Trinitarian baptismal formula; baptism in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The Free Will Baptist denomination affirms Matthew 28:19 as the command of the risen Christ to baptize believers 'in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.' The Trinitarian formula is affirmed as essential to Christian baptism and is consistently used in all Free Will Baptist baptisms.
Baptism in the Free Will Baptist tradition is administered to those who have made a personal profession of faith in Christ. It is understood as believer's baptism, symbolizing the believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection and their incorporation into the body of Christ. The Trinitarian invocation connects the baptized person to the threefold work of God in salvation.
Matthew 28:19 is also understood as the Great Commission, establishing the church's mandate to evangelize and make disciples of all nations. The Trinitarian formula affirms the work of all three persons of the Godhead in salvation and discipleship.
Key Distinctions
- Baptismal formula:
- baptism represents trinitarian work in salvation
- Baptism mode:
- Baptism recipients:
Scripture References
Sources
- Free Will Baptist Treatise of the Faith
- NAFWB Baptismal Practice