Water and The Promised Baptism - Holy Spirit

 

This article focuses on water Baptism, the Holy Spirit Baptism and the relationship between Water and the Holy Spirit Baptism

What is Water Baptism?

Water Baptism is the full immersion of the body in water which signifies spiritual purification and rebirth. Baptism is a way of physically showing you believe in Christ and a proof of a Christian's total rebirth to a new life and repentance of sin. Acts 19:4 describes John’s baptism as a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him (Jesus). 1st Peter 3:21 also confirms that water baptism symbolizes salvation - not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Again, in Acts 2:38, Peter told the people to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, and so that they could receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peter made it known that without this water Baptism (repentance), the promised Holy Spirit cannot come. Without water baptism (sanctification) repentance/turning away from your Sins, the promised Holy Spirit cannot dwell within you. Unless you believe in your heart (Romans 10:10) and confess that Jesus Christ is LORD; you cannot receive the indwelling of the Holy Ghost.

The Promised Baptism of the Holy Ghost

Acts.1.4 - 8 tells us about Jesus' assembly with the the disciples where He commanded them to stay in Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. He then told them that they shall receive power, after the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

John's (water) Baptism is the preparation for the indwelling of the promised Holy Spirit. John baptized all to repentance of sins for them to receive the promised Holy Spirit and this in alignment with Apostle Peter's word in Acts 2:38. Without the repentance of sins, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is impossible.

The indwelling of the promised Holy Spirit is therefore meant for those who have changed from their old ways to the life of Christ (New Birth) - Baptized to the Newness of Life. This indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a gift given to the person who receives forgiveness of his sins and contains the meaning of the fulfillment of God's Promise.

John's (Water Baptism) signifies that you're a new creation saved by grace - It is a proof that you're indeed a son of God saved by grace. Water Baptism doesn't save you - it shows you're saved, it doesn't make you a believer but rather it's a symbol that you're indeed a believer in Christ Jesus. It's a sign that you are dead to sins, and have taken the newness of Christ and thereby ready/have a prepared heart for Jesus' promised Baptism (Holy Ghost).

Romans 6:4 says that we were buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Ephesians 2:8,9 also says that it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” 

 

You are not saved by Water Baptism, but rather you are saved by grace. Water baptism is an emblem that shows that you are indeed saved. That's why baptism is not for those who don't know the meaning and the significance. Water Baptism is the outward move of your inner decision, after believing in your heart, you're baptized as an outward reaction of the inner experience and thereby ready for the promised Baptism.
 

Please note that without the remission and forgiveness of sin, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is impossible. The prerequisite to receiving the Holy Spirit is Repentance of sins.

The Promise of The Holy Spirit

Jesus Christ promised the disciples that He (after leaving earth) would Baptize them with the Holy Spirit (Comforter) who would teach them all things. In John.14: 16-19, we read how Jesus said He would pray to the Father to send the Comforter to abide with us for ever. He also promised that He will not leave His people comfortless and there is a promise of life as because He lives, we shall live also. This was the hope which Jesus gave His disciples - that He'd never leave them comfortless, He gave them a lasting assurance which was fulfilled later on the day of Pentecost.

The promised Holy Spirit is a Gift To all that believe. Jesus didn't only promise the twelve (12) disciples the assurance of the Holy Spirit; the promise stands for all who believe in Him. The Holy Spirit is not something that can be obtained through the compromise between God and Men but is a promised gift from God. The Holy Spirit is not something that can be received through prayer but comes upon only those that believe in the gospel of the water and the Spirit that Jesus gave us. Acts 1:5

The Importance of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays many roles in our lives. These roles are not mere titles - they are essential for our growth and survival in this world.

1. He Directs our steps and Guides us into all Truth

According to John.16.13, we understand that when the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. The Holy Spirit speaks of the Father and says whatsoever he hears the Father say or do. He doesn't leave us clueless on what the Father is doing at every point in time - He reveals the plans of God to us - He is the life of God in us.

2. He gives Spiritual Gifts

Also, 1st Corinthians 12:7-11 says that the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal and that to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit. We see here that through the Holy Spirit, we receive spiritual gifts that make us achieve/fulfill the purpose of God on earth. Since the Holy Spirit is the life of God in us, He gives us Spiritual that makes us effective for the Kingdom's purpose.

3. He Gives us Strength/Power

Act 1:8 says that we shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. The Holy Spirit doesn't only give us purpose, He gives us the power to achieve the purpose. He gives us strength and power to achieve the purpose of God...A power that's beyond our imagination - when we think we cannot stand, He gives us the strength to stand and to stand out.

4. He is the seal of our Glory in Heaven

Ephesians 1.13 -14 talks about In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise. Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Conclusion

Without the Holy Spirit, we are lifeless and clueless about what God is doing. The Holy Spirit only comes into a heart that's ready for His indwelling. Without forgiveness of your sins, the Holy Spirit cannot dwell in you. Also, without the understanding of the purpose of John's Baptism (Repentance) and tapping into it - the indwelling of the promised Holy Spirit is impossible. To receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, turn away from sins and be baptized into the newness of Christ.