Continuing on in this study using a search for the word “lamb” brings us to the book of John, where John the Baptist is announcing the coming of Jesus.
Here, John through the Holy Ghost, announces the arrival of the Messiah, Christ, and Israel’s redeemer.
Note what John states.
John 1:29 (KJV)
The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
John 1:36 (KJV)
And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!
In both of these Scriptures one can see that John identified Jesus as "the Lamb of God" who would take away the sins of the world— the long awaited and promised Christ (the Messiah)
As shown already in the Old covenant law books of the Torah, it was not just the lamb alive, but the lamb sacrificed, or killed, or "slain" and the blood had to be accepted as an “offering for sin,” which was to make atonement for the children of Israel.
The description and the very language of John the Baptist states exactly this.
It is important to note that John is a forerunner to the Messiah, and one who was born filled with the Holy Ghost, who would preach to make way for the Messiah calling the present remnant of the children of Israel to repent and be washed or “baptized” in water for repentance and to confess of their sins.
Luke 1:5-17 (KJV)
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. [6] And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. [7] And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years. [8] And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, [9] According to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. [10] And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. [11] And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. [12] And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. [13] But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. [14] And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. [15] For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb. [16] And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. [17] And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.
Matthew 3:1-17 (KJV)
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, [2] And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. [3] For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. [4] And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. [5] Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, [6] And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
[7] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? [8] Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: [9] And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. [10] And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. [11] 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: [12] 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.
[13] Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. [14] But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? [15] And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. [16] And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: [17] And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
Note two things here, that Jesus had to be baptized or as the Greek “baptizo”:
baptizo, bap-tid'-zo; from a derivative of Greek 911 (bapto); to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the N.T.) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technical) of the ordinance of Christian baptism :- baptist, baptize, wash.
bapto, bap'-to; a primary verb; to whelm, i.e. cover wholly with a fluid; in the N.T. only in a qualified or special sense, i.e. (literal) to moisten (a part of one's person), or (by implication) to stain (as with dye) :- dip.
Jesus, said “thus it becometh us to fullfil all righteousness."
Note that John was preaching repentance and was to prepare Israel for the coming Messiah; as part of this preparation it meant washing or cleansing one, while confessing one's sins— baptism
Jesus is the Messiah, yet the Messiah cannot yet cleanse everyone of their sins because the lamb has not yet been slain, therefore Jesus states “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.”
This same concept, refers to the rituals found in the Old Covenant law.
In the Old Covenant law, only through the holy service, sacrifices, and ordained rituals was anyone made clean or atoned for one's sins. It always by the power of God, almighty YHWH .
Jesus completely understood this, and in knowing the law of YHWH, He would have known that anytime that Israel's priests appeared before God to minister in the holy service, they first had to wash to cleanse themselves before they ever enter in the holy service.
Only after being washed of water and cleansed, could they perform the duty to service of the ministerial duties of God.
This was also true of the people of Israel, before they could be allowed to appear before God at Mt Sinai.
Exodus 19:10 (KJV)
And YHWH said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,
Exodus 30:18-21 (KJV)
Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein. [19] For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat: [20] When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto YHWH: [21] So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.
Exodus 40:12 (KJV)
And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.
Exodus 40:30 (KJV)
And he set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and put water there, to wash withal.
In addition, only those who washed with water could be "clean" to enter into the camp where the tabernacle of God was in the midst.
Leviticus 10:10 (KJV)
And that ye may put difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean;
Leviticus 14:7-9 (KJV)
And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field. [8] And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp, and shall tarry abroad out of his tent seven days. [9] But it shall be on the seventh day, that he shall shave all his hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows, even all his hair he shall shave off: and he shall wash his clothes, also he shall wash his flesh in water, and he shall be clean.
Leviticus 15:8 (KJV)
And if he that hath the issue spit upon him that is clean; then he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even.
Leviticus 17:15 (KJV)
And every soul that eateth that which died of itself, or that which was torn with beasts, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even: then shall he be clean.
So Jesus clearly obeyed the very law of His Father, God Almighty YHWH. This means being washed or baptized (immersed) in water and as the Greek word for baptism and its root means, to be "make whelmed," or "fully wet," “fully immersed in fluid,” so did Jesus in his baptism.
He went fully (down) into the water as the scripture proves: “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water.”
The water is only one part.
One must also have been accepted by God. Now that He was washed and clean, He could be accepted by God as the scripture continues, “and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Before further engaging into the larger topic of baptism, we need to continue the study on “the lamb.”
The next Scripture, from the Book of Acts, clearly reinforces what was already shown in Isaiah 53. Here the apostle Philip teaches an Ethiopian man about the scriptural meaning behind Isaiah as relates to JESUS the Messiah.
Acts 8:32 (KJV)
The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
Briefly note what follows after this teaching takes place.
Acts 8:30-40 (KJV)
And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? [31] And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. [32] The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: [33] In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. [34] And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? [35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. [36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? [37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. [38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. [39] And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. [40] But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
Now, notice something important. You recall mentioned earlier that Jesus stated "to fulfill all righteousness" one had to be baptized, and yet at that time, the lamb— which takes way the sins of the world —was still living and had not been slain.
