required to take a complete a fire hose. message of repentance. The records bath. For example, the passages of Various groups and individuals of the four evangelists, Matthew, Leviticus 14 and 15 provide sub- administer baptism in the Savior’s Mark, Luke, and John, explain that stantiation. Note the term “running Name, while others use the formula the days of the Messiah were pre- water” in the King James trans- appearing in the King James ceded by a reconciliation ministry lation which in the Hebrew is “living translation of Matthew 28:19: “…in to all Israel by John the Baptist. water.” the Name of the Father, and of John arrived upon the scene preach- In order to explain accurately the the Son, and of the Holy ing a doctrine of repentance, turning doctrine of baptism, we must first [Spirit].” Various groups insist away from SIN toward a new life determine the meaning of the word. upon baptizing out of doors, in a in anticipation of the establishment Baptism is derived from the Greek lake or stream of running water, of the Kingdom. His ministry was word baptizo, meaning “to whelm while other groups baptize their to pave the way for the coming of or plunge under liquid.” There can converts at a baptismal font or in the Messiah. As a pledge that a be no other definition than this. If a baptistry. person was sincere in beginning a we were to translate it properly into Furthermore, little agreement righteous life in expectation of the English we would have to use “im- exists regarding the proper age for arrival of the Messianic Kingdom mersion.” baptism, since some groups baptize of Yahweh, John administered a The word baptize is a translit- infants, only days or weeks old, ritual cleansing. This is how he eration of the Greek word baptizo. while other groups baptize only received his renowned appellative, In Strong’s Concordance Greek adults. “John the Baptist.” Dictionary, #907, it is defined as, Can some straightforward Scrip- John was born and educated as “To make whelmed (i.e. fully wet), tures be found that will cut through a priest; consequently, he was well and is used only (in the New Tes- the maze of confusion and eliminate instructed in the law of Yahweh. tament) of ceremonial ablution.’’ The false doctrine? Are there funda- Baptism was not a ceremony which root of this word is Strong’s #911 mental Scriptures which will allow he alone had invented. Few people and it means “to whelm, i.e. to cover us to understand the truth so that today seem to realize that a ritual wholly with a fluid...” The word has we may please our Heavenly Father cleansing was an integral part of been translated “dip.” with humble obedience? We can the Old Testament. John used this The Arndt and Gingrich trans- surely answer in the affirmative. precedent as a pattern for the ritual lation of the Walter Bauer Greek

© Copyright 1983, 2004 Assemblies of Yahweh, Bethel, PA 19507 All Rights Reserved 1 Lexicon shows that the word servants persuaded their leader to Can you see here the perfect type baptizo means to dip, plunge, or follow Elisha’s directions. There- of our own exodus from sin for this whelm. In the papyri the word upon he was immediately healed of New Testament age? Jacob told his means, “plunge, sink, drench, or his malady. family, “Put away the strange overwhelm.” It has been used in the Even the ancient patriarch Jacob, mighty ones [turn away from false Greek classics for the sinking of a along with his family, after coming mighty ones, and return to the True fleet of ships. to a state of repentance, had to Worship of the true Mighty One Hebrew New Testament versions submit to a ritual cleansing. A mis- Yahweh and obey Him]. Be clean in every edition use the word taval take which casual Bible readers [this term in the Hebrew is always (#2881 in Strong’s) and this word frequently make is their belief that used for a ritual cleansing, baptism means to dip or plunge. It is there- the characters around which the if you please]. Change your gar- fore clearly obvious that the biblical Bible is built were living righteous ments [put on robes of