John’s Baptism

John the Baptist was sent by God to immerse those in Israel who desired to repent of their sins and prepare for the coming of the Messiah. His baptism was true Christian baptism and fulfilled all righteousness prior to the Day of Pentecost.

1. God sent John the Baptist with Divine authority to baptize (John 1:6; Matt 21:23-27; Luke 1:13-17; 7:29-30; Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6).

2. John’s baptism had nothing to do with Gentile proselyte baptisms. There is no Scriptural record of any such baptisms and precious little historical evidence. Men attempting to discredit John’s baptism created this profane idea.

3. His baptism fulfilled all righteousness and was good enough for our Lord Jesus Christ – it was definitely Christian baptism (Matt 3:13-17).

4. His baptism was public testimony of the confession of sins and godly repentance (Matt 3:1-12; Mark 1:4-5; Luke 3:3; Acts 13:24; 19:4).

5. His baptism was the public event of entering the kingdom of God and kingdom of heaven, which is the singular kingdom promised by Daniel (Dan 2:44; Luke 16:16; Matt 21:28-32).

6. Jesus duplicated John’s baptism (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:14-15; John 4:1-3).

7. John’s baptism was the only baptism before Pentecost, for the Lord changed baptism when He commissioned His eleven apostles (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 2:33-38; 8:16; 19:5).

8. John’s baptism was never repeated, and all 120 members of the original assembly had only his baptism (Acts 1:15-26).

9. John baptized no infants, for infants can neither confess sins nor repent with fruits (Luke 3:1-14; Mark 1:4-5; Matt 3:5-6).

10. John never sprinkled or poured, for he only baptized in those places where there was sufficient water for immersion (Matt 3:5-6,13,16; Mark 1:5; Luke 3:3; John 3:23).