Post # 20
What is the Biblical basis for baptism?
Mark 1:9 – “And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in the Jordan.”
Acts 2:36-38 – “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Comment.
I believe Jesus was baptized as an example for believers to follow. Peter instructed those who were ‘pricked’ in their hearts to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Mark 1:7-8 quotes John the Baptist, “There comes one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. 8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
The baptism of the Holy Spirit in this context is the receiving of the gift of the Holy Spirit (being immersed in the Holy Spirit) after being immersed in water (an outward symbol of the acceptance of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus for forgiveness of sins and of the repentance of our inner hearts).
What is involved in repentance?
Mainly it is a change of heart from relying on ourselves and our self centered ways to asking God for help and guidance to live according to his will and way of life. God’s way is basically the way of love – outgoing concern for others equal to self concern. Repentance is not accomplished by human will power alone, but involves an act of faith in praying for God to lead us to repentance. Romans 2:4 – “Or do you despise the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?”
God is calling people from all walks of life and from all nations to practice his way of life for the benefit those they come in contact with. We pray for God to bless us so that we can be a blessing to others. Abraham was called to be the father of many nations through whom all the world would be blessed. Jesus descended from Abraham and is the blessing that God promised to be given to all the world.
What a great and logical God that put together the story of how we can be given eternal life through his Son by repentance and the gift of the Holy Spirit. He alone is worthy of worship.
