Baptism, The Rite of Conversion to Judaism
by Robert Rosskopf

Baptism, known to the Jews as the Tvilah, was essential for conversion to Judaism. John the Baptist, as a Levite(Luke 1:5), had the authority to perform this saving ordinance. Once baptized, a person was adopted into the family of Israel, becoming an Israelite. It was the Lord, who gave Moses the authority to baptize. The Lord refers to Jehovah, the premortal Jesus. Jesus gave authority to the apostles to baptize.

"Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you." (Matthew 28:19,20)

The "Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" are the authority by which the apostles were to baptize. Their authority was an extension of the authority of Jesus.

We are told in Hebrews that Jesus was "an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec" (Hebrews 6:20), and that he was a "forerunner", going "within the veil" (Hebrews 6:19,20) The veil refers to the veil of the Temple, which separates us from the Holy of Holies or the presence of God, and symbolically represents the throne of God. Jesus is the forerunner, but all of us can follow, receiving that same priesthood authority that allows one to enter into the Holy of Holies, and into the presence of God.

"When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Spirit." (Acts 2:38)

"And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ," (1 Peter 3:21)

Baptism literally means to sink under water, and baptisms could only be performed where there was sufficient water. The Temple of Solomon had 40 baptismal fonts. John the Baptist baptized in the Jordan.

"At this time John the Baptist was baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there; and people kept coming to him for baptism." (John 3:23)

This pledge is the start of a covenant relationship with God.

Baptism is a necessary ordinance of salvation, and one must have proper priesthood authority to baptize. John the Baptist was a Levite, and thus had authority to do the ordinance of baptism. With baptism, one pledges to keep the commandments of God. This is the covenant of Israel, and this is why baptism is essential for conversion to Judaism. A gentile becomes a Jew, adopted into the House of Israel through baptism. Jesus wanted to spread the Israelite or Jewish religion throughout the world.

“Into what, then, were you baptized?” Paul asked. “The baptism of John,” they replied. Paul explained: “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus." (Acts 19:3-5)

It wasn't sufficient that they were baptized by John. They had to be rebaptized into the church of Jesus Christ. Baptism is a rite of both membership and conversion.

"For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead." (Colossians 2:12)

"And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:15)

All the members were baptized, because baptism is essential to being a member of the Lord's church.