What does baptizing "in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit" signify? Opening Scripture “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19) What “in the name” Communicates - Authority: Acting under God’s sovereign commission (Acts 4:7). - Ownership: We now belong to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). - Representation: We bear His character before the watching world (Colossians 3:17). Revealing the Triune Nature of God - One Name, three Persons—singular “name,” yet distinct Father, Son, Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17). - Each Person fully God, working together in salvation (Ephesians 1:3-14). - Baptism becomes a confession that our faith rests on the united work of the Triune God. Public Identification and Allegiance - Declares open loyalty to the Father who planned salvation (Ephesians 1:4-5). - Testifies to union with the Son who accomplished redemption (Romans 6:3-4). - Affirms dependence on the Spirit who applies new life (Titus 3:5-6). Entrance into Covenant and Family - Marks the believer’s formal initiation into God’s covenant people (Galatians 3:26-27). - Signals adoption: “Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts” (Galatians 4:6). Participation in Christ’s Mission - The Great Commission links baptism to disciple-making; we join Christ’s ongoing work (John 20:21). - Baptism testifies to death to sin and resurrection to serve (Romans 6:4-5). Promises Sealed - Forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). - Gift of the Holy Spirit as indwelling Helper (1 Corinthians 12:13). - Hope of resurrection life (Colossians 2:12). Practical Takeaways • Treasure the unity and diversity within the Godhead displayed every time believers are baptized. • Remember your own baptism as a vow of lifelong allegiance to Father, Son, and Spirit. • Encourage new believers to see baptism not as a ritual add-on but as a joyful confession of triune grace. |
    |