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(#1 (permalink))
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New Member
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Why Was Jesus Baptised By John? -
01-04-07, 09:24 PM
Many Christians believe that Jesus (the man) was somehow Divine from the very instant of his birth, and remained so throughout his life on earth. Perhaps they could explain to me why they believe this, and what they believe was the true significance of the Baptism story - i.e. what Spiritual significance was John to Jesus? What is the meaning of: "...the Spirit as a dove descending upon him." (Mark 1:10). Did Jesus first experience this Spirit upon 'initiation' from John? What are your opinions about these questions?
Also, do you believe that the subservient part given to John in these stories is the result of a later orthodoxy wanting to hide the fact that he was actually Jesus' Spiritual Master? John, in fact, was considered a great 'gnostic' Prophet, and had a large following. After his death they formed a religion - the Mandaeans - which still exists today in parts of Iraq and Iran. Their ancient scriptures, which honour John as the true Master, tell a very different story to the (Roman/Gentile) New Testament that we have today. |
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(#2 (permalink))
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New Member
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My answers -
01-05-07, 01:08 AM
I am going to attempt to answer your questions R.A., but while I am not the most scholared person here, I have a good understanding of your questions.
John the Baptist was a forerunner to Jesus in that he came before Him to let people know the Messiah was soon going to be revealed. You might say that John was the first missionary, spreading the good news of Jesus Christ, baptizing and preparing people to follow Him. (Luke 1:5-17) I don't think he was a teacher of Jesus as, if you remember the story of their births, they are only a few months apart in age (in their physical forms that is). I believe that John and Jesus probably studied under the same Rabbis as they were growing up, but then John was called to go into the wilderness to prepare people for Christ. The water baptism is both symbolic and a sign of obedience to God. When we are baptised, our old selfs are being immersed in the water to symbolize the "death and burial" of our former sinful selves. The water is cleansing us, washing away our sins, and, as we emerge, our old sinful self no longer exists and we spiritually new. Jesus was baptized to show His obedience to His Father, God (Mark 16:16, John 3:5) and to be an example to those who follow Him. It was after this baptism that He began His ministry. I believe it was His sign to those on earth that He was not only obeying his Father, but showing others He was dedicating Himself to His Father's work. I think, like John, the Holy Spirit was always with Jesus, as He is God and so is the Spirit. The dove, a symbol of innocence in the Bible (Matthew 10:16), was a symbol for those who witnessed the baptism that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah, that they were told about. The dove was a symbol of Christ's innocence, His pureness and, after His baptism, became a symbol of the Holy Spirit. As for John being the spiritual master, see my statement above. I hope I answered some of your questions, it was fun. Peace and Love in Christ. Nita. |
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(#3 (permalink))
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Senior Member
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01-05-07, 08:48 AM
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply to R. A. Anderson Nita. I really appreciate it, I feel the Holy Spirit in your reply and it was so well laid out. May God bless your heart!
God bless you John 20:31
31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. |
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(#4 (permalink))
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Moderator
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01-05-07, 10:47 AM
Quote:
Dear Friend.......I observe from your profile, rather reclusive, that you are a Christian. Looking at the questions you ask in these your introductory post's, I wonder upon what your 'Christian faith' rests? What is the 'foundation of your faith'? The Christian faith is based upon the virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death and resurrection from the dead of Jesus Christ. Forgive me, but I am wondering if you have met Jesus? Your knowledge, is it based upon the schools, and the teachings of men, or is from the Lord? Can you say like the bible writer's "I have received of the Lord" |
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(#5 (permalink))
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Administrator
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01-05-07, 11:38 AM
RA Anderson, you are not a Christian but one who is here with bad motives.
Your Profile:
So you've been saved for 33 years and yet you do not know why Jesus was baptized? You do not know why animals were sacrificed (your other thread)? Quote:
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