Baptism is a foundational practice in Christianity, symbolizing the washing away of sins and the start of a new life with God. The verse Matthew 28:19 (KJV) says: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” This verse has led to various interpretations and practices among Christian denominations. In this article, we will explore these interpretations, examine scriptural examples of how Jesus’ apostles baptized, and discuss the relevance of using specific titles during baptism.
The Trinitarian Formula
Historical Context
The Trinitarian formula, as instructed in Matthew 28:19, has been a cornerstone of Christian baptismal practice throughout history. Early church fathers, such as Tertullian and Athanasius, defended the Trinitarian understanding of God against various heresies.
- Tertullian: Known as the father of Latin Christianity, Tertullian wrote extensively on the Trinity, emphasizing the distinct persons within the Godhead.
- Athanasius: A staunch defender of Nicene orthodoxy, Athanasius articulated the co-equality and co-eternity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The early creeds, such as the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed, reflect this Trinitarian belief, shaping the liturgical and doctrinal framework of the church.
Theological Implications
Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit signifies:
- Union with the Triune God: It marks the believer’s entry into the life of the triune God, participating in the divine relationship.
- Covenantal Significance: It symbolizes the new covenant established through Jesus Christ, wherein believers are adopted into God’s family.
Scriptural Examples of Apostolic Baptism Practices
The Book of Acts provides several examples of how the apostles baptized people. These examples are important because they show how the earliest Christians understood and practiced baptism.
Examples from the Book of Acts
- Acts 2:38: After Peter’s sermon on Pentecost, he tells the crowd, “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.” This verse shows Peter instructing people to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
- Acts 8:16: This verse describes how the Samaritans were baptized: “For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Here, the name of the Lord Jesus is used.
- Acts 10:48: Peter commands Cornelius and his household to be baptized: “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” Again, the name of the Lord is used.
- Acts 19:5: When Paul meets disciples of John the Baptist, he baptizes them in the name of the Lord Jesus: “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
These examples show that the apostles often used the name of Jesus or the Lord Jesus when baptizing people. This practice has led some Christians to believe that using Jesus’ name alone is the correct way to baptize.
The Oneness Pentecostal Perspective
Theological Foundations
Oneness Pentecostals have a distinct understanding of the Godhead and baptism. They emphasize the oneness of God and believe that Jesus is the manifestation of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Monotheistic Emphasis: Oneness Pentecostals believe in the absolute oneness of God. They reject the traditional doctrine of the Trinity, which they see as dividing God into three separate persons. Instead, they believe that God reveals Himself in different ways, or modes, such as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Christocentric Baptism: For Oneness Pentecostals, Jesus embodies the fullness of the Godhead. They believe that baptism should be performed in the name of Jesus, reflecting the belief that Jesus represents the totality of God.
Scriptural Support
Oneness Pentecostals point to several Bible verses to support their practice of baptizing in Jesus’ name:
- 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.” This verse emphasizes the importance of Jesus’ name for salvation.
- Colossians 2:9: “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” This verse highlights that the fullness of the Godhead lives in Jesus.
Using Full Titles in Baptism
Doctrinal Clarity and Precision
Some modern churches emphasize the use of full titles, such as “Lord Jesus Christ,” during baptism to ensure clarity and precision. This approach aims to avoid any ambiguity about whom the person is being baptized into.
- Philippians 2:9-11: These verses state that God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him a name above every name, so that every knee should bow at the name of Jesus.
- Acts 2:36: Peter declares that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ. This dual title emphasizes Jesus’ authority and messianic role.
Using the full title “Lord Jesus Christ” during baptism helps ensure that there is no confusion about the identity and significance of Jesus in the baptismal process.
Pros and Cons of Different Baptism Practices
Trinitarian Formula
Pros:
- Historical Consistency: The Trinitarian formula has been used for many centuries and is deeply rooted in Christian tradition. This long history provides a sense of continuity and connection with the early church.
- Doctrinal Integrity: This method clearly reflects the belief in the Trinity, showing a complete view of God as three persons in one. It helps people understand the full nature of God.
- Liturgical Acceptance: Many Christian denominations use this formula, making it widely accepted and familiar. This acceptance can help unify believers from different backgrounds.
Cons:
- Lack of Direct Scriptural Example: There is no exact example in the Book of Acts of the apostles using the Trinitarian formula. This absence can lead to debates about whether this method is the most authentic or original practice.