righteousness terms used for the ritual cleansing lives from their youth. This is a and change your ways, be con- of believers means a complete im- grave and misleading error. Many verted]. Return to Bethel (the House mersion of the body INTO water. of the central actors in the scrip- of El), and make an altar (a wor- tural drama only reached a state ship) unto El which appeared as a of complete repentance late in life, helper in my distress.” A New Custom? but the Scriptures record their It is truly astonishing how No form of complete ritual cleans- entire life history. The Bible does many types and allegories of New ing is recognized by the Bible other not distinguish the exact moment Testament salvation may be discov- than immersion. Even today, many when they finally arrived at sub- ered in the Old Testament accounts. orthodox synagogues retain a missive repentance. As we see the message in each in- “mikvah” for a ritual cleansing. A In the case of Jacob, the time of stance, it should build our faith mikvah can be described as a large his conversion is recorded. His substantially. tank of water in which a person moment of sincere repentance came When the nation of ancient Israel immerses himself while a holy when he wrestled with the angel made their united exodus from person recites prayers over him. of Yahweh in Genesis 32:22-30. He Egypt, we may again observe a type Also, one of the basic require- had arrived at the brook Jabbok of spiritual salvation. In fact it was ments for a proselyte to enter (Hebrew means emptying) and came Paul who states in 1 Corinthians is a ritual immersion in face to face with Elohim. The Angel 10:1-2 that this miraculous escape water. Consequently, the student of Yahweh had to disable Jacob by from Egypt through the Yam Suph will recognize that John the Bap- injuring his thigh, so He could deal (Red Sea) represented a type of tist was not formulating a new with this first Israelite. baptism. “For I do not wish, custom unique to the Christian re- After this incident, Yahweh re- brethren, to have you ignorant, ligion, but that he merely followed vealed to Jacob that something that our fathers were all under previously existing traditions and additional beside repentance was the cloud, and all passed laws in use in his time. Possibly needed. In Genesis 35:1-3 we find through the sea; 2 and were all John had some communication with the instructions which Jacob then baptized to Moses in the cloud the Qumran sectaries who popular- relays to his family. and the sea.” ized a ritual cleansing during that “And Elohim said to Jacob, As Israel proceeded out of Egypt, era. They were situated very near Arise, go up to Beth-el, and dwell through the Red Sea, they were where John ministered in the there: and make there an altar surrounded by water—baptism in Judean desert. unto El, who appeared unto you type. Coming through the water as Let us examine some additional when you fled from the face of they did (baptism), they came up evidence that immersion or baptism Esau your brother. Then Jacob into the pillar of cloud (a type of was widely used in the Old Testa- said unto his household, and to Yahweh’s Holy Spirit). ment. During the time of Elisha the all that were with him, Put away Furthermore, Peter states that prophet, Naaman, the supreme com- the foreign elohim that are it was a type of baptism which mander of the Syrian army, came among you, and purify your- saved Noah, as only eight people to Israel to find healing for his lep- selves, and change your found salvation in those days of rosy, 2 Kings chapter 5. Upon his garments: and let us arise, and judgment of Yahweh upon sinful inquiry, Elisha, Yahweh’s ordained go up to Beth-el; and I will make mankind, 1 Peter 3:21. They were prophet, commanded him to go and there an altar unto El, who brought through the flood waters dip himself seven times in the answered me in the day of my by an ark. Therefore, coming Jordan River. After Naaman hesi- distress, and was with me in the through the waters they were tated and expressed his anger, his way which I went.” spared.

