"This mission is described in the language of the church and most commentators doubt that the Trinitarian formula was original at this point in Mt.'s Gospel, since the NT elsewhere does not know of such a formula and describes baptism as being performed in the name of the Lord Jesus (eg Acts 2:38, 8:16, etc.) Neither Mt. nor any of the other Synoptics describes Jesus as practising baptism."

The New Bible Commentary Revised edited by D. Guthrie, J.A. Motyer, A.M. Stibbs and D.J. Wiseman, on page 850 says:

"19 Make disciples of all nations: the universal authority of the Lord leads to the universal mission of the church. Here is the authority of the Lord leads to the universal mission of the church. Here is the authority for Christian baptism. It would not have been likely that it would have been practised so early after Pentecost (see Acts 2:38-41) if it had not been commanded by Jesus. It was administered `in the name of Jesus' Acts 2:38; 8:16, etc the name indicating ownership. In due course it came to be administered in the name of the trinity. The reference to the Trinity here may not be intended as a baptismal formula but as a theological description of the meaning of the sacrament."

A new Standard Bible Dictionary, edited by Melancthon Jacobs, Elbert Lane and Andrew Zenos, (third edition used) on page 94 states:

"As to the original form of the Baptismal Confession (the NT shows no trace of a baptismal Formula used by the baptizer, whose part is that of a mere minister and witness), it was at first apparently only `Jesus is the Messiah' or `the Lord'. When exactly the Trinitarian form arose we do not know, the date of Mt 28:19, Did. 7, being uncertain."

The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible, writes on page 351 concerning Matthew 28:19--

"There is, however, grave doubt whether they may be regarded as `ipsissima verba' of Jesus. The evidence of Acts 2:38; 10:48 (cf. 8:16; 19:5), supported by Gal. 3:27: Rom. 6:3, suggests that baptism in early Christianity was administered, not in the threefold name, but `in the name of Jesus Christ' or `in the name of the Lord Jesus.'"

The New Encyclopedia Britannica, volume 1 says concerning the subject of baptism on page 877:

"The forms and rituals of the various churches vary, but Baptism almost invariably involves the use of water and the Trinitarian invocation, `I baptise you: in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.'"

Theologians who approve using the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit, themselves acknowledge the doctrine of the trinity by baptising in the Trinitarian concepts and nature of God.

Further in The New Encyclopedia Britannica:

"Although there is no actual account of the institution on Baptism by Jesus, the Gospel according to Matthew portrays the risen Christ issuing the `Great Commission' to his followers: `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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you'" (Matt. 28:19-20). Elsewhere in the New Testament, however, this formula is not used. Some scholars thus doubt the accuracy of the quotation in Matthew and suggest that it reflects a tradition formed by a merging of the idea of spiritual baptism (as in Acts 1:5) early baptismal rites (as in Acts 8:16), and reports of Pentecostalism after such rites (as in Acts 19:5-6)."

It should be stated that although some commentators agree that Matthew 28:19 is a corruption of the original text, others have still maintained the validity of this verse in scripture. The interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible, "The other passage, Matt 28:19...has also been disputed on textual grounds, but in the opinion of many scholars the words may still be regarded as part of the true text of Matthew (page 351)." Yet this verse in no way implies a Baptismal formula which should be observed.

Note the above reference in The New Bible Commentary Revised, "The reference to the Trinity here may not be intended as a Baptismal formula." Note the extract in the New Encyclopedia Britannica, "Some scholars thus doubt the accuracy of the quotation in Matthew and suggest that it reflects a tradition..." However, this verse implies that disciples should be made of all nations, teaching them to obey the instructions Christ taught through His word.

What Trinitarian concept?

How does this verse imply the doctrine of the Trinity? One should follow the example established in the scriptures to "test all things; hold fast what is good" (1 Thess. 5:21).

