In what name should Christians be baptized according to the Bible?

Baptism is one of the most significant and sacred rites in Christianity, symbolizing the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The question of in whose name Christians should be baptized is rooted deeply in Scripture and is essential for understanding the theological and doctrinal foundations of the Christian faith.

The primary biblical mandate for baptism comes from Jesus Christ Himself. In the Great Commission, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus instructs His disciples:

"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" (Matthew 28:19, ESV).

This verse, often referred to as the Trinitarian formula, clearly outlines that baptism should be performed in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This directive underscores the Christian belief in the Trinity, the three distinct persons of God who are co-eternal, co-equal, and consubstantial.

The Trinitarian formula is not merely a liturgical phrase but a profound theological statement. It encapsulates the fullness of God's revelation to humanity. By baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Christians affirm their belief in the triune nature of God and acknowledge the roles each person of the Trinity plays in the work of salvation. The Father, as the source of all creation and love; the Son, as the incarnate Word who redeems humanity through His life, death, and resurrection; and the Holy Spirit, as the sustainer and sanctifier who indwells believers and empowers them for holy living.

However, an interesting point of discussion arises when we examine the practices of the early church as recorded in the Book of Acts. Several passages in Acts mention baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. For instance, Peter, addressing the crowd at Pentecost, says:

"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" (Acts 2:38, ESV).

Similarly, in Acts 10:48, Peter commands Cornelius and his household to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Additionally, in Acts 19:5, Paul baptizes the disciples in Ephesus "in the name of the Lord Jesus."

These references to baptism in the name of Jesus Christ have led some to advocate for a "Jesus-only" baptismal formula. They argue that since the apostles, who were directly commissioned by Jesus, baptized in His name, this practice should be normative for the church.

To reconcile these seemingly different practices, it is essential to understand the context and the theological implications of these passages. The emphasis on baptism in the name of Jesus Christ in Acts can be seen as a declaration of allegiance to Jesus as the Messiah and Lord. In the context of the early church, where there were many competing religious claims and a strong Jewish monotheistic tradition, affirming Jesus as Lord was a radical and defining statement of faith.

Moreover, the phrase "in the name of Jesus Christ" signifies the authority and power of Jesus. In the ancient world, to do something in someone's name was to act with their authority and endorsement. Therefore, when the apostles baptized in the name of Jesus, they were invoking His authority and affirming the salvation He accomplished.

The Trinitarian formula given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19 and the apostolic practice of baptizing in the name of Jesus Christ are not contradictory but complementary. They highlight different aspects of the same truth. The Trinitarian formula emphasizes the full revelation of God and the believer's relationship with the triune God. The practice of baptizing in the name of Jesus underscores the centrality of Jesus in God's redemptive plan and the believer's identification with Him.

The early church fathers and theologians also provide insight into this matter. For instance, Tertullian, writing in the early third century, affirms the Trinitarian baptismal formula in his work "On Baptism." He argues that baptism should be administered in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as commanded by Jesus. Similarly, the Didache, an early Christian manual for instruction, also prescribes baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

In contemporary Christian practice, most denominations adhere to the Trinitarian formula for baptism. This practice aligns with the explicit command of Jesus and the theological understanding of God as triune. It also serves as a unifying element among diverse Christian traditions, affirming a shared belief in the core tenets of the faith.

In conclusion, Christians should be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, as instructed by Jesus in Matthew 28:19. This Trinitarian formula encapsulates the fullness of God's revelation and the believer's relationship with the triune God. The references to baptism in the name of Jesus Christ in the Book of Acts highlight the authority of Jesus and the believer's identification with Him. Together, these practices underscore the comprehensive and profound nature of Christian baptism, rooting it firmly in the scriptural and theological foundations of the faith.