Baptism in the Name of Jesus

This article is to educate (apologetics) those who are baptized into the name of Jesus. It's from the book entitled Calling on the Name of Jesus. This material is not copyrighted and permission is given freely by the author (Jason L. Weatherly) for all to use.

I was baptized "in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" on February 3, 1991. That is truly a day that I will never forget! Since that time baptism in the name of Jesus has been a very important subject for me to study and teach. Over the last twenty (20) years, I have written several tracts, studies, etc. on the subject of baptism in the name of Jesus. In fact, in the past year I have taken the labor of my study and compiled it into a book entitled Calling on the Name of Jesus.

My book, Calling on the Name of Jesus, deals specifically with the teaching of orally invoking the Name of Jesus during baptism. It has been understood for over 1900 years, by both Trinitarians and Oneness believers, that the phrase "baptized in the name of" refers to an oral invocation of the Name over the person baptized.

It was not until the 1950s with preacher name G. K. Wallace from the church of Christ denomination that anyone taught a "no-formula" doctrine for baptism. I have debated ministers from the church of Christ denomination several times on the issue of "baptism in the name of Jesus." At my first debate on this subject, I actually converted a young

Trinitarian girl who was baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins as a result of my debate! Today, she is married to an Apostolic Oneness pastor.

In 2008, I debated a local church of Christ minister named Bruce Reeves, from the Hwy 65 church of Christ in Conway, Arkansas. After the first night of our debate on the baptismal formula, I had no less than eight (8) church of Christ ministers approach me and tell me that they fully understood our position on the subject of the baptismal formula, and did not agree with their own church of Christ brother. One of those minister's first name was Adonis, who actually performed the opening prayer for the last night of the debates.

Mr. Reeves, my church of Christ opponent, was joined at his table by Don McClain, the minister for the West 65th Street church of Christ in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mr. McClain is very talented in producing Powerpoint charts for his Bible lessons, and public debates. Typically, Mr. McClain makes these Powerpoint presentations available on their church's website http://www.w65stchurchofchrist.org/.

What is interesting is that in 2008, just after my debates with Bruce Reeves on the subjects of the Godhead and the Baptismal Formula; Don McClain felt it necessary to teach lessons to his congregation on "The Incarnation" and "The Great Commission," in which he used the same charts that were used during our debates. Apparently, Mr. McClain felt the need to do a little "patching up" after the debate.

In 2011, Roger Perkins also debated Bruce Reeves on the subjects of the Godhead and

the Baptismal Formula in Lufkin, Texas. Mp3s of the debate are available from the W. 65th church of Christ website. Again, Don McClain served as "chart man" for Mr. Reeves during the debate. What is very interesting, is that Don McClain, just after the Perkins-Reeves debate, felt it necessary again to teach lessons to his congregation on "Understaning God" and "Baptism in the Name of Jesus," again using the same charts used during the debates. Apparently, Mr. McClain felt the need again to do some more "patching up" after the debate. Not sure how much more "patching up" Mr. McClain thinks his boat can take, and I'm not even going to begin to get into the childish letter Jeff Asher (Mr. Reeves' moderator) sent to Bro. Roger Perkins after the debate.

Since, Mr. McClain has felt it necessary to do a follow-up to the debates through these two lessons, I have decided to examine his lessons, and post my responses here (including visual aids). Keep checking into The Weatherly Report over the next week for my responses to Mr. McClain's lessons and charts.

By the way, I have challenged Mr. McClain to a couple of debates on the issues of Instrumental Music in the Church and the duration of the miraculous Gifts of the Spirit. Mr. McClain informed me that he would check with the elders of his local assembly to see if we could schedule a debate for next year. Already there are people on both sides of the issues interested in hearing these debates. To date, I haven't heard any other response from Mr. McClain.

As a "gospel preacher" Mr. McClain is obligated to give an answer to those who challenge his teaching.

1Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

I am hoping that we can come to an agreement to schedule debates on these important subjects.

Here is the first quote from my book Calling on the Name of Jesus.

Chapter 1: The Baptismal Formula in Church History pgs. 19-20,

Michael Servetus (A.D. 1511 – 1553) taught that the entire Godhead was in the one person of Jesus Christ, and that baptism should be “in the name of Jesus.”

“In Jesus Christ, therefore, is the fulness of the Godhead bodily, as Paul teaches; and Servetus, with his usual keen perception, noticed that the Apostles, when baptizing in the name of Jesus Christ alone, actually fulfilled the Lord’s last injunction to baptize all nations ‘in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit’ for in Christ all these are One.”31

John Calvin petitioned the tribunals to sentence Michael Servetus to burn at the stake, as a heretic for re-baptism and for publishing his book On the Errors of the Trinity.

