The Connection Between Jesus’ Baptism and Ours

Our first point is this: Baptism belongs to those with whom Jesus identified in His baptism. Now, you may be wondering, what does Jesus’ baptism have to do with ours? This is a common question, as many in the Evangelical world tend to see Jesus’ baptism as something entirely separate from ours.

Some believe that there are two baptisms: one under John the Baptist and the other under the apostles. People often assume that what we do today is the apostles’ baptism and that Jesus’ baptism belonged only to John’s ministry. But that is not the case. This is not what the Scriptures teach, nor what our Reformed forefathers believed.

Let’s take time to consider John’s baptism and the apostles’ baptism so that we can see they are essentially the same, and the implications of this truth are profound.

1. The Subjects of Baptism: Penitent Believers

Who were the subjects of John’s baptism?

In Matthew 3:6, we’re told John baptized in the River Jordan those from Jerusalem and Judea who came confessing their sins.
In Mark 1:4, John’s baptism is described as a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Now, what about the apostles’ baptism? Were the subjects any different? No, they were the same.

At Pentecost in Acts 2:38, Peter preaches, “Repent and be baptized every one of you for the forgiveness of your sins.”

Thus, both baptisms—John’s and the apostles’—were for the same people: penitent believers.

2. The Manner of Baptism: Immersion

Next, let’s consider the manner in which baptism was performed.

John baptized by immersion. He baptized in the Jordan River, and we’re told he needed places with large bodies of water to immerse people fully.

Did this change with the apostles? No.

In Acts 8, when Philip baptizes the Ethiopian eunuch, the eunuch sees a body of water and says, “What prevents me from being baptized?” Then they both go down into the water, and Philip baptizes him.

The method of baptism—immersion—remained the same.

3. The Form of Baptism: The Name of the Triune God

Here’s something that might surprise you: both John’s baptism and the apostles’ baptism were done in the name of the Triune God.

Was John ignorant of the Trinity? No. Remember, John baptized Jesus and witnessed the Father’s voice and the Spirit’s descent like a dove. He was well aware of the Trinity.
In Acts 19:5, Paul speaks of John’s baptism, saying, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.”

But wait—what about Peter at Pentecost (Acts 2:38)? Didn’t he say, “Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ”?

Does this mean Peter disobeyed Christ, who commanded baptism in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28)? No.
When Peter says, “in the name of Jesus,” he is referring to baptism by Christ’s authority—a shorthand way of including the entire Triune God.

Ambrose explained this as a synecdoche—where a part refers to the whole. To baptize in the name of Christ is to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Significance of Jesus’ Baptism

At this point, let’s ask: Why was Jesus baptized?

In Matthew 3:14-15, when Jesus comes to John for baptism, John initially refuses, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus responds, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”

John recognized Jesus as the sinless Lamb of God—the only One who could take away the sins of the world. Yet Jesus insisted on being baptized. Why?

Not for Himself—Jesus had no sin to confess or repent of.
For us—His baptism was substitutionary, done on our behalf.

Jesus identified Himself with sinners so that He could accomplish the work of redemption for us. He took on the sign of repentance to demonstrate that He would bear the wrath of God in our place.

Jesus as the Second Adam

Jesus came as the second Adam:

The first Adam represented all of humanity, and when he fell, we fell with him.
Jesus came to represent all who would believe in Him. He obeyed the law of God perfectly and observed all the ordinances of God, including baptism, so that He could redeem a people for Himself.

At Jesus’ baptism:

The heavens opened,
The Spirit descended like a dove, and
The Father declared, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

Why was the Father pleased? Because Jesus was obedient to His will, fulfilling all righteousness—even through baptism.

Our Identification with Christ

When we are baptized, we follow in the example Jesus set for us. We say:

“I know Jesus identified Himself with me; now I identify myself with Him.”
“Jesus died and gave His life for me; now I declare my unity with Him.”

Baptism symbolizes:

Our union with Christ in His death and resurrection.
Our membership in the one body—the people of God whom Christ came to save.

Who Does Baptism Belong To?

Baptism belongs to those for whom Christ came as a substitute—those He identified with in His baptism.

Who was Jesus baptized for? Believers.
Only believers have the right to partake of the same ordinance Christ Himself observed.

Conclusion

Jesus’ baptism is not something separate or unrelated to ours. He was baptized for us, identifying with sinners and pointing to the redemption He would accomplish.

When we enter the waters of baptism, we declare our unity with Him and our commitment to follow Him. Just as Jesus began His earthly ministry with baptism, so we begin the Christian life with baptism—a sign of His grace and our obedience.

Let us remember that baptism belongs only to those who believe, and let us rejoice in the great privilege we have as those whom Christ came to save.

“To Whom Does Water Baptism Belong?” sermon (Acts 10:34-48)