BAPTIZING IN THE NAME

Dallas Willard (1935-2013) professor and author wrote,

“Again he (Jesus) said, “All authority is given to me in heaven and earth. Go therefore and make apprentices to me from all kinds of people, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:18-20). I hope you will agree with me that he didn’t just mean getting them thoroughly wet as we say the words over them, but rather that “baptizing them in the name” refers to surrounding them, immersing them in the reality of the Trinitarian community. And then we are to “teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you.” That would be a natural next step, completing the process Jesus assigned to his people.”

“Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ You are witnesses of all these things. And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” Jesus