Old Testament Foreshadows of NT Water Baptism

[Wansvic]

The Old Testament cleansing of a leper and red heifer rituals foreshadow the New Testament command to be water baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins as first commanded in Acts 2:38.

When the Apostles preached baptism, they were using a theological language their Jewish listeners instantly recognized. The architectural, chemical, and ritual elements of those Old Testament shadow-ceremonies map directly onto the mechanics of Christian baptism in several profound ways:

1. The Dynamic Mixture: "Living Water" and Blood
In both the cleansing of the leper and the Red Heifer ritual, water alone was insufficient to cleanse the person. The water had to be paired with an element of sacrifice.
· The Shadow: The leper was sprinkled with a mixture of living (flowing) water and the blood of a slain bird (Leviticus 14:5). The corpse-defiled person was sprinkled with living water mixed with ashes that contained the incinerated scarlet yarn (the symbol of life-blood) (Numbers 19:17).
· The Reality in Baptism: New Testament water baptism is not just a physical bath; it is the spiritual intersection of water and blood. When an individual is immersed in water, they are entering what the Apostle Paul calls a baptism "into His death" (Romans 6:3). The water of baptism applies the cleansing power of the blood Jesus shed on the cross directly to the believer's record, remitting (wiping away) their sin.

2. The Mandate of a Specific "Name" (The Authority)
A crucial component of both Old Testament rituals was the direct application of a specific identity and authority to change a person's legal status.
· The Shadow: The priest had to explicitly declare the leper "clean" using the covenant authority given by God. The ashes of the Red Heifer had to be processed under the direct authority of the High Priest's lineage to have legal weight.
· The Reality in Baptism: In Acts 2:38, Peter commands baptism specifically "in the name of Jesus Christ." In Jewish law, acting in someone’s "name" meant invoking their full legal authority, power, and ownership. Just as the Old Testament priest applied the ritual elements to legally change a person's status from "dead/defiled" to "alive/clean," pronouncing the name of Jesus over the baptismal waters legally transfers the believer into Christ's ownership, legally breaking the power of sin.

· 3. Reversing "Living Death" and Corpse Defilement
The context of who received these Old Testament washings perfectly mirrors why a person needs New Testament baptism.
· The Shadow: Leprosy was a rotting of the flesh while still alive, and touching a corpse made a person a carrier of death. Both conditions were considered a state of "living death"—the physical manifestation of sin's consequences. The rituals completely rolled back this decay, physically resurrecting their social and religious life.
· The Reality in Baptism: The New Testament teaches that before Christ, every human being is spiritually "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). Water baptism is the explicit mechanism used to bury that old, rotting life of sin. As Colossians 2:12 states, believers are "buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God."

· 4. Moving "Outside the Camp"
Both Old Testament purification rites required the sacrifice to take place completely outside the borders of human society and sacred spaces.
· The Shadow: The bird for the leper was killed outside the camp. The Red Heifer was led completely outside the camp to be burned.
· The Reality in Baptism: The Book of Hebrews explicitly connects this detail to Jesus, noting that Jesus “also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood” (Hebrews 13:12). When a person submits to water baptism, they are choosing to leave the "camp" of the world and their old life. They align themselves with the rejected Savior who died outside the gates, leaving their sins behind in the water. (AI excerpts)

· Summary: Shadow vs. Reality

Old Testament Shadow (Leviticus 14 / Numbers 19)​	New Testament Reality (Acts 2:38 / Romans 6)​
Living water mixed with blood/scarlet ash	Baptismal water spiritually applying Christ's blood
Sprinkled by the Priest's authority	Immersed in the Name of Jesus Christ
Cleanses physical rotting and corpse defilement	Grants the remission of sins

 

[p_rehbein]

The Old Testament cleansing of a leper and red heifer rituals foreshadow the New Testament command to be water baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins as first commanded in Acts 2:38.

So sad.....

Repent, and be baptized for the forgiveness of sin.

Question:

Is one being baptized to have sins forgiven?

OR

Is one being baptized because upon repenting their sins were forgiven?

Try this:

Repent and jump for joy for the forgiveness of sin.

Is one jumping for joy to have their sins forgiven, or because when they repented their sins were forgiven?

This comparison was first offered by Adrian Rogers. One of the best known Southern Baptist Preachers in recent History. He firmly believed and taught that water baptism was NOT required for the forgiveness of sin, but a RESULT of one having their sins forgiven upon repenting and giving ones life to God.

