What is the Purpose of Water Baptism? The Difference between the Baptism of John and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

What is the Purpose of Water Baptism? The Difference between the Baptism of John and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

What is the purpose of water baptism? What is the difference between the Baptism of John and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit? Your questions will be answered in this post. Image Credit: www.wmtlc.org

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“Is water baptism really necessary today?”, “Is it a requirement for salvation?”. These are some questions that I had about water baptism.
In this post, I will answer these questions and show you from God’s word what is the difference between the Baptism of John and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Before we begin, I’d like to define our main terms. The Hebrew word for "baptism" is Mikveh and the Greek word for it is "baptizo". In both languages, the meaning is "to immerse". 

I would define “Water Baptism” (in today's context) as:
Water Baptism is when a person is immersed in water as a public confession of his or her faith in Jesus Christ.

I’d also like to define what the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit” is:
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is when the Holy Spirit falls on a believer, immersing him or her.
​As a result, the believer receives spiritual empowerment as well as the spiritual gifts of speaking in tongues and prophesying.

​The Background of Water Baptism (the Baptism of John)

Water baptism was first introduced in the ministry of John the Baptist. As revealed by the archangel Gabriel, John was operating in the spirit and power of Elijah.
This means that there are similarities in the ministry of Elijah and the ministry of John.
One similarity is that both of their ministries were about turning the people of Israel’s hearts back to God.

“But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, because your petition [in prayer] was heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have great joy and delight, and many will rejoice over his birth, for he will be great and distinguished in the sight of the Lord; and will never drink wine or liquor, and he will be filled with and empowered to act by the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. He will turn many of the sons of Israel back [from sin] to [love and serve] the Lord their God. It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous [which is to seek and submit to the will of God]--in order to make ready a people [perfectly] prepared [spiritually and morally] for the Lord.”” (LUKE‬ ‭1:13-17‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

“The disciples asked Him, “Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” He answered and said, “Elijah is coming and will restore all things; but I say to you that Elijah has come already, and they did not recognize him, but did to him as they wished. The Son of Man is also going to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about John the Baptist.”​ (MATTHEW‬ ‭17:10-13‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

“At the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached [the altar] and said, “O LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel (Jacob), let it be known today that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and that I have done all these things at Your word. Answer me, O LORD, answer me, so that this people may know that You, O LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back [to You].” Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood, and even the stones and the dust; it also licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw it, they fell face downward; and they said, “The LORD, He is God! The LORD, He is God!”” (1 KINGS‬ ‭18:36-39‬ ‭AMP‬)

Another similarity is that both of them were forerunners, preparing the way for another prophet after them (in the case of Jesus, He is a Prophet and also God) - Elijah prepared the way for Elisha, and John prepared the way for Jesus.
As a forerunner, the water baptism that John performed was just a shadow of the substance to come.
It actually points to the Baptism of the Holy Spirit which would begin on the Day of Pentecost after Jesus had ascended to the Father, following His death and resurrection.
Water baptism as the verse below says is a “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins”, but in itself it has no power to save people from their sins.
The only way to receive total forgiveness of sins and be saved is to believe that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior.

“A VOICE OF ONE SHOUTING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT!’” John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins [that is, requiring a change of one’s old way of thinking, turning away from sin and seeking God and His righteousness]. And all the country of Judea and all the people of Jerusalem were continually going out to him; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a [wide] leather band around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he was preaching, saying, “After me comes He who is mightier [more powerful, more noble] than I, and I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the straps of His sandals [even as His slave]. As for me, I baptized you [who came to me] with water [only]; but He will baptize you [who truly repent] with the Holy Spirit.”” (MARK‬ ‭1:3-8‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

The Purpose of Water Baptism Today

Jesus Himself was also water baptized. The reason for that is because He was living in the identity of a Man (even though He is also God) in that period of time when John’s ministry was still ongoing.
Just like how Jesus lived under the Law and fulfilled it perfectly, He also allowed Himself to be water baptized to live righteously as a Man in the context of God’s dispensation at that time.

