One of the most important commands that the Lord Jesus Christ gave to the Church is baptism.
Alongside other Christian practices—such as communion, foot-washing among believers, and women covering their heads during worship—baptism holds special significance. It symbolizes repentance and the forgiveness of sins, marking the believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4, NIV). However, Satan has distorted baptism so that it is often not performed correctly, knowing its power to transform a believer’s life. This deception has been ongoing since the beginning—to twist God’s Word and prevent people from fully embracing God’s truth.
Today, many churches baptize people—or even infants—by sprinkling water, using the phrase from Matthew 28:19 (NIV): “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.”
But the question remains: Is this baptismal formula biblically accurate in its intended meaning and practice?
Because of a lack of spiritual revelation and understanding of the Scriptures, many church leaders have abandoned the biblical truth. They have adopted pagan-influenced teachings, and some even knowingly hide the truth for fear of losing their status. Jesus warned against such hypocrisy (Matthew 23:13, NIV): “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.”
In John 5:42-43 (NIV), Jesus says: “But I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.”
This passage makes it clear that Jesus’ name represents His Father’s name and authority. Theologically, this supports the unity of Jesus with the Father, consistent with the doctrine of the unity of the Godhead (John 10:30).
Jesus further said in John 14:26 (NIV): “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
This indicates that the Holy Spirit also comes in Jesus’ name, showing the divine unity and the authority carried by the name of Jesus.
Matthew 1:20 (NIV) says: “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”
Here, the Holy Spirit (often called the Father in a functional or relational sense) is active in the incarnation of Jesus Christ—indicating the indivisible nature of the Godhead in the work of salvation.
The terms Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are titles that describe the roles within the Godhead rather than separate names. For example, a man can be a father, a husband, and a grandfather but still have only one name, such as John. Similarly, the Bible teaches there is one God (Deuteronomy 6:4) with one name—Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9-11).
Throughout the New Testament, baptism is consistently performed in the name of Jesus Christ, not by using the phrase “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” This practice affirms Jesus’ supreme authority and the power of His name.
These examples show the apostolic practice of baptism in Jesus’ name, reinforcing the authority and power in His name (Philippians 2:9-11).
The Greek word for baptism, baptizo, means “to immerse or dip.” Baptism, therefore, should be by full immersion in water, symbolizing the believer’s death to sin and resurrection to new life in Christ (Romans 6:3-4). Sprinkling or pouring water, especially on infants, is not supported by Scripture.
Additionally, baptism requires repentance and faith, which infants cannot demonstrate. Baptism is for those who consciously repent and receive forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ.
Dear Christian, avoid traditions Jesus called “the yeast of the Pharisees” (Luke 12:1). Seek the truth, be willing to change, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in all truth (John 16:13). Protect your salvation above all else. Love God, love the truth, and love the Bible.
If your pastor teaches baptism differently, lovingly ask why. If they are unaware, encourage them to align with Scripture.
If you have never been baptized or were baptized incorrectly, it is vital to be baptized again—in the name of JESUS CHRIST for the forgiveness of your sins. True baptism is essential for salvation and spiritual growth.
If you want to be baptized properly, find a church that follows the biblical teaching of baptism in Jesus’ name or contact us for help at: 📞 0789001312
May God bless you richly.
Print this post
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Δ