The following is the results of your search for Baptism Of Christ.
Baptism Of Christ: Christ had to be formally inaugurated into the public discharge of
his offices. For this purpose he came to John, who was the
representative of the law and the prophets, that by him he might be
introduced into his offices, and thus be publicly recognized as the
Messiah of whose coming the prophecies and types had for many ages
borne witness. John refused at first to confer his baptism on Christ,
for he understood not what he had to do with the "baptism of
repentance." But Christ said, it to be so now,' NOW as suited to my
state of humiliation, my state as a substitute in the room of
sinners." His reception of baptism was not necessary on his own
account. It was a voluntary act, the same as his act of becoming
incarnate. Yet if the work he had engaged to accomplish was to be
completed, then it became him to take on him the likeness of a
sinner, and to fulfil all righteousness
(Matthew 3:15) The official
duty of Christ and the sinless person of Christ are to be
distinguished. It was in his official capacity that he submitted to
baptism. In coming to John our Lord virtually said, "Though sinless,
and without any personal taint, yet in my public or official capacity
as the Sent of God, I stand in the room of many, and bring with me
the sin of the world, for which I am the propitiation." Christ was
not made under the law on his own account. It was as surety of his
people, a position which he spontaneously assumed. The administration
of the rite of baptism was also a symbol of the baptism of suffering
before him in this official capacity
(Luke 12:50) In thus presenting
himself he in effect dedicated or consecrated himself to the work of
fulfilling all righteousness.
