Many aspects of Christianity can often be very polarizing. It seems that very few people are able to agree on what the word says. Often picking and choosing scripture to fit their opinion. Instead of looking at the Bible as a whole to find its true message. One of the most polarizing aspects of faith has to be baptism. Christians seem to question baptism more than anything else. Full submersion or the sprinkling of water? When do you baptize someone? As a baby or after they realize their need for baptism? Do you even have to be baptized to be saved?
While all of those are great questions that need to be addressed and we plan to address them in the future. It would be too much to approach them all in one article. So in this article, we will discuss what name should believers be baptized in. Many would say that you should be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost. Is that really the way taught throughout Scripture? Or are we to baptize in the name of Jesus as the Apostles did throughout the book of Acts?
Baptism is Crucial
Before we go too far is important that we first point out the importance of baptism. Some may claim you do not need to be baptized to get to Heaven. According to the Bible, that claim is completely false. You will not find any scripture that portrays baptism as optional. Jesus even says in John 3:3-5 that to see the kingdom of God one must be baptized.
John 3:3-5
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
We also cannot forget the fact that Jesus himself was baptized. So if baptism was not important then why would Jesus have been? Also, why would God use the moment of Jesus’s baptism to announce him as his beloved son?
Matthew 3:16-17
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
These are just a couple of times the importance of baptism is shown in the Bible. If you need more just read through the New Testament. You will easily find multiple scriptures that state all believers need to baptized.
Well, Jesus Said…
Matthew 28:19
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Many people are likely to think of this verse when they speak of baptism. Jesus did say it, but it is the only time baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost is mentioned in the Bible. That’s actually the only time the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost appears in the same verse in the entire Bible. See it for yourself here. That’s out of 31,102 verses in the KJV Bible.
You have to understand that Jesus was the bodily manifestation of the Godhead. He was three in one. The Bible tells us this multiple time as well. When God called Moses he told him to tell the Israelites that the I Am had sent him (Exodus 3:14). While being questioned in John 8 Jesus says before Abraham was I Am (John 8:58). Insinuating that He is the one God, His message was clear to the Jews who picked up stones to throw.
Later in Colossians 2:9 Paul specifically says that all the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Jesus Christ. The Bible does not teach us that God is three separate beings, but that God is one omnipresent God. That has the ability to manifest in different ways. Even in Matthew 28:19 it does not say in the names (plural), but simply in the name (singular). The one name that is described by those three titles is Jesus Christ. If you want to learn more about the Oneness doctrine click here.
Baptism In Jesus Name
So if they were not Baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost how were people baptized? They were baptized in Jesus’s name. Every time a name is mentioned with baptism it is the wonderful name of Jesus. I will just let the Bible speak for itself on this and post the verses below.
Acts 2:38
38 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 8:14-16
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when theywere come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Acts 19:5
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
If you could baptize in any other name then why did the Apostles use the name of Jesus? Why is that how Peter first addressed the new church on the day of Pentecost? Because they knew who Jesus is and that He contains the fullness Godhead bodily. We must not stray from what the Bible truly teaches.
Paul Re-Baptised John’s Followers
Acts 19:1-5
1 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
That section of scripture is very interesting. When Paul encountered these disciples of John he asked if they had received the Holy Ghost. When they replied they had not even heard of the Holy Ghost he immediately asked how they were baptized. It seems kind of strange to us, right? Why would it make a difference in how they were baptized? it’s all the same, isn’t it? Apparently, the Apostle Paul didn’t think so.
He quickly explained how John’s baptism was just a baptism of repentance. They needed to not only show their repentance. They needed to show their belief in Jesus as the Messiah. Notice how they didn’t question Paul. Or say they needed to think about it for a while. No, they took heed to Paul’s message and received baptism in Jesus name.
Study it Yourself
While I know this to be the truth, I still recommended that you take the time to study this out on your own. Please do not just take my word and run with it. Our faith should not be built upon the word of others only. It must be built upon the firm foundation of God’s word.
When I first heard of Jesus name baptism I was not immediately on board. It took hours of reading and studying God’s word. Attempting to look past what others claim the word says to see it myself. God’s word does not require a man to explain it. All it needs is a heart that is truly seeking the truth.
If you have any questions about this article please comment below or send us an email at [email protected]. We are here to help all people build in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
Amen. I don’t understand why so many churches have a problem with baptizing the way the apostles did. They choose tradition over scripture.
Why are we ignoring what Jesus said? He said to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. And what does it matter that it was only mentioned ONCE? The fact is, it was mentioned by Jesus.
I think i will take What Jesus said over what anyone else says.
You are completely correct we are to baptize as Jesus instructed in the name(singular) of the Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost. That name is the matchless name of Jesus Christ. Which is the only name that embodies those three titles. Thank you for taking the time to visit our site and comment. We hope this answer helps to clear up any confusion over the points discussed in this article.
Friend, I ask that you prayerfully consider (Colossians 3:17)
“And whatsoever you do in WORD or DEED, do ALL in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and The Father by Him.
The name of the Son is Jesus.
