Baptism is a defining act of faith, representing a commitment to God, a cleansing from sin, and an entrance into His eternal family. In the New Testament, baptism “in the name of Jesus” reveals profound truths about God’s unified identity and kingdom. This post explores why the apostles consistently baptized in Jesus’ name, showing how it aligns with biblical prophecy and signifies God’s singular nature, fulfilled in Jesus.
The Command to Baptize in the Singular Name of God
“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
In the above verse, Jesus uses the singular term “name” rather than “names,” which suggests a unified identity encompassing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The apostles understood that this “name” represented God’s complete presence and authority, fully embodied in Jesus. For this reason, they consistently baptized “in the name of Jesus,” recognizing Him as the ultimate fulfillment of God’s singular identity.
Biblical Examples of Baptism in the Name of Jesus
In the Book of Acts, baptism “in the name of Jesus” is a recurring practice, underscoring the apostles’ recognition of Jesus as the embodiment of God’s authority:
- Acts 2:38 – At Pentecost, Peter urges, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”
- Acts 8:16 – Samaritans are baptized “in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
- Acts 10:48 – Peter commands the Gentiles to be baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ.”
- Acts 19:5 – Followers of John the Baptist are re-baptized “in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Each instance affirms that the apostles viewed Jesus’ name as central to salvation, recognizing that Jesus is the full and complete representation of God’s presence.
Salvation and the Name of Jesus: An Old Testament Foundation
Isaiah 45:22 and Acts 4:12 offer profound insights into the exclusivity of salvation and the revelation of God’s nature in Jesus Christ.
“Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.”
— Isaiah 45:22
This verse highlights the Old Testament’s emphasis on God’s singularity and His exclusive role as Savior. Isaiah’s words call all nations to rely solely on God for salvation, affirming that only one divine figure holds the authority to save. Through Isaiah, God establishes that salvation is rooted in an acknowledgment of His sole authority, rejecting any notion of multiple gods or mediators. This foundational understanding prepares the way for New Testament revelation, where Jesus is declared as the exclusive embodiment of God’s saving power.
Salvation in the Name of Jesus
“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
In Acts, the apostles identify Jesus as the exclusive “name” through which salvation is available. This does not introduce a new god but reveals that Jesus is the manifestation of the same God who spoke through Isaiah. By emphasizing that salvation is found in “none other name,” the apostles affirm that Jesus embodies the fullness of God’s presence and authority. This declaration in Acts emphasizes the continuity from the Old Testament: Jesus is not an additional mediator but God Himself, fulfilling His promises in a visible and personal way declaring that all the fullness of the Father’s presence is embodied in Jesus.
The Singular Name of God Fulfilled in Jesus
“And the Lord shall be king over all the earth; in that day it shall be—‘The Lord is one,’ and His name one.”
— Zechariah 14:9
Zechariah’s prophecy foretells a future when God’s name will be universally known as one, emphasizing God’s unity and singular authority. This prophecy finds its complete fulfillment in Jesus, who embodies God’s name and authority.
In Revelation 11:15, this vision of God’s kingdom is affirmed:
“The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.”
In this passage, “our Lord and His Christ” shows that Jesus, as the Christ, is the visible expression of God’s eternal kingship. Both Zechariah and Revelation reveal God’s oneness, with Jesus fulfilling God’s unique name and authority over all creation. Baptism in the name of Jesus reflects this unity, symbolizing the believer’s entrance into God’s kingdom, established and fulfilled in Christ.
Jesus as the True Temple of God’s Name
In the Old Testament, the temple was the physical location where God’s name and presence dwelled among His people. 1 Kings 8:29 captures Solomon’s dedication of the temple:
“That Your eyes may be open toward this temple night and day, toward the place of which You said, ‘My name shall be there.’”
This temple symbolized God’s presence, but it foreshadowed the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, who became the true temple of God’s name. In John 2:19, Jesus declares, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,” referring to His body as the new temple.
In Jesus, God’s presence is no longer confined to a physical structure. As Colossians 2:9 confirms, “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” Baptism in Jesus’ name thus represents entrance into God’s eternal kingdom, recognizing Jesus as the Father’s name revealed in the flesh.
Baptism as the Fulfillment of God’s Oneness
Baptism in the name of Jesus is a profound affirmation of God’s singular, undivided nature, fully realized in Christ. The apostles’ consistent practice of baptizing in Jesus’ name demonstrates their understanding that Jesus is the embodiment of God’s name and presence, as both the Father and Jesus are one (John 10:30).
Through baptism, believers embrace God’s eternal kingdom, acknowledging that His unique name and authority are fully manifested in Jesus. This act unites believers with the promises of the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the New Testament, where God’s everlasting reign is established through Christ.
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