Because Of His Love For You And I, He Had By Himself Purged Our Sins -- Part 2474

"... for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive!" (Ephesians 4:12-14)

"[There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 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 8:1-3)

Why is it important to come to the knowledge of the Son of God? Why did John the baptizer point to Jesus as the promised Christ? The lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world? Why do the angels worship Him? (Hebrews 1:6) Why does apostle Paul remind us that Christ was the Rock that followed the Israelites through the Red Sea? (I Corinthians 10:1-4) Why could He --- Jesus -- rightfully say, "I AM the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me!" (John 14:6) 

These are all valid questions! The starting point is to remember that "in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9) That Jesus was God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) 

"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (II Corinthians 5:19)

"After the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ..." (Titus 3:4-7) 

Emmanuel, being interpreted, God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23) 

When we repent, and are water baptized in the precious, holy name of the Lord Jesus, our minds are renewed. (Acts 2:36-41; Acts 10:144-48; Acts 19:1-6; Romans 6:3-4; I Peter 3:21)We have received the anointing from on high. We have the mind of Christ. (I Corinthians 2:16) 

It is for this reason that we search the scriptures for His truth, first feeding with the milk, and later when we are able to bear it, the meat. 

"For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (Romans 3:11; Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 16:18)

"And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner [stone]; in whom all the building fitly framed together grows unto an holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit." (Ephesians 2:20) 

Thus, we have been set apart -- or as Jesus said, like a city on a hill to those who are lost. We have received the Holy Ghost, the resurrected Spirit of Christ dwelling within our hearts. The same Holy Ghost wherein Jesus, after He was resurrected gave commandments through - to the apostles whom He had chosen. (Acts 1:2-3)

This is why we are instructed to ..."Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood ..." (Acts 20:28)

Because God Himself established His plan of salvation (redemption) for His beloved before the foundation of the world. Because of His abundant love, He clothed Himself in sin-prone flesh (yet without sin) so that we might have everlasting life in Him.

" ... who being the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high ..." (Hebrews 1:3)

"He was in the world and the world was made by Him but the world knew Him not. He came unto His own and His own received Him not." (John 1:10-11)

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified." (Romans 8:28-30)

"I will be to Him a Father and He shall be to Me a Son?" (Psalms 2:7; II Samuel 7:14) 

"Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee!" (Matthew 3:17; Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5; Hebrews 5:5)

Indeed, all the way through the scriptures, we learn that this same Jesus whom ye/we have crucified in our hearts is both Lord and Christ. (Acts 2:36) The King of kings and Lord of lords. The Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end. 

Thus, there is a reason all the angels of God worshipped the first begotten. There is a reason John the baptizer continually pointed to Jesus as the One who would save His people from their sins. For He is the One and Only God who loved us like a Father -- sufficiently, to become as a Son. 

Meditate on these treasures this day. 

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars." (II Chronicles 16:9)

Stand in the offering plate.

The Gift Of God ... For We Are His Workmanship Created In Christ Jesus - Part 2473

"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye may henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart, who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness .... but ye have not so learned Christ ... if so be that ye have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus ... " (Ephesians 4:17-21)

Why is this important to understand? Because it is you hath He quickened. You who was previously dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of the world -- according to the prince of the power of the air which is the same spirit which now works in the children of disobedience. With these children of disobedience we similarly had our conversation in times past, of the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind. You see, we too were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

But God who is rich in mercy loved us while we were dead in sins. He has quickened us together with Christ. And by His grace are we saved.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of ourselves. Rather, it is the gift of God. Not of works lest any man should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:8-10)

There are lots of treasures herein to meditate upon.

Stand in the offering plate.

According As He Hath Chosen Us In Him Before The Foundation Of The World, That We Should Be Holy And Without Blame Before Him In Love - Part 2472

"For all this His anger is not turned away ... but His hand is stretched out still!" (Isaiah 5:25; Isaiah 9:17)

His hand is stretched out still, searching throughout the land for hearts that will focus on His abundance of love and kindness for His beloved. So much so, was His love that from the foundation of the world, God made a plan of salvation that included His hand stretched out still!

