Loving the Scriptures January 5, 2026 Issue

Baptism

Baptism by water was an early Hebrew rite that represented purification and, for Gentiles, conversion to the Jewish faith. John the Baptist, Jewish preacher and preeminent forerunner of Christianity, employed baptism as a two-fold symbol—of repentance and of acceptance of the imminent fulfillment of Messianic prophecy (see Matthew 3:1–6).

Christ Jesus’ own baptism took place at the outset of his ministry. It was deemed remarkable because his sinless nature needed no repentance. Yet his charge to John was, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires” (Matthew 3:15, New Living Translation). And it was at this event that God first publicly endorsed His Son: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (verse 17, King James Version).

Jesus’ later teaching and example, however, deepened the meaning of baptism. In contrast to water immersion, believers were to be baptized with the Holy Spirit—a dispensation first mentioned by the Baptist himself (see verse 11). Acts 1:5 records Jesus’ words “John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.”

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Living Church

Saved from abuse, supported by church