What Name to Baptize?

I want to touch on an issue of division within the Church. I have never understood how two people that are filled with the Holy Spirit can argue about the Bible. I believe that the devil has placed divisions in the church. Even Jesus says, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). In addition, Jesus says, “If a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand (Mark 3:25). The devil knows that Christians would be stronger if we all stood together. The Bible is true and all scriptures are given by the inspiration of God. In addition Hebrews 6:18 and Titus 1:2 both tell us that God cannot lie.

One major issue it what name to baptize the newly won souls. The Bible does not lie nor does it contradict itself. Therefore, any of the phrases that the early disciples said is more than likely a good choice. However, I am one that likes the words in red, Jesus’ words. He is the only one that can save me. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus says, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the son, and of the Holy Ghost:” For those that would like to study more about this, here are some scriptures to get you started.

1. Acts 2:38 says, “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.”

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

3. Acts 8:16 says, “(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

4. Acts 10:48 says, “And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

5. Acts 19:5 says, “When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

Some were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, in the name of the Lord, and in the name of Jesus Christ. Study for yourself which phrase is best. Just remember the phrase does not save you; you are saved because of your trust in Jesus. That may be the meaning of being baptized in the Name of Jesus. In addition, this is just another ploy by the devil to confuse people and cause division. Think about how many people have became so confused by one church saying you must be baptized in the Name of Jesus to be saved and another one says you must be baptized in the name of the Father, the son, and the Holy Spirit to be saved. The last time I checked baptism in water does not save you. Jesus does the saving. The water baptism is just a simple act of obedience that symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

It seems that we have taken the simple message of salvation and turned it into a bunch of legalisms. While we as Christians are fighting over this, people are dying and going to Hell. The Devil is laughing at us. We should not be fighting over the correct phrase to use. Instead, we should unite and go as Jesus said, and teach everyone about him. Jesus gave us a very simple command in Matthew 28:19. Yes, it is difficult enough to get moving because of the opposition from the world. Why should we ourselves add to the problem? In Matthew 4:19, Jesus says, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” I believe that Jesus is still saying the same thing today. I am just glad that He does all of the cleaning. All we have to do is teach and allow Jesus to move in their lives. When they accept Jesus, then baptize them, not confuse them especially since there are many different phrases used in the Bible for baptizing. I have seen churches argue over the difference between baptizing in the Names of Jesus and baptizing in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. It doesn't matter so long as they understand that the only one who can save them is Jesus. The most important name is Jesus.