John the Baptist (the Baptizer)

In our daily lives, there will come a time when you are questioning, or better yet, desiring to learn how to be Baptized, Saved, or Born Again.

Let’s understand what it means to be Baptized:

• To be Baptized is best illustrated and described by John the Baptist, or John the Baptizer. John was born as the cousin of Jesus, and walked the righteous trail ahead of Jesus, to Baptize both Jewish and Gentile people, and prepare the way for Jesus arrival.
  John 1:19-1:28. John the Baptist answers question from the Levites and Priests. “I am not the Christ”. “I am the voice of one calling in the desert, Make straight the way for the Lord”.
  The Pharisees further questioned John, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, Elijah, or a Prophet?”
  John replied; ” I baptize with water, but among you stands one you don’t know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

. Meaning and Symbolism

• Represents Cleansing from Sin: Water baptism symbolizes the washing away of sin and spiritual purification. It reflects the believer’s repentance and commitment to a new life in Christ.
• Identification with Jesus’ Death, Burial, and Resurrection: Being immersed in water (or having water poured or sprinkled) signifies being buried with Christ in His death, and coming out of the water symbolizes being raised to a new life, born again, just as Jesus was resurrected. Romans 6:4: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

2. Methods of Baptism

• Immersion: The most common method, where a person is fully submerged in water. It reflects Jesus’ own baptism and the symbolism of death and resurrection.
• Pouring or Sprinkling: Some denominations practice baptism by pouring or sprinkling water on the head, symbolizing the cleansing of sins.

3. Purpose and Importance

• Act of Obedience: Jesus commanded His followers to be baptized as an expression of faith and obedience.
  Matthew 28:19: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
• Public Declaration: Baptism is a way for believers to publicly declare their faith and identify as followers of Jesus.
• Entry into the Christian Community: It is often seen as a way of joining the body of believers, marking the start of a new spiritual journey.

4. Who Should Be Baptized?

• Baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to follow Christ and accept Him as their Savior. In some traditions, infants are also baptized, symbolizing the faith of their family and community until they can profess faith themselves.

Water baptism is a powerful symbol of new life and commitment to Christ and is celebrated as a meaningful moment in a believer’s faith journey.

4. Where can I be baptized?

Find a good bible based church. Attend the church and make sure they are teaching about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Take your bible and verify verse and scripture during the sermon. If you have faith in the Church, and the Pastor, ask the Pastor for a Baptism. These are usually offered at the end of each Sermon, or schedule during the week.

Being baptized by water is a good start to your Christian walk of faith.

But there is another way to be born again and saved.

Jesus said: ” I tell you the truth, no one can enter into the Kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.“

Being saved through the Holy Spirit refers to the process of spiritual transformation and renewal that occurs when a person places their faith in Jesus Christ and is “born again.” The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the salvation experience, bringing the believer into a new and eternal relationship with God. Here’s a deeper understanding of what it means:

1. Conviction of Sin

• The Holy Spirit convicts people of their sin and their need for salvation. He helps individuals recognize their brokenness and their need for a Savior. John 16:8: “When he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.”

2. Regeneration or New Birth

• When someone accepts Christ as Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit works a miracle in their heart, regenerating or giving them a new spiritual life. This is often referred to as being “born again” or experiencing a spiritual rebirth.

Jesus talks to Nicodemus about being Born again in the Spirit

• John 3:1-3 During his meeting with Nicodemus Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Nicodemus responded, “How can a man be born again when he is old? Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!”

• John 3:5-6: “Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.’”

3. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit

• After salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within the believer, marking them as a child of God and guaranteeing their inheritance in Christ. Ephesians 1:13-14: “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.”
• The indwelling Spirit empowers the believer to live a holy life, provides comfort and guidance, and transforms their character to be more like Christ.

5. Assurance of Salvation

• The Holy Spirit gives believers assurance of their salvation and their relationship with God. He confirms that they are children of God and loved by Him. Romans 8:16: “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.”

6. Sanctification

• The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the believer’s ongoing spiritual growth and sanctification. He empowers believers to overcome sin, cultivates spiritual fruit like love, joy, and peace, and helps them become more Christ-like. Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”

7. Spiritual Gifts

• The Holy Spirit also gives spiritual gifts to believers to equip them for ministry and service in the body of Christ, enabling them to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives.

Summary

Being saved through the Holy Spirit involves a complete transformation that starts with conviction, continues with spiritual rebirth, and leads to a life empowered and guided by God’s Spirit. The Holy Spirit seals believers as God’s own, provides strength and wisdom, and works to make them more like Jesus throughout their lives.

John 14:15-17: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with our and will be in you.”

How do I find the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit dwells in your heart and soul. This was God’s gift to us as Jesus died on the cross at Calvary. When Jesus died on the cross he claimed; “It is finished.” And when he died, he gave up the Holy Spirit, to be his spiritual champion here on earth. To dwell in all of us.

As Jesus was about to die on the cross, after over 9 hours of suffering, Jesus last words were:

John 19:30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that Jesus bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

The Holy Spirit resides in you right now. He has been with you since you were born.

Start communicating with God. Pray for understanding, Pray for Patience, Pray for Peace, Pray for Joy. Start reading the Bible. Read the Bible daily.

• Pray for Understanding
• Pray for Patience
• Pray for Peace
• Pray for Joy
• Read the Bible daily
• Meditate on God’s Word

The Holy Spirit will speak to you when you open your heart and soul to receive his wonderful messages.

If you have any questions or comments about finding God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit please leave them in the comment section.