Birth of the New Testament Church
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John the Baptist baptism was not the end all concerning water baptism.
The word of God came to John while he was in the wilderness. (a picture of the lost world) In the next verse notice John began preaching that the baptism of repentance was necessary for one’s sins to be remitted. John’s primary task was to proclaim that the messiah was coming and introduce the concept of water baptism.
By submitting to John’s baptism one was making a public declaration of their belief in the coming messiah and that water baptism was indeed provided by God as a means for remitting sin. (Luke 3:2-6)
The water baptism John revealed was a necessary, but incomplete, part of the real thing to come. No power was released yet.
On the Day of Pentecost after Jesus death, burial, and resurrection took place all of mankind was given the instruction to be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:38) The bible records that people who had taken part in John’s baptism were told by Paul to be rebaptized into the name of Jesus. (Acts 19:2-5) This truth is seen as well in Acts 18:24-26 where Apollos who had only heard of John’s baptism was instructed of the more perfect way by Aquila and Priscilla.
Only by God’s grace was man given an opportunity to come back into right standing with his Maker. This truth can be seen in the Angel of the Lord telling Zechariah, John’s father, what he was to name his son. The meaning of the name of John is “God Graciously Gives.” Through God’s message, relayed by John, mankind is given the opportunity to be spiritually buried and reborn. Water baptism is a necessary component in the rebirth process designed by God Himself.
Notice God’s instruction in the Book of Colossians: “…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. (Colossians 3:17)
Not until after the completed work of Jesus in His death, burial and resurrection was power released. There is power in the name of Jesus.
There is very little, if any, debate about whether to use the name of Jesus in:
Preaching (Acts 9:27)
Prayer (John 14:13)
Healing (Acts 3:6)
Casting out of devils/demons (Acts 16:18)
There is much debate concerning the use of the name of Jesus in water baptism. Why is this so when the bible so clearly records the need? (Acts 2:38; 8:12, 10:44-48, 19:1-6) Upon consideration of the facts outlined above one can see wherein the problem lies: Scriptures are being mixed together and the result is error in a conceived idea.
We know from the bible itself that the use of proper scriptures is a must to gain complete understanding of a concept within its pages. When one rightly divides the word of truth by linking scriptures that pertain to one another in a specific category, in this case water baptism, the end result is complete understanding. (2 Timothy 2:16) When scriptures are used that do not relate to one another a fragmented picture is the result and confusion arises.
No pieces of the puzzle can be discarded, or forced into the wrong spot. All pieces fit together to form a beautiful picture.
"It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter." Proverbs 25:2
The word of God came to John while he was in the wilderness. (a picture of the lost world) In the next verse notice John began preaching that the baptism of repentance was necessary for one’s sins to be remitted. John’s primary task was to proclaim that the messiah was coming and introduce the concept of water baptism.
By submitting to John’s baptism one was making a public declaration of their belief in the coming messiah and that water baptism was indeed provided by God as a means for remitting sin. (Luke 3:2-6)
The water baptism John revealed was a necessary, but incomplete, part of the real thing to come. No power was released yet.
On the Day of Pentecost after Jesus death, burial, and resurrection took place all of mankind was given the instruction to be water baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 2:38) The bible records that people who had taken part in John’s baptism were told by Paul to be rebaptized into the name of Jesus. (Acts 19:2-5) This truth is seen as well in Acts 18:24-26 where Apollos who had only heard of John’s baptism was instructed of the more perfect way by Aquila and Priscilla.
Only by God’s grace was man given an opportunity to come back into right standing with his Maker. This truth can be seen in the Angel of the Lord telling Zechariah, John’s father, what he was to name his son. The meaning of the name of John is “God Graciously Gives.” Through God’s message, relayed by John, mankind is given the opportunity to be spiritually buried and reborn. Water baptism is a necessary component in the rebirth process designed by God Himself.
Notice God’s instruction in the Book of Colossians: “…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. (Colossians 3:17)
Not until after the completed work of Jesus in His death, burial and resurrection was power released. There is power in the name of Jesus.
There is very little, if any, debate about whether to use the name of Jesus in:
Preaching (Acts 9:27)
Prayer (John 14:13)
Healing (Acts 3:6)
Casting out of devils/demons (Acts 16:18)
There is much debate concerning the use of the name of Jesus in water baptism. Why is this so when the bible so clearly records the need? (Acts 2:38; 8:12, 10:44-48, 19:1-6) Upon consideration of the facts outlined above one can see wherein the problem lies: Scriptures are being mixed together and the result is error in a conceived idea.
