Churches Of Christ/Baptism in the name of Jesus

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Expert: Brent Jobe, DVM - 9/30/2008


Question
Hello, Brent.  I was wondering, Are we to be baptized in the name of Jesus or in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?  Can you please explain whether it makes a difference either way?

Answer
Sharron:

I do not believe it makes a difference either way as there is no singular "baptismal formula" that quotes exactly what one is to say while baptizing another.  Here are a few examples:

Matt 28:19 "baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"
Acts 2:38 "be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ"
Acts 8:16  "...they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 19:5  "...they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 10:48  "...be baptized in the name of the Lord."

There is one occasion of note in Acts 19: 1-5 which reads:

[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.

In verse 2, Paul inquired of the disciples on the coast of Ephesus, "Have ye received the Holy Spirit...?"  Their negative answer - that they had not so much as heard of any Holy Spirit - immediately caused Paul to think of water baptism, realizing that during the act of baptism, they should have heard the words "Holy Spirit."  In other words, there must have been something "wrong" with their baptism, and Paul knew it.  Thus, they answered, "into John's baptism" which was a baptism of repentance (v3).  Then, of course, they were re-baptized.

It is our position that the phrase "in the name of" simply means "by or in the authority of," and that the words said over a person are discretionary.  There is a group that insists that the "name" of "Jesus" must be pronounced over the person being baptized; this position compels a number of additional conclusions which stray further and further from the truth.

Therefore, we (generally) believe that using the very words of Jesus in the Great Commission (Matt 28:19), especially in consideration of Acts 19, cannot possibly be wrong; however, at the same time, we do say that there is much variation, and do not seek to force that view.  Be aware that many of those who preach "baptism in the name of Jesus only" DO attempt to force their view, often to the point of saying baptism using the very words of Jesus is wrong.

I hope this answers what I believe you are asking.  If not, then please follow-up with specifics.  Thank you.

Brent

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Brent Jobe, DVM

Expertise

Specifically able to help one defend the plan of salvation, especially immersion for the remission of sins with emphasis on both the English and Greek. Very able to assist someone in refuting the doctrine of salvation by faith only before and without any further acts of obedience. Capable, but certainly not a scholar, in other areas of doctrine: church organization, music in worship, eternal security, etc, but do not claim the same degree of knowledge of these subjects. I would view myself, as well as the church that I attend, as very mainline, possibly (and hopefully) tending toward conservative. I can express the liberal viewpoint, if one so desires, although I believe it to be dangerous and divisive.

Experience

Avid reader and possess original editions of most debates concerning baptism and faith alone. I am familiar with both sides of the issue, and have probably heard every argument advanced against the necessity of baptism. I truly feel that I can help other members of the church who may have been asked difficult questions, and I will take the time to thoroughly answer - in English, Greek, and possibly ancillary statements, though uninspired, from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd century Christians. Member of the church for about 30 years - 6th generation at the same congregation.

Organizations
Religiously, none other than the local congregation. Professionally, of course, quite a few, but none that would apply in this context.

Education/Credentials
I am a veterinarian (DVM) by profession and have practiced for twenty years. Almost all of my religious education other than the usual (family, attending services) was derived at the feet of Foy E. Wallace, Jr. If I cannot answer your question, I have direct contact with Judge Alan Highers and Dr. Jimmy Allen, both men of considerable knowledge and debating experience: if I am not satisfied with my answer, I can call upon them for additional information. The writings and sermons of N. B. Hardeman are among my favorites.

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