What is the correct formula for administering water baptism?

The correct formula for administering water baptism is "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." This formula aligns with the instruction given by Jesus in the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19, where He commanded His disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This triadic invocation emphasizes the importance of the full representation of the Godhead in the act of baptism, signifying a commitment not only to the individual person of Jesus but also to the entire divine nature.

Using this formula reflects the theological understanding within Christian orthodoxy about the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and acknowledges their distinct roles within the unity of the Godhead. Baptism utilizing this formula is generally seen as a key sacrament that signifies the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as well as incorporation into the body of Christ and the church community.

Other variations mentioned, such as baptizing "in the name of Jesus only" or "in the name of the Lord," do exist in some Christian traditions, but they deviate from the traditional formula established in the New Testament, which emphasizes the triune nature of God.