Baptized in Jesus’ Name

The modern Christian practice of baptism has taken on many forms and every form is supported by their believer’s interpretation.  The one thing they all have in common; is the compliance to Jesus’ instruction; to teach/preach the Gospel and Baptize in the name of God (Father, Son and Holy Ghost).

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

NAME VS. TITLE

Father, Son and Holy Ghost (Comforter) are not names, but titles that describe the roles of interaction in the three types of relationships.  Every human being enters life as a child (I am a son).  We may or may not have siblings, but we do have friends (I am a comforting friend).  Then it is a choice to be a parent (I am a father). 

Therefore, I am a father, son and comforter; but my name is Thomas.  So we must understand; and every linguist would agree, that in the context of Matthew 28; that Father, Son and Holy Ghost are titles that describe the roles of how God interacts with us. 

As a side point, we are made in God’s image and in His likeness; therefore these titles also describe the roles of how humans interact with humans.  We are either an AUTHORITY or we are a SUBORDINATE, or we are a COEQUAL; but we each have our own name.  All relationships in heaven and on earth will fall into these roles; it is the nature of God and we are in the image of God.

WHAT IS THE NAME OF GOD?

Every Christmas Christians around the world sing this Bible verse in many different songs (It is part of Handel’s Messiah):

Isaiah 9:6  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Everyone agrees that this scripture is referring to Jesus Christ!  Jesus is the Son, Jesus is the Counselor (Comforter) and Jesus is the Father.

The world of Christendom would also agree that there is only one name by which we are saved.

Acts 4:10-12 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.  (11)  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.  (12)  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

BAPTIZED IN JESUS’ NAME

With the start of the Church in the beginning of the book of Acts and throughout the entire New Testament, no one was baptized in any other name but Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:38 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.

BAPTIZED IN WATER (IMMERSION)

There is no example of pouring water or sprinkling water for baptism; but they went down into the water.

Acts 8:36-38 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?  (37)  And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  (38)  And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Jesus commanded His disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost; that name is JESUS CHRIST.  They went down into the water (immersion).  If you have not been baptized in Jesus’ name, by immersion, then you need to do so today!  Now is the hour of salvation.  Your eternal life with Jesus Christ depends on it!