by M. L. Larzelere

Created on: January 02, 2010   Last Updated: January 05, 2010

The premise of this question, “Is it necessary to be baptized in the name of Jesus,” suggests one’s answer be predicated upon one’s belief. Based on this premise alone I would give an unequivocal answer yes. I am a Christian. Jesus said I am the way. I follow Jesus; therefore, I believe it is necessary to be baptized in the name of Jesus. That is the short answer; however, this answer does nothing to persuade the reader to come to the understanding why one must be baptized in the name of Jesus. To understand why it is necessary to be baptized in the name of Jesus, one must look deeper into the spiritual, philosophical and political ideals Jesus formulated and stood for.

The question “Is it necessary to be baptized in the name of Jesus,” also suggests we must choose out of many religions or belief system. What separates one religion from another is the power that religion has on its followers. That power is found in that religion’s prominent leader or Icon.  All religions have their prominent leader. The Jews have Moses[i], the Islam or Muslims have Mohammed, the Buddhist have Siddhartha Gautama[ii] (Buddha), and the Christians have Jesus Christ.

Each religion practices a form of peace, forgiveness, and selflessness. Three of the religions believe in God; Judaism, Islam, and Christians, while one Buddhism has no deity. Buddhists do profess its members practice meditation, become more aware, awakened or enlightened, as do the three other religions.  The difference is in how these religions approach this higher level thought process. We can look at Jesus as being an awakened one or the enlightened one who came into this world to save us from evil. Without Jesus, Christians believe the world would fall into an abyss of evil and Satanism.

Jesus was often found in deep thought. He preached that we should have tolerance of our neighbors and forgive our enemies. Jesus was not just any man, any human being, he holds a place in this world no other human has. No other human being has been as controversial as Jesus has. Yet, he has the greatest following on earth. Understanding Jesus’ beginning may help in our understanding of how he came into being the one person, we Christians truly believe will bring us grace and peace on earth.

I believe it is most important to note that Jesus is accepted by all three religions Judaism, Islam[iii]and Christian who believe in one God. All three religions also agree they have

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>