Why did so many people get baptized by John the Baptist?

[KelbyofGod]

My question IS rhetorical in nature but I am sincerely curious as to what you think.

And to clarify, I'm asking about John's baptism BEFORE he knew that Jesus was the Messiah.

#1 Why did they come?

#2 What do you think was being accomplished each time John baptized someone? (A practice run? Something greater?)

Thanks.

 

[tablet123]

My question IS rhetorical in nature but I am sincerely curious as to what you think.

And to clarify, I'm asking about John's baptism BEFORE he knew that Jesus was the Messiah.

#1 Why did they come?

#2 What do you think was being accomplished each time John baptized someone? (A practice run? Something greater?)

Thanks.

John 1:23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Since John knew he was preparing the way for the Lord before he seen Jesus then he water baptized to turn them to the Lord.

John knew his divine mission that he was preparing the way for the Lord.

But he did not know who it was in physical appearance until Jesus started His ministry showing up to be baptized.

John the Baptist received the Spirit from the womb but not to save him but to give him power to prepare the way for Christ.

Which he came in the Spirit of Elijah.

Jesus said born of woman there has not been a greater than John the Baptist but the person that is least in heaven is greater than him.

Which John was not saved during his life for he died before Christ shed His blood.
But after Christ shed His blood then John was saved.

John baptized with the baptism of repentance and to turn Israel to Jesus before He started His ministry.

Acts 19:3 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

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.

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

John's baptism was only temporary to turn people to Christ and those baptized unto John's baptism had to be baptized in Jesus' name for completion.

Acts 2:38 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.

Remission
ἄφεσις áphesis, af'-es-is; from G863; freedom; (figuratively) pardon:—deliverance, forgiveness, liberty, remission.

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

John's baptism could not completely take away sins.

Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

4 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.

5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.

1 Peter 3:20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.

21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

When we are water baptized we identify with the man Christ Jesus which the sins of the world was placed on Him and died and was buried laying down those sins by us repenting, being water baptized laying down those sins, and receiving the Spirit.

John's baptism could not accomplish that for water baptism is to identify with the death of Jesus which He was not dead during John's baptism

And John is not the savior so his baptism could not save but he was preparing the way for Christ.

John 5:43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

Hebrews 1:4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Jesus is the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Jews, Gentiles, and Samaritans, were baptized in the name of Jesus.

It is strange how people go by what denominations say and what people say and baptize in the titles.

The Jews interpreted what Jesus said as baptize in Jesus' name with no rebuke.

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are titles and name is singular.

John's baptism could not accomplish salvation but only to turn people to Jesus.

 

[Omegatime]

Jews had a basic belief that thru washing it removed sins, so it was a natural thing to do

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

My question IS rhetorical in nature but I am sincerely curious as to what you think.

And to clarify, I'm asking about John's baptism BEFORE he knew that Jesus was the Messiah.

#1 Why did they come?

#2 What do you think was being accomplished each time John baptized someone? (A practice run? Something greater?)

Thanks.

He prepared the way of the Lord.
His salvation message was ,

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.
Acts 19

The Jewish leaders teachers, primarily Pharisees, taught two methods of false salvation.

A. Heritage works. The physical descendants of Abraham were saved.

B. Keeping the law. Today preachers use the phrase "turn from sins."

Although there is a place for B, it was never the means of salvation. The law condemns, not saves from Hell. John's salvation message was to quit believing those lies and instead believe on the Savior Jesus Christ.
After they trusted Jesus and received His gift of everlasting life, the first steps of obedience was water baptism/ immersion and confession of sins. Baptism was a picture of what was yet to come in identifying symbolically with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

 

[KelbyofGod]

Thanks for the response.

Please remember that John was sent to baptize BEFORE he knew about Jesus being the Messiah... So there was not an option of "trusting Jesus" as a first step.

Following the Messiah AT ALL was not an option... because even John didn't know who the Messiah was (during this early stage of baptism).

Baptism was not established as a first step after following the Messiah. It was set up AND FUNCTIONING before that. It was set up to accomplish a different/alternative purpose.

What did that early baptism accomplish? What does the Bible say it was for? (It was a baptism OF something, and FOR something. But few are willing to admit what it is FOR.)

 

[timf]

Most of Israel would acknowledge that they had drifted away from what the Lord required of them as a nation. Many would also see their individual need to repent and return to the faithfulness of the law. Few would have recognized the prophecy of the spirit of Elijah returning to make straight the paths.

 

[2ndTimeIsTheCharm]

Thanks for the response.

Please remember that John was sent to baptize BEFORE he knew about Jesus being the Messiah... So there was not an option of "trusting Jesus" as a first step.

Following the Messiah AT ALL was not an option... because even John didn't know who the Messiah was (during this early stage of baptism).

Baptism was not established as a first step after following the Messiah. It was set up AND FUNCTIONING before that. It was set up to accomplish a different/alternative purpose.

