After Jesus ascended into the heavens, I can't help but wonder what the disciples must have been thinking. They must have reminded one another of the things that He said.
"Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them,
"Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised,
as I told you before. John baptized with water,
but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."
Acts 1:4, 5 NLT
He told them to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father... that they be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Something new was going to take place. Imagine their anticipation of what that would be like. Why did Jesus reference John the Baptist?
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| John the Baptist by Harold Copping |
"Prepare the way for the LORD'S coming!
Clear the road for him!"
Clear the road for him!"
Matt. 3:3 NLT
John preached the message of repentance to prepare the hearts of the people for the LORD. As the last Old Testament Prophet, He foretold about Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit:
"I baptize with water those who repent of their sins
and turn to God.
and turn to God.
But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am -
so much greater that I'm not worthy even to be his slave
and carry his sandals.
and carry his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire."
Matthew 3:11 NLT
John Baptized with water to those who repent of their sins. Jesus is the baptizer of the Holy Spirit. But he had to go away, so that the Holy Spirit could come. And a whole new age and covenant would begin. What did John mean when he prophesied that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire? In the coming posts we will look to the Word and ask the Lord to open our minds to understand the scriptures.
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THE BAPTISM OF JOHN VERSUS CHRISTIAN BAPTISM BY STEVE FINNELL
POINT: Those who reject the Scriptures concerning the purpose of Christian baptism, readily accepts the Biblical account as to the purpose of water baptism performed by John the Baptist.
Christian Baptism: Men are told to believe in Jesus Christ, repent, and be baptized in water for the forgiveness of their sins and they will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Mark 16:16 He who has believed and who has been baptized shall be saved..
Acts 2:38..."Repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins;and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
In Christian baptism men are clothed with Christ.
Galatians 3:27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
John's Baptism: Men are told to repent and be baptized in water for the forgiveness of their sins and to believe in Jesus who was to come. (The Holy Spirit had yet been given).
Luke 3:3 And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
Acts 19:4 Paul said, "John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus."
Christian baptism follows believing in Jesus, and repentance, (repentance means to make the commitment to turn away from sin and turn toward God).
The baptism of John followed repentance, (resolving to sin no more).
Luke 7:30 But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God's purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John.
If the Pharisees and lawyers rejected God's purpose by failing to be baptized by John the Baptist; what will be the consequences for those who reject the baptism commanded by Jesus?
Did you ever notice that the proponents of the "faith only" doctrine no not say that "for" in Luke 3:3 means "because of"?
John's baptism was not because their sin were already forgiven. Christian baptism preached on the Day of Pentecost was not because their sins were already forgiven. (Acts 2:38)
Luke 3:7 So he began saying to the crowds who were going to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come.
John's baptism in water was essential to spare them of the wrath to come.
Christian baptism in water is essential to spare us all, of the wrath to come.(Mark 16:16...baptized shall be saved....)
The baptism of John became obsolete on the Day of Pentecost.
CHRISTIAN BAPTISM IS AVAILABLE UNTIL JESUS RETURNS.
YOU ARE INVITED TO FOLLOW MY BLOG. http://steve-finnell.blogspot.com
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