A:
The symbolism of John the Baptist's baptism seems to be in dispute. The Christian gospels say that John baptised for the remission of sins, but the first-century Jewish historian Josephus actually says that he baptised for the purification of the body and not at all for the remission of sins.
The Bible doesn't say directly but implies it was from God in this Scripture. We must say there is no record of John's being baptized at all. John was the divinely appointed forerunner of Christ (see Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6):
Matthew 21:24-26New International Version (NIV)
24 Jesus replied, "I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 25 John's baptism-where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?"
They discussed it among themselves and said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' 26 But if we say, 'Of human origin'-we are afraid of the people, for they all hold that John was a prophet."
John T. Christian has written: 'Did they dip?' -- subject(s): Doctrines, Baptism, Baptists 'A history of the Baptists of Louisiana' -- subject(s): Baptists 'Close Communion or, Baptism as a Prerequisite, etc' 'Baptist history vindicated' -- subject(s): Baptists, History '\\' -- subject(s): Controversial literature, Lord's Supper, Baptists, Close and open communion 'A history of the Baptists' -- subject(s): Baptists, History
In Jesus day baptism was a baptism of repentance signifying a turning away from a life contrary to God's ways and a turning to God. For example the baptism offered by John the Baptist: Mark 1:4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Baptism originated in Israel, the Holy Land. It was a Jewish custom to baptize for repentance of sin. John the Baptist carried on this custom.
John was the forerunner of Our Lord, preached a baptism of repentance and was martyred for his religious beliefs.
Eph:4:5: One Lord, one faith, one baptism, Col:2:12: 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. Mk:1:4: John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Baptists
Archibald M'Lean has written: 'The commission given by Jesus Christ to his apostles, illustrated' -- subject(s): Doctrines, Baptism, Baptists 'The commission given by Jesus Christ to his apostles illustrated' -- subject(s): Doctrines, Early works to 1800, Baptism, Baptists 'Letters addressed to Mr. John Glas in answer to his dissertation on Infant Baptism' -- subject(s): Controversial literature, Early works to 1800, Infant baptism 'The commission given by Jesus Christ to his apostles illustrated' -- subject(s): Doctrines, Baptists, Baptism, Sermons
The Bible makes reference to two kinds of baptisms. One is for repentance (John’s baptism) and the other for the Holy Spirit (done in Jesus’ name).
Repent, be baptized, and look for the coming of the Lord.Initially John the Baptist thought the mission was like Jonah's repentance message but when he baptized Jesus he was given the message that this was the Messiah.
John the BaptistRoman Catholic AnswerJohn the Baptist's baptism was one of repentance and NOT a sacrament. It was to prepare people to receive Jesus. All of the sacraments, including Baptism were founded by Jesus Christ. (see Matt 28:19)
No connection really, although some Baptist Christians have sought to see a connection. Baptists, as a recognized entity, go back to the early 1600s. They often describe themselves as a "New Testament" church because of their emphasis on two ordinances (or sacraments), the use of immersion in baptism, and simplicity of their church and church leadership structure (things they hold in common with churches of the 1st century). John the Baptist was a Jewish prophet who carried out immersion baptism (like the Baptists). However, it was pre-Christian rite that it marked a radical repentance. Within the Christian context, baptism is a formal and public association of oneself with Christ, His death, and His resurrection.
John's baptism was a baptism of repentance, and the new beginning was Jesus Christ whom he introduced thus in John 1.29. "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."