Topical Bible: The Trinity: Baptism Administered in Name of

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Topical Encyclopedia

The doctrine of the Trinity, a foundational element of Christian theology, is intricately connected to the practice of baptism. The concept of the Trinity encapsulates the understanding of God as three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—yet one in essence. This triune nature of God is explicitly invoked in the administration of Christian baptism, as seen in the Great Commission given by Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for baptizing in the name of the Trinity is found in the Gospel of Matthew. In Matthew 28:19 , Jesus commands His disciples, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This directive underscores the Trinitarian formula as essential to the rite of baptism, signifying the believer's initiation into the life of the triune God.

Theological Significance

Baptism in the name of the Trinity signifies the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as their incorporation into the body of Christ, the Church. It reflects the work of the Father in creation, the Son in redemption, and the Holy Spirit in sanctification. The invocation of the Trinity during baptism highlights the unity and co-equality of the three persons of the Godhead, affirming the orthodox Christian belief in one God in three persons.

Historical Practice

The early Church Fathers upheld the Trinitarian formula as the standard for baptism. The Didache, an early Christian treatise, echoes the command of Matthew 28:19, instructing that baptism be performed "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This practice was consistently maintained throughout Church history, as evidenced by the writings of Tertullian, Augustine, and other theological luminaries who emphasized the importance of the Trinitarian invocation in baptism.

Contemporary Application

In contemporary Christian practice, the Trinitarian formula remains a hallmark of orthodox baptismal rites across various denominations. It serves as a declaration of faith in the triune God and a commitment to live in accordance with His will. The invocation of the Trinity during baptism is not merely a liturgical formality but a profound theological statement that encapsulates the essence of Christian belief and identity.

Conclusion

The administration of baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a testament to the enduring significance of the Trinity in Christian doctrine and practice. It affirms the believer's faith in the triune God and their participation in the divine life, as revealed through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the sanctifying presence of the Holy Spirit.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 28:19
Go you therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Petilianus Said: "But that I May Thoroughly Investigate the ...
... baptism in the name of the Trinity, according to your ... Surely you must now perceive
that baptism can exist in an unrighteous man, and be administered by an ...
/.../chapter 33 77 petilianus.htm

For if the Baptism which Pr??textatus and Felicianus Administered ...
... not baptize, but that baptism is administered in His name, at once in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; of which Trinity itself he ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 40 46 for.htm

Whether Baptism May be Reiterated?
... after a murderer has baptized, it is not administered: because John gave his own
Baptism; the murderer ... used not to baptize in the name of the Trinity. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether baptism may be reiterated.htm

Eunomius and his Teacher Aetius, their Affairs and Doctrines. They ...
... baptism. They asserted that baptism ought not to be administered in the name
of the Trinity, but in the name of the death of Christ. It ...
/.../chapter xxvi eunomius and his teacher.htm

Again, when one Speaks of the Holy Spirit as an Object Made Holy.. ...
... even as no object that is made can be numbered with the Trinity, but in the name
of the Holy Trinity baptism and invocation and worship are administered. ...
/.../section v again when one.htm

Ceremonies of Baptism and Chrism.
... had reference not only to the Trinity, but was ... Of certain minor ceremonies connected
with Baptism, such as the ... the taste of milk and honey administered to the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/chapter iv ceremonies of baptism and.htm

Whether those who had Been Baptized with John's Baptism had to be ...
... But some were baptized with John's baptism who had full knowledge of the Trinity. ...
v): "After John, baptism was administered, and the reason why was because ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether those who had been.htm

Derivative Doctrines. Grace and the Means of Grace; the Christian ...
... et Sp. S.7) by confession of faith in the Trinity, and the baptism administered
by Arians ... S.21 baptism is coupled with the imposition of hands as one rite. ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 6 derivative doctrines grace.htm

The Example of Pope Stephen in Resisting the Iteration of Baptism. ...
... of the council of Arles, in 314, which ordered, in its Eighth Canon, that if the
baptism had been administered in the name of the Trinity, converts should be ...
/.../vincent/the commonitory of vincent of lerins/chapter vi the example of.htm

Of Baptism.
... but of God, by whomsoever it may have been administered. ... elements of the proper
administration of baptism include: (a ... of water in the name of the Trinity; and (c ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 of baptism.htm