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Originally Posted by missourimary
In answer to the other question, I didn't ignore it. I read it and chose not to respond, because there are too many ways I can argue this. I didn't know where to start.
In both the verses that you list, a Christian is speaking to a non-believer. If they had not said by whose authority they were healed/delivered, the unbeliever (and other unbelievers standing around) might well have thought that Peter/Paul was doing these great things by their own power.
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Right. So, being silent in baptism would give the same impression, IMO.
Why would Paul say what he did here if nothing was said at all?
"Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you?
or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? (
I Cor 1:13)
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We baptize people who believe. They know Who they are believing in, and Who has the power to cleanse them. They have already expressed faith in Jesus by their desire to be baptized. If we say "I baptize you in Jesus name", it is for those in the audience who do NOT believe, not for the sake of the believer. It is a testimony to the unbelievers of the power of God and gives them an audible evidence of what the baptism is for.
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So, you are now saying that words are spoken?
I'm thinking of the passage in
Colossians 3:17 "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
It appears that his name is very important and I can't find where
not uttering that name is a very solid view of the scriptures.
I'm also thinking of
James 5:14 "Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him,
anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:"
If they anointed with oil and nothing was said, it would be like you were mentioning above, unbelievers or anyone standing around might get the impression they were doing these acts by their own power.
So, I don't think there is solid evidence that nothing is uttered during baptism. That's all I have time for today.