 

[GWH]

The Old Testament cleansing of a leper and red heifer rituals foreshadow the New Testament command to be water baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins as first commanded in Acts 2:38.

When the Apostles preached baptism, they were using a theological language their Jewish listeners instantly recognized. The architectural, chemical, and ritual elements of those Old Testament shadow-ceremonies map directly onto the mechanics of Christian baptism in several profound ways:

1. The Dynamic Mixture: "Living Water" and Blood
In both the cleansing of the leper and the Red Heifer ritual, water alone was insufficient to cleanse the person. The water had to be paired with an element of sacrifice.
· The Shadow: The leper was sprinkled with a mixture of living (flowing) water and the blood of a slain bird (Leviticus 14:5). The corpse-defiled person was sprinkled with living water mixed with ashes that contained the incinerated scarlet yarn (the symbol of life-blood) (Numbers 19:17).
· The Reality in Baptism: New Testament water baptism is not just a physical bath; it is the spiritual intersection of water and blood. When an individual is immersed in water, they are entering what the Apostle Paul calls a baptism "into His death" (Romans 6:3). The water of baptism applies the cleansing power of the blood Jesus shed on the cross directly to the believer's record, remitting (wiping away) their sin.

2. The Mandate of a Specific "Name" (The Authority)
A crucial component of both Old Testament rituals was the direct application of a specific identity and authority to change a person's legal status.
· The Shadow: The priest had to explicitly declare the leper "clean" using the covenant authority given by God. The ashes of the Red Heifer had to be processed under the direct authority of the High Priest's lineage to have legal weight.
· The Reality in Baptism: In Acts 2:38, Peter commands baptism specifically "in the name of Jesus Christ." In Jewish law, acting in someone’s "name" meant invoking their full legal authority, power, and ownership. Just as the Old Testament priest applied the ritual elements to legally change a person's status from "dead/defiled" to "alive/clean," pronouncing the name of Jesus over the baptismal waters legally transfers the believer into Christ's ownership, legally breaking the power of sin.

· 3. Reversing "Living Death" and Corpse Defilement
The context of who received these Old Testament washings perfectly mirrors why a person needs New Testament baptism.
· The Shadow: Leprosy was a rotting of the flesh while still alive, and touching a corpse made a person a carrier of death. Both conditions were considered a state of "living death"—the physical manifestation of sin's consequences. The rituals completely rolled back this decay, physically resurrecting their social and religious life.
· The Reality in Baptism: The New Testament teaches that before Christ, every human being is spiritually "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). Water baptism is the explicit mechanism used to bury that old, rotting life of sin. As Colossians 2:12 states, believers are "buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God."

· 4. Moving "Outside the Camp"
Both Old Testament purification rites required the sacrifice to take place completely outside the borders of human society and sacred spaces.
· The Shadow: The bird for the leper was killed outside the camp. The Red Heifer was led completely outside the camp to be burned.
· The Reality in Baptism: The Book of Hebrews explicitly connects this detail to Jesus, noting that Jesus “also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood” (Hebrews 13:12). When a person submits to water baptism, they are choosing to leave the "camp" of the world and their old life. They align themselves with the rejected Savior who died outside the gates, leaving their sins behind in the water. (AI excerpts)

· Summary: Shadow vs. Reality

Old Testament Shadow (Leviticus 14 / Numbers 19)​	New Testament Reality (Acts 2:38 / Romans 6)​
Living water mixed with blood/scarlet ash	Baptismal water spiritually applying Christ's blood
Sprinkled by the Priest's authority	Immersed in the Name of Jesus Christ
Cleanses physical rotting and corpse defilement	Grants the remission of sins

The main OT practice that foreshadowed WB was PC (cf. Phil. 3:2-3, Col. 2:11-23).

 

[Wansvic]

The main OT practice that foreshadowed WB was PC (cf. Phil. 3:2-3, Col. 2:11-23).

If you will be so kind as to take the time to spell out the words you abbreviate I will be happy to respond.

 

[TruthDefender]

The Old Testament cleansing of a leper and red heifer rituals foreshadow the New Testament command to be water baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins as first commanded in Acts 2:38.

