We read the last words of Jesus Christ to His Apostles in Matthew 28:18-20. “And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, all power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen”. Jesus Christ didn’t say that the command was binding till the day of Pentecost. Instead, we read in Mark 16:20 “And they (the disciples) went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the Word with signs following. Amen”. If there had been a need for change after the allotted time in the instruction regarding baptism, He would have revealed either through a vision, an angel or a dream to his apostle. We need to follow the command given in the beginning by Jesus Christ which says that we must be baptized in the name of God, Son and the Holy Spirit. Because in Matthew 7:24 we read “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock”. Further Jesus Christ said “My doctrine is not mine, but His who sent me. If any man will do His Will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7: 16, 17).

Why should baptism be given in the name of the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost?

Unlike John’s baptism, the New Testament baptism is also a step to prepare the hearts of the believers to receive God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ) and God the Holy Spirit through the experience called baptism of the Holy spirit (Acts 2: 38). While Peter preached the gospel in the house of Cornelius, the Centurion, the Holy Spirit descended on all those who were there listening to the word of God (Acts 10:44-48). Those who have received the fullness of Holy Spirit were then commanded by Apostle Peter to take water baptism in order to fulfill the righteousness of God. Similarly some receive the Holy Spirit before they are baptized. Such people just as the household of Cornelius that received the command to take water baptism which is the righteousness of God, should also take water baptism with the knowledge that similar command is for them too. They should opt for water baptism just as the household of Cornelius did. But not all people are filled with the Holy Spirit when they hear the gospel. Therefore as Apostle Peter has mentioned in Acts 2:38, ignoring water baptism should not be a barrier to receive the gift of Holy Spirit (fullness of Holy Spirit). While referring to baptism of Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ said that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit would dwell in a person who had received the baptism of Holy Spirit. We can read his words on this matter. “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; At that day you shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you” (John 14:16, 20). “We will come unto him, and make ourabode with him” (John 14:23).

When Lord Jesus Christ was baptized we see the presence of the heavenly Father and the presence of the Holy Spirit. While Jesus Christ took baptism God the Father testified, “This is my Son, whom I love”. At that time the Holy Spirit descended on Him like a dove (Matthew 3:16, 17).

Therefore it is good to give New Testament baptism in the name of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

“Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work” (II John 9-11). In I John 2:22 we read “Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son”.