By: Mark Tabata (Evangelist) It is so heartbreaking to see the many false teachings in the religious world regarding baptism. Especially true in this regard is the myriads of people who do not understand or who were not properly taught that baptism is part of God's plan of salvation. In fact, every time that baptism... Continue Reading →
Trying To Avoid The Plain Teaching Of Scripture
By: Mark Tabata (Evangelist) The Scriptures are very clear that a believer must repent of his sins and be baptized into Christ in order to be forgiven and saved (cf. Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:20-21, etc.). One of the passages of Scripture which clearly affirms this truth is found... Continue Reading →
Lessons From A Recent Study
By: Mark Tabata (Evangelist) Being a Christian and a Gospel preacher demands sacrifice and being willing to suffer for Christ. Paul tells us that those who desire to live in godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (II Timothy 3:12), and Peter said that when we suffer as Christians we must glorify God on this... Continue Reading →
Does God Require A Specific Verbal Formula To Be Said By A Baptizer To Make Baptism Valid? Part Three: Where Do We Go From Here?
In the first two articles in this brief series, we noticed that the Bible does not teach that there is a specific verbal formula which a baptizer must pronounce over the person who is being baptized into Christ. We observed that while the early second century Christians had the custom of saying, "I baptize you... Continue Reading →
Does God Require A Specific Verbal Formula To Be Said By A Baptizer To Make Baptism Valid? Part Two: Why All The Controversy?
In a recent article, we learned that the Bible does not specify a verbal formula that a baptizer must use when baptizing someone. Indeed, the idea of being baptized "in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Spirit," as well as being baptized "in the name of the Lord Jesus" simply carry the... Continue Reading →
Does God Require A Specific Verbal Formula To Be Said By A Baptizer To Make Baptism Valid? Part One: The Scriptures
Many religious groups teach that in order for a baptism to be valid, the baptizer must pronounce a certain verbal formula at the time of the baptism. It is claimed that unless this specific formula is spoken, then the baptism is thus invalidated and made of no effect (in other words, the baptized person is... Continue Reading →
Is John 3:5 Referring To Baptism Or To Physical Birth?
By: Mark Tabata (Evangelist) One of the most powerful passages about the essentiality of baptism for salvation is found in the Gospel of John. In a conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus says: John 3:5-Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of... Continue Reading →
When Is A Person Ready To Be Baptized?
By: Mark Tabata (Evangelist) One of the most important questions we can ask is the one that serves as the title of this article. According to Scripture, baptism is an immersion (Romans 6:3-4) in water (Acts 10:47-48) for a believer (Mark 16:16) who has been taught the Word of God (John 6:44-45). It is in... Continue Reading →
Does Mark 16:16 Belong In The Bible?
By: Mark Tabata (Evangelist) For years, the statement of Jesus found in Mark's Gospel has been a thorn in the side to denominational preachers and teachers who deny the Lord's plan of salvation. After He arose from the dead, and before His Ascension to Heaven, Jesus told His Apostles: Mark 16:15-16-And He said to them,... Continue Reading →