Water Baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38.

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 28:19.

For those without a background on baptism. The word baptism is from the Greek baptizo. In context it was not used to describe sprinkling water upon something. In fact its used in Greek literature for the description of making a pickle. First the vegetable must be dipped (bapto) into boiling water then it has to be immersed (baptizo) in a vinegar solution. (Sorry for the pickle reference in an article about baptism!)

So without a shadow of doubt that shows us that the Catholic tradition of sprinkling water on the forehead of a convert is historically incorrect. The word baptism means to submerge or immerse. So first, water baptism is done by submerging the convert under water.

Now, the next point I would like to make is that water baptism, as the title shows, is to be done in the name of Jesus Christ.

The first question that always comes up is, “why then does Jesus command his apostles to baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost?”

I would like to answer that question with a question in return. If water baptism in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost is correct then why does Peter turn around and command that converts be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ?

Here is the stunning answer…

Peter was being obedient to the command of Christ.

Here are some scriptures that testify to this Scriptural teaching.

(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Acts 8:16

When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Acts 19:5

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Acts 10:48

Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Corinthians 1:13 (Paul is saying, no you were not baptized in the name of Paul, rather you were baptized in the name of Christ for Christ is not divided between Paul and any other apostle.)

First look at the phrase “name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” Let’s examine this phrase. First off we see that name is in the singular and then 3 different titles are listed. So aligning these two verses you will see that the singular name of the plural titles is Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am come in my Father’s name.” John 5:43. “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26. The Father, Son and Spirit are summed up in the name of Jesus Christ. Thus the command of Jesus to baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost finds its fulfillment in the apostles baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.

There can  be all kinds of arguments against this truth, but it all comes down to this one thing. Scripture rises above all else, whether its history, denominational authority, catholicism, etc. The Scriptures alone tell us whether this is right or not.

So how will you respond? Will you respond in faith and obedience to the word of God and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ? True faith in the word of God brings forth the fruit of obedience to it.

The formula for salvation is simple. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and also “repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”  Follow the Lord in the Light of his Word.

If you would like to arrange for biblical water baptism please let us know and we can get you in contact with someone in your area.