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John 3:11
11
"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
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Jesus did not baptize anyone with water. Neither did the apostles.
Jesus ascended. He left us the Holy Spirit. The grace from his atoning blood, is the cleansing of all sin for those who carry the Truth forward in faith. This is what his mediation means. For Jews it is reconciliation to the Father, for Gentiles it is a means of Salvation.
The water baptism is symbolic in Judaism. It has been said to represent the washing away of sin by God with the flood. It is a ritual that clears the conscience of sin, so a follower could then have righteousness of God come through them.
The problem was, that the ritual was being done, yet the follower would fall back into sin. Prophets of God warned them of this, and called for repenting of sin. John the Baptist also ministered the understanding of repenting when he performed these baptisms.
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Matthew 23:25,26
25
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.
26
Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.
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The mediation of Moses, under the Law, required the cleansing by water, to 'wash the outside of the cup'. But, the washing of the inside of the cup, by repent and then denial of self, brings a humility and sincerity to the soul. Then the outside of the cup, the actions made through desire, are denied.
This is why today, Christians who minister the water baptism as the cleansing of sin, dying of the world; fail the believer. Because this mediation can not save a soul from sin, only remove it to clear the conscience. For a soul to be saved, faith must be placed in the new mediation of Jesus. He is the authority who supplies the Holy Spirit to the Prophets and now to believers under grace.
Repent and the forgiveness of sin, is what fulfills the "born of water". Denial of self, and acting on faith, are the product of being born again; the "born of Spirit". So a thief dying on a cross can be saved be repenting, being forgiven, and in faith, acting in love. No water ritual required. Amen
The blood of Christ, and his mediation, fulfilled that ritual, and supply the faithful with the Holy Spirit. The cleansing ritual of the Jews has not been needed since Christ received the Holy Spirit.
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John 3:5
5
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.
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The Kingdom:
Is the eternal conscience, which supplies love, and the fruits and gifts of love.
Born of water:
Being made clean by repent of sins, and forgiveness of sins.
Born of the Spirit:
Denial of self, and born in faith the Holy Spirit is in you.
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Acts 2 38-42
38
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39
The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40
With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”
41
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
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The baptism of the 3000 was not done in water, but in the name of Jesus. Faith in him being the Messiah is the Spirit baptism. "Repent and believe in his authority".
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Acts 2:1-2
1
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
2
Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
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The twelve present at pentecost were not at the Jordan river, nor were they at the temple. They were gathered in a house in Jerusalem. The crowd gathered. 3000 people were baptized under the authority of Jesus.. "in the name of Jesus". That is the Holy Spirit baptism, that brings salvation.
I fear God. I know that water baptism is common practice. But, in defense of the great cost that affords us salvation, the reliance on old mediation for the cleansing of sin, shames the blood Christ spilt. His mediation is greater than the mediation of Moses. So to suggest the mediation of Law is needed to have faith, is to not have understanding of grace.
Should you continue to baptize by water? No.
I was baptized when I was twelve. I didn't receive the Holy Spirit baptism till I was 40. I was dying, and I cried out to God a repent of every sin I could remember doing, I begged forgiveness for my soul, I thanked Him for his Son. I was born again. I was received, and received the Holy Spirit. I had lived a life of sin and had no faith. Now I seek by faith guidance in as much of my life as I can.
The water baptism is not of Christ.
The water baptism is not in his name.
The water baptism is not of his mediation.
The 'water' is repent and forgiveness of sin
The 'Spirit' is by faith and grace.
Salvation is at hand. Repent, ask forgiveness, believe in faith grace is upon you, deny yourself and let the Holy Spirit guide your acts!
Fire!
Awake!
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