WHAT JESUS SAID

Matthew 28:18-20

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

       There are two principles that come into play here whose titles do not appear in scripture.  1) Scholars refer to the phrase “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” as “The Trinity”.  The Bible doesn’t just simply say we are to baptize new converts in “the names” and the word Trinity doesn’t appear in scripture; it lists the names very specifically as “in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit”, thus tying them together, unifying them.  Three entities unified in spirit as One.

       2) That which Christ commanded his followers to do is referred to as “The Great Commission”. You won’t find that phrase in scripture; it’s simply what it is called due to the nature of the command. We have been commissioned to minister the gospel of Christ to everyone.  We are his representatives on this earth.  It is insufficient to think that we can simply believe in God and believe in Christ alone.  We are called to DO something for God’s kingdom with the gifts he has given us and we all have gifts.  If you are unaware of yours ask the Lord to reveal them to you.  He gave them to you and certainly knows what they are. 

       Why is the whole concept of baptism important?  It is an act of submission to God. Infant baptism isn’t found in the Bible. Dedicating ones child to God, which is not water baptism, is something parents may choose to do when they are infants; however, the child must still make a personal decision to receive Christ when they grow older. Baptism unifies believers.  It is a symbol of submission to Christ and a willingness to live according to God’s standards.  It says you are willing to make Jesus Christ the King of your life.  It says that you are also willing to worship him as your Savior and Lord.  Use your gifts for God.  Dedicate your entire life to the calling that has been placed on your life.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

Resources: The Life Application Study Bible, published by Tyndale House.  Http://gotquestions.org/infant-baptism.html .