The Singular Name

  Matthew 28:19 describes only one name, for nameis singular and not plural. (If one thinks this distinction is not significant, he should read Galatians 3:16 where Paul placed utmost importance on the singular in Genesis 22:18.) Matthew Henry recognized the significance of the singular here, for he wrote, “We are baptized not into the ‘names’ ‘but into the name, of the Father, Son, and Spirit, which plainly intimates that these are one, and their name one. 

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are not proper names but descriptive titles. Even if they were proper names, this verse specifically describes only one name, not three. We must still ask what is the one proper name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

All biblical references to the baptismal formula, including Matthew 28:19, describe the name Jesus. To be biblical, a formula must include the name Jesus, not merely recite the Lord’s verbal instructions. “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” or “I baptize you in the name of the Lord” or “I baptize you in His name” are all insufficient, because none of them actually use the name Jesus Christ commanded us to use. 

A correct formula would be, “I baptize you in the name of Jesus.” It is also appropriate to add titles such as Lord or Christ to distinguish the Lord Jesus Christ from any others who have borne the name Jesus. We as Apostolics have good reason why Matthew 28:19 refers to the name of Jesus in baptism. 

(1) Its grammar designates one name (singular). 

(2) Its context shows that Jesus described His power and therefore told the disciples to baptize in His name. 

(3) Mark’s and Luke’s descriptions of the same instructions of Christ show that Jesus was the only name mentioned. 

(4) The Early Church, including Matthew, carried out Christ’s instructions by baptizing in the name of Jesus (Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5; 22:16; I Corinthians 1:13). 

(5) The name of the Father is Jesus; the Father is revealed through the name Jesus (John 5:43). 

(6) The name of the Son is Jesus (Matthew 1:21). 

(7) The name of the Holy Ghost is Jesus; the Holy Ghost is revealed through the name Jesus (John 14:26).

(8) God has revealed Himself in the New Testament by one name (Zechariah 14:9) and that name is Jesus (Revelation 22:3-4). 

(9) The Bible does not teach the doctrine of the trinity, so there is no theological justification for a trine formula.