Which Scripture provides the verbal formula for administering water baptism?

Which Scripture provides the verbal formula for administering water baptism?

• A. John 3:16
• B. Acts 2:38
• C. Matthew 28:19
• D. Mark 16:16

Answer: (C)

The explicit instruction for how baptism should be performed is found in the Great Commission, where Jesus tells his followers to baptize believers in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. This exact wording gives the verbal formula to be spoken over the baptism, tying the rite directly to the Triune God and to the authority of Jesus’ command. Other verses discuss why people are baptized or the conditions attached to baptism (such as belief or repentance), but they do not provide the threefold formula to be recited. So this verse is the best answer because it contains the direct, spoken formula used in administering water baptism.

The explicit instruction for how baptism should be performed is found in the Great Commission, where Jesus tells his followers to baptize believers in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. This exact wording gives the verbal formula to be spoken over the baptism, tying the rite directly to the Triune God and to the authority of Jesus’ command. Other verses discuss why people are baptized or the conditions attached to baptism (such as belief or repentance), but they do not provide the threefold formula to be recited. So this verse is the best answer because it contains the direct, spoken formula used in administering water baptism.