What is involved in Baptism?

We read in Ephesians 4:5 that we were called to one baptism, a fact overlooked or denied by vast numbers of people in christendom. There are numerous ceremonies performed in christendom in the name of baptism: laying a moist hand on the head; sprinkling a little water on the head; pouring water on the heard; total immersion in water; total immersion in running water; immersion in water for those already dead; triple immersion in water (one each for Father, Son and Holy Spirit); immersion in water as an initiation rite into the local congregation; immersion in water as a sign of repentance. Some even claim that an immersion in water is required in order to receive the spiritual gift of speaking unintelligible sounds that are called the gift of 'speaking in tongues'. But the Lord's /Spirit says there is ONE baptism! Baptism is clearly depicted, as well as its purpose and significance in some 25 verses (from Acts and the Epistles) of Scripture.

Baptism with the Holy Spirit 

It is amazing that people over the entire earth in recent years seem to be more interested in 'baptism with the Holy Spirit' than baptism in water, which all accept. This is extremely incomprehensible since apart from the prophecies of John the Baptist, there are only two references to a baptism with the Holy Spirit in the entire Bible. Those references are found in Acts 1:5 and Acts 11:16. It is vital to fully comprehend this 'baptism with the Holy Spirit' in order not to be mislead by the ignorance and enthusiasm of those who propagate their own theories.

Jesus once said to Peter ' I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven ...' - see Matt 16:19a. Then, shortly before He ascended back to heaven, Jesus told the apostles 'John indeed baptised in water, but you, after not many of these days, will be baptised with (the) Holy spirit' - see Acts 1:5.

These two statements by Jesus have resulted in more confusion within christendom than any other, yet they were both prophecies and they were both fulfilled together. The baptism with the Holy Spirit came twice only, as Peter used the two keys to open the Church and when God granted the indwelling Holy Spirit to mankind. It came first on the day of Pentecost, AD 30, to the Jews; then  some ten years later it came to the Gentiles in the home of Cornelius at Caesarea - see Acts 2:1- 4, 37- 41 and Acts 10:27 - 48; cf Acts 11:15- 17.

There had never before been a 'baptism with the Holy Spirit', as never before had the Church been opened. There has never since been a 'baptism with the Holy Spirit' as there has never since been an opening of the Lord's Church. Once the Church was opened it has never been closed and once the Spirit was given to both Jews and Gentiles, He has never left. He continues to indwell every soul who is truly converted to Christ - see Acts 2:39.

The Significance of Baptism 


 To Be Continued>>>
Joseph Khati

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