[imardmd1]

Jesus was baptized as the FIRST one to be resurrected... the ONE who would lead the way from death unto life.

Ah, maybe not. How about the practice of ritual cleansing preparatory to entering into one's ministry to satisfy the requirement of The Law? (Ex. 29:4, 40:12, other washings of the priest TNTC)

I believe this is what "unto all righteousness" means --

[Safrguns]

>>> Ah, maybe not. How about the practice of ritual cleansing preparatory to entering into one’s ministry to satisfy the requirement of The Law?

A valid point... AND the reason Jesus gave himself. Put simply, Jesus was baptized out of obedience.

However, this point does not exclude mine... rather, it completes it.

Baptism itself IS representative of death and resurrection.