The Holy Spirit (4) – Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Baptism of Fire (1)
For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” (Acts 1:5)
“As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals;
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matthew 3:11)
- Meaning of Baptism of Water
When you attend church and lead a Christian life for a while, you receive the baptism. Here, this baptism refers to baptism by water. Baptism by water outwardly symbolizes that we have been forgiven of sins, received life, and become God’s children.
During the Old Testament times, people were circumcised on the outside to show that they were people of God. But during the New Testament times, God gives the gift of the Holy Spirit to those who accept Jesus Christ to circumcise their heart, and the baptism of water outwardly testifies that we have become God’s children.
But the baptism of water alone cannot guarantee that we are saved. Water baptism is just a symbolic ceremony for those who have received the Holy Spirit and become God’s children. So, even if you have received the baptism of water, if you have not received the Holy Spirit, your salvation is not guaranteed.
In Acts 8:14 onward, even after the Holy Spirit descended, people in Samaria did not know about the Holy Spirit and they only received baptism of water. So, the apostles went to Samaria, laid their hands on them so they would receive the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, when you lead a Christian life, you should first open the door of your heart, accept Jesus as the Savior, receive the Holy Spirit and then receive the baptism by water.
But sometimes, there are people who receive the baptism by water first, and then open their heart, accept the Lord, and receive the Holy Spirit. But what is important is not what you receive first, but that you must and definitely have to receive the Holy Spirit to become God’s children and receive salvation.