Is baptism a gateway?

[Mike 2]

So we are doing a series at church looking at the history of the Anabaptist church.

Simply put, Anabaptist's believe that as adults we should be making an outward statement of our faith by being baptized as an adult when we can make the decision on our own behalf to follow Christ.

The persecution that was met as a result of the early Anabaptist's taking that stance was incredible.

No doubt there was a political component regarding a small group of people not following the standard of the leaders. But ultimately the opposition to a public declaration to follow Jesus as an adult has to be attributed to Satan's opposition.

There are a few verses I am considering while also thinking about this persecution

1) Jesus' words when being baptized in  Mat 3:15  But Jesus answered him, "Let it be this way for now, because this is the proper way for us to fulfill all righteousness."At this, he permitted him to be baptized. 
Why would Jesus say that?

2) Jesus' last words  in Mat 28 to go and baptize. Why would he deem baptism so important as to be a part of his last words?

Is there a correlation between our being baptized and the success/ failure of the ability to minister/ witness that James talks about in Jas 2?

Why would Jesus be firm about setting that example and the devil be so aggressive trying to stop it? 

Could it be that some thing as simple as baptism could be our gateway to doing Gods will on earth as it is in heaven?

 

Edited April 5, 2017 by Mike 2
reference

[Deborah_]

Baptism is a lot of things, but I think you are definitely one of the right tracks here.

In the New Testament, it's the very first act of obedience to our new Lord - the first step in following Jesus. Which makes it very important.

As for Jesus' baptism, it isn't clear why that was so important. But it could be related to the ritual bath taken by the high priest during his ordination ceremony - immediately before being anointed with the sacred oil. I'm sure it's significant that Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit immediately after His baptism.

[Jeff2]

But it could be related to the ritual bath taken by the high priest during his ordination ceremony - immediately before being anointed with the sacred oil. 

Deborah, could you give the Biblical reference?

[simplejeff]

1 hour ago, Mike 2 said:

So we are doing a series at church looking at the history of the Anabaptist church.

Simply put, Anabaptist's believe that as adults we should be making an outward statement of our faith by being baptized as an adult when we can make the decision on our own behalf to follow Christ.

The persecution that was met as a result of the early Anabaptist's taking that stance was incredible.

Yes,  and even at the time the Apostles lived, those who were immersed are the ones who accepted MESSIAH Y'SHUA ,

and those who opposed them, those who rejected MESSIAH Y'SHUA, were the ones not immersed, as written in YHWH'S WORD.

Those not immersed have always (or often ) since then, throughout history, around the world,  been violent against YHWH'S WORD AND against HIS children .

1 hour ago, Mike 2 said:

Why would Jesus be firm about setting that example and the devil be so aggressive trying to stop it? 

Could it be that some thing as simple as baptism could be our gateway to doing Gods will on earth as it is in heaven?

Because Y'SHUA said it is necessary to fulfill righteousness.   The devil is UNrighteous.

I haven't heard it called 'gateway' so much,  as simply the first action taken in faith for believers.  Yes, kind of like a gate,  as we cannot approach the FATHER at all,  except through Y'SHUA the (gate|door|way|life),  and Y'SHUA asks the disobedient ones: "Why call me  Master, but don't do what I say ? "

1 hour ago, Mike 2 said:

Is there a correlation between our being baptized and the success/ failure of the ability to minister/ witness that James talks about in Jas 2?

Yes  and many other revelations in SCRIPTURE as well. (for interesting example from TORAH - see that all those who passed through the sea with MOSES were testifying of their choosing to follow YHWH, to be HIS people as YHWH had called and chosen them - INCLUDING goyim/ gentiles/ Egyptians/  who went with them through the sea.   

[Jeff2]

Yes,  and even at the time the Apostles lived, those who were immersed are the ones who accepted MESSIAH Y'SHUA , 
and those who opposed them, those who rejected MESSIAH Y'SHUA, were the ones not immersed, as written in YHWH'S WORD. 
Those not immersed have always (or often ) since then, throughout history, around the world,  been violent against YHWH'S WORD AND against HIS children . 

The only ones ever immersed in Scripture were punished.

[Deborah_]

1 hour ago, Jeff2 said:

But it could be related to the ritual bath taken by the high priest during his ordination ceremony - immediately before being anointed with the sacred oil. 

Deborah, could you give the Biblical reference?

Exodus 29:4-7

Leviticus 8:6,12

[Jeff2]

Exodus 29:4-7 
Leviticus 8:6,12 

Thanks Deborah for the references!

Ritual washing before anointing.