by Dr. Victor Serrato

Baptism is a fundamental practice in Christianity, expressing one’s declaration of faith and the washing away of sins. However, within the diversity of Christian beliefs, the method and formula for baptism vary considerably. Among these variations, one of the most distinctive is the Oneness Apostolic practice of baptism in Jesus’ name. In this article, we will explore the historical importance of Oneness Apostolic Jesus name baptism by delving into three key ideas that shed light on its significance.

Key Idea 1: The Apostolic Connection

One crucial concept in Oneness theology is maintaining a direct connection with the Apostolic era through baptism in Jesus’ name. As adherents of the Oneness Apostolic belief, we firmly assert that our baptismal formula closely mirrors the practices observed in the early church led by the apostles, thus establishing it as an essential pillar of our faith.

The practice dates back to the book of Acts in the New Testament. A frequently referenced verse that serves as a cornerstone mandate is Acts 2:38, “Then Peter said unto to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

We understand this passage as a clear directive to perform baptism using solely the name of Jesus Christ, which emphasizes his singular identity rather than adhering to the customary trinitarian formula involving “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

This apostolic bond holds great importance for us, as it confirms our conviction in the complete unity of God. Through exclusively administering water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, we highlight the divinity of his name and distance ourselves from the conventional Christian teaching of the Holy Trinity. This viewpoint distinguishes us and emphasizes the profound historical value and biblical truth associated with baptizing in Jesus’ name.

Key Idea 2: Theological Distinctiveness

Another key idea that underscores the historical importance of Jesus name baptism is our theological distinctiveness. This practice represents a fundamental difference from the mainstream Christian baptismal beliefs, and it aligns with our Oneness understanding of God’s nature.

Traditional Christian theology teaches that God exists as three distinct persons in one essence: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Consequently, the traditional formula for baptism invokes all three persons of the Trinity. However, we, as Oneness adherents, reject this doctrine, asserting that God IS singular and exists solely as Jesus Christ.

By baptizing exclusively in the name of Jesus Christ, we emphasize our unique theological perspective. We argue that this practice aligns with the biblical truth of God’s oneness and maintains a consistent view with the early apostolic church. Thus, for Oneness adherents, baptism in Jesus’ name is not merely a ritual but a theological statement, aligning it historically within our apostolic practices.

Key Idea 3: Symbolic Significance

Lastly, this symbolic significance illuminates the historical importance of the Jesus name baptism.

Oneness theology sees baptism as a transformative experience. When we are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, it symbolizes our identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The immersion in water represents the burial of the old self (our flesh), the emergence from the water signifies a new life in Christ, and the invocation of Jesus’ name reinforces the belief in HIS redemptive power.

Furthermore, this practice serves as a public declaration of our faith. By invoking the name of Jesus Christ during baptism, we openly profess our allegiance to Jesus Christ and our rejection of the Trinitarian theology. This confession holds great significance within our faith community by fostering a sense of unity and commitment among believers.

Conclusion

In summary, we understand the historical importance of Oneness Jesus name baptism through three key ideas: the apostolic connection, theological distinctiveness, and symbolic significance. This practice is not merely a matter of a ritual, but it is a fundamental expression of faith – a faith rooted in a belief in the oneness of God and the apostolic traditions. It is a distinguishing feature of Oneness Pentecostalism, setting us apart within the broader Christian denominal world. Understanding the significance of baptism in Jesus’ name provides valuable insights into the fundamental practices of the early church.

Small Group Study Guide

This five-part small group Bible study series takes a deep dive into the Oneness Apostolic tradition of Jesus name water baptism, examining its biblical roots, theological significance, and enduring impact on both individual lives and the community of believers.

About the Author

Minister Victor Serrato, an assistant pastor at Merced New Life Apostolic Church, is driven by a fervent passion for missions that has led him to various parts of the world, including India, Japan, Bangladesh, and beyond. Together with his wife, Deborah Serrato, and their children, he actively engages in serving the community. Holding a doctorate in leadership education, Minister Serrato has also authored a book titled “Unshakeable.”