Luke 3:16 (NIV)
“John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
The concept of being baptized with water was introduced during the ministry of John the Baptist. This concept describes the process in which God utilizes
mnemonics to remind us of what actually transpired during the recreation of our spirits, a term known as being born again or being baptized (or engrafted as branches)
into Jesus Christ, the vine. Please reference previous article, Baptism into Christ, for details concerning being engrafted as branches into the vine. Water baptism
is simply symbolic of this event. It is a mnemonic, and John the Baptist, himself, made this point clear by admonishing the people, after he had baptized them in
water, to produce actions that are consistent with repentance (Matthew 3:7-9).
On several occasions, God instituted mnemonics to remind His people of critical events in history, as well. A good example was when God instructed the people of
Israel to retrieve twelve stones from the Jordan River to remind progeny of the miracle, wrought by God, when He split the Jordan River so that the people of God
could possess the promise land (Joshua 4:1-10). Another example was the inclusion of Aaron’s rod that budded in the Ark of the Covenant as a symbol of divine approval
on Aaron’s ministry (Numbers 17:1-12, Hebrews 9:4). Water baptism is a mnemonic that symbolizes genuine repentance that should have occurred in prior times. Although,
some portions of the New Testament (Mark 16:16, Matthew 28:18-19) suggest that water baptism is a prerequisite to getting saved, we need to realize that interpreting
these scriptures this way will nullify the effect of another scripture which indicates that a thief on the cross was saved even though he was not baptized in water
(Luke 23:42-44).
We do not deny the fact that early disciples, including Peter, had a traditional notion that water baptism is an absolute necessity before a human spirit can be
recreated and engrafted into Christ. However, we need to realize that the spirit behind the letter of the bible transcends the understanding of human writers. When
we review how God, himself, over-rode this tradition by skipping past Peter’s stereotypes to save Cornelius’ family and fill them with His spirit, even without them
being baptized with water, we will realize that our God is only interested in keeping the spirit of the letter in the bible (Acts 10:44-46). One will have to add to
the scriptures in Mark 16:16 and Matthew 28:18-19 to state emphatically that baptism with water is being referenced here. God, the Holy Spirit, maintained the
integrity of His Word by inspiring these writers to only write “being baptized” in these verses, and being baptized could still be interpreted as being baptized
into Christ, and not necessarily into water.
Now, for traditional folks who may still be struggling with this, we recommend that they be baptized in water after they have genuinely submitted to the Lordship of
Jesus. For others who are open to keeping the spirit behind the letter of the bible, we want to admonish them not to feel condemned if they have not had a chance to
be baptized in water. It is not a prerequisite to getting saved. Accepting Jesus as Lord, Master, Boss and Savior of one’s life is all that matters.
Please reference additional scriptures below to renew your mind in this regard, and access resources on
www.heroesmart.com .
to feed your spirit and grow your faith in Christ Jesus.
Relevant Scriptures:
Romans 6:3 (NIV)
“… all of us … were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?”
Ephesians 1:13 (NIV)
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal,
the promised Holy Spirit …”
Romans 10:9 (NKJV)
“… if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved ...”
Acts 2:21 (NKJV)
“And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Acts 10:44-46(NKJV)
“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished,
as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.”
Luke 23:42-43 (NKJV)
“Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom. And Jesus said to him, Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
2 Corinthians 3:6 (NKJV)
“… for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.”
John 6:63 (NKJV)
“The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.”
Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV)
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age.” Amen.”
Mark 16:16 (NKJV)
“…he who does not believe will be condemned.”
Matthew 3:8 (NKJV)
“… Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance …”.
Baptism Into the Holy Spirit
Coming Soon!