“After much argument and mutual vituperation, the court found Servetus guilty of anti-Trinitarianism and anabaptism, 26 October 1553, following the provisions of the Justinianian law, and condemned him to be burned at the stake.”32

Part 2

This continues my examination of the “no-formula” doctrine as taught recently by Don McClain, evangelist for the "church of Christ" denomination in Little Rock, AR. As mentioned in the previously, Don has consistently taught follow-up lessons on the Godhead and Baptismal Formula issues after public debates in the last three years. Apparently Don feels there is some “patching up” that needs to be done after the debates. Don began his teaching of the “no-formula” doctrine by presenting a chart that

has been used in three debates now. The chart breaks down the definition of the word “name” into four (4) uses: (1) Designation, (2) Reputation, (3) Authority, and (4) Person. From this, Don then gets to play word games, and decides which definition of “name” best fits a particular passage of Scripture. All of this is done in an attempt to circumvent orally invoking the name of Jesus in water baptism. It is amazing (as will be seen in further blogs) that in Matthew 28:19, in relation to baptism, Don says “name” refers to a “relationship” or “union,” but when you get to Acts 2:38 “name” refers to “authority.” It seems that Don can make “name” mean anything he wants to in any particular passage – EXCEPT NAME!! These "no-formula" preachers make up ever excuse for orally invoking something during baptism, except calling it a "baptismal formula" or "invocation." This is the faulty premise of the “no-formula” doctrine.

In looking at Don’s chart, first and foremost, the word “name” in Colossians 3:17 DOES NOT refer to “authority” (this will be dealt with thoroughly in a later blog). Secondly, you cannot dissect the “Person” from their “Designation.” Their “designation” is who the “person” is!! You cannot refer to the “PERSON” of Jason Weatherly without also giving reference to my “NAME” or “DESIGNATION.” Neither can you make reference to the “NAME” of someone without including their “PERSON.” So, to try to apply the meaning of “PERSON” to the word “name” without including their “DESIGNATION” is absolutely false.

The same is true with “REPUTATION.” You cannot separate a “reputation” from either the “PERSON” or their “NAME” (“designation”). With a “reputation,” someone may not know you “PERSONally” but they know your “NAME” (designation), because the reputation depends on both the “person” and their “name” (designation).

To illustrate the faulty reasoning behind dissecting the meaning of “name,” notice that Don say that “name” in Acts 4:12, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” refers to “PERSON” as if “DESIGNATION” doesn’t have relevance in the passage. However, simply a quick examination of the context of Acts chapter 4 shows “name” refers to both the “designation” and the “person.” You CANNOT separate one from the other!

The entire discourse of Peter in Acts chapter four is built upon the foundation of events found in Acts chapter 3

Acts 3: 1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer,

being the ninth hour.

2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;

3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms.

4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.

5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.

6 Then Peter SAID, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.

The miracle in Acts chapter 3 took place by means of the ORAL INVOCATION of the name of Jesus! Peter SAID, “In the name of Jesus Christ…” Every statement made concerning this event must be prefaced upon the fact that Peter orally invoked the name of Jesus! Thus when Peter said, “And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all” (Acts 3:16); this has reference to the oral invocation of the name in performing the miracle.

Then in Acts chapter 4, the Jewish leaders of the temple arrested Peter and John, and asked them “By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?” (Acts 4:7). Jews were familiar with an oral invocation of a “name” in performing miracles. Jewish exorcists were known for casting out demons by orally invoking the name “Solomon.” cf. Matthew 12:27.

This question, “By what power or name, have you done this?” is based upon the foundation of the oral invocation of the name of Jesus in healing the lame man. Peter then stood up and declared to the Jewish council, “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in (en) 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” (Acts 4:10). Again, the phrase “by” or “in the name of Jesus Christ” points back to the ORAL INVOCATION of the name of Jesus in Acts 3:6, but not “just” to the invocation of the name because it was the “person” of Jesus (“by him”) who was the source of the miracle. So Acts 4:12, “no other name” is the answer to the question of “by what name, have you done this?” and refers to BOTH the “person” and the “name” (designation) of Jesus! You CANNOT separate one from the other as Don McClain has tried to do.

The statement that there is no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved is built upon the foundation of the oral invocation of the name of Jesus in Acts 3:6.

Here is a quote from Chapter 2 of my book Calling on the Name of Jesus.

Chapter 2: No-Formula or Silent Baptism p. 33,

Alexander Campbell affirmed the following statement in the Campbell-Rice Debate:

“What are the essentials of baptism? … 3) the divine formula of words, into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit … A failure in any one of these may affect the validity of baptism.”18

Alexander Campbell, one of the founders of the church of Christ denomination, actually taught that one of the things that makes New Testament baptism valid is the proper baptismal formula! Campbell went on to state:

“In the third place, I proceed to show that we have most explicit proof that God forgives sins for the Name’s sake of his Son, or when the Name of Jesus Christ is named upon us in immersion.”19

Alexander Campbell fully affirmed that “into the name of” referred to words spoken by the baptizer!

“… in baptism there is a real transition from one state to another, clearly indicated by the phrase ‘into the name,’ &c. … This is consummated by the words ‘I immerse thee into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.’ Words so solemn and significant as these, are not to be expressed without a most intelligent consideration, and proper preparation on the part of the penitent.”20

Part 3

In responding to the "no-formula" teaching of Don McClain of the "church of Christ"

denomination, we look at Don's next chart in trying to circumvent the idea of verbally pronouncing the name of Jesus in baptism.

Don claims that in order for there to be a verbal formula, then the prepositions MUST mean pronouncement. Now, I'd just like to ask, "Where in the world did Don get any such idea?" There is absolutely NO rule in Greek grammar (or English grammar for that matter) that says that the prepositions MUST mean pronouncement. This is simply a "straw-man" argument that Don has made up. It is a "paper tiger" that he has created in order to look like a mighty hunter. The truth of the matter is that verbal pronouncement is dependent upon the prepositions (epi, en, eis) being used with "name" (onoma).

