Preach & Teach

This will conclude my blog on the book of Matthew.

 In this last chapter of the book, Matthew 28, we read in V 19:

"Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

Something should be mentioned about the Trinity!  Jesus' words affirm the reality of the Trinity.  As we see here, the concept comes directly from The Lord Himself. He did not say baptize them in the nameS, but in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The word Trinity does not occur in Scripture, but it well describes the three-in-one nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. When God said "Let us make man in our image" Genesis 1:26 perhaps this is why we are a three part person as well, body-soul-spirit?

Now about baptism, one thing should be said: according to God's Word, the water of baptism does not save, but God's grace accepted through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Because of Jesus' response to the criminal on the cross who died along side him, we know it is possible to be saved without being baptized (Luke 23:43).  Also, baptism alone without faith does not guarantee that a person will go to heaven.  Those who refuse to accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour will be condemned regardless if whether or not they have been baptized.

Mark 16:15-16 "And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned."

The disciples were to baptize people because baptism unites believers with Jesus Christ in their death to sin and their resurrection to new life. Baptism symbolizes submission to Christ, a willingness to live God's way, and identification with God's covenant people.

Why is God commanding us to tell others (Romans 10:9) of His wondrous love for sinners? Because He doesn't want any to perish (1 Timothy 1:4) in that awful place called 'hell' which was prepared for the Devil and his angels (Matt 25:41). He has made provision and it is up to us to accept or reject it (See John 3:36).

Precious Pearl:
"And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:15

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all." 1 Corinthians 13:14 
Claudine