Lesson 682

(Lesson 682)(07-02-13) The next reference to "baptism" is found in Luke 20:4, "The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?

This reference is again denotes the message John preached rather than the water immersion he performed. This is evidenced by the response of the priests, scribes and elders, which we find in verse five of that same chapter, "And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then BELIEVED ye him not?" As I have previously stated, one cannot "believe" a water baptism since it is a physical act that is either performed or not performed. It does not require a belief either way.
Therefore, Jesus was obviously using the term "baptism" to describe the message John preached.~