Jesus said I and my father are one and the same.
So the father’s name is also Jesus.
And the holy Ghost is the very spirit of Jesus
So the NAME of the Father, Son, and holy Ghost, is Jesus Christ.
The scripture does not say to baptise in the father, son, and holy Ghost.
The scripture says to baptize in the NAME OF the father, son, and holy Ghost.
Yes give thanks to the father’s son and holy ghost.
Give all the thanks to them as much as you possibly can.
But do all things word or deed, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
This includes baptism.
There are several examples of baptism in the name of Jesus Christ?
But there are no examples in god’s word, in the bible, of anyone being baptized in the father son and the holy ghost.
My catholic sister said that after i got rebaptized in Jesus Name she is an atheist now
She did not search it out in Gods Word. I found that this was what Jesus says only to his apostles. No one was actually baptized in Matt 28:19
But all the 11 apostles heard Jesus say that. But later in actuality they all baptized everyone in the Bible in Jesus name So they all 11 of the apostles KNEW EXACTLY WHAT JESUS MEANT. SEE ACTS 2;38 ACTS 8:14-16. ACTS 8:26-38( implied In the context ) ACTS 10:44-48 ( implied in the context) ACTS 19:1-5 Jesus said in Luke 24:46-47 that REPENTANCE and REMISSION OF SINS should be preached in HIS NAME beginning at Jerusalem See Acts ch 2:38 where at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost this was fulfilled
ALSO
I am glad that you have seen this truth in scripture and we’re baptized the biblical way in the name of Jesus. I’m sorry to hear about your sister I will praying that see will come to the truth and give her life to the Lord. God Bless!
What is the name of the Father??
What is the name of the son??
What is the name of the Holy Ghost??
Father….John 5:43
Son…. Mathew 1:21
Holy Ghost…. John 14:26
Jesus was telling them what to do because he knew they had the revelation. He wasn’t telling them to repeat that line. When they baptized in the name of Jesus they fulfilled his commandment to baptized in the NAME of the father, son and Holy ghost!
Also note those are titles… not names! Please don’t take my word for it…All you have to do is study the Bible about baptism and you will see for yourself.
That is exactly right! Thanks for the comment!
it was Jesus talking telling them the instruction. Like you tell your children what to do in your name
First church practiced the baptism in the name of Jesus.
there is no evidence of other way to baptize in the bible. plus The holy spirit never rebuked the apostles for doing it in that way that means God approved it .blessings brother
Father Son HOLY SPIRIT MATHEW 28;19 these are titles not name acts2 38 baptism in JESUS name
The name of the father, Son, and Holy Spirit is jesus its God manifests in the flesh there is only one not three read the bible and stop following philosophy of man
Jesus is the name of the son,
Jesus said I and my father are one and the same.
So Jesus is the name of the Father.
And the Holy Ghost is the spirit of Jesus.
Jesus is the name of the Father, son and holy ghost.
So when you baptize in the name of Jesus.
You ARE baptizing in the NAME of the Father, son, and holy ghost.
because Jesus is the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
I hope what St.Peter did in 1st century( Act 2:38) is correct. Actually Jesus said as to take baptism ‘ in my name’. It was corrected later 2,3rd century. Now a days many bibles scripts are translated in this form. It was practised during 1st century.
St.Peter is with Jesus at least 3.5years in his ministry and he fully along with Jesus – He knows better than any others in the world – So Peter did like this . St Peter fully dedicated his life for Christ.
Also the baptism is a symbol of Jesus Christ’s – death, burial, resurrection – So the baptism action is what Jesus did – how can give other name / names / titles for baptism. I hope it is against moral ethics. So we can believe St Peter’s action.
Amen
to baptise in the name of Jesus is the really correct baptism. if not the bible could be a liar because Peter and john were the first who baptised in the name of Jesus. why the other one in the father the son and holy spirit. if you want to understand you may ask the father’s history of the church ( Euzebius in 2nd century). and Also pope Benedict said that in his book which is called” INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIANITY” p. 82-83. he said in his book that that verse Matthew 28:19 is from the city of Rome. means that this was instituted by Roman Catholic church,.
Where can I get baptized in JESUS NAME???
We are so glad to hear that you would like to be baptized in the name of Jesus. Please send us an email at [email protected] and let us know your location and we will find a church near you where you can be baptized in Jesus’s name.
You are welcome to come at The Corner Church of the lord Jesus Christ.
1050 lundix Street
Albemarle, N.C 28001.
We baptized in Jesus Name ♡
I thank you for your informative article! I was baptized in the Name of Jesus at the age of 18, and I came up out of the water speaking in tongues, that wonderful Heavenly language!
Now many may dispute it–as not being the correct formula, however, because I experienced it, I will never deny it!
Baptism in Jesus’ Name is correct, and I admonish everyone, to please STUDY GOD’S WORD PRAYERFULLY that your eyes may be opened to this Revelation! God’s Word is not separate, we cannot take out one portion to believe, and not consider the rest as a whole.
