1. Command of Jesus Who Received the All Authority in Heaven and on Earth
Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” Adam’s authority given by God was over every creature of the world that is visible (Genesis 1:28-30). However, Jesus’ authority is great beyond comparison, for it is the authority to rule over everything in heaven and earth. Also, because this authority includes reigning over evil spirits, Jesus could break the authority of death and resurrect and ascend into heaven. He rules over life and death, good and ill fortune of life. After all, he will be the judge for the Last Judgment. Jesus came to the world to save mankind who were destined to death due to their sin. Although He is the Son of God and is spotless, He was crucified. Through His sacrifice, He fulfilled the law with love. Following the spiritual law, God the Creator gave Him all authority in heaven and earth.
Jesus with this authority commanded His disciples to make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of God Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Following this command, we should baptize people and be baptized. Today, ministers, in the name of God the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, baptize people who accepted Jesus as the Savior and became children of God. Though baptism with water belongs to ministers, baptism with Holy Spirit only belongs to God the Father. The baptism of the Holy Spirit can be given through earnest prayer of ministers or by one’s faith according to God’s will.
Furthermore, as Jesus commanded us, “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you,” once we are baptized, we should listen, read, and learn the Word of God willingly and obey His will as the Bible tells us. If we live as a disciple of Jesus Christ, He promised that He would be with us to the end of the age.
2. Reason of Being Baptized with Water and Participating in Holy Communion
Ministers baptize people who love to be disciples of Jesus Christ, in the name of God the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and they do it with water. Then, let us delve into why we should be baptized with water.
Water makes up over 70 percents of our body and is essential in keeping our life. We can digest what we eat when we take the food with water. If we keep on eating food without water, the food will get stuck in our stomach and probably we will die. Also, water cleans us from dirt. It washes our dirty bodies and clothing. In short, water gives us life and cleanliness.
Then, what is the spiritual meaning of water? Jesus said in John 4:14, “But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” Also, John 6:51-54 says, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world꿞hoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” Spiritually, the water from Jesus Christ is His flesh and blood, and when we eat and drink them, we will have life in us and finally gain eternal life. As water cleanses us from dirt and gives us life, the Word of God purifies our sinful hearts and leads us to everlasting life. Therefore, it is quite right to be baptized by water, full of spiritual meaning.
3. Relationship between Baptism and Salvation
When Jesus was crucified on Golgotha, one of the criminals repented of his sins and received salvation (Luke 29:39-43). Therefore, we can infer from this that baptism itself is not directly related with one’s salvation.
However, baptism has the meaning of getting the confirmation of salvation. Therefore, it gives faith to people who accept Jesus Christ as the Savior and become children of God. By being baptized, they obtain pleasure to be saved and will follow the Word of God with faith. In case of one’s promotion in a company, it is announced to all employees officially. Likewise, it is a clear evidence of salvation to be baptized in the name of God the Father, of the Son and the Holy Spirit. And baptism is a commandment of Jesus Christ. To obey His commandment, you should be baptized and confirmed as children of God.
In conclusion, baptism with water is purifying one’s life with the Word of God. And it is same with the Holy Communion, in which we share the sacramental wine and bread with church members. Spiritually, drinking the wine and eating the bread symbolize keeping the Word of God and living in His will (John 1:1, John 1:14, John 6:51-54). Therefore, children of God should be baptized and be present at the Holy Communion in memory of spiritual meanings.
