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Mark 1:6-8
In Mark 1:6 we learn a little about the physical appearance of John the Baptist. He wore clothing made from camel’s hair tied with a leather belt. We also learn what he ate: “locusts and wild honey.” In Mark 1:7-8 (NKJV) we learn of the preaching that he did, preaching, “there comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
This is an example of the difference between the physical act of baptism and the spiritual act of baptism.
When we are saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:8), He sends His Holy Spirit to live within us and be our guide and protector for the remainder of our physical lives on earth (John 14:15-18, 26). As a public declaration of our salvation in Christ Jesus we should then be physically baptized as an announcement of our new life in being saved from eternal death (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38-39). Jesus was baptized to set the example for us (Mark 9:1-11); He died publicly for us in His purity to pay for our sins (Mark 15:25-32), it is only proper that we stand up publicly to proclaim our thanks to Him for doing so. The Bible teaches us in Mark 16:16, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
Dear LORD,
We seek to learn from Your Word of why we should be baptized. As we open our hearts to receive Your grace through Your gift to us of salvation in Your One and only Son Jesus, as He was baptized publicly and died publicly for us, we should then also follow in His example and have the courage to stand up for Him to proclaim publicly our faith in Him in thanksgiving to You for loving us so much as to send Your One and only Son to save us from the evils of this world and allow us into Your perfect kingdom of heaven for eternity. Thank You LORD God Almighty for loving us so much! In Jesus name I pray, amen.