When the Apostles preached baptism, they were using a theological language their Jewish listeners instantly recognized. The architectural, chemical, and ritual elements of those Old Testament shadow-ceremonies map directly onto the mechanics of Christian baptism in several profound ways:

1. The Dynamic Mixture: "Living Water" and Blood
In both the cleansing of the leper and the Red Heifer ritual, water alone was insufficient to cleanse the person. The water had to be paired with an element of sacrifice.
· The Shadow: The leper was sprinkled with a mixture of living (flowing) water and the blood of a slain bird (Leviticus 14:5). The corpse-defiled person was sprinkled with living water mixed with ashes that contained the incinerated scarlet yarn (the symbol of life-blood) (Numbers 19:17).
· The Reality in Baptism: New Testament water baptism is not just a physical bath; it is the spiritual intersection of water and blood. When an individual is immersed in water, they are entering what the Apostle Paul calls a baptism "into His death" (Romans 6:3). The water of baptism applies the cleansing power of the blood Jesus shed on the cross directly to the believer's record, remitting (wiping away) their sin.

2. The Mandate of a Specific "Name" (The Authority)
A crucial component of both Old Testament rituals was the direct application of a specific identity and authority to change a person's legal status.
· The Shadow: The priest had to explicitly declare the leper "clean" using the covenant authority given by God. The ashes of the Red Heifer had to be processed under the direct authority of the High Priest's lineage to have legal weight.
· The Reality in Baptism: In Acts 2:38, Peter commands baptism specifically "in the name of Jesus Christ." In Jewish law, acting in someone’s "name" meant invoking their full legal authority, power, and ownership. Just as the Old Testament priest applied the ritual elements to legally change a person's status from "dead/defiled" to "alive/clean," pronouncing the name of Jesus over the baptismal waters legally transfers the believer into Christ's ownership, legally breaking the power of sin.

· 3. Reversing "Living Death" and Corpse Defilement
The context of who received these Old Testament washings perfectly mirrors why a person needs New Testament baptism.
· The Shadow: Leprosy was a rotting of the flesh while still alive, and touching a corpse made a person a carrier of death. Both conditions were considered a state of "living death"—the physical manifestation of sin's consequences. The rituals completely rolled back this decay, physically resurrecting their social and religious life.
· The Reality in Baptism: The New Testament teaches that before Christ, every human being is spiritually "dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1). Water baptism is the explicit mechanism used to bury that old, rotting life of sin. As Colossians 2:12 states, believers are "buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God."

· 4. Moving "Outside the Camp"
Both Old Testament purification rites required the sacrifice to take place completely outside the borders of human society and sacred spaces.
· The Shadow: The bird for the leper was killed outside the camp. The Red Heifer was led completely outside the camp to be burned.
· The Reality in Baptism: The Book of Hebrews explicitly connects this detail to Jesus, noting that Jesus “also suffered outside the city gate to make the people holy through his own blood” (Hebrews 13:12). When a person submits to water baptism, they are choosing to leave the "camp" of the world and their old life. They align themselves with the rejected Savior who died outside the gates, leaving their sins behind in the water. (AI excerpts)

· Summary: Shadow vs. Reality

Old Testament Shadow (Leviticus 14 / Numbers 19)​	New Testament Reality (Acts 2:38 / Romans 6)​
Living water mixed with blood/scarlet ash	Baptismal water spiritually applying Christ's blood
Sprinkled by the Priest's authority	Immersed in the Name of Jesus Christ
Cleanses physical rotting and corpse defilement	Grants the remission of sins

Foreshadow of baptism:

“Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.”
‭‭I Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬-‭2‬, ‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

 

[Lamar]

So sad.....

Repent, and be baptized for the forgiveness of sin.

Question:

Is one being baptized to have sins forgiven?

OR

Is one being baptized because upon repenting their sins were forgiven?

Try this:

Repent and jump for joy for the forgiveness of sin.

Is one jumping for joy to have their sins forgiven, or because when they repented their sins were forgiven?

This comparison was first offered by Adrian Rogers. One of the best known Southern Baptist Preachers in recent History. He firmly believed and taught that water baptism was NOT required for the forgiveness of sin, but a RESULT of one having their sins forgiven upon repenting and giving ones life to God.

Try this:
Luke 5:4

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.”

Is one letting down their nets to have a catch of fish or because when they put out into deep water they got their catch?

This comparison is from the Bible. The same words, word order and author as Acts 2:38.

I trust Luke over Adrian Rogers.

