Which baptism was in effect between Jesus’ death and Pentecost?
Question:
Good evening,
After reading Exodus 19-24, it appears the Patriarchal Age ended in Exodus 19 but was not ratified by blood until Exodus 24:7-8, which relates to Hebrews 9:22.
With this in mind, if I'm correct in my earlier assessment, which baptism (John's or Jesus') would have been authorized after Jesus' death but before Pentecost? Again, I'm thinking that since Jesus breathe on the apostles to receive the Holy Ghost (John 20:22) whereas they were to wait in Jerusalem until they were endued with this power (Luke 24:49), but did not actually receive this power until Acts 2:4, was it John's baptism? I don't read of any actual baptisms during this period, so it might just be a small quibble.
I've written to you in the past and I appreciate your responses, your website, and the websites of your affiliates. Thank you in advance.
Answer:
We write our Last Will and Testaments before our death. The document doesn't go into legal effect until our death, but it is not uncommon for some of the terms of the will to be carried out before a person's death. For instance, a man may decide to leave his car to his grandson in his will. However, because he is no longer able to drive, he may give that car to his grandson in advance of his death.
In a similar way, the Law of Moses was taught to the Israelites in advance of its ratification. For instance, the Israelites were taught about not working on the Sabbath day in Exodus 16:22-30. This law was put into force prior to the Law of Moses being ratified by blood and people were held responsible for keeping it.
Jesus taught the Law of Christ for over three years prior to his death. Much of what he taught was similar to the Law of Moses and people were expected to keep it (Matthew 5:19). The baptism of Jesus was practiced prior to Jesus' death (John 3:26; 4:1). There was a transition period where both were being practiced. However, arguing over which one was required at that time is not worth the effort. We are not in the transition period. Today, there is only one baptism in effect (Ephesians 4:4-6). When people were found who only knew the baptism of John, they were taught about Jesus and were baptized into Christ (Acts 19:1-5). God will decide what people could know and are held responsible for knowing. See When did the New Testament come into effect? for additional details.
We have to be careful not to get caught up in disputes about things that don't make a difference in our lives. We have enough problems with false teachers seeking to divide God's people without giving the false teachers a boost. "If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain" (I Timothy 6:3-5). Seek out information to help build up your brethren and bring them closer to the truth.
Response:
Thank you very much for the information. Your response was well-stated. God bless you.