Indeed, after His kindness and love, the love of God our Saviour, toward man appeared; who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us form all iniquity and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16) And in so doing, we who love Him with all our soul, mind, heart and strength, have become His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)

"According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love; having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He hath made us accepted in the beloved ... in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, wherein He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known unto us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure -- which He hath purposed in Himself." (Ephesians 1:4-9)

Why would the same God who created the world and all its inhabitants make a way of salvation when there was no way? Working all things after the counsel of His own will? That He who created the world in the beginning would later venture into this same world, hands outstretched, inviting us to take hold of His love so that we might have a personal relationship with Him -- our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ? (John 1:10-11)

The answer? So that we (as apostle Paul writes) should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ, that in the dispensation of the fullness of times, He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth -- in Him.

"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were afar off are made nigh by the blood of Christ, for He is our peace, who hath broken down the middle wall of partition between [us and Him]; having abolished in the flesh the enmity, the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body, by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby; and came and preached peace to you who are afar off and to them that were nigh ... for through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father." (Ephesians 2:13-18)

Yes, Jesus -- our all in all -- inviting us still to take hold of His love and mercy and kindness; His grace, wherein He has given unto every one of us a measure of the gift of Christ, so that we can be complete in Him -- who is the I AM -- the Way, the Truth, and the Life! (John 14:6)

Ask Jesus to become Lord in your heart today. Find a new testament Bible and start learning about the King of kings and Lord of lords, who is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. Take your rightful place in His body of Christ church, wherein the Lord Jesus is the Head, giving thanks unto all things, rejoicing continually in Him, speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.

Stand in the offering plate.

That Ye May Be Mindful Of The Words Which Were Spoken Before By The Holy Prophets, And Of The Commandment Of Us The Apostles Of The Lord And Saviour - Part 2471

"I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars ..." (Revelation 2:2)

Apostles. Increasingly, we are seeing individuals self-proclaiming themselves to be apostles. The question is -- how does their profession align with the scriptures? First, we should understand that the vocation of apostle is only found in the new testament -- when the Lord decided to do a brand new thing. Second, we should know that later in Jesus' earthly ministry, we see the vocation of apostle applied to the twelve disciples (including Judas who eventually betrays Jesus) -- as evidenced in the gospel accounts of Matthew, Luke, and Mark.

From the scriptures:

"And when Jesus had called unto [Him] his twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphæus, and Lebbæus, whose surname was Thaddæus; Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him." (Matthew 10:1-4)

"And it came to pass in those days, that He went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called unto [Him] His disciples: and of them He chose twelve, whom also He named apostles; Simon, (whom He also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphæus, and Simon called Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor." (Luke 6:12-16)

"And the apostles gathered themselves together unto Jesus, and told Him all things, both what they had done, and what they had taught." (Mark 6:30)

There are a couple of points worth noting herein. Matthew connects Jesus giving power to the twelve disciples so that they could come against unclean spirits (including casting them out) and similarly to healing all manner of sickness and disease. Luke alludes to the twelve being chosen only after Jesus continued in prayer all night. Mark has just finished sharing Jesus' experience in His hometown, where He could do no mighty work, except lay hands on a few sick folk that were healed, before sending them out two by two. (Mark 6:1-7) In this latter account, Jesus calls unto Himself the twelve, giving them power over unclean spirits, commanding them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only. (Mark 6:7-8)

How does this translate? No scrip, no bread, and no money in purse. And Jesus said to them, "In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them, "Verily, I say unto you -- it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgement, than for that city." (Mark 6:10-11)

So what did they do? The twelve went out and preached that men should repent, casting out many devils, anointing many that were sick -- healing them.

Interestingly, the corresponding scripture is from Nehemiah -- wherein Nehemiah (the son of Hachallah) has sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, fasting and praying before the Lord God of heaven, asking Him for mercy for those who love Him and observe His commandments -- and for restoration.

