To the Journal editor:

There are hundreds of religious persuasions that have assumed the name “Christian.” The term “Christian” was first given to the followers of Christ’s teaching at a place called Antioch (see Acts 11:26) very likely in mockery.

Examining a highlight of Jesus’ teaching in John 3:1-7, responding to a religious leader’s search for truth, Jesus said, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” He emphasized in verse 7, ye must be born again.

Saul of Tarsus, another religious leader, thought he was doing God a favor by persecuting Christians, until he had a personal encounter with the risen Savior (see Acts 9:1-6). He believed and asked his personal Savior, “What will ye have me to do?” Jesus responded, “Go into the city, and it will be told thee what thou must do.” Bible believing demands action. He was told “Arise and be baptized,” (see Acts 9:18 and his testimony of the event in Acts 22:16) “calling on the name of the Lord.”

In Acts 4:10, healing is done in the name of Jesus. Verse 12 of the same chapter states, “Neither is there salvation by any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved.”

In Acts 16:30, a man cried out, “What must I do to be saved?” Saul of Tarsus, now the Apostle Paul, taught him the same message he was taught. In verse 33, he was baptized. He rejoiced and believed in God with all his house.

The “Great Commission” was fulfilled: Go, Teach and Baptize (Matthew 28:19). Mark wrote Jesus’ command in Mark 16:15: Go preach the gospel; He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.

This pattern of being born again of water and of the Spirit was first followed of the birthday of the New Testament church in Acts 2:38, and is so conspicuous throughout the Book of Acts that it cannot be ignored. In Acts 2:41, they that gladly received the word obeyed and were baptized.

We cannot alter the Word of God to fit our life. We must alter our life to fit the Word of God.

Richard Kallioinen

Ishpeming