baptizing in the name of

8/9/2019 Baptizing in the Name of...

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“Baptizing In the Name Of…”Annotated Bible Study by PASTOR David E. Smith, MDiv-MSPH

1. 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.” (KJV)

Christ’s baptismal instruction in His Gospel Commission includesreference to God the Father, Son, & Holy Ghost.

“’In the name’ may mean into the family of, or upon the basis of authority delegated by, God, etc.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 5, p. 557) “To baptize ‘in (or perhaps “into,” ε ι ξ ) the name’ means to baptizeinto the possession and protection of the Godhead, and to establish a vitalunion between God and the believer.” (The Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. 7, p. 624)

2. 2 Corinthians 13:14“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy

Ghost, be with you all. Amen.” (KJV)

The Apostle Paul concludes his epistle with “what later came to be

known as the apostolic benediction… From earliest times it became a part of church liturgy. It was also pronounced at the baptism of new believers and atthe dismissal of Christian assemblies.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 928) It refers to all three of the Godhead.

3. Numbers 6:24-26“The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be

gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” (KJV)

The Old Testament’s equivalent to the New Testament blessingpronounced at baptisms and congregational dismissals was pronounced first

by High Priest, Aaron. It too was threefold.

4. Matthew 3:16-17“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: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

(KJV)



Christ’s own baptism included active roles for God the Father, the Son,and Holy Spirit. Therefore, it is appropriate for modern Christians who follow Jesus’ holy baptismal example to refer to all three members of the Godhead,too.

5. 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.” (KJV)

Textual evidence is divided between “in the name of Jesus Christ” and“be baptized upon the name of Jesus Christ.” “Upon the name” would meanPeter was exhorting his hearers to confess “the name of Jesus”, proclaim theirfaith in Him as Savior, and follow through with baptism. (SDA B ibleCommentary, Vol. 6, p. 152) Here, “Luke is not recording the baptismal formula, but Peter’s

exhortation to those who are willing to confess Jesus as the Christ. It was onlylogical that Christian baptism sometimes might be spoken of as if only in thesingle name, since of the persons of the Godhead, it is Christ particularly towhom baptism points.” (SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 928) This interpretation fits the context of Peter’s evangelistic sermon wherehe is appealing to his congregation to accept Jesus as Savior. Peter was notteaching a class in the correct wording or formula to be used in the rite of baptism.

6. Acts 10:48“And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to

tarry certain days.” (KJV)

“Textual evidence attests the reading, “baptized in the name of JesusChrist”, as it appears in versions translated from the more ancient Greek textssuch as the Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible andothers. (SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 258) “Repeatedly in the New Testament and especially in the Acts, the nameof Jesus is set forth as the means by which miracles are worked and salvationis gained (Acts 3:6;4:10,12,17,18;16:18; Mark 9:38; Luke 10:17)… However, itis clear beyond question, that the disciples, in working miracles, did not useChrist’s name with any idea that magical power resided in the utterance of it.”

So the One Whose saving-healing power was being called upon is the issue of this verse, not which precise wording would persuade God to bless. (SDABible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 157) “In using the name of Jesus in working miracles and in proclaimingsalvation, the apostles were declaring that healing and saving power wereexercised in vital connection with the person and character of Jesus Christ.”(SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 157)

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When “baptized in the name of Jesus Christ”, believers publicly testifyto the deep trusting friendship they’ve begun with the Savior. Alsomentioning the Father and Holy Spirit in no way annuls that relationship.

7. Acts 4:12

“By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth… Neither is there salvation in any other: for there isnone other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (KJV)

“Peter had learned to attach to the thought of the name the fullpersonality and power of the possessor of the name.” Only Jesus can save!(SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 6, p. 167 )

Modern baptism should testify to the one-and-only Saviorhood of Christ!But, this text does not require the stating of specific words in order for a soulto be saved. Nor does it require precise wording at baptismal services.

Conclusion

The Gospel Commission’s reference to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is theBible’s most authoritative formula for baptismal language. Other scripture mentionsall three members of the Godhead in relationship to baptism. Christ’s own baptismis a precedent for recognizing the divine Teamwork which brings a modern soul tosalvation and baptism. The Bible’s command is to present Jesus Christ as the onlySavior and baptize converts into His Kingdom. Words used by gospel workers arenot magical tools required in precise combinations before God will bless a believer. The best words pronounced at a Christian baptism will honor God the Father, theSon, Holy Spirit, and the whole Kingdom of Heaven into which the new believer has

entered through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

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