Bauer, Arndt, Gingrich, Danker, Greek - English Lexicon, p. 288 in defining the

preposition "epi" (upon) states, "of persons, over which something is done SPEAK THE

NAME OF JESUS OVER someone..." Bauer, et al. Lexicon (BAGD) is the most authoritative lexicon on the market today. It is the standard lexicon of Bible colleges and universities. Notice that Bauer's lexicon very much includes the idea of "verbal pronouncement" with the use of the prepositions.

However, we don't have to rely simply on Greek lexicons to understand this. The Bible let's us know that the preposition "epi" when used with "onoma" as in the phrase "in the name of" refers to a verbal pronouncement! Notice the following verse:

Lu 1:59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zacharias, after the name of his father.

This passage is talking about the circumcision of John the baptist. If you remember the account of John's conception, the angel of the LORD appeared to Zacharias and commanded him to name his son "John." Because of Zacharias' unbelief, the angel caused Zacharias not to be able to speak. So at the circumcision of John (he was not yet named), because Zacharias couldn't speak, those that were present at the circumcision named the child "Zacharias, after the name of his father." The phrase "after the name of" in Greek is "epi to onomati" or "(upon) in the name of." Obviously, "in the name of" his father DOES NOT and CANNOT refer to the "authority" of Zacharias, because no one there had Zacharias' authority to name the child "Zacharias" (cf. Luke 1:60f). Thus "in the name of" his father, MUST refer to the "verbally pronounced" name of "Zacharias" which is obvious from the context.

This phrase "epi to onomati" (in the name of) is the exact same phrase used in Acts 2:38 in reference to water baptism: "... be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins..." Thus, the phrase "in the name of Jesus Christ" in Acts 2:38 ALSO has reference to the verbally pronounced name of Jesus Christ in baptism!! In fact the Anchor Bible translates Acts 2:38 as "be baptized CALLING ON the name of Jesus..."!

Moving right along, here is a quote from Chapter 3 of my book, Calling on the Name of Jesus.

Chapter 3, The Great Commission pgs. 47-48

The internal evidence of both Matthew 28:19 and Luke 24:47 shows that these are parallel or synonymous passages. Matthew 28:19 declares that the Apostles were to

teach all nations. Luke 24:47 records this as preach … among all nations. The phrase remission of sins in Luke 24:47 is equal to baptizing them in Matthew 28:19. Therefore the phrase in His name, in Luke 24:47, is synonymous or parallel with the phrase in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost used in Matthew 28:19.

"[CHART]"

Matthew 28:19 and Luke 24:47 are identical passages. This is one commission recorded by two different authors. They are synonymous verses. As, the no-formula proponent states, “These are different accounts of the same thing.” To deny this is to deny plain Bible hermeneutics. Thus, the phrase in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost is synonymous with the phrase in His Name. This is why the book of Acts church obeyed the command of Matthew 28:19 & Luke 24:47 by baptizing “in the name of Jesus Christ.” The phrase in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost describes the one Name; His Name i.e. the name of Jesus. Jesus is the name of the Father. Jesus is the name of the Son. Jesus is the name of the Holy Ghost.

The section marked as "[CHART]" indicates that in the book there is a chart separating the two paragraphs from each other. Want to see the chart? Well, you'll have to purchase a copy of the book. Thanks for looking.

Part 4

Next we look at a chart presented by Don McClain, where Don appeals to the lexical definition of "in the name of" as found in Joseph Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon. One of the main problems here, is that Don is about one hundred years behind in knowledge of Koine Greek. Thayer's lexicon was obsolete the day it rolled off the printing press. This is acknowledged by Moulton-Milligan, the foreword of Bauer's lexicon, and Dr. Daniel Wallace, Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics.

But there's an even greater problem here with Don's appeal to Thayer's lexicon, and that is that Don (and his other "no-formula" preachers) are VERY SELECTIVE on what they quote from Thayer!

Don likes to quote Thayer's comments on "in the name of" referring to authority, as if this means "no verbal pronouncement." Just because Thayer defined "in the name of" as "by the authority" this doesn't mean that Thayer was saying "no verbal pronouncement. Actually, Thayer very much believed that "in the name of" referred to verbal pronouncement of the name!

Thayer qualified his definition of "in the name of" by first saying, "... the name is used for everything which the name covers, everything the thought or feeling of which is roused in the mind by MENTIONING, HEARING, remembering the name..." But Don doesn't like to quote this part of Thayer's lexicon!! He wants it to appear that Thayer meant "no verbal pronouncement" when that is absolutely FALSE!! Notice what else Thayer said about "in the name of."

Thayer went on to say that "The phrase 'in the name of Christ' is used in various senses: a by the command and authority of Christ b. in the USE of the name of Christ i.e. the power of his name being INVOKED for assistance..." There are about twice as many references to oral invocation in Thayer's definition of "in the name of" than references to "authority," but again, Don chooses not to mention these in his sermons!! It's not like Don doesn't know that Thayer's lexicon says these things, it is simply Don's choice to misrepresent the lexicons!

Joseph Thayer very much believed that "in the name of" in relationship to water baptism referred to an oral invocation or verbal profession of the name!

So, as we can see already, the "no-formula" teaching of Don McClain is built upon a false premise. From there Don misrepresents the Greek lexicons in order to validate his doctrine. But we see upon further examination that scholar Don appealed to in fact DOES NOT agree with his position. Thayer's lexicon mentions time and time again that "in the name of" means a verbal profession of the name, and specifically defined "in the name of" as a verbal profession in relationship to water baptism.

