Baptism in Running Water

Chapter Twelve

 RUNNING WATER

Should a person be baptized in running water? Not necessarily. Acts 2:47 shows that 3,000 people were baptized in one day. It would be nearly impossible for that many people to walk to the Jordan River and get baptized the same day. There was, however, a huge man made pond just outside Jerusalem’s western gate. This pool could have easily accommodated 3,000 baptisms.

FATHER SON AND HOLY GHOST:

Should the baptizer say, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost?” These words are not a required formula but a required understanding. To perform an act in the name of someone means to do it by his authority.

I think the best way to explain this principle is to illustrate it. Many years ago an ambassador of the mighty Roman emperor visited Antiochus Apifineise. The humble ambassador gave Antiochus a message. Antiochus replied, “I’ll think about it.” The ambassador took a stick and drew a circle around Antiochus and said, “Fine, consider it, but make your decision before you step across that line.” The ambassador was on foreign soil, surrounded by a huge foreign army and still he made demands on their king. How could he do it? Both he and Antiochus knew that he was speaking in the name of the emperor of Rome. The ambassador did not even need to say, “I’m here in the name of the emperor.” That was understood! So it is with doing things in the name of God. It is not a formula but it is necessary that we understand that we MUST do it His way and by the authority HE gives us.

Study Guide

Chapter Twelve

1. Should a person be baptized in running water?

2. What can we point to in order to illustrate that people in the Bible were sometimes baptized in man made pools?

3. How many were baptized on the day of Pentecost?

4. Is it necessary to say, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost” when we baptize someone?

5. What does it mean to do something in the name of someone?

Now please click on "Dies on the Way."

The Way To Heaven

The Scheme Of Salvation

Sin

The Roman Road

Assurance Of Salvation

Ephesians Two Eight And Nine

Twenty Four Parts To Salvation

Baptism For Remission

Call On The Name

Emphasis On Baptism

I Baptized None Of You

The Thief On The Cross

Baptism In Running Water

Dies On The Way

Come Let Us Reason Together