03 — The Baptism of Repentance
John’s baptizing in the Jordan: “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4), to which “all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem” went out, confessing their sins (Mark 1:5); the meaning of this washing as a sign of repentance preparing for the One to come “who is mightier than I … he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (Mark 1:7–8); and its relation to, and distinction from, the sacrament of Baptism in the Church.
Tradition: Pan-Orthodox (Forerunner)
The act that gives John his title is also a careful theological boundary. This section treats the baptism of John as the Gospels present it — a baptism of repentance and confession in the Jordan, drawing the crowds, distinct from the proselyte and purificatory washings of the time — and then sets out how the Church distinguishes it from her own Baptism: John’s water without the Spirit, anticipating but not conferring the regeneration that comes only through Christ. The relation is a classic catechetical and patristic topic (Acts 19:1–7; the homilies on Matthew and John), handled here with the sacrament cross-referenced.
Files in This Section
| File | Description |
|---|---|
| The Baptism of John | “A baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3); the crowds at the Jordan and the confession of sins (Matt. 3:5–6); the content of John’s preaching to the crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers (Luke 3:10–14); the contrast he draws with the baptism in the Spirit to come (Matt. 3:11). |
| John and the Mystery of Baptism | The patristic distinction between John’s baptism and the Church’s sacrament (Chrysostom; Acts 19:1–7, the disciples at Ephesus re-baptized); John’s water as forerunner to the Spirit; how the tradition reads the relation of the two baptisms. |
See Also
- The Prophetic Call — the preaching that the baptism enacts
- The Theophany — the baptism of repentance becomes the occasion of the Lord’s own baptism
- Baptism and Chrismation — the sacrament to which John’s baptism is forerunner
References
- The Gospel According to Mark 1:4–8; Matthew 3:1–12; Luke 3:1–18; Acts 19:1–7. Revised Standard Version.
- John Chrysostom. Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew, Homily 10; Homilies on the Gospel of John. Trans. in Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Series I, Vols. 10 and 14.