Lesson 3502

 (Lesson 3502)(08-05-21) John 1:29-34

    “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.”

    In today’s quote, John explained his reason for preaching his divinely inspired message to the Jews. God told John that he would recognize Jesus when he saw the Spirit decending and remaining upon Him.

    God sent John to baptize the Jews in water because it was required of all practicing Jews to be baptized (immersed or bathed) in water before they were able to repent of their sins. John said, “I indeed baptize you with water unto (toward) repentance: but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire”

    Today’s quote AGAIN confirms that water baptism has nothing to do with the spiritual rebirth that is required in order attain eternal salvation.

    It is the a baptism (immersion) in to the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ that renews the eternal spirit of man, that baptism is accomplished by having absolute faith in that same Jesus Christ. “For as many of you as have been baptized (immersed) INTO Christ (NOT WATER) have put on Christ”