2 From the New Testament we have made it into a sort of initia- and slumber which can only be shall obtain some additional ex- tion ceremony. The scriptural described as the era of Laodicea. amples of the importance of explanation of baptism makes such Emerging from this era will be a baptism. Yahshua the Messiah, just good, logical sense. Turning to refined and perfected people who before He entered His dynamic Isaiah 1:16-17, we read, “Wash look with eager anticipation for the ministry, came to John and re- yourselves, make yourselves establishment of Yahweh’s King- quested immersion. John replied clean; put away the evil of your dom. These people are pledging that it was he who should be bap- doings from before my eyes; cease their sincerity with the same iden- tized by Yahshua. The Messiah was to do evil; learn to do well….” tical baptism, a ritual cleansing sinless, needing no ritual cleansing. In this passage the prophet Isaiah followed by a converted life, simi- But, He informed His cousin John: transmits the instructions of lar to the Apostolic Assembly. By “Permit me now: for thus it becomes Yahweh which outline the way to their spiritual cleansing they us to fulfill all righteousness.” salvation. The steps are as follows: are preparing to have a part in Yahshua the Messiah as an ex- a) repentance (stop doing evil); b) Yahshua the Messiah’s Kingdom. ample to us (and to every sinner), baptism (cleansing); c) a converted requested and accepted the ritual life (learning to do well). cleansing of water baptism. Now Israel as a nation had fallen into When Is Conversion? notice, in both Matthew 3:16 and spiritual deterioration. Almighty What kind of repentance is nec- Mark 1:10, when Yahshua had been Yahweh was calling them to repen- essary before baptism? What baptized, He came up out of the tance. However, they refused to qualities must the applicant pos- water. If John had baptized by repent and eventually both the sess? When does conversion take sprinkling or pouring, sufficient house of Israel and the nation of place? As a minister of Yahweh, I water could have readily been Judah were taken into captivity. always counsel with a person about drawn from a well. But, the exact Judah returned after 70 years, but his spiritual life prior to immersion. reason why he was baptizing at the Israel never did. After a most event- Before I baptize any person, I desire Jordan River and at Enon near ful history, Judah was conquered to see in the life and attitude of the Salim, was because there was by the Romans. one who has requested baptism, MUCH water there, sufficient for Their all-consuming desire was some definite signs (known in the immersing the repentant one TO- that Yahweh would send the Mes- Bible as fruits) indicating that he TALLY in the water, John 3:23. siah to establish again the Davidic is sincere about his anticipated step. In the New Testament assembly, dynasty, the government of Israel. Baptism is a pledge or irrevocable Philip was told by the Holy Spirit In preparation for this Messianic commitment to Yahweh and His to accompany the Ethiopian eunuch government, the people of Judah Covenant agreement, an oath, if you a short way on his journey toward were brought to a state of sincere please, that one has completely his home. After doing some earnest repentance through the dynamic renounced the old life, the unclean teaching, Philip clearly showed preaching of John the Baptist. After old man, and that he is ready to Yahshua the Messiah to the eunuch, hearing the message they pledged begin a new life which will even- as the anointed King whom Yahweh their conversion with a ritual tually lead into the Kingdom of would send back to this earth to cleansing. They understood that to Yahweh. rule it in righteousness as the enter the righteous Kingdom of the Repentance means to be so Savior of all who will be in the King- Messiah they would have to be pure broken up and sorry for our past dom. Consequently, the eunuch, and clean, just as Yahweh had com- life that one desires to his inner- realizing his lost state, requested manded, Isaiah 35:8. most being to serve Yahweh, to be baptism, Acts 8:36. After making his In our time we again are look- obedient to His laws which will uni- confession of faith, the eunuch and ing forward to the imminent versally govern the earth in the Philip who would immerse him establishment of the Kingdom of Kingdom of Yahweh. went down into the water, verse Yahweh. This righteous government Conversion means to change. It 38. After the immersion, they both will be taking over the rule of this means that while we were going came up out of the water, verse earth within just a few short years. away from Yahweh at one time in 39. Again it was obvious that a total The end-time message of repentance our lives, now we have made a 180 immersion took place. This is the in anticipation of this Kingdom is degree turn and are coming back ONLY accurate scriptural method going out today with increasing to Him. The meaning of conversion of baptism. power and scope. is to change, recreate, or remake a The mode and meaning of bap- If we look around ourselves we sinner into a saint. tism has mystified many people in may see this world in a state of Repentance and conversion de- the past. Various denominations moral and spiritual deterioration notes our desire to see the Kingdom

