Baptism (Spirit or Water)
Pastor J. R. Wilhite, author
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Baptism has been a touchy area of scripture for nearly 500 years. From mid to late 16th century the difference was not over water or Spirit, but whether one was baptized by sprinkling or fully immersed. Those who believed sprinkling was enough would tie those who taught immersion was the only way to baptize to a seesaw and dunk them repeatedly in a body of water. Each time they came up and did not change their belief they were then again dunked for a longer period. Eventually one of two things happened; either they changed beliefs from total immersion to sprinkling or they drowned. This is where the Baptist church was born.
There are some misconceptions about Baptism, and in the pages to follow we will look at scripture about Baptism from Matthew to Revelation. First you need to understand the history of the church. There are a couple of points that will help you to better understand what you are about to read.
2 Corinthians 10
5. Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Paul said in the above verse that we need to cast down any thought, imagination, or idea that comes into our mind that is, in any way, against the knowledge of God. All the while we should take the remaining into captivity unto the obedience of Christ.
Never under estimate the enemy. Those who underestimate Satan usually pay the price. He has had thousands of years to know how to manipulate us, deceive us, lie to us, and make us think it is the truth.
Romans 12
2. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Before Paul told us to cast down, etc we were told to renew our mind daily to be transformed to be conformed to the will and mind of God. We do this by reading the word and taking each verse to God and having Him explain it to give us understanding.
In about 50 AD Paul wrote to Corinth about division.
1 Corinthians 1
11. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
In verse 12 replace Paul, Apollos, and Cephas with a name of a local denominaton. The idea that division started so early should concern all because as you know the longer a problem exists the bigger it becomes.
Matthew 12
25. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:
Jesus said that a kingdom or even a city or house that is divided could not stand.
The next main event in the history of the church took place in the early fourth century in Rome. The ruler of the time, Constantine, made a law that all Romans were Christians so over night all of Roman Empire no matter where they lived was a Christian. This may have been a good intention but it had long and lasting effects on the church. Within a few hundred years there were those of the church who did not believe, but since they were Roman they were a Christian and since the majority of power was in the church then many who did not believe and wanted power became leaders in the church. This brought on the dark ages with all its problems like the crusades, black plague, and the inquisition to name a few.
The church had set policy that only priests and above could have and read the Bible. Plus, the Bible was missing two books, which leads us to the next event in the history of the church.
Martin Luther who was of the church got a hold of the two books and translated them, after which he wrote to the Pope in the early part of the sixteenth century. He basically called the Pope an antichrist due to the policy and other problems of the church. Due to this he was excommunicated from the church, which is not what Luther wanted. From then on until his death those who followed and were taught of Luther, at and after his death, divided over interpretation of the word. From then to the present the many different denominations and non-denominations formed due to some difference they had with the church to which they belonged.
There were differences over communion if grape juice was ok rather than wine, or whether it was for all or just members, if it should be weekly, monthly, or just special days. Of course there were the differences over baptism, predestination, or millenium. Some were pre-millenium believers Vs post-tribulation millenium school of thought. Then there were differences over the spirit, being born again, and on and on.
Now, since no one was teaching hearing from God or being born again of the Spirit, they were all interpreting the word, not fully understanding it. This was because of the division. Before you think I am saying no one from the fourth century on was of God, I am not. What I am saying is most of the doctrine by the leaders of what became denominations today did so, not by hearing and understanding from God, but by interpretation which left many of the members of the different beliefs to rely on blind faith.
Many who lived over the past 2000 years and said they believed and had a heart for God, lived and died and were of Him. What that means is they had to struggle more and put up with more attacks, persecution, etc than if they had known they were to be taught by God and not man.
John 14
26. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Today you can see some of the effects of the history, starting with division, regarding how a denomination is not just divided from other denominations, but they are also divided within themselves. Example: Lutherans there are three major divisions–Wisconsin SYNOD which is very law based; ELCA which is very liberal based; and Missouri SYNOD which is moderate. Then when you get into an individual congregation, not all but a lot, there is division based on income, marital status, with or without children, etc.
What is sad is that in three different books Jesus addressed the problems of the church. In Revelation 2-3 He states that six of the seven churches are not of Him and only one is. So that means we have a one in seven chance of belonging to His church. Then in Matthew 7 He states that, of those who profess they believe, most are on the path to destruction while only a few are on the path to life due to misleading by false prophets, leaders, etc. Mark 4 is the only one of the three that does not deal strictly with those who profess to be of Him but deals with the world. One group can never get it because they are lost. Another goes from the path of life to destruction due to pressure and persecution from the word. Another group falls away due to cares of the world like deceitfulness of riches and lusts of other things. Finally, one group is on the path to life.
Think about those 900+ that followed Jim Jones, believed him and all he said even to committing suicide as well as taking the lives of their children. Jim Jones has not been the only one, he is just one of the more recent like David Koresh in Waco.
Jesus was never impressed by buildings, especially since the temple went from a building during the law to being those born again in grace.
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:
12. Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
13. Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15. And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17. And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
The first scripture about Baptism comes in Matthew 3 and we read where John said that the one who would come after Him would have a Baptism that is preferred before him, one of Holy Ghost and fire not water. John came to make way for Jesus and we read how John even rebuked Jesus from being baptized by Him. But Jesus did all that was done at the time, all of the law and of course water baptism was included. His baptism could not come until He died, arose from the dead, and went back to be with the Father so He could send the baptism of the Spirit.
Matthew 28
19. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
The word baptize means to immerse, so when Jesus said go forth and immerse them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, He was saying to get them as deep into who the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost as they were.