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan [River], to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him [vigorously protesting], saying, “It is I who need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus replied to him, “Permit it just now; for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John permitted [it and baptized] Him.” (MATTHEW‬ ‭3:13-15‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

Even though Jesus Himself was baptized in water, water baptism is not a requirement for a believer to be saved.
I can clearly show you this through an incident that happened while Jesus was on the cross:

“One of the criminals who had been hanged [on a cross beside Him] kept hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us [from death]!” But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? We are suffering justly, because we are getting what we deserve for what we have done; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, [please] remember me when You come into Your kingdom!” Jesus said to him, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (LUKE‬ ‭23:39-43‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

If water baptism was a requirement to be saved, Jesus would have probably asked for a basin of water to soak the robber in after this conversation took place.
However the only thing that happened was: The robber repented and put his faith in Jesus. That was enough for the robber to have a spot in paradise.

In addition, see what the Apostle Paul said while recounting how he got saved:

“~‘Now, why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins by calling on His name [for salvation].’” (ACTS‬ ‭22:16‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

Did you notice that he said “be baptized” but it’s the “calling on His name [for salvation]” that leads to the washing away of your sins?

So why do we still get water baptized today even though it’s not a requirement to be saved?

The early church during Peter’s time continued to baptize new believers in water.

“So then, those who accepted his message were baptized; and on that day about 3,000 souls were added [to the body of believers].” (ACTS‬ ‭2:41‬ ‭AMP‬)

The Apostle Paul also believed in baptizing new believers in water and baptized a few people during his ministry.

“I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one would say that you were baptized into my name. Now I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know if I baptized anyone else.” (1 CORINTHIANS‬ ‭1:14-16‬ ‭AMP‬)
​
Nowhere in the New Testament does it say that water baptism was ever discontinued. All of them continued to baptize new believers in water.

I believe that water baptism is still for today because it’s a sign for other believers that the person getting water baptized is a really a believer in Jesus Christ - it is a public confession of faith in Jesus.

Water baptism has practical purposes of discerning between a person who is a true believer and a person who is just pretending to believe.
Sometimes it can be confusing as to why a person who claims to be a believer can live in a way that is not characteristic of a true believer.
Here’s a hypothetical example: a married man who professes that he believes in Jesus, but every week visits a brothel to engage in acts of sexual immorality with prostitutes.

if someone is truly a believer, I believe that he or she will be led by the Holy Spirit to want to be as right with God as possible.
That includes having the desire to be water baptized after he or she learns that it’s still for believers today.
However a non-believer will not see the importance of it and will not desire to be baptized in water.

Whether a person expresses the desire to be water baptized can be a way to discern if he or she is truly a believer in Jesus Christ.
This can prove to be useful when selecting people for positions of leadership in the church.

I’m sure that no church wants to end up with a non-believer seating in one of the church’s positions of authority - a mistake which leads to disastrous results.
For example: he or she could have the ulterior motive of just getting the position of authority for the feeling of self-importance and end up not performing the role properly, leading to lowered effectiveness in the church.
Or worse still, getting into a position where he or she is trusted with the tithe money of the church and ending up embezzling it.
After the truth is discovered, it will hurt the faith of believers in the church.

Therefore, I believe that we get water baptized today to show other believers that we are truly believers in Jesus Christ.
It is also a great love declaration to God that you really want to surrender your life to Him!
​

The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is God's chosen way to dispense His gifts to the church! It empowers, strengthens and unifies the body of Christ! Image Credits: https://smoodock45.wordpress.com

The Background of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

After Jesus rose from the dead, He told His disciples about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit that was going to happen to them soon.
He also gave an idea of what would happen to the disciples when they were baptized with the Holy Spirit: they would be “empowered and united with the Holy Spirit”.
This tells us that empowerment and closer intimacy with the Holy Spirit are some effects that will happen to believers through this baptism.

“For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized and empowered and united with the Holy Spirit, not long from now.”” (ACTS‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

When a believer is baptized in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit falls on him or her, immersing the believer like in water baptism.
Jesus’ imagery of being “clothed” is a good visual to imagine how it happens - it’s like you’re putting the Holy Spirit over yourself.

​“Listen carefully: I am sending the Promise of My Father [the Holy Spirit] upon you; but you are to remain in the city [of Jerusalem] until you are clothed (fully equipped) with power from on high.”” (LUKE‬ ‭24:49‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

The first occurrence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit took place on the Day of Pentecost after Jesus’ death and resurrection. After it happened, Peter preached a sermon and 3000 people were saved.
The very first Day of Pentecost was the day that God gave the children of Israel the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai - on that day, 3000 people died.
From this we can see the Holy Spirit came to bring this baptism not for the destruction of men’s lives, but so that through it, more people may have the abundant and eternal life that Jesus died to give.