3 established, so that righteousness happens in ch-rchianity. Baptism tures and recognizes the importance may rule this earth. It means that should be administered ONLY when of living in dedicated anticipation we accept the absolute rule of Al- a person knows the importance of of the soon-coming Kingdom of the mighty Yahweh in our lives. We the step and has resolved without Heavens. Yahshua commissioned have seen from actual experience reservation to be faithful to the end. His disciples to baptize repentant that separation from Yahweh will By entering the water of baptism believers. Similarly, today His or- bring only heartache, and as a con- the repentant individual makes a dained ministers baptize under His sequence we desire to live for Him very solemn vow to Almighty authority and in His Name. regardless what it may cost us along Yahweh that can NEVER be re- life’s pathway. We understand that canted. the rebellious, wicked people will The Method perish for their sins, and conversely The next, frequent, question we we desire to be saved by Yahweh. Who Is Qualified must answer relates to the method Once this state of true, total re- to Baptize? to be used in baptism. pentance has been reached, when After a person has reached the The Apostle Paul in Romans 6 the old ways and wicked life are point of sincere repentance, who gives us a graphic description of the abhorred, and the person desires to should he ask to baptize him? Al- method of baptism. Let us exam- begin a new life, (the “Kingdom of though many people may reject the ine this passage closely to determine Yahweh life”), then he should be biblical concept as denominational how plainly baptism is explained baptized. Often I am asked the arrogance, your Bible affirms that for us. question, “At what age should this only one group of people on this Notice verse 2, “By no means. take place?” Actually there is no earth at any given time are the true We who died to sin, how shall predetermined age except that we people of Yahweh and the body of we any longer live in it?” Now must be willing to adhere com- the Messiah. An ECUMENICAL we may begin to understand more pletely to the scriptural standards. doctrine that many different candidly the necessity for baptism. Many ministers say that this should groups, each preaching a differ- We must first DIE to ourselves spiri- be when a person reaches the age ent doctrine, are all in the Body tually. The old man, spiritually of accountability. The Bible defines of the Messiah is not sound speaking, who lived in opposition the age of accountability as 20 teaching. The dedicated person will and disobedience to Almighty years. This is the age Yahweh de- search until he finds that one group Yahweh and His Covenant Law lineates for when a man knows of people who perfectly conform to must die if a new spiritual life can right from wrong and truly un- the description of the body of the come forth. Now certainly, if a derstands for HIMSELF the Messiah which is set forth in the farmer has a dead animal to dis- consequences of his actions, Bible. The starting point at which pose of, he wouldn’t merely sprinkle Deuteronomy 1:39. However, each to begin such a thorough search a few grains of sand on it and call individual is unique and some should be at Revelation 12:17 and it a burial, would he? He would people develop more understanding 14:12. hardly place a dead chicken on the earlier or later than others. If you for some time have read ground and pour a cup of ground I have noticed also that the age literature published by the Assem- on it and call it a burial! Further- of 30 appears to mark a milestone blies of Yahweh, you will recognize more, you can’t allow dead animals or watershed point in the lives of only one group of people on this to lie around. Similarly, you can’t many people. At this age, a person earth today is keeping all of the let dead spiritual attitudes around, reaches a level of maturity. He commandments of Yahweh, yet in contaminating the heart. On occa- begins to scrutinize and evaluate addition have the faith in the Mes- sion I have stated, tongue in cheek, his life carefully with a different siah. That group is the Assemblies “Perhaps the reason why so many viewpoint, perhaps realizing that of Yahweh. We strive to be the