The Importance of Matthew 28:19-20
The first reference to Christian baptism in the New Testament is in what is called the Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:19–20. It says:
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
This shows that Christian baptism is different from the other baptisms mentioned in the Bible, like John’s baptism, Jesus’ baptism by John, or baptisms performed by Jesus’ disciples. Jesus’ instructions in this passage are very clear: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you.”
The key part of this instruction is “make disciples.” In the original Greek, this is the only direct command in the passage; the other actions—going, baptizing, and teaching—are all ways of carrying out this command. Going is necessary to reach people, while baptism and teaching are the ways to make disciples.
One important thing to notice is that Jesus mentions baptism specifically. Some people think baptism is just one of many good works or acts of obedience for Christians. But Matthew 28:19–20 suggests something much more significant. Baptism is listed separately from “all that I commanded you,” which shows that it is not just another duty. It has a unique role in the life of a believer.
The Importance of Baptism
Paul also talks about baptism in 1 Corinthians 1, and at first, it might seem like he is downplaying its importance. He says he baptized only a few people so that no one could claim loyalty to him instead of Christ. But this actually shows how important baptism was in the early church. Baptism was so significant that people might make it a reason to follow one leader over another. Paul avoided this by leaving most baptizing to others, but he never treated baptism as unimportant. He assumes that all Christians are baptized and frequently refers to it in his letters.
The phrase “in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” is also very important. In the Bible, a person’s name represents their character and authority. So to be baptized “into the name” of the Trinity is to enter into a relationship with God Himself. Baptism signifies that we become God’s possession: the Father purchased us through the Son’s sacrifice, and the Spirit marks us as His own.
Because of this, baptism is not just an act of obedience. It is a defining step in becoming a disciple of Christ. It brings a person into union with God and marks a transition into the New Covenant age. Salvation in this new era requires faith in the Trinity and baptism, unlike in the Old Testament, where faith and repentance were sufficient. This is because the New Testament reveals God’s full work of redemption and the Trinitarian nature of God in a way that was not fully revealed before.
Summary
In summary, Matthew 28:19–20 shows that baptism has a unique and essential role in making disciples. It is not just another good work but a vital act that unites a believer with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is through baptism that we become God’s own, and it reflects the new reality of salvation in the New Covenant age. Baptism is so important that it deserves a special place in the Great Commission, separated from other commandments and acts of obedience.