Thus when we speak of baptizing "in the name of Jesus Christ" this means baptizing while verbally professing the name of Jesus Christ!

Speaking of misrepresenting the "scholars," I want to show another scholar that Don McClain misrepresents in his teaching of the "no-formula" doctrine.

Don quotes and makes references to Dr. A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New

Testament. Dr. Robertson, was held as the greatest American scholar of Biblical Greek

in his day. Don quotes Dr. Robertson as if A.T. Robertson believed in the "no-formula" doctrine, when in fact he DID NOT!!! Dr. Robertson was a staunch Trinitarian, and fully believed that the words of Matthew 28:19 were the "baptismal formula"!! The very reference Don quoted shows that Dr. Robertson believed that Matthew 28:19 was the baptismal formula. Dr. Robertson stated, "... the full name of the Trinity does not occur in baptism as in Matthew 28:19, but this does not show that it was not used."

Dr. Robertson DID NOT teach the "no-formula" doctrine that there is no "baptismal formula." Rather, he (along with Adam Clarke, Marvin Vincent, Carl Brumback, & Jimmy Swaggart) taught the inconsistent view that "in the name of" only refers to a baptismal formula in Matthew 28:19. It is extremely inconsistent and biased to say that "in the name of" (eis to onoma) in Matthew 28:19 refers to the verbally spoken words of a baptismal formula, but the same phrase (eis to onoma) in the same context of water baptism in Acts 8:16 & 19:5 does not.

So, once again we find that the scholar Don McClain quotes to try to validate his "no-formula" doctrine, does not agree with his position at all.

Chapter 4: "In the Name of" i.e. "Calling on the Name" pg. 57

There are nine chapters to the book. Here is a quote from Chapter 4 of my book Calling on the Name of Jesus.

Idioms are not subject to the normal rules of grammar, and cannot be understood literally. Some common idioms of the English language are: “Don’t have a cow,” “Bee in your bonnet,” “As easy as pie, “Bitten off more than he could chew,” etc. Idioms are understood by their common usage and context. An idiom is defined by its usage in a particular language. To understand the idiomatic meaning of a phrase, one should find as many examples of the idiom and examine the consistent usage of the phrase. The meaning of an idiom is the same in any context. Understand we are talking about the Biblical meaning and usage of the phrase in the name of.

pg. 72,

This understanding is based upon the consistent and natural use of the phrase in the name of used throughout the Bible. Here there is a simple and perfectly intelligible explanation, derived from a consistent use of the Scriptures, of the expression in the name of. There is nothing subtle or abstruse in this interpretation; and whatever further meaning may be justified in finding in the phrase, verbal pronunciation or orally invoking the name at least must not be excluded or neglected. The Biblical meaning of the phrase in the name of is NAMING, CALLING UPON the name. Dr. J. A. Robinson in his study of “in the name of” in The Journal of Theological Studies (1906) concluded:

“… the baptizer acted authoritatively in that Name: he had a right to INVOKE the Name, and to bring into play the power which accompanied the NAMING of the Name … enough, I hope, has been said to shew that what appears to be the most natural translation of the Greek is capable of reasonable and adequate interpretation, if we approach it in the light of the prevalent conceptions of the earliest age.”11

Part 5

In Part Five (5) of our examination of the "no-formula" doctrine as taught by Don McClain of the "church of Christ" denomination, we look at another scholar that Don has appealed to, to try to substantiate his position.

Don quotes from Marvin Vincent, Word Studies, on the phrase "in the name of" (eis to onoma) as used in Matthew 28:19. This actually a very lengthy quote and Don broke it down over two different charts, but the very intersting thing here is Don's use of "elipses" (...). Notice careful Don's use of elipses (...) between the word "Lord" and "The name." An elipses (...) indicates to the reader that something has been skipped in the quote. Sometimes the elipses (...) isn't realtive to the discussion, but then there are times that elipses (...) are used simply because the person doesn't want that particular information to be made available to the audience. This way the quote is seen as validating the preacher's (in this case Don's) position.

BEWARE OF DON'S USE OF ELIPSES!

When the careful student goes back and verfies the quotes used by Don McClain, you will find that some very important information and comments have been skipped!

When we look at the comments that Don McClain skipped, we see (once again) that the scholars DO NOT agree with Don's "no-formula" doctrine. Dr. Marvin Vincent very much believed in a "baptismal formula" and Don McClain SKIPPED this information in his presentation to the W. 65th Street "church of Christ"!! Notice that Dr. Vincent DID NOT say that the "name" isn't a "designation," rather he said "The name is not the MERE designation..." meaning that the "name" is a "designation," but not a designation only.

Thus, Marvin Vincent did believe in a "baptismal formula" and again, the scholars that Don McClain attempts to use to prove his position have actually proven his position to be false!

I ask the question, "Why did Don skip these important comments of Marvin Vincent, seeing as how he HAD to have know they were there?" The answer is because Don knew that the comments did not support his false view, and in order to make Dr. Vincent look as if he supported the "no-formula" doctrine, Don had to misrepresent Dr. Vincent's comments, and take him out of context.

It is a sure sign of a false doctrine, when they skip such important information as this!

