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: There are few reasons why Jesus was baptized. 1) It was His first identification with us as sinners, the penitent people of God, not with the critical Pharisees who were only watching. 2) It marked the beginning of his ministry, leaving His private life behind. 3)It was His annointing for service. In the OT days the kings, prophets, ect. were always annointed with oil before starting whatever it was God had for them to do. It was a symbol that the Holy Spirit was going to be given to them in special measures for their work. Christ's baptism was also the first time that God publicly acknowledged His Son. It was after this event that all the healing, ect. began to take place. 4) It was a symbolism of death - the first thing that pointed to His death on the cross. 5) He was personally confessing sin on behalf of the nation as Ezra, Moses, Nehemiah and Daniel had done before. 6) He was showing respect for what John was doing. Hope this helps. In Christ's Love, prayon |