Trinitarians typically baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit based on Matthew 28:19. In contrast, Oneness Pentecostals (OPs) typically baptize in the name of Jesus Christ based on Acts and the epistles. Which is the proper baptismal formula?

OPs have been debating this issue for over 100 years. It’s part of the movement’s DNA. Meanwhile, most Trinitarians are oblivious to the debate. Those on both sides who engage in the debate tend to focus only on the Biblical data. The historical data contained in the writings of the post-apostolic church fathers is typically ignored. When it is cited, it is often cherry-picked or misused. As a result, I have written a research paper that seeks to examine both the Biblical and historical data fairly.

(more…)