A Message of Three Baptisms

A Presbyterian and a Baptist minister were discussing baptism. After a beautiful dissertation on the subject by the Baptist minister, the Presbyterian minister asked if the Baptist considered a person baptized if he was immersed in water up to his chin. “No,” said the Baptist.

“Is he considered baptized if he is immersed up to his nose?” asked the Presbyterian.

Again the Baptist’s answer was “No.”

“Well, if you immerse him up to his eyebrows do you consider him baptized?” queried the Presbyterian.

“You don’t seem to understand,” said the Baptist. “He must be immersed completely in water—until his head is covered.”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you all along,” said the Presbyterian, “it’s only a little water on the top of the head that counts.”

Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and take them to heart that, by the patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life. … through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Luke 3:15–16 ESV

Baptism. THE USAGE OF THE WORD “BAPTIZEIN.” The Baptists maintain that in classical usage the verb baptizein has but one meaning, to immerse, and that it always refers to the mode of baptizing, submersion. But the word does not always mean to immerse, and it does not necessarily fix the special mode of applying the element to the object baptized,—for the classical writers use baptizein of the flowing or pouring of water over an object, of the washing of an object, whether by aspersion or immersion, of being overwhelmed by wine, or by debts, or with sophistry, or by taxes, or by grief, or by disease, or by misfortune, or by sleep, or by excess of study, etc. (See Dale, Classic Baptism, pp. 234–354.) In the Greek Septuagint the word is used in three senses, to dip or plunge (), to overwhelm with fright (), and to wash (). In the N. T. baptizein (and its derivatives) is occasionally used metaphorically in the sense of being overwhelmed with calamities (, ; ), but it generally has reference either to Jewish ceremonial purification and washings (; ; ), or to Christian Baptism. (See the N. T. Greek Lexicons of Thayer and Cremer.)

Revere F. Weidner, “Baptism,” ed. Henry Eyster Jacobs and John A. W. Haas, The Lutheran Cyclopedia (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1899), 38.

God sets

In the Gospel According to Luke, God sets the events of today’s text in a particluar historical setting:

Luke 3:1–4 ESV

1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

As noted just now in the Word of God, John preached “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Notice, however, that there was no promise attached to John’s baptism, only a warning of what God’s response was to the failure to truly repent:

Mark 11:27–30 ESV

27 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to him, 28 and they said to him, “By what authority are you doing these things, or who gave you this authority to do them?” 29 Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question; answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 Was the baptism of John from heaven or from man? Answer me.”

As we heard earlier in the Word of God, John preached “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Notice, however, that there was no promise attached to John’s baptism:

Luke 3:7–14 ESV

7 He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 9 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10 And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” 11 And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”

God also presents John’s ministry in a particular setting and purpose. Later, in His ministry and in response to their interrogation regarding His authority, Jesus would ask of His adversaries the simple, yet profound question about John’s baptism:

Mark 11:27–30 ESV

After John had been imprisoned by Herod, Jesus summarized his ministry and its relationship to the Kingdom of God:

Luke 7:24–28 ESV

24 When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written, “ ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ 28 I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

Luke 7:28–30 ESV

28 I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 (When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just, having been baptized with the baptism of John, 30 but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)

Those who submitted to John’s baptism did so out of fear. They responded to John’s proclamation of God’s divine wrath that was in readiness to break out among God’s people for their failure to love God and keep His Commandments. The coming of the Kingdom of God would be a time to be feared among those who were living lives that were contrary to His reign.

They also, however, received John’s baptism in hope, for John directed them to look to another, the One Whose way he had been sent to prepare:

Luke 3:15–18 ESV

15 As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” 18 So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.

The word of “the Coming One” was good news to those who came to the Jordan in hope of deliverance. They knew that God had promised to visit His people for blessing, not for destruction:

Isaiah 43:1–3 ESV

1 But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you.

God’s revelation had shown water to be God’s means of preserving life, and of cleansing from sin:

Ezekiel 36:25–26 ESV

25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.

As God’s judgment of flood cleansed the earth of sin in the days of Noah, it preserved the lives of those who feared Him and trusted in His Word. Peter proclaimed concerning this exceeding great and precious promise:

English Standard Version Chapter 3

21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

English Standard Version Chapter 3

20 because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. 21 Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

The Bible tells us that Jesus was baptized by John as well:

Matthew 3:13–15 ESV

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.

