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John’s baptism was the spiritual order of his ministry and dispensation, however short. Jesus authenticate the baptism of John by insisting that John baptize Him. John was reluctant to do so, no doubt because he knew exactly who Jesus was and considered Him to far greater than himself. Mt. 3:14 Jesus, in being baptized of John followed the will of the Lord for the time and the ministry of John. It was necessary, fitting, for Him to completely follow the divine plan of the Father. If is was necessary that He be baptized, how much more so is it vital that those who would totally follow Him, be baptized. It was an act fulfilling all righteousness. Mt. 3:15.
Water baptism is an integral part of what is known as the great commission. Its declaration was to carry this gospel into all the world to teach or discipline all nations. Who in obedience to His command, were to be baptized. It is not sufficient that the individual coming to Christ believe only. Jesus added, and is baptized. Mark 16:16 Salvation is based on obedience to the Word. We dare not pick and chose just the parts of it which we like or approve. The believing, born again heart will have a great desire to do the complete will of the Father. Water baptism is not a choice, it is an imperative.
The way of salvation is in repentance and remission of sins. The heart which repents with a Godly sorrow will find that their sins are remitted, pardoned, forgiven. They are set at liberty, released from the power of sin and given freedom in the Lord Jesus. Luke 24:47.
On the Day of Pentecost Peter tied repentance, water baptism, the remission of sins and the receiving of the Holy Spirit into one magnificent package. Acts 2:38 He presented this, to those who were not a part of the glorious manifestation of the Spirit, but heard Peters message and realized that some sort of action had to be taken. Acts 2:37 Repentance is the first stone to be laid in building a spiritual foundation. Repentance is accompanied by the remission of our sins. That is, pardon and release from past sin. There are two important subjects which Peter declared in the previous scriptures. Water baptism is combined with the remission of sins. Baptism, by itself, will not save a person but there is a washing accomplished when true repentance has preceded the baptism. Paul was exhorted to be baptized in order to wash away his sins. Did Ananias speak truth or was it just so many words? Acts 22:16.