JULY 21 & 22, 2007
In last week's installment of my Messages About Purpose and Strategy, I began to highlight key aspects of the Great Commission. Jesus commanded his followers to "make disciples" (Matt. 28:18-20) and said this would involve "going....," "baptizing....," and "teaching...."
I focused on the first of these already, now we'll consider a thought or two about baptizing. There are many views concerning the particulars of this ordinance. I've written a paper on the topic of baptism and I'm happy to make it available to those who request it.
Despite the diversity of belief concerning how people are to be baptized, most Christians recognize that the Bible portrays baptism as a sign of conversion. It represents saving faith and is thus a physical sign of a spiritual reality. It appears in the Great Commission as an initiatory rite in recognition that the person has been brought into vital union with the triune God. Note that believers are to be baptized in the name (singular) of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. The ordinance recognizes the sovereignty and absolute power of the Creator, the redemptive work, daily intercession and the Son's perfect sacrifice, and the continued empowerment, leading and regeneration of the Holy Spirit.
Dayspring seeks to glorify God by following this pattern. We are commissioned to baptize those who come to God through faith in Jesus Christ.
I focused on the first of these already, now we'll consider a thought or two about baptizing. There are many views concerning the particulars of this ordinance. I've written a paper on the topic of baptism and I'm happy to make it available to those who request it.
Despite the diversity of belief concerning how people are to be baptized, most Christians recognize that the Bible portrays baptism as a sign of conversion. It represents saving faith and is thus a physical sign of a spiritual reality. It appears in the Great Commission as an initiatory rite in recognition that the person has been brought into vital union with the triune God. Note that believers are to be baptized in the name (singular) of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. The ordinance recognizes the sovereignty and absolute power of the Creator, the redemptive work, daily intercession and the Son's perfect sacrifice, and the continued empowerment, leading and regeneration of the Holy Spirit.
Dayspring seeks to glorify God by following this pattern. We are commissioned to baptize those who come to God through faith in Jesus Christ.
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