Notes on Repentance under John the Baptist

John offered a baptism for the repentance of sin. John was a Jew and called people under the (Judaic) law to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. He was not a Messiah but merely a precursor. As such true salvation had to come from Jesus. John was merely clearing the way for his lord.

John's Baptism:

Obviously John's Baptism is a lesser Baptism then that of Jesus Christ. John said in Matthew 3:11

"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

References in Scripture

Matthew 3:11

Mark 1:2 - 8


Matthew 3:11

11 "I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I,
whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.


Mark 1:2 - 8

2 It is written in Isaiah the prophet: "I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way"

3 "a voice of one calling in the desert, `Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'"

4 And so John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

5 The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

6 John wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

7 And this was his message: "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.

8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

To Understand my faith better I have decided to construct these pages. They are strictly educational, non-commercial and to foster scholarly discussion. All Bible quotes are from the New International Version unless otherwise stated. I use the NIV because while not a perfect translation, certainly the best available. All mistakes are my own and if you differ from my thoughts I welcome your comments. J. Barry O'Connell Jr.