"Also, I shook my lap, and said, "So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performs not this promise, even thus to be shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, "Amen" and praised the Lord. And the people did according to this promise!" (Nehemiah 5:13)

Nehemiah prayed before the Lord, fasting, and mourning, asking for His mercy for those who love Him ... but also not eating (partaking not) of the bread of the governor. In other words, there has to be a separation from the things of this world. Apostle Paul in Acts 18:6 shook his raiment, saying unto the Jews who opposed themselves and blasphemed -- "Your blood be upon your own heads; I [am] clean: from henceforth, I will go unto the Gentiles." (Acts 18:6)

Continuing in Luke 9, Jesus calls His twelve disciples aside, giving them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. But He also sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. What did they do? The twelve did not hesitate in their mission -- going through the towns, preaching the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and healing everywhere. (Luke 9:10)

But there is more. In Luke 11, Jesus is speaking with the lawyers and Pharisees and says --"Therefore, also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles and some of them they shall slay and persecute ..." (Luke 11:49; I Corinthians 1:30; Colossians 2:3)

"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world; to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty, and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are; that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption; that, according as it is written, "he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." (I Corinthians 1:27-31; Psalms 8:2; I Corinthians 1:20, Romans 4:17; I Corinthians 2:6; Ephesians 2:9; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 9:23-24; II Corinthians 10:17)

To them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. (I Corinthians 1:2)

And the apostles said unto the Lord, "Increase our faith." (Luke 17:5)

There is much more on this subject to come in the following days, but for now, are we beginning to see how apostles differed from the world?

We will conclude today with a scripture from Acts 4 and II Peter:

"And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all." (Acts 4:33)

"That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:" (II Peter 2:2)

Stand in the offering plate.

Hallowed Be Thy Name - Part 2470

"Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, "Stand up and bless the Lord your God for ever and ever: and blessed be Thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise." (Nehemiah 9:5)

The question for this day is this -- who is the Lord our God that is, as the scriptures declare, forever and ever? What is His glorious name which is exalted above all blessing and praise? Certainly, we know that David the psalmist encourages us to praise the Name of the Lord -- as in continually blessing His holy name. For example, David writes, "Let them praise the Name of the LORD: for His name alone is excellent; His glory [is] above the earth and heaven."(Psalm 148:13)

We similarly understand that God is One Lord from the first commandment (repeated in both the old and the new testaments), which begins -- "Hear O Israel, the Lord thy God is One Lord!" (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31)

The scriptures also tell us that God is the Lord of hosts. (I Kings 18:50) And that He is the Lord God of hosts. (I Kings 19:10, 14) "Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and His redeemer the Lord of hosts; "I AM the first, and I AM the last; and beside Me there is no God." (Isaiah 44:6)

"The Lord of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel ..." (I Chronicles 17:24)

"He is the Lord of hosts. (I Kings 18:50)

He is the Lord God of hosts. (I Kings 19:10, 14)

In other places, the Lord of hosts is the King of glory, the God of Jacob -- our refuge.

"Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah." (Psalm 24:10)

"The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah." (Psalm 46:7)

And one cried unto another, and said, "Holy, holy, holy, [is] the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of His glory." (Isaiah 6:3)

David also identifies God as the Lord, and the Lord as God.

"For who is God save the Lord? Or who is a rock save our God?" (Psalm 18:31)

One Lord God who loved us enough to become our Saviour. (Titus 3:4-7; I Timothy 3:16)

In terms of His name?

From the old testament -- "And let Thy name be magnified for ever, saying, "The Lord of hosts is the God over Israel: and let the house of Thy servant David be established before Thee. For Thou, O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, hast revealed to Thy servant, saying, I will build thee an house: therefore hath Thy servant found in his heart to pray this prayer unto Thee." (II Samuel 7:27)

From the new testament -- the Name of JESUS -- "No other name under heaven whereby we MUST be saved." (Acts 4:12)

Indeed, Jesus is the one and only name that is above every other name, including the many names God used for Himself throughout the old testament!" (Philippians 2:9) He is the Great I Am. He is the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending.

Yes, He is! And when we know who He is -- His Name Jesus -- for He shall save His people from their sins, we can have a confidence in Him - the God who willingly, after His kindness and love, became our Saviour.

Stand in the offering plate.