Chr-stians remain such devoted half his allotted years are now Body of the Messiah. The Assem- sinners is that they haven’t buried behind him, while he wishes to live blies of Yahweh has dedicated the old man in immersion baptism.” eternally. You will recall that ministers available who will be It is imperative for the repentant Yahshua the Messiah was 30 when happy to counsel with you concern- person to have a complete cleans- He was baptized. ing your baptism. ing through burial in water to show A young person (under 20) should In reiteration of previous state- Yahweh that he indeed is cleansed never be baptized while caught up ments, it should be apparent that from his past life. in an emotional experience after a holy man must perform this re- Verse 3 makes this even more sitting through a particularly con- quired immersion, a man who emphatic. “Or are you ignorant victing sermon. This sometimes teaches all of the truth of the Scrip- that all we who were baptized

4 into the Messiah Yahshua were bodies must all be planted in the into the Name of Yahshua! Have baptized into his death?” If we earth just as seed is planted, so that you been so baptized? If not, you substitute the word “immersed” for we can be raised with the resur- have no salvation. “baptized” we acquire the necessary rection spiritual body which has Should we be baptized “in” His enlightenment to comprehend that been energized by the Holy Spirit Name or “into” His Name? There when we are immersed into of Yahweh. should be no conflict over this point. Yahshua the Messiah, we are Baptism can be administered in The minister who is doing the bap- plunged under the water in the like- running water, but the real mean- tizing is doing so, in, or by the ness of His death, into a symbolic ing of a complete burial is the authority of the Messiah Him- grave. essential meaning. The picture of self. It is just as though the Messiah No one that I know would ever a person going down into the water Himself were there doing the im- bury a person on his face. They are as a dirty sinner and coming forth mersing when one of His true always buried on their backs, just as a cleansed saint is the most ordained ministers of His body of as the Messiah was placed in the important concept of baptism, just believers plunges the individual sepulchre on His back, at His burial. as long as enough water is avail- under the water in the likeness of Remember that our immersion is able to simulate the burial. Messiah’s death. The minister does described as a burial. not baptize for himself, but in the Further verification may be place of the Messiah and for His found in verse 4. “We were buried Baptized into the Name own blood-bought earthly organi- therefore with him through bap- Another baffling problem which zation, John 4:1-2. tism into death: that like as the has perplexed so many groups in When the minister immerses a Messiah was raised from the the past involves the Name in which person, it is into the Messiah’s dead through the glory of the we must be baptized. Some people Name. The person who is baptized Father, so we also might walk point to the Great Commission henceforth will bear the saving in newness of life.” In addition (Matthew 28:19-20) and baptize in Name of the spiritual family, to the burial, Paul’s description now the Name of the Father, Son, and Ephesians 3:14-15. inaugurates the concept of a res- Holy Spirit: but they never use Just as a bride takes on the urrection. He informs us that when a Name! Father, Son, and Holy name of her husband, so we will we come out of the baptismal waters Spirit are not names, but titles. take on the Messiah’s Name and we will begin a new life. A new leaf Actually, there is no discrepancy become a part of His body, a mem- has been turned over. The dead here at all. Yahshua the Messiah ber of His bride, anticipating His sinner gives way to a new saint. says in John 5:43, “1 have come in return and His Kingdom. Although Similarly, the human body will come my Father’s name.” In John 14:26 we do not at the time of baptism forth from a grave changed into He informs us that the Spirit would change our names given to us by spirit that will live for all eternity. be sent by the Father in the our earthly parents, we do change Verse 5 makes this concept even Messiah’s Name. So the Name of our spiritual names. We exchange plainer. “For if we have become the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are the name of a pagan mighty one united with him in the likeness all contained in one Name, the we once worshiped for the revealed of his death, we shall also be in only Name under Heaven, given personal Name of the true Mighty the likeness of his resurrection among men whereby we must One, Yahweh, and the true Name [raised to immortality].” How plain be saved, Acts 4:12. This is the