The Encyclopedia of Religion edited by Mircea Eliade on the subject of Baptism on page 61 states:

"Jesus' baptism also inaugurated his public ministry, and he later gave his disciples the mission of baptising in the name of the Trinitarian faith - a mission that they carried out even before their master's death (Matt. 28:19, John 4:1-2)"

The new Bible Commentary Revised on page 850 says:

"...In due course it came to be administered in the name of the Trinity. The reference to the Trinity here may not be intended as a Baptismal formula but as a theological description of the meaning of the sacrament."

How much more plainly can these words be written? The implication is that the mission of the church is to baptise all Christians in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, all co-existent and co-eternal, having the same authority and responsibilities. Those who do not accept the doctrine of the trinity MAY NOT BE AWARE until now that they are in fact baptising into the name of the Trinitarian concept of the Godhead. Is this any different to believing in the doctrine of the trinity? No!

Those who still profess that this is the formula which should be used are applying the same verse of scripture and formula that traditional Christianity uses to support baptism into the trinity. Note that TRADITIONAL Christianity has always maintained a belief in the trinity and the threefold nature of the Godhead. Further from the Encyclopedia of Religion:

"Christian baptismal practice is founded on the commandment of Jesus himself to his disciples (Matthew 28:19). Its administration during the first centuries of the church took place at Easter night and Pentecost and was limited to bishops, the heads of the Christian death by neophytes who were reluctant to accept the full consequences on inner conversion; and infant baptism, though possible, was probably not practised in the early period of the church (Matt 19:14, Acts 16:33, 1 Tim 2:4)."

With the doctrine of the trinity comes the commandment to baptise into the Trinitarian Godhead by the instruction found in one scripture in the book of Matthew which cannot be found anywhere else in the Bible. If this is the formula to be used, why isn't it anywhere else found in the pages of the Bible? why should a one-scripture doctrine which professing Christians use to support the trinity doctrine be followed?

The Insertion into Matthew 28:19

There is further evidence to suggest that "baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" is a corruption of the original "in my name." It has been seen that many traditional Christians look to Matthew 28:19 to support and substantiate their belief in the doctrine of the trinity; their faith, belief and hope in the Oneness of God. That ultimate expression of faith manifests itself in the form of the Trinitarian baptism.

F C Conybeare wrote, "In the course of my reading I have been able to substantiate these doubts of the authenticity of the text of Matthew 28:19 by adducing patristic evidence against it so weighty that in future the most conservative of divines will shrink from resting on it any dogmatic fabric at all while the most enlightened will discard it as completely as they have its fellow text of the Three Witnesses (1 John 5:7)."

and "...of any other form of text [Eusebius] had never heard until he had visited Constantinople and attended the Council of Nice" (Hibbert Journal 1920.

In Black's Bible Dictionary on Matthew 28:19, he quotes: "The Trinitarian formula was a late addition by some reverent Christian mind."

Furthermore, the Trinitarian Dr Peake (Commentary): "The command to baptise into the threefold name is a late doctrinal expansion."

RC Jerusalem Bible (1966), states: "It may be that this formula...is a reflection of the liturgical usage established later in the primitive community. It will be remembered that Acts speaks of baptising in the name of Jesus."

The Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics writes on the subject, "The facts are, in summary, that Eusebius quotes Matt. 28:19 twenty-one times, either omitting everything between `nations' and `teaching', or in the form `make disciples of all nations in my name.' The latter being the more frequent."

Dean Stanley (Christian Institutions) wrote, "Doubtless the more comprehensive form in which baptism is now everywhere administered in the threefold name...soon superseded the simpler form of that in the name of the Lord Jesus only."

In the Outline of the Theology of the New Testament, Hans Conzelmann wrote on page 49, "The oldest baptismal formula has one member [i.e Jesus]."

The New Bible Commentary Revised writes, "In due course it came to be administered in the name of the Trinity."

