Question:
Is there a baptismal formula?
Answer:
Many apostolic groups believe a specific formula must be said as one is baptized in water for the remission of sins. The foundational passages they use for such a belief are…
Acts 2:38, “let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins.”
Acts 8:16, “...baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Acts 19:5, “...they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
The common phrase such religious groups focus upon in these passages is “in the name of Jesus.” In their minds, this specific phrase, or formula, must be said as one is baptized for the remission of their sins.
Similarly, there are a few Christians who demand the preacher say “...in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Must either one of these formulas be said as one is baptized?
Often, our biggest problem is a misunderstanding of the word “name” in these passages. Many act like the literal name of Jesus must be said over one as they are baptized. Yet, being baptized “in the name of” does not necessarily refer to the literal name of Jesus.
Strong’s defines the Greek word “onoma” from which we get the English “name” as, “a “name” (literally or figuratively), (authority, character)…”
Thayer’s offers this definition, “the name is used for everything which the name covers, everything the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing, remembering, the name, i.e. for one’s rank, authority, interests, pleasure, command, excellences, deeds etc.”
In both definitions, notice the word “name” can reflect the “authority” or “rank” of one. Ultimately, Peter was trying to teach the Jews “Jesus is both Lord and Christ” (2:36). Once they trusted in Him as “Lord and Christ” they were to obey the one with all authority. This relationship begins as we surrender to God’s will at baptism (see also Galatians 3:27). Thus, being baptized “in the name of…” does not refer to a specific formula, but an act. It is in the act of baptism that we recognize the authority of the Godhead in our lives.
Interestingly, though you may search every case of conversion in the book of Acts you will never find any set formula or any exact wording of a formula said at baptism. The important factor in baptism is what is being done, not said!
If “in the name of the Lord Jesus” is a formula, then must we say it before every deed (see Colossians 3:17)? Apply both lines of logic to this passage and see which one God intended.
June 2008