Oneness Pentecostal theology maintains that baptism must be by immersion using the formula “in Jesus name” and not the formula “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit” as is found in Matt. 28:19. They reject the Trinitarian formula because they reject the Trinity. To support their method, they cite various Bible verses that reference baptizing in Jesus’ name and claim that this is proof for their doctrine. The following are some of the Bible references they quote.
Let’s take a look at what is going on in the verses. The phrase, “in the name of the Lord,” is not a reference to a baptismal formula but a reference to authority. It is similar to hearing someone say, “Stop in the name of the Law!” We understand that the “name of the Law” means by the authority of the Law. It is the same with baptism “in Jesus’ name.” To baptize in Jesus’ name is to baptize in the authority of Jesus. Consider the following:
We can see that the phrase is used in the Bible as an expression of authority. This is particularly clarified in Acts 16:18 above. Let’s look at it again. “And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.” We also see that when people were being baptized, they did it calling on Jesus’ name (Acts 22:16); that is, they were calling upon Jesus who has all authority in heaven and earth (Matt. 28:18). The church is supposed to “call upon the name of the Lord Jesus” (1 Cor. 1:2) because it is by His authority (John 1:12) that we Christians have the hope and right of forgiveness of sins and adoption as His children (Rom. 8:15).
