What Is Baptism?

Is baptism just an initiation into some group or congregation, or is it truly important for salvation? Did you know that there is a proper method, and name into which you should be baptised? Why should you be baptized in the saving name of Yahshua and not Jesus?

Let's take a look at it. Names do not translate, they transliterate, Which means that Jesus in not a transliteration of Yahshua. The Truth is that the Messiah was never called Jesus a day in His life. The name Jesus is only about 500 years old. So then what is the name of the Messiah? His name is Yahshua, a name sent from Heaven. Acts 4:12 clearly states that salvation comes in no other name.

The New Testament basic message to mankind is that our salvation is anchored to Yahshua the Messiah, the one Yahweh sent to Earth as a living example, and the one who died for the sins of the world. He became the Author of eternal salvation to all that obey Him, Hebrews 5:9. 

In Acts 10:48 we read, " And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Yahshua." Some have rejected that simple command to be baptized in the name of Yahshua, much as Naaman refused the prophets command to dip in the Jordan River to be dipped of leprosy. Naaman argued in his rebellion that other foreign rivers are just as good, 2 Kings 5:1-14. 

At times those claiming humbly to follow the Scriptures have reasoned as Naaman unitially, that it is neither necessary nor logical to be immersed in Yahshua's Name, when they have already been baptized in the name of "Jesus" or perhaps in the titles of Father, Son and Holy Ghost years ago while in the churches. But titles are not names, we find no power or promises in titles.

When we come to a better understanding of the Scriptures, we should do everything possible to fulfill all righteousness. One very important act is to be immersed "into the only name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved, " Acts 4:12. The name Jesus carries no such meaning, and titles alone have no legal obligation on any contract. Through baptism we enter the covenant of Yahweh.

Examples in The Book of Acts

Take note of THE NAME into which the converts are to be immersed in the examples from the Holy Name Bible.

• Repent and be immersed everyone of you in the Name of Yahshua the Messiah for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:38.
• Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved, Acts 4:12.
• For as yet the Holy Spirit was fallen upon none of them: only they are immersed in the Name of Yahshua the Messiah, Acts 8:16.
• And he commanded them to be immersed in the Name of Yahshua, Acts 10:48
• When they heard this they were baptized in the Name of Yahshua, the Messiah, Acts 19:5.

It is apparent from the above records found in the book of Acts, that the Apostles immersed all repentant believers, in the single saving Name of Yahshua the Messiah. The Saviour and the his disciples naturally spoke Hebrew. Acts 26:14-15 also reveals the Saviour spoke to Sha'ul in Hebrew. Acts 9:5 reads, "I am Yahshua of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest." The hybrid Jesus came much later. 

Buried With Yahshua

Sha'ul emphasizes that baptism is in the name of Yahshua as given Him from on high. "Know you not, that so many of us as were immersed into Yahshua the Messiah, were immersed into His death?" Romans 6:3. He continues, "Therefore we are buried with Him by immersion into death: that like as the Messiah was raised up from the dead by the Glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the newness of life." Romans 6:4.

Sha'ul continues through the next several verses pointing out that we consecrate our lives for the Saviour. And as we strive for righteousness, sin has no dominion over us, for we are not under the penalty of the law, but under grace. Sha'ul once again emphasizes the one name into which we are to be baptized. 1 Corinthians 1:11-13. There he asks, "Is Messiah divided? Was Sha'ul impaled for you? Were you immersed in the name of Sha'ul?" He is demonstrating that we are to be immersed into one name, the name of Yahshua.