of our Redeemer and King, Yahshua and simple then! Baptism is a death Name of Yahshua the Messiah. the Messiah. and burial of our old degrading When we call upon this Name This is why it is so vitally im- carnal human nature. It also which means “Yahweh is salvation,” portant that we must be baptized represents a resurrection to a com- we will receive forgiveness of our into the correct Name when we pletely new spiritual life, a new sins (Matthew 9:6) and we will be make our eternal commitment begettal, so that we can walk in the considered to be sons of Yahweh (1 (covenant) to Almighty Yahweh and righteous “Kingdom way of life” John 3:2). True New Testament His Messiah, after having re- which has been blueprinted for us Messianic water baptism must be nounced the sinful life as servants in the Bible. administered in His true Name, the of Satan. We cannot enter into the Additionally, the ceremony of Name which He was actually given. body of True Worshipers unless we baptism represents a type of our If you take into account Acts 4:12 bear the personal Name of Yahweh ultimate physical death, with the and grant it the authority it de- and His Messiah Yahshua. (Do you promised resurrection to an incor- serves, what does it say? The have our article on the Messiah’s ruptible, immortal life for the saints obvious message is that no one can True Name? If not, write in imme- of Yahweh. If Yahshua tarries, our be saved unless they are baptized diately and request it. It is free for

5 the asking when you write to the in keeping all of the commandments and we will be born again at the Assemblies of Yahweh; Drawer C; of Yahweh perfectly. This is the resurrection, 1 John 5:1-8. We Bethel, PA 19507. spiritual life which will carry us into must follow the example of Yahshua the Kingdom of Yahweh. The Holy the Messiah who was the firstborn Spirit will lead us toward our adop- from the dead at HIS resurrection, The Laying on of Hands tion into the very family of Elohim, Revelation 1:5 and Colossians 1:18. The Bible reveals that the only when we are called sons and As you can see for yourself, this way the believer may receive the daughters of Yahweh. After the subject of baptism is so plain and Holy Spirit is to qualify by resurrection the saved believers will simple when the original Inspired expressing his obedience through be called by the Name of Yahweh Scriptures build the firm founda- submitting to a cleansing spiritual which means eternal life, everlast- tion of understanding. There is bath, water baptism. The early ing existence. Already we are nothing mysterious or confusing Apostles always laid hands on allowed to use this Name because about this vital step necessary when those who had been immersed and the body of True Worshipers must embarking upon the pathway to our these qualified believers received be called the Assemblies of salvation. It is so reasonable and the Holy Spirit, which will take Yahweh. rational up residence ONLY in a clean After baptism most evangelical Now the next step is up to you. vessel, Isaiah 52:11, 2 Corinthians Christians believe they are imme- If you have not as yet been bap- 6:14-18. diately SAVED. But, such a tized properly, immersed into the We have received a most definite, doctrine is built upon eternal se- Savior’s true Name, taking on His absolute assurance that when we curity, which is erroneous. When is nature and personality, then why have been immersed into the Name someone saved? Matthew 24:13 tells not give some serious consideration of Yahshua the Messiah, we will us: “But he that endures to the to it right now? Your spiritual receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, end, the same shall be saved.” growth will be impeded until you Acts 2:38-39. This gift of holy life Consequently, we must endure the do. Remember, unless you qualify is transmitted to the believers by tests and trials of life until the end according to Acts 2:38 you cannot a laying on of hands of the Spirit- of our lives or until Yahshua re- receive the Holy Spirit or be saved. filled elders of Yahweh’s true turns. At baptism we receive the For more information, write or Assembly (I Timothy 4:14). This earnest of the down payment of call: Holy Spirit is the life and person- the Holy Spirit, 2 Corinthians 1:22; The Assemblies of Yahweh, ality from Almighty Yahweh and our 5:5 and Ephesians 1:14. We do not Bethel, PA 19507 Savior Yahshua the Messiah, tak- have the fullness of the Spirit, but Phone: (717) 933-4518. ing up residence within our bodies only a portion to carry us through One of Yahweh’s ordained elders to assist us in living a perfect life to our goal of eternal life. We are will be happy to discuss this sub- in Yahshua the Messiah, aiding us begotten again by the Holy Spirit ject with you. ❑ Rebaptism into Yahshua’s Name? How Important?

