Water Baptism
R. Jerome Harris·

Did Jesus Teach Water Baptism

John the Baptizer said at Matthew 3:11 that it was his own baptism that would be a baptism in water. He says …

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.

Doctor Luke (yes, he was a physician) said at Acts 1:5 that disciples of Christ WOULD NOT be baptized with water but with another type of baptism: Holy Spirit. He says:

For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.

So what in the world are people doing getting baptized in the manner of John the Baptizer? Are they his disciples or Jesus’ disciples? Is John the Baptizer their Lord or is Jesus their Lord? Who is perpetrating this lie of water baptism?The answer is the enemy of God and Christ. I wolf in sheeps clothing: The religious system called, created and named by men, Christianity.

Listen to this podcast as I explain to you the truth about baptism and whose baptism one should be seeking. I also encourage all who listen to reach out to The Most High God and Father of us all – in private and by prayer through Christ – that God give them his wisdom, understanding and knowledge.

If one seek his own understanding, wisdom and knowledge then they will never receive or know the truth. One must put full reliance, faith and confidence in the Father as our Lord and Master Jesus Christ did.

More an indepth article please read: Did Christ Establish Water Baptism?

Podcast Length: 29:47

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R. Jerome Harris

No one of importance. A disciple (student) of Christ apart from the established religious systems who reasons, thinks and concludes matters for myself. Something is not right with the state of religion in the world. The real dichotomy is that we live in a world so full of religion, yet is an evil, immoral, and dangerous place to live. A mental and spiritual separation from this world that Jesus said his kingdom is no part of is the first step to a "break-through" to freedom and entry into a much larger spiritual world where God and Christ resides and the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of God can be accessed.

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10 Comments

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

    Reply

    1. That’s right! Why would you assume this baptism is with water? Jesus told his disciples that he would send them Holy Spirit. Once they received it, they would baptize others with it. We see this example at Pentecost 33 when 120 disciples of Christ received a baptism by holy spirit. What did those 120 disciples do after they received it? They baptized 3000 with holy spirit and then 5000 more. NO WATER!  It was simply a matter of them speaking (teaching) and the listeners believing. (Acts Chapters 2 and 4)

      This baptism would be in the name of THE FATHER, THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. Not in the name of THE FATHER, THE SON AND WATER.

      I maintain for all of those who believe Jesus spoke of baptizing with water produce the proof and pattern. They cannot. We do not see Jesus baptizing any of his disciples with water and neither do we see examples of Jesus disciples making other disciples and baptizing them with water.

      We do see disciplemaking via baptism with holy spirit as I described above. 

      I am amazed that the baptism of John the Baptizer is what people today want and defend rather than the greater baptism of Christ Jesus. 

      Reply

      1. Yes I see this, it is with Holy Spirit they baptize. I guess the significance of water baptizm is a public symbolic show of repentance, washing yourself clean of sin.

        Reply

        1. It is not with holy spirit “THEY” baptize. It is with holy spirit “Jesus” baptizes.

          “The question one should be asking is “Who” made water baptism a public show of repentance? Did The Most High God? Did Jesus? No! It has been religious organizations who have stated this. Since when to we place the words of Christ above those of men? When I was one of JWs I was told that water baptism is “a public symbolic show of repentance, washing yourself clean of sin.” But this no not where stated by Christ in Scripture.

          Additionally, we (humans) have no power to wash ourselves clean of sin. Plus, sin is not something that can be washed away from anyone with water. How many people do you (and I) know who got baptized with water and they still sin?

          The GREATER baptism with Holy Spirit is far more powerful than that of John the Baptizer. Jesus’ baptism does far more than just for repentance of sin, his baptism FORGIVES sin and when we are baptized with Holy Spirit, we teach others what Christ taught us and in that way they too receive the baptism in Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19-20)

          At hearing the truth about God and Christ (Christs teachings) AND accepting it, the person will receive that baptism. It is quiet, personal with no fanfare, but yet powerful and enlightening. When you receive it, you WILL ALREADY have accepted the truth about God and Christ. You will not receive it having not accepting the truth. Why? Because you cannot baptize others with Holy Spirit if you have not accepted the truth.