- Interpretational Debate: Some people argue that this might not be the way the first followers of Jesus did it. This debate can create uncertainty about the best way to baptize.
Jesus’ Name Baptism
Pros:
- Scriptural Precedence: There are many examples in the Book of Acts where people were baptized in the name of Jesus. These examples provide strong support from the Bible for this practice.
- Christocentric Focus: This method emphasizes Jesus, who is central to the Christian faith. It shows that Jesus is the most important figure in salvation and baptism.
- Theological Simplicity: This approach is simpler because it uses one name (Jesus), reflecting the belief that Jesus represents the fullness of God.
Cons:
- Doctrinal Controversy: This method does not follow the traditional belief in the Trinity, which can lead to disagreements and debates about the nature of God.
- Reductionist View: Some people think this method oversimplifies God by focusing only on Jesus and not mentioning the Father and the Holy Spirit. This simplification can lead to misunderstandings about the full nature of God.
Using Full Titles (“Lord Jesus Christ”)
Pros:
- Doctrinal Clarity: This method clearly identifies Jesus as Lord and Christ, making it very clear who is being referred to in baptism. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that the baptism is done in the correct name.
- Scriptural Alignment: Using titles like “Lord Jesus Christ” aligns with New Testament passages that highlight the significance and authority of Jesus. This alignment provides strong support from the Bible for this practice.
Cons:
- Complexity in Practice: Adding more words to the baptismal formula can make it harder to say and remember. This complexity can create practical challenges, especially for new believers or young children.
- Potential for Legalism: Focusing too much on the exact words used in baptism can lead to legalism, where the formula becomes more important than the faith and repentance of the person being baptized. This focus can overshadow the true meaning and significance of baptism.
Conclusion
Understanding baptism in Christianity involves looking at different practices and how they match with what the Bible says. The Trinitarian formula from Matthew 28:19, the examples of Jesus’ name baptism in Acts, and the use of full titles like “Lord Jesus Christ” all have their own strengths and challenges.
When thinking about which method to follow, it’s important to consider the historical context, the theological implications, and how closely each practice aligns with Scripture. By doing this, believers can make informed decisions that fit their faith and understanding of what the Bible teaches about baptism.
Further Exploration
To get a full understanding of baptism and its different practices, let’s dive deeper into each topic.
The Trinitarian Formula
Historical Context and Early Church Practice
The Trinitarian formula, as instructed in Matthew 28:19, has been a cornerstone of Christian baptismal practice throughout history. Early church fathers, such as Tertullian and Athanasius, defended the Trinitarian understanding of God against various heresies.
- Tertullian: Known as the father of Latin Christianity, Tertullian wrote extensively on the Trinity, emphasizing the distinct persons within the Godhead.
- Athanasius: A staunch defender of Nicene orthodoxy, Athanasius articulated the co-equality and co-eternity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The early creeds, such as the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed, reflect this Trinitarian belief, shaping the liturgical and doctrinal framework of the church.
Theological Implications
Baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit signifies:
- Union with the Triune God: It marks the believer’s entry into the life of the triune God, participating in the divine relationship.
- Covenantal Significance: It symbolizes the new covenant established through Jesus Christ, wherein believers are adopted into God’s family.
Scriptural Examples of Apostolic Baptism Practices
The Book of Acts provides several examples of how the apostles baptized people. These examples are important because they show how the earliest Christians understood and practiced baptism.
Examples from the Book of Acts
- Acts 2:38: After Peter’s sermon on Pentecost, he tells the crowd, “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.” This verse shows Peter instructing people to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
- Acts 8:16: This verse describes how the Samaritans were baptized: “For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Here, the name of the Lord Jesus is used.
- Acts 10:48: Peter commands Cornelius and his household to be baptized: “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” Again, the name of the Lord is used.
- Acts 19:5: When Paul meets disciples of John the Baptist, he baptizes them in the name of the Lord Jesus: “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
These examples show that the apostles often used the name of Jesus or the Lord Jesus when baptizing people. This practice has led some Christians to believe that using Jesus’ name alone is the correct way to baptize.
