When we read the book of Mark, it begins by introducing us to John the Immerser, or John the Baptist. This man who prepared the way for Christ (1:3). Among other things, we read about John baptizing people in the wilderness and specifically baptizing folks in the Jordan river (1:4-5). This was not the only place he baptized folks, but this was one area, and this is where he baptized Jesus (1:9-10).

                   Later, when we read about John’s baptism, we read where folks were told basically that John’s baptism was not valid, and they needed to be baptized in the name of Christ (Acts 19:5). Why the difference? If John’s baptism was valid in Mark 1, John 3, and other places, why is it treated as invalid in Acts 19? What difference is there between John’s baptism and Christ’s?

                   While at first glance, there seems to be little to no difference. Both baptisms are immersion. Both baptisms are for those who are seeking “remission of sins.” What difference is there between these acts? Notice, I said at first glance there seems to be no difference. When we study, we see several differences between these acts.

                   In John’s baptism, we see:

• John told men to confess their sins (Matt. 3:6).
• John told them to believe in “the One to come” (Acts 19:4).
• This baptism added none to the church (No church existed then!).
• There is no connection with Christ’s blood.
• John’s baptism is described as “a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Mk. 1:4).

                   In contrast, Christ’s baptism:

• Was “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38) - not an act looking forward to something that had not yet come.
• Puts one “in Christ” (Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3).
• Adds us to his church (Acts 2:47; I Cor. 12:13).
• Is connected with the blood of Christ (Rom. 6:3-6; Matt. 26:28; Acts 2:38).
• Saves us (I Pet. 3:21; Col. 2:12-13).

                   John’s baptism served its purpose, but its purpose has ended. Now, we are to be baptized in Christ’s baptism -- that baptism which allows us to experience the cleansing effect of His blood, adds us to His church, washes us from sin, and enables us to be called “Christian.”

                   Have you been baptized? If not, what is stopping you? Contact me, and let’s make sure you are right in the sight of God.

- Jarrod M. Jacobs

            Hebrews 1:3 (KJV) states unmistakably that Christ “purged our sins.” Other versions use terms like “made purification,” “cleansed/cleansing,” and “washed away.” It is evident that this was done at the cross. In fact, as we read Hebrews 1:3, we see that once He purged (cleansed) our sins, He sat down at the right hand of God (Mk. 16:19; Acts 2:33; Rom. 8:34; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1). I marvel at the Holy Spirit’s inspiration and the ability to succinctly describe the death and ascension of Christ for our salvation in one verse.

            Purging our sins would mean a great deal to the Hebrew Christians. They were well-aware of the sacrifices of bulls, goats, sheep, heifers, and the like. Yet, these sacrifices were not sufficient to forgive sin. Hebrews ten says the law was a “shadow of good things to come” (10:1), and the sacrifices offered served a purpose, but they could not take away sins (10:4). Yet, Jesus, in His sacrifice, was able to purge or cleanse us from our sins (1:3) -- something the Old Law wasn’t able to do! Hebrews 10:10 repeats this fact.

            What an encouragement this would have been to the people to stay faithful to Christ and not return to Judaism! Christ is the One who has purged us from sin! The dead altars of the past could do nothing of the sort. Why then, would they want to leave Christ and go back to them?

            What does this mean to us in the 21st century? Do we not still have a problem with sin? Yes, we do (Rom. 3:23)! Sin still results in the same death it always has (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:15). Now, however, instead of planning for someone in the future to purge our sins, One has already come to do that! We have a way in which we can be saved. In our salvation, we do not look toward our past for the answer, toward the practices of ancient people, to the whims and wishes of men today, or to philosophies that may dominate our culture. Instead, we look to the same Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2). He is the answer!

            What has Jesus done? He has died upon the cross, and His blood was shed “for the remission of sins” (Matt. 26:28; Heb. 9:12-14). Now, when we believe on Christ (Jn. 8:24), repent of our sins (Lk. 13:3), confess our faith in Christ (Rom. 10:10), and are baptized (Mk. 16:16), we can be saved from sin! In baptism, we come in contact with the cleansing effect of that blood! (Rom. 6:3-6). Yes, our sins can be cleansed, purged, or washed away, thanks to Christ (Acts 22:16).

            Through the shed blood of Christ, the purging of our sins is possible. Now, will we accept the Lord’s conditions or not? Why would we want to refuse the greatest offer ever given to man? Why would we refuse the only way our sins can be purged? Don’t delay (II Cor. 6:2)! Take advantage of the Lord’s precious gift now while you have the time and opportunity (Heb. 3:7-8)!

- Jarrod M. Jacobs