Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
There are three reasons why we are baptized in Jesus’ Name
- For the remission of sins which means removal and cleansing of sins through the power and grace of God.
- Water baptism is the transformation process between the old self and the new self which is sinful man and spiritual man.
- Baptism constitutes ownership to the Lord Jesus Christ (1st Corinthians 15:28)
Regarding the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19 and the underlying word, “name” many religions are at odds as to the actual process of baptism.
As we seek to give some clarity to the text it is interesting to note that the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit does not define the name. Hence we are still left with the question what is the name? Let’s break it down:
Don’t quit, and don’t give up. The reward is just around the corner. And in times of doubt or times of joy, listen for that still voice.
Given the example of “King David”.
- Title: “King”
- A title is a descriptive term or designation given to someone to denote their position, status, or role.
- In this case, “King” is a title that denotes David’s position as a ruler or monarch.
- It indicates that David held the highest authority and power in his kingdom.
- Name: “David”
- A name is a word or set of words by which a person, place, or thing is known, addressed, or referred to.
- In this case, “David” is the personal name of the individual.
- It is the specific identifier that distinguishes this individual from others.
So, “King David” combines both the title (“King”) and the name (“David”) to refer to the specific individual who held the position of king in Israel. The title indicates his royal status, while the name identifies him as a unique person.
John’s baptism and Jesus’ baptism, particularly concerning the aspect of baptism in Jesus’ name, can be understood from different perspectives within Christian theology, particularly within the context of the doctrine of baptism.
- John’s Baptism:
- John the Baptist administered a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4).
- It symbolized a turning away from sin and a commitment to leading a changed life.
- John’s baptism prepared the way for the coming of the Messiah and signified a readiness to receive him.
- While John’s baptism was significant for its time, it did not carry the full revelation of Christian baptism as instituted by Jesus.
- Jesus’ Baptism:
- Jesus’ baptism, on the other hand, was unique and distinct from John’s baptism.
- When Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River, it marked the beginning of his public ministry (Matthew 3:13-17).
- Unlike John’s baptism, which focused on repentance, Jesus’ baptism symbolized identification with his death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4).
- In Christian theology, baptism in the name of Jesus signifies entry into the community of believers, participation in the death and resurrection of Christ, and the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16).
- The baptismal formula “in the name of Jesus” emphasizes the authority and identity of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Lord.
From the perspective of baptism in Jesus’ name:
- John’s baptism, while significant in preparing the way for Jesus, did not include a specific baptismal formula invoking the name of Jesus.
- Jesus’ baptism, by contrast, inaugurated a new understanding of baptism that emphasizes identification with Christ and the authority of his name.
- In the Christian practice of baptism in Jesus’ name, believers are baptized as an expression of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, acknowledging his role in redemption and salvation.
Without any controversy, you must be born again of the water and of the spirit in the name of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:38. John 3.
