The Difference between
John the Baptist's Baptism
and CHRIST'S
Tertullian Book III Chapter 10,
Excerpts
( Note: … indicates omitted phrases or sentences which tended to obfuscate the focus of the writing.)
OF JOHN’S BAPTISM [ i.e., John the Baptist]
…The baptism announced by John [ the Baptist ] formed the subject, even at that time, of a question, proposed by the LORD Himself+ indeed to the Pharisees, whether that baptism were heavenly, or truly earthly: about which they were unable to give a consistent answer, inasmuch as they understood not, because they believed not.
But we… are able to determine that that baptism was divine indeed, … but human in its nature: for it conveyed nothing celestial, but it fore-ministered to things celestial; being, to wit, appointed over repentance, which is in man’s power.
In fact, the doctors of the law and the Pharisees, who were unwilling to “believe,” did not “repent” either.
But if repentance is a thing human, its baptism must necessarily be of the same nature:
Else, if it had been celestial, it would have given both the HOLY SPIRIT and remission of sins.
But none either pardons sins or freely grants the SPIRIT
save GOD only.
Even the LORD Himself+ said that the SPIRIT would not descend on any other condition, but that HE+ should first ascend to THE FATHER.
What the LORD
was not yet conferring,
of course
the servant
could not furnish.
Accordingly, in the Acts of the Apostles, we find that men who had “John’s baptism” had not received the HOLY SPIRIT, whom they knew not even by hearing.
That, then, was no celestial thing
which furnished
no celestial (endowments):
Whereas the very thing which was celestial in John — the SPIRIT of Prophecy — so completely failed, after the transfer of the whole SPIRIT to the LORD, that he presently sent to inquire whether HE Whom+ he had himself preached, Whom+ he had pointed out when coming to him, were “‘HE+.”
And so “the baptism of repentance” was dealt with as if it were a candidate for the remission and sanctification shortly about to follow in CHRIST: for in that John used to preach “baptism for the remission of sins,” the declaration was made with reference to future remission;
If it be true, (as it is,) that repentance is antecedent, remission subsequent; and this is “preparing the way.” But he who “prepares” does not himself “perfect,” but procures for another to perfect.
John himself professes that the celestial things are not his, but CHRIST'S+, by saying, “He who is from the earth speaketh concerning the earth; HE+ Who+ comes from the realms above is above all;”
And again, by saying that he “baptized in repentance only, but that ONE+ would shortly come Who+ would baptize in the SPIRIT and fire;” — of course because
true and stable faith
is baptized
with water,
unto salvation;
pretended and weak faith
is baptized
with fire,
unto judgment.
Tertullian, circa 160-240, presbyter in the Christian church at Carthage, N. Africa, who wrote numerous apologies, works against heretics, and exhortations to other Christians. A Pre-Nicene writer.
