By your logic, baptizing in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, is equivalent to baptizing in the Name of Jesus. A name is nothing more than an identifier. In some cultures it carries a significance beyond that, of course. There was a reason that “Jesus” means “Jehovah saves” (loosely translated). However, the power that rests in the Name of Jesus comes through a relationship with Him, not through knowledge of His Name. That’s why the seven sons of Sceva got such a rude awakening when they tried to cast out demons in the Name of Jesus. There was no authority because there was no relationship. That’s why we can’t forcibly baptize people in the Name of Jesus and expect them to be saved. We don’t save them, Christ does. We can dunk them 10,000 times in the Name of Jesus and it won’t make a lick of difference unless there’s a relationship to back it up.

If saying the Name of Jesus over a person in baptism is so important that it affects their salvation then we probably need to be saying it in Aramaic, since that’s what the apostles would have been doing on the Day of Pentecost. On the other hand, if we admit that it’s not the pronunciation of the Name of Jesus that matters, or the language in which it is spoken, and if we admit that it is the relationship and recognition of Christ as Lord that carries the power, and not the saying of the Name itself, then we have to admit that saying “Father, Son, and Holy Ghost” IS saying the Name of Jesus.

After all, would it be any different if a person said “Joshua Michael Spiers” or if they said “That guy who’s the fiance of Kali and the son of Dale Spiers and the son of Debbie Spiers and the grandson of Izen Whiddon, Bennie Whiddon, Thomas Spiers, and Leola Spiers”? Doesn’t either way have the same effect? Doesn’t either way identify who I am?

The debate about “the Titles” versus “the Name of Jesus” is pointless. Either way, you’re baptizing people into Christ.

In Christ,
- Josh S. (site admin)

That’s not correct. The earliest manuscripts of Matthew the Mat. 28:19-20 the same way that it is today, and those manuscripts pre-date the 4th century. The phrase appears the same way in numerous quotations by the apostolic fathers. I’m not sure where you heard that it was changed, but that information is incorrect.

In Christ,
- Josh S.

Some of Jesus’ last words before He ascended to Heaven are found in Matthew 28:18-20 “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” It’s just as plain as day to me – this is what Jesus Himself commanded. And I do believe Him when He says that He has all and final authority.

But, again, being water baptized and even having those words said by someone else as I was being submerged in water is NOT what led to my salvation. I think less emphasis needs to be put on water baptism and more emphasis needs to be put on the spiritual baptism.

It’s really sad that we (Christians) are so divided amongst ourselves. It would be great to see that we all support each other in our own search for Truth instead of of being so dogmatic in our own personal views and beliefs. The truth is, this whole thing is about a relationship with Christ, not about a bunch of rules our churches have made. Each of us has a different and unique walk with Him. Why can’t we accept that?

I love going to Christian concerts or gospel concerts where for a few hours we are all as we are supposed to be: a united body in Christ. Doesn’t matter what specific doctrine we follow or which denominational church we attend or “belong to”. We stand together, we sing and praise and worship His worthy name. But come Sunday morning, there’s division instead of unity. So terribly sad.

Ann

Obeying Jesus isn’t an easter egg hunt or a game of Clue. We don’t have to run around the Bible trying to piece it together and find out what He really meant. Jesus said to be baptized in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and He’s not going to send people to hell for taking Him literally. Anybody who thinks He will has a very incorrect view of God.

In Christ,
- Josh S.

There is no evidence to indicate Matthew 28:19 is mistranslated. Please be sure to provide supporting facts when making claims like that on this Web site. In this case there are no supporting facts, because it’s a claim with no basis.

In Christ,
- Josh S. (Site admin)

Yet, this is biblical truth in Acts -thee New Testament church begins and it is the teaching and revelation given to these precious saints of God. Not to mention the facts of Matthew 28:19 are most likely a mistranslated text to start with. I have hours of research if needed on this particular and uniquely written verse compared to all other new testament scriptures. Thus: 2nd Corinthians, 4:3 states
But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world [Satan] hath blinded…

If we hide this truth or other truths in the bible we are held accountable. Will God save those not baptized in his name? Let him be the judge. But let us remain steadfast in the Apostles doctrine concerning baptism. How can you un-reveal something? Or how can you be in a church baptized in the name and hear even one baptism in a triune formula and your soul not cry out……. “Wait I know a better way!” It is “the easy way out” to say I hope we all make it in.

Why is Jeremiah known as the weeping prophet? Because his message was neither popular or wanted buy it was from God and that is all that really matters. Nothing can change the truth of baptism and if you have this knowledge you are accountable to share his name. Please consider this.