Little Red Book Ministry

III. Problem Verses
There are several verses that, upon casual reading, seem to indicate that the word “not” does not belong in the statements listed in section II. These are a good example of how necessary it is to study the scriptures rather than just casually reading them. The following are the verses that cause most of the problems with regard to an improper view on the function and purposes of baptism. Interpreting these passages incorrectly puts them in direct conflict with other scriptures which is an immediate indication that something is wrong.

A. Mark 1:4 and Luke 3:3
“John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Mark 1:4).

These two verses are essentially the same. They probably are not a major stumbling block, but they help lay the groundwork for understanding more difficult verses. In addition, they could be interpreted as indicating that the water baptism of John brought remission of sins or justification.

This, of course, is impossible since the atonement had not been accomplished at that time. In fact, this water baptism could not be and was not the same as the water baptism practiced by the Church today. The Church did not even exist at that time. John’s baptism was to prepare a repentant heart, whereas the water baptism of the Church today is to show that repentance has led to salvation.

While John did baptize with water, his primary mission was to preach the soon-to-come baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Matthew 3:11–12 explains the situation better.

“I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:11–12).