What does being "baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus" signify? Setting the Scene: Acts 19:5 “On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.” Key Idea in One Sentence To be baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus is to enter publicly, decisively, and personally into union with Christ—embracing His authority, receiving His salvation, and identifying with His people. Unpacking the Phrase “into the name” • “Name” in Scripture speaks of character, authority, and ownership (cf. Proverbs 18:10). • “Into” (Greek eis) points to movement—crossing a line from outside to inside relationship. • Together, it pictures a transfer of allegiance: out of self-rule, into Christ’s lordship. What Baptism into Jesus Signifies 1. Identification with His Person – Romans 6:3-4: “Do you not know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? … so that, just as Christ was raised … we too may walk in newness of life.” – Galatians 3:27: “All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” – We share His death to sin and His resurrection life. 2. Submission to His Authority – Matthew 28:18-19: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples … baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” – To invoke His name is to acknowledge His rightful rule over every area of life. 3. Reception of His Salvation Benefits – Acts 2:38: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” – Acts 22:16: “Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on His name.” – Forgiveness, cleansing, and the gift of the Spirit (Acts 2:38). 4. Incorporation into His Body – 1 Corinthians 12:13: “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.” – Baptism marks visible entrance into the worldwide family of believers. 5. Public Confession of Faith – Acts 10:48: “He ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” – A clear, outward proclamation that the old life is gone and a new allegiance has begun. Why the Emphasis on “Lord Jesus” • “Lord” underscores His deity and sovereignty (Philippians 2:11). • “Jesus” emphasizes His saving work (Matthew 1:21). • Together, the title declares both His right to command and His power to save. Practical Implications for Believers Today • Live under Christ’s authority—decisions, relationships, finances, time. • Walk in resurrection power, reckoning the old self dead to sin. • Maintain visible connection with a local church, reflecting the one body reality. • Speak and act in His name, representing Him faithfully before the world (Colossians 3:17). Summary Being baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus means we publicly cross the line into full identification with Him—accepting His work, embracing His rule, joining His people, and committing to live for His glory. |
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