Previously, as we established baptism is a concept that explains identification.
Baptism is “Into or Unto”. The element of the baptism explains it essence. John’s baptism is with water and water is a figurative or symbolic concept for “washing and newness” according to the Scriptures.
Therefore John’s baptism was to repentance which implies a change of heart towards another.
Now during John’s baptism, his message was Christ. We can therefore say his baptism was to turn Israel heart to her Messiah or Savior who was to appear and be introduced by John.
This took place at Jordan
At Jordan, Jesus appears and the Holy Spirit came on him. John being a prophet just as any Other Old Testament prophet, announced Him, the Christ.
But this was done in a unique manner unlike the other Prophets, the Christ was no longer a promise. He was here!
Let go through some statement’s John made.
Matthew 3:11 KJV
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:
Here John explains the elements of his baptism which is water and unto repentance.
He says again:
John 1:31-34 KJV
And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. 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. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.
Here again, observe John’s comments, “Jesus will baptise with the Holy Spirit. he(John) never said he will ‘also’ baptise with water and the Holy Spirit. He was very emphatic and precise when he uses ‘the’ Holy Spirit making it a definite activity.
Therefore no additive.
Many have argued that Jesus also did baptized with water.
Well, let’s refer Scriptures
John 4:1 KJV
When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,
It looks like they never read the immediate verse after that.
Ok read further:
(Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,)
John 4:2 KJV
Very clear?
Jesus himself baptised NOT.. but his disciples.
This verse in itself is ”instructive”. No need to waste time on it.
Jesus himself makes a difference clear
Acts 1:5 KJV
For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Undoubtedly, the elements of their baptism is different.
John is to water
Jesus is to the Holy Spirit.
Unto what then is the baptism?
Paul explains
Acts 19:1-6 KJV
Vrs 1. And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
Vrs 2. He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
Vrs 3. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
Vrs 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.
Vrs 5. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Vrs 6. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
In verse 1, you see the word ‘disciples’.
This never meant they were saved or they were Christians.
Disciples here only means “an adherent, or follower”
The question should be “follower of what?”
Verse 3 makes that clear
Followers of John the baptise or John’s baptism( these folks were only acquainted with John’s baptism and nothing else)
They never heard of any Holy Spirit.
Even though John pointed Christ out and referred to his baptism as with the Holy Spirit. Such this people were ignorant.
That’s they never heard of nor believed in Christ. Because believing Christ, there’s the evidence of the Holy Spirit.
In verse 4, Paul preached Christ to them making emphasis that the essence of John’s baptism was ”repentance” to believe on Him which should come after Him, that’s Christ Jesus.
When they HEARD this: they were baptised ..that’s IMMERSED INTO Christ, and not water.
As Christ baptises ONLY with the Holy Spirit. Verse 6 says they were filled with the Holy Spirit not they were filled with baptism.
Next part comes shortly. Stay glued. And Thanks for having time to read.
You’re blessed.
By Evangelist Victor Buachi, Revealing Jesus Christ Missions.
Contact: 026 8 45 55 60