4./ How does the 5th Epochal Revelation Papers only teach about Baptism, what was Jesus attitude towards Baptism? Which way does it teach on immersion in water?

    Byamukama Geoffrey
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    Questions from the 2026-02-23rd 24th 25th 26th Introduction to the 5th Epochal Revelation Mission in Mubenyi Joyce Hotel in Kasambya

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      • Paul Kemp Administrator

        4./ How does the 5th Epochal Revelation Papers only teach about Baptism, what was Jesus attitude towards Baptism? Which way does it teach on immersion in water?

         

        According to The Urantia Book (the Fifth Epochal Revelation Papers), water baptism is presented primarily as a rite associated with John the Baptist's ministry of repentance and preparation for the coming kingdom. The revelation teaches that Jesus himself underwent baptism, but not as a requirement for salvation, forgiveness of sins, or entry into the spiritual kingdom. Instead, it was a symbolic act of consecration to doing the Father's will, and he did not teach or require water baptism as an essential practice for his followers.

         

        Key teachings and details from the text (primarily Papers 135, 136, 140, 141, and related sections):

        • John's baptism was a "baptism of repentance for the remission of sins" — a new application among Jews (previously used for gentile proselytes). It symbolized sorrow for past ways, racial/national penitence, and preparation for the Messiah. Many submitted to it out of solidarity with Israel or fear of delaying the kingdom, not always personal guilt (Paper 135:6).
        • Jesus' own baptism (Paper 136:2): Jesus submitted to John's baptism on January 14, A.D. 26, in the Jordan, along with his brothers James and Jude. He did so to "set an example" for his brothers and so the people would know "my hour has come." Explicitly:
          • "It is therefore evident that Jesus in no sense received John’s baptism as a rite of repentance or for the remission of sins."
          • "When Jesus was baptized, he repented of no misdeeds; he made no confession of sin. His was the baptism of consecration to the performance of the will of the heavenly Father."
          • This event marked the end of his purely human life phase, triggering profound spiritual phenomena: his Thought Adjuster personalized, a heavenly voice declared "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased," and he received a vision of his pre-incarnation and future divine status. He then withdrew for 40 days of reflection.
        • Jesus' attitude toward baptism:
          • He never baptized anyone himself.
          • He did not command or institute water baptism as a sacrament or requirement.
          • He distinguished between John's "baptism of repentance" (sorrow for the old way) and the higher "baptism of fellowship with God" or "baptism with the Spirit" — entry into the kingdom by faith, a change of mind, and spiritual rebirth (e.g., Paper 140:10; Paper 148:4).
          • He told his apostles: "John did indeed baptize with water, but when you enter the kingdom of heaven, you shall be baptized with the Spirit" (Paper 141:6).
          • Jesus foresaw a social organization (church) emerging from his movement and did not oppose his apostles continuing John's baptism rite as a transitional compromise to incorporate John's followers smoothly into the new gospel work (Paper 144:7). Many early followers had received John's baptism, and it served as a social rite of admission to the group, but not as a spiritual necessity.
        • Overall teaching on baptism: Water baptism does not wash away sin or confer salvation — sin is not inherited in an "original sin" sense that requires ritual cleansing, and forgiveness comes through faith and relationship with God. The true "baptism" is spiritual: being born again by the Spirit, hungering for righteousness, and entering joyous sonship with the Father. Jesus emphasized inner transformation over outward rituals.

         

        In summary, the Urantia Papers portray Jesus as viewing water baptism positively as John's preparatory symbol but subordinating it entirely to spiritual realities. He participated in it personally as an act of dedication and example-setting, not repentance, and redirected focus to the superior "baptism of the Spirit" for kingdom entrance. This aligns with the revelation's emphasis on Jesus' life as experiential revelation of the Father's love, not ritualistic religion.

      FATHER OF THE FATHERLESS CARE MINISTRY

      FATHER OF THE FATHERLESS CARE MINISTRY

      FATHER OF THE FATHERLESS CARE MINISTRY Byamukama Geoffrey Youth Ministry - To provide care , passion to the fatherless children in our community and Uganda at large