Into His Name
Christian baptism is different from John's baptism because it is in Jesus' name, signifying that people are being baptised into a bodily person.
G.W. North emphasizes the significance of baptism in the name of Jesus, contrasting it with John the Baptist's ministry, which was limited to water baptism for the remission of sins. He explains that while John baptized in the Jordan River, he did not know Jesus and therefore did not baptize in His name. North illustrates that Christian baptism represents a deeper spiritual reality, where believers are baptized into the person of Jesus, signifying a profound connection with Him. The sermon highlights the transition from John's baptism to the Christian practice, which embodies the triune God and the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, North calls for a deeper understanding of the purpose and meaning behind baptism in the name of Jesus.
Text
So far as was possible at that time, John had succeeded in presenting Jesus, together with the Father and the Holy Ghost, in baptism; more than he knew, he had presented the triune God and His method; the reality of his mission had in measure been achieved. John Baptist had used water only for the fulfilment of his baptism, and when he had baptised people his basic ministry was completed by that act. He baptised in Jordan only; he just baptised unto remission of sins, that is all. He did not baptise in his own name; he did not baptise in any name, he certainly did not baptise in Jesus' name, for confessedly he did not know Him.
But Christian baptism is ministered in Jesus' name, which is to say that, whereas John baptised into water, the apostles baptised into Jesus' name.
To understand this let us in thought substitute the Holy Ghost for Jordan and Jesus standing in the Spirit as He did in Jordan and the picture becomes clear. This all means that people are really to be baptised into a bodily person, for that is the sole common-sense and comprehensive reason for baptising them in and into the name of that person. Had we eyes to see it, nothing could have been more clearly shown us by God than what took place at Jordan under John.
Sermon Outline
- John's Baptism and the Triune God
- The Difference Between John's Baptism and Christian Baptism
- John baptised in water, while Christian baptism is in Jesus' name
- John did not know Jesus, but Christian baptism is in His name
Key Quotes
“He baptised in Jordan only; he just baptised unto remission of sins, that is all.” — G.W. North
“Had we eyes to see it, nothing could have been more clearly shown us by God than what took place at Jordan under John.” — G.W. North
Application Points
- Christian baptism is a symbol of remission of sins and a declaration of faith in Jesus Christ.
- Baptism in Jesus' name signifies that people are being baptised into a bodily person, which is the sole common-sense and comprehensive reason for baptising them.
- Understanding the difference between John's baptism and Christian baptism can deepen our faith and appreciation for the significance of baptism.