Baptism in Jesus Name
By Don Hyrkas

Mark 16:16
I Peter 3:21

I. Is baptism essential to salvation?

A. To that age old question the answer is yes!

B. Baptism was a part of the great commission and plays an integral part in God’s plan of Salvation.

C. Since baptism is important, how it is done is also important.

D. The proper mode (method) and formula must be used.

1. Mode Greek word baptize means to dip, plunge, immerse; Baptism means immersion.

a. The Ethiopian Eunuch and – both went into the water.

b. Rom. 6:4 By immersion, identified with Christ in burial.

2. Formula – The words spoken by the minister.

a. Without exception, the apostles always baptized in the name of Jesus.

b. Acts 4:12 none other name.

c. Luke 24:47, Acts 2:38 Remissions of sins in his name.

d. Both salvation and remission is in Jesus’ Name

e. Baptism is not something a person can accept or reject according to their desire.

II. Baptism identifies us with Christ in burial.

Romans 6:4, Col. 2: 12

A. To atone for sins Jesus died, was buried, and rose again.

1. The sinner must also experience death, burial, resurrection.

2. Repentance – Death to sin (Don’t resurrect him again.)

B. Burial must follow death – Dead men not left unburied.

1. Sprinkling or pouring can never constitute burial.

III. The name of Jesus is essential to water baptism.

Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16, Matthew 28:19

A. There is a seeming contradiction, but not so.

1. Jesus is the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

2. Jesus (Jehovah is become my salvation) is the saving name of our God.

3. Ephesians 3:15 – The family name is Jesus, we are his children

4. A bride always takes her husbands name.

5. Colossians 3:17 – Baptism is both word and deed.

IV. The apostles always baptized in the name of Jesus

Acts 8:16, Acts 10:48, Acts 19:5

A. In Jerusalem, Jews were baptized in Jesus name. In Samaria – Samaritans were baptized in Jesus name. In Caesarea – Gentiles were baptized in Jesus name. This covered the three categories of people on the earth

B. Acts 1:8 – Jesus said, “Ye shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

C. Acts 22:16 – Paul had been baptized in Jesus name.

D. 1 Cor. 1:11-15 – Who was crucified for the Corinthians? Into whose name were they baptized?

V. Arguments are easily answered

Acts 2:42, Jude 3

A. Arguments are brought by those who rebel against obeying the truth

B. No need to argue – The scripture is final word and speaks for itself

C. Arguments

1. Should we accept the words of Jesus rather than Peter?

a. Peter was given the keys to the kingdom – Matt. 16:18, 19

b. It was Christ’s church that was to be built, Peter would not have been allowed to make a mistake.

c. Matt. 28:19 and Acts 2:38 Do not contradict-name is singular

d. If Matt. 28:19 is used in baptism we are just repeating, not obeying.

2. Baptism in Jesus name was for the Jews only
There are not two gospels
Romans 1:16
Luke 24:47 – Among all nations
Galatians 1:8, 9

3. It makes no difference which formula is used

a. If there is no remission, person just gets wet.

b. Remission – sin is lifted, people feel different

c. Baptism is for the remission of sins, remission is in the name

4. We should never rebaptize it was good enough if a person was honest and sincere.

a. Paul did – Acts 19:1-5

b. An honest and sincere person will desire to obey God’s word to the letter, not just choose a part of it.

This article may not be written by an Apostolic author, but it contains many excellent principles and concepts that can be adapted to most churches. As the old saying goes, Eat the meat. Throw away the bones.

From, A workshop with a Biblical Perspective/16691 Gothard street Huntington Beach, CA 92647, by Don Hyrkas