The Two Aspects of Baptism

 

The Two Aspects of Baptism

 

Galatians 3:27 "...for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."

Matthew 28:19 "...baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 6:3-4 "Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? ... so that we may live a new life."

 

Aspect	Visible Side	Invisible Side
Medium	Water	Holy Spirit
Relationship	Manifestation and testimony	Reality
Meaning	1. Terminating the baptized person's old life and history 2. Symbolizing Christ's death and burial	1. Regenerating believers, giving new life 2. Baptizing believers into Christ, the Triune God, and the Body of Christ
Explanation	1. Leading repentant individuals out of their old condition 2. Entering into a new realm 3. Becoming citizens of the kingdom	1. Regenerating believers with the eternal life of the Triune God 2. Baptizing people out of their own life 3. Baptizing them into the life of the Body of Christ
Examples	John the Baptist's water baptism	Baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
Relevant Scriptures	1. Acts 2:38,41 "Peter said... Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ... Those who accepted his message were baptized..." 2. Acts 19:5 "On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."	1. Acts 2:38 "...and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." 2. Acts 10:44-48 "...the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message... He ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ." 3. 1 Corinthians 12:13 "For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body..."

 

This table summarizes the two aspects of baptism: the visible water baptism and the invisible baptism of the Holy Spirit. Both are necessary and complement each other. Water baptism symbolizes the ending of the old life, while the baptism of the Holy Spirit brings new life, uniting believers with Christ, the Triune God, and the church (the Body of Christ).

 

Please refer to the 2024 Summer Live Training - Experiencing, Enjoying, and Expressing Christ (1)

Message Three: Making Disciples of All the Nations by Baptizing Them into the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit