Why
did Jesus go to John to be baptized? It was
definately not for salvation. Matthew Henry states in
his 'Concise Commentary of the Bible' page676
"No outward forms can make us clean. No
ordinances, by whomsoever administered,or after
whatever mode, can supply the want of the power of
the Holy Ghost and of Fire. The purifying and
cleansing power of the Holy Spirit alone can produce
that purity of heart, and those Holy affections,
which accompany salvation. It is Christ who baptizes
with the Holy Ghost----- This He does in the graces
and comforts of the Spirit, given to those that ask
him. see Luke 11:13, John 8:38,39".
The
outward sign of an inward grace.
Jesus'
baptism was a sign to all the witnesses that a new
beginning had arrived. It was also a sign to Jesus
himself that his ministry was about to embark. Did
Jesus need a sign from the Father? Quite likely, we
must remember, Jesus was a man. The Son of God, yes,
but in Human form, with all the needs, frailties and
temptations of mortal man.
We
too need a sign; and that is what baptism is, a sign
to each of us and to all witnesses that a new
'beginning' has come. Jesus was baptized, and we are
baptized with Him and in Him, but the baptism of
Christ is not in the submersion, or pouring, or
sprinkling of water, but in the Holy Spirit that only
Christ can give. Paul writes Romans 6:3 "Did you
not know that all of us who are baptized into Christ,
were baptized into His death, so that as Christ was
raised, we too shall be raised." It is
interresting to note that the man who was crucified
alongside Christ was most likely not baptized, yet
Christ said to him, "This day you shall be with
me in paradise." In Acts 10:47 after witnessing
the obvious Spirit baptism to a group of believers in
Ceasaria, Peter asked, "Can anyone forbid water
for baptizing these people who have recieved the Holy
Spirit just as we have?"
Please
do not read me wrong. I am in no way inferring that
baptism is not needed, it is just not a requirement
of salvation. As a wedding vow is needed when
sanctifying a marriage, with the ring as the sign of
that commitment and vow, so baptism is; the sign of
the vow of commitment to Christ. As a sign it matters
not if one is submerged, had water poured over them,
or just sprinkled on their forehead, the importance
is the sign; which should be administered in public
for as many unbelievers even to see.
If
baptism were a nescessity to salvation, then all who
are baptized would be saved. This is not the case
however, Christ himself said, "Not all who call
unto me Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of
heaven; but he who carries out the will of the
Father."
There is many a
parent who will have their children 'baptized' as
infants, and later in their teen years they take the
vow of confirmation. Is this a 'true baptism'? Can a
baby be baptized? Is there a 'right' age for baptism.
early teen, late teen, adult?
For many a
family, the 'school' of Church tends to guide their
religion. Confirmation becomes the graduaton
ceremony, the end of their religious studies instead
of only the beginning, and often the child fails to
continue in church by their late teen years.
These are my thoughts, What are
yours?
