The Gospel for Trinity Sunday this year is Matthew 28: 16-20. This familiar passage contains the risen Christ's basic commission to His apostles, and through them to all Christians. They are to make disciples, baptize them in the name of the Holy Trinity, and teach them to observe Christ's teaching. All this sounds simple, but as church history illustrates, it can be quite complicated in practice
At the heart of Christian discipleship is Baptism in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Trinitarian Baptism marks us as belonging to God, as members of Christ's Church. Besides being an external sign of belonging to the church, Baptism is a true means of grace that begins and continues to nourish a Christian life. Whatever our challenges or accomplishments in this life, the most important thing about us is that almighty God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, has claimed us as His own. He has offered us redeeming grace, and He continues to offer us renewing and sanctifying grace amidst the ups and downs of earthly life.
Although theological speculations and definitions of the Trinity are necessary and meaningful, the essential importance of the doctrine of the Trinity for believers is practical, devotional, and spiritual. The doctrine concerns redemption or salvation. It summarizes the way God works throughout the Bible. It is about one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, working on our souls to save us from sin and death and offer us eternal life in His presence.
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