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                                   Matthew chapter 3 -  Study Aide

Elder Joe Nettles

 Part 1

            John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea in the days of Christ. What about this man? We can read a more complete account of his birth and purpose in the gospel according to Luke. Basically, his purpose was revealed as the fulfillment of the prophecy of  Isaiah 40:3, “..The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” (as restated in Matthew 3:3).

            In making his paths straight and preparing the way of the Lord, it was his calling to preach repentance to the rebellious and stiffnecked (proud) Jews who, for the most part, had become a very worldly and self-righteous. John commanded repentance and baptism as an open token of that belief in the Lord of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and their transgressions against Him. Included in these expressions of repentance was also the declaration and warning that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand”, or very near. John was proclaiming to the Jews that Jesus, the blessed fulfillment of the promises of God unto them, was here!

            This good news (gospel) was great news to some among the Jews. The poor, meek, and down-trodden remnant that had been faithfully seeking the Promised One rejoiced and gladly came forward in acknowledgment of their failures and need of a Saviour. They didn’t have any grand organization or institution that they were identifying themselves with. They just desired God and his glory. Therefore, many came to repent and be baptized by this wild-looking prophet of God.

            To some, however, this message of repentance was not welcome. They didn’t see themselves as disobedient or contrary to God’s holy law. They rested their hopes of eternal life and blessings on the fact that they had genealogies proving their physical relation to Abraham. The problem was that they had no spiritual relation to Abraham. They were just as alienated from God as so many of the heathens that they loved to condemn and snub. These men mentioned could primarily be found associated with either the Pharisees or the Sadducees.

            The Pharisees, the foremost persecutors of Jesus, were a religious group of Jews that were outwardly zealous for the law of Moses above all other people in existence in that day. They were proud of the fact that they tithed, prayed, and studied more than any of the other Jews. They perceived themselves as in obedience to the Law to the point that they even started adding new laws and observances.

            This manifested their pride and self-righteousness more than anything. Why? Because Paul (himself a leader among the Pharisees before his regeneration and conversion to follow Christ Jesus) expressed the experience of the born-again in Romans 7:9,10 “For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.” Paul here expressed that there was a time when he felt no guilt, or “alive”, in relation to the law of God. Ironically, it was when he was a Pharisee and was most zealously advocating the Law as his hope of righteousness in God! He saw laws written on stone tablets which he perceived himself as keeping blamelessly. However, when the Lord gave the new birth and the condemnation of the law was written in his heart, he saw himself a worthless sinner and in need of a Saviour. He saw himself at that point as being worthy of everlasting death (punishment)! As he expressed it above, he “died”. But, praise God, the only way he saw himself as worthy of death was when he had already received the new life!

            The Sadducees were no less proud and errant, but in a different way. They were the educational upper crust among the Jews. They were comprised mainly of the priests (those who served in the Temple) and scribes (those who were charged with copying the scriptures). Sadducees didn’t believe in the resurrection of the dead, angels, or the afterlife! How pathetic and disobedient were they to disregard the teachings of the scriptures! They were also major persecutors of Christ.

            Please notice how the more things change, the more they stay the same. Can you see any similarities in the errors of the Pharisees and Sadducees as compared to the educational elite and religious establishment of today? Lord, help us to see the strait gate and narrow way and walk in it!

            If this was the nature of most Pharisees and Sadducees, why were they coming to partake in the baptism of repentance commanded by John? We’ll address that in the next study, Lord willing.

Part 2

            If the ranks of the Pharisees and Sadducees were so full of proud, unregenerate (not born again) religionist hypocrites, then why did they ever come to the river in Matthew chapter three to be baptized of John the Baptist?

            Was it because they were sorry for their sins? No. Notice the wording in verses 6 and 7, “And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” Notice the distinction between the group in v.6 and those in v.7. The first group came out of a burden of sin-guilt desiring closeness with the Lord. The second group came out of an entirely different motive.

            What were the motives? Firstly, the scriptures make it abundantly clear that John the Baptist was very well thought of among the majority of the “common people” among the Jews. See Matthew 21:26 and Mark 11:32, for example. He was the first prophet sent from God to speak to the Jews in some 450 years! Even though the message that John brought was not popular among the “elite” of the Jews, they still wanted to be associated with him because to not be would be unthinkable. They considered themselves, after all,  special among God’s chosen nation, the high and mighty Pharisees and Sadducees! If God sent a prophet to any, they perceived it would have certainly been to them! Much to their frustration, the message was sent to the high and mighty, but in the negative, not the positive. Going along with this baptism was their way of identifying themselves as “in the fold”.

