I've been thinking about that word: baptism, to be baptized, baptize.
According to the New Testament, the baptism in the Holy Spirit is an experience sent by Jesus Christ. As recorded in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus describes it as "the promise of the Father", through which believers in Christ receive "power from on high."[Luke 24:49]
According to the Book of Acts, Jesus further referred to the baptism with the Holy Spirit as an experience through which his disciples would "receive power, after that the Holy Ghost [was] come upon[them]." [Acts 1:8]
"The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus".[Ac 8:16]
The word "baptize'' by true definition means "to immerse" and that not necessarily by water. The Bible speaks of baptism by water and then separately of baptism with the Holy Spirit.
In Luke 24:49 the baptism (immersion in) the Holy Spirit, Jesus says it is a promise of the Father to Believers in Christ and those Believers would receive "power from on high." In other words, Christians could be, even should be, described as being immersed and covered from the top of their heads to the bottom of their feet with "power from on high." If we believe in Christ with mind, body, heart and soul, follow Him and dedicate our life to Him and His will and plan for our lives, we are immersed, covered, surrounded with power from on high!
Okay, wow. It's sinking in.
The Book of Acts verifies.
To be baptized in water indicates to the world and identifies the Believer that they are just that... a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. "For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."[Acts 1:5]
The immersion into the Holy Spirit occurred at the point of Salvation (recognition of desperate need and degradation, sin, and separation from God); repentance (sorrow for and desire to turn from sin; desire to be re-united with God); acceptance of God's gift of grace, mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ; and commitment and dedication to Jesus Christ as Lord and Master of their life. These are the things we must be "immersed in."
Why do we, as Believers, need the baptism with the Holy Spirit of power from on high? Why do we need to be totally immersed in the Holy Spirit? Because without that power from on high, we are, quite simply, powerless. Powerless to recognize our desperate need. Powerless to understand we are separated from God from birth. Powerless to repent and turn from sin. Powerless to accept God's gift of grace, mercy and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Powerless to live a power-filled life. Powerless to live in victory over the flesh and Satan.
John 15:5
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing."
Wait. There's more.
John 15:26 “But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me."
What? The Advocate? The Holy Spirit is also our Advocate as the Spirit of truth. Oh, I love this! We are immersed in truth!! The Holy Spirit, our Advocate of truth will come to us from God, our Father, and will testify all about Jesus Christ to us and it will and can only be truth and we will be immersed in Him and surrounded by truth, covered even. Power from on high!
Advocate: one who speaks on behalf of another person; one who argues the case of another; to speak, plead, or argue in favor of another person; a supporter or defender; one that pleads in another's behalf; an intercessor.
The Holy Spirit is my Advocate! Spirit of Truth. Yes, I want to be immersed in that.
Okay, I have to meditate on these things for a while. Just wanted to study for a while and write my thoughts as I studied. I'm thinking I did not fully understand the meanings of the word "baptize."
1 comment:
We often just think of the baptism as the public display of our faith -- it is SO much more and I love this blog... Thank you for sharing!
Post a Comment