A New Standard Bible Dictionary states on page 94, "How far the Christians had their Master's explicit authority for this is doubtful; many hold the wording of Mt 28:19 to be due to Church usage passing into tradition (Mk 16:16 is certainly secondary)...When exactly the Trinitarian form arose we do not know, the date of Mt 28:19, Did. 7, being uncertain."

The text in Matthew 28:19, therefore does seem to have been added to God's word with the intention of administering baptism in the name of the trinity. This text was corrupted in order to substantiate the belief in the doctrine of the trinity. Therefore it would be proper to drop, "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" from any Baptismal formula. The text is better rendered, "baptising them in My name" [i.e. "in the name of Jesus Christ"].

THE CORRECT NAME

John the Baptist, the Forerunner of Christian Baptism

Should the names of both God the Father and Jesus Christ be used, omitting references to the Holy Spirit? Should the use of the Baptismal formula in Matthew be continued despite the evidence? Or should the name of Jesus Christ only be used? The source of all truth; is the scriptures. An open and clear mind desires the Word of God, forsaking preconceived ideas!

The New Bible Dictionary, Second Edition, Edited by J.D Douglas, N Hiller, F.F Bruce, D Guthrie, AR Millard, J.I. Packer and DJ Wiseman, on pages 121-122, under the subject of the baptism of John says:

"There have been various suggestions as to the origins of Christian baptism - Jewish ceremonial washings, Qumram purification rites, proselyte baptism, the baptism of John. The last of these, the ritual act which gave John the Baptist his nickname, is the most likely candidate: as John is the forerunner of Jesus, so his baptism is the forerunner of Christian baptism. A direct link is established through Jesus' own baptism by John; some of Jesus' earliest disciples had almost certainly been baptised by John (John 1:35-42); Jesus, or some of his disciples, seems to have continued John's practice at the beginning of Jesus' own ministry(John 3:22f, 26; but 4:1f); and in the cases of the disciples at Pentecost and of Apollos, it was evidently not thought necessary to supplement their Johannine baptism by baptism in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:18: 24-28). Most likely then it was this earlier practice which was resumed from Pentecost onwards, as ratified by the risen Christ and in his name (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38; etc.) John's baptism itself is probable best understood as an adaption of Jewish washings, with some influence from Qumran in particular."

John the Baptist preaches a baptism of repentance (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:4-5) and only baptised with water (Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:8; John 1:33). He did not baptise with the Holy Spirit. The New Bible Dictionary clearly identifies that the early disciples used water to baptise. However, they did not use the Holy Spirit. This was only used after the day of Pentecost. The disciples baptised in the name of Jesus Christ and with the holy spirit only after Pentecost. Notice Acts 1;5 "For John truly baptised with water, but you shall be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

The Name JESUS CHRIST in Christian Baptism

John the Baptist preached a baptism of repentance of sin. He pointed people to Christ's coming and to repentance of sins. This baptism of John was used by the other disciples who, after Pentecost, received the power of the Holy Spirit. They baptised with WATER IMMERSION following Christ's example (Matthew 3:16). The repentant Christian then received the laying on of hands (Acts 19:6; Hebrews 6:2) and received the power of the Holy spirit.

The following verses in the pages of the Bible should be read to prove once and for all whose name or names should be used.

Acts 2:38 "Then Peter said to them, `Repent, and let every one of you be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

Acts 8:16 "For as yet He had fallen upon none of them: They had only been baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus." Notice the absence of the Holy Spirit and the Father.

Acts 10:48 "And he commanded them to be baptised in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days." Notice the word, "commanded" and the absence of the Holy Spirit and the Father.

Acts 19:5 "When they heard this, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus." Here, too, notice the lack of the Holy Spirit and the Father.

Galatians 3:27; "For as many of you were baptised into Christ have put on Christ."

Romans 6:3 "Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into His death?"

The early disciples always used the name Lord Jesus Christ only. They never used the name of the Father, The Son or the Holy Spirit! Peter said, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ." Did Peter get it wrong? Peter never used the name of the Father nor the name of the Holy Spirit, and not one time can this be found in the Book of Acts!

