Baptism in Jesus’ Name
Opening Reading: Acts 2:36-41
Acts 2:36-41
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
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.
For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Introduction: We Must Look at Baptism from a Biblical Viewpoint
We can’t just follow tradition or personal belief. It’s not about how we were raised or what denomination we come from. We must follow what the Bible teaches.
Colossians 2:8
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Acts 5:29
We ought to obey God rather than men.
Romans 3:3-4
For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar...
Point 1: What is Baptism?
The word “baptism” comes from the Greek word baptizo, which means “to immerse.” Biblically, it means to repent and be immersed in water in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.
Examples of Baptism in the Bible:
Jesus (Matt. 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22)
John’s disciples (Matt. 3:5-6; John 3:22-23)
3,000 on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41)
Samaritans (Acts 8:12)
Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:13)
Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:36-38)
Saul/Paul (Acts 9:18)
Cornelius' household (Acts 10:47-48)
Lydia (Acts 16:14-15)
Philippian jailer (Acts 16:33)
Crispus and Corinthians (Acts 18:8)
12 disciples at Ephesus (Acts 19:3-5)
Acts 19:1-6 shows Paul rebaptizing those who were baptized by John—but this time in the name of Jesus. If they needed to be rebaptized, so should we if our baptism was not done in Jesus' name.
What About the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost?
Matthew 28:18-19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name (not names) of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are titles. They are not names. Just like being called husband, father, and pastor—those are roles, but not names. My name is Bryce Cosme. The name referred to in Matthew 28:19 is Jesus.
Scriptural Examples of Baptism in Jesus' Name:
Acts 2:38 – "...be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ..."
Acts 8:14-16 – "...they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 10:44-48 – "...he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord."
Historical Evidence
Britannica Encyclopedia (11th ed.): Baptism was changed from the name of Jesus to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost in the 2nd century.
Canney Encyclopedia of Religion: The early church baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Hastings Encyclopedia of Religion: Baptism was always in Jesus' name until the time of Justin Martyr.
Catholic Encyclopedia: The formula was changed by the Catholic Church.
Schaff-Herzog Religious Encyclopedia: The New Testament knows only baptism in Jesus' name.
Hastings Dictionary of the Bible: The early church did not use a threefold name, but baptized in Jesus' name.
The truth is clear: The early church baptized in the name of Jesus. Tradition changed it—but we must follow Scripture, not tradition.
Why Is Baptism in Jesus' Name Essential?
It’s Part of the New Birth
John 3:5
Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
It Saves Us and Clears Our Conscience
1 Peter 3:21
Baptism doth also now save us... the answer of a good conscience toward God.
It Washes Away Sin
Acts 22:16
Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
It Buries the Old You
Romans 6:3-4
We are buried with him by baptism into death...
Colossians 2:12
Buried with him in baptism...
It Puts on the Name of Jesus
Galatians 3:27
As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:11
But ye are washed... in the name of the Lord Jesus...
Final Thoughts
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.
Colossians 3:17
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus...
We use Jesus' name in prayer, healing, and blessing food—why wouldn’t we use it in baptism?
If you haven’t been baptized in the name of Jesus, there’s still time to follow the Bible example.
