Christ came not confessing his own sins; but guilt was imputed to him as the sinner’s substitute. He came not to repent on his own account; but in behalf of the sinner. As man had transgressed the law of God, Christ was to fulfill every requirement of that law, and thus show perfect obedience. “Lo, I come to do thy will, O God!” Christ honored the ordinance of baptism by submitting to this rite. In this act he identified himself with his people as their representative and head. As their substitute, he takes upon him their sins, numbering himself with the transgressors, taking the steps the sinner is required to take, and doing the work the sinner must do. His life of suffering and patient endurance after his baptism were an example to converted sinners of what they should endure and patiently suffer in consequence of their transgressions and sins. John finally yielded to the request of Christ, notwithstanding his feelings of unworthiness to baptize him, and performed the service. He led the Saviour of the world down into the river Jordan in the presence of a large concourse of people, and buried him in the water. {2SP 59.1}

Kristus kom ikke for at bekende sine egne synder; men skylden blev tilskrevet ham som synderens stedfortræder. Han kom ikke for at angre for sin egen skyld; men for synderens skyld. Da mennesket overtrådte Guds lov, måtte Kristus opfylde alle lovens krav, og derved vise fuldkommen lydighed. "Se, jeg kommer for at gøre din vilje, o Gud!" Kristus ærede dåbens forordning ved at underlægge sig dette ritual. Med denne handling identificerede han sig selv med sit folk som deres repræsentant og hoved. Som deres stedfortræder, påtager han sig deres synder, regner sig selv som overtrædere, tager de skridt synderen er pålagt at tage, og gør det arbejde som synderen må gøre. Hans liv i lidelse og tålmodig udholdenhed efter sin dåb, var et eksempel for omvendte syndere, hvad de skulle kunne klare og tålmodigt lide, på grund af deres overtrædelser og synder. (60) Til sidst gav Johannes efter for Kristi anmodning, selvom han følte at han ikke var værdig til at døbe ham, og udførte denne tjeneste. Han førte verdens frelser ned i Jordanfloden under overværelse af en stor folkeskare, og begravede ham i vandet.