            Secondly, the response of John to their arrival gives us some indication of their motives, “..who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”. You see, the thinking of these Jews was along this line: 1. We are to be saved to heaven because God has given us his word and law (see John 5:39; Romans 3:1,2). 2. That means that if we keep the Law, that will prove us righteous (see Mark 10:18-20; Galatians 3:21). 3. Even though we don’t keep it perfectly, just “going through the motions” is good enough (see Matthew 23:1-5).

            All the while, they were utterly untouched by the spirit of the Law! They had no comprehension of or care for the concept that what assurance and joy that could be derived from serving the Lord in the law of Moses (which assurance and joy pales immeasurably in comparison to the light that we now enjoy in the New Testament) was not to be had in the cold, ritualistic, exercise of the commands written in stone. On the contrary, meditating upon the spirit of the Law (see Hosea 6:4-6; Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 9:9-13) while performing the various rituals and walking in its statutes was what was pleasing to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! The New Testament message reveals that the only way to feel the spirit of the Law is to have had it written in your heart by the Spirit of God! (see Romans 2:13-15; Romans 2:28-29; Ezekiel 36:25-28; Jeremiah 31:31-34)

            Continuing on with the second reason why they came for the baptism, I believe that we are seeing these “vipers” just going through the motions all over again. They perceived this as another cold, lifeless exercise that was necessary to keep them “in the in crowd”, no different from the sacrifices, repetitive prayers, and feasts that they considered  their “ticket” throughout so many generations. Apparently, in their eyes, they were just “fleeing from the wrath to come” through this baptism. No love of God was exhibited in their attitudes. No fear of God revealed through their prideful motions. No motive was involved other than they were warned by someone (possibly a rabbi or some scribe) “to flee”.

            Unfortunately, we see the same manner of “gospel” preaching in pulpits all around the world today, especially in our own nation and community! To preach the gospel in power and demonstration of the Spirit and trust that the quickening power of God will endear them to the truth of Jesus is practically an abandoned concept. Today the gospel is perceived as a means to “scare the little children into the church” thinking that it is the only key to get them into heaven. How many times have we witnessed shameful threats and terror-laden messages wielded as a prod to “bring in the sheep” when in reality largely what you bring in are worldly, nervous goats! They may trod to the front of the congregation in response to the ultimatum, give their hand to the “bearer of bad news”, speak a statement concerning sin and Jesus from a tract, and go away thinking “Well, I’ve got that behind me now…just in case!” No tears shed. No change in the manner of living or attitude. No shame expressed. No fruits meet for repentance. No wonder congregations have become so consumed with peddling carnality and fleshly entertainments.

            I think we have all been made to see that terror is a powerful moving agent among men in this day as it has been historically. The religion of Islam was spread throughout the regions of the Middle East and Africa via ultimatums and promises of “convert or perish”. Ironically, Islam’s devilish momentum was strengthened by the foolish, misguided efforts of “Christians” (so-called) who believed that the best way to “convert the heathen to get them into heaven” was by the point of the sword and fear of the siege.

            God forbid that these wicked tools should be the means of the church of the Lord Jesus Christ in propagating the sweet gospel message! We realize that “Knowing therefore the terror (fear or awe, jn) of the Lord, we persuade men..” (2 Corinthians 5:11) is scriptural, but in what context? To get people to love God and confess Jesus so we can get them to heaven? God forbid. That is the triune (three-in-one) God’s work alone!

            We should, however, be diligent to warn the sheep of God that he who has saved and secured us to live in heaven with him has given us commands of obedience to follow while we live on this side of heaven! To follow Jesus humbly and trustingly in the church will bring manifold salvations to our experience. In contrast, to rebel and walk according to our own way will bring chastening and manifold destructions upon us!

            The Pharisees and Sadducees may have followed the path to the Jordan River that day because of pride or fear of losing their “status”, but let it not be so said of us. Let us follow from the motive proclaimed in 2 Timothy 2:22, “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” The heart being purified by God’s grace is the prerequisite that allows us to see that beautiful path to follow!

Part 3

            Let’s resume our study of Matthew chapter three with verse eight. John the Baptist, speaking to the hypocritical Sadducees and Pharisees who had come to the Jordan River to be baptized, plainly declares for us one of the prerequisites for baptism- “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance..”. In a nutshell, baptism without repentance over a burden of sin is not baptism! We could dunk a person till the cows come home, but if there has not been expression and evidence of repentance over sins shown forth in the one dunked, then all we’ve accomplished is getting another sinner wet. Of course, there are other vital prerequisites (which will be covered in the future, Lord willing) but for this discussion we’ll let this suffice.

