WE BAPTIZE IN JESUS NAME!
Galatians 3:27 KJV
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Baptism Saves!
For centuries, there has been controversy concerning whether baptism is necessary for a person to be saved. However, we believe the Scriptures are clear concerning the words of the Lord Jesus:
Mark 16:16 (KJV)
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
By this commandment, we understand that baptism is not merely symbolic or optional, but is a necessary part of God's plan of salvation. The Apostle Peter also affirmed the importance of water baptism when he wrote:
1 Peter 3:21 (KJV)
“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth 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.”
Baptism is therefore more than the washing of the physical body. It is an act of faith and obedience to the Word of God, made effective through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
How Many Baptisms Are There?
According to the Word of God, there are two baptismal experiences that every person must experience as part of the New Birth: the baptism of water and the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
These experiences are connected to the New Covenant established through the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Some have pointed to the thief on the cross as an example of salvation without baptism. However, the thief's experience occurred before the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and before the New Covenant Church was established. Following His resurrection, the Lord Jesus gave His disciples the commandment to preach the Gospel and baptize those who believed.
Jesus explained the necessity of the New Birth to Nicodemus:
John 3:5 (KJV)
“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.”
In this passage, Jesus identifies two essential experiences:
1. Born of Water — Water Baptism
2. Born of the Spirit — Baptism of the Holy Ghost
Together, these comprise the New Birth, commonly described as being BORN-AGAIN according to John 3:3. To be born again means to be born from above—spiritually transformed, sanctified, set apart, and made holy for God's purpose.
In this section, we will primarily focus on water baptism. We also invite you to visit our Baptism of the Holy Ghost (page coming soon) to learn what the Scriptures teach concerning receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
What Is the Formula for Water Baptism?
The formula for water baptism has also been the subject of considerable discussion. The Lord Jesus commanded His disciples:
Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
Many interpret Matthew 28:19 as instructing ministers to repeat the titles Father, Son, and Holy Ghost during baptism. However, throughout the Book of Acts, when the apostles carried out Christ's command, Scripture records believers being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ or in the name of the Lord Jesus.
This is clearly demonstrated on the Day of Pentecost. After receiving the Holy Ghost—the Spirit of Truth—the Apostle Peter proclaimed:
Acts 2:38 (KJV)
“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.”
We therefore believe and teach that water baptism is to be performed in the name of Jesus Christ.
Notice carefully what the Lord Jesus said in Matthew 28:19, “baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” The word name is singular.
Father describes God's relationship to His creation.
Son refers to God's manifestation in the flesh for our redemption.
Holy Ghost describes God’s Spirit indwelling in humans.
Yet the saving name revealed to humanity is the Lord Jesus.
The Lord Jesus said, “I am come in my Father's name” (John 5:43). The angel declared concerning the Son, “thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The Lord Jesus also taught that the Holy Ghost would be sent “in my name” (John 14:26).
The Scriptures further declare:
Acts 4:12 (KJV)
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Scripture also teaches that God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him “a name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9–11).
The Apostle Paul further instructed:
Colossians 3:17 (KJV)
“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.”
For these reasons, we follow the pattern established by the apostles and baptize believers in the name of Jesus Christ.
Where Can I Find Water Baptism in Jesus' Name in the Scriptures?
The Book of Acts provides several examples of believers being baptized according to the apostolic pattern:
Acts 2:38 — On the Day of Pentecost, Peter commanded the people to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
Acts 8:12, 16 — The believers in Samaria were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 10:47–48 — Cornelius and those with him were commanded to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
Acts 19:5–6 — The believers at Ephesus were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
These passages demonstrate the consistent baptismal practice of the New Testament Church.
Why the Name of Jesus Christ for Water Baptism?
1. For Remission and Washing Away of Sins
Peter commanded:
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...”
— Acts 2:38
Ananias likewise told Saul:
“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
— Acts 22:16
2. Through Jesus Christ We Receive the Cleansing Made Possible by His Blood
Jesus Christ “loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”
— Revelation 1:5
In baptism, we identify ourselves with the saving work accomplished through Jesus Christ.
3. We Are Baptized into His Death to Walk in Newness of Life
Romans 6:3–4 KJV teaches that those who are baptized into Jesus Christ are baptized into His death. We are buried with Him by baptism into death so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Finally, the Apostle Paul declares:
Galatians 3:27 (KJV)
“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
Water baptism is therefore more than a religious ceremony. It is an act of faith, obedience, identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and an essential part of salvation and the New Birth experience.
We believe the apostolic pattern remains the same today: repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.