Lesson 4188

 (Lesson 4188)(07-10-23) 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 quote is what most know as “The Great Commission”. It is one of the most important lessons in the entire bible. It is also one of the most grossly misinterpreted lessons there is to be found in the New Testament.

    The misconception centers around the meaning and intent of the word “baptizing” as it is applied in today’s quote. In truth, the baptism that Jesus commanded His    

apostles to administer therein, was NOT an immersion into water, as most interpret it to be, but rather, was an instruction to educate as to the existence of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. (This will be explained further as this lesson progresses.)

    As a matter of fact, the quote makes no sense if  indeed the baptisms commanded therein were to be immersions in water. It would mean that a person would require THREE separate water baptisms. One in the name of the Father, another in the name of the Son, and yet another in the name of the Holy Ghost. Jesus said “baptizing them in the name of the Father, AND of the Son, AND of the Holy Spirit”. The quote DOES NOT say ‘baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. 

    The structure of the sentence does not allow for only one baptism, if indeed water immersion is implied. It clearly demands three distinctly different actions. Or, at least actions with three different intities.

NOTE: This is only a part of the lesson that is to be taken from today’s quote. We will spend several days in and attempt to establish the true intent of this broadly mis-interpreted lesson.~