This is what I posted prompting what now follows.
I have not read one post in this thread that comes close to the truth of what the water baptism represents.
So Please tell me what is gained from water baptism and I will show you from God's Holy Word what this water baptism was.
Water baptism does it save, wash away sin, cleanse you from all unrighteousness? What?
Here is what I have gathered from this thread pertaining to what many here believe about the baptism of John (the water baptism)
Water Baptism, is a type or shadow, of being Washed into the Water of The Word.
"I confess one baptizing for remission of sins...."
Baptism is something we do to publicly declare that we believe that Christ died and rose from the dead. That is what the act of baptism symbolizes . It's also a personal things between you and God and its documenting to Him, by the way He does things, that you are a Christian and you have faith.
I believe Baptism is necessary for the remission of sins,
Baptism is a symbol of what happens within a person. Like circumcision.
is not just as busy work for the church, it actually does something in the spiritual world . . .
baptism doesn't save us ! It is a celebration of life in Christ.
od says be baptized, as one of ways we live for Him.
water baptism represents dying to our sinful ways (the old man) and rising to new life in Christ (sharing in his death and resurrection?)
you need to do it to proclaim your faith in Jesus, to show that you have decided to follow Him for the rest of your life.
Now lets look at what this baptism John preached was about.
Matthew 3:11 (KJV)
11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Mark 1:4 (KJV)
4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Luke 3:3 (KJV)
3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
Acts 13:24 (KJV)
24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
Acts 19:4 (KJV)
4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
John baptized with the baptism of repentance.
Telling the people they should believe on Christ Jesus
Repentance for the remission of sins.
Not water baptism for the remission of sins.
Repentance!