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Question
Dear Ernie,
What is the difference between the baptism that John the Baptist gave and what we take now.
Regards,
Praywin
The short answer is that John's immersion was an immersion of repentance, of returning to the Mosaical Law to prepare for the coming of Christ. It was for the remission of sins, but not the same way that immersion into Christ remits sins. The remission was a looking forward to the coming Savior by turning back to the Law and becoming prepared to receive the Messiah.
The immersion that we participate in today is the point of contact for our soul and the blood of Christ which actually removes the sin and puts us into the church, the body of the saved. John's immersion could not do this because Jesus had not died yet and the church had not yet been founded. There was no blood to contact, not body to be immersed into.
In Truth and Love,
Ernie
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Answers by Expert:
Ernie Laurence, Jr.
Expertise
I am capable of answering any questions concerning doctrines of the church of Christ. I specialize in Creation vs. Evolution topics, the book of Revelation and other Biblical prophecies, and other apologetics related topics such as distinctions from denominational doctrines.
Experience
My experience in this area includes: having been raised by members of the church of Christ from infancy, having been immersed into the church of Christ at age ten, having taken an active role in worship/service leadership (song leading, teaching, preaching, youth ministry) since age fourteen through the present, and participating in numerous formal debates, research projects, and online discussions.
Organizations
The church of Christ
Publications
Local congregations.
Education/Credentials
I hold a bachelor's degree in computer information systems (CIS) from Tarleton State University which focuses on business communication and management. This provided training for how to deal professionally with individuals and organizations if not direct training in the field of religion. See experience section for informal education experience.
Awards and Honors
N/A
Past/Present Clients
N/A
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