The Oneness Pentecostal Perspective
Theological Foundations
Oneness Pentecostals have a distinct understanding of the Godhead and baptism. They emphasize the oneness of God and believe that Jesus is the manifestation of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Monotheistic Emphasis: Oneness Pentecostals believe in the absolute oneness of God. They reject the traditional doctrine of the Trinity, which they see as dividing God into three separate persons. Instead, they believe that God reveals Himself in different ways, or modes, such as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- Christocentric Baptism: For Oneness Pentecostals, Jesus embodies the fullness of the Godhead. They believe that baptism should be performed in the name of Jesus, reflecting the belief that Jesus represents the totality of God.
Scriptural Support
Oneness Pentecostals point to several Bible verses to support their practice of baptizing in Jesus’ name:
- 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.” This verse emphasizes the importance of Jesus’ name for salvation.
- Colossians 2:9: “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” This verse highlights that the fullness of the Godhead lives in Jesus.
Using Full Titles in Baptism
Doctrinal Clarity and Precision
Some modern churches emphasize the use of full titles, such as “Lord Jesus Christ,” during baptism to ensure clarity and precision. This approach aims to avoid any ambiguity about whom the person is being baptized into.
- Philippians 2:9-11: These verses state that God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him a name above every name, so that every knee should bow at the name of Jesus.
- Acts 2:36: Peter declares that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ. This dual title emphasizes Jesus’ authority and messianic role.
Using the full title “Lord Jesus Christ” during baptism helps ensure that there is no confusion about the identity and significance of Jesus in the baptismal process.
Pros and Cons of Different Baptism Practices
Trinitarian Formula
Pros:
- Historical Consistency: The Trinitarian formula has been used for many centuries and is deeply rooted in Christian tradition. This long history provides a sense of continuity and connection with the early church.
- Doctrinal Integrity: This method clearly reflects the belief in the Trinity, showing a complete view of God as three persons in one. It helps people understand the full nature of God.
- Liturgical Acceptance: Many Christian denominations use this formula, making it widely accepted and familiar. This acceptance can help unify believers from different backgrounds.
Cons:
- Lack of Direct Scriptural Example: There is no exact example in the Book of Acts of the apostles using the Trinitarian formula. This absence can lead to debates about whether this method is the most authentic or original practice.
- Interpretational Debate: Some people argue that this might not be the way the first followers of Jesus did it. This debate can create uncertainty about the best way to baptize.
Jesus’ Name Baptism
Pros:
- Scriptural Precedence: There are many examples in the Book of Acts where people were baptized in the name of Jesus. These examples provide strong support from the Bible for this practice.
- Christocentric Focus: This method emphasizes Jesus, who is central to the Christian faith. It shows that Jesus is the most important figure in salvation and baptism.
- Theological Simplicity: This approach is simpler because it uses one name (Jesus), reflecting the belief that Jesus represents the fullness of God.
Cons:
- Doctrinal Controversy: This method does not follow the traditional belief in the Trinity, which can lead to disagreements and debates about the nature of God.
- Reductionist View: Some people think this method oversimplifies God by focusing only on Jesus and not mentioning the Father and the Holy Spirit. This simplification can lead to misunderstandings about the full nature of God.
Using Full Titles (“Lord Jesus Christ”)
Pros:
- Doctrinal Clarity: This method clearly identifies Jesus as Lord and Christ, making it very clear who is being referred to in baptism. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures that the baptism is done in the correct name.
- Scriptural Alignment: Using titles like “Lord Jesus Christ” aligns with New Testament passages that highlight the significance and authority of Jesus. This alignment provides strong support from the Bible for this practice.
Cons:
- Complexity in Practice: Adding more words to the baptismal formula can make it harder to say and remember. This complexity can create practical challenges, especially for new believers or young children.
- Potential for Legalism: Focusing too much on the exact words used in baptism can lead to legalism, where the formula becomes more important than the faith and repentance of the person being baptized. This focus can overshadow the true meaning and significance of baptism.
Conclusion
Understanding baptism in Christianity involves looking at different practices and how they match with what the Bible says. The Trinitarian formula from Matthew 28:19, the examples of Jesus’ name baptism in Acts, and the use of full titles like “Lord Jesus Christ” all have their own strengths and challenges.
When thinking about which method to follow, it’s important to consider the historical context, the theological implications, and how closely each practice aligns with Scripture. By doing this, believers can make informed decisions that fit their faith and understanding of what the Bible teaches about baptism.