Jesus fulfilled all righteousness, and John with Him, when He was baptized. Jesus, by submitting to it, affirmed that God had ordained John’s ministry, and, in so doing, He submitted to God’s will concerning Him, that He was to be the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world:

Luke 3:21–22 ESV

21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Dr. Luther preached concerning baptism in the Large Catechism:

Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions Part 4: Baptism

6 In the first place, you must note in these words that here stand God’s commandment and institution. Let us not doubt that Baptism is divine. It is not made up or invented by people. For as surely as I can say, “No one has spun the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord’s Prayer out of his head; they are revealed and given by God Himself.” So also I can boast that Baptism is no human plaything, but it is instituted by God Himself. Furthermore, Baptism is most solemnly and strictly commanded so that we must be baptized or we cannot be saved. I note this lest anyone regard Baptism as a silly matter, like putting on a new red coat. 7 For it is of the greatest importance that we value Baptism as excellent, glorious, and exalted. We contend and fight for Baptism chiefly because the world is now so full of sects arguing that Baptism is an outward thing and that outward things are of no benefit. 8 But let Baptism be a thoroughly outward thing. Here stand God’s Word and command, which institute, establish, and confirm Baptism. What God institutes and commands cannot be an empty thing. It must be a most precious thing, even though it looked like it had less value than a straw. 9 Up to now people could consider something great when the pope with his letters and bulls gave away indulgences and confirmed altars and churches, solely because of the letters and seals. So we ought to value Baptism much more highly and more precious, because God has commanded it. Besides, it is done in His name. For these are the words, “Go, baptize.” However, do not baptize in your name, but in God’s name.

10 To be baptized in God’s name is to be baptized not by men, but by God Himself. Therefore, although it is performed by human hands, it is still truly God’s own work. From this fact everyone may readily conclude that Baptism is a far higher work than any work performed by a man or a saint. For what work can we do that is greater than God’s work?

John declared that Jesus, “the One who is Mightier than me” would “baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” While water preserves life, the Holy Spirit gives life, and while water cleanses, fire purifies. In the early Christian writing, The Shepherd of Hermas, the shepherd declares in Vision IV, Chapter III, the 4th paragraph:

18 So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.

Luke 3:21–22 ESV

Lightfoot’s Apostolic Fathers in English 3

4and the golden part are ye that have escaped from this world. For as the gold is tested by the fire and is made useful, so ye also [that dwell in it] are being tested in yourselves. Ye then that abide and pass through the fire will be purified by it. For as the gold loses its dross, so ye also shall cast away all sorrow and tribulation, and shall be purified, and shall be useful for the building of the tower.

Holy baptism is not just a ritual, or an ordinance that we perform out of obedience; it is the ground upon which God Who has made a promise in Christ Jesus, secures us by faith and enables us to know that we are His:

Romans 6:1–4 ESV

1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

The Gospel that we preach is pure, because it points only to Christ as both the One who has redeemed us to God AND as the One who keeps us in the Most Holy Faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. The words, “baptism now saves you” are not metaphorical or hyperbolic florishes; they are the words of Divine Promise from the God who cannot lie! It is the very Word of Christ to you:

Mark 16:16 ESV

16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

So important is this Word of promise, that it is the marked for us as “The Great Commission” given to us by the Lord before His return to the Father:

Matthew 28:19–20 ESV

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

The Lord told the Apostles that He would be with them as they fulfilled those instructions, and we have inherited that promise and that Commission. This is a promise that anyone who hears the Gospel can receive as his own, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or age. Whether a baby come out of his mother’s womb, or an elderly person who has never heard the comforting Word of Promise from his Blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and all ages in between.

Matthew 11:28–29 ESV

28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

There are so many here in our city who are weary, so many who can find no rest for their souls. This pure Gospel of Jesus Christ is the balm that they need. It is the healing for their sin-sick souls. It is the remedy for the death dealing malady of Adam’s sin that infects all of those who are descended from him. It is the sacrament of peace for all who were enemies of God in their minds.

We who have been called to love and serve the Lord and given a command to love our neighbor as ourselves, have been given the gift of Holy Baptism by that same Lord, so that we might share the love of Christ with one another and with our neighbor. If we must offend, let our offense not be against God, who gave His Son for us, but against the world that seeks to suppress the truth in unrighteousness, as we boldly declare God’s Gospel of peace to all, in the name of Christ who died for all, in order that all might be saved.

A Message of Three Baptisms

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