Baptism

Water baptism is a physical act of obedience toward Yahweh. It is an act of surrender; the giving up of one's own will. It is allowing the "old man" (or sin) to be symbolically washed away. Scriptural water baptism is by immersion, for this is the only procedure found in the scriptures. The authenticity of one's baptism is not based on whether or not they were baptized under a verbal pronunciation of a name, (as "Sacred Name" groups teach) but upon baptism in, or by the authority of Yahweh and His Son. For more on this subject, see our FAQ page.

Yet another topic of debate among believers is the age of accountability. So many establish a fixed age, before which, they say that you cannot be baptized.  For some this may be 18, 21, etc. According to this doctrine, the children are not accountable for their sin until they reach this age. However, this is contrary to what the scriptures teach. Ezekiel 18:20,21 says, "The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. But if the wicked will turn from all the sins that he hath committed, and keep my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die." Any individual who has had an upbringing in the faith of Yahweh can certainly comprehend baptism and realize that they need to repent of their sins long before such an age as what many deem as an "age of accountability". When such a fixed age of accountability is established, it causes many young people who have felt the call of the Holy Spirit to turn away to the world instead, because they are told that they are not old enough to make such a confession and commitment. Each person spiritually matures at a different rate. Because of this, some may feel they are ready for baptism before others. This is no reason to attempt to delay or speed up the process. Once an individual understands the concept of sin, repentance, and the need of a higher power to save us from our sin, we are doing that individual a great disservice if we deny them the opportunity of committing their life to Yahshua through water baptism. See the account of the Jailor, who believed and was baptized, along with his whole household. (Acts 16:29-34)

One cannot be baptized into a religious organization, although this is what most religious organizations try to do, requiring a re-baptism if you are to join their church. Baptism is an act of repentance, a one time act of full submission to Yahweh. Yahshua said, "Upon this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it". (Matthew 16:18)

The baptism of Yahweh’s spirit is by far the most important as this is the pouring out of Yahweh's power upon his people, giving the power of healing, prophesy, casting out of unclean spirits, etc. This is something that the majority of "Christianity" is sadly lacking. The reason for this is because they have not totally given up the "old man" upon water baptism, and for this reason, they have not fully experienced the baptism of Yahweh’s spirit.