John’s Baptism of Repentence
The appearance of John the Baptist introduced a religious act that was unknown before his time. It was the immersion of an individual in water in order to bring about the remission of sins. Jesus asked the Pharisees the question, “The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?” (Matt. 21:25). Their answer shows just how new it was. Some have sought to say that it was part of Jewish rites which involved water, but such could not be true for they could have answered Jesus that it was from Judaism and had been done for years.
The truth is that John was sent by God (John 1:6), and his baptism was part of the plan to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah. It was not a ritual, a religious act. It was tied directly to faith. Those Pharisees said that if they say from heaven, Jesus would ask them, “Why did you not believe him?” (Matt. 21:25). Baptism is directly connected to hearing God. Submission to baptism is motivated by faith, believing God’s message.
John’s baptism was also joined to repentance. It was a “baptism of repentance” (Luke 3:3). What does this mean? It acknowledges the source from which baptism comes. I am a man of Alabama, that is where I come from. Submission to John’s baptism came from hearts that had repented.
John’s baptism was not only linked to faith and repentance, but God made it part of receiving the remission of sins (Mark 1:4). The fact that John taught individuals to be baptized to have their sins removed is precisely the reason John first refused to baptize sinless Jesus. Multitudes heard John preach the truth that Jesus was coming to bring judgment against sinful Israel. He was coming with an axe, a winnowing fan and a baptism (immersion) in unquenchable fire (Matt. 3:10-12). They knew they were sinful, and that God was just in bringing judgment.
On the other hand, the Pharisees were part of some who “justify themselves” (Luke 16:15) and rejected that the judgment of God was just. Read these words carefully. “All the people heard him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him” (Luke 7:29-30).
Never forget that the baptism brought by Jesus was a message from heaven, tied directly to faith, repentance and the remission of sins. To reject it is to reject the will of God. Soberly consider these questions. The baptism brought by Jesus—where was it from? From heaven or from men? The Lord still has the axe, the winnowing fan and immersion in fire. If you have not submitted, you are rejecting God’s will!