If water baptism is a symbol of the repentance of sins, why was Jesus baptized? I seem to be going back and forth between three things and they seem to have a large contribution to each other. Water baptism doesn't save, so why do it? Jesus never baptized with water, but with the holy spirit (fire). Looking between footwashing, baptism, and crucifixion there appears a necessity.

Jesus was crucified for the sins of the world, there is no doubt about that. On the same note we are also crucified with Christ. It seems that in order to die for the sins of the world, Jesus would have repent for the sins of the world. From this I feel comes the necessity of being baptized by water. I feel that if Jesus was not baptized, he would have died for our sins but there would be no repentance from sin.

Our baptism of water is our share and tribute to the wonderful acts Jesus did on our behalf. We continue to baptize with water to show the world what he has truly done for us. Just as we are crucified with Christ, so are we baptized with Christ so that our repentence is accepted and our sins are forgiven. We have been made clean by the blood of Jesus and share in the wonderful inheritance awaiting us.


Jim Brank
A Servant