DMK

Matthew 28:19 does not say “in the names.” Jesus said “in the name,” singular, of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Then the apostles showed exactly how they understood and obeyed that command: Acts 2:38—Jesus Christ. Acts 8:16—the Lord Jesus. Acts 10:48—the name of the Lord. Acts 19:5—the Lord Jesus. There is not one recorded baptism in the Book of Acts where the apostles repeated the titles “Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.” The apostolic church baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Why? Because Jesus is the name that carries authority and power. “There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Demons are cast out in His name (Mark 16:17). The lame were healed in His name (Acts 3:6). And Scripture commands, “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). So why would baptism be the one thing where we refuse to invoke the name of Jesus? Baptizing merely by reciting the titles instead of invoking the name of Jesus does not conform to the apostolic pattern recorded in Acts. And rebaptism is absolutely biblical. When the disciples in Acts 19 received fuller understanding, “they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:5). We do not need to conform the Book of Acts to our traditions. We need to conform our churches to the Book of Acts. “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ.” Acts 2:38 Back to Acts. Back to the apostolic church. Back to the name of Jesus Christ.