LORD’S DAY, DECEMBER 17
John 1:15-34
Acts 2:1-4, 37-41

My soul longs for God’s House.

BAPTISM WITH THE SPIRIT (II)

John the Baptist blazed a short and fiery course as the last great prophet of the old covenant. He was commended by our Lord in Matthew 11:11. John was the forerunner and herald of our Lord. He predicted that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Ghost (Matt 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 1:33). Before His ascension, our Lord said, “For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:5). Both these predictions were fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. Let us trace how the prophecy was fulfilled. On that day, two events took place:

(a) The Apostles were filled with the Holy Ghost by a great and unique outpouring, exactly fulfilling our Lord’s prediction of Acts 1:5. These were already regenerated and were members of the body of Christ, having been baptized by the Holy Spirit at the point of conversion. The Holy Spirit by this filling at Pentecost identified them as members of the newborn Church of the New Testament and equipped them for the work ahead.

(b) 3,000 converts received the first Gospel message preached by Peter. “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” (Acts 2:38). They believed and were baptized with water as an outward sign of their inward faith.

In summary:
“Baptism with the Holy Spirit”: (1) It occurs at the point of conversion. (2) It is a once only, initiatory experience, not to be repeated. (3) It is performed invisibly with the Holy Spirit, God’s gift.

“Water baptism”: (1) It is the New Testament rite marking the admission of a person into the visible church. (2) It is performed visibly with water. (3) It is the external mark of the convert’s regeneration (an unseen work of the Spirit in the heart). (4) It is a post-conversion experience.

THOUGHT: Trusting in one’s feelings is foolishness (Prov 28:26).
PRAYER: Lord, may I trust wisely in Thee and Thy Word alone.