Acts 11
15. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
16. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Even Peter stated the one baptism is of the Spirit not water.
Acts 1
5. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
I wonder often why people do not accept Jesus’ words and seek to prove that the one true baptism is of water and not Spirit. By the way, I baptize in water as a showing of our faith, not for salvation, and not as the one true baptism.
Mark 1
8. I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost.
Here we read again John’s saying that he baptized in water but there was another following him that was of the Holy Ghost.
Mark 16
16. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Many who want to prove baptism is how we are saved use the first half of this verse to proof it, but what they miss is in the second half. If we are saved by baptism then Jesus would have said something like, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not and is not baptized shall be damned." Jesus did not say that because if one believes in their heart and professes with their mouth and is baptized they are saved. Baptism is not what saves. It is part of salvation; we are baptized in the Spirit.
Luke 3
16. John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
You will find that some parables and even some events that are in Matthew, Mark and Luke are not in John. But one of the very few that is mentioned in all four Gospels is about how one would follow who would baptize in the Spirit and fire and was preferred before his baptism.
John 1
15. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.
John 1
33. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.
Here John says that the one, on which the Spirit descends and remains, is the one who will baptize with the Holy Ghost. Jesus went to John to be baptized with water. He went in; was dunked; and as He came out the Spirit descended as a dove to mark (after Jesus death, resurrection and return to the Father) the end of water and the beginning of the Spirit baptism.
Acts 2
38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
40. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Jesus is our remission of sins. In His blood we are cleaned. This is a Spiritual not physical event in our life. When we are told to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ we are being told to be immersed in Him. This is done when we are born again in the Spirit (John 3:3-12).
Acts 8
12. But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
14. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15. Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16. (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Immersed in the name–Jesus’ name means salvation and the teaching of salvation and Christ is Greek for anointing. TO be immersed in the teachings and all it means to be saved by Jesus and of the Spirit by Christ. Which what should follow is the baptism of the Spirit.
Acts 8
35. Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
36. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
37. And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Some use the above to prove water baptism, but it does not say that Philip suggested to the eunuch to be baptized of water. Philip had been teaching the eunuch about Jesus and not for a very long period. So he had gotten into him how Jesus saves, and about how it started with John and John's baptism. So as soon as the eunuch sees the water he states "What stops us from me being baptized in water?" Of course Philip would accommodate him, as would most today.
Acts
17. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Ananias said that he was sent that Saul could receive his sight and get filled with the Holy Ghost, nothing about water. What happened was that he received his sight, arose, and was baptized. What was to come after receiving his sight, was being filled with the Holy Ghost.
Two other points–most do not notice how Ananias knew that Saul was changed and not still persecuting Christians, and how he knew that Saul had lost his sight? It was because He heard the Lord, and obeyed.
Acts 10
37. That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
It says, "after the baptism which John preached" not after God's, or John and Jesus, but only after John because John's baptism and Jesus’ baptism were different.
Acts 10
47. Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48. And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
Now here is one of the only times we read that they were baptized with water and in the name of the Lord after receiving the Holy Ghost. Remember water baptism for was remission of sins, and Jesus became that for us. When one is immersed in the name of Jesus they are immersed in the truth that He is our remission of sins.
Acts 16
14. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
15. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
First the Lord opened her heart and then she was baptized; there was no mention of water. She was baptized in the Spirit.
Acts 16
33. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
Again there is no mention of water or John, just that they were baptized.
Acts 18
7. And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
8. And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
They believed and were baptized, no reference to water, or that they left the house as in previous verses.
Acts 18
25. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
Here is what happened a lot – someone before the apostles went out and told about the basics concerning Jesus and John. They had not heard of the baptism of the Spirit, only of John, so they were baptized in water.
Acts 19
3. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.
4. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
5. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Here we read it again; those who did not know of another baptism were baptized in water. Then Paul comes and tells them, after learning they were baptized in water, that they should believe on Christ Jesus and then they were baptized. If they were, as we are, to believe in Christ Jesus then we should believe in the Baptism He spoke of, the Spirit.
Acts 22
16. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
16.
|2532| And
|3568| now
|5101| what
|3195| intend you?
|0450| Rising up,
|0907| get yourself immersed
|2532| and
|0628| get yourself washed away
|3588| the
|0266| sins
|4675| of you,
|1941| having called upon
|3588| the
|3686| name
|3588| of the
|2962| Lord.
When we are baptized in the Spirit we are washed clean of our sins.
Romans 6
1. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2. God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
3. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7. For he that is dead is freed from sin.
When we are baptized of the Spirit we are baptized in all Jesus came for, death, resurrection, etc.
1 Corinthians 12
13. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, how are we baptized by one Spirit.
Ephesians 4
4. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5. One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Can you really believe that Jesus went through all He did for us to have one baptism of water and not of Spirit, when He and John said He baptized in Spirit and fire?
I 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
Baptism and being born again are one and the same.
John 3
3. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
If we can not see the kingdom of God, how can we be saved? We can not.
John 3
4. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Some believe the above mention of water is water baptism. What a shame; they can not understand that we are born of water when we are born of a woman, that is the first birth.
John 3
6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
Jesus even goes on the clear up any misunderstanding by saying that which is born of flesh is flesh or of born of water is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
John 3
12. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
Many can not understand being born again of the Spirit (baptized of the Spirit) because they are so stuck in the physical they can not even imagine anything else. Jesus always used earthly things in his parables and they still could not understand. So how could they understand anything higher?
There is another study on Born Again that should clear up any confusion about being Born Again of the Spirit.
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