Lesson 4038

 (Lesson 4038)(02-10-23) Matthew 3:13-17

    “Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Then he suffered him. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

    Today’s quote tells us that Jesus came to John the Baptist to receive the mandatory water baptism of the Jews.

    Jesus was NOT baptized in water to become the Son of God, Jesus was divinely BORN and was already the Son of God from that virgin birth. 

    Jesus, after John had hesitated to baptize Him, said,  “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” When Jesus said those words, He proved beyond all doubt that the water baptism He underwent at the hands of John the Baptist, was thatsame ritual water  baptism that is required under the law, to “fulfill all righteousness.

    Water baptism is a work of man, it requires physical labor to accomplish. Those of us whom have studied God’s word, know that we are saved by grace. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that, not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

    In Romans 4:4-5, Paul said, “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on Him the JUSTIFIETH the ungodly, His faith is counted for righteousness.”

     Eternal salvation is a gift to those who believe in our Lord Jesus Christ. It’s just that simple.~