John's Baptism

1.     John the Baptist - the Divine Commission
2.     John the Baptist - prophesied in Old Testament
3.     Righteousness fulfilled
4.    Jesus' Inauguration into the Priesthood
5.    Jesus our High Priest, Now!
6.    Jesus' earthly ministry began at John's Baptism
7.    The way of God more perfectly
8.    Jesus declared to be the Son of God
9.    Another reason for Jesus' Baptism
10.  Jesus and John's Baptism
11.  Water Baptism and Sanctification
12.  Water Baptism and Sanctification (Pt. 2)
13.  Washing of the water
14.  Baptism a Greek word for Jewish purification
15.  Limited first commission
16.  Confession

The earthly ministry/priesthood of our Lord began at John's Baptism

At John's Baptism the man Jesus was:

• Consecrated (Legal Age of 30 according to Law - could minister in Temple)
• Cleansed (purification of the body according to Law - John the Baptist was a Levite)
• Anointed with the Holy Spirit under Law (God's ownership to begin the 3 1/2 year earthly ministry preaching the Kingdom as the Messiah) Acts 10:38

After John's Baptism Jesus entered into the earthly priesthood which was appointed by God - to be after the order of Melchizedek. Psalm 110: , Hebrews 7: , Melchizedek had an earthly priesthood and was King of Salem. In similitude Jesus had an earthly priesthood and was King of Jerusalem. During His earthly priesthood Jesus performed:

• Earthly service for the nation of Israel - meeting needs
• Earthly ministry for the nation of Israel - Preaching Kingdom
• Human ministry in obedience to Law for the people
• Ministered 27 times in the Temple
• Ministered in synagogues
• Ministered in the open air
• Duties as a priests who were responsible for teaching the Jewish people the law of God
• Duties as a priest to offer divine sacrifice unto God (the crucifixion)

Josephus  a Jewish historian stated about John's Baptism: and so to come to baptism; for that the washing [with water] would be acceptable to him, if they made use of it, not in order to the putting away [or the remission] of some sins [only], but for the purification of the body; supposing still that the soul was thoroughly purified beforehand by righteousness

God spoke audibly when the man Jesus was baptized of John. God spoke out loud about Christ after He received the waters of purification, "This is my beloved son  in whom I am well pleased". Matthew 3: Jesus was inaugurated into the priesthood, anointed with God's ownership, and sent out to present the Kingdom Message to Israel. This earthly priesthood and ministry lasted 3 1/2 years until the Kingdom Message was rejected and Jesus went to the cross at Calvary.
 

A vast number of Old Testament prophecies unfolded and were confirmed at John's Baptism. Only more evidence of Bible Truth that makes the substance and meaning of God's Word so real and alive. This kind of truth is a faith builder. Faith is the heart of our Salvation by Grace. Faith is fortified by truth and evidence.

Another reason for Jesus' baptism...a Jewish perspective

The anointing of the Spirit took place at John's Baptism when the Spirit descended on Christ like a dove..at the age of thirty

Acts 10:38...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:

John's baptism was the inauguration of Christ into the earthly priesthood

Psalm 110:4...The LORD hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek. (earthly)

God spoke audibly...at the beginning and ending of Christ's earthly ministry...3 1/2 years - anointing represented God's ownership and announcement of the Kingdom Message presented to backslidden Israel

John's baptism was prophesied to prepare the way of Christ...Malachi 3, Isaiah 40

Christ had to obey Levitical Law to be without spot or blemish...

Psalm 1 (perfect lamb without spot of blemish)

Christ was born with the Spirit

Christ had the Spirit without measure  his whole life on earth

Christ was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the Devil

Christ was anointed with the Spirit at John's Baptism and beginning of His earthly ministry

After Israel rejected the promised King...Christ had the eternal Spirit when He gave himself at Calvary

Jewish ritual purification termed as Baptism in the Greek text

A lady contacted me yesterday about explaining Baptism to a Jew...God gave me these verses. I felt the necessity to share this data base for further study...

John 2: And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews,

These waterpots where Jesus turned the water to wine...were used after the water was sifted through the ashes of  a Red Heifer by a Levite...and thus used in ritual purification (baptism). Jesus' Apostles baptized more than John...

