The purpose of this study is to prepare those interested in baptism
with a foundational understanding of the institution of immersion.
Baptism is first dealt with in detail in Matthew 3:5-12. "People went
out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the
Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him [John the
Baptist] in the Jordan River. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and
Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: 'You
brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce
fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think to say within
yourselves, We have Abraham as our Father. I tell you that out of these
stones Yahweh can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at
the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit
will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water for
repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I
[Yahshua the Messiah], whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will
baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is
in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat
into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.'"
John's message of repentance because of the impending Kingdom's coming
brought about changed attitudes in people. Several key elements are to
be found in this introductory Scripture.
- Baptism is preceded by hearing the word, followed by repentance (a word which literally means "to think again").
- Confession of past sins demonstrates this changed attitude.
- Water immersion signifies a changed and repentant attitude.
- One greater than John would bring a better baptism, which will be a baptism with:
a) Holy Spirit
b) Fire
Yahshua Himself builds upon these basic principles in Matthew 28:19-20,
commanding the Apostles to make disciples of all nations. The Apostle
Peter included these elements in his discourse in Acts 2:36-41.
