The Great Baptism Formula Debate: Matthew 28:19 or Acts 2:38

Next, let’s consider use of “the formula”

Given the weight of the above documentation, it is difficult to argue using the “formula” of Mat. 28:19. The argument is that recorded acts of baptism are merely “descriptive” (as in visual model; baptism in action; cf. Acts 8:15, 10:47, 19:5; Col. 2:12), not “prescriptive” (explicit language as in Mat. 28:19). Are we saying therefore, that to be orthodox one has to follow the prescriptive language of Mat. 28:19?

The move to the prescriptive language of Mat. 28:19 began around the second and third centuries.

                                    Oneness Theological Position

Water Baptism is foundational (essential to salvation) to the life of the church as modeled by Jesus (Mat. 3:16-17; Acts 2:38)

Baptism was prefigured in the Old Testament (1 Pet. 3:20-1; 1 Cor. 10:1-5)

Baptism signifies union with Christ (Eph. 4:5; Gal. 3:28; Rom. 6:4)

Baptism is part of Christian initiation. It is obedience to God’s Word and Faith in Jesus

The name of Jesus must be invoked at baptism – identifying with the atoning work of Christ, His saving power, and the authority given (Mat. 28:19-20). Theologians Luther and Zwingli affirm the historic use of “Jesus name” at baptisms

Matthew 28:19 does not reflect a Trinity – it correctly reflects a “threeness” that is a manifestation of the Godhead (Col. 2:9)

Matthew 28:19 was not originally understood to be prescriptive. It was not until the second and third centuries that there was a departure from the normative practice of invoking “Jesus name, in the name of Christ” at baptisms.

Rebaptism is acceptable based on precedent (Acts 19:5)

Trinitarian Theological Position

Matthew 28:19 is prescriptive. The formula was used in the Didache (became the standard practice of the church).

Matthew 3:16-17 describes the “threeness” and serves as the reasoning for Jesus’ prescriptive command in Matthew 28:19 – an interaction between Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism signifies entry into a union (Father declared love for Son; Holy Spirit descended upon Son as witness of Father’s love)

The use of “Jesus’ name” is not discounted in the biblical accounts of baptism. Rather, “Jesus name” invoked brings a Christological focus to the occasion (Rom. 6:1-5)

There is no conflict between the two formulas. “God does not bind us to precise formulas, nor is God limited by them in the divine freedom to bless us in our acts of faith by God’s grace.”[2]

Reference:

[1] Jack Cottrell, Baptism, College Publishing (1989), 15.

[2] Oneness Trinitarian Pentecostal Final Report 2002-7. Retrieved from https://web-b-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=1&sid=b4624c4f-ff83-46ec-af2a-3f81714d4362%40pdc-v-sessmgr04

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Written by Dr. Kevin A. Hall (Thursday, June 11, 2020).