Principles of the Doctrine of Christ: The Doctrine of Baptism (continued)

Beloved, in continuance of our theme from our “Principles of the Doctrine of Christ” series entitled, “The Doctrine of Baptism” – it’s time to teach about the second baptism highlighted in scripture, and that is the doctrine of the “Baptism of the Spirit.” Precious Ones, the scriptures teach us, “by one spirit are we all baptized into one body” (I Corinthians 12:13). Don’t be confused, Beloved, to be “born of the spirit” (John 3:5) is the same as being “baptized in the spirit.” According to the Book of Acts, Peter and John came to the Samaritans and “baptized them with water,” then “laid…hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost” (Acts 8:14-17). In addition, the Gospel according to John (see John 3:22) teaches that Jesus baptized his twelve disciples with water and they received the indwelling gift of the Holy Ghost after the resurrection. According to the 19th chapter of Acts, Paul baptized the Ephesians, then he “laid hands on them” and they “received the Holy Ghost.”

Chosen Ones, the way to put on Christ is to be baptized into Him by the Spirit (study Romans 13:14 and Galatians 3:27 together). Again, baptism is explained as something that must not only be done of water, but of the Spirit, “in the heart” and “not in the letter” of the law (Romans 2:29). Beloved, the spiritual birth is just as necessary as the water birth because of its significance. As Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of his fatherly (godly) deity, so even we (in this generation) also should walk in the newness of life, since we are saved by “his life” and not by (our) works (Romans 6:4; 5:10). Beloved, Jesus’ greatest achievement in “His life” was being raised by the Spirit and in the Spirit! Remember, after resurrection, he walked through doors (John 20:26). In the same way, we can, through the Spirit, walk through any door that our enemies shut in our faces. But remember, you must have the baptism of His Spirit to do what He did!!

I will write more on this subject next week. Until then, know this – I truly appreciate each and every one of you. None of you can ever be replaced in my eyes.

I love you all so very much.
In His love,

Pastor William L. McCoy