Think about this for a moment. Here were those who were sent of the religious Pharisees asking John, "Why baptize thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither the prophet?" (John 1:24-25) Even in verbalizing the question, one has to wonder about their heart motives. Clearly, these did not understand why anyone would spend their days baptizing people if the individual baptizing was not the prophesied Christ. Obviously, these had not studied the prophet's writings, for if they had, they would have recognized and accepted John the baptist as the "forerunner" to Jesus.
"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God." (Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4-6; John 1:23; Malachi 3:1. 4-6; Psalm 68:4)
Repeatedly, John always pointed to Jesus, having said that he John must decrease so that Jesus would increase.
However, those who have not studied His Word still clutch to John's baptism of repentance (cleansing the outside in water) rather than adhering to and remaining steadfast in the apostolic doctrine -- which Jesus, after being taken up, "He through the Holy Ghost gave commandments to the apostles" whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3)
John continued, saying, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance; but He that comes 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: whose fan [is] in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (Matthew 3:11-12; Luke 3:16; Acts 2:3-4; Malachi 3:3; Matthew 13:30)
Again, John was speaking of JESUS, the promised Messiah that the prophets of old had spoken of afore.
"The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God." (Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4-6; John 1:23; Malachi 3:1. 4-6; Psalm 68:4)
Repeatedly, John always pointed to Jesus, having said that he John must decrease so that Jesus would increase.
However, those who have not studied His Word still clutch to John's baptism of repentance (cleansing the outside in water) rather than adhering to and remaining steadfast in the apostolic doctrine -- which Jesus, after being taken up, "He through the Holy Ghost gave commandments to the apostles" whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3)
This religious false stance, even in light of numerous scriptures (plus John's own witness and testimony) that together always points to the One who came after him -- whose shoes John was not worthy to unlatch. (Mark 1:7) Indeed, he said, "Behold, the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world. This is He of whom I said, "After me comes a man which is preferred before me, for He was before me." (John 1:29-30)
(I remember reading somewhere that because of the number of old testament prophecies pointing to John the baptist that he paralleled the entire book of Isaiah. True or otherwise, the thought certainly gives us something to consider as we examine corresponding scripture for our learning and edification).
My questions:
(I remember reading somewhere that because of the number of old testament prophecies pointing to John the baptist that he paralleled the entire book of Isaiah. True or otherwise, the thought certainly gives us something to consider as we examine corresponding scripture for our learning and edification).
My questions:
1. Is repentance all that is required for salvation?
"In those days came John the baptist preaching in the wilderness of Judaea and saying, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, "PREPARE YE THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT." And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins, and his meat was locusts and wild honey." (Matthew 3:1-4) This was an old testament prophecy confirmed -- "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God." (Isaiah 40:3; Mark 1:1-3; Luke 1:76)
Interestingly, as well, the scriptures record "all" as going out to see John in the Jordan, with those baptized in the water seeking forgiveness and confessing their sins. (Matthew 3:6; Acts 19:4; Mark 1:4) Even the religious of the day showed up, which is surprising since John was literally in the wilderness when he baptized people in the Jordan.
Interestingly, as well, the scriptures record "all" as going out to see John in the Jordan, with those baptized in the water seeking forgiveness and confessing their sins. (Matthew 3:6; Acts 19:4; Mark 1:4) Even the religious of the day showed up, which is surprising since John was literally in the wilderness when he baptized people in the Jordan.
"But when [John] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, "O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance, and think not to say within yourselves, "We have Abraham [our] father: for I say unto you that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the ax is laid unto the root of the trees, therefore, every tree which brings not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire." (Matthew 3:7-10)
You see, even under John's baptism of repentance (which cleansed the outside according to custom) there was an expectation by John the baptist himself that following repentance, there would come forth fruit. And not only fruit, but "good fruit" from those being baptized. Good fruit that can only come from true repentance, forgiveness, and a change of heart.
John continued, saying, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance; but He that comes 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: whose fan [is] in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire." (Matthew 3:11-12; Luke 3:16; Acts 2:3-4; Malachi 3:3; Matthew 13:30)
Again, John was speaking of JESUS, the promised Messiah that the prophets of old had spoken of afore.