 

[p_rehbein]

Not comparable. But good try.
Water baptism serves two distinct purposes:
1) The first act of obedience to Jesus
2) To serve as a witness to both the Church and the World that a person has repented and given his life to Christ. Holy Spirit baptism (which is the baptism unto salvation) can not be seen by the human eye. Thus, Jesus gave us an example of baptism that could see by the human eye, and it's witness is proved by God's witness to the water baptism of Jesus with the decent of the dove and God's declaration.
Matthew 3:13–17 (KJV)
13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased

Luke 3:21–22 (KJV)
21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased

9And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

10And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

11And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

The requirement for water baptism for salvation (forgiveness of sin) is, at best, flawed theology. At worst false teaching, and all who teach it are in danger of being held accountable for those who believe their teachings.

 

[GWH]

If you will be so kind as to take the time to spell out the words you abbreviate I will be happy to respond.

No need, because we are discussing on the thread you started regarding this topic.
However, in case I used those acronyms on the other thread, they mean:
The main Old Testament practice that foreshadowed water baptism was physical circumcision
(Rom. 2:25-29, 4:1-12, 6:3-7, 7:6, 9:30-32, 10:4-13, cf. Phil. 3:2-3, Col. 2:11-23).

 

[Lamar]

Not comparable. But good try.
Water baptism serves two distinct purposes:
1) The first act of obedience to Jesus
2) To serve as a witness to both the Church and the World that a person has repented and given his life to Christ. Holy Spirit baptism (which is the baptism unto salvation) can not be seen by the human eye. Thus, Jesus gave us an example of baptism that could see by the human eye, and it's witness is proved by God's witness to the water baptism of Jesus with the decent of the dove and God's declaration.
Matthew 3:13–17 (KJV)
13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased

Luke 3:21–22 (KJV)
21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased

9And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

10And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

11And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

The requirement for water baptism for salvation (forgiveness of sin) is, at best, flawed theology. At worst false teaching, and all who teach it are in danger of being held accountable for those who believe their teachings.

Not comparable? Really and your Adrian Rodgers "because of " is comparable.

There has never been a bible that translates Acts 2:38 as baptized "because of".

Implying such a translation exist is false teaching.

All bibles translate Acts 2:38 as being baptized in order to be forgiven of sins and then to receive the Holy Spirit.

There is absolutely no way to get around this truth, no matter how hard you or anyone else may try.

 

[Wansvic]

Not comparable. But good try.
Water baptism serves two distinct purposes:
1) The first act of obedience to Jesus
2) To serve as a witness to both the Church and the World that a person has repented and given his life to Christ. Holy Spirit baptism (which is the baptism unto salvation) can not be seen by the human eye. Thus, Jesus gave us an example of baptism that could see by the human eye, and it's witness is proved by God's witness to the water baptism of Jesus with the decent of the dove and God's declaration.
Matthew 3:13–17 (KJV)
13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased

Luke 3:21–22 (KJV)
21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased

9And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

10And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

11And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

The requirement for water baptism for salvation (forgiveness of sin) is, at best, flawed theology. At worst false teaching, and all who teach it are in danger of being held accountable for those who believe their teachings.

Please take a look at what God's Word says He does when a believer obeys His command to be water baptized in the name of Jesus:

First, Jesus said, "...repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." Luke 24:47

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." Acts 22:16

"To him (Jesus) give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins... The account reveals the meaning of Peter's statement:
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. " Acts 10:43, 47-48

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin." Rom. 6:3-6

 

[Wansvic]

No need, because we are discussing on the thread you started regarding this topic.
However, in case I used those acronyms on the other thread, they mean:
The main Old Testament practice that foreshadowed water baptism was physical circumcision
(Rom. 2:25-29, 4:1-12, 6:3-7, 7:6, 9:30-32, 10:4-13, cf. Phil. 3:2-3, Col. 2:11-23).

Noteworthy is the fact that those who refused circumcision were cut off for breaking God's covenant (Gen. 17:14). God confronted Moses about the issue:

"And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him.
Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me.
So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision." Ex. 4:24-26


Belief and obedience to water baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins is a New Testament/Covenant requirement. Ponder Jesus' words, "Unless a man is born of water and of Spirit he cannot see or enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:3-5)

 

[Charlesiii]

Noteworthy is the fact that those who refused circumcision were cut off for breaking God's covenant (Gen. 17:14). God confronted Moses about the issue:

"And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him.
Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me.
So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision." Ex. 4:24-26

Wasn't it Moses the Lord sought to kill? And unless you argue that it was Moses who wasn't circumcised, surely it was a lack of faith that ultimately was at issue, as Zipporah resolved it by circumcising her son. Moses' circumcision did not save him, just as baptism itself does not save - God does the saving, and the acts are simply signs of God's salvation.

