Why is the name of Jesus Christ necessary in baptism?

Answer 1

It makes you fit in with the crowd and avoid confrontation with zealots.

Roman Catholic AnswerThere is no oblation that the name given at Baptism should be that of a saint, but the Code of Canon Law [this was the old code, now replaced] requires that it be a Christian name, e.g., Stella (Maris). The "Rituale Romanum" [book for the priest containing all rituals and blessings] directs the priest to see that obscene, mythical and ridiculous names or those of false gods or heathen heroes not be given. such a name as Achilles, common in Italy (Pope Pius XI, Achille Ratti) is made respectable by the martyr of that name. Fancy names are condemned by good sense and Christian tradition rather than by the law. It is a common custom to receive the name of the saint on whose day one was born.

from A Catholic Dictionary, Edited by Donald Attwater, Second Edition, Revised 1949

Answer 2

As Jesus is the central figure that makes the baptism valid, His name is also central to the ordinance of baptism, and He who, effectively, gives authority to its performance.

The baptism itself, however, remembers and is in respect of Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Answer 3

Not all Christians do. Christians described as "Jesus Only" or "Oneness Pentecostals" believe that water baptism must be done in the name of Jesus in order to be saved from Hell. However, most other Christians believe that baptism should be done in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18).