Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION ( ESV ). Matthew 3:13-17 read as follows:
"13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 John would have prevented him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?' 15 But Jesus answered him, 'Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.' Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.'"
John the Baptist's ( see Matthew 3:1, for example ) baptism was one of "repentance for the forgiveness of sins" ( as we read in Mark 1:4 ), except when he baptized Jesus, since He committed no sins ( see Hebrews 4:15, for example ).
John's baptism of Jesus was to 'fulfill all righteousness' ( as we read in verse fifteen, above ). Moreover, although the Holy Spirit ( see Acts 16:7, Romans 5:5; 8:9, 11, 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19, and Galatians 4:6, for example ) was involved in John's baptism in this one instance, the converts Paul encountered ( see Acts 19:1-7 ) were not aware of the Holy Spirit ( as we read in verse two ). Therefore, since John's baptism of Jesus was not for the forgiveness of sins, any baptism in the name of a human being, for the forgiveness of sins ( as is the case with all denominational baptisms ), does not result in the receiving of the Holy Spirit.
Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, and 151, John 17:1, 3, and 17, and 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, for example ). If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:
<rewillis1_1@juno.com>
<Russell E. Willis>.
NOTE: Please read the Thursday, October 29, 2015 entry to this weblog to find additional facts regarding this subject. Also, there will be at least one additional entry regarding this subject in the near future.
