Scholars have discovered that in secular writings the expression “in the name of,” or “into the name of” (
kingdom Interlinear), is used with reference to payments “to the account of any one.” Theology professor Dr. G. Adolf Deissmann believed that in view of the evidence from the papyri, “the idea underlying , the expressions to baptize into the name of the Lord, or to believe into the name of the Son of God, is that baptism or faith constitutes the belonging to God or to the Son of God.”
Interestingly, a similar expression was used by the Jews of Jesus’ day, as explained in the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament: “The circumcision of a proselyte is done, ‘in the name of the proselyte,’ to receive him into Judaism. This circumcision takes place ‘in the name of the covenant,’ to receive him into the covenant.” A relationship is thereby established and the non-Jew becomes a proselyte under the covenant’s authority.
So for the Christian, baptism following dedication establishes an intimate relationship with YHWH God, his Son Jesus Christ, and the holy spirit. The convert recognizes their respective authority in his new way of life. Consider how this is true for each of the three named.
By recognizing YHWH God’s authority, we draw close to him and enter into a relationship with him. (
Hebrews 12:9; James 4:7, 8) We become God’s property as his slaves, bought with the price of YHWH God's only begotten Son Jesus Christ’s who is the ransom sacrifice. (
1 Corinthians 3:23; 6:20) The apostle Paul also told first-century Christians that they belonged to Jesus Christ, not to any men who might have taken the truth to them. (
1 Corinthians 1:12, 13; 7:23; compare
Matthew 16:24.) Baptism in the name of the Son implies recognizing this fact, accepting Jesus as “the way and the truth and the life.”(
John 14:6)
The holy spirit is also essential to our right relationship with YHWH God and Jesus Christ. Baptism in the name of the holy spirit shows that we recognize the role of the spirit in YHWH God’s dealings with us. We intend to follow its guidance, not disregarding it or acting contrary to it, blocking its working through us. (
Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19) The spirit’s impersonal nature creates no difficulty as to usage or meaning, any more than the usage “in the name of the covenant” did in Judaism.
At the time of dedication and baptism, therefore, we need to reflect prayerfully on what is involved in our new relationship. It requires submission to the will of YHWH God, the Father of Jesus Christ and demonstrate in the example and the ransom provision of Jesus Christ, to be carried out through holy spirit as it directs all of God’s servants in love and unity worldwide.
Matthew10:41,42 says, "He that receiveth a prophet "in the name of" a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man "in the name of" a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold
water only "in the name of" a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward."
Here at Matthew 10:41,42 it is shown that the phrase, "in the name of" is talking about, "in recognition of."
The point is this scripture at Matthew 28:19, 20 isn't speaking of any Trinity Doctrine.
The simple fact is that in scripture it doesn't say that those who deny the Trinity Doctrine, meaning three persons in a godhead is the anti-christ. The scriptures show it's those who deny the Father and Son that is who the anti-christ is. 1 John 2:22. Those who deny that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God YHWH and who deny that Jesus Christ is the one anointed by YHWH God are the ones who belong to the anticrist. Messiah or Christ mean, anointed or anointed one.