John 3:25...Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

John 4:When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

Baptism was Jewish ritual and washing purification of people, pots, vessels, etc. - Jewish Law and ritual purification was traditionalized and changed under God's Covenant of Grace

Hebrews 6:Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms,

Jewish rituals were to be voided...as were ordinances of the Law
Hebrews 9:10...Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation

Mark 7:8...For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do (traditions of men)

John baptized with water to allow backslidden Israel to be eligible to worship Christ as Messiah... John's baptism was ordained by God and spoken of by the Prophets. John's authority came from God but never violated Jewish Law. John was the last record of a Levite in the Bible

 

In Josephus's Antiquities of the Jews

An account of John the Baptist is found in all extant manuscripts of the Jewish Antiquities (book 18, chapter 5, 2) by Flavius Josephus (37–100):^[26]

Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came from God, and that very justly, as a punishment of what he did against John, that was called the Baptist: for Herod slew him, who was a good man, and commanded the Jews to exercise virtue, both as to righteousness towards one another, and piety towards God, and so to come to baptism; for that the washing [with water] would be acceptable to him, if they made use of it, not in order to the putting away [or the remission] of some sins [only], but for the purification of the body; supposing still that the soul was thoroughly purified beforehand by righteousness. Now when [many] others came in crowds about him, for they were very greatly moved [or pleased] by hearing his words, Herod, who feared lest the great influence John had over the people might put it into his power and inclination to raise a rebellion, (for they seemed ready to do any thing he should advise,) thought it best, by putting him to death, to prevent any mischief he might cause, and not bring himself into difficulties, by sparing a man who might make him repent of it when it would be too late. Accordingly he was sent a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I before mentioned, and was there put to death. Now the Jews had an opinion that the destruction of this army was sent as a punishment upon Herod, and a mark of God's displeasure to him.^[27]

Where does the Bible say man has a free will? It doesn't.

Where does the doctrine of Free Will come from? You will not find one single verse in the Bible that states man has a Free Will. If Free Will is not taught in the Bible where did this doctrine come from? Is it based on man's opinion rather than the opinion of God?

Does not the Bible teach that the will of man is "controlled" by a sinful nature? Does not the Bible say we are "servants" to sin? Simply meaning (without Christ) we are slaves to an inherited sinful nature. There's nothing free about the fact we are controlled by a propensity to sin. The human will is controlled by sin. Period. A sinful man cannot not just simply choose to do right and God therefore will consider him right. A sinful man will choose wrongdoing in the simple rejection of Christ. Rejection alone causes man to miss God. If man missed God and missed redemption of the human soul are not his will, choices, and decisions based on self righteousness?

If you look at man and compare him to what the Bible says he really is, you will find that man cannot make "righteous choices" and be right in the eyes of God...without having righteousness by Grace in his heart. Read Romans 3:10-20 which is the greatest indictment against fallen man in the Bible. None that doeth good. None righteous, no not one! David stated that a human being was conceived in sin. David also said that a baby goes astray from the womb...speaking lies. A child doesn't necessarily tell lies because he or she heard lies from it's parents; a child tells lies because in their nature and make-up they are compelled to lie. Moses said in Genesis that the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth. Children without Christ that grow up making choices...make choices without Christ. Children that find Christ in their hearts will make Christ like choices.

The Bible teaches the ways of man are right in his own eyes...but the ways of man are not necessarily right in the eyes of God. What gives an unsaved man the right to think his decisions or choices are godly. This is where people miss it. People think they can choose right; decide right: do acts of right (in their own eyes) or good deeds and God will bless them for it. The problem with this is that people leave out Christ and His Saving Grace. They miss God-given righteousness. They miss Salvation of the human soul. They are servants of unrighteousness. Rom 6:13...Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness

Human choices (within an unsaved man) are not and cannot be Godly choices that look for favor from God. Man cannot choose to do right and claim its right without God given righteousness that comes from the new birth. What I'm saying is, "The will of man is tainted and polluted with sin and is not free to choose and decide righteousness". Therefore the choices and decisions of man are likewise tainted and polluted with sin. The mind is darkened by the unclean heart. This is based on Bible doctrine not the opinions of men or tradition.

The Bible teaches there is no freedom to choose right unless its choosing Christ as Savior and Redeemer. Does not the Holy Spirit melt fallen man just enough to break the will of man from a self righteous position? Get out of the way (you self centered man) as you may be your own worst enemy! Human choices will get you into self sufficiency and cause you to miss the sufficiency of God. Godly choices will get you to the power of God's saving Grace. Do you believe God can break the human will? Yes. The human will has to be broken to get fallen man to Christ. The will has to be "broken" by God to recieve right. Your choices and decisions without Christ, what did they get you from God? Nothing.

Before Christ...Did you find favor with God because you chose to quit committing adultery? Did you find favor with God because you chose to quit drinking alcohol, or lying, stealing, or cheating? Perhaps you could turn your will from wrong to right on your own accord? Perhaps it was 50-50. Not so my brethren. Granted, Adam had the power to chose right or wrong (at creation)...but since the days of Adam man has been born with a fallen nature. Cursed from the fall of Adam. Born a sinner. Without hope. Helpless without Christ. The mind, will, and body...controlled by sin...not free to chose or do right. The human will is not by any means free, but controlled or "under" sin. God's Word will confirm this truth in Romans 3:10...all are under sin. Under the control of sin...

