Affirms
Matthew 28:19 establishes Trinitarian baptism; Methodists practice infant and believer
Methodists affirm Matthew 28:19 as Jesus's command to baptize in the Trinitarian name. This passage supports Methodist practice of baptism administered 'in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.'
Methodists practice both infant baptism (of baptized parents, as sign of God's prevenient grace) and believer's baptism (of those professing faith). Both are valid Methodist practices. The essential meaning of baptism in Matthew 28:19 is initiation into the Christian community under the promise and protection of the Triune God. John Wesley affirmed baptism as an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.
Key Distinctions
- Baptismal formula:
- administration in Trinitarian name
- Baptism mode:
- both infant and believer baptism accepted
- Baptism recipients:
Scripture References
Sources
- Wesley's Explanatory Notes on Matthew
- The Book of Discipline (United Methodist Church)