The early disciples

Commentators recognise that the verse in Matthew 28:19 is most likely not the original wording, and only emphasises a belief in the Trinitarian concept of the Godhead. Peter did not baptise using the name of the father, or the Son or in the name of the Holy Spirit. Peter baptised in the name of Jesus Christ only. "Then Peter said to them "Repent, and let every one of you be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the holy Spirit " (Acts 2:38). The apostle Paul baptised into the name of the Lord Jesus. "Then Paul said, `John indeed baptised with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus'"' (Acts 19:4,5).

Acts 19:5

In The Interlinear Bible published by Hendickson, second edition, copyright 1985 on page 861, Acts 19:5 is translated: "And hearing, they were baptised into (eis in Greek) the name of the Lord Jesus."

The word "eis" in the Greek new Testament and Lexicon edited by William Greenfield means. "prep. on, into, upon". In the New King James Version, Acts 19:5 should be translated, "...they were baptised into the name of the Lord Jesus."

The disciples baptised with the authority of Jesus Christ and, in His stead, they baptised Christians "in the name of the Lord Jesus" in baptism. Refer to The New Bible Commentary Revised, "It (baptism) was administered `in the name of Jesus' (Acts 2:38, 8:16 etc.) the name indicating ownership."

The New Bible Dictionary:"...and in the cases of the disciples at Pentecost and of Apollos, it was evidently not thought necessary to supplement their Johannine baptism by baptism in the name of Jesus (Acts 2: 18,24-28)." The disciples knew only the baptism of John and later (at Pentecost) they had to be re-baptised in the name of the lord. Prior to Pentecost the disciples used only the baptism of John, that is, they baptised without the Holy Spirit and used a baptism of repentance (Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:4-5). Acts 18:25, "This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John."

When people are baptised in the name of Jesus Christ, they witness to their owner. They belong to Christ and desire to follow His commandments and live by every word of God. "For as many of you were baptised into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:27).

Romans 6:3-5 "Or do you not know that as many of us were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection."

Our old selves, our old sinful natures are buried in the watery grave of baptism. Up out of the water comes a new man, a new creation walking in newness of life, which also symbolises the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism into Christ, using the name of our Lord, indicates our union with Him and a desire to follow His commandments.

Is God the Father Ignored?

Some will say that God the Father is being ignored when the name of Jesus Christ only is used in baptism. Others will say this ignoring is blasphemy and shows disrespect to our loving Father by omitting His name in baptism. What do the pages of the Bible say.

Unity in Baptism

What does it mean to be in union with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour? What does unity in baptism really mean? Union with Christ is expressed through baptism which shows a desire to "put on Christ " and live in accordance with His ways and with every one of His words (John 8:31; 10:27-30).

The word "union" means to agree or to walk on the same path. When the teachings of Jesus Christ are accepted, union is achieved. God commanded to be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38, 10:48,19:5) and this was practised by the early disciples. No where in the Book of Acts are found instructions to baptise any other way!

Galatians 3:27-29; "For or as many of you were baptised into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Christ has placed His seal of approval in lives through His ownership, represented by the receiving of the Holy Spirit. One may have thought that since God the Father is higher in authority than His Son, baptism should use the Father's name only. Is it blasphemy to use Christ's name, and omit references to the Father. John 5:43 "I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive."

Jesus Christ came in the Father's name and did His will. "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner...For the Father judges no one, but hath committed all judgement to the son, that all should honour the Son just as they honour the father. He who does not honour the Son does not honour the Father who sent Him." (John 5:19,22,23). John 12:44-45"...He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me."

John 8:18-19,26 "I am One who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me." Then they said to Him, "Where is your Father?" Jesus answered, "You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also." Verse 26, "I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I hear from Him."

Jesus administers the will of the Father. Notice in John 5:30, "I can of myself do nothing ...I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me." Now notice in Luke 10:22 which reads, "All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the son wills to reveal Him."

