Abstract

DE KLERK, B.J.. The authority of Jesus' preaching and the baptism. In Skriflig (Online) [online]. 2011, vol.45, n.2-3, pp.361-384. ISSN 2305-0853.

The question investigated in this article is what the relation is between the authority of the preaching of Jesus and the baptism that He instituted. The purpose is to reach practice-theoretical deductions regarding the effect what the authority of Jesus' preaching might have on the baptism. Firstly, the focus is on the meaning of the authority of the preaching of Jesus, and consequently on the relation between the authority of Jesus' preaching and the baptism based on Matthew 28:18-20. Lastly, the emphasis is on determining some practice-theoretical deductions of this for the baptism. Jesus' preaching is founded in his unity with his Father, his mandate as Messenger and his self-testimony. Therefore, his preaching has absolute authority. His preaching works that which it proclaims, and demands faith from the listener. The fact that Jesus has sovereign power, gives Him the right to give the command to baptise. Baptism serves to reveal Christ's divine glory. Through baptism Jesus sets his authority over the life of the baptised and the covenant parents, and as a result He can also demand unconditional obedience from them. His authority is enacted through preaching, because Jesus continues his authority in his preaching, even today.

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