Is Christian baptism valid only in Jesus' name?

[Gideon1]

I was recently presented with objections to the Baptism formula of “In the Name of the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit” by a member of one of the “Jesus only sects”. As you know, they specifically deny the Trinity ( among other many teachings of the RCC) by stating that there is ONLY Jesus. Thus, they say that Baptism should be done ONLY in the name of Jesus Christ and not using the trinitarian formula commanded by Jesus Himself in Mat 28. He stated verses were Peter and Paul had beleivers baptised “in the name of Jesus Christ” and not using the Trinitarian formula. Indeed Acts 2:38 ; Acts 10:48 ; Acts 8:14-17 and Acts 19:5-6 show Peter and Paul baptizing or having folks baptized “in the name of Jesus Christ”. How would you help me explain the infalible teaching of the Church that the baptism needs to be done with water(only valid matter) and the trinitarian formula (part of the form)?

 

[Leonie_Ambrose]

Gideon1,

The following links should assist you in better understanding the Catholic Church’s teaching on the necessity of Trinitarian and water baptism. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please contact Catholic Answers directly.

Recommended Reading:
Trinitarian Baptism from the Early Church Fathers
baptized in Jesus’s name

The Necessity of Baptism from the Early Church Fathers
Valid Baptism