The practice of baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit implies baptism is performed under what authority?

• A. Divine authority
• B. Human authority
• C. Church tradition
• D. Personal will

Answer: (A)

Baptism done in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit signals that the act is carried out under God’s command and authority. This wording comes from Jesus’ Great Commission, where He told His followers to baptize people in the triune name, signaling that the act rests on divine authorization rather than human preference. To baptize in that name is to submit to the authority of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with the church acting as His agent to carry out the commanded practice. It wouldn’t be simply under human authority, church tradition alone, or personal will, because those options don’t reflect obedience to God’s directive embedded in Scripture.