5. The Baptism of Christ

This is a subject that is fraught with confusion and ignorance. While many only think of water in reference to this phrase, there is a wide range of teaching that never seems to surface in a discussion concerning Christ and baptism. To arrive at the true teachings with regard to this matter, a seeker must assume the work of an archaeologist to dig through all the debris of tradition, thoughts theologies and teachings that have been piled on and around this subject. Everyone has a view. Everyone has a right to his view. Interestingly though, there does not seem to be much harmony here. And the necessity for this venture becomes apparent when one comes to a realization that a truer title for this study could and should be The Baptisms of Christ.

In this study we must make a decision as to which baptism concerning and relating to Christ we shall consider first. Here is a list that may be used to begin the journey of learning about Christ and baptism:

The baptism of Christ in water, by John the Baptist. Matt. 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11;Luke 3:21-22; John 1:19-34. Mark and Luke contribute the fact of his baptism. Matt. Gives an interesting conversation between John and Jesus with the subject of who and why'. John's Gospel gives an extended explanation of John the Baptist's commission to baptize and how this relates to John's growing understanding of the one he did not know and how through his baptizing ministry he came to recognize and know the Christ. John 1:10, 26, 31, 33. Question: Since Jesus was baptized by a Jewish prophet before Israel as a nation were given an opportunity to accept or reject him, how does his baptism relate to us today? Was Christ performing a ritual as a role model or example?

The baptism of Christ in the Holy Spirit, which he received after his baptism in water. Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:32-33; cf. Luke 1:15; 4:1, 18; Acts 4:27; Acts 10:38

The baptism in water that Jesus would perform as that prophet. John 1:19-25. There is a distinction to be made between the Christ and 'that prophet' at least as far as titles are concerned. We now know that Jesus is both the Christ and that prophet. Cf. John 1:45; 6:14; 7:40; 9:17; Acts 3:22-26; Acts 7:37.

The baptism of Christ in water, by Christ, through his disciples, before his death, of many new disciples. Soooooo many, that it caused a question concerning Jesus' popularity and how it seemed to the Jews there that all men were coming to Jesus now ( rather than to John). John 3:22-29; 4:1-2. In this portion of Scripture, one should find that this baptism- al ritual was identified as an act of purification. Cf. John 2:6; Acts 22:16.

The baptism of Christ in the Holy Spirit, which Christ was to perform. Matt. 3:7-12; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:16-18; John 1:33-34; Acts 1:5, 8. cf. Acts 2:4, 17-18, 33, 38; 8:14-25 9:17;10:44-47; 11:15-17; 19:6. This is Christ baptizing disciples in/with Holy Spirit for power. The believers are as wheat.

The baptism of Christ in fire that Christ was to perform. Matt. 3:7-12; Luke 3:16-17. This is Christ baptizing in/with fire as a purging, burning the chaff.

The baptism of Christ in death on the cross. Matt. 20:17-28; Mark 10:35-41; Luke 12:49-50. The four Gospels give us the facts surrounding the death of Christ on the cross. The epistles of Paul reveal the details of a wonderful salvation and life for the believer in a two fold view of the cross. In Paul's gospel, he explains how Christ died on the cross for the believers' sins. I Cor. 15:1-4. In the mystery of the gospel (Eph. 6:19-20) Paul explains how the believer is co-crucified with Christ on the cross, in order to die to this world and to live unto God. But there is much more than this…..

The baptism of the Holy Spirit into Christ of believers, making them part of the church, which is Christ's Body. All (but two references) by Paul in his epistles refers to this baptism which identifies believers as part of Christ and his church. Cf. Romans 6:3-15; I Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 4:5; Col. 2:12 But there is much more than this….

The more we study the word, the more we understand God's wonderful plan..

JERRY W. STERCHI

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