Why was Christ's baptism so important?

[psalms109:31]

Baptism

Again, it is nearly impossible for me to understand you--and that's probably a shortcoming on my part.

But, you did post scripture about the setting-apart of Aaron and his sons, did you not?

You were suggesting that this "baptism" of Aaron and his sons was similar to what happened to Jesus at His own baptism, were you not?

I am merely pointing out that the two things--Aaron's ordination and Jesus' baptism--cannot be related. Therefore, Jesus' baptism "to fulfill all righteousness" means something else.

The Archangel

Let me put it to you in short term, why were people being baptized, what old testiment did they get that from and why did He follow.

I do know it is a picture of His death bury and resurection.

The first story of baptism after the flood which came from God I am not talking about, but the first one is from Aaron and His Sons being washed by others.

If He isn't following Aaron and his Sons what is He following and others before Jesus?

If it isn't the scripture that I pointed out, show me where it is?

Was people just being baptized on ther own without something coming from the word of God?

 

[Gabriel Elijah]

Whatever the meaning of “fulfill all righteousness”—the hemin (Greek ‘us’ in verse 15)—means John the Baptist is involved in the fulfillment. Since John is clearly the forerunner of Jesus (fulfills Isa 40:3)--& has as his focus a ministry of preparation for the Messiah (ie the Coming One in verse 11-12) its possible Christ’s baptism by John fulfills all righteousness by inaugurating Christ’s earthly ministry (thereby allowing John to fulfill his purpose & opening the door for what Jesus would accomplish in his life, death & resurrection). In essence, if the “fulfillment of righteousness” is taken in the salvation-historical sense—then God’s saving activity prophesied throughout the OT & John’s ministry of preparation are being fulfilled with the inauguration of Jesus’ ministry (ie Gods plan of salvation is unfolding within a certain time in world history)—which begins with his baptism by John (Acts 10:37) & comes to its culmination with his death & resurrection.—which all in all--fulfills all righteousness. While there certainly are other possible meanings—and the event as a whole shows Jesus’ endorsement of John’s ministry---I currently lean toward the salvation-historical sense of the phrase.

 

[Tater77]

Well what I noticed in the Scriptures about the Baptism of Christ is this. This is the first instance where the Father, Son and Holy Spirit appeared in the same place at once. Its right there. Christ (being baptized), God (speaking from heaven) and the Holy Spirit (descending like a dove).

Three in one, one in three being presented.

 

[Jim1999]

Keep in mind, as we add values to baptism, we are also decided that baptism is fundamental to other spiritual and salvatory values. Whereas, as baptists, we have always maintained that baptism is symbolic of our salvation.

All the verses quoted generally lead to Jesus' affirmation of John the baptist's message; Jesus saves!

Whilst Jesus bore our sins on the cross, I don't feel that water baptism does any more than symbolize this fact.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Gabriel Elijah]

Keep in mind, as we add values to baptism, we are also decided that baptism is fundamental to other spiritual and salvatory values. Whereas, as baptists, we have always maintained that baptism is symbolic of our salvation.

All the verses quoted generally lead to Jesus' affirmation of John the baptist's message; Jesus saves!

Whilst Jesus bore our sins on the cross, I don't feel that water baptism does any more than symbolize this fact.

Cheers,

Jim

I personally agree with everything u just said—esp overemphasizing what role baptism plays in the salvation process (ie it should never lead to a baptismal regeneration conclusion). But the debate at hand has to do with—why Jesus underwent John the Baptist baptism of repentance when he had no sin to repent of. While affirming John the Baptist’s ministry is normally accepted as 1 reason (something I personally affirm)—the meaning of how it “fulfilled all righteousness” in Matt 3:15 is difficult to say with certainty---but is the key to understanding why the event as a whole took place. Thus, I’m curious to know—what is your interpretation of this verse?

 

[abcgrad94]

But the debate at hand has to do with—why Jesus underwent John the Baptist baptism of repentance when he had no sin to repent of.

No, actually that's not my question posed in the OP. I asked why Christ's baptism was so significant because God himself spoke from heaven during the event, something that happened one other time on the mount of transfiguration. I'm sorry if I didn't clarify that in the OP.

