Sermon Central
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Baptized: "for" Or "because" Of Remission? Series
Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Jun 22, 2021 (message contributor)
Summary: To clarify that the preposition “for” in the phrase:” for the remission of sins" does not mean "because." The Greek word "eis" means “for, into, unto, or toward” in all reputable Greek-English New Testament Interlinear. Denying this truth is aligning your faith with error.
NOTE: I urgently suggest that all ministers, evangelists, and teachers obtain an excellent New Testament Greek-English Interlinear for word study purposes. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament from Tyndale Publishing House has served me well for years. Therefore, I have listed it in the references at the end of this lesson.
2. Prepositional phrase of promise! The word "eis" in Mark 1:4; is a strong preposition, preceding the phrase: "the remission of sins." John was preaching: "The baptism of repentance for (eis) the remission of sins." See also Luke 3:3. Let's understand the purpose and work of John the Baptist. Observe--
a. First, John was not baptizing the people for the remission of sins; but preaching a “baptism of repentance for the remission of sins,” Mark 1:4. Please get this truth of his preaching and work! This is truly important for an understanding of his baptism.
b. Further, Luke wrote of his work: "When John had first preached before His (Christ's) coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John fulfilled his course, he said: Whom think ye that I am? I am not Him. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of His feet I am not worthy of losing," Acts 13:24-25. So he preached the baptism of repentance before Christ's coming!
c. Finally, John, “Baptized unto repentance, saying unto the people: That they should believe on Him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus,” Acts 19:4; Matthew 3:11. He baptized unto repentance – not for remission of sins.
d. Conclusion: Therefore, John, "Baptized unto repentance, and preached a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins," Mark 1:4. We will note the importance of this verse later in the lesson. John's baptism and preaching were "preparatory of the gospel" to be preached on the Day of Pentecost, in fact: i.e., Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. No one could be "baptized for the remission of sins" at this time, in that Christ had not as yet: "shed His blood for the remission of sins," Matthew 26:28; John 19:34. Amen, brother Doors!
3. For the remission of sins. What is meant then by this phrase: for the remission of sins? How is the preposition “for” translated elsewhere in the bible? We will notice the phrase: "for the remission of sins" in several passages in the New Testament. We will consider the phrase in English, in Greek, and determine if the action is pending or has the action already occurred. Let's allow the bible to interpret itself by "comparing spiritual things with spiritual (things),” 1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:21. Observe—
a. First, the baptism of John. In Mark’s gospel, he wrote: “John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins,” Mark 1:4. Let’s consider--
1) The phrase in English: “for the remission of sins.”
2) The phrase in Greek: “eis aphesis hamartia.”
