The Two Baptisms
Attribution: Original image from renner.org.
Baptism holds profound significance in Christianity, symbolizing spiritual cleansing, rebirth, and an intimate connection with God. Did you know that two distinct types of baptism are referenced in Scripture? The baptism of water and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. As a born-again believer in Jesus Christ who has experienced both of these baptisms, I am compelled to share the profound truths encapsulated within each of them.
Scriptural References
It astonishes me how many Christians are ignorant of this truth. That is why it is so important, especially for new believers, to read the Word daily and ask Holy Spirit to give us understanding of the Word. The Word (Jesus) is living, which means every time you read it, you are going to be reading it with new eyes! You can never get enough of the Word of God! Holy Spirit is the one who gives us understand of the spiritual truths of Scripture. The body of Christ has to deal with dead religion, false doctrine, and strife (2 Timothy 2:23, Titus 3:9, 1 Corinthians 3:3) because 1) we are in the last days and it was prophesied to be so, and 2) too many Christians are immature in the faith (1 Corinthians 3:1-3, Hebrews 5:11-13). Christians are relying on their own intellect to try to discern spiritual truths. The flesh cannot grasp the things of God. The intellect of man is foolish in the sight of God, which is why it pleased God to deliver salvation to humanity in a mystery through the Gospel, which is foolish according to the wisdom of the world (Matthew 11:25-26, 1 Corinthians 18-21).
The Gospel is so simple and you MUST always take Jesus at His Word. John testifies, Jesus corroborates twice, Peter, Paul and the Holy Spirit testify about Jesus’s mode of baptism (Luke 3:16, Luke 24:49, John 1:32-34, Acts 1:5, Acts 11:16, Acts 19:2-6). Remember, the Word says, “ON THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY MATTER SHALL BE CONFIRMED” (2 Corinthians 13:1). Ergo, we have five witnesses, John, Jesus, Peter, Paul and Holy Spirit, Himself.
I’m not referring to when Jesus was baptized (see Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22). I’m referring to Jesus’s act of baptizing. Did you know that Jesus baptizes believers? He baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Let’s read the Word:
“John answered them all, saying, ‘I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’”
- Luke 3:16, ESV
“John testified saying, ‘I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, “He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.” I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.’”
- John 1:32-34, ESV
“‘For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’”
- Acts 1:5, NIV
“‘See! I will send you what My Father promised. But you are to stay in Jerusalem until you have received power from above.’”
- Luke 24:49, NIV
“Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’”
- Acts 11:16, NIV
Prophecy fulfilled: when Jesus began baptizing with the Holy Spirit:
“‘Exalted to the right hand of God, he [Jesus] has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.’”
- Acts 2:33, NIV
“‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.’”
- Acts 2:38-39, NIV
“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.”
- Acts 8:14-17, NIV
“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, ‘Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.’ So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.”
- Acts 10, 44-48, NIV
“And he said to them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ And they said, '“No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, ‘Into what then were you baptized?’ They said, “Into John's baptism.” And Paul said, ‘John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.’ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.”
- Acts 19:2-6, ESV
Baptism with Water: A Symbol of Cleansing
The baptism of water, most famously administered by John the Baptist, symbolizes repentance and the remission of sins. This powerful practice is rooted in the Old Testament tradition of ritual cleansing through water (mikveh). John's ministry in preparing the way for Jesus was characterized by his call to repentance and the baptism of water: "I baptize you with water for repentance..." (Matthew 3:11).
Matthew 3:6 eloquently describes the scene of people coming to John to be baptized: "Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River." This act was a visible expression of one's inner desire to turn away from sin and align themselves with God's purpose. Water baptism symbolizes a new beginning, a washing away of the old self, and a commitment to live in righteousness.
Baptism with the Holy Spirit: Receiving God's Divine Presence
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a profound encounter that goes beyond mere symbolism. Jesus, in John 14:16-17, promised His disciples the Holy Spirit: "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth." This promise was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, as described in Acts 2:1-4, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the believers with power and tongues of fire.
Receiving Salvation and the Indwelling Holy Spirit
It is essential to clarify that receiving salvation is intrinsically linked to the indwelling Holy Spirit. When a person is born again through faith in Jesus Christ, they receive the gift of salvation and the Holy Spirit takes up residence within them. Romans 8:9-10 affirms this truth: "You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ."
Baptism with the Holy Spirit: Receiving Power and Immersion
However, the baptism of the Holy Spirit is distinct from the indwelling presence of the Spirit that occurs at salvation. Jesus Himself promised this baptism, saying, "You will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now" (Acts 1:5). This unique experience is marked by a full immersion in the Spirit's power, resulting in a profound empowerment for service (Acts 1:8).
The baptism of the Holy Spirit, often accompanied by the manifestation of speaking in tongues as in Acts 2:4, signifies a deeper infilling and equipping for God's work. It's an experience that transcends salvation, enabling believers to operate in the supernatural gifts and power of the Spirit as they fulfill their God-given missions.
If somebody has never experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit, it does NOT mean that the Holy Spirit does not dwell within them, or that they are not saved. Remember, salvation comes through faith in Jesus’s death, burial, and bodily resurrection by the Holy Spirit and His atonement on the Cross for the sins of the world, so that all who believe shall be saved and never be condemned to Gehenna (Hell) (John 3:16, John 3:3-7, Romans 10:9, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 5:1, Titus 3:5, Romans 3:22-24).
When somebody truly believes the Gospel, they are born-again or “born from above” by the Holy Spirit, since the Holy Spirit has come to dwell in them and remove their heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 11:19, Ezekiel 36:26).
The Fulfillment in Christ: Holy Spirit and Fire
In Luke 3:16, John the Baptist distinguishes between his water baptism and the one to come through Jesus: "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." This passage points to the transformative work of Jesus Christ. Jesus ushers in a new era by immersing believers in the Spirit's power and refining them like fire refines precious metals.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit unlocks spiritual gifts, power, and an intimacy with God that transcends human understanding. The fire, on the other hand, signifies the purifying aspect of the Holy Spirit's work. Just as fire refines and purges impurities, the Holy Spirit sanctifies and purifies the believer.
Personal Experience and Testimony
Having personally experienced both water baptism and the baptism of the Holy Spirit, I can attest to their transformative power. Water baptism marked a turning point in my journey of faith, signifying my commitment to follow Christ and leaving behind the weight of sin. However, the baptism of the Holy Spirit brought power, gifts, and a dynamic and profoundly intimate relationship with God, igniting a relentless passion for His Word, prayer, and service. The Spirit's presence brought clarity, comfort, and a deep understanding of purpose, while also challenging me to question everything I had been taught from man’s intellect.
Conclusion
The dual baptisms of water and the Holy Spirit, as referenced in Scripture, offer believers a comprehensive understanding of their faith journey. Water baptism symbolizes the cleansing of sin and the outward declaration of faith, while the baptism of the Holy Spirit delivers the power of God and empowerment for service. Through the fulfillment of Christ's promise, believers are immersed in the Holy Spirit's power and refined by His fire, enabling them to walk in the fullness of their identity as followers of Jesus Christ.
If you have heard and believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ, you should earnestly seek both baptisms. Be baptized in full water immersion, in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 19:5, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 8:10, Acts 8:36-39) and ask Jesus to baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3:16).