What did that early baptism accomplish? What does the Bible say it was for? (It was a baptism OF something, and FOR something. But few are willing to admit what it is FOR.)

Wasn't it for repentance and the forgiveness of their sins?

 

[Burn1986]

My question IS rhetorical in nature but I am sincerely curious as to what you think.

And to clarify, I'm asking about John's baptism BEFORE he knew that Jesus was the Messiah.

#1 Why did they come?

#2 What do you think was being accomplished each time John baptized someone? (A practice run? Something greater?)

Thanks.

Good question actually. Probably a basic repentance of sin, and then Jesus brought Baptism of the Holy Spirit

 

[KelbyofGod]

Wasn't it for repentance and the forgiveness of their sins?

That's exactly what (God-sent) water baptism is for. It's a baptism OF repentance FOR the forgiveness (remission/removal) of sins.

Per Mark 1:4 & Luke 3:3.

Congrats(!). I didn't expect anyone to say it so quickly.

 

[KelbyofGod]

And per Acts 2:38, but that account is at/after the change Jesus spoke of in Luke 24:47 stating that "repentance and remission of sins" would start being done in JESUS name beginning in Jerusalem.

 

[2ndTimeIsTheCharm]

That's exactly what (God-sent) water baptism is for. It's a baptism OF repentance FOR the forgiveness (remission/removal) of sins.

Per Mark 1:4 & Luke 3:3.

Congrats(!). I didn't expect anyone to say it so quickly.

In the early 90s, I was at an evangelism course and the teacher was discussing the outline of the gospel to share with people. After a while, I raised my hand and asked, "So when do we talk about repentance?" "Oh we don't. That's not part of the gospel," he replied. !!! Then he said nebulously, "That's some time after they get saved." I was shocked speechless.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

Thanks for the response.

Please remember that John was sent to baptize BEFORE he knew about Jesus being the Messiah... So there was not an option of "trusting Jesus" as a first step.

Following the Messiah AT ALL was not an option... because even John didn't know who the Messiah was (during this early stage of baptism).

Baptism was not established as a first step after following the Messiah. It was set up AND FUNCTIONING before that. It was set up to accomplish a different/alternative purpose.

What did that early baptism accomplish? What does the Bible say it was for? (It was a baptism OF something, and FOR something. But few are willing to admit what it is FOR.)

He knew who Jesus was from his parents who were personal friends with Jesus ' mother.

He knew who Jesus was before his baptism.
John 1

26John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; 27He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. 28These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. 32And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

John was aware of the eternal pre-existince of Jesus, that He was the Messiah.
He was a believer in the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
He preached the sin atonement of the Lord.
His preaching was to make Him manifest to Israel to believe on him and preparing for Jesus' ministry.

 

[HealthAndHappiness]

That's exactly what (God-sent) water baptism is for. It's a baptism OF repentance FOR the forgiveness (remission/removal) of sins.

Per Mark 1:4 & Luke 3:3.

Congrats(!). I didn't expect anyone to say it so quickly.

Just a friendly reminder that his message was defined in Acts 19

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.

 

[UnoiAmarah]

#1 Why did they come?

Why did they go into the wilderness beyond Jordan to be baptized by John, probably for the same reason that the Jews were put on trains to take showers in Germany. People in Germany claimed they didn't know what was going on, neither did the world while the executions were taking place.

Ever wonder why Jesus asked,

What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? ​

​

Jesus was led into the wilderness immediately after his baptism, yet John and two of his disciples saw Jesus the day after the baptism. While it only says that Jesus hungered, when you reeds growing in the desert you will find animal since they all come to the water. Plus they knew by that point of time that a person couldn't survive but for a few days without water but you know who long a person can survive without food right?

But what went you out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment?

John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Matt 3: Since John baptised in the wilderness, he would have had to wear heavy clothing to keep from dehydrating in the day and freezing at night. The locust would provide protein while the honey provides the carbohydrates, living out there would been a hard life but an excellent place to do something you didn't want anyone to know about.

#2 What do you think was being accomplished each time John baptized someone? (A practice run? Something greater?)

A practice run for what? the Son of man sending forth his angels, where they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. So that the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.

 

[KelbyofGod]

Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are titles and name is singular.

Thanks for your reply. My apologies for taking so long to read it thoroughly enough to reply.

I like that you acknowledge the difference between the titles mentioned, and the singular name to which he was referring. ("Jesus")

Am I correct to assume you believe salvation to be an instantaneous event... (instead of a process that has more than one component)?

 

[KelbyofGod]

Why did they go into the wilderness beyond Jordan to be baptized by John, probably for the same reason that the Jews were put on trains to take showers in Germany. People in Germany claimed they didn't know what was going on, neither did the world while the executions were taking place.

