Bible Question: The Bible SAYS Christ was baptized for what purpose? I.e., according to the clear record of Scripture, why was Christ baptized? Someone at this Forum has written: When Christ was baptized, "He showed us what we must do in order to inherit the kingdom of God." Did He? All my life I have heard that Jesus was baptized in order to set an example for us to follow. Was He? WHAT DOES THE BIBLE PLAINLY SAY about the purpose of His baptism? |
Bible Answer: Read Matthew 3:15 This is a good question. Look at what the purpose of baptism really is. Through context and word studies it means to be IDENTIFIED with Him. When we are baptized we identify ourselves with Jesus. Jesus was identifying Himself with God. [Please note: Don't confuse recieving the Holy Spirit and baptism as being the same time. We receive the Holy Spirit upon our belief in Christ. Out baptism demonstrates our identification with Him.] Matthew 3:13 Jesus told John the Baptist to baptize Him. Why? To fulfill all righteousness. What was that righteousness? It was prophecied in the Old Testament. Here are some out takes… Jeremiah 31:33 Prophecied that the new covenant God would write His law on our hearts whereas before they were written on tablets of stone. This new covenant that we are under, since Jesus died for our sins, is different in that respect. God is working inside our hearts with the Holy Spirit. Psalm 37:31 Law of God written in his heart… Psalm 40:7-8 Jesus was to do the will of God. His Law is written in my heart. Isaiah 51:7 A people whose heart is My Law. Matthew 5:16 Jesus recieves the Spirit of God. Mark 1:1012 The Spirit came upon Jesus and Jesus began His earthly ministry just the same way when we come to belief and faith in Jesus the Holy Spirit begins to guide us into all truth. We begin the ministry that God has set apart for us. Most of the things that Jesus did in the New Testament was foretold in the Old Testament. Jesus was being obedient to His Father. God said He was well-pleased with Him. Pray this helps. PJC |