Jesus -- Light of the world. (John 1:5)
Jesus -- Bread of life. (John 6:32–33)
Jesus -- Living Water that quenches the thirst of our souls. (John 4:14)
Jesus -- High Priest who intercedes for us with the Father. (Hebrews 2:17)
Jesus -- Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep. (John 10:11, 14)
Jesus -- Lamb of God. (Revelation 13:8)
Jesus -- Author and Perfecter of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2)
Jesus -- Way, the Truth,and the Life. (John 14:6)
Jesus -- Visible Image of the Invisible God. (Colossians 1:15)
Jesus -- Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8, 11)
Jesus -- Lord and Saviour, the Christ (Acts 2:36)
Jesus said, "And he that seeth Me seeth Him that sent Me." (John 12:45) "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) He came into the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. (John 1:10-11)
Acts 19 elaborates further. For example, when apostle Paul happened upon certain disciples and asked, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" They said unto him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost," because they had been baptized "unto John's baptism," [As we read earlier, John's baptism of repentance] Paul replied, "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." When they heard this, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 19:1-7)
"And many that believed came and confessed and showed their many deeds" and the Name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. (Acts 19:18)
The fruit was manifested when repentance intertwined with faith led them to believe in their hearts that Jesus is indeed both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) And, that as a consequence, we should fully desire to be baptized in His precious name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ so that we too shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-38)
Why? Because John pointed to Jesus meaning that we are no longer under John's baptism of repentance. The salvation message proclaimed. Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47)
In the name of the Lord Jesus so that none -- as apostle Paul indicated "should say that I had baptized in mine own name." (I Corinthians 1:15)
Jesus -- Lord and Saviour, the Christ (Acts 2:36)
Jesus said, "And he that seeth Me seeth Him that sent Me." (John 12:45) "I and My Father are One!" (John 10:30) God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) He came into the world and the world was made by Him and the world knew Him not. (John 1:10-11)
Acts 19 elaborates further. For example, when apostle Paul happened upon certain disciples and asked, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?" They said unto him, "We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost," because they had been baptized "unto John's baptism," [As we read earlier, John's baptism of repentance] Paul replied, "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." When they heard this, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 19:1-7)
"And many that believed came and confessed and showed their many deeds" and the Name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. (Acts 19:18)
The fruit was manifested when repentance intertwined with faith led them to believe in their hearts that Jesus is indeed both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) And, that as a consequence, we should fully desire to be baptized in His precious name -- the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ so that we too shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-38)
Why? Because John pointed to Jesus meaning that we are no longer under John's baptism of repentance. The salvation message proclaimed. Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of sin, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:36-47)
In the name of the Lord Jesus so that none -- as apostle Paul indicated "should say that I had baptized in mine own name." (I Corinthians 1:15)
2. What was the purpose of John baptizing with water?
"John did baptize in the wilderness and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." (Mark 1:4; Matthew 11:1-15)
John preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. The purpose of John the baptist was to be a forerunner, crying in the wilderness -- (the wilderness being the extreme darkness that existed in the world at the time because of the longstanding lack of knowledge of God) introducing Jesus to Israel so "that He should be made manifest" to the people. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23; John 1:1-18)
A messenger announcing the fullness of time, and fulfilling the prophecies by proclaiming the Messiah. A messenger sent to prepare the way of the Lord. And similarly introducing many (through water baptism) to a new emerging gospel intended to satisfy and fulfill the law and covenants in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. In so doing, John remained faithful in the Lord's purpose for his life right to the end. This was John the baptist, filled with the Holy Ghost from birth, never wavering in his mission.
"And I knew Him not, but that He should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water." (John 1:31; Matthew 3:6) Does this suggest that John didn't know Jesus at all? Of course not. John and Jesus (as we see from the example of Elizabeth and Mary) were related. What this scripture is saying is this --- that until John saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, John did not know that Jesus was the actual Christ.
In fact, John required a sign. This is clarified in John 1:32-33 which states:
"And John bare record, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon Him, 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 baptizes with the Holy Ghost." And I saw and bare record that this is the Son of God." (John 1:32-33; Mark 1:10; Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 61:1; Matthew 3:11)
And unlike what organized religion might suggest, the sign of the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and abiding upon Him was a sign for John. He that had sent John to baptize with water confirming to John that Jesus was the proclaimed Son of God. "And I saw and bare record that this is the Son of God." (John 1:34)
Both Mark and Matthew record the baptism of Jesus in their respective writings. "And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him, and there came a voice from heaven ... "Thou art My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." And immediately the spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness." (Mark 1:10-12)
"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, and lo a voice from heaven saying, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16-17; John 12:28; Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 11:21; John 1:32)
All this so that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet, saying, "Behold, My servant whom I have chosen. My beloved, in whom My soul is well pleased; I will put My Spirit upon Him and He shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall nay man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax shall He not quench till He send forth judgment unto victory and in His Name shall the Gentiles trust." (Matthew 12:17-21; Isaiah 42:1-4; Isaiah 49:3; Matthew 8:4; Matthew 9:30; Matthew 17:9; Luke 11:14-15)
Peter confirmed the same in Acts 10. Then Peter opened his mouth and said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respect of persons, but in every nation he that fears Him and works righteousness is accepted with Him. The Word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ, (He is Lord of all!) -- that Word [I say], ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, AFTER THE BAPTISM WHICH JOHN PREACHED; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.