            John warns the congregation (remember, the prophets, apostles, and preachers practically always addressed mixed congregations. Some were regenerated, some were not) against propping their feet up on being the physical lineage of Abraham as their evidence of being God’s elect. He plainly told them that God has the ability to raise up children of Abraham from stones if he chooses. The time has arrived for them to cast their pride away and look to Jesus, not Abraham!

            A grave warning was proclaimed that disruption, destruction, and isolation were facing the elect of God who refused the prophesied Jesus. John, speaking from the inspiration of God, likened this judgment to an axe chopping at the root of trees. Without the roots, a tree has no stability, source of vitality, or usefulness. They were in danger of being cut off from Jesus’ manifest blessings! John warns that trees in such a condition will be torn down and cast into the fire (compare to John 15:1-8).

            This occurred to the elect Jews when they refused the Messiah. The basis, or stability, of all their hopes in Abraham are all fulfilled in Jesus. Looking past Jesus for the fulfillment is looking to an empty void! The Jews are exercising a religious system today that is as foolish and “make-believe” as Islam, Shinto, Buddhism, and Scientology. Jesus very plainly declared himself as that grand fruition of all the hopes of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when he revealed himself as the ladder of Jacob’s vision in Genesis 28:12 upon which intercessions ascend and blessings descend. Time and endurance would fail me if I tried to note in this article the staggering number of accurately fulfilled scripture prophecies and types and shadows that point to none other than Jesus Christ! How foolish to deny the foundation on which all hope is built!

            The source of vitality for the children of God is Jesus Christ alone! He will not share his glory with graven images (see Isaiah 42:8) or any other entity that seeks the glory and praise that belongs to God alone.

             Notice, please, the picture given in Jeremiah 17:5-8 which illustrates this concept vividly. Here is a tale of two trees representative of God’s people. The first is cursed, having trusted in man and not the Lord. His heart has departed from the Lord (notice, if a heart departs from the Lord, it of necessity must have been with the Lord originally. This is an indication that elect children are being described here, not those dead in sin.). He is likened to a heath, which is a type of juniper tree. It is like a brush plant, lowly and not much to behold. You would have to look twice at it to be sure that it is even still alive! It dwells in places (“salt land”) where no one would expect to find a living creature. The “salt lands” we find in this world can be barrooms, nightclubs, ball fields, ungodly T.V. shows and reading materials, the internet, etc.

            Just like the child that refuses to live obediently to the Father, its (his/her) vitality gets cut off! How grievous it is to see one that believes in Jesus descend again into ungodly activities! You will eventually be hard-pressed to tell the difference between their activities and attitudes and those of the reprobate (or, heart without judgment). Their spiritual eyes become dimmed (see 2 Peter 1:4-9) so that the joys they would have been able to receive, they shall not experience. Truly, the passage “shall not see when good cometh” comes to pass in their miserable existences. No more the joyous vision of the Lord high and lifted up as we have experienced in our worship services! It is hidden from their rebellious eyes. No more the coveted elation under the sound of Spirit-anointed preaching that makes us feel as if we have been allowed to momentarily touch the face of God! Dreaded heartaches, doubts, and fears are the only feelings that touch their inner consciences now.

            Questions and doubts as to whether there ever was a Spirit-enlivened heart take the place of assurance and encouragement in our perceptions. Despite what path has been followed or confessions made in the past, a life currently being lived in open rebellion against grace always stirs up doubtings in the hearts and minds of the saints of God. Oh, that the elect would always be found casting the bushel basket away from that blessed light given by Jesus! How much more encouragement and confidence would we experience while we tread this low land of sin!

            However, praise God, there is another tree to consider! That is he that trusts in the Lord. Not just “lip service” trust is described here. This tree lives with Jesus as his hope! He is well-watered with that fountain of living water (see John 7:37, 38). He is not satisfied with just an old tap root, but he desires to spread those thirsty roots out into all the joys of that river that can be absorbed! He is busy praying, visiting, giving, witnessing, traveling, studying, trusting, relying, and fellowshipping. His experience is so full of Jesus’ grace that there is little room or toleration for anything else to abide. All his companions wonder how he maintains such a charitable spirit in such a dismal world. The heat of Satan’s glare seems scorching and ceaseless to them, while it glances off this trusting soul clothed with the Lord’s armor (see Ephesians 6:10-19). Much to Satan’s frustration and the world’s dismay, these fiery trials embolden rather than destroy, forge greater dedication rather than confusion. The droughts of poverty, illness, and persecutions may come, but the fruit just gets more brilliant and abundant!