Chapter 5: "In the Name of" not "By the Authority of" pgs. 81-82

If baptism was to have simply been by the authority of Jesus Christ, don’t you think one time in the Scriptures the word exousia would have been used? Never do we read of baptism in the exousia of Jesus Christ. Rather, the phrase “in the name of Jesus Christ” is used, which refers to the naming of the name Jesus Christ upon the baptismal candidate.

Part 6

Chapter 6: Lexical Definition of "In the Name of" pg. 110

Those who argue strongly for a background of rabbinical usage overlook the fact that eis to onoma is not found in the LXX version of the Old Testament. Therefore, it could be argued that Rabbinical (Talmudic) usage was influenced by the common commercial language of Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jews. The fact that the majority of the New Testament was either written by a Gentile (Luke) or was written to predominately Gentile congregations, would suggest that eis to onoma should be understood with a Hellenistic (Greek) commercial background. The Gentile converts would not have been familiar with the Rabbinical (Talmudic) usage of eis to onoma. However, it is apparent from Acts and the Epistles that eis to onoma was a phrase that would have been common to the intended readers. In the end, the debate is superfluous because both the Hellenistic and Rabbinical usage of eis to onoma indicate a mentioning or verbal pronunciation of the name.

Part 7

Chapter 7 Calling on His Name pg. 135

Acts 22:16, calling on His name, harmonizes perfectly with 1 Corinthians 6:11 “in the name of the Lord Jesus” in that the effect of wash away thy sins is brought about by the UTTERANCE of His name! This is exactly what the participle of means (by calling) in Acts 22:16 indicates. Thus, calling on His name in Acts 22:16 has the same meaning as “in the name of Jesus” in reference to baptism (Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5). That is, calling on His name is a reference to the name being CALLED OVER the baptismal candidate i.e. getting called over you His name or by calling over you His name.

Want to mention again, that there are over 100 Bible translations, lexicons, dictionaries, commentaries, & reference works cited in the book. This book is designed to be a quick reference guide for anyone studying the subject of baptism "in the name of Jesus Christ."

Part 8

Chapter 8 The Baptism of John p. 148

The use of water as a representation of spiritual cleansing was already familiar to Israel. Dipping in water, as an emblematical washing, was commanded in the law for the priesthood (cf. Exodus 30:20-21; 40:12). Also, Gentile proselytes who were immersed in water into the Jewish faith were considered to be a little child new born (cf. John 3:3; 10). However, John’s baptism was neither an Old Testament washing nor proselyte immersion. John’s baptism was not an immersion into the Jewish faith; rather it was an immersion for the Jews to prepare themselves to receive the Messiah and His kingdom. Likewise, John’s baptism was not New Testament Christian baptism which was commissioned after the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38). For this sake, those who had once been baptized unto John’s baptism, once the New Testament church had been established (Acts 2:1f) had to be re-baptized “in the name of Jesus.”

Part 9

Chapter 9 Through His Name p. 161

The invocation of the name of Jesus IS NOT simply an accompanying circumstance of water baptism. The spoken name of Jesus in baptism is the MEANS by which the believer receives the remission of sins. This does not suggest any sort of enchantment, incantation or magical use of the name of Jesus, like abracadabra (a serious charge from the Calvinists and no-formula proponents). Rather, there is required a genuine and sincere faith in the name of Jesus Christ. This is clearly illustrated in the account of the seven sons of Sceva.

I will be getting in the first print of books on Monday. The book is 182 pages long. It contains several charts/illustrations. There are over 100 various Bible translations, lexicons, dictionaries, commentaries, and reference works quoted. The price of the book is $12.99 (plus $3 shipping/handling). If you are interested in a copy of the book, please email me and I will give you more information. Thanks again for your interest.

Bible Verses on Baptism

Baptism is a cornerstone to our Christian beliefs. John the Baptist was ordained by God to be the predecessor of Jesus - he preached about His coming and even baptized Jesus. Being baptized is an important part of Christianity and you should be knowledgable about. That's why I gathered together these Bible verses on baptism - so that you could learn more about this very important part of Christianity!

John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said to me, On whom you shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizes with the Holy Ghost.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

John 3:23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.

Acts 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Acts 1:22 Beginning from the baptism of John, to that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

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

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added to them about three thousand souls.

Acts 8:13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

Acts 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight immediately, and arose, and was baptized.

Acts 11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John truly baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

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

Acts 22:16 And now why tarry you? arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Romans 6:3 Know you not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism does also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

All the Names of Jesus

The following list is of names and titles given specifically to our Lord Jesus. All Scriptures are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

ADAM: (1 Corinthians 15:45) And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

ADVOCATE: (1 John 2:1) My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

ALMIGHTY: (Revelation 1:8) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

ALPHA AND OMEGA: (Revelation 1:8) I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

AMEN: (Revelation 3:14) And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

APOSTLE OF OUR PROFESSION: (Hebrews 3:1) Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

ARM OF THE LORD: (Isaiah 51:9) Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Art thou not it that hath cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?

(Isaiah 53:1) Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF OUR FAITH: (Hebrews 12:2) Looking unto Jesus the

author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION: (Hebrews 5:9) And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

BEGINNING OF CREATION OF GOD: (Revelation 3:14) And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

BELOVED SON: (Matthew 12:18) Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles.

BLESSED AND ONLY POTENTATE: (1 Timothy 6:15) Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

BRANCH: (Isaiah 4:2) In that day shall the branch of the LORD be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Israel.

