Baptism of Repentance

John the Baptist introduced the concept of water baptism when nothing like it previously existed in the Old Testament. The act of being immersed in water was synonymous with repentance and probably originated with the Essenes, a sect of Israelites known for their piety.

John was surprised when the Son of God approached him to be baptized, yet the God-man was insistent and the rest of the Godhead declared their approval as God the Son submitted to the ritual. Water baptism became one of the ordinances set forth by Jesus for the church and there are many such examples found throughout the New Testament.

Water baptism by immersion will not save you; it is simply an act of obedience to the command of Jesus that all Christians follow His example. The God-man associated love with obedience; therefore loving Jesus is synonymous with action and keeping the ordinance He instituted is what He wants you to do.