          Like Jesus said to the Jews at John 8:31-32:

          “If YOU remain in my word, YOU are really my disciples, and YOU will know the truth, and the truth will set YOU free.”

          With regards the Jews back then, free from keeping the law covenant but also concerning anyone who would be his disciples, free and clear to receive that baptism with holy spirit.

          We must be careful not to let religious organizations put in our minds what Christ did not teach. The biggest evidence that water baptism died with John the Baptizer is that we see no evidence of Christ baptizing his disciples (not even the Apostles) with water; or his disciples baptizing each other with water. If water baptism was something Jesus instituted, then the Bible would be saturated with such examples. It is simply not there.

          The problem is that few truly listen to God and Christ. They listen to men and their religious organizations.

          The Most High God stated at Luke 9:35:

          “This is my Son, the one that has been chosen. Listen to him.”

          If Christ never spoke of his disciples being baptized in water and we so not one example that he did (or that his disciples did), then why should I listen to ANY religious organization who says that water baptism a public symbolic show of repentance, washing yourself clean of sin. They are making it up.

          In my article on this subject, I explain why Jesus allowed John the Baptizer to baptize him with water. Jesus had no sin to wash away! It was for another reason: To show that Johns disciplemaking work ends and so will his baptism. A new disciplemaking work begins with a new baptism. That is why we see holy spirit come upon Jesus. That is, to show that THAT would be the new baptism. Not from earthly water below, but from heaven above.

          I could write a book on this subject. Sadly, the world has missed the boat on this one. Not surprised as we all know who this world belongs to. Thus, it is logical that the wicked one would promote this lie and have the entire world practicing the ritual of a dead man.

           

           

           

          Reply

          1. Is it not "they" that are baptizing on behalf Christ & our Father in Heaven, although obviously it is not the disciples that possess or dispense the Holy Spirit but it is still them asking for it in the name of Christ when the baptism takes place is it not?

          2. Daz, Look at this way.

            The command Jesus gave at Matthew 28:19-20 reads as follows:

            "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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

            Now ask yourself, "Whose baptism was Jesus referring to? His or John the Baptizers?"

            Why would Jesus have persons who would be his disciples be baptized with John's baptism? Jesus did not say baptize them with water. He said to baptize the disciples they make "in the name of The Father, The Son (his baptism) and the Holy Spirit (the baptism itself).

            What I am really trying to get so many to see is that when they hear the the expression "baptism" used, they should not assume it is with water. But that is what they do. They have actually ignored the greater baptism.

            If Jesus commanded us (that is, his disciples), to baptize "in the name of The Father, The Son (his baptism) and the Holy Spirit (the baptism itself), then that would mean that the holy spirit he gives us, we, in turn give it to others. The baptism is the hearing and accepting the teachings of Christ. Once you KNOW THE TRUTH, you teach it to others and THEY now have it. They, in turn, teach others and so on and so on. It is like the two fishes and five loaves.

            That is why Jesus says at Matthew 28:20:  "teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

            The baptism is listening to and accepting the teachings of Christ, the truth. It begins with acknowledging the source of that truth: The Holy Father in Heaven. And, then the bearer of that truth, The Son and Word of God who is also Holy. And, accepting the Word, which is the baptism itself with Holy Spirit.

            Jesus made reference to himself as being THE NEW WATER. That new water is the truth of this teachings, not literal water. Jesus said at John 4:14:

            "But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

            Three things to notice here about what Jesus said: (1) He mentioned "drinking water" not being immersed in it. (2) He would given his disciples this water, not John the Baptizer (baptism with water) and (3) accepting the water JESUS gives us leads to eternal life.

            It is obvious that the water Jesus was referring to was his teachings. When persons listens and accepts his teachings (drinking), they receive his baptism with Holy Spirit and they qualify for eternal life.

            Christs teachings did not end with his ascension. His teachings are not confined in a book called the Bible. His teachings – many of which are NOT in a book – continues to flow to us from the Father, through Christ to us. Jesus said at Matthew 28:20:

            "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

            Jesus said that he would send us (his disciples) Holy Spirit at Luke 24:49:

            "I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." (Also read John 14:16, John 16:7, Acts 1:5 and Acts 2:4)

            So his disciples DID and WOULD possess Holy Spirit to spead and give to others.

