Acts 19:1-6 displays the very important disposition of Paul when encountering some disciples who he had reason to believe, had not yet received the Holy Ghost. Notice Paul's question, "Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? (verse 2) Paul understood the structure and purpose of John the baptist's formula. We also, must understand the difference in structure of both baptism formulas of John and Jesus. Let us dissect the scriptures to gain insight for ourselves and influence for others.
John's baptism:
The purpose for John's baptism was designed to accomplish the work of repentance, which started with believing in Jehovah (God) and that God was sending a Savior to the world. John's baptism formula preceded that of the promised Savior, Jesus Christ. John was to "prepare the way of the Lord" (Matthew 3:3)
The account of John baptizing people from the areas of Jerusalem, Judea, and other regions around Jordan can be found in all four of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Of the many people who came to John, confessing their sins, (mostly Jews) they were informed that this baptism was merely for the sake of having their sins forgiven of God. They were also told about this one, named Jesus, that was coming after him, who was mightier than him, and who would come with a different form of baptism; that of the Holy Ghost and fire.
Here are the four accounts of John baptizing for the sake of repentance:
Matthew 3:1-17
Mark 1:1-11
Luke 3:2-17
John 1:28-33
Prior to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, there was no atonement for the world's sin. Because the innocent blood of Jesus had not yet been shed for the sake of humanity, there was no covering for the sins of the world. Thus, the only way to receive forgiveness of sins prior to Jesus was to confess your sins and be baptized using John's baptism of repentance.
Worth noting is that baptism did not start with John the baptist in the New Testament. God began laying the foundation for our current "plan of salvation" in the Old Testament (Exodus 30:17-21). Found within the tabernacle is a foreshadowing of the death, burial and resurrection plan of salvation. God gave specific instruction as to the process that lead the High Priest into the presence of God (Holy of Hollies). Within these steps, the priest would wash at the laver of brass containing water to cleanse themselves before proceeding further.
The use of water at the laver is symbolic of our need for baptism in the plan of salvation. To further illuminate this point, lets look at the first step in the tabernacle; the alter of burnt offerings (where death took place). Before the priest would wash themselves at the laver, they were instructed to sacrifice a bullock or ram, sprinkling it's blood on the alter. This is symbolic of our need to sacrifice (kill) the desires of our flesh before we are buried with Christ in baptism. Paul talked about this in a few different places; 1 Corinthians 15:31, Colossians 2:12, and Romans 6:1-9
Paul made it plain that we are baptized into Christ's death, that we are buried with him in baptism. Even without the teachings of scripture, common sense reveals to us that before someone can be buried, they must be dead. Likewise, our flesh (desires of the flesh) must be dead before we are buried in the watery grave.
Understanding this, God rightly directed John to preach, confession of sins (repentance) and baptism (submerging our sinful flesh in water) so that those who came before Christ could be forgiven of their sins.
The practice of John's baptism was simply a temporary solution that would ultimately be revamped by the Son of God (Jesus) who would not take away from John's baptism, but would add to it; access to the Holy Ghost.
John expressed that he had simply baptized with water unto repentance but Jesus would come and baptize with the Holy Ghost.
Matthew 3:11
Mark 1:8
Luke 3:16
John 1:33
Now that we have inspected the structure and purpose of John's baptism, let's look at the baptism of the Holy Ghost that was preached about by John concerning Jesus.
Jesus' baptism:
Through the life of Jesus, who was God manifest in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16); being a sinless human, with innocent blood, became the ultimate sacrifice; the Lamb of God, slain before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8), our sins were bought on Calvary's hill. When Jesus died on the cross, was buried and rose again three days later, ascending into Heaven, he paved the way for the Spirit of God (Holy Ghost) to come and abide with man forever (John 14:16-20).
While those before Christ were not fortunate enough to have received the gift of the Holy Ghost because it had not yet been poured out, we have direct access to the Holy Ghost. When we crucify the flesh, we remain obedient to water baptism (in the name of Jesus) for the remission of our sins, but now, through the life of Jesus, we have gained access to the promise, given by Jesus himself: "wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence". (Acts 1:4-5).
This is why we (the church) should practice and preach the plan of salvation as given in Acts 2:38 when Peter laid out a 3 step solution to the sin problem:
1. Repent (ask for forgiveness; kill the flesh; turn away from sin)
2. Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (fully submerged in water using the name of Jesus; the washing away of all our sins, coming up a new creature)
3. Receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (put on Christ; receive his spirit; the initial evidence of speaking in other tongues)
Jesus explained this concept to Nicodemus in detail, expressing the consequences of NOT being obedient to the plan of salvation. (John 3:1-21) Understanding this, it's easy to see the importance of being born of the water (water baptism in Jesus name) and being born of the Spirit (receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost). Both are eternally important and significant.
In closing, I urge you to be obedient to the Word of God. Repent of your sins, be baptized in Jesus name, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. After all, it is a promised gift that belongs to you, no matter what you have done or where you have come from.
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