StanJ
Lifelong student of God's Word.
Wormwood said:StanJ,
Is it your position that Jesus was telling his disciples to go around and lay hands on people in Matthew 28 when he told them to make disciples by baptizing? In the absence of any reference to laying on of hands, the Holy Spirit falling in power, tongues or anything else of that nature, I think we just have to assume baptism means...baptism. Especially in light of the half dozen other passages in Acts that speak of baptism that clearly are referring to being immersed in water as a plea for cleansing and reception of the Holy Spirit. Again, I don't think any first century reader would look at this passage and conclude that this meant they were to allow Peter to put his hands on them so they could receive a spiritual baptism. Also, Peter said this promise is for everyone. Is this your practice of bringing people into the church...laying your hands on them so they will be baptized in the Spirit? Whatever this verse is teaching (I contend its water baptism), its clearly saying that the promise is for all people and all generations. I don't see anything about praying a sinners prayer here, or receiving the Holy Spirit merely due to mental acceptance of an idea. Clearly something is to be done....repentance and ___________________ (you insert laying on hands, Ill insert water baptism). Yet that is not what we see in most Western churches today. No call to repentance. No call to immersion (or laying on of hands). Just an individualized, personal prayer that does not involve anyone else and demands no public display or life change. This is is not what the Scriptures teach...even if we accept your notion that baptism means something other than the basic first century understanding and practice of Christian baptism.
No I don't believe so, other wise He would have said lay hands, not baptise, and it's the Holy Spirit that baptizes so I doubt it would be in His name in addition to the other two. What I find interesting is that all Biblical records afterwards don't really reflect that command. Usually in whatever fashion, it is in Jesus' name alone. I don't believe we should EVER assume what the Bible says, but seek it our and exegete it properly.