Baptism: Understanding the Beautiful, Biblical Pattern Jesus Gave Us

Janetta Allis

Baptism is one of the most powerful moments in a believer’s life. It marks a turning point—a moment of surrender, renewal, and identification with Jesus Christ. When we step into the waters of baptism, we step into God’s story of redemption, mercy, and new beginnings.

But one question often arises:
How does the Bible say baptism should be done?
The answer is both simple and deeply meaningful.

Jesus’ Words, the Church’s Example

Before returning to heaven, Jesus gave His disciples a commission that still guides the church today:

“Go… make disciples… baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
—Matthew 28:19

Jesus didn’t say “names”—He said name. One name that reveals the Father, the Son, and the Spirit. The disciples understood exactly what He meant, because when they baptized believers, they always did so in the name of Jesus Christ.

Every baptism we see in the book of Acts follows this pattern:

  • “Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ…” (Acts 2:38)

  • “…baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 8:16)

  • “He commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.” (Acts 10:48)

  • “…baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 19:5)

To the early church, the command of Jesus in Matthew 28:19 and the name of Jesus were not in conflict. They were the same revelation.
Jesus is the name that fulfills the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

A Symbol of Death, Burial, and Resurrection

The Bible describes baptism as a spiritual burial:

“We are buried with Him through baptism…”
—Romans 6:4

This is why the early church baptized by full immersion—a symbol of going down into the grave with Jesus, and rising again into a new life through His power.

Baptism is not merely symbolic. It is a moment where God meets us in the water, washes us, and marks us as His own.

Why the Name of Jesus Matters

Calling on the name of Jesus in baptism is more than a tradition—it is a declaration of faith in the One who saves:

Forgiveness is preached in His name (Luke 24:47)

Salvation is found in no other name (Acts 4:12)

We are washed and justified in His name (1 Corinthians 6:11)

The name of Jesus is where power, authority, redemption, and identity meet.

Following the Biblical Pattern Today

Across the world, believers are returning to the simplicity and beauty of the Bible’s teaching on baptism:

Repentance

Faith in Jesus

Full immersion in water

Calling on the name of the Lord—Jesus

This was the pattern of the early church, and it remains a life-giving practice for every follower of Christ today.

A New Beginning Is Waiting

Maybe you’ve never been baptized. Maybe you were baptized before you understood what it meant. Or maybe reading this stirred something fresh in your heart.

Wherever you are on your journey, know this:
Jesus still invites us into His name, His forgiveness, His grace, and His new beginning.

If you’re ready to take that step—or if you simply want to learn more—we would love to walk with you. The water is ready. Your story is unfolding. And Jesus is calling you deeper.