SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16
Matthew 3:7-17
Joel 2:28-32

Tomorrow: emblem of eternal rest.

BAPTISM WITH THE SPIRIT (I)

“Baptism with the Holy Spirit” is a New Testament teaching and it has a clearly defined meaning and is of great spiritual significance. Every believer ought to understand it so that the term may not be misused or misapplied, for Christians at large today use it to mean what it is not. This leads to erroneous practices and confusion.

Firstly, let us look at water baptism. John the Baptist preached and baptized at the river Jordan. His message was, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt 3:2). Many were baptized by him, confessing their sins (Matt 3:2, 6). This is water baptism. Then recall our Lord’s final commandment to the disciples, just before His ascension: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Matt 28:19). Water baptism was for those who believed.

Notice now the significance of the rite. It was a token and symbol of repentance. It marked out the baptized person as one for admission into the kingdom of heaven. It was a once only, initiatory act not to be repeated. It was meant only for those who had repented and were regenerated by God’s Spirit. Our Lord was baptized by John the Baptist at the river Jordan for a different reason: It was to mark the commencement of His public ministry and to identify Himself, the sinless Son of God, with sinners He had come to save. As He said, it was “to fulfil all righteousness” (Matt 3:15).

Now, notice again: the ministry of John signaled the end of an old era as stated by our Lord: “For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John” (Matt 11:13). John brought to a close the period of the law and the prophets. Our Lord ushered in the new age of the era of the Church and Holy Spirit, a door shortly to be opened to all nations. Admission into the Church of those who believed was by baptism but with a difference: outwardly it was with water; in the heart it was with the Holy Spirit.

THOUGHT: Does regeneration come before, during, or after water baptism?
PRAYER: Lord, please sanctify my mind and use it for Thy glory.