What do you know, believe about baptism? What meaning does it have for you? When does it occur? Its purpose? And there are a host of other questions. Traditionally (?) I think water baptism has been associated with our witness of who we now are since we have accepted Jesus’ invitation and become saved, born again.
“Jesus answered him, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless a person is born again [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified], he cannot [ever] see and experience the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3, AMP)
But let me quickly state that baptism is not salvation… it is the evidence of who we have chosen and where our allegiance lies. It states that we have become part of the family of God. And… is there a difference between water baptism and the Holy Spirit baptism? Short answer – yes. Does this mean we receive more than 1 baptism? Short answer – yes.
There are those that believe we are baptized in the Holy Spirit when we are saved. Other denominations think differently (based primarily on the scriptures in Acts). Some believe there are multiple baptisms throughout the believer’s life. According to ‘Got Questions’,
“What is the baptism of the Holy Spirit?”
Answer: The baptism of the Holy Spirit may be defined as that work whereby the Spirit of God places the believer into union with Christ and into union with other believers in the body of Christ at the moment of salvation. The baptism of the Holy Spirit was predicted by John the Baptist (Mark 1:8) and by Jesus before He ascended to heaven: “For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:5). This promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4); for the first time, people were permanently indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and the church had begun.” (https://www.gotquestions.org/Spirit-baptism.html)
And when we consider ‘form’ (immersion, sprinkling) of water baptism, we have many disputes and disagreements. When you add baptism in/of the Holy Spirit, you now add another area of dispute. There are those that believe there is a difference between the baptism of the Spirit and the infilling. My view – not the point. Baptism is the point, specifically Holy Spirit baptism.
“For by one [Holy] Spirit we were all baptized into one body, [spiritually transformed—united together] whether Jews or Greeks (Gentiles), slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one [Holy] Spirit
[since the same Holy Spirit fills each life].” (1 Corinthians 12:13, AMP)“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is within you, whom you have [received as a gift] from God, and that you are not your own [property]?” (1 Corinthians 6:19, AMP).
To be honest… sometimes I think that we in the “Christian world” focus on the incidentals rather than the essentials. Incidentals should never be the basis, foundation between us, to separate us. And do NOT jump to the conclusion that I consider baptism an ‘incidental’ – far from it. It is essential because of the witness it provides to us as well as others. My point is that the ‘how’ of baptism shouldn’t be emphasized. Being in one accord should be!
I believe the Holy Spirit baptism is a kind of seal in us of who we are… not that we have attained our best us, but that now we have the assistance of the Holy Spirit in our lives, helping us. [Remember the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives – who He is: “Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever…” (John 14:16, AMP)] This announces the importance of the Holy Spirit and His role in our lives.
This only begins to scratch the surface of Holy Spirit baptism. What an adventure awaits those who decide to learn more. What questions are sparked? Is there more than 1 Holy Spirit infilling? ……..