We know from the bible itself that the use of proper scriptures is a must to gain complete understanding of a concept within its pages. When one rightly divides the word of truth by linking scriptures that pertain to one another in a specific category, in this case water baptism, the end result is complete understanding. (2 Timothy 2:16) When scriptures are used that do not relate to one another a fragmented picture is the result and confusion arises.
No pieces of the puzzle can be discarded, or forced into the wrong spot. All pieces fit together to form a beautiful picture.
"It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter." Proverbs 25:2
You seem to be obsessed with water baptism. - https://christianchat.com/bible-discussion-forum/water-baptism-what-does-gods-word-say.181636/
So you believe that "baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" means that water baptism is FOR "in order to obtain" the remission of sins in Mark 1:4 and Luke 3:3? Are you sure that it does not mean FOR "in regards to/on the basis of" the remission of sins received upon repentance? In Matthew 3:11, John said "I baptize you with water FOR repentance.." Was this baptism FOR "in order to obtain" repentance or FOR "in regards to/on the basis of" repentance? The answer is obvious. We don't get water baptized in order to obtain repentance, but because we already have repented.
Do you believe that water baptism is necessary for salvation before the cross (under the old law) and after the cross? Campbellites teach that under the old law (in which Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3 - "baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" is under the old law, before the cross), baptism was not necessary for salvation but under the new law (Acts 2:38, after the cross), baptism is necessary for salvation. Do you agree with that?
In Acts 2:38, "for the remission of sins" does not refer back to both clauses, "you all repent" and "each one of you be baptized," but refers only to the first. Peter is saying "repent unto the remission of your sins," the same as in Acts 3:19. The clause "each one of you be baptized" is parenthetical. This is exactly what Acts 3:19 teaches except that Peter omits the parenthesis.
*Also compare the fact that these Gentiles in Acts 10:45 received the gift of the Holy Spirit (compare with Acts 2:38 - the gift of the Holy Spirit) and this was BEFORE water baptism (Acts 10:47).
In Acts 10:43 we read ..whoever believes in Him receives remission of sins. Again, these Gentiles received the gift of the Holy Spirit - Acts 10:45 - when they believed on the Lord Jesus Christ - Acts 11:17 - (compare with Acts 16:31 - Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved) BEFORE water baptism - Acts 10:47. This is referred to as repentance unto life - Acts 11:18.
*So the only logical conclusion when properly harmonizing Scripture with Scripture is that faith in Jesus Christ "implied in genuine repentance" (rather than water baptism) brings the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 5:31; 10:43-47; 11:17,18; 15:8,9; 16:31; 26:18). *Perfect Harmony*
Yes, Jesus told us to be water baptized.........but it was NOT for the remission of sin. Water baptism serves ONE purpose............it serves as a WITNESS to the world and to the Church that a person has accepted Christ as Lord of their lives, and they have been born again. The baptism of the Holy Spirit (unto remission of sin/salvation) can not be seen by the naked eye, and that is what water baptism serves as........a WITNESS to the inward baptism of the Holy Spirit............
Repent, and jump for joy for the remission of sin...........so, are you jumping for joy to have your sins forgiven, or are you jumping for joy BECAUSE your sins were forgiven when you repented and confessed Christ?
You can preach flawed theology, or the Gospel of Christ, it is up to you.........
Water baptism IS NOT REQUIRED for the remission/forgiveness of sin...........the BLOOD OF CHRIST IS.
I would suggest its not a new concept but one left over after the reformation having it roots in the old testament ceremonial law .
How it became a new innovation is a mystery. John did not introduce it but rather he built on the existing foundation.
John 3:25 seems to set the context for the doctrine
Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews "about purifying". And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John3:25-26
Why was Jesus from the tribe of Judah baptizing if he was not of the tribe of level like John, an official officiator .
What happened?
Its not so much the instructions as it is the foundation used as a shadow. Found in the Old testament as a cerinimoinal law. Ceremonial laws( non effective in bringing change) as shadows preach the suffering of Christ beforehand and like all shadows point to the unseen substance the Spirit of Christ, the Holy Spirit of God. Our High Priest continually having neither mother or father, neither having beginning of Spirit life or end thereof .
Amen, Exactly
John3:27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
But how would that effect the law involving the Levites in the officiating process? Christ was faithful to keep the law on both sides of the cross as the unseen mediator, of the law and the prophets.
