The Two Baptisms in Scripture

John’s baptism (being baptized into the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) is the ‘believer’s baptism.’ It was a baptism of repentance and how you became a disciple. This was during the transition period from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant while Jesus was still on earth before he officially defeated death and sent the Holy Spirit back for the New Covenant believers. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is being baptized into the name of Jesus Christ. This is where we receive our POWER.

Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Acts 19:1-7 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples 2 and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”  “John’s baptism,” they replied.  4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.7 There were about twelve men in all.

We, being that the Old Covenant is now fulfilled by Christ and obsolete, are now baptized into Christ. In this baptism of the Holy Spirit, we literally die to self, are filled with the Holy Spirit and are resurrected into life through the Spirit and become a new creature in Christ. So, as you can see, baptism is SO MUCH MORE than an outward sign or act. You really get a deeper revelation of its meaning as you continue to read the Bible when you understand this. Look for the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant as you read, as this is the key to understanding. (And remember that man has the New Covenant starting in Matthew but that is incorrect. The New Covenant didn’t start until Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost.)

The following Scriptures also show the difference in being sealed when you first believed and being filled with the Holy Spirit.

Sealed by Faith:

Ephesians 1:13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

Filled with the Holy Spirit:

Acts 2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Ephesians 4:4-6 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; ⁵ one Lord, one faith, one baptism; ⁶ one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Conclusion:

John’s baptism, being baptized in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, was a baptism of repentance to become a disciple.  The baptism of the Holy Spirit is the one baptism to be ‘in Christ’ and be filled with the Holy Spirit to receive power.  The Holy Spirit appears to come upon you after this baptism by the laying on of hands according to Acts 19:6 (above).  It is necessary to enter the kingdom of God.

John 3:5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.

Matthew 3:11 I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

Acts 1:18 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The fire is the POWER of the Holy Spirit! Amen!