Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
In this teaching, we’ll examine a commonly asked question: Is there a difference between John the Baptist’s baptism and the baptism commanded by Jesus?
John the Baptist was sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus (cf. Luke 3:2–4). His message was simple and urgent: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.
Luke 3:3– “And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”
John’s baptism was symbolic—a public sign that someone had repented and was turning away from sin. It was not done in any specific name, as Jesus had not yet been revealed as the Messiah.
Acts 19:4 – “And Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.’”
When Jesus began His public ministry, He taught with authority, performed miracles, and eventually gave His life for the sins of the world. After His resurrection, He commanded His disciples to baptize in His name.
Matthew 28:19 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Luke 24:47 – “…that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”
The apostles understood this Trinitarian command to mean that all should now be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, because it is in Him that the fullness of God dwells bodily (Colossians 2:9), and salvation is found in no other name.
Acts 4:12– “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Baptism in Jesus’ name represents:
Romans 6:3–4– “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?… in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too might walk in newness of life.”
Acts 2:38– “And Peter said to them, ‘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.’”
Colossians 3:17 – “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
In Acts 19, Paul encounters believers in Ephesus who had been baptized with John’s baptism. Once they hear the full message of the gospel, they are baptized again—this time in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Acts 19:5– “On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
This shows that even though John’s baptism was valid for its time, it was incomplete once the revelation of Christ had come. The proper response to the gospel after Jesus’ death and resurrection is to be baptized in His name.
Today, baptism in Jesus’ name is not just a formality—it is a command of Christ and an essential part of the believer’s identification with Him. While baptism itself doesn’t save (see Ephesians 2:8–9), it is the biblical expression of faith and obedience.
To knowingly reject baptism in Jesus’ name after receiving this truth is to reject God’s appointed means of entering the new covenant community.
Hebrews 10:26 – “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins.”
If you’ve never been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, or were only baptized as a child or under John’s model of repentance without the name of Jesus, it’s time to respond to the full gospel. We are living in the last days, and the return of Christ is near. Now is the time to set your life in order and enter fully into the new life God offers through His Son.
2 Corinthians 6:2– “Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
May the Lord bless you and lead you into the fullness of His truth.
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