John the Baptist’s main message concerns the urgency of imminent judgment, already in Christ’s first coming (Matthew 3:12). John does not give detail about the coming kingdom, but stresses its nearness, the prospect of judgment, and the work of the Lamb of God to deliver from judgment (John 1:29). His message is for all people: to flee judgment, to avoid depending on one’s own righteousness (see Romans 9:31–32), and to seek the Lamb of God, whom he points to even more clearly than the Law (Galatians 3:24). His baptism points to our need for grace in the cleansing from sin in Christ.
Matthew 3:12 clearly highlights the heart of the message of John the Baptist’s entire ministry. Matthew specifically amplifies how the prophecies regarding the coming of the Messiah are in part fulfilled by this harbinger of the Messiah. There is also a great emphasis on the fact that his preaching includes the announcement of judgment. Like John, Jesus would also initiate his ministry by proclaiming that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, yet unlike John, he then swiftly proceeds to explain what exactly this entails.
John the Baptist’s message is limited to specifically highlighting the immanency of the heavenly kingdom, pointing out the judgment accompanying the coming of that kingdom, and identifying the Lamb of God in whom there is deliverance from judgment (John 1:29). His preaching is therefore not directed to Israel only, but for all people, as all are in need of Christ. John sharply condemns the sin of self-righteousness, that is, trusting in one’s own perceived piety and ability to fulfill the law. What is more, Romans 9:31–32 clearly shows the futility of self-righteousness and the need to flee to the only One who can take away the burden of sin. As such, John’s preaching points to Christ even more clearly than the Law does (Galatians 3:24), since he literally identifies him in person. His preaching therefore has to be complemented by baptism, administered just prior to or just after the confession of sins, for baptism specifically highlights how those who are baptized cannot merit righteousness through their own works, but only through grace. Baptism can therefore be seen as a means of bringing men to Christ and keeping them in his presence.1
12 Il a son van à la main; il nettoiera son aire, et il amassera son blé dans le grenier, mais il brûlera la paille dans un feu qui ne s'éteint point.