In Acts 8:32,long after Jesus, the Christ, had been slain on the cross (on the very day of the passover of YHWH) and had risen, the apostles practice of baptism was still enacted, and continues.
Note what happened next after the Ethiopian man is baptized.
The Spirit came.
In this case, the Spirit takes away Philip for doing the will of God.
Though not stated here, the Spirit no doubt also came upon the cleansed Ethiopian, whom now is acceptable to God and will no doubt leave not only rejoicing, but will do the service of spreading God’s holy gospel to others.
When Jesus goes 'down' into the water the same thing occurred— the Holy Ghost or the "Spirit descended" upon Him.
Understand that baptism involved a two part process, and is both a spiritual and a physical holy ordinance.
This takes us to the next Scripture written by the apostle Peter, the very man whom Christ gave the keys to the kingdom.
Note closely what Peter has to say in his letter to those already in Christ (the Church).
1st Peter 1:1-25 (KJV)
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, [2] Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, [5] Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. [6] Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: [7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: [8] Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: [9] Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. [10] Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: [11] Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. [12] Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. [13] Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; [14] As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: [15] But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; [16] Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. [17] And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: [18] Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; [19] But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: [20] Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, [21] Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. [22] Seeing ye have purified your soulsin obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: [23] Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. [24] For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: [25] But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
In this Scripture, Peter speaks twice of being “Born again” or “begotton us again.”
This is in reference to same idea that Jesus taught his disciples to be “born again.”
Before we get there, note that Peter is speaking about being “born again”, having been “purified" of the "former lusts” or to be born in “an inheritance of that which is incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.”
Peter speaks of holiness not achieved by earthy corruptible things, but by God’s power of His Spirit through the death and resurrection of JESUS, the Christ, "with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot."
By faith in Him (Christ) and as Peter says “Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls.”
Again Peter is speaking of a cleansing process that has already happened made possibly only through by the Blood of Christ, the Lamb, His sacrifice for the sins of the world, so to purify our souls.
But note that process was the very much the same thing meaning to be “born again.”
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you”
Now let's look at what Jesus taught about being “born again.”
This next scripture is perhaps the most confused of all scriptures by Christians today; simply because they do not understand that it is tied directly to that of the blood of the lamb, for the purpose of cleansing and making one ready, and to be fully clean of one's sins.
John 3:3-13 (KJV)
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. [4] Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? [5] Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. [6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. [7] Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. [8] The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. [9] Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? [10] Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? [11] Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. [12] If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? [13] And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.
Jesus states “verily, verily” that a man cannot see the kingdom of God, except he be “born again.”
Jesus restates this again in the same emphasis that one cannot “enter in the kingdom of God” unless he “be born of water and of the Spirit.”
This involves a two part process which the apostles later understood meant the very act of baptism. For the water washes, but the Spirit is what truly washes the soul and cleanses one. "the Spirit" is the Power of God.
Water alone, will not do it.
Immersion in the "water" must be done in Faith, in the Power of Almighty God to fulfill this commandment by Jesus.
Note that Jesus here states to the Pharisee "Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?"
What was Jesus asking him?
The Pharasees did not comprehend the whole importance of the water —of being fully washed by the water as in Israel’s law; the purification process of the law for those who will minister or approach to Almighty God.
So, Jesus then states, "If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?"
Jesus is saying to the Pharisees; if you have the law of God, the Torah, and are supposed to be “a master in Israel” and you have read it, but do even not understood what you read in earthy things (such as the Old covenant Law use of water), how then shall you possibly understand that which in Spiritual or (of God under the New Covenant) or things in heavenly things.
You see, Christ understood fully the Law of God and everything therein that went to the law.
He understand the importance of one being repentant, washed clean, before one can even come near or minister to God, to be justified before God.
The Pharisees however did not comprehend this fully and were too engrossed in adding their own laws based upon God’s law, thus breaking God’s commandment statutes and nullifying God’s laws by their own vain traditions (Judaism).
Judaism today (as yesterday) demands, everything to be cleansed before eating, or cooking, or sitting down to pray, but understand these are extra-Biblical laws made by the earliest Jewish scribes (halahkah) or later the Pharisees eventually wrote down forming the mishna 210 (AD) and later the Talmud (600AD).
It’s obvious that Jesus’ own apostles understood fully the importance of water baptism (immersion), to be born of water and of the Spirit.
Philip is only one example. Again Peter, the man whom Jesus made His rock, and would build His Church upon, fully understood the holy ordinance of baptism as regards to being born again. Note what he said in his first sermon.
Acts 2:30-47 (KJV)
Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; [31] He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. [32] This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. [33] Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. [34] For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, [35] Until I make thy foes thy footstool. [36] Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
[37] Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? [38] Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. [40] And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
[41] Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. [42] And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. [43] And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. [44] And all that believed were together, and had all things common; [45] And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. [46] And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, [47] Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
One can see that the apostle Peter used the keys to the kingdom when he said “Repent” first, and “be baptized in the name of JESUS” and in doing so you soon receive God's blessing, "the Gift of the Holy Ghost," as now you have been purified of water you received the blessing of the Spirit.