Greater Is He That Is In You Than He That Is In the World - Part 2469

"... behold, a greater than Jonas is here." (Matthew 12:41)

" ... behold, a greater than Solomon is here." (Matthew 12:42)

We can be assured that we are a nation of believers, brought into existence in one day. Who would have possibly thought that a desolation of destruction would suddenly become a garden of Eden, where the desert could blossom like a rose? Surely, words are incapable of expressing these feelings that were non existing in afore times. But now, in the centuries afterward, we can actually say that we sit in heavenly places because of these totally unforeseen blessings. In this context, we have become partakers of the afore given promise of God. 

In blessing, God said, I will bless you.

So what really did happen? Essentially, the Lord of Glory had a plan. A previously concealed plan now revealed not only in word form, but a plan being launched in real life. The star of this real life drama is the Lord Himself, appearing in like form as a son of man. The Lord Himself born as we were born, of a young girl who was in the genealogical chain which commenced with God's promise to Eve. The mother of all living.

The promise that would change destiny? Certainly. The seed of woman would bruise the head of the same one who had deliberately lied to them in the Eden garden. The Lord deliberately allowed His own Seed to be clothed in Mary’s womb with the only clothing that a woman’s womb could furnish. In this case, the Lord was clothed in human clothing, totally prone to sin, but yet without sin.  

This holy child named Jesus came forth from Mary, the willing surrogate mother in God's plan of salvation. Still, this child was, and still is man’s only Saviour. As the scriptures state, I, the Lord your God have become your Saviour. This man named Jesus came with one purpose, and that is to redeem man from his fallen state.

Even though this man Jesus was tempted, and tried in all ways, even as we are. He never succumbed to sin in any form. The reason for this? His only parent was the Holy Ghost. Therefore, being parented by God Himself, who is Spirit, then the Spirit indwelling in Jesus is God. All the vials of our sin, being poured out on Jesus, who drank the cup, right down to the last dregs willingly, knowing that death was imminent. And being man's only hope for salvation, He endured like a lamb being brought to the slaughter. He opened not His mouth. He loved us so much that He became cursed for us. “For cursed is everyone that is hung/nailed on a tree.”

Indeed, this body of Jesus was the only body, inhabited by God. Jesus body now accursed, leaving God with no fleshly earthly body to indwell. His own body was now cursed because of sin so that we were reconciled in His now cursed body. In reality, we were made alive - quickened - because He took our place. Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and dies, it abides alone. But if the seed dies (as He died) it brings forth much fruit. In other words, Jesus was the only "begotten" son of God. And now, because of His sacrifice, we also can become the sons of God having received of God the same Spirit that was in Jesus.  

In fact, that same Spirit now abides with us forever. Jesus walked the earth in that sin prone and fallen estate body so that now, His spirit can indwell in our prone to sin bodies. Jesus knows all about our frailties. That is why He is our High priest. Surely, He is touched with feelings of our infirmities, He knows how to succour us. He is more than able to quicken. His ear will always be attentive to our call. This is His covenant (the New Covenant) brought into the now by the shedding of the blood of His own holy Spirit.

The Spirit of God has a ghostly presence. Be still and know that I am God. This is My church, He said, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 

Peace to all those who are now walking in the same Spirit that previously inhabited the man Jesus, the Christ. He who gives us the power to become the sons of God. 

Stand in the offering plate.

It Is Done; I AM Alpha And Omega; The Beginning And The End; I Will Give Unto Him That Is Athirst Of the Fountain Of Water Of Life Freely - Part 2468

"For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9)

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)

"God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by [His] Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of [His] glory, and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as He hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, "Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee?" And again, "I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?" And again, when He brings in the first begotten into the world, He saith, "And let all the angels of God worship Him." (Hebrews 1:1-6)

From these three scriptures, we begin to understand the Godhead. That all the fullness of the Godhead dwelt bodily in Jesus, for it pleased His Father, the Holy Ghost, that in Him should all His fullness dwell. We learn as well that Jesus is the brightness of God’s glory and the express image of Himself -- but when He walked on this earth, He did so as a Son. Without question, He is God Himself manifested in the flesh. He is the unseen God now appearing as a Son, so that we might have abundant, everlasting life through His sacrifice on the cross.. 