Aren't you glad Christ can break the will of man enough to cause him to turn from sin and disobedience...or repent. I am! Glory! Christ changes things! He leads men to repentance. He changes the heart and soul which govern the way a man chooses and decides. His power and presence causes us to make right choices not wrong choices. The will of a Christian is in harmony with the will of God! God's Grace sways the way a man chooses and decides. Godly choices. Godly decisions. Why? Sin doesn't live here anymore. I'm free after Christ frees me. I've been redeemed! Glory!

Here's more Biblical evidence about how man's will is controlled by sin and not "free" as many people say and think.

Genesis 3: 15...The fall...in the garden of the Eden (The original sin)
Genesis 6: 5...the imagination of the thoughts of his heart was evil continually,
Genesis 8: 21...the imagination man's heart was evil from his youth.
Psalms 51: 5...in sin my mother conceived me, (born in sin)
Psalms 58: 3...the wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray as soon as they are born speaking lies.
Jeremiah 17: 9...heart is deceitful
Ecclesiastes 9: 3..the heart of the sons of men is full of evil.
Isaiah 55:8...For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are my ways your ways, says the Lord.
John 7:7...the world hates me because I testified to it that its works are evil.
John 3:19...and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 3: 20...for everyone that does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, for fear that his deeds should be exposed.
Romans 5: 19...for by one man's disobedience (Adam) many were made sinners.
Romans 5: 21...sin reigned in death, (the sinful nature)
Romans 7: 5...when we were in sin
Romans 7: 9, 10...I was alive once without the law but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
Ephesians 2:3...we had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind: and were by nature to children of wrath.

Examine this document closely and be blessed by the truth of God's Word and not tradition or human opinion! It will take you to Christ and get you away from debates.

The will of man: Free or controlled?

In the book of Genesis at the creation of man an example of free will is seen in light of Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve were created in the image of God with a free will. They were free to choose right from wrong concerning the Divine Law of a Creator. Unfortunately they chose wrong and violated Divine Law. By choosing wrong (violating Divine Law) the original sin was committed. Through that offense humanity would no longer be in perfect harmony with God. As a result of the Original Sin... God cursed the serpent, the earth, the man, and the woman. Humanity was now subjected to sins natural dominion. The affects from the curse of the fall formed a divide between the spiritual and natural man and his eternal life or eternal death. Adam’s disobedience affected the natural and eternal make-up of man which thus changed mans future relationship with God. Only a Saviour could restore humanity with what Adam lost.

• Rom 5:19…For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

The moral make-up of all humanity was changed after Adams divine nature from creation was lost. After the fall, a natural man was no longer born with free will like Adam had at creation. Why? Darkness crept into the soul of man as a consequence from the Original sins' broken communion with the Creator. Eternal life like Adam had when he was created ceased within humanity. Death and separation from God for humanity began at that point of time and thus passed into human conception. As communion ceased like Adam and Eve shared with God in the Garden of Eden a natural born child was thus separated from a God given Eternal life from birth. Unlike Adam and Eve who were divinely created beings in perfect holiness, the natural born child in a fallen state of being is born under the self-centered dominion of sin. For this reason the sinful nature within every child conceived was a direct product of the Original Sin. Darkness from Adams sin passed into the make-up of every child born throughout the history of mankind and thus produced spiritual death and a natural separation from God.

• Ps 51:5…Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
• Ps 58:3…The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

Although not guilty (until the age of accountability) a child’s fallen state of being is unholy and morally polluted. A propensity of sin through human nature has sway within every child’s action, every child's intellect, and every child's mental process. The mind and will of man is controlled by a carnal faculty within the human being itself. The natural inclination of man outside the Spirit of God is ruled by self sufficiency and opposition to the Law of God. There is by no means any indication of free will here. This negative inclination proves what a natural man is without Christ. It also indicates how a natural man will choose and decide according to the Divine Law of God.

• Eph 2:3…whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath
• 1 Cor 2:14…But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them

With the exception of Adam and Eve before the fall the doctrine of free will is not recorded or taught anywhere else in the Bible. The Bible doesn’t teach the will of man is free to do right. Only the opposite is true. The subject of mans will being free is based only on opinion and tradition…not the language of the Bible. Contrary to the free will doctrine the Bible does teach the will of man is enslaved to indwelling sin.

• Rom 7:18-20…For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

The first Biblical account of inherited depravity was seen in Cain who murdered his brother Abel. Murder had never been witnessed in humanity nor did it come through example. It was birthed in the heart of Cain.

