Why was Jesus baptized?

[Jim1999]

Leading from another discussion on baptism, we had several reasons for baptism given. The answer to this question helps one to understand the purpose of baptism.

Whilst it is a symbol of death, burial and resurrection that is not the total answer. Whilst redemption is a requirement we make for baptism, that is not the total answer either.

I continue to maintain that baptism is a step of obedience, including the baptism of Jesus, Read the only full account of Jesus' baptism in Matthew 3: 13-17. The key verse being Matt 3:17, "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased."

What did Jesus' baptism do? He was later to become the sacrifice for our sin. To offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sin He became a priest in the order of Melchizedek, and this required a "washing" in water. Jesus obeyed the Father in each step He took.

Baptism does not provide one iota toward redemption. It does not provide one inkling of change in us. It only provides a step of obedience for us, and whatever blessings may come from this act.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[donnA]

There are obvious differences to why Jesus was baptized and why we are baptized. One reason we are baptized is because of salvation. Jesus did not need salvation.
As believers we are baptized in obedience to God, baptism being for believers only, not for salvation, or a part of salvation, but because of salvation, and symbolizes the death, burial, and resurection of Jesus, we give a testimony of this when we are baptized.

Is this anything like what your asking?

 

[LeBuick]

Jim, I agree with your post. I've always considered baptism an ordinance and not a condition of salvation. No different than taking the Lords Supper is not necessary for salvation but is an ordinance.

I believe John baptized Jesus with water but Jesus baptized John with the spirit.

So to your question, I got this from a book I used to study this subject years ago... Maybe it will give us food for discussion.

Why did Jesus ask to be baptized?

(1) to confess sin on behalf of the nation, as Isaiah, Ezra, and Nehemiah had done (see Ezra 9:2; Nehemiah 1:6; 9:1ff.; Isaiah 6:5);
(2) to accomplish God's mission and advance God's work in the world;
(3) to inaugurate his public ministry to bring the message of salvation to all people; (4) to show support for John's ministry;
(5) to identify with the penitent people of God, thus with humanness and sin; and
(6) to give us an example to follow.

What did it do, fulfilled all righteousness... Mt 3:15

 

[donnA]

Interesting, want to keep an eye out on the conversation around your list.

 

[Jim1999]

Hi LeBuick. Indeed you are closer to what I was saying in my rhetorical question. Obedience is the key word in baptism. Whilst the scripture does say believe and be baptized, regeneration is not the demonstrative aspect of baptism. Obedience to the command is paramount.

Otherwise we have two different baptisms; one for Jesus and one for us when water baptism is water baptism.

When you draw the future ministry of Jesus into the act, we begin to understand the why of baptism.

John did not label Jesus' baptism as different to the baptisms applied to others. This is why John said he needed to be baptized by Jesus...he tried to make a difference.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[ktn4eg]

Jim, I agree with your post. I've always considered baptism an ordinance and not a condition of salvation. No different than taking the Lords Supper is not necessary for salvation but is an ordinance.

What did it do, fulfilled all righteousness... Mt 3:15

Thus, I conclude that baptism is a work of righteousness.

What does Titus 3:5-6 about that: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour." (Emphasis mine.)

 

[LeBuick]

Thus, I conclude that baptism is a work of righteousness.

What does Titus 3:5-6 about that: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour." (Emphasis mine.)

Two points I would like to make...

1. I believe the works of righteousness in Titus as equivalent to the fruit of the spirit. True, the do not save but they are a symbol of being saved.

2. I believe there are two baptisms... One is in the water which is visible to man. The other is by the holy spirit.
(he that commeth after me etc...)

 

[donnA]

If the fruit of the Spirit were a symbol, then anyone we think is lacking could be judged as being not saved. It would be legitimate to go around and teel people they weren't saved. The fruit of the Spirit is God's work in us, His continuing work, a part of becoming more Christ like. He is still working in us to make us Christ like, Christlikeness is not automatic at salvation. Seems to me fruit of the Spirt is not a symbol of salvation, but because of salvation. Just as all fruit is not born mature, neither is this fruit. hence the name, fruit.

 

[exscentric]

Probably there needs to be a thinking of the purpose of John's baptism as opposed to Christian baptism. I think his was unto repentance.

What was John's baptism a preparation for according to the Word, and is that the same purpose for Christian baptism? :thumbs:

 

[LeBuick]

If the fruit of the Spirit were a symbol, then anyone we think is lacking could be judged as being not saved. It would be legitimate to go around and teel people they weren't saved. The fruit of the Spirit is God's work in us, His continuing work, a part of becoming more Christ like. He is still working in us to make us Christ like, Christlikeness is not automatic at salvation. Seems to me fruit of the Spirt is not a symbol of salvation, but because of salvation. Just as all fruit is not born mature, neither is this fruit. hence the name, fruit.

I agree with what you say pretty much. As you become "Christlike" as you say, won't you begin to exhibit the fruit of the spirit? I know it's not automatic at salvation and if I implied that it was then I apologize. As for it being a sybol, you are arguing with scripture not me. I don't know how else to define proof...

Eph 5:9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

It's no different than Love. John says he that loveth not knoweth not God. He didn't say you would hit a full measure of Love the day you receive Christ but we should show progress at one point. No specific period of time but progress.

 

[Revmitchell]

The focus of Baptism is not obedience. It is a public confession of our identity with Christ and belief in the death, burial, and ressurrection. It's primary focus is salvation not obedience. It is about making Him known and what He has done for us.

Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.


The purpose in Johns' baptism was delcared by john:

Joh 1:25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?
Joh 1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
Joh 1:27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
Joh 1:28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Joh 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Joh 1:30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
Joh 1:31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

That Christ would be made known.

 

[LeBuick]

The focus of Baptism is not obedience. It is a public confession of our identity with Christ and belief in the death, burial, and ressurrection. It's primary focus is salvation not obedience. It is about making Him known and what He has done for us.

Rom 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Rom 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Rom 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.


The purpose in Johns' baptism was delcared by john:

Joh 1:25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?
Joh 1:26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
Joh 1:27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
Joh 1:28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Joh 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Joh 1:30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.
Joh 1:31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

That Christ would be made known.

I don't understand your logic with using these scriptures. Can you expound a bit?

Public confession I agree with but the confession is also done out of obedience to his command. It was given to us in the great commission;

Mt 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

 

[Revmitchell]

I don't understand your logic with using these scriptures. Can you expound a bit?

Public confession I agree with but the confession is also done out of obedience to his command. It was given to us in the great commission;

Mt 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

I used them because this is the passage where two things happened:

1. Jesus was Baptized
2. The reason for His Baptism was declared