Exodus 4:21 - 25
And the Lord said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.
And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:
And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.
And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him.
Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me.
So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.

 

[p_rehbein]

Belief and obedience to water baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins is a New Testament/Covenant requirement. Ponder Jesus' words, "Unless a man is born of water and of Spirit he cannot see or enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:3-5)

Wrong understanding there. Man is born of water (woman's water breaks during birth) and of Spirit (reborn through Holy Spirit baptism upon repentance.)
You people always leave out verse 6:
5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.



7Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

 

[TruthDefender]

Not comparable. But good try.
Water baptism serves two distinct purposes:
1) The first act of obedience to Jesus
2) To serve as a witness to both the Church and the World that a person has repented and given his life to Christ. Holy Spirit baptism (which is the baptism unto salvation) can not be seen by the human eye. Thus, Jesus gave us an example of baptism that could see by the human eye, and it's witness is proved by God's witness to the water baptism of Jesus with the decent of the dove and God's declaration.
Matthew 3:13–17 (KJV)
13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased

Luke 3:21–22 (KJV)
21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased

9And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.

10And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

11And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

The requirement for water baptism for salvation (forgiveness of sin) is, at best, flawed theology. At worst false teaching, and all who teach it are in danger of being held accountable for those who believe their teachings.

So you teach false doctrine. You are teaching against the gospel of Jesus Christ! Got it.

 

[p_rehbein]

BTW, your reliance on the Law of Moses for man to receive eternal life is flawed in and of itself.
Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit

Jesus fulfilled the Law. It was never intended for salvation of mankind. It was intended to make man aware of his sinful state, and to bring him under judgement.
Romans, Chapter 4:
13For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

14For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:

15Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

16Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

There is ONLY ONE thing that can cleanse man of his sin and give him eternal life and that is the precious blood of Jesus. Water baptism NEVER WILL provide man forgiveness of sin or give him eternal salvation!!!!

 

[GWH]

Noteworthy is the fact that those who refused circumcision were cut off for breaking God's covenant (Gen. 17:14). God confronted Moses about the issue:

"And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him.
Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me.
So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision." Ex. 4:24-26


Belief and obedience to water baptism in the name of Jesus for the remission of sins is a New Testament/Covenant requirement. Ponder Jesus' words, "Unless a man is born of water and of Spirit he cannot see or enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:3-5)

Noteworthy per the OT, but unworthy of the NT, e.g. per Rom. 2:17-29.
Not sure why you continue to cite John 3:3-5, which clearly refers to physical birth and spiritual rebirth rather than to WB.
Stiff-necked (Pro. 29:1)?

 

[Hakawaka]

Not comparable. But good try.
Water baptism serves two distinct purposes:
1) The first act of obedience to Jesus
2) To serve as a witness to both the Church and the World that a person has repented and given his life to

And neither of these are said to be the case in the Bible.

 

[Hakawaka]

BTW, your reliance on the Law of Moses for man to receive eternal life is flawed in and of itself.
Romans 8:3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
Romans 8:4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit

Jesus fulfilled the Law. It was never intended for salvation of mankind. It was intended to make man aware of his sinful state, and to bring him under judgement.
Romans, Chapter 4:
13For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

14For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:

15Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

16Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

There is ONLY ONE thing that can cleanse man of his sin and give him eternal life and that is the precious blood of Jesus. Water baptism NEVER WILL provide man forgiveness of sin or give him eternal salvation!!!!

WHAT? Law of Moses got nothing to do with baptism in the new covenant . Get outta here!

 

[Wansvic]

Wasn't it Moses the Lord sought to kill? And unless you argue that it was Moses who wasn't circumcised, surely it was a lack of faith that ultimately was at issue, as Zipporah resolved it by circumcising her son. Moses' circumcision did not save him, just as baptism itself does not save - God does the saving, and the acts are simply signs of God's salvation.

Exodus 4:21 - 25
And the Lord said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.
And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:
And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.
And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him.
Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me.
So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.

A lack of faith and obedience did factor into the situation. The account does show that man can interfere with God's plans. However, that doesn't change the fact that people would be cut off for breaking God's covenant.

"Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.” Gen. 17:14.

 

[Cameron143]

A lack of faith and obedience did factor into the situation. The account does show that man can interfere with God's plans. However, that doesn't change the fact that people would be cut off for breaking God's covenant.

"Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.” Gen. 17:14.

Man never interferes with God's plan...Daniel 4:35.