You did not answer my question. What words were recited during your baptism and in which church did your baptism take place?
Question 1 Bold purple Question 2 Bold black I thought I was very clear to your questions.
United Pentecostal Church I now baptized you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins.
In the name of Jesus Christ still applies to authority and baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is still sufficient.
"Baptized into Christ" does not mean water baptized into the body of Christ. That is only accomplished through Spirit baptism. (1 Corinthians 12:13) Now in what "sense" would a believer be "water baptized into Christ?" In the same "sense" that the Israelites were "baptized into Moses.." (1 Corinthians 10:2) The Israelites were not literally water baptized into the body of Moses and there is little dispute that being "baptized into Moses" signified the open allegiance and public identification of the Israelites with Moses as their leader. Moses was formally recognized as the leader of the covenant people. Water baptism signifies our allegiance and public identification with Christ as our Savior, so it would be in that sense.
I really like how the AMP version reads - For in Him all the fullness of Deity (the Godhead) dwells in bodily form [completely expressing the divine essence of God].
Jesus' command in Matthew 28:19 is not incomplete and it's by the authority of Jesus that we are baptized. Arguing over baptism word formulas is in vain. While delivering mail a while back, I was approached by a oneness pentecostal who lived on my mail route and she asked me where I went to church and if I was water baptized. She was not satisfied with my answer and told me that I needed to be rebaptized "in Jesus' name" only or else I would not be saved. I could not believe what I was hearing.
The comparison to the Israelites being "baptized into Moses" serves as a metaphorical illustration of unity and identification with a leader, as Paul uses it in 1 Corinthians 10:2. In the case of Christian baptism, it is about publicly declaring one's faith in Jesus Christ and identifying with Him in His death and resurrection.
The statement doesn't mention water baptism symbolizing the washing away of sin (Acts 22:16) or death to one's old life and resurrection to new life in Christ (Romans 6:4).
Understanding the practice and significance of baptism within the Christian faith often leads us to explore deeply rooted traditions, scriptural interpretations, and theological convictions. A point of discussion that arises among believers is the baptismal formula—specifically, whether baptism should be performed "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" as instructed by Jesus in Matthew 28:19, or solely "in the name of Jesus Christ," as seen in several instances in the Acts of the Apostles (e.g., Acts 2:38, Acts 8:16, Acts 19:5).
Firstly, it's important to recognize that both perspectives are held by those who earnestly seek to follow Christ's commands and live out their faith authentically. Those advocating for baptism "in the name of Jesus Christ" emphasize the centrality of Christ's identity, authority, and role in salvation. They often point to the practice of the early church as recorded in Acts to support their position, arguing that baptism in Jesus' name signifies a direct and personal acknowledgment of His lordship and the full revelation of God made manifest in Christ.
Conversely, those who support the formula of baptism as outlined in Matthew 28:19 do so with the understanding that it reflects ALL the Godhead and affirms the believer's commitment to God's revelation as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This formula encapsulates the Godhead and the believer's entry into the life of the with God.
We need to approach this with a posture of humility and a recognition of our shared commitment to following Jesus. While we may hold different views on the formula used in baptism, our common ground lies in the transformative work of Christ in our lives and our collective calling to be His witnesses in the world. It's also worth considering the early church's flexibility and diversity in expressing theological truths, which suggests that our unity in Christ transcends specific formulations and practices.
Ultimately, our focus should remain on the heart of baptism: a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ, repentance from sin, and the beginning of a new life led by the Spirit. In expressing our viewpoints, let us do so with love, seeking to build up the body of Christ rather than creating divisions. By emphasizing our shared faith in Jesus and His saving work on the cross, we can foster a spirit of unity and mutual respect even amidst our differences.
In conclusion, while we may hold to our convictions, let us also remember Paul's words in Ephesians 4:4-6, "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." May our discussions and practices around baptism always reflect the love, grace, and unity that we have in Christ Jesus.