            Verily, Jesus is our source of vitality. He is the only source of genuine peace, comfort, and joy. It is Jesus who came that we “might have life, and that they (we) might have it more abundantly”!

            Finally, many ask the question, “What is my purpose here?”. More often than not, they’ll turn to conventional thought, mysticism, psychiatry, or kooky Eastern religions rather than turning to God’s word for the answer. The Jews were no less errant in their conclusions. Their prevailing attitude seemed to be that “we are doing favors for God” rather than “God has continually favored us”. Unfortunately, this also seems to be the mindset of contemporary religion also.

            What does God’s word tell us of our purpose, or usefulness? Go to Ephesians 1: 5-6, “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” Again, in Ephesians 3:21, “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.” Taking into account the multiple other scriptures that plainly declare the same sentiment, we should be able to see that our purpose and usefulness is to glorify the Triune God!

            Keep the image of the trees being separated from the roots in mind. Notice that the primary usefulness of a tree as God created it is to grow, flourish, and be fruitful. But, what happens when it is separated from the roots? It then serves man’s purpose as firewood or some other material. No longer is it verdant and growing, now it becomes bare, still, and decadent. Jesus spoke of this judgment regarding the Jews (it also can apply to us today, mind you) in Matthew 21:18-22 when he pronounced barrenness on the fig tree.

            In Ephesians 4:1 Paul wrote “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” How useful are we outside of that vocation? The Bible tells us that we aren’t “worth a lick” outside of submission to Christ. In the “sermon on the mount’ in Matthew 5:13, Jesus teaches his disciples that his children are the “salt of the earth”. We are to understand that as salt was used in that day for healing, preservation, and flavor, the children of God give those attributes to this earth on which we dwell through our service to Christ. However, what if the salt has lost its savour, or usefulness? “It is henceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men”.

            To be undone is a terrible situation. Undone refers to a state of confusion, anguish, and frustration. It is to feel good for nothing. This is the lamentable predicament of any child of grace who is at distance from the service of Christ, our entire purpose. The Ethiopian eunuch on the road to Gaza in Acts 8:26-40 was undone and confused when Phillip found him, but when the eunuch departed the scene he was rejoicing. The Philippian jailor in Acts 16:23-34  was undone till he learned of the steadfast hope and joy to be found in submission to Christ.

            Have you ever felt spiritually undone? Your pastor has. It was only when I submitted myself in repentance and committed service (as weak as it is) to Christ that I felt to be finally “done”. It felt worlds better than being “undone”.

            The elect Jews became “undone” when they separated themselves from Christ, their purpose. They became judicially blinded in fulfillment of multiple prophecies. They have seen decline in their sanctity of service, having cast away the largest measure of the observances of the Law of Moses that they supposedly still worship God through. They have become more worldly and covetous historically than practically any other nationality. Persecutions have dogged them wherever they have ventured.  Zechariah 12:2-3  refers to Judah (Jews) and Jerusalem (their center of worship) as “a cup of trembling” and “a burdensome stone”. The axe was laid to the root in a terrible way.

            Christ help us to be diligently thankful that wild olive trees like us were graffed in to partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree (Romans 11:17). Truly, let us “Be not high-minded, but fear”.

Part 4

The more we study this chapter the more we realize that there are many important doctrinal concepts embraced in it. The remainder of this chapter deals with one of the ordinances (symbolic exercises that are commanded to be kept) given to the New Testament church of Christ, baptism. Yet, it also makes reference to another baptism, the baptism by the Holy Ghost. It’s this baptism I wish to expound upon in this little composition.          

            John, in referring to Jesus in Matthew 3:11, makes this inspired statement, “..he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire”. Many argue over what constitutes a legitimate baptism. The Greek word that it is translated from is baptizo which means “to overwhelm, to make fully wet”. The reference here to being “overwhelmed” in the Holy Ghost should certainly give credence to the Primitive Baptist stance that the only appropriate baptism into the church is to be completely immersed in water. Why? Just think about it. What believer in Christ who has experienced the joy of the Holy Ghost is satisfied thereafter to be just sprinkled with his glorious presence? I, personally, want to be covered up in it all the time!

