Why Baptism Should Be in the Name of Jesus

Baptism is not just a symbolic act—it’s a covenantal response to the Gospel and a direct command of Scripture. Yet in the world of Christianity today, there is much debate over how baptism should be administered. Some baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost," while others insist on being baptized "in the name of Jesus Christ." So which is right?

Let’s examine this issue carefully—not by tradition or denomination, but by turning to the Word of God. When we look at Scripture with an open heart and honest mind, it becomes clear: baptism should be administered in the name of Jesus.

1. Jesus Gave the Disciples a Name

The most cited verse in favor of the Trinitarian formula is Matthew 28:19, where Jesus tells His disciples:

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" (Matthew 28:19, KJV)

But notice something crucial here—Jesus said “in the name”, not “names.” “Father,” “Son,” and “Holy Ghost” are not names—they are titles. A father has a name. A son has a name. The Holy Ghost operates under a name. And Jesus’ command was to baptize in the name—singular.

So what is that name?

2. The Name Is Jesus

Let’s break it down:

• The Father was manifested through Jesus.

  "I am come in my Father's name..." (John 5:43)"The Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works." (John 14:10)

• The Son was clearly named Jesus.

  "And thou shalt call his name JESUS..." (Matthew 1:21)

• The Holy Ghost comes in Jesus’ name.

  "...the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name..." (John 14:26)

All three titles point to one revealed name: JESUS. That’s why the apostles didn’t hesitate to baptize in Jesus' name—they understood exactly what Jesus meant.

3. Every Baptism in the Bible Was in Jesus’ Name

Let’s look at how the apostles obeyed Matthew 28:19 in the book of Acts—the birth of the Church and the record of early Christian doctrine and practice. Not once did they use the titles “Father, Son, and Holy Ghost” as a baptismal formula. Every time, they baptized in the name of Jesus:

• Acts 2:38 – On the Day of Pentecost, Peter declared:

  “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins...”

• Acts 8:16 – The Samaritans:

  “...only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

• Acts 10:48 – Cornelius and his household:

  “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.”

• Acts 19:5 – The disciples of John:

  “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”

These are not minor details—they are the only recorded examples of water baptism in the New Testament church. If the apostles got it wrong, then the entire foundation of the Church is flawed. But if they got it right—and they were led by the Spirit—then we ought to follow their example without hesitation.

4. Baptism in Jesus' Name Is for the Remission of Sins

Some believe baptism is just symbolic. But Peter clearly states it is “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Paul echoes this truth:

“Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)

Water alone doesn’t wash away sin—the name applied in faith is what makes baptism powerful. That name is Jesus.

5. There Is No Other Name That Saves

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

The power is in the name. Not in water. Not in ritual. Not in titles. Jesus is the saving name. If we believe that, we should be baptized in it.

6. It Matches the Pattern of Salvation

Throughout the New Testament, the plan of salvation is clearly laid out:

• Faith in Jesus

• Repentance

• Water baptism in Jesus’ name

• Infilling of the Holy Ghost

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38)

This is not merely a tradition—it is a spiritual birth (John 3:5). And being “born of water” means water baptism, in the name of Jesus.

7. The Early Church Fathers Also Affirmed It

Even outside the Bible, historical records show the earliest Christians baptized in Jesus' name. Church historian Encyclopedia Britannica (11th ed., vol 3, pg 365–366) notes:

“The baptismal formula was changed from the name of Jesus Christ to the words Father, Son and Holy Ghost by the Catholic Church in the second century.”

This confirms what Scripture already shows—the original mode was in the name of Jesus, and only later did man change it.

Conclusion: Obey the Word, Not Tradition

God is not the author of confusion. Ephesians 4:5 states, "One Lord, one faith, one baptism,". He gave us a name above every name. If you were baptized using the titles, it was likely done in sincerity—but now that truth has been revealed, it’s time to follow it.

Baptism in Jesus’ name is not a denominational stance—it’s a biblical command. It honors the authority of Christ, obeys the apostles' teaching, and washes away sins.

If you haven’t yet been baptized in the name of Jesus, don’t delay. This is more than tradition—it’s about obedience, salvation, and walking fully in the truth of God’s Word.

“Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus...” (Colossians 3:17)

That includes baptism.