Very often after one was baptized, the disciples would lay hands and pray over the person. In many cases after this, the person received "the Holy Ghost."
Acts 19:2-7 (KJV)
He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. [3] And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. [4] Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. [5] When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [6] And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. [7] And all the men were about twelve.
However there was no general rule (except having true faith) as to how the Spirit came upon one.
There are other cases where one received the Holy Ghost descending, before their baptism.
The Holy Ghost comes only by belief and true faith, just the choice to be baptized is by belief, and obedience through faith.
Acts 10:34-48 (KJV)
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: [35] But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. [36] The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) [37] That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; [38] How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. [39] And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: [40] Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; [41] Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. [42] And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. [43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
[44] While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. [45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. [46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, [47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? [48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
But it's clear that in order for baptism to remit sins, the Holy Ghost (Spirit) has to be present as well, as Jesus said the "water and the Spirit."
The act of baptism is also related to the very theme whom the apostle Paul speaks of explaining Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
Colossians 2:6-15 (KJV)
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: [7] Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. [8] Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. [9] For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. [10] And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: [11] In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: [12] Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. [13] And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; [14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; [15] And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
Note that the circumcision made without hands— an operation of the Holy Ghost— the Spirit, which come with being baptized where one puts off the sin of the body and is buried with Christ: “Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh.”
Note when the apostle Paul, speaks that it is "in baptism” he is speaking not only to the ordinance of baptism, but also alluding to Jesus’ death.
This matches perfectly with what Jesus taught his Disciples.
Matthew 20:22-23 (KJV)
But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. [23] And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.
Both of the two apostles Jesus spoke to, later would be became martyrs for Christ and died of bloody deaths. Jesus is speaking only of His pending death, His baptism.
This shows a correlation between the water and the blood of Jesus, for both are closely associated with baptism.
Amazingly, the Scriptures add witness to this.
1st John 1:7 (KJV)
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
1st John 5:1-13 (KJV)
Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. [2] By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. [3] For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. [4] For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. [5] Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? [6] This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. [7] For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. [8] And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. [9] If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. [10] He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. [11] And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. [12] He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. [13] These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
The above two scriptures tell us many things, both written by the apostle John.
Note in the first Scripture (1 John 1:7), it states the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin, matching that Jesus is the Lamb —His blood atones.
The next Scripture John states that the blood and the water agree in one (Jesus); this is a witness from God in the earth that the blood of Christ and the water which one must be born again from, being identical in form.
John also states that to be “born of God” one must believe, having faith, but those who love God and will keep his commandments, meaning they fulfill that which God or Jesus commands.
This includes both the lessons of the Old Testament law of purification and the new testament law of justification through the blood Christ, through one's Faith in Jesus as the Christ are identical in that one must repent and be washed in water calling on name of Lord (in faith, relying on the Power of God) in baptism to be cleansed and free of one sins presentable before God.
John also speaks of the mystery of God, the Holy Ghost, and the Word, which are One Spirit in heaven, and line up perfectly within the man Jesus the Christ, or God manifest in the Flesh.
1st Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Furthermore one that believes in Jesus has the Holy Ghost present. John writes further “These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”
This brings one to "the Name of Jesus" by which one must be "baptized for the remission of sins"
The name of the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost are the same as the Word, as John just spoke and all are fulfilled in the Hebrew Name of Jesus.
"JESUS" is the English transliteration of the Greek "Iesous"
Iesous, ee-ay-sooce'; of Hebrew origin [Hebrew 3091 (Yehowshuwa`)]; Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites :- Jesus.
The Greek “iesous” (pronounced as EE AYE SOOCE) is translated from the Hebrew Yehowshuwa or shorted form might sound like YAHSHUA ( like Joshua).
The Hebrew word for JESUS means "YHWH saved"
Yehowshuwa`, yeh-ho-shoo'-ah; or Yehowshu`a, yeh-ho-shoo'-ah; from Hebrew 3068 (Yehovah) and Hebrew 3467 (yasha`); Jehovah-saved; Jehoshuä (i.e. Joshua), the Jewish leader :- Jehoshua, Jehoshuah, Joshua. Compare Hebrew 1954 (Howshea`), Hebrew 3442 (Yeshuwa`).
So we can see the Son has the name of the Father, and as Jesus stated His Father would send the Holy Ghost in HIS name, the name of JESUS.
Matthew 28:19 (KJV)
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Mark 9:37 (KJV)
Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive Me, receiveth not Me, but Him (the Father) that sent Me.
Luke 13:35 (KJV)
Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see Me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.(YHWH)
John 3:18 (KJV)
He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 5:43 (KJV)
I am come in My Father's name (YHWH), and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
John 14:13-14 (KJV)
And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, (YHWH SAVED) that will I do, that the Father (YHWH) may be glorified in the Son. [14] If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
John 14:26 (KJV)
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father (YHWH) will send in My name (YHWH SAVED), he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.