Beloved, in continuance of our theme from the “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series, entitled The Doctrine of Baptisms, I would like to start where we left off last week by writing on the subject, The Baptism of Water. In the beginning of the Gospel, John preached “the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Luke 3:3, Acts 13:24). Jesus told His disciples that “repentance and remission of sins should be preached in [my] name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). Peter did this on the Day of Pentecost (see Acts 2). Thus, baptism for the remission (removal) of sin should be preached in every nation under the heaven, to this day.
Precious Ones, Philip (the deacon) went to Samaria, and “when [people] believed [the] preaching [of] the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized...” (Acts 8:12); not with the Holy Spirit only, but in water in the Name of the Lord Jesus. It is shown in the events of this chapter that water baptism was not only a sign of inward purity and proof that an individual’s sins were remitted, but also that baptism was only efficacious when practiced in faith with a repentant heart.
Chosen Ones, I told you last week that I want to highlight two baptisms – (1) the Baptism of Water and (2) the Baptism of the Spirit. I will write about the second baptism next week.
I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,
Pastor William L. McCoy
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