Friends, another Scripture that stands out as well in answer to our obedience to Baptism in Jesus’s Name, is found in
(Colossians 3:17) “And whatsoever ye DO in WORD, or DEED, do ALL in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and The Father by Him.”
Yes. I do believe that Jesus Christ paid the price for my sins. And today I am following his words and baptized in his name.
I was baptized in name of all three persons and literally experienced a change in my heart and my spiritual eyes were opened. I could feel my inner being, being washed from all my sin and it was like I KNEW I had been cleansed and forgiven of all my past sins. I had accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. Based on my own experience and having peace and the true joy that only comes from Christ, I knew I was born again. So I won’t say that using the titles of the Godhead to baptize someone is wrong because I then also baptized another person using those titles and Praise God, that person also was delivered from demonic oppression. There’s God, and He knows this is true. I hope everyone trusts in Christ for their salvation and thanks God the Father for sending His Son to ransom us, and yield ourselves to the Holy Spirit that we may bear fruit that is pleasing to God. God bless everyone!
I understand were you are coming from as I was also baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. That being until I was shown in scripture how that is not how anyone was ever baptized and in fact did not begin to happen until over 400 years after the death, burial, and reservation of Jesus. Like you I felt confident in the way I had been originally baptized because that is all I had ever been taught. Just I am sure the disciples of John felt confident in their baptism and salvation when they meet the Apostolic Paul. But regardless of how secure they felt when they heard Paul explain their need to be baptized in Jesus name they responded immediately. Not arguing about feelings or personal opinions. Instead they simply submitted themselves to a man who received his message directly from the Lord.
Also I understand that you life has been changed and that you have seen the lives of others changed through that form of baptism. God honors people who are dedicated to the truth that they have. But that doesn’t mean they are not in need of correction or someone to show them a more accurate way. Just think of Cornelius who served God but didn’t truly know the ways of God. So God sent Peter to him to teach him all he was missing. I might also add that Peter called for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus not in the three titles. Another example of being used and changed by God but still needing to be shown a more accurate way comes in the form of Apollos. We read of him in Acts 18:24-26. He was doing great things in service to the Lord but he only knew of Johns baptism. When he meet Priscilla and Aquila they showed him a more accurate way. He didn’t claim that what he experienced was all their was or was good enough. Instead he accepted their teaching and continued on his way in the mission field.
I ask that you pray to God on this subject. Ask Him to show you the what is true from the scripture alone. I believe that God is working in your life and has honored all you have already done. But that being said what the Bible teaches on baptism is clear and it is to be done in Jesus name. As Jesus is the name of all three title in one. The Apostles clearly understood what Jesus said in the great commission and that is why everyone you see baptized in scripture was baptized in the matchless name of Jesus Christ.
I hope one day God opens your eyes before it’s to late. If you would just ask him to show you he will if God didn’t come to this earth there would be know son. The son was only flesh of the one true God the Father
I apologize I’m not sure how to ask this question. I was baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I am now being told that I will not enter heaven because I wasn’t baptized in the name of Jesus. I believe my God is love and would not deny entry based on the wording of my baptism. If that were true wouldn’t we all be baptized in the name of Yeshua?
Thank you so much for your question Julie. I understand where you are coming from because i once was in the same place that you are. I too was first baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The problem with that method of baptism is not simply wording but that it doesn’t accurately describe who God is. As it points to three gods instead of the Singular God described throughout scripture.
It is important to understand that Jesus said to baptize in the name(singular) not the names(plural) or even titles which those three words are. The name in which Jesus was referring to is His own name. We know this is true because we can see how the Apostles applied this teaching in the book of Acts. In which we always see everyone baptized in Jesus’s name and no other way. As well as the fact that we have no name greater then that of Jesus and that scripture declares that the fullness of the Godhead dwelled in Him bodily. Jesus is God and scripture clearly teaches that we are to be baptized in His great name.
It may feel unnecessary to be baptized again just with a different wording but I ask that you take the time to study this issue out in the scripture. What you will find is that the words carry a very deep meaning. If anyone should have felt no need to be baptized again it would have been the students of John who received baptism from the forbearer of Christ. But what we read is that they were immediately received baptism in Jesus name after further instruction from the Apostle Paul. That passage in Acts 19:1-7 really helped me to see my need to receive baptism in the matchless name of Jesus even though I had already been baptized in the titles. I hope it will help you as well.
Please understand that none of this is meant to discount the walk you have already been on with Christ. Simply I hope to help you better understand Gods word and receive this deep revelation from Scripture. Please if you have any further questions don’t hesitate to ask I would love to offer any insight and help that I can. Thanks for the opportunity to share this with you and God Bless!
I thank God for his beloved Son Jesus, whom suffered, bleed, died and raised for my sins. Which is alive forever more. That I can tell the world he live, because he lived in me.
Amen, amen, and amen!!!!!!!!!
Jesus said in all that you do do you in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Jesus Christ is the fullness of the godhead bodily.
there are several examples in the Bible of people being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. But there are no examples of anyone being baptized in the father Son and Holy Ghost.
This is true. Luke 24:46-47 explains Matthew 28:9. baptism must be done in the name of Jesus