Baptism in the Great Commission
Matthew 28:19
Excerpt
Jesus’ Resurrection Command to Baptize Here we find the true basis of the church’s practice (Mt 28:19). As already stated, the disciples stopped employing it, so it is here that we see the institution reconstituted as an ordinance based on the death and resurrection of Christ. It was no longer a forward-looking phenomenon but had now become a realized activity centering on the gospel message, certified by the risen Christ who is exalted to universal lordship. It also is an essential aspect of the disciplining activity, as seen in the use of the participle “baptizing” after the main verb “make disciples.” Finally, we might note that the act signifies the entrance of the believer “into” union with (literally “into the name of”) the triune Godhead.
Elwell, Walter A., and Philip Wesley Comfort. Tyndale Bible dictionary 2001: 145. Print. Tyndale Reference Library.
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