Water Baptism in the Name

Water Baptism in the Name of YHWShA

The subject of water baptism has been a topic of debate among church leaders throughout history. However, understanding the importance and necessity of baptism is crucial. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why water baptism in the name of YHWShA holds such significance.

The Importance of Water Baptism

Water baptism is an ordinance instituted by YHWShA HaMashiach himself. Its importance is evident in the commands given by YHWShA HaMashiach and His apostles. YHWShA HaMashiach commanded His disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19), and Peter reiterated this command by instructing people to be baptized (Acts 2:38; 10:48). This underscores the significance of water baptism in the plan of Alohiym.

Although water itself does not possess saving power, Alohiym has chosen to include it in His plan of salvation. Peter explains that baptism symbolizes the answer of a good conscience toward Alohiym through the resurrection of YHWShA HaMashiach (1 Peter 3:21). The rejection of baptism was seen as rejecting Alohiym's counsel (Luke 7:30).

The Mode of Baptism

According to the Scriptures, the proper mode of baptism is immersion. The examples of YHWShA HaMashiach being baptized and Philip baptizing the eunuch demonstrate the practice of immersion (Matthew 3:16; Acts 8:38). Baptism symbolizes our identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of HaMashiach. Just as a corpse is buried completely, we are immersed in water to symbolize our burial and subsequent resurrection to new life.

Historical evidence also supports immersion as the original mode of baptism. Early centuries witnessed baptism taking place in streams, pools, and baptisteries through complete immersion (World Book Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p.651; Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p.263). The shift to sprinkling occurred later, with the rise of infant baptism in the Catholic Church (Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th ed., vol. 3, pp.365-66).

Immersed in the Son

YHWShA HaMashiach commanded His disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). It is essential to note that the emphasis is on the singular "name" rather than the titles mentioned. The supreme, saving name referred to here is YHWShA. Acts 4:12 declares that there is no salvation in any other name but YHWShA.

YHWShA is the name that encompasses the roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. YHWShA Himself stated that He came in His Father's name and that the Holy Spirit, whom the Father sends, is sent in His name (John 5:43; 14:26). Baptizing in the name of YHWShA honors the fullness of the Alohiymhead (Colossians 2:9).

Conclusion

Water baptism in the name of YHWShA holds great significance in the plan of Alohiym. It symbolizes our identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of HaMashiach. The mode of baptism, immersion, aligns with the biblical examples and early Christian practices. Baptism in the name of YHWShA acknowledges the fullness of the deity revealed through the roles of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Note: The name "YHWShA" is the transliteration used in this blog post for the name commonly known as "Jesus" in English. The term "Alohiym" is used as a transliteration for "God" to emphasize its original Hebrew meaning.