The Formula Of Baptism Explained – (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 2:38)

Introduction:

This explanation will explain the risen King Messiah’s (Christ’s) instructions for baptism verse by verse (Matthew 28:18-20), and also break down the famous ‘…in the name of…’ formula line by line, as per verse 19 – being;

‘…in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit:’
(ref. Matthew 28:19)

A baptism script that one might entertain/recite when doing this commandment is also shared.

Then, what it means to be baptised in the name of the Lord ‘Jesus Christ’ (ref. Acts 2:38), will also be explained.

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Matthew 28:18-20

VERSE 18:
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Matthew 28:18 KJV

EXPLANATION:
This verse is linked in another verse which briefly states that God has put all things at the King Messiah’s (Christ’s) feet (control), except of course for God Himself, as He is above all;

For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him.
1 Corinthians 15:27 ESV

1 Corinthians 15:27 shows us that G-d remains above all including Christ – hence,

‘…the Father is greater than I…’
(John 14:28).

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VERSE 19 And Explanation:

•’…baptizing them in the name of the Father,…’
[a person recognises and believes that G-d is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,].

•‘…and of the Son…’
[a person recognises and believes that the Lord Jesus (Yehoshua/Yeshua) Christ is the Messiah – the created Son of God, whom God has raised from the dead,].

•‘…and of the Holy Spirit/Ghost…’
[a person recognises and is seeking G-d’s sovereign help along the way as they now desire to walk in His good commandments. This is also referred to in Holy Scripture as refreshing and renewal which is promised to all who believe in Christ (1 Peter 3:21, Acts 15:8, 3:19 NASB, 2 Cor 5:17 KJV, Ezekiel 36:26-27, John 14:1, Isaiah 50:10). This refreshing newness comes from God and is effected by His Holy Spirit (Ruach HaKodesh). It is part of what is known as the New Covenant (Jer 31:31-34, Ezekiel 36:26-27)], and is also described and serves as;

‘He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved…’
(Mark 16:16 KJV)

‘…an appeal to God for a good conscience…’
(1 Peter 3:21 ESV),

which means,

‘…rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,’
(Titus 3:5 NIV).

A Potential Script:

With this perhaps when immersing in water (baptising), a script one might entertain/recite could sound along the lines of:

‘Dear God, I am hereby now being baptized as per Holy Scripture. This is being done in honor of You, Your risen son, and the recognition and believing for Your soveriegn help and refreshing by way of Your Holy Spirit. Baptism is also an appeal for a good conscience, help, and is also descibed as a good obedient deed and type of seal (Mark 16:16) – as per the instructions of the Messiah (Christ). I look forward to learning and applying your rules and statutes in my life’.

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VERSE 20:
‘Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…’
(Matthew 28:20 KJV)

EXPLANATION:
With this faith, Believers are to uphold G-d’s good commandments and statutes – which are known as the Law of Moses;

‘…commandments… whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.  For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’
(Matthew 5:19‭-‬20 ESV)

Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.
Romans 3:31 ESV

‘…we uphold the Torah.’
(Kehilah in Rome 3:31 OJB)

What Does It Mean To Be Baptised In The Name Of Jesus Christ? (ref. Acts 2:38);

Acts 2:38 reads as follows;

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38 NIV

Briefly, the expression ‘…in the name of…’ is a phrase used in recognition / to honor a person and or refer to their instructions/words.

This can be seen in other older literature, such as the Mishnah/Talmud – where it might read as this; ‘…r. Yochanan said in the name of r.Mordicai, r.Mordicai said to wash before evening every night – just in case.’

This assists us now with what Acts 2:28 is trying to communicate – which when paraphrased is saying;

‘In honor/recognition of the risen Lord Jesus Christ and his instructions, be baptised in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. With this faith also learn and uphold God’s good commandments and statutes.’.
(par. ref. Matthew 28:19-20)

How – By Immersion Or Sprinkle?

Holy Scripture shows us in passages such as Acts 8:36-39, that baptism is traditionally by way of immersion in a body of water.

Hoping these things are fruitful with you.

May the Holy G-d bless you beyond maximum, believing in His risen Son the Lord Jesus (Yehoshua/Yeshua) Christ. Amen.

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