BREAD OF LIFE: (John 6:32) Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.

CAPTAIN OF SALVATION: (Hebrews 2:10) For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

CHIEF SHEPHERD: (1 Peter 5:4) And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

CHRIST OF GOD: (Luke 9:20) He said unto them, But whom say ye that I am? Peter answering said, The Christ of God.

CONSOLATION OF ISRAEL: (Luke 2:25) And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

CORNERSTONE: (Psalm 118:22) The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

COUNSELLOR: (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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

CREATOR: (John 1:3) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

DAYSPRING: (Luke 1:78) Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

DELIVERER: (Romans 11:26) And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

DESIRE OF THE NATIONS: (Haggai 2:7) And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.

DOOR: (John 10:7) Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

ELECT OF GOD: (Isaiah 42:1) Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the

Gentiles.

EVERLASTING FATHER: (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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

FAITHFUL WITNESS: (Revelation 1:5) And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

FIRST AND LAST: (Revelation 1:17) And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

FIRST BEGOTTEN: (Revelation 1:5) And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

FORERUNNER: (Hebrews 6:20) Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

GLORY OF THE LORD: (Isaiah 40:5) And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

GOD: (Isaiah 40:3) The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

GOD BLESSED: (Romans 9:5) Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

GOOD SHEPHERD: (John 10:11) I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.

GOVERNOR: (Matthew 2:6) And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

GREAT HIGH PRIEST: (Hebrews 4:14) Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

HEAD OF THE CHURCH: (Ephesians 1:22) And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

HEIR OF ALL THINGS: (Hebrews 1:2) Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;

HOLY CHILD: (Acts 4:27) For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

HOLY ONE: (Acts 3:14) But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

HOLY ONE OF GOD: (Mark 1:24) Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.

HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL: (Isaiah 41:14) Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

HORN OF SALVATION: (Luke 1:69) And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

I AM: (John 8:58) Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

IMAGE OF GOD: (2 Corinthians 4:4) In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

IMMANUEL: (Isaiah 7:14) Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

JEHOVAH: (Isaiah 26:4) Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

JESUS: (Matthew 1:21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

JESUS OF NAZARETH: (Matthew 21:11) And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.

JUDGE OF ISRAEL: (Micah 5:1) Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.

THE JUST ONE: (Acts 7:52) Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:

KING: (Zechariah 9:9) Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

KING OF THE AGES: (1 Timothy 1:17) Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible,

the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

KING OF THE JEWS: (Matthew 2:2) Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

KING OF KINGS: (1 Timothy 6:15) Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

KING OF SAINTS: (Revelation 15:3) And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.

LAWGIVER: (Isaiah 33:22) For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us.

LAMB: (Revelation 13:8) And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

LAMB OF GOD: (John 1:29) The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

LEADER AND COMMANDER: (Isaiah 55:4) Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.

THE LIFE: (John 14:6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

LIGHT OF THE WORLD: (John 8:12) Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH: (Revelation 5:5) And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

LORD OF ALL: (Acts 10:36) The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

LORD OF GLORY: (1 Corinthians 2:8) Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

LORD OF LORDS: (1 Timothy 6:15) Which in his times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

LORD OF OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS: (Jeremiah 23:6) In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

MAN OF SORROWS: (Isaiah 53:3) He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

MEDIATOR: (1 Timothy 2:5) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

MESSENGER OF THE COVENANT: (Malachi 3:1) Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.

MESSIAH: (Daniel 9:25) Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be

seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.

(John 1:41) He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messiah, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

MIGHTY GOD: (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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

MIGHTY ONE: (Isaiah 60:16) Thou shalt also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shalt suck the breast of kings: and thou shalt know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.

MORNING STAR: (Revelation 22:16) I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

NAZARENE: (Matthew 2:23) And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

ONLY BEGOTTEN SON: (John 1:18) No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

OUR PASSOVER: (1 Corinthians 5:7) Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

PRINCE OF LIFE: (Acts 3:15) And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.

PRINCE OF KINGS: (Revelation 1:5) And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness,

and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

PRINCE OF PEACE: (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, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

PROPHET: (Luke 24:19) And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

(Acts 3:22) For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

REDEEMER: (Job 19:25) For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:

RESURRECTION AND LIFE: (John 11:25) Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

ROCK: (1 Corinthians 10:4) And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

ROOT OF DAVID: (Revelation 22:16) I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

ROSE OF SHARON: (Song of Songs 2:1) I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.

SAVIOR: (Luke 2:11) For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

SEED OF WOMAN: (Genesis 3:15) And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

SHEPHERD AND BISHOP OF SOULS: (1 Peter 2:25) For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

SHILOH: (Genesis 49:10) The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him shall the gathering of the people be.

SON OF THE BLESSED: (Mark 14:61) But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?

SON OF DAVID: (Matthew 1:1) The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

SON OF GOD: (Matthew 2:15) And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

SON OF THE HIGHEST: (Luke 1:32) He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS: (Malachi 4:2) But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.

TRUE LIGHT: (John 1:9) That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

TRUE VINE: (John 15:1) I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.

TRUTH: (John 1:14) And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

WITNESS: (Isaiah 55:4) Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.

WORD: (John 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

WORD OF GOD: (Revelation 19:13) And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

Jesus Name Baptism

This is a study of the Bible doctrine of baptism.

We will address the questions of: How are we to be baptized? In what Name am I to be baptized? Is infant baptism scriptural? And, What is the purpose of baptism?

