Expert: Joe Norman - 9/30/2008

Question
Hello, Joe.  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
Hi Sharron,

You have a good ability to ask some excellent questions. I do believe I can provide you with good information to answer your questions.

Let us begin by looking at "into the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit" (Matt.28:19).

In the original language, "into the name of" is "eis to onoma", which means "into the possession of".

Now let's look at "in the name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 2:38).

In the original language, "in the name of" is "epi to onomati". It is distinct from Matthew 28:19 and means "on the basis of" or "by the authority of". Peter pointed to the resurrection of Jesus as proof that Jesus was both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). It was on the basis of Jesus' authority as Lord that baptism was commanded in His name for remission of sins.

We learn two important things about Christian baptism by our investigation of the original language in both the above passages. We learn that Christian baptism is what puts us INTO the possession of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We belong to God in His fullness. We become slaves to righteousness when we are baptized. (Rom.6:16-18)

We also see that we are baptized by the authority of Jesus Christ who is both Lord and Christ.

What does this mean to us and what is the answer to your question? There is nothing to tell us what (if anything) specifically needs to be said at the moment just prior to a baptism. We do not have enough details regarding the baptisms that were recorded in the New Testament to see an example of what to say when one is baptizing another person either.

From all that I have studied, it is clear that nothing MUST be said by the person who is baptizing someone. The only thing that matters is that the one being baptized needs to understand what they are doing. They need to understand that when they are raised from the watery grave, they are born anew. They have committed themselves to living the rest of their days as slaves to righteousness seeking to please God in all they say and do from that moment on.

Having said that, I will admit at most of the baptisms I have witnessed, the person doing the baptizing will say they are baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit - but that doesn't mean it must be said. I hope that clears things up for you rather than adding to your confusion. As always, if you ever have any follow-up questions, I will be more than happy to answer them. Keep studying God's Word and praying. Those two things together will ensure that you will grow and mature spiritually. May God bless you in your Christian walk.

              In Christ, Joe Norman