I was asked to lead the next Home Group: Bible Study.
My response to questions...
Luke 3: 15-22
From Matthew Henry commentary
Thus the way of the Lord was prepared, and people were prepared to bid Christ welcome; for, when men's expectations are raised, that which they are in expectation of becomes doubly acceptable. Now when they observed what an excellent doctrine John Baptist preached, what a divine power went along with it, and what a tendency it had to reform the world...
The truth of John the Baptist's teaching of repentance, did connect with some Hebrew listeners that realized that the Hebrew religion was in need of reform. The people were politically under Rome and desired political salvation, as in national independence. But more importantly a spiritual salvation was needed and therefore the need for the Messiah, Jesus Christ. John's preaching of a near Kingdom, implied that the Messiah was also near. Porter (1191).
The hearers that understood John's message significantly would realize that the Kingdom is expected and the King is also expected, via the message of John the Baptist.
John's baptism was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Porter (1191). Persons would be cleansed of sins, whereas the baptism associated with Jesus Christ was featured symbolically and spiritually as in cleansing and regeneration, in obedience; of course connected to the applied atoning and resurrection work of Jesus Christ.
I view baptism as largely symbolic, but can acknowledge, although it is not a human work of salvation (Ephesians 1-2), it is a human act of embracing that salvation. It is in that sense (at least), spiritual.
Titus 3
English Standard Version
4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
1 Peter 3:21-22
English Standard Version (ESV)
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.
Jesus Christ participates in John's baptism as Jesus Christ was to obey God the Father in biblical religious practice as were all disciples in Jesus Christ.
The baptism of Jesus Christ places the believer symbolically under the applied atoning and resurrection work of Christ, the believer embracing salvific work through the act of obedience in baptism.
The unbeliever rejects this baptism and the associated salvific work and is post-mortem left with facing full judgement for sinful thoughts, acts and actions through a tainted, sinful nature.
The commandment to baptize disciples, as is Matthew 28, implies disciples should consciously embrace being a disciple in baptism, as opposed to disciples, instead, being disciples in waiting or hoped for disciples. The doctrine of believer's baptism is more reasonable, premise (s) wise than infant baptism, although there is some evidence for infant baptism as well (Acts 16, 1 Corinthians 1, households baptized). I certainty would not call infant baptism, heresy.
Luke 3:21-22
English Standard Version (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.
[a] with you I am well pleased.”
[b] Footnotes: Luke 3:22 Or my Son, my (or the) Beloved Luke 3:22 Some manuscripts beloved Son; today I have begotten you
All the members of the Trinity are present in Luke 3: 21-22
HENRY, MATTHEW (1961), Editor, Leslie F. Church, Commentary on the Whole Bible: Genesis to Revelation, Grand Rapids, Zondervan.
PORTER, L.E. (1986) Luke, in F.F. Bruce (gen.ed.), The International Bible Commentary, Grand Rapids, Marshall Pickering/ Zondervan.
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