BAPTISM BY TRIUNE IMMERSION – COMMAND FROM THE KING OF ALL! ONLY ONE BAPTISM

BAPTISM BY TRIUNE IMMERSION – COMMAND FROM THE KING OF ALL!

     ONLY ONE BAPTISM

     After His glorious victory and Resurrection, Christ appeared to His disciples as the conquering King of heaven and earth, and He gave His disciples their “marching orders, to save all men who responded to their call for faith and entrance into the saving waters of triune  baptism. The Apostles listened intensively and then responded:  “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, all authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them whatever I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you to the close of the age” (Mat. 23:18-20).  They did just that as they taught them, and baptized them by three immersions in the name of each of the Holy Trinity, Father Son and Holy Spirit.

1. Teach all the nations      

2.Baptize them    

3. Christ never leaves us

     The Apostles, doing as they were instructed and taught this to those who came after them. The Gospel became like a roaring fire, consuming the old world of idolatry and the gates of Hades gave way. The Apostles also passed on to them, that which they received,  the gift of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands.  Only in the original Church founded by Christ, is this triune immersion baptism preserved.  And no other baptism is a triune baptism.  The Apostles, who understood Christ’s teaching left the following Canon: The presence of the Holy Spirit in Orthodoxy is well known to both Orthodox and many heterodox.

HOLY APOSTOLIC CANON 50

     “If any Bishop or Priest does not perform three immersions (baptisms) in making one baptism, but only a single immersion (baptism) that given into the death of the Lord, let him be deposed. For the Lord did not say, Baptize into my death, but, ‘Go you and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit’” (Matthew 28:19).

THE GREAT INVITATION

THE GREAT INVITATION

I published this over 60 years ago and it has even more pertinence today.

   “Behold I stand at the door and knock.  If anyone hear my voice, and open the door, I will come unto him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Rev. 3:20.)

SICKNESS OF THE BODY

There are many minor and major sicknesses of the body. Major sicknesses or accidental injury can cause the greatest pain and make our lives gloomy, which motivates us to do something about it. Before undergoing examination, diagnosis and treatment  by a doctor, the prudent  patient knows that he must disclose everything to him about his condition, leaving nothing out.  The wise physician, after diligent investigation, usually arrives at a diagnosis and method of treatment.  The physician also seeks to determine how the sickness or illness was contracted.  Sometimes the patient harms himself by overindulging or bad actions. Eating, drinking, carelessly as well as  lack of diligent care of his body. 

The good physician hides nothing, but tells the patient the truth, and prescribes proper remedies, so that he can start on the path of recovery. This may involve avoiding some activities or foods and drinks that may prove harmful. The patient who follows the doctor’s instruction rejoices as he walks on the path of recovery.

SICKNESS OF THE SOUL

 While sickness of the body is apparent and the body is visible, sickness of the soul is not so apparent, and many are they who are in complete denial of sickness of the soul, not acknowledging that man is more than just a body. The human soul or ego is subject to many sicknesses, affecting body and soul. Various types of misconduct and vices, disregard of God’s commandments, breaking His laws, which are called sins. As bodily pain induces pain in the heart, so sickness of the soul causes grief and misery to the soul of the one suffering. Added to the grief felt is the fear of eventual punishment for the illicit actions contrary to God’s laws.  If we keep the laws of God and fear His just judgment, all other fears will evaporate before our eyes.

THE FRUITS OF SIN

The health of the soul is beneficial not only to the soul but also to the body. The Bible says: “Piety  is of benefit to everyone affording as it does the promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Tim. 4:8).  Beyond any doubt, most sicknesses and diseases are due to sins. The Lord points this our saying to the paralytic whom He had cured:  “Behold you are made well; sin no more, lest a worse thing befall you” (1 John 5:14). Living a godless life of iniquity affects the health and the countenance of a man. It leaves him susceptible to many diseases and ailments and darkens his mind and intellect.

Gluttony is forbidden by God’s law and is punishable, and we see that those who are slaves to their stomachs with diets of rich foods, cause the upset of the entire organism. Sin is the underlying cause of many ailments and causes grief, pain and death. Obesity is causes by a person who fails to respect both his soul and body, and is curable by the Lord. 

   We can  witness in our own souls the fruits of sin. The drunkard see liquor destroying  him yet he will not leave the bottle alone. The gambler sees that he is squandering his money by card playing, and will not give up the game. The man living in debauchery continuously suffers from certain diseases and much pain, yet he will not cease his vice.  That is why the Lord says: “Amen, amen, I say unto you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.