Ever wonder why Jesus asked,

What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind? ​

​

Jesus was led into the wilderness immediately after his baptism, yet John and two of his disciples saw Jesus the day after the baptism. While it only says that Jesus hungered, when you reeds growing in the desert you will find animal since they all come to the water. Plus they knew by that point of time that a person couldn't survive but for a few days without water but you know who long a person can survive without food right?

But what went you out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment?

John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Matt 3: Since John baptised in the wilderness, he would have had to wear heavy clothing to keep from dehydrating in the day and freezing at night. The locust would provide protein while the honey provides the carbohydrates, living out there would been a hard life but an excellent place to do something you didn't want anyone to know about.

A practice run for what? the Son of man sending forth his angels, where they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. So that the righteous shine forth as the sun in the ⁵ of their Father.

1. That seems a really dark outlook.
2. It suggests (to me) that you don't have a familiarity with the new testament, generally.

Do you support a religion other than Christianity?

 

[JohnDB]

Thanks for the response.

Please remember that John was sent to baptize BEFORE he knew about Jesus being the Messiah... So there was not an option of "trusting Jesus" as a first step.

Following the Messiah AT ALL was not an option... because even John didn't know who the Messiah was (during this early stage of baptism).

Baptism was not established as a first step after following the Messiah. It was set up AND FUNCTIONING before that. It was set up to accomplish a different/alternative purpose.

What did that early baptism accomplish? What does the Bible say it was for? (It was a baptism OF something, and FOR something. But few are willing to admit what it is FOR.)

Priesthood of every believer. Thats what it accomplished.

According to the Law of Moses (613 laws) the only way sins were forgiven was on Atonement Day with a sacrifice. You could not offer your own sacrifice....an intermediary (priest) was needed
PLUS
The only way scripture was handled was by a rabbi, family patriarchy, or priest(Levites). The average person could not tell anyone else the meaning of scriptures.

Subject to stoning for violating this. Uriah got leprosy and an Earthquake for violating this.

John's Baptism allowed people to bring their own sins before God without sacrifice PLUS you could now explain scriptures as you understood them.

We call this today as the concept of the Priesthood of Every Believer.

 

[KelbyofGod]

Priesthood of every believer. Thats what it accomplished.

According to the Law of Moses (613 laws) the only way sins were forgiven was on Atonement Day with a sacrifice. You could not offer your own sacrifice....an intermediary (priest) was needed
PLUS
The only way scripture was handled was by a rabbi, family patriarchy, or priest(Levites). The average person could not tell anyone else the meaning of scriptures.

Subject to stoning for violating this. Uriah got leprosy and an Earthquake for violating this.

John's Baptism allowed people to bring their own sins before God without sacrifice PLUS you could now explain scriptures as you understood them.

We call this today as the concept of the Priesthood of Every Believer.

That's a premise I'd not heard before.

Are you saying that as soon as they're got baptized they were given priestly abilities? (AKA They go down into the water without the ability, and come up with the ability?

 

[UnoiAmarah]

1. That seems a really dark outlook.

Speaking of a really dark outlook,

• There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. John 1:6-7
• 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: Matt 3:16

And the Light you see is the creation and not the Creator. So what did Jesus see whe said, I beheld Satan as lightning failings from heaven, was he referring unto hearing that John had been cast into prison.

Or maybe you were referring unto the Holocaust. I admit I don't really see a bright side to it. But it shows that those “Those who don't learn the past are doomed to repeat it.”

2. It suggests (to me) that you don't have a familiarity with the new testament, generally.

Better to be baptized by the Holy Ghost than have my conscience seared.

 

[JohnDB]

That's a premise I'd not heard before.

Are you saying that as soon as they're got baptized they were given priestly abilities? (AKA They go down into the water without the ability, and come up with the ability?

YES....absolutely.
This was the LAW in the Israeli Caste based society.
We haven't lived in a caste-based society in hundreds of years....like 500 or so years since the English quit it. (And yes, King Henry 8th started the end of it)

In a Caste based society and structure stepping outside of your position in life often got you instantly killed.
Someone would declare you either a witch or heretic and then it was a simple matter of firewood and a flame.

In recent times we have so little death by misadventure that it's kinda morbidly odd to us. We haven't lost over half our siblings to disease or slavery where they were worked to death and given no food, shelter, clothing to go with. Our parents might have lived to 80 if they were wealthy and well liked. (Most live to 100 or better today)
The world has been rather barbaric and brutal until recently....
Still kinda is in a lot of ways.

But yes, most definitely according to what you said. A Levite Priest would ALWAYS bathe in a "mikveh" before putting on his priestly robes before his shift (lasting 20 years from age 30 until 50) as a levite priest. Before or after he was an apprentice or possibly hanging around as a judge of some sort. Outside of those robes he could do as he wished so long as he did it with leather goods. He was not allowed to own land in Israel.....so no farming.