Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Category: Bible study

  • Gospel of Mark (1:9-13): Righteousness by Grace (#3)

    Our passage begins with the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. “In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when He came up out of the water, immediately He saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are My beloved Son; with You I am well pleased.’” (Mark 1:9-11)

    Mark situates this moment during the ministry of John the Baptist, who was calling people to repentance and baptizing in the Jordan. Matthew’s Gospel provides more detail, showing John’s initial reluctance: “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” (Matthew 3:14). Jesus responded, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness,” and John consented (Matthew 3:15).

    Though Jesus was sinless, He submitted to baptism to fulfill God’s plan. That’s what it means when Jesus said, “to fulfill all righteousness.” John the Baptist explained the purpose of his ministry: “I myself did not know Him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that He might be revealed to Israel.” (John 1:31) Through His baptism, Jesus was publicly revealed as the Messiah, in line with the prophecies of Isaiah 40:3-5 and Malachi 3:1.

    This event was divinely affirmed. The Spirit descended upon Jesus like a dove, and God the Father declared from heaven, “You are My beloved Son; with You I am well pleased” (Mark 1:10-11). The same confirmation came from God the Father at the transfiguration of Jesus (Mark 9:7; Matthew 17:5; Luke 9:35). This confirmed Jesus’ identity and His mission.

    Immediately after, the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness and fasted for forty days (Mark 1:13; Matthew 4:2), where He was tempted by Satan (Mark 1:12-13; Matthew 4:3-10). Unlike Adam, who fell into temptation, Jesus overcame all of Satan’s attacks, remaining sinless and faithful to God, while angels ministered to Him. (Matthew 4:11)

    The apostle Paul writes, “For our sake God made Jesus to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we (the church) might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)

    He also declares, “For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.” (Romans 5:19) This is the grace of God, received through faith in Christ alone.

    Scripture teaches us that Abraham’s unwavering faith in God was considered righteousness (Romans 4:3). Let us be encouraged to live in obedience to God’s will, trusting in Christ, who has triumphed over sin and temptation for us. By doing so, we can also be counted as righteous, which is the essence of being followers of Jesus Christ.

    Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!

  • Gospel of Mark: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit and the Word (#2.1)

    John the Baptist declared, “I have baptized you with water, but the Lord will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:8) After His resurrection, Jesus appeared for forty days, proving His resurrection and teaching about the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3) He said, “You heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:4–5) This was fulfilled in the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4):

    > “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

    Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, identified this event as the fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy (Acts 2:14–21), declaring that God’s Spirit would be poured out on all flesh, culminating in salvation for “everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord” (Acts 2:21).

    Jesus had earlier told Nicodemus that a person must be “born of water and the Spirit” to enter God’s kingdom (John 3:5). He later told His disciples, those who had stayed with Him, saying, “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63), showing the deep connection between the Spirit and the Word of God. Paul affirms this in Ephesians 5:25–26, saying Christ sanctifies the Church by “the washing of water with the Word.”

    John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance, pointing forward to Christ (Acts 19:1–7). But the true baptism that saves is the baptism of Jesus—by the Word, which is the Spirit. As John himself said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30w). When the Gospel is proclaimed, the Spirit comes with it, as seen in Acts 10:44–46, where the Holy Spirit fell on Gentiles simply by hearing the Word, without any laying on of hands.

    Scripture also clearly states that Jesus Himself never baptized with water (John 4:1–2). Paul declared, “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” (1 Corinthians 1:17) Salvation, therefore, is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–22), with the Spirit and the Word working as one. Peter confirms that Scripture is Spirit-inspired (2 Peter 1:20–21), and Paul affirms that the Gospel—the law of the Spirit of life (i.e., the Gospel)—frees believers from the law of sin and death (Genesis 2:16-17; Romans 8:1–4).

    In essence, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is the cleansing and life-giving work of God through His Word, fulfilling John’s prophecy about Jesus Christ and securing eternal life for all who believe in His Word.

    The Bible declares:

    “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

    “And the Word became flesh and lived among us. We have seen His glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

    “For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:16-17)

    Here’s an honest question then: Why do some pastors imply there’s something special to be baptized at the Jordan River? Isn’t baptism at the Jordan River the epitome of John’s baptism, which cannot save one who has not received the Holy Spirit? If we have been baptized as Christians, is it not then a regression to submit ourselves for baptism at the Jordan River?

    Christ’s Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 calls us not only to baptize but also to teach believers to obey all that He has commanded. While water baptism is an outward sign of faith and an important act of obedience, the mission of the Church goes beyond this initial step. If we recognize that the Holy Spirit works through the Word of God, then the emphasis must be on guiding Christians to live according to His Word—allowing the Spirit to transform their hearts and actions. Assurance of salvation is vital, but it should be coupled with ongoing discipleship, where believers are taught, challenged, and equipped to follow the commands of Christ daily. True discipleship involves a life shaped by the Word, not just a moment of ritual.

    The parable of the sower, as taught by Jesus Christ, affirms that genuine Christian transformation occurs when one hears and truly understands the Word of God (Matthew 13:23). In harmony with this, Paul teaches in Romans that faith is born through hearing—specifically, by hearing the words of Christ (Romans 10:17).

    Here’s the call for all of us Christians: If we truly desire to improve the church, we must return to the Bible. Let us relearn the authentic teachings of Scripture and let go of traditions that have, over time, weakened the church. Together, we can make the church shine as the true light of the world by faithfully reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ.

    Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!