• Gen 4:9-10…And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother's keeper? And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground
David in the Psalms confirms that a child in the womb of its mother is conceived in sin.

• Ps 51:5…Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
• Ps 58:3…The wicked are estranged from the womb: they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies.

David emphasizes the fact that the inclination of a child to lie isn’t imparted through association from the paren or sinful man...but comes through conception itself.

Isaiah the prophet taught that the mind and ways of man were contrary to the mind and ways of God.

• Isa 55:8-9…For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Jesus knew the condition of mans heart was to love darkness and hate light.

• John 3:19-20…men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

Outside of creation the doctrine of free will is not recorded or taught anywhere in the Bible. The Bible doesn’t teach the will of man is free to do right. Only the opposite is taught. The subject of mans will being free is only human opinion or religious tradition. Contrary to such teaching the Bible does teach the will of man is enslaved to indwelling sin.

• Rom 7:18-20…For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Granted, Adam was created by God with a free will. Adam and Eve did have the ability to choose right from wrong but the carnal nature didn’t exist then. The propensity of sin comes through the seed of a natural man and is birthed into humanity since the fall of Adam and Gods curse upon humanity. Its ripple affect throughout the covers of the Bible was indwelling sin which thus affects human choice and reasoning to do right in the eyes of God. Man is no longer free to do right but under the control of sin.

• Rom 3:9-10…for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
• Rom 7:14…but I am carnal, sold under sin.

So the question arises, “How does man whose will is controlled by sin reunite to a right standing with God?” The only bridge between the frailty of man and the power of God is for a penitent sinner to believe from the heart...the death of Christ for personal forgiveness of sins. Gods Grace and the Holy Spirits presence through hearing the Word of God affects the human will enough to help man to change his mind to repentance. Godly sorrow which comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit works repentance in the soul of sinful man. Believing and trusting the person of Christ opens the heart and frees the conscience of sinful man from the guilt of sin. Justification, God's declaration of man's pardon from sin (when he believes in Christ), grants the penitent a right standing in the presence of God.

The affects of Gods Grace touch the human will when sinful men hear the word of God through preaching. The power of Christ affects the human will enough to lead men to repentance. In repentance the Holy Spirit's witness gives man a new desire to recognize Christ and quit doing wrong. This convicting work of the Holy Spirit helps carnal men to change their minds and trust Christ alone for the forgiveness of sins. Regeneration of the soul in the new birth takes place when man changes his mind and believes the person of Christ from the penitent heart.

When did the Old Testament stop? When did the New Testament begin?

These questions about the two covenants are often misunderstood, overlooked, dodged, or even disputed in our modern religious world. Why are they so questionable? What does the Bible really teach about the answers to these questions. Why is this subject about the difference between the Old and New Testaments so important? What difference does it make?

“It makes a lot of difference”. Under Grace we become members of Christ’s body. Under Law they didn’t because the body of Christ the Church had not come. Saints under Grace are united with God through personal forgiveness and redemption from the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary. Forgiveness and redemption came through Israel’s final sacrifice.This final sin offering was the man, Christ. The Lamb of God that redeems people from their personal sins. Jesus was Israel’s final sin offering. Israel’s Temple was destroyed in 70AD. The Church was purchased and birthed through shed blood of Christ. The Comforter came as Christ promised the Spirit would come.

Under the New Testament…saints of God have a greater blessing called Grace. Saints of God under the Law of Moses and before were under Old Covenant relationships. Today under the covenant of Grace (in the Church)…Jesus sent us another Comforter from the Throneroom. This Comforter was something Old Testament saints never had and never experienced under the blessing of the Law of Moses and prior.

So, when did the Old Testament stop? When did the New Testament begin? At Calvary when Jesus (the lamb of God) became Israel’s final sacrificial offering to God.

Hebews 10:5-10…Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: In burnt offerings and [sacrifices] for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and [offering] for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure [therein]; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once [for all].

Learn the Bible from the perspective of knowing when the Old Testament stopped and the New Testament began. Make the distinction between the Old and the New Testament. Don’t mix everything up. Live with the power of God’s Divine Grace that flows from Calvary. See it in the Bible. Rightly divide the truth of God’s Word. Christ not only forgives…He also gives us a better life. That better life is the blessed life of living with the power of God’s Grace every minute, every hour, and every day. A New Testament saint has a greater blessing because it comes from the person of Christ within. Grace flows from Calvary. Grace keeps the Comforter present in our lives. Grace is where the Church and all spirtual gifts come from.

These gifts never ceased at the Early church. These gifts are blessings of the New Testament we now live under. Jesus said greater blessings than these would come because He went back to the Father. Glory! We now have greater blessings! Because the Old Testament stopped and the New Testament began.