We read in Acts 2:38 that people were baptized in the name of Jesus. But the Bible does not specify what name John the Baptist used when he baptized the Lord Jesus or those who came to him for baptism.
Answer: John the Baptist did not use any specific name in baptism. His baptism was a baptism of repentance, where, after people heard his preaching and repented, he immersed them in water as a symbol of washing away their sins. (No particular name was involved.)
However, after the Lord Jesus came, Scripture tells us that everything we do is done in His name (the name of Jesus).
Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Do you see that? It says everything done in “word” or “deed.”
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Do you see that? It says everything done in “word” or “deed.”
Examples of things done in word include prayer, casting out demons, blessing, singing, prophesying, etc. All of these are done in the name of Jesus. That is why today, the Spirit works through the name of Jesus, and when we pray, we do so in His name. In the past, there was no concept that a spirit could work through someone simply by invoking a person’s name. But now it is possible through one Person, the Lord Jesus in His name, we do all things!
But it is not only that Scripture also says that everything done in deed must be in His name. One clear example of a deed is baptism. We are immersed in water in the name of Jesus. John did not use the name of Jesus, which is why his baptism ceased to be valid, but baptism in the name of Jesus has always endured — and it is what removes sin!
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 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.’ So Paul asked, ‘Then what baptism did you receive?’ ‘John’s baptism,’ they replied. 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.’ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.”
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 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.’
So Paul asked, ‘Then what baptism did you receive?’
‘John’s baptism,’ they replied.
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.’
On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.”
Do you see? Those people corrected their baptism they were baptized again, in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Even today, we must be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus to receive the forgiveness of sins.
Acts 2:37–38 “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ 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.’”
Acts 2:37–38
“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’
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.’”
Baptism is a very important and foundational pillar in Christianity. Everyone who believes in Jesus must be baptized.
Remember: the main purpose of baptism is not to receive a new name. The purpose of baptism is to be buried with your old self and raised to new life.
The question is: Have you been properly baptized immersed in water in the name of the Lord Jesus? If not, what are you waiting for? Take the step and be baptized to receive full righteousness!
Also remember: baptism is not sprinkling or pouring, but full immersion in water, symbolizing a living, vital rebirth.
If you were baptized as a child, you should be baptized again now, after coming to understanding because at that time, you were not truly saved or repentant, but now you are aware and ready.
Maranatha!
Please share this good news with others.
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