Lesson 4193

 (Lesson 4193)(07-15-23) Matthew 28:16-20

    “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

    Today’s lesson is a summary of the last few concerning the meaning and intent of the word “baptizing” as it appears in Jesus’ last instructions to His apostles.

    So far, we have established that John the Baptist came preaching the coming of the church, and to “baptize (cleanse) His followers with water unto (toward or before) repentance”. 

    We’ve established that John’s water baptism was required of all devout Jews, under the Law of Moses, before they entered into ANY religious exercise. 

    We also learned  that Jesus came to baptize “with the Holy Ghost and with fire”. Jesus performed a totally different baptism, one that “justitfieth” the eternal souls of those who believe in Him.

    It is my confirmed belief that the word “baptizing”, as it appears in Matthew 28:19, has nothing to do with water, but rather, defines the process of teaching the lost, and immersing them into, the whole concept of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.~