Christian baptism is one of two ordinances that Jesus instituted for the church. Just before His ascension, Jesus said, “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20).
Jesus was telling the church to teach His Word, make disciples, and baptize those disciples. These things are to be done everywhere (“all nations”) until “the very end of the age.” Christian baptism illustrates the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It also illustrates our death to sin and new life in Christ.
