We must note that John really knew his assignment..He was to baptize with water pointing man to whom is to come...it means His baptism(was for a stipulated period of time)it had an expiry date and John knew...why do I say water baptism was John's baptism..scripture says soo
U can find it in (Matt 21:25,mark 11:30,Luke 7:29,Luke 20:4)..though some Apostles baptized with water but we must note that it doesn't change the fact that it isn't the baptism of Jesus. John himself stated authentically the Baptism of Jesus. Matthew 3:11-I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:Mark 1:8-I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
: Other scriptures Ull find John stating Jesus's baptism are John 1:26,luke 3:16..so so John knew the baptism of Jesus.
Note:Even the Pharisees knew a little of baptism. It was their question that gave birth to John's answer
.John 1:24,25:And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.
And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet. John himself knew his baptism lacked relevance when the actual baptiser showes up.. How ?see what John says to Jesus Matthew 3:15)But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?John couldn't have been saying Jesus should baptise him with water. We already stated the fact that John knew Jesus's baptism(The holyspirit)..so he wanted to have that but it wasnt yet time so in verses 27 "Jesus said let's leave this to happen now to fulfil all righteousness)take note of that word (Now)..it means a time will come when this wouldn't be needed...The actual Gospel came after the baptism which John preached and Peter confirmed this in Acts 10:37(The word I say ye know which was published....after the baptism which John preached). Paul would latter go on to butters this point in Acts 19..Apollos had only taught in Ephesus the (Baptism of John) see what Paul had to say in Acts 19:4(Then Paul said John baptized with water pointing on Jesus which is to come) scriptures went further to say he laid hands on them and they received the baptism of Jesus (Holyspirit). When Jesus had not yet died he dint baptise..John 4:2(though Jesus himself baptized not).why?- not his baptism...we have just one baptism now(The holyspirit)
Ephesians 4:5(one lord,one faith,one baptism). Water was used by John pointing to Jesus. We have the holy ghost now(We are baptized)
However this doesn't add nor subtract anything from salvation..So whether ure baptised or not isn't a big deal. I am just saying by scriptures water baptism is not supposed to be a doctrine for the church..Paul cleared this fact..
1 Corinthians 1:17(For christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the Gospel) likewise me and you. Hallelujah...Amen