Ask The Editor
By: Minnesota Messenger

Question: I’ve been baptized in Jesus’ Name, but the preacher at my former church said, “in the Name of Jesus” meant, “in the authority of Jesus” and that’s why they baptize according to Matthew 28:19. Does name mean authority?

Answer: Yes! Strong’s #3686 says “Name” means [authority. character]:called, (+sur-) name (d).

1) The simple answer for this doctrine that is readily taught by Trinitarian churches to give some sort of an answer to the sweeping revival of the Name of Jesus in water baptism is this: the same Greek word “name” is also used in Mt. 28:19!

2) If “name” means “authority” in the references for water baptism, it must mean that we must baptize in the authority of Jesus. That means we must look at all the verses that quote or give reference to the way Jesus taught on the subject of water baptism. We must also remember that Jesus prayed in John 17:20 for all of them that should believe on Him through the Apostles’ word. This means we must now include the verses on water baptism spoken by the Apostles. After you do this, it is easy to see that the only Name used in water baptism is Jesus, and those who quote Mt. 28:19 instead of obeying it like the apostles did, need to be baptized again – just like John the Baptist’s church members in Acts 19 who were immersed the second time. Why? So their sins will be washed away by Jesus’ blood!

3) The only way to have His authority is to have His Name! We get this by being buried with Him in water baptism. We are His Bride and the bride takes the Name of the Bridegroom!

THE ABOVE MATERIAL WAS PUBLISHED IN THE MINNESOTA MESSENGER, JANUARY 1995, BY THE EDITOR, P. 5. THIS MATERIAL MAY BE USED FOR STUDY AND RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY.

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