            The Bible makes it very plain that the baptism of the Holy Ghost is referring to the coming of the special manifestation of the Lord’s Spirit to the church first given as recorded in Acts chapter two. Confirmation that Acts 2  was when this baptism began was given in the words of Peter to the Jewish brethren in Acts 11:15-16. However, the Spirit of God, one of the persons of the three-in-one Godhead, has always been present and active in this world. His presence and effects did not begin in the second chapter of Acts.

            He has always been regenerating (making born again) God’s children that were chosen in Christ before the world began, otherwise none of humanity that lived prior to the events in the second chapter of Acts could be living in heaven. Please read the qualifications to see and enter into God’s kingdom given by Christ to Nicodemus in John 3:3-5. According to this teaching of Christ, the new birth by the Spirit had to occur in Able, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sara, Isaac, Jacob, David, David’s infant son, Naaman the Syrian, Rahab the harlot, Elijah, Elisha, etc. Scripture plainly declares for us their lives of faith and secure home in glory despite their dying prior to the days of Acts chapter two.

            The Holy Ghost (used synonymously with the Spirit in scripture. See John 7:39 for just one example) has always moved upon this world with his righteous effects. He moved upon the face of the waters in the beginning (Genesis 1:2); he came upon men to reveal prophecy and to strengthen (1 Samuel 10:10, 1 Samuel 11:6); he convicted his children (Isaiah 63:10); and succored those in whom he dwelt (Psalm 51:11-12).

            Despite all these wonderful effects, what was given beginning in Acts chapter two is specific for us in the New Testament age and is very special! Christ stated in John 16:7 that it was expedient (beneficial) for his saints that he deprive us of his wonderful physical presence so that we may receive the Comforter (the Holy Ghost). How precious is that!

            Why? The Holy Ghost assures us that Jesus still lives and that we are secure in him (John 14:20, our text proves this also, “..he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost..”); he gives us special power in obedience (John 14:15-16); he gives us evidence of our redemption and inheritance (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5, Ephesians 1:13-14 ); he serves as evidence to us that Jesus has kept the law for us and liberates us from that dread condemnation (2 Corinthians 3:12-17); these blessed assurances were not given in comparable measure to the Old Testament saints (Matthew 13:16-17, Hebrews 11:39-40); and, while there were special manifestations of the Spirit to certain Old Testament characters, this special manifestation can be had by all God’s regenerate elect under the sound of the gospel from now on (Acts 2:38-39)! How blessed we are today!

            To properly differentiate between the Holy Ghost’s regenerative function and his special manifestation is imperative to rightly understanding the scriptures. Otherwise, we will be as confused as a box full of coat-hangers!

            To be regenerated is dependent wholly upon God’s choice and workings. It was performed in us when we were totally fallen, depraved, and disobedient. We were just the passive recipients of God’s sovereign grace. The new birth was not ours to choose or reject. It was necessary for us to be regenerated before we could ever love, fear, or obey Jesus. Also, as soon as it occurs you are bound for heaven and eternally secure! To prove this point, consider these verses:

     John 3:6  “That which is born of the flesh is flesh: and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” This teaches that after the new birth we are no longer considered fallen flesh, but have the entire holiness of the Holy Spirit (equal in divinity with the Father and the Son) ascribed to us. Not “might be spirit” or “will be spirit”, but it affirms that the blessed unworthy individual who is given the new birth immediately “..is spirit” unto God.

    Romans 8:8-9  “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” As soon as the Spirit enters, you are no longer considered fallen flesh before God and are immediately in Jesus vitally.

    Romans 8:14   “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” If any sinner ever feels the movement of the Spirit within, it is evidence that he is already a living son before God. Evidently, the new birth cannot be predicated on obedience since this teaches that obedience shows forth the present state of sonship.

            Now let’s examine what we know of the special manifestation of the Spirit. He reveals himself in this manner only to those who are already sanctified in Christ (Hebrews 10:14-15) and already effectually called, or born again (Acts 2:39). However, there are some requirements of active obedience on our part.

            We must remain faithful in our God-given belief in Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh (Galatians 3:1-5, Ephesians 1:13, 1 Corinthians 15:1-2); we must repent of our sins (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19-20); we must embrace and not forsake the truth as it is in Jesus in the gospel (Galatians 3:1-5, Hebrews 6:4-8, Acts 11:15-18).

            No conceivable act, negligence, or condition can separate us from the eternal loving kinship in Christ (Romans 8:31-39), but we can truly become ostracized from the sweet fellowship with our Lord through a lack of belief, diligence, trust, and obedience. We can’t lose the regeneration, but we can lose our special manifestation.

