The Basics (Part 7): Baptism is a Spiritual Act
The Basics (Part 7) continues with basic #3, the Doctrine of Baptisms. In it we address water baptism being preceded by Spirit baptism.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
Through the agency of Holy Spirit we are baptized into Jesus. A Roman Centurion, named Cornelius, serves as an example of baptism being a spiritual act, and how it precedes water baptism.
Acts 10:44-47 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days (Read entire chapter for full context).
Upon hearing the Gospel through Peter, Cornelius and his household received the gift of Holy Spirit, before being water baptized. Revealing once again that water baptism is not the prerequisite for salvation. Nevertheless, it is important to be baptized in water, as it is the Lord’s desire. Moreover, it serves as a public confession of Jesus Christ. In the early Church, there was great importance placed on it.
1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ (please read verses 8-22 for full context).
Notice the phrase, the answer of a good conscience toward God. What do you suppose is its significance? Answer in the Greek (EPEROTEMA 1906) comes from EPEROTAO (Strong’s 1905), to question, or inquire.
In the New Testament, this verse speaks of a question put to a convert at baptism. It’s a process of question and answer, or examination, or the response to the inquiry, a pledge or confession. They made sure those being baptized understood that it was spiritual in nature, and not some mere external rite. For the one being baptized, it was both a profession of faith and a vow to continue to follow Jesus.
In essence, when a person is baptized, he or she is confessing the Lord Jesus, along with making a vow to remain bound or connected to Him. In short, it’s a confession and a vow, as the result of an internal work done through the Spirit.
Galatians 3:26-27 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Colossians 2:11-12 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, Who hath raised Him from the dead.
The Baptism with The Holy Spirit
Earlier, we read about Cornelius and his household receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit, and as the result they spoke in tongues, exalting God. This refers to the Baptism with Holy Spirit. John the Baptist prophesied about Jesus baptizing those who believe with the Holy Spirit and with fire (Matthew 3:11). Later, Jesus confirmed this prophecy just before His ascension to the Father.
Acts 1:4-5 Gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
He goes onto say, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
In these few verses of Scripture, we find a major purpose for this baptism: to receive power to be His witnesses. To do what Jesus called us to do requires power beyond ourselves. To do spiritual things, and actually be spiritual people, we require Holy Spirit. Apart from Him, neither of these are possible.
How did Holy Spirit first manifest in believers? It happened in the Upper Room where 120 disciples met in one accord.
Acts 2:1-4 When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.
Be sure to read Acts 1 and 2 for a much fuller picture. These two chapters mark the beginning of the Church, and what a beginning it was. After receiving Holy Spirit, Peter preached the Gospel that day, which happened to be The Day of Pentecost. What was the result of that first day?
Acts 2:41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls.
3,000 were added to their number. If you recall, prior to Pentecost, Peter denied Jesus three times, before He was crucified. He was afraid then, but after receiving Holy Spirit, he was endued with power and boldness to speak.
There are numerous ways Holy Spirit manifests through believers. At this juncture we will not address them. Suffice to say, He empowers us to do things far beyond our natural capabilities. Perhaps in the next installment, we can go in more detail.
