John's baptism was the counsel of God. Luke 7:29-30 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.
Jesus received John's baptism. Matthew 3:13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
John's baptism:
- Was associated with a warning to flee from the wrath to come, Matthew 3:7. 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? Infants cannot comprehend such a warning.
- Proceeded on principle of individual responsibility rather than physical descent, Matthew 3:9. 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. Infants are incapable of such responsibility.
- Was a baptism of repentance unto remission of sins, Mark 1:4. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. (I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. Matt. 3:11) Infants cannot repent.
- Was accompanied by confession of sins, Matthew 3:6. And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. Infants cannot confess their sins.
- Was preceded by evidence of repentance, Matthew 3:8. Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: Infants cannot produce such fruit.
- Related to a belief on Him which should come after John, Acts 19:4. 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. (Cf. John 1:29) Infants cannot believe or disbelieve.
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