Part 5

After pointing out impending judgment upon God’s elect children in verse 10, John the Baptist now points to impending judgment on another group of people, the non-elect. Verse 12 plainly declares that judgment is in the hand of Christ by likening it to their manner of processing the wheat harvest. The fan spoken of was a large kind of shovel that the farmers used to pitch the harvested wheat into the air causing the lighter chaff (unusable portion of the wheat) to separate from the kernel of wheat. The chaff would then be disposed of by burning.

            It is very difficult sometimes for us to distinguish between regenerates and non-regenerates in our walk of life. There are some that we come across in whom we have no doubts that they are born again. In some we seem to have no doubts that they aren’t. In many we are continually confused by their actions, sometimes seemingly fruitful and sometimes not. This lack of clarity on our part can truly become wearisome.

            However, God has no such weakness of judgment! Ephesians 1:4 tells us “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world..”. Revelation 13:8 points to the “..book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world” and again in 17:8 of the damned, “..whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world”. Paul wrote of the inspiration of God in 2 Timothy 1:9 “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began”. Acts 15:18 states, “Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.” and this certainly includes the work of redemption and all those whom it represents.

            God has always known his children and we can be assured that Jesus came to successfully “gather his wheat into the garner”. Christ also came into this world knowing them that are not his. John 8:21 records these words of the Savior, “..I go my way and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go ye cannot come”. Again consider the aforementioned verses from Revelation regarding the Lamb’s book of life. It is clearly shown to us that just as there are those included in the book written before the foundation of the world, there are also those not included. In John chapter 10 Christ proclaimed that his purpose in coming to Earth was to “lay down my life for the sheep” then stated in verse 26, “..ye are not of my sheep..”. Of these it is written, “..he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” There is a place reserved for all haters of God “where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched”. Thanks be unto God who has delivered us from that wrath through grace in his Son!

            Now let us look at the baptism of Christ. Verse 13 tells us that Christ came “..from Galilee to Jordan..” to be baptized by John. If you scan a map of the region you’ll see that Jesus traveled (most probably by foot) some fifty miles for this baptism. How the example of our precious Savior should provoke all believers to submit to this ordinance immediately! Can you see the importance in that the God of eternity manifest in the flesh walked all that distance for an example for us? The very words of Jesus stress this in verse 15, “..Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” We must see that it is wholly righteous to openly declare our love and fidelity to the Savior by submitting obediently to his chosen ordinance.

            The Lord has been very careful to preserve for us the proper mode of baptism, to be totally immersed. “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water..” This verse as well as multiple other verses in the Bible make it very clear that proper, obedient baptism demands the subject to be totally immersed. Imagine in your mind the Lord going beneath the watery grave and then coming up “straightway out of the water” showing forth his death, burial, and resurrection that would come to pass some three and a half years later.

            If we have the capacity to totally immerse subjects for baptism, then why wouldn’t we? How can God’s children be so high-headed as to decide to “do it our own way” when you can emulate the very God of glory! I want to walk like Jesus, talk like Jesus, cry like Jesus, be baptized like Jesus, eat the Lord’s supper like Jesus, worship the Father like Jesus, and embrace little children like Jesus! My goodness, if I knew how Jesus combed his hair I’d want to comb mine the same way! It is a very small effort for us to be obedient to Christ’s commands and examples, but it is of very great importance unto God! Primitive Baptists and their forefathers have borne scorn, reproach, and slaughter in this world for centuries simply because they seek to “do it like Jesus’ example”. Lord strengthen us to continue to joyfully bear that reproach for Jesus’ sake!

            Also contained in this event is an undeniable presentation of the Holy Trinity. Jesus, having come up straightway out of the water of baptism, saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon him, and heard the voice of the Father proclaiming from heaven, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Here we see three distinct persons in the Godhead, not just one God putting on different masks at different times as has been proposed by some.

             For us to have any hope of living as sons of the eternal glorious God, it took the eternal glorious God (Jesus) to pay our debt because anything less than himself is unworthy. It also required us to be changed and conformed to his image by the eternal glorious God (the Holy Ghost) for nothing less could dwell in his family and dare be called his sons. While the three persons of the Godhead fulfill different aspects and demands of the eternal covenant of redemption, they are still one God in essence, purpose, glory, and eternal presence!

            I thank God that we can believe this eternal truth through faith and don’t have to depend upon man to explain it to our feeble, mortal minds. Man could never explain it and the nature of man could never believe it!

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