Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam
Why even use terms like "trinitarian" or "oneness" or "one God" or "Jesus Only" or "Three Gods"? Why not just agree that we all believe that God is Father, Son, and Holy Ghost and leave the baptismal formula in the local church between the one being baptized and the one doing the baptism? If someone says, "I baptize you in the name of the Lord" or "I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" or "I baptize you in the name of Jesus Christ" doesn't God know what that name is?
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Sam, isn't knowing the virtual name the family in heaven and earth is named something that should be taught prior to baptism. Also, shouldn't the purpose of baptism be taught, and if it is, wouldn't Jesus' name baptism be absolutely clear?
If we "
all agreed" that Jesus IS the Father, Son and Holy Ghost then I could go with what you've said.
I'll give you an example from personal history. A number of years ago I pastored an independent church. I felt we needed a "connection" to organizational ministry for fellowship of the folks in attendance. I called the Church of God HQ in the NW to talk about fellowship, meetings, and even credentialing. Once the gentleman on the phone realized that I had attended a UPCI Bible College his tone changed dramatically. He told me that the ONLY way I could be licensed or whatever in the CofG would be if I signed a statement to the effect that in no uncertain terms that I would water baptize ONLY in the name of the F,S&HG and would NOT baptize in the name of Jesus' only. That ended my budding relationship with the CofG. The ministry just does not agree that the "name" of the F,S&HG is Jesus.
I think I know where you're coming from, because it is Jesus alone, after all, that saves.