Indeed, within Jesus did all of God dwell. God in the beginning created man in His own image, complete with a perfect body equipped with God’s breath; therefore becoming a living soul.

"To wit, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself." (II Corinthians 5:17) 

And it is in this context, that we who believe in the Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ by faith, that we also "take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28)

The same Word that became flesh and dwelt among us has risen from the dead, and now, as the risen Christ is the King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. 

"And He said unto me, "It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely." (Revelation 21:6)

Stand in the offering plate. 

Those Who Believe And Ae Baptized Shall Be Saved, Said Jesus - Part 2467

Jesus stated, "... he that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16) 

In the scriptures, we see Jesus coming from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. "But John forbade Him, saying, "I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?" (Matthew 3:13-14) 

This is an important learning point, because John always pointed people to the One who would come after him. As we know from previous posts, John was the forerunner to Jesus the Christ. 

"In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judæa, 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. Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judæa, and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins." (Matthew 3:1-6)

But when he 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 to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe 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. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that come 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."

Then come Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad Him, saying, "I have need to be baptized of Thee, and come Thou to me?" And Jesus answering said unto him, "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he suffered Him. 

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 3:7-17)

Herein, Jesus is coming to John to be water baptized. But John forbids Him, saying that John has need to be baptized of Jesus, and not the other way around. But according to prophecy, as Jesus points out, He had need to be baptized of John, so that all things written afore would be confirmed.

" ... for thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness." (Matthew 3:15)

Fulfilling all righteousness was not the only prophecy to be fulfilled when Jesus was baptized. We also know from the scriptures that John (full of the Holy Ghost from birth/in the womb) understood that when He saw the Spirit descend and stay upon Him, that He -- Jesus - was the promised Lamb of God. 

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 1:2-34)

"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 ..." (Matthew 3:16) 

Perhaps, at this point, it's important to note that not all of the people who came to see John baptizing in the Jordan actually went into the water. In Luke, the scripture clarifies this point, "And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him." (Luke 7:29-30)

At the same time, it may be equally important to note that Jesus did not baptize anyone. "Though Jesus Himself baptized not, but His disciples." (John 4:2)

For Jesus, being baptized was the taking on of the cup that He would later be baptized with -- the cross. Both Matthew and Mark attest to this conversation, when Jesus' disciples believed that they could drink form the same cup, that Jesus was going to be baptized with. In fact, as we see from the scriptures below, they believed they were able.

But Jesus answered and said, "Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They say unto Him, "We are able." And He saith unto them, "Ye shall drink indeed of My cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on My right hand, and on My left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of My Father." (Matthew 20:22-23)

But Jesus said unto them, "Ye know not what ye ask: can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" And they said unto Him, "We can." And Jesus said unto them, "Ye shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of; and with the baptism that I am baptized withal shall ye be baptized:" (Mark 10:38-39)

But I digress. 

Again, to clarify that Jesus did not baptize anyone -- see how the Pharisees determined to set Him up, saying that the same Jesus who was with John beyond the Jordan, "the same baptizes all that come unto Him.

"After these things came Jesus and His disciples into the land of Judæa; and there He tarried with them, and baptized. And John also was baptizing in Ænon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized." 

As you can see, John's water baptism of repentance was not a sprinkling of water (as some modern day religious cultures might have us believe) but instead, water baptism was by immersion. From the scriptures ...

"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 baptizes, and all [men] come to Him." John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, "I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before Him ... he that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears Him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease." (John 3:22-30)

Once again, John was saying that the time had come for Jesus to increase and for John to decrease.  In time, we understand that even though John had performed no miracles, the people had come to trust that everything that John spake of this man Jesus was true. 

When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John ... though Jesus baptized not but His disciples, He left Judæa, and departed again into Galilee." (John 4:1-3)

"Therefore they sought again to take Him: but He escaped out of their hand, and went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there He abode. And many resorted unto Him, and said, "John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true." (John 10:39-41) 

More to come! Stand in the offering plate.