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John’s Baptism of Repentance
John’s Baptism of Repentance
Luke records that John "went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins" (3:3). It is evident from our reading that John demanded repentance, baptism, and the bringing forth of good fruit (vs. 7-9). John warned that unless they complied with this teaching they would face the wrath of God.
He was not a 'legalist', although he probably would be labeled such today. John was demanding that people acknowledge the sin in their lives by repenting. John taught that such repentance would be seen in the good fruits that it would bring forth in their lives. He shows that such repentance would correct wrongful attitudes of greed, slander, and stinginess (cp. his answer to the people's questions - vs. 10-14).
However, such repentance and baptism were unto the forgiveness of sins. The teaching of forgiveness shows that John didn't teach that people 'earned' anything, let alone that they were in right standing with God because of their own obedience. Their being right with God would come from being forgiven by Him.
Some repented and some didn't. We will see that those who did repent and were baptized with John's baptism declared God to be just in giving such commandments (Luke 7:29). Those who came to John without such repentance rejected both the call to repent and the command to be baptized. In doing this, they rejected the counsel of God for themselves (Luke 7:30). God had provided for them to find mercy and forgiveness. Their stubborn hearts caused them to reject the very purpose of God for their lives.
People haven't changed much. We preach the baptism of Jesus rather than John, yet we are instructed to also demand that those who would be baptized for the remission of sins would repent (Acts 2:38). We yet find people desiring to be baptized who reject the idea that they must repent. Baptism without such repentance avails nothing.
Hugh DeLong