In Genesis 14 before God gave over the unbelieving Jew to do what they should not of.... "having a desire to be ruled over by a flesh and blood king reigning over them because of their jealousy of the surrounding Pagan nations . that walked by sight.(no faith) They having no faith in God ( nothing)
God spoke to Samael and said; its not you as that seen that they are rejecting as their King but me as the unseen Kings of kings. He gave them over until the time of reformation . Where the visible kingdom used to represent the unseen Holy place fell. the veil being rent signaled the end and the beginning of the last days we are in.
Our continuing High Priest as a theophany (no rudiments of this world) after a vision of a upcoming demonstration, the cross preaching the gospel in respect to the suffering of Christ in advance and the glory that did follow. the graves were opened and many entered the eternal city prepared as the bride of Christ.
Again...Before their were kings in Israel. That time period used as a parable came to a end.
Genesis 14:17-19 King James Version (KJV)And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings that were with him, at the valley of Shaveh, which is the king's dale. And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
In the Psalms the Kings of kings speaks of coming to established the new order of the priesthood after all the nations of the world men, woman and children alike to go out and preach his gospel of peace according to His law of love.
Having established the new priesthood of believers as a kingdom of Priest he sends us out two by two fulling the prophecy of Joel (Acts 2:15-17) And our High Priest after the new order begins His ministry as the suffering scapegoat sent out in the wilderness as the Holy Father laid his hand (will) upon him protecting him according, as it is written three times.
Psalm 110:3-5 King James Version (KJV) Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth. The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.
The question in John3:25 seems to be answered after the order of Melchizedek. Today he still calls us to bring the gospel, kings.
Hebrews 7 King James Version (KJV) For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
What was the purpose of Peter asking if anyone disagreed with water baptizing Cornelius and his group?
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
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. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." Acts 10:43-48
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
"To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
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. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days." Acts 10:43-48
Acts 2:18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
God poured out the eternal gift not seen as the name person of the Holy Spirit on that seen the temporal flesh .
2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
If a person desired to be part of the kingdom of priest after the baptism not seen. Then water was necessary to perform that cerimoninil law as a shadow .Shadows are not something we are to evaluate each other in regard to our relationship with God, they govern ceremonies .
The subject matter is clear in John 3:25 26 . Follow it from the beginning having its foundation in the old testament . Its not a new innovation. Water as a metaphor used in the priesthood was going on for a long time before Jesus came to establish the new order after the manner of Melchedik .
Exodus 29:4 And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.
Felt compelled to highlight this post from a few years ago. It is very revealing. For those who have eyes to see.
Peter understood God intended that salvation was to made available to the Gentiles. They too were given the opportunity to have their sins remitted because of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus.
amen we need to hear what Jesus had to say and believe and follow After his words and ways.
anyone who relates that to the law of Moses doesn’t understand the law of Moses is Moses words of mediation and the gospel preached by Jesus is the New Testament and covenant
it’s not whether we still need to obey God it’s just a matter of doscernkng “ do I obey Moses and his word in the law ?”
or “do I obey Jesus and the new covenant law of life ? “
Even in the end we all
Have to peer before Jesus d his judgement given To us in the gospel of we don’t think we need to keep his word we should Look harder like the post here “getting baptized for remission Of sins “.
as many ideas of what that means in this forum it’s really a command of Jesus Christ in the new testsment that we are to hear believe and obey like the rest of the gospel
“and to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”
2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 KJV
“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?”
1 Peter 4:17 KJV
“but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;”
Romans 2:8-9
if we don’t eventually come to repentance and obedience to Christ were not getting the intended message of the apostles
“For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,”
Romans 15:18 KJV
Paul’s epistles don’t explain about a grave that allows us to keep sinning if we really take in his letters he teaches this kind of grace that brings repentance and obedience
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
Titus 2:11-12, 14 KJV
we’re missing it if we don’t hear Jesus preaching and start believing what he’s saying , we’re supposed to believe the gospel because of we hear it and believe we will Learn the truth and repent and start learning how to live a pleasing life to God
People don’t like to hear what your saying but it’s the true things that are hard to hear those things that will change us if we hear and believe like this
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.”
2 Corinthians 5:10-11 KJV
the problem is so many don’t want to hear that part because they’ve heard “
Grace means unwarranted favor” and the. They erase everything he taught his disciples to believe and say “ grace means it no longer applies “
Great post. Also, it made me think of Hebrews 5:9-"And being made perfect, he (Jesus) became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him."
Also, consider how one obeys the gospel. The gospel is the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And mankind is required to die to self through repentance, be buried with Jesus in obedience to water baptism in His name, and receive the indwelling of the Holy Ghost that provides resurrection power. And praise God it was His grace alone that made it all possible. Mankind did nothing to deserve God's kindness.