Holy Trinity
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. Matthew 28:19-20 ESV
When Jesus first called a collection of fishermen, zealots, and a tax collector to follow Him and become His students, they probably had little idea what they would learn. But learn they did. They learned about God’s plan to save sinners, yet one wonders what they really understood in real time on Good Friday.
After the initial shock of the resurrection, Jesus filled in the blanks and built up their understanding. The Emmaus disciples received a seminar on the Messiah they didn’t really know on the way to their little village. Jesus’ students had forty days with Him to be prepared for the work He was leaving them to do.
Then, before He ascended into the heavens to be given the highest position of honor and glory, He gave them and every other disciple their marching orders. As you go, make disciples. Baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These are not three different baptisms or three gods. The Father, the Son, and the Spirit are the three-in-one God. In His command, Jesus placed them side by side as equals, none greater or lesser than the other. They are as the Athanasian creed declares “three incomprehensibles”.
Our gracious God. The Father loved us from eternity. The Son redeemed us in the fullness of time. The Spirit made us children of God. To God alone the glory.
Glory to God the Father, Son, And Holy Spirit, Three in One!
To Thee, O blessed Trinity, Be praise now and eternally!
The Lutheran Hymnal 245:6