Good Foundations

1. Water Baptism
John 3:22-23, 4:1-2 – Jesus baptized those who believed in Him. Water baptism goes
hand-in-hand with becoming a true follower of Christ. Those who became new creations
now symbolized their re-birth by water baptism.
What is it?
Acts 19:1-5 – Water baptism is symbolic of repentance from sins and a sinful life.
Who does it?
Acts 22:12-16 – Water baptism is for all who are old enough to recognize the need to
repent, and knowledgeable enough to realize the way to salvation.
2. Baptism intoChrist
Luke 12:49-50 – Jesus calls His crucifixion a baptism (dictionary.com defines baptism as
“a trying or purifying experience or initiation”).
Galatians 2:20 – Because we have been crucified with Christ, we share in the baptism of
Christ.
John 14:19-20 – You share in His baptism/crucifixion on the cross because He’s a part
of you and you’re a part of Him.
Colossians 1:15-22 – Realize that Jesus’ supremacy over all things results in your ability
to be completely righteous in God’s sight; free from accusation, from evil behavior, from
weakness. You are righteous and you are powerful.
Colossians 2:9-13 – This circumcision comes from the baptism into Christ as we are
raised from death into life. (Dictionary.com defines circumcision as “spiritual
purification”). Also this clearly includes the removal of something extra – in this case
our sin is removed during the act of baptism into Christ. You are dead in your
transgressions, then you’re circumcised (your sins are cut off through Jesus), then you’re
made alive because Jesus is alive.
Romans 6:1-7 – A reiteration of everything I’ve said about our baptism into Christ.
(As an aside – because we’re dead we no longer follow the Law – Romans 7:1-4).
But don’t think this means you do whatever you want – although there are 613 Laws in
the OT, there are 1050 commands in the NT.
3. Baptism into the Holy Spirit
Matthew 3:11 – John’s baptism is water and symbolizes repentance. Jesus’ baptism is
with the Holy Spirit and for power (1 Corinthians 4:20)
John 20:19-23 – Jesus has now risen from the dead and because they believe, they now
receive the Holy Spirit to dwell with them. Notice that when He gives them the Holy
Spirit nothing outwardly happens (His presence results in His fruit – Galatians 5:22-23).
Acts 1:1-8 – They have already received the Holy Spirit (and Jesus has been moving with
the Holy Spirit this whole time while on earth), but now they’re told about a baptism of
the Holy Spirit. (We see them receive this in chapter 2).
Ways to receive His Holy Spirit baptism
Acts 8:9-19 - They prayed and laid hands on those who would receive.
Acts 19:5-7 – They accepted and Paul placed his hands on them to receive.
Acts 10:30-48 – They accepted and no hands were needed. In all three stories we see
that the only prerequisite for receiving the Holy Spirit baptism is to believe on Jesus.
Notice the difference between His power and His presence. (something outward happens)
Gifts available through His baptism
1 Corinthians 12:7-10 – All these become available