Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

 

Under the New Covenant there are two baptisms: Water Baptism and Baptism in the Holy Spirit. John (the Baptist) was Jesus’ first cousin and the forerunner of Christ. This was his sole purpose in life. He was an odd man who lived in the wilderness and wore clothes made of camel hair with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. (Matthew 3:4)

 

As crazy as he looked and seemed, the people listened to him because he preached the coming of the Messiah, whom they had heard about for centuries. He preached the Words of the Great Prophets and foretold of the Coming of the Lamb of God Who takes away sins. Their belief in the COMING Messiah granted them Salvation and John’s purpose was to Baptize them in water, which he did. John was the first person on Earth to Baptize anyone.

 

Water Baptism was (and still is) a public profession of one’s faith in Christ. It is ceremonial and symbolic in nature. When a person professes their faith in Jesus Christ they are Baptized. Their immersion into the water is symbolic of their spiritual death and burial. Their coming up out of the water symbolizes their Resurrection to newness of life.

 

Believers are Baptized BECAUSE of their faith in Christ. Baptism DOES NOT grant Salvation. We are not Baptized to be Saved. We are Baptized BECAUSE we have repented of our sins, accepted the Sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross of Calvary, and are Saved.

 

There are whole denominations who believe that you are not Saved unless and until you are Baptized. This is false teaching and should be avoided. The Word of God does not teach this in any way. Baptism is an Ordinance of the Church, not a requirement.

 

Just as a side note while we are on the subject, any believer can Baptize someone. Actually, you can Baptize yourself in a bathtub or swimming pool. It is a profession of your faith in Christ. Being dunked underwater will not save anyone. It is repentance of your sins and your faith in the Finished Work of Christ on the Cross of Calvary that grants Salvation.

 

I suggest you read the Bible for yourself and do your own research. As Jesus said, The Truth shall make you free. (John 8:32)

 

The Truth will……….turn the tide……….in your life.

 

I love the Word of God! Doreen

 

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