“When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place, and suddenly a sound came from heaven like a rushing violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. There appeared to them tongues resembling fire, which were being distributed [among them], and they rested on each one of them [as each person received the Holy Spirit]. And they were all filled [that is, diffused throughout their being] with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues (different languages), as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out [clearly and appropriately]. Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout and God-fearing men from every nation under heaven. And when this sound was heard, a crowd gathered, and they were bewildered because each one was hearing those in the upper room speaking in his own language or dialect. They were completely astonished, saying, “Look! Are not all of these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears in our own language or native dialect? [Among us there are] Parthians, Medes and Elamites, and people of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia [Minor], Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and the visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes (Gentile converts to Judaism), Cretans and Arabs--we all hear them speaking in our [native] tongues about the mighty works of God!”” (ACTS‬ ‭2:1-11‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

Take note that when people believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, it doesn’t mean that they are baptized in the Holy Spirit - they have the Holy Spirit living in them, but they are not immersed in the Holy Spirit.
For a new believer to be baptized in the Holy Spirit, a believer who has been baptized in the Holy Spirit before can pray for him or her to receive this baptism.
You don’t have to be an apostle to pray for someone to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit - any believer who has been baptized in the Holy Spirit can pray for another believer to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

​“But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, both men and women. Even Simon believed [Philip’s message of salvation]; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he watched the attesting signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that [the people of] Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. They came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit; for He had not yet fallen on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus [as His possession]. Then Peter and John laid their hands on them [one by one], and they received the Holy Spirit.” (ACTS‬ ‭8:12-17‬ ‭AMP)

Also realize that when a believer has been baptized in water, it doesn’t mean that they are also baptized in the Holy Spirit.
Another thing is: a sign that a believer has received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is that he or she will be able to speak in tongues and prophesy (like in the first occurrence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2:1-11).
When I was baptized in the Holy Spirit it was through my friend (he wasn't a pastor or anything) who prayed casually for me just as we were chatting.
There were no fireballs that fell from the sky and no booming voice of God - there was no visible proof that it happened.
Except that from that moment on, I realized that I was able to pray in tongues.

“It happened that while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul went through the upper [inland] districts and came down to Ephesus, and found some disciples. He asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed [in Jesus as the Christ]?” And they said, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he asked, “Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into John’s baptism.” Paul said, “John performed a baptism of repentance, continually telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, [to confidently accept and joyfully believe] in Jesus [the Messiah and Savior].” After hearing this, they were baptized [again, this time] in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in [unknown] tongues (languages) and prophesying.” (ACTS‬ ‭19:1-6‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

The Purpose of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit

“There is one body [of believers] and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when called [to salvation]-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all who is [sovereign] over all and [working] through all and [living] in all. Yet grace [God’s undeserved favor] was given to each one of us [not indiscriminately, but in different ways] in proportion to the measure of Christ’s [rich and abundant] gift... And [His gifts to the church were varied and] He Himself appointed some as apostles [special messengers, representatives], some as prophets [who speak a new message from God to the people], some as evangelists [who spread the good news of salvation], and some as pastors and teachers [to shepherd and guide and instruct], [and He did this] to fully equip and perfect the saints (God’s people) for works of service, to build up the body of Christ [the church]; until we all reach oneness in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, [growing spiritually] to become a mature believer, reaching to the measure of the fullness of Christ [manifesting His spiritual completeness and exercising our spiritual gifts in unity].” (EPHESIANS‬ ‭4:4-7, 11-13‬ ‭AMP‬‬)

I believe that the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is God’s chosen way for His spiritual gifts to be distributed to each believer.
By doing so, God is equipping and strengthening the church for the work that we must do: to partner with the Holy Spirit to build God’s kingdom here on earth together, as it is in heaven.

If you are a believer in Jesus Christ and haven't received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit before, I would like to invite you to pray this prayer with me:

”Dear Heavenly Father, I want to receive Your Baptism of the Holy Spirit right now.
Immerse me in Your Holy Spirit and fill me with the empowerment, as well as the spiritual gifts of speaking in tongues and prophesying.
I desire this greater unity with Your Holy Spirit, and I believe that I have received this in Jesus’ name. Amen!”

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