water baptism

I visited a church today where baptisms where taking place it was a great celebration as it should be.my question isIs it important what words we use when immersing people EG "upon confession of your faith i baptise you into Jesus, in the name of the father, Son, and Holy Spirit."Are the words important? :-)

I don't think the words of the baptizer determine whether or not it is a "valid" baptism, but rather the intention of the heart of the baptizee. Obviously, if it's something really wacky I suppose the baptizee (upon understanding, perhaps years later, the bad choice of words) would feel uncomfortable about it and perhaps later seek another, more Biblical baptism. I think the point is that a person should earnestly seek to know and obey what God desires of them, whether it's baptism or anything else.As for what words are Biblical, the main thing many insist upon is the use of the words "the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost" (some minor variations), referring to a "Trinitarian" baptism. Certain Pentecostals (notably, the United Pentecostal Church) don't believe in the Trinity, instead they believe Jesus-only, and baptise "in Jesus' name" only, which, though strictly speaking is Biblical (that baptismal phraseology can be found, i.e. Acts 2:38 if I recall correctly), is a perversion and rejection of Jesus' direct and clear commandMatthew 2819 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,The Oneness contention is that "Jesus" is the name of all three but this assertion is readily cast into serious doubt by many Scriptures, such as only the Father knowing "the time" and not even the Son knowing it; Jesus' having a different, although submitted, will than the Father in Gethsemane, etc... Also, this would be an odd place for Jesus to be so vague in His commands, particularly one so important.

Well said Keith.Just as there is no magic in the water, there is no magic in the words used. It's all about what is in the heart of the person being baptized. In Christ,Ron

The words can be very important. Just a good word of advice. If anyone says "I now baptize you in the name of the devil", get out quick! HeheBut really, I am confident that it doesnt matter the words being said. What I know is essential is that the person being baptized knows he is dying to the old self, and rising cleansed through the death and ressurection of Christ. If they are just doing it as a statement, and dont even know what they are stating... well then it doesnt matter what the pastor says, they just dont get it, and the baptism isnt anything more than getting soaked for Jesus.All to and for HimJohn

We have touched on some aspects of this topic previously. Readers might be interested in this thread. Acts 2:38

Hi,Kieth,Ron(S) and John,thanks for your thoughts, very helpful and thanks for the Acts 2;38 linkI guess there can be a cycle of topics and questions.Thanks to you guys for patience :-)