Spiritual Baptism

A Survey of Bible Doctrine, Charles C. Ryrie, Moody Press, Chicago, Ill. 1972, Page 78

“To many the word baptism conjures up visions of water or spectacular display of power. Neither is correct when speaking of the baptizing work of the Spirit. This is something entirely different from the ordinance of water baptism, and it is something which gives the Christian primarily a position and, only secondarily, power. Too, people often confuse baptism and the filling of the Spirit, but these are separate and distinct ministries of the Spirit.” 

I Corinthians 12:13.  For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

John 1:5.  For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

Acts 10: 44.  While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

 45.  And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

 46.  For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

 47.  Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

 48.  And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Acts 11:16.  Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

Romans 6: 1.  What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

 2.  God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

 3.  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

 4.  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Galatians 3:26.  For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

 27.  For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

I Peter 3:18.  For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the spirit:

  21.  The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Colossians 2:12.  Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

John’s Baptism

Matthew 3:1.  In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

 2.  And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

 3.  For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

 4.  And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.

 5.  Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,

 6.  And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

Acts 18:24.  And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

 25.  This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

Acts 19:1.  And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

 2.  He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

 3.  And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

 4.  Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

 5.  When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

John 1: 19.  And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?

 20.  And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

 21.  And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

 22.  Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

 23.  He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

 24.  And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.

 25.  And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

 26.  John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;

 27.  He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

 28.  These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

 29.  The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

 30.  This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

 31.  And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

 32.  And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

 33.  And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

Apostle’s Baptism

Acts 2:36.  Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

 37.  Now 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?

 38.  Then 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 Ghost.

Acts 8:35.  Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

 36.  And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

 37.  And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 

 38.  And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

Today’s Baptism

Matthew 28:19.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

 20.  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.