And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem ... and He commanded us to preach unto the people and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To Him give all the prophets witness that THROUGH HIS NAME whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:34-48)
Note: More questions to come in the days ahead. For now, be richly blessed in the name of our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ.
Stand in the offering plate.
"John did baptize in the wilderness and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." (Mark 1:4; Matthew 11:1-15)
John preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. The purpose of John the baptist was to be a forerunner, crying in the wilderness -- (the wilderness being the extreme darkness that existed in the world at the time because of the longstanding lack of knowledge of God) introducing Jesus to Israel so "that He should be made manifest" to the people. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 42:13; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:21-23; John 1:1-18)
A messenger announcing the fullness of time, and fulfilling the prophecies by proclaiming the Messiah. A messenger sent to prepare the way of the Lord. And similarly introducing many (through water baptism) to a new emerging gospel intended to satisfy and fulfill the law and covenants in our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ. In so doing, John remained faithful in the Lord's purpose for his life right to the end. This was John the baptist, filled with the Holy Ghost from birth, never wavering in his mission.
"Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me; and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in; behold, He shall come," saith the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 3:1)
Indeed, John the baptist was confirmed in both the old and the new testament -- Matthew 11:10; Mark 1:2-4; Luke 1:76; Luke 7:27; John 1:23; John 2:14-15; Isaiah 35:1-10; Isaiah 40:3; Isaiah 41:8, 18-19; Isaiah 43:2, 19-20; Isaiah 11:2-5; Isaiah 42:1-4; Isaiah 61:1; Isaiah 59:5; Isaiah 6:13; Isaiah 1:4; Isaiah 29:22; Isaiah 51:2; Isaiah 63:16; Matthew 3:9-12; Matthew 10:15-19, 33-34; Matthew 14:8; Isaiah 30:27-28, 33; Matthew 21:10; Isaiah 4:4; Isaiah 52:11; Isaiah 21:10; Luke 3:10-14; John 8:56; Philippians 2:6-11; Colossians 1:15-20; Revelation 22:13; Isaiah 53:12.
But interestingly, John did not immediately know Jesus as the promised Messiah. In fact, John said so.
"And I knew Him not, but that He should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water." (John 1:31; Matthew 3:6) Does this suggest that John didn't know Jesus at all? Of course not. John and Jesus (as we see from the example of Elizabeth and Mary) were related. What this scripture is saying is this --- that until John saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, John did not know that Jesus was the actual Christ.
In fact, John required a sign. This is clarified in John 1:32-33 which states:
"And John bare record, saying, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon Him, 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 baptizes with the Holy Ghost." And I saw and bare record that this is the Son of God." (John 1:32-33; Mark 1:10; Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 61:1; Matthew 3:11)
And unlike what organized religion might suggest, the sign of the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and abiding upon Him was a sign for John. He that had sent John to baptize with water confirming to John that Jesus was the proclaimed Son of God. "And I saw and bare record that this is the Son of God." (John 1:34)
Both Mark and Matthew record the baptism of Jesus in their respective writings. "And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him, and there came a voice from heaven ... "Thou art My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." And immediately the spirit drives Jesus into the wilderness." (Mark 1:10-12)
"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, and lo a voice from heaven saying, "This is My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16-17; John 12:28; Psalm 2:7; Isaiah 11:21; John 1:32)
All this so that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias [Isaiah] the prophet, saying, "Behold, My servant whom I have chosen. My beloved, in whom My soul is well pleased; I will put My Spirit upon Him and He shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall nay man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall He not break, and smoking flax shall He not quench till He send forth judgment unto victory and in His Name shall the Gentiles trust." (Matthew 12:17-21; Isaiah 42:1-4; Isaiah 49:3; Matthew 8:4; Matthew 9:30; Matthew 17:9; Luke 11:14-15)
Peter confirmed the same in Acts 10. Then Peter opened his mouth and said, "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respect of persons, but in every nation he that fears Him and works righteousness is accepted with Him. The Word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ, (He is Lord of all!) -- that Word [I say], ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, AFTER THE BAPTISM WHICH JOHN PREACHED; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.
And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem ... and He commanded us to preach unto the people and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To Him give all the prophets witness that THROUGH HIS NAME whosoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins." (Acts 10:34-48)
Note: More questions to come in the days ahead. For now, be richly blessed in the name of our Lord God and Saviour, Jesus the Christ.
Stand in the offering plate.
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