THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS

 

THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS

 

In this study, we will examine the profile of Priest who pioneered this doctrine, the purpose of the birth of John the Baptist. We will examine the process of water baptism and why water is used. Also, we will see the significance of water baptism and biblical accounts were water baptism was exercised.

 

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

Water baptism is a new wave of doctrine that was pioneered by John the Baptist. John is a Priest, a prophet and a Pioneer.

 

Never has this process been used in human history. It has a great significance in the body of Christ and in the life of every Christian.

 

Baptism is a process of initiation to establish one as a redeemed believer.

There are three (3) types of baptism in the bible.

 

1. Water baptism

2. Holy Spirit

3. Fire. (Matthew 3:11)

 

Water baptism is a process of initiation in which a person who accepts Jesus as Lord and savior is completely submerged into water for the remission of sin in the name of Jesus.

(Mark 1:4, Acts 2:38)

 

Water Baptism is to be buried with Christ and to raise with him through Faith by the operation of God.

(Colossians 2:12)

 

Holy Ghost baptism is a promise of the Father for every believer. Acts 2:1-4 contains the first Holy Ghost baptism experience.

 

John also pointed out that Jesus will baptism believers with fire. (Matthew 3:11)

 

PROFILE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

 

John the Baptist is the son of Zacharias and Elizabeth who are priest in the house of God.

 

Zacharias is a priest of the course of Abia; a descendent of Eleazar who is the Third son of Aaron, the first High priest. (Exodus 6:23). He was the first Priest in the New Testament to be visited by an Angel.

 

Elizabeth is also the daughter of Aaron which implies that the couples are both descendants of Aaron, the high Priest. (Luke 1:5)

 

Their spiritual status is significant in the birth of John. John was born by parents from a pure line of Priesthood while Jesus was born by a pure line of King David.

 

The couples are righteous according to God's own standard. In fact, they were termed blameless. (Luke 1:6)

This is significant to the birth of a harbinger and forerunner of the savior of the whole world. The priest must align to God's holiness standard.

 

Zacharias was also faithful to his course by continually burning incense while others offered prayers. This is significant to the prophetic mantle that John carried.

 

Prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 40:3 prophesied the birth of John the baptist. Other prophets like Malachi foretold his birth. (Malachi 4:5)

 

His birth was a miracle because he was born by his parent in their old age. They were stricken in age.

 

John was great in the sight of God. He possessed the Spirit and power of Elijah.

 

John is a man of the Secret place. He stayed in the desert until his  time of manifestation while he being strong in the Spirit. (Luke 1:80)

 

PURPOSE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

According to the download given by Angel Gabriel to Zacharias;

 

1. His ministry will make Many Israelites turn to God. (Luke 1:16)

 

2. He is a harbinger (one who proceeds) the coming of the Lord Jesus.

 

3. To prepare the people for the arrival of the lord

 

4. To soften the heart of parent to children

 

5. To change disobedient minds to accept godly wisdom.

(Luke 1:14-17)

 

PROCESS OF WATER BAPTISM

Matthew 3:6 KJV

And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

 

The following is required in the spiritual protocol of water baptism to be valid and satisfied to fulfill all righteousness.

 

1. The word of God must be preached and a person must understand accepting the Lordship of Jesus, confess Jesus  Christ as lord and saviour. (John 1:12)

 

3. The person must forsake sin, renounce any form of cult or occult.

 

3. The person must repent of sin totally

 

4. The person must make confession of sins committed.

 

5. The person must be baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19)

 

 

VALIDITY OF WATER BAPTISM

For your water baptism to be valid, the following must be satisfied;

 

1. The water must be a flowing river.

 

Matthew 3:6 KJV

And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

 

Jordan is s flowing river and not a lake or stagnant river.

Sprinkling of water, pouring of water etc are not valid. The bible did not allow a substitute for a flowing river.

 

2. A person must be submerged completely in water.

 

Matthew 3:16 KJV

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water...

 

3. You must be baptized in the name of Jesus.

(Acts 2:38)

 

WHY IS WATER USED FOR BAPTISM

1. Water is ancient.

 

It was not part of what was created in Genesis chapter one and two. It existed before the creation of man and the earth. We don't know when water was created

 

 2. Water was part of the instrument for creation.

 

God created aquatic animals such as fishes, great whales and even birds such as Eagles, fowls from water. (Genesis 1:20-21)

 

3. The third of the Godhead was moving constantly on the waters.

(Genesis 1:2)

 

4. Water can be found both in heaven and on earth. (Genesis 1:6-8)

 

5. Water is symbolic for the Word of God. (Ephesians 5:26)

 

6. Priest must wash them self with water before they can make atonement for the people. (Leviticus 16:24)

 

7. Water is a cleaning agent and is used for sanctification

 

8. Water is essential for life. We cannot survive without water.

 

9. Water is a witness on earth. (1 John 5:8 )

 

SIGNIFICANCE OF WATER BAPTISM

1. Baptism signifies death with Christ

 

2. It signifies resurrection with Christ.

 

3. Baptism makes us to become like Jesus Christ. (Colossians 2:12)

 

4. It signifies the rapture of the saint.

 

CONCLUSION

Please note that water baptism is very important for every believer. Repentance precedes water baptism but Holy Ghost baptism is the complete package of baptism. (Matthew 3:11)

 

You must receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit for your baptism to be complete.

 

WRITTEN BY;

A_WATCHMAN

(08131120727)

Email:A_Watchman@outlook.com