Lesson 2641

(Lesson 2641)(03-17-19) John 3:23-36
    “And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. For John was not yet cast into prison. Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

   Today’s quote discusses the difference between the traditional, ritual water baptism (immersion) required of all repentent Jews, as was administered by John the baptist; and the soul cleansing immersion (baptism) into the Holy Spirit that could only be, and was, administered by Jesus Christ Himself: Remember, Jesus did NOT administer water baptisms, therefore, any usage of the term “baptism” in reference to what Jesus did, is a reference to an immersion into, or bestowing of, the Holy Spirit.
    We should especially note that the discussion between the Jews and the disciples of John the baptist was about “purifying” and whose baptism actually accomplished the eternal purification required to save one’s eternal soul.
     John made it very clear that he, having NOT come down from heaven, not being the Son of God, and as a mortal man, did not have the divine power of God to instill the Holy Spirit into anyone. His baptism; Therefore, just as he had previously stated, “I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. But He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He will baptize you with the Holy Ghost” (Matthew 3:11).
    This lesson, again, verifies that water immersion (baptism) accomplishes no more than a ceremonial cleansing preparation toward repentance.