When an individual first learns that they have been properly receive His gift of the Holy Spirit, the importance of using the Sacred baptized and have received the Holy Acts 5:32. Name of our Heavenly Father Spirit. Let us analyze this perplex- Therefore, any form of baptism Yahweh and the Name of His Son, ing problem as the Bible teaches then-whether in the titles (Father, Yahshua the Messiah, he is it. Son, and Holy Spirit) or in the name confronted with a dilemma. Usu- First, one must ask himself, of J-s-s (Acts 4:12, neither is there ally he has been a member of a “Have I been baptized into the salvation in any other...), trine im- church and has already been bap- Name of Yahshua the Messiah?” The mersion, or sprinkling, pouring, or tized. Some of those sincere people obvious answer is probably not, nor even baptism with a fire hose-has have previously belonged to groups were they baptized by a minister not fulfilled the conditions for re- that strongly emphasized that they who represented Yahweh’s Messiah, ceiving the Holy Spirit. were the only true body of the Yahshua. It is only those who hum- What are the requirements? The Messiah; consequently, they feel bly obey our Heavenly Father who repentant believer must seek out

6 a representative of Yahshua the Elohim shall call to him.” If you you toward the pathway to salva- Messiah and His true one body. have not been baptized according tion. Baptism into the Name of There is only one true body of faith- to these instructions you cannot be Yahshua the Messiah is essential ful believers on earth at any one certain that you have salvation. You if you wish to be saved. time. They all work together as a should take immediate measures to Can anyone receive the Holy unit, in one accord, bound together fulfill those requirements! Spirit before baptism? Some people by the Holy Spirit, bearing its fruits. If you have been previously bap- believe so. However, the only evi- Read carefully John 13:34-35; John tized (although incorrectly even dence of this ever happening was 17; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:1- though you were sincere), there is in the case of Cornelius (Acts chap- 6. Messiah is not divided, 1 sufficient evidence to prove that you ter 10). That gift was meant to be Corinthians 1:10-13. Yahshua, as should be rebaptized properly into a sign for the Apostle Peter and his Head of the Body, will have in- Yahshua’s Name as soon as you associates, who were practicing structed His representative to have repented. There is only one Jews, to accept those repentant baptize correctly-by immersion and true baptism, all others do not sat- Gentiles that Yahweh had called. in Messiah’s true Name. isfy the conditions. A situation such To insist that the Holy Spirit can One cannot say that he has re- as this arose in Ephesus. Read care- be received without scriptural bap- ceived the Holy Spirit until he is fully Acts 19:1-7. tism cannot be supported by the baptized correctly and has fulfilled “Into what then were you bap- Sacred Scriptures. all requirements, Acts 2:38-39. tized?” asked Paul. “John’s baptism,” Now you must make the decision. “And Peter said unto them, Re- came the reply. John baptized for Do you believe the Bible or don’t pent and be baptized every one repentance. Everyone who is bap- you? You can spurn what you have of you in the name of Yahshua tized in ch-rchianity (except infants) read—and suffer the consequences. the Messiah to the remission of were baptized while in a repentant Or, you can yield yourself to the your sins; and you shall receive attitude (although some didn’t know Word of Almighty Yahweh and the gift of the Holy Spirit. For what they were really repenting of). Yahshua, His Messiah. Don’t allow to you is the promise, and to your Today church baptism parallels such a significant, yet so small an children, and to all that are afar John’s baptism, but is ineffective act, to keep you from eternal life off, even as many as Yahweh our to give you the Holy Spirit or point in the Kingdom of Yahweh. ❑

The Assemblies of Yahweh present this volume, The Sacred Scrip- tures, Bethel Edition, to the reader in our humble endeavor to The Sacred Scriptures give you a special gift of greater biblical knowledge. We have restored the Sacred Name, Yahweh (the Tetragrammaton) and proper titles to the English text of the Old Testament as well as returning the Name of Yahshua, our Savior, to the text of the New Testament. The Sacred Scriptures, Bethel Edition, is based upon the trans- lation work of the American Standard Version, 1901, known as the most accurate English version ever put into print. It maintains the delicate balance necessary to provide a very accurate, lit- eral translation, while preserving the majesty of expression of the original texts. In this edition we have sought to eliminate the Shakespearen English which is no longer familiar in modern usage, and we have tried to be faithful in rendering the original texts (as closely as we can return to them). While striving to make the text of the Bible more understand- able for the modern reader, the majesty with which the Bible should be comprehended was not sacrificed; therefore, this text emphasizes our need to think of our Heavenly Father and His Messiah on a higher level. We hope you will enjoy The Sacred Scriptures, Bethel Edition. Read and learn from this, the sacred Word of Almighty Yahweh. Write in for information on how you can obtain a copy of this superb Bible translation. Send your request to: Assemblies of Yahweh P.O. Box C Bethel, PA 19507

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