Baptism is for the remission of sins.

Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

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.

Remission: Release, as from debt or obligation.

Remit: To cancel a penalty, to pardon or forgive, to restore to original condition.

Baptism washes away our sins.

Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

A. Here we see Paul was commanded by Ananias to be baptized.

B. B. Baptism washes away our sins.

C. Baptism is necessary in order to be saved. Mark 16:16, 1 Peter 3:21

1 Corinthians 6:1, 1 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

A. Sanctified: set apart.

B. Justified: Just as if I had not sinned.

C. Baptism is a burial.

Taking upon ourselves the "Name of Jesus Christ"

A. Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

James 2:7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

1. We are taking upon us the Name of Jesus when we are baptized in Jesus Name.

2. The Name of Jesus means, "Jehovah has become my salvation."

B. 2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

1. We become "His", and represent Him to a lost world. Represent Him well.

2. We must endeavor to allow the process of change to take place in our lives. Ro.6:12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof

You must be "born again"

John 3:3 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 Nicodernus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mothers 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. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

A. There is only one birth spoken of in John 3:3-5. This birth consists of two elements, "water" and "Spirit".

1. The element of water is "baptism in Jesus Name".

2. The element of the Spirit is "baptism of the Holy Spirit".

B. Notice in Acts 2:38, Peter preaches that we must repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ and receive the Holy Ghost.

1. The gospel consists of death, burial and resurrection.

a. Repentance is a death. 2 Cor. 7: 10

b. Baptism is a burial. Rom. 6:3-4, Col. 2:12

c. Receiving the Holy Ghost is a resurrection. Ro.8:11

Ro.6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Baptized How?

Let the scriptures prove it.

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.

Acts 8: 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 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: I 5 Who, when they were 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 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with

tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Acts 19:1 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 Johns 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. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And all the men were about twelve.

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:

A. The word "name" is singular. What is the Name? Jesus

B. Jesus is the Father in creation, the son in redemption, and the Holy Spirit in regeneration.

C. Peter fulfilled Matt. 28:19 when he preached on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2:38

Remember, Peter had the keys.

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Immersion

The word baptism comes from the Greek word "Baptismos" or "Baptizo" which means to immerse.

A. Other forms of baptism came later, and are not scriptural. Sprinkling came with the deterioration of the church. In order to be baptized correctly, one must be baptized "in the Name of Jesus" by immersion in water.

B. We do not see in the scriptures where infants were baptized.

C. One must reach the "age of accountability" before baptism. The person being baptized must understand what he/she, is doing.

Taking on the family Name

A. The Bible describes salvation as an adoption. With this view of salvation we must take on the family name. This occurs at baptism since it is part of our identification with Christ. Ga.3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

B. A boy in the Old Testament officially received his name at circumcision (Luke 1:57-63; 2:21), and baptism is our spiritual circumcision (Col. 2:11-12).

C. Eph. 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

1. The family Name is Jesus.

Col. 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.

Wikipedia

In circa 254, Pope Stephen I in the midst of the baptismal controversies with Cyprian declared that all baptisms in the name of Jesus are valid.

St. Gennadius in his work Lives of Illustrious Men states that in the 3rd century, one

Ursinus the monk, during the Cyprian controversies, argued that "those who were baptized in the name of Christ [alone], even if by heretics, did not need to be re-baptized."

St. John Chrysostom argues for a literal interpretation of the Luke's records of baptisms in the name of Jesus, as accounted in Acts.

St. Basil states that, "the naming of Christ is the confession of the whole."

St. Ambrose, mentor to Augustine, argued for the validity of baptisms "in the name of Jesus."

St. Augustine states that "those baptized into other names need to be rebaptized into Christ." Elsewhere, he states knowledge of those who had been baptized into the name of Christ alone [outside the apostolic era]. And likewise argues for a literal interpretation of Acts 2:38 "in the name of Jesus".

St. Thomas Aquinas (while arguing for Trinitarian baptism), states that the apostles (Peter, James, John, etc.) baptized in the name of Christ alone by "special dispensation." (Whereas many modern scholars, by contrast, interpret the saying "in the name of Jesus Christ" figuratively instead of literally in an attempt to reconcile the two conflicting passages [Acts 2:38 & Matt 28:19]).

The Baptist Standard Confession of 1660 declares baptisms in the name of Jesus to be valid.

The Historical Record

Respected historical sources verify that the early Christian church did not use a threefold baptismal formula but invoked the name of Jesus in baptism well into the second and

third centuries.

- Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics (1951). II, 384, 389: "The formula used was "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ" or some synonymous phrase; there is no evidence for the use of the triune name. The earliest form, represented in the Acts, was simple immersion. in water, the use of the name of the Lord, and the laying on of hands. To these were added, at various times and places which cannot be safely identified, (a) the triune name (Justin)."

- Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible (1962), I 351: "The evidence. suggests that baptism in early Christianity was administered, not in the threefold name, but 'in the name of Jesus Christ' or 'in the name of the Lord Jesus.'"

- Otto Heick, A History of Christian Thought (1965), I, 53: "At first baptism was administered in the name of Jesus, but gradually in the name of the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

- Hasting's Dictionary of the Bible (1898). I, 241: "[One explanation is that] the original form of words was "into the name of Jesus Christ" or 'the Lord Jesus,' Baptism into the name of the Trinity was a later development."

