Baptism is commanded in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) and signifies a believer's identification with Christ's work, representing their union with Him in His death and resurrection.
The doctrine of baptism is affirmed through the clear command given by Christ in the Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:19-20. Here, Jesus instructs His followers to baptize 'in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,' highlighting the importance of baptism in the Christian faith as an act of obedience and identification with the Triune God. Baptism serves as a public declaration of one's faith in Christ and signifies a believer's union with Him.
Additionally, baptism acts as a representation of the transformative work of salvation, showing that believers partake in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. The act of going under the water symbolizes death and burial, while rising from the water symbolizes new life in Christ. Through this ordinance, the believer publicly confesses their faith and demonstrates their commitment to follow Christ, which supports the doctrine's validity as a key component in the life of a believer and the Church.
Scripture References:
Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:41, Acts 2:38
Commentary