All authority has been given to Jesus Christ through His Father to administer the works and the will of the Father (Luke 10:22). John 5:27, "and has given Him authority." John 8:28-29 "Then Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him."

John 9:4 "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work." Once Jesus Christ is known, so is the Father. One can only come to the Father through Jesus Christ (Luke 10:22). John 10:38,"...the Father is in Me, and I in Him." Both God the Father and Jesus Christ are in agreement. "He who has seen Me has seen the Father" (John 14:9). John 17:21; "That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us."

Jesus Christ is in Unity with the Father.

John 10:38 "But if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him."

That is TOTAL UNITY! there is no disunity in the God Family! Time and time again scripture reflects the unity of Jesus Christ and His Father. This unity is extended to our baptism. When one is baptised using the name of Jesus Christ, one also acknowledges God the Father. Ephesians 4:4-6 "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all. and in you all." One does not need to use the name "Father" as Jesus Christ is in agreement with the father and they both administer the same will. The Father has given his authority to Christ Jesus to use his name in baptism (Luke 10:22).

Philippians 2:9-11. "Therefore God has also highly exalted Him the name which is above every name that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

1 John 5:10-13 "He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself, he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His son, and this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life and this life

is in His Son. He who has the son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God."

The Father also dwells in unity with Jesus Christ (John 17:21). "He who acknowledges the Son has the Father also" (1 John 2:23). When union with Jesus Christ is acknowledged, so also is the union with God the Father in baptism. When one acknowledges Christ Jesus, one is in Union with Him and the Father which is achieved through the process of water baptism. 1 John 5:20 "And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life."

Does it make any difference?

Some have said that this does not make any difference whatsoever! They continue to use the Trinitarian formula! What does God's word say?

Deuteronomy 8:6,11 "Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him...Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgements, and His statutes which I command you today."

Deuteronomy 12:32 "Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it."

Proverbs 30:5-6 "Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar."

Revelation 22:18-19 "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the PLAGUES that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."

Words must never be added to God's inspired writing and it does make a difference! What one believes must be founded on God's word not on any man's traditions! Never take away from God's word lest He should prove one a liar! God says to be careful, to observe His statutes and commandments. Deception come so easily. Christians are responsible for "proving all things" and being willing to admit error and to change when truth is seen (1 Thess. 5:21).

CONCLUSIONS

Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ only is being baptised with the authority of Jesus Christ and God the Father, since they are ONE in agreement. Using the name of Jesus Christ also means that one is unified with and acknowledges the Father. Christians are baptised in the name of Jesus Christ, and then receive the POWER of God's Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands that they may, through a lifetime of overcoming sin and growing in Godly character and in truth, SHARE an inheritance with Jesus Christ in His Eternal Kingdom.

Alex Cain

Bibliography

1. Peake's Commentary on the bible, edited by Matthew Black.

2. The New Bible Commentary Revised edited by D. Guthrie, J.A. Motyer, A.M. Stibbs and D.J. Wiseman.

3. The Encyclopedia of Religion edited by Mircea Eliade.

4. The New Bible Dictionary, Second Edition, Edited by JD Douglas, N Hillyer, FF Bruce,

5. The interlinear Bible published by Hendickson.

6. The Greek New Testament and Lexicon edited by William Greenfield

7. The New Encyclopedia Britannica, volume one

8. A New Standard Bible Dictionary edited by Melancthon W. Jacobus, Elbert C. Lane, Andrew C. Zenos with the assistance of Elmer J. Cook (Third Revised Edition used).

9. The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible, An Illustrated Encyclopedia

10. F C Conybeare and (Hibbert Journal 1902)

11. Dr Peake Commentary

12. Dean Stanley, (Christian Institutions)

13. Blacks Bible Dictionary

14. RC Jerusalem Bible (1966)

15. Ency. of Religion and Ethics

16. Hans Conzelmann from the "Outline of the Theology of the New Testament" on page 49.

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