- Williston Walker, A History of the Christian Church (1947), page 58: "The trinitarian baptismal formula,,, was displacing the older baptism in the name of Christ."

- The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge (1957), I, 435: "The New Testament knows only baptism in the name of Jesus. which still occurs even in the second and third centuries."

- Canney's Encyclopedia of Religions (1970), page 53: "Persons were baptized at first 'in the name of Jesus Christ' . or 'in the name of the Lord Jesus'. Afterwards, with the development of the doctrine of the Trinity, they were baptized 'in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.'"

- Encyclopedia Biblica (1899), I, 473: "It is natural to conclude that baptism was administered in the earliest times 'in the name of Jesus Christ,' or in that 'of the Lord Jesus.' This view is confirmed by the fact that the earliest forms of the baptismal confession appear to have been single-not triple, as was the later creed."

- Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th ed. (1920), II 365: "The trinitarian formula and triune immersion were not uniformly used from the beginning. Baptism into the name of the Lord [was] the normal formula of the New Testament. In the 3rd century baptism in the name of Christ was still so widespread that Pope Stephen, in opposition to Cyprian of Carthage, declared it to be valid."

Christians today should use the biblical baptismal formula as found in the New Testament. Everyone should be baptized by immersion in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.

Earliest Christians

Let us take a look at the writings of the earliest Christians on the subject of baptism, and baptismal regeneration.

THE EPISTLE OF BARNABAS (c. A.D. 70)

Now let us see if the Lord has been at any pains to give us a foreshadowing of the waters of Baptism and of the cross. Regarding the former, we have the evidence of Scripture that Israel would refuse to accept the washing which confers the remission of sins and would set up a substitution of their own instead [Jer 22:13; Isa 16:1-2; 33:16-18; Psalm 1:3-6]. Observe there how he describes both the water and the cross in the same figure. His meaning is, "Blessed are those who go down into the water with their hopes set on the cross." Here he is saying that after we have stepped down into the water, burdened with sin and defilement, we come up out of it bearing fruit, with reverence in our hearts and the hope of Jesus in our souls. (11:1-10)

THE SHEPHERD OF HERMAS (c. A.D. 140)

"I have heard, sir," said I, "from some teachers, that there is no other repentance except that which took place when we went down into the water and obtained the remission of our former sins." He said to me, "You have heard rightly, for so it is." (The Shepherd 4:3:1-2)

They had need [the Shepherd said] to come up through the water, so that they might be made alive; for they could not otherwise enter into the kingdom of God, except by putting away the mortality of their former life. These also, then, who had fallen asleep, received the seal of the Son of God, and entered into the kingdom of God. For, [he said,] before a man bears the name of the Son of God [Jesus], he is dead. But when he receives the seal, he puts mortality aside and again receives life. The seal, therefore, is the water. They go down into the water dead [in sin], and come out of it alive. (ibid 9:16:2-4)

JUSTIN MARTYR (inter A.D. 148-155)

Whoever is convinced and believes that what they are taught and told by us is the truth, and professes to be able to live accordingly, is instructed to pray and to beseech God in fasting for the remission of their former sins, while we pray and fast with them. Then they are led by us to a place where there is water; and there they are reborn in the same kind of rebirth in which we ourselves were reborn: In the name of God, the Lord and Father of all, and of our Savior Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, they receive the washing with water. For Christ said, "Unless you be reborn, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." ...The reason for doing this, we have learned from the Apostles. (The First Apology 61)

THEOPHILUS OF ANTIOCH (c. A.D. 181)

Moreover, those things which were created from the waters were blessed by God, so that this might also be a sign that men would at a future time receive repentance and remission of sins through water and the bath of regeneration -- all who proceed to the truth and are born again and receive a blessing from God. (To Autolycus 2:16)

IRENAEUS (c. A.D. 190)

"And [Naaman] dipped himself...seven times in the Jordan" [2 Kings 5:14]. It was not for nothing that Naaman of old, when suffering from leprosy, was purified upon his being baptized, but [this served] as an indication to us. For as we are lepers in sin, we are made clean, by means of the sacred water and the invocation of the Lord, from our old transgressions, being spiritually regenerated as new-born babes, even as the Lord has declared: "Except a man be born again through water and the Spirit, he shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Fragment 34)

DIDACHE 9 (c. A.D. 240) says- "But let no one eat, or drink of this eucharistic thanksgiving, but they that have been baptized into the name of the Lord..."

Scriptural References that Jesus alone is Lord of All:

Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God has made that same Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Acts 10:36 The Word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ; He is Lord of all.

Romans 10:9,13 That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved...........For whosoever calls upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.

1 Corinthians 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and

we in Him: and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by Him.

"There is little doubt that baptism was practiced by the first Christians as a kind of initiatory rite, when they received new believers into their community. Also, we can be quite certain that this baptism was given 'into the name of Jesus.'" Lars Hartman, "Baptism 'Into the Name of Jesus' and Early Christology" Studia Theologica; vol. 28, no. 1, p. 21.

The evidence is overwhelming. It's obvious the way the apostles baptized. Don't you think if you are going to be in Christ's Church, YOU should be baptized in the NAME of Jesus? "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 10:22 KJV) "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake." (Matthew 24:9 KJV) "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." (Mark 13:13 KJV) "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake." (Luke 21:17 KJV) How many more scriptures will it take to see it?