The Importance of Baptism Matthew 3:16-17, 4:1NIV
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." 4:1Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil.
Before Jesus begun His earthly ministry He is baptized, baptized in the same river as sinners. Christ identified Himself with us from the start! ( He followed His Father’s mandate or will) In verse 17, we can hear the Father’s command to hear His Son and the Spirit’s vindication and empowerment. ( The heavens open, and the Spirit lighting on Him, and indwelling Him.)
*Isaiah 42:1NLT “Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me.I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations.
It’s important to remember, that Jesus was baptized right before He was tempted by the devil. ( Baptism prepared Him; moreover, it will prepared you to overcome!)
It’s important to mention that Jesus was completely obedient in everything. Are we? No.
Because of Jesus, according to Colossians 2:10 You are complete in Him, and He is the head of all powers.
Notice in verse 16, the clouds (or heaven) was opened. This has a two fold meaning, First, the clouds opening meant the Father was pleased and everything the Father has Now belongs to Jesus. Secondly, clouds (spiritually speaking) represent protection and guidance.
Psalm 91:1NIV He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I believe when you are faithful to be baptized, it sets you up to dwell in ‘His’ secret place.
Notice that it’s a secret place. (Secret are revealed)
In Matthew 28, Jesus commanded His disciples to go out and make disciples of men and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, we can rest assured that when we are baptized we are walking in the Fathers will! (It pleases the Father)
Is this NT scripture? Yes but more, most believe that Moses going through the Red Sea was a Spiritual baptism, and then the cloud by day and pillar of fire by night, teach us about God’s custody over us.
*Listen to 1 Corinthians 10:1-2NLT I don’t want you to forget, dear brothers and sisters, about our ancestors in the wilderness long ago. All of them were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, and all of them walked through the sea on dry ground. 2 In the cloud and in the sea, all of them were baptized as followers of Moses.
In closing, I want you to understand that baptism has always been the Fathers will.
Keeping I.Corinthians in context, Paul is telling all believers that Israel’s baptism did not to save them from the doom of lust, at the end, and neither will this actual baptism save you. ( Before baptism, you are already saved!)
Here’s some powerful types and shadows of Christ. Under Moses’ leadership crossing over the Red Sea, symbolizes the Spirit and water of the word of God. Israel was immersed or baptized, not in the Red Sea, but into Moses, indicating their oneness with him and his leadership.
Under the cloud, guided by God’s presence. Christ is the pillar cloud that screens us from the heat of God’s wrath.
Pillar of fire by night, Christ is "the light of the world.”
Baptism is for every born again (born from above) believer.
Prayer.
