Water baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38), and sins are remitted (forgiven) in the name of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:47; Acts 4:12; 10:43; 22:16). Since Jesus died for our sins, salvation is given to us through faith in Him and in His name (John 3:16; 20:31; Acts 16:31). In water baptism, we identify with Him, for we are buried with Him into His death and we also rise with Him in the likeness of His resurrection to "walk in newness of life." (See Romans 6:1-8).

Water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ follows the pattern established by the apostles, for the apostolic church always baptized converts in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38, 8:16; 10:48, 19:5; 22:16). (See also Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 3:27). At water baptism we call on the name of Jesus for the remission (forgiveness) of sins and the name of Jesus is called upon us. In this way we express our faith in His death for the forgiveness of sins and in His resurrection for a new life in Him. When we use the name of Jesus Christ in water baptism, we fulfill the command of Jesus to baptize in the singular redemptive "name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19, NKJV).

Acts 2:38-39
38And Peter answered them, Repent (change your views and purpose to accept the will of God in your inner selves instead of rejecting it) and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of and release from your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the promise [of the Holy Spirit] is to and for you and your children, and to and for all that are far away, [even] to and for as many as the Lord our God invites and bids to come to Himself.

John 3:5
5Jesus answered, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, unless a man is born of water and [even] the Spirit, he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God.

Mark 16:16
16He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved [from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned.

Acts 4:10-12
10Let it be known and understood by all of you, and by the whole house of Israel, that in the name and through the power and authority of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom you crucified, [but] Whom God raised from the dead, in Him and by means of Him this man is standing here before you well and sound in body. 11This [Jesus] is the Stone which was despised and rejected by you, the builders, but which has become the Head of the corner [the Cornerstone]. 12And there is salvation in and through no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by and in which we must be saved.