(Matthew 28:16-20)
16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated to them. 17 And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:
To all believers, the Lord asks us to spread the gospel message, and baptize those who become believers.
Baptism doesn't save, it's an outward testimony, as well as a visual demonstration of what the Lord has done for us so that we can have a personal relationship with Him. Being placed under the water references Christ's death to pay for our sins - as well as representing - our dying to sins (because the Lord has forgiven all our sins: past, present and future). Coming up from the water references Christ's resurrection and conquering death - as well as representing - our eternal life that we have in the Lord.
Baptism also represents how we have been washed clean of all sin, becoming a new creation in Christ! When we become believers, we receive the Lord's indwelling Holy Spirit, who changes us from the inside out. And as we allow the Lord to continue working for us, in us and through us, we become more and more like Him. In all of this, we identify ourselves with Christ, who came to earth in flesh, not to be served, but to humbly serve us. Therefore, in our relationship with the Lord, we will serve Him, not because we have to, but because we want to.
Christianity is not about do's and don'ts. It is all about having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. We cannot work towards earning our salvation, it is only through Jesus. And we cannot even work towards keeping our salvation, it is only through the grace of Jesus! Once a Christian - always a Christian. When we put our faith and belief in the Lord, He gives us His indwelling Holy Spirit forever. Nothing can undo that. Not even ourselves. So, no matter what we do or don't do, we cannot lose our salvation.
Such freedom really goes against the world's view of what love is, and our flesh will still struggle, and we will periodically stray, and take the Lord for granted. But in this relationship of AGAPE (selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love), Jesus wants us to keep putting Him first. This is why, in our love for Him, we will want to read and study His word. This is why we will not neglect the gathering of the saints (another term for Christians/believers). It's all about our relationship with the Lord! And then about us having healthy relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ. And then, as we go through life, with godly agape love, reaching out and inviting others to join the family of God!
The Lord God does use other believers to give us directions, to help us put Christ first in our lives. A few verses back, Jesus had told Mary of Magdalen and Salome to go tell the disciples to come to this spot. Notice that even though some disciples were doubting, they still went. This is good. In life, believers will have moments of doubt, even the most seasoned of believers. The important thing, is that we continue going to God for our assurance, comfort, peace, strength, wisdom, joy and certain hope. And in this, we can share the Lord and His good news with others!