The fact that God spoke from heaven marked the event as "special" and I wanted other's thoughts about it.

After pondering the posts in this thread and studying some more, I've come to the conclusion that Christ's baptism, in a sense, was his introduction as the Messiah. I would liken it to a pastor's ordination service when men of God gather and place their stamp of approval on a new pastor for ministry. It seems to me that God was placing his stamp of approval on Christ for the work he was to do. (I could be wrong but it's not a hill to die on for me.)

 

[Gabriel Elijah]

No, actually that's not my question posed in the OP. I asked why Christ's baptism was so significant because God himself spoke from heaven during the event, something that happened one other time on the mount of transfiguration. I'm sorry if I didn't clarify that in the OP.

The fact that God spoke from heaven marked the event as "special" and I wanted other's thoughts about it.

After pondering the posts in this thread and studying some more, I've come to the conclusion that Christ's baptism, in a sense, was his introduction as the Messiah. I would liken it to a pastor's ordination service when men of God gather and place their stamp of approval on a new pastor for ministry. It seems to me that God was placing his stamp of approval on Christ for the work he was to do. (I could be wrong but it's not a hill to die on for me.)

Lol- I was actually talking about the 2 posters from earlier not the OP--& was just curious to see how mr Jim felt about that particular debate—but as far as your conclusion-- read my post 22—we have come to the same conclusion-

 

[psalms109:31]

After I was introduced to Jesus by the Father through His messengers at 11 and I ask Him in my heart. I wasn't baptized, the church I went to did not want to add anything to the work of Christ. They say we are saved by faith. I said Jesus was baptized and I wanted to follow Him. They said He did it to fulfill the prophesy. I wasn't baptized until later in my life when me and my wife was baptized together and joined a Baptist Church in 1992. I was incomplete not being baptized as I thought it was the only thing at the time I didn't do that I could think of. I knew something was missing in me and I really thought it was that baptism. It took that baptism for me to see it wasn't that, but the Baptism that comes from God.

No matter so far it is as the priest preparing the body by washing it. This body no matter how much water we pour on it it doesn't clean what is on the inside, but God through His word and the Holy Spirit the fire. It is also a picture the death, burial and resurrection.

Sometimes we don't even know it but try to stand in the way of the work that God is doing in our heart through His word. Washing (baptism)no matter does what it needs to do down the path that God through His word brings us to.

 

[convicted1]

I've heard and read the story of Christ's baptism many times, but for some reason this thought recently struck me. Why was this baptism so very important? It must have HUGE significance or else God wouldn't have spoken from heaven (something he did again when Christ was on the mount of transfiguration.)

I know the baptism was an act showing his obedience to the cross. Is that really all, though? God didn't speak from heaven when Christ turned the water to wine, raised Lazarus, or healed the sick.

Any ideas on why Christ's baptism was of such importance?

Luke 3:21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

John 1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;

27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

33 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 baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.


So, Jesus' baptism was also a sign unto John, so that when he saw the Spirit in the shape of a dove abode upon Jesus, he would know that this was the Messiah that had been prophesied of old.

i am I AM's!!

Willis

 

[saturneptune]

The reasons that come to mind are that it was an example to us, a sign that He is the Son of God (ie the dove and voice of God), and the fact that the Trinity is shown at together at this point in time.

 

[convicted1]

No, actually that's not my question posed in the OP. I asked why Christ's baptism was so significant because God himself spoke from heaven during the event, something that happened one other time on the mount of transfiguration. I'm sorry if I didn't clarify that in the OP.

The fact that God spoke from heaven marked the event as "special" and I wanted other's thoughts about it.

After pondering the posts in this thread and studying some more, I've come to the conclusion that Christ's baptism, in a sense, was his introduction as the Messiah. I would liken it to a pastor's ordination service when men of God gather and place their stamp of approval on a new pastor for ministry. It seems to me that God was placing his stamp of approval on Christ for the work he was to do. (I could be wrong but it's not a hill to die on for me.)

