John’s Baptism

“…John the Baptist had the greatest ministry with regard to his baptism. Since there was no antecedent to baptism in the Tanak, he initiated that which the Saviour declared was required for all Christians—believer’s immersion. After all, the Lord asserted, saying, ‘He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned’ (Mk. 16:16). Moreover, the Lord asserted obliquely that John’s baptism was from heaven (Lk. 20:4). Although denominationalists have desired to relegate the ministry and baptism of John to the Old Testament, Scripture is clear that he inaugurated the New Testament Era (Lk. 16:16). If John were an Old Testament prophet, then his baptism by immersion subsequent to salvation would be invalid for Christian churches. Nevertheless, the Lord Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of the Christian faith (Heb. 12:2), and He certainly did not have an ‘Old Testament baptism’!”

Thomas M. Strouse, “Foreword,” The Church that John the Baptist Prepared