What was the purpose and meaning of John’s baptism?
John The Baptist: A Messenger From God
John the Baptist was a messenger sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus.
(Isaiah 40:3) A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
(Mark 1:2-3) As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way.” “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.”
John’s Baptism Was For Repentance
(Mark 1:4) And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
(Mathew 3:11) “I baptize you with water for repentance.
John’s Baptism Isn’t To Be Confused With Baptism In The Name Of Jesus
In John’s time of baptizing before the death of Jesus, the people were still under the law of the Old Testament that required animal sacrifices. John’s baptism did not remove the requirement for those baptized by him to still have to offer animal sacrifices for the temporary covering of their sins. However, it did pave the way and prepare the hearts of those who were repentant for the baptism that was to come. John said in (Mathew 3:11) “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Jesus sacrifice on the cross made available to us baptism in the name of Jesus that washes away our sins. It is Peter’s command in (Acts 2:38) that tells all of us to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus. In doing so we will receive the Holy Spirit that completes the born again salvation experience for us today (John 3:5).
Disciples Re-baptized In The Name Of Jesus
(Acts 19:3-6) So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Paul was well aware of the purpose and meaning of John’s baptism. This is why he re-baptized these disciples. John’s baptism could not wash away sins. Jesus name baptism did, and still does!
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