Sister,

That which I bolded and underlined I would like to address. I would have to agree with this, but He was the Messiah all along(I am not saying you were/are saying that, either). It's just that as far as I have read, I do not know of one miracle He did prior to Him being baptized. When He was 12, he was found in the temple talking with the elders and they pondered at His wisdom, being such a young lad. So, He was the Messiah all along, but this baptism that He participated in was the "sign from heaven", that the Messiah was finally here! Praise His sweet name!! I do believe the water baptism is important(Jesus did not do this for exercise), but one must be saved first for the water baptism to hold any value whatsoever.

1 Pet. 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

i am I AM's!!

Willis

 

[psalms109:31]

All righteousness

Thinking about it some more, Jesus came in the likeness of sinful flesh. He did the things He did to fulfill all righteousness as if He was in sinful flesh to be an example for us who are.

Baptism is not some ritual that we do all the time to focus on, but is a blessing to those who do and those who witness the work of God in our and their heart.

 

[abcgrad94]

Sister,

That which I bolded and underlined I would like to address. I would have to agree with this, but He was the Messiah all along(I am not saying you were/are saying that, either). It's just that as far as I have read, I do not know of one miracle He did prior to Him being baptized. When He was 12, he was found in the temple talking with the elders and they pondered at His wisdom, being such a young lad. So, He was the Messiah all along, but this baptism that He participated in was the "sign from heaven", that the Messiah was finally here! Praise His sweet name!! I do believe the water baptism is important(Jesus did not do this for exercise), but one must be saved first for the water baptism to hold any value whatsoever.

Right. You said it better than I could have. Thank you, Willis.

 

[percho]

How many baptisms did Jesus participate in?

 

[convicted1]

How many baptisms did Jesus participate in?

John 4 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

2(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.

According to this, a "big, fat, '0'"!!!!

Unless this question was asking how times was Jesus baptized?? If this is the case, I believe He was only baptized once, by John the Baptist.

i am I AM's!!

Willis

 

[percho]

John 4 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

2(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)

3 He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee.

According to this, a "big, fat, '0'"!!!!

Unless this question was asking how times was Jesus baptized?? If this is the case, I believe He was only baptized once, by John the Baptist.

i am I AM's!!

Willis

The ? was how many time was Jesus baptized?
What about Mark 10:38 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?

Wasn't this still in the future and after the baptism of John?

Will those in the church have to go though this baptism also?

 

[convicted1]

Wasn't this still in the future and after the baptism of John?

Please bear with me as I try to explain something.

Acts 1:1 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,

2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

The Apostles did not get this Holy Ghost baptism until after Jesus had ascended back to the Father.

Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Now this is the baptism of which we get when we are born again/born from above.

Now here is where John the Baptist laid the "groundwork" for what Jesus was to do after He was resurrected.

Matt. 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh 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:

12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

This is also found in Luke 3:16-17.

What about Mark 10:38 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?

When Jesus stated "the baptism that I AM baptized with", I take it to mean present tense, meaning He had already had that baptism that they(Disciples) must have to be with Him when they died. This baptism that Jesus was talking about was the Spirit coming in and taking up His abode in their soul. This did not take place until the day of Pentecost, which is found in Acts chapter two.

Will those in the church have to go though this baptism also?

Depends which baptism you are asking about. The water baptism is for church membership only, and to show people that Jesus is now the one you serve; like putting your light on the candlestick. The baptism of the Holy Ghost is the only way that we can get to heaven. The blood of Jesus cleanses our soul, then we get that drink of living water, that will be in us a well springing up into everlasting life; and then the Holy Ghost comes in, takes up His abode in our soul, and leads us in the way of righteousness. Now this Holy Ghost baptism I am talking about isn't like the Pentecostals, and the "talking in tongues", but that it comes in, and makes us rejoice in the knowledge of our salvation. Does this clear things up? Muddy the water? If you need any clarification, please let me know.

i am I AM's!!

Willis

 

[convicted1]

One of my commentaries says that Jesus was baptized as a picture of His death, burial and resurrection. To "fulfill all righteousness" means that Jesus' baptism was a sign of fulfilling God's righteous judgment against sin in the death of His Son in our place.

I am going to borrow this from Bro. Quantumfaith:

:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:

Now, you can have it back, Brother!!