Mark 1:4-11 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; 7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.

Mark 1:9   And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

We baptize…
* Those who have repented and believed in Jesus THE Messiah and Savior (What REAL believer does not want to ID with Jesus?) to demonstrate that salvation is REAL!
* Those who have come from a different doctrinal set or denomination (as a testimony that they are aligning with our Baptist doctrine)
* Because Jesus commanded it (the Great Commission)
* To fulfill ALL righteousness

Jesus was baptized…
* to validate John’s minatory and John’s God-given authority
* to receive the testimony from Heaven!
* to set an example for all New Testament believers who choose to follow Him!

Applications:
1. Baptism is NOT a part of salvation (e.g., Jesus didn’t Baptize and Paul baptized little), but it is an example of submission and obedience to Jesus.
2. A new beginning (walking in newness of life!)
3. Baptism identifies us with our particular group, specifically our distinct doctrinal set and the authority of our particular local assembly