4 of 10; Baptism requires repentance

Baptism requires repentance

MATTHEW 3:6

And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

We get saved by confessing our sins and accepting Jesus Christ as our Saviour.

Here baptism is associated with confession of sin, which is necessary for salvation.

This does not apply to babies. They are not aware of sin.

LUKE 3:7

Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

:8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

We should not get baptized unless there is evidence that our repentance is genuine. We can say the right words but not really mean it, and therefore our so-called repentance is not really effective.

LUKE 7:29

And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

If we are not properly baptized, then we have not grasped the counsel of God.

If we do not really know Who God is, we will not know His Name, and we will get baptized wrongly.

MATTHEW 3:11

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 shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:

John was not speaking of effortless and convenient Christianity.

Baptism is again linked to repentance. John is speaking to adults, not babies.

ACTS 2:38

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.