The topic of baptism in Jesus’ name versus baptism in the trinitarian formula of “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” is one that has caused much debate and division among Christians. Those who advocate baptism in Jesus’ name alone point to several key biblical passages and theological arguments to support their position. On the other side, those who support baptism in the trinitarian formula cite other scriptures and reasons to maintain their view. In this article, we will walk through the key biblical texts and examine the theological reasoning on both sides of this issue in order to understand what the Bible teaches regarding how believers should be baptized.
The Biblical Basis for Baptism in Jesus’ Name
Those who argue for baptism in the name of Jesus alone point primarily to three key biblical texts:
1. Acts 2:38
“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
In this foundational text, Peter commands new believers to “be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ.” There is no mention of the trinitarian formula here, only baptism in the name of Jesus. Based on this, “Jesus’ name” advocates argue this establishes the proper formula for baptism.
2. Acts 8:12, 16
“But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women…because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Here we see two references to believers in Samaria being baptized in the name of Jesus, providing further biblical precedent for the practice.
3. Acts 19:1-6
“While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’They answered, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’ 3 So Paul asked, ‘Then what baptism did you receive?’ ‘John’s baptism,’ they replied. 4 Paul said, ‘John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.’ 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.”
Here Paul encounters some disciples who had received John’s baptism of repentance but not Christian baptism. After explaining the gospel to them, they are baptized in Jesus’ name and receive the Holy Spirit. This is another clear biblical example of baptism in Christ’s name.
Based on these accounts in Acts, those who advocate baptism in Jesus’ name argue it was the normative formula endorsed by the apostles and practiced in the early church. The trinitarian formula is never mentioned in Scripture in connection with baptism, so there is no biblical precedent for introducing it later on.
The Theological Basis for Baptism in Jesus’ Name
In addition to the biblical texts above, “Jesus’ name” advocates also appeal to the following theological arguments:
1. Jesus possesses the name above all names.
Philippians 2:9-10 declares that God has highly exalted Jesus and given him the name above all names. His is the only name with power to save (Acts 4:12). Baptism in his name alone recognizes his supreme authority.
2. Baptism is immersion into Christ.
Romans 6:3 teaches that baptism unites us with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection. Galatians 3:27 explains that baptism clothes us with Christ. Baptism is an “appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21). With Christ as the focus, baptism in his name signifies union with him.
3. Baptism was practiced in Jesus’ lifetime.
Though Christian baptism technically began at Pentecost, its roots are evident earlier. Jesus himself was baptized by John (Matthew 3:13-17). His disciples also practiced baptism under his authority and supervision (John 3:22, 26; 4:1-2). There was no trinitarian formula used or commanded during Christ’s ministry. Baptism was administered in his name, based on his authority.
4. The apostles fulfilled Christ’s commission.
Before his ascension, Jesus commissioned his apostles to make disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Advocates of Jesus’ name baptism argue the apostles correctly fulfilled this by baptizing in the name of Jesus Christ, based on the accounts in Acts. His name represents the fullness of God.
Based on these theological points, “Jesus’ name” advocates believe baptism should continue to be administered as it was practiced by the New Testament church – in the name which is above every name, Jesus Christ.
The Biblical Basis for Baptism in the Trinitarian Formula
Those who advocate baptism in the trinitarian formula of Matthew 28:19 make the following biblical case:
1. Matthew 28:19 is a clear command of Jesus.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
This verse records some of Jesus’ final words to his disciples before ascending to heaven. He explicitly commands them to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Advocates of the trinitarian formula argue this command should be obeyed and practiced by the church.
2. It reflects the unified action of the triune God.
In baptism, all three persons of the Godhead are actively present and at work. The Father adopts us as his children, the Son washes away our sins by his blood, and the Spirit regenerates and unites us to Christ (Titus 3:5-7). Using their three names invokes and represents their unified action in salvation.
3. The apostles expanded beyond baptism in Jesus’ name alone.
While it is true that the accounts in Acts record baptism in Jesus’ name, there are also indications the apostles began baptizing using the trinitarian formula. Jesus commanded it, and their writings assume and imply its usage in places like Romans 6:3-4, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:27 and Ephesians 4:5.
4. Early church history confirms its development.
Though disputed, many supporters of the trinitarian formula maintain that the Didache, one of the earliest Christian writings outside the New Testament, contains a trinitarian baptismal formula as early as AD 100. Other patristic writings also assume trinitarian baptism as normative in the early church.
So while baptism in Jesus’ name alone has biblical precedent, so does development toward triune baptism in the fuller revelation and understanding of God given to the apostles. This emergence honors the unity of the Father, Son and Spirit in the salvation accomplished through Christ.
Key Considerations in Understanding this Debate
In evaluating the evidence on both sides of this discussion, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind:
1. There is sincere biblical support on both sides.
As can be seen above, those who practice baptism in Jesus’ name alone and those who use the trinitarian formula both have texts they can point to as biblical precedent for their view. This is an important reminder to represent both positions fairly and charitably.
2. Apostolic practice may have varied.
The earliest believers came from strongly monotheistic Jewish backgrounds. Initially, baptizing in the name of Jesus made sense as he was the focus of their message. As the church spread, the fuller implications of the triune God may have developed in their practice. Prescribing one formula may miss some of this variety in the early church.
3. God is more concerned with the heart than the formula.
Scripture is clear that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone. Baptism is an outward sign of the inward reality of regeneration. While the formula used is important, it is not the basis for salvation. God is more concerned with the posture of our hearts than pronouncing the “right” words.
In light of these considerations, Christians should represent both practices carefully, steer clear of judging one another, and focus most importantly on the grace of Christ that unites all believers in him.
Conclusion
The question of whether believers should be baptized into Christ using Jesus’ name or the trinitarian formula is an issue Christians have differed over since the early centuries of the church. Sincere Christians stand on both sides of this debate with biblical and theological arguments to support their view. Each perspective has texts that can be appealed to as evidence for its position.
Ultimately, baptism is a sacrament given by God, not an issue Christians should divide or judge one another over. Bible-believing Christians advocate baptism in Jesus’ name alone and using the triinitarian formula out of a desire to be faithful to what Scripture teaches. Even in our disagreement, we can have unity in the gospel of Christ that baptism represents. The most important issue is that each believer follows their conscience on this matter as they understand the Word of God.