            Jesus himself said at  Acts 1:4-5:

            "On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit."

            Notice Jesus did not tell his disciples that they would be baptized with BOTH water and Holy Spirit. No! Just with Holy Spirit. (John was dead and so was his baptism with water).

            If one listens to Christ, there would not be a problem with accepting his teaching about their being only one baptism: His, with Holy Spirit.

            But the world is fighting Christs teachings and his baptism. Primarily the ones claiming to follow Christ are the ones opposing (anti) Christ. They fight had to teach and accept a baptism that is NOT from Christ. The world has been misled as Christ said it would about the truth of His Father and himself.

            Again, we do not see Jesus baptizing his disciples with water, do we? Neither so we see his disciples baptizing persons who would be Christs disciples with water. If water baptism was Jesus' baptism, the Bible should be saturated with examples of it. It simply is not there.

            I know many people who are loyal to their respective churches or religious organizations that teach water baptism. I fully understand the personal attachment. For a long time, I believed water baptism was a requirement to being a follower of Christ. Thus, I was sucked into it as well. I know better now. There is only one baptism, not TWO.

            The Apostle Paul understood and taught this. Notice what he says at Eph 4:4-5:

            "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;  one Lord, one faith, one baptism;…"

            See Article: "One Baptism" 

            Daz, it is your choice: water or Holy Spirit.

            Hopefully, you will chose the latter.

            When you do, you have accepted a great truth. This places you on the path to listen to more truths about God and Christ (which are painful and difficult to hear and accept, but are the truth). Once you accept them, you will be FULL of Holy Spirit. That is, FULL of TRUTH because you will have accepted the full measure of Christs teachings. The religious systems of the world – especially – Christianity teaches what sounds good and easy to listen to and accept. That is not how Christs teachings operate. His teachings are INITIALLY difficult to listen to and accept. At hearing them, they will war with you on the inside. Why? Because his truth will upset the false teachings within. Like demons being agitated at the presence of Jesus.

            It is very easy to listen to and accept the lie of water baptism. But not easy to listen to and accept the ONE TRUE BAPTISM: Christ baptism with Holy Spirit.

            Knowing truth will make you an enemy of the world and its religions and those within them. 

            That there is one baptism – not two – which one do you think you chose?

  2. Hi Jerome,

    Thank you for your thoughtful presentation on water baptism   I was doing research.on it and I think Jesus is clear on was baptism is for the believer. 

    I understand your frustration with many professing Christians.  I left the organized church about 20 years ago because of a similiar frustration about nominal Christians who were converts and not true disiples.

    I was surprised regarding your attitude about the bible  Hmmm….I get it that we shouldn’t worship it but to disregard it in my opinion is concerning.  The bible is scripture and all scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof and correction. Its also God breathed. In my opinion that gives it a lot of weight.  Again we worship Jesus.  However in the world are many antichrist.  There are gnostic christs.  The bible tells us not to believe every spirit but to tests the spirits   That’s a good admonition.  We certainly don’t want to be deceived.. The bible is written by other annointed men who have gone before us and can help us avoid some of the pitfalls….again not believing every spirit.  The bible also contains prophecy and knowledge about who God really is.  It’s chock full of truth and reality.

    I’m thinking that your concern maybe with those who claim sola scriptura which is a doctrine of reformed theology.  I’ve had a lot of experience with that as many of my family is a part of that heresy. 

    Anyway….thank you for your consideration.

    Susan Throop

    Reply

    1. Hi Susan. Thank you for visiting.

      Do you not think that there is an uncanny insistence in the world to elevate a book that appears on the earthly scene some 1500 years after the ascension of Christ ABOVE Christ himself?

      I believe the world has been (and still is) being conditioned to mention the Bible as a Teacher and Word of God rather than the person, Christ himself.

      When people find themselves saying, “The Bible says ,,,” or “The Bible teaches …” then there should be a concern.  Rather, what should be in our minds, in our hearts, and on our lips is, “Jesus says …” or “Jesus Teaches …”

      That way, we acknowledge that it is a person – and not a book – that we view as our Master and Teacher.

      We are not to be students or disciples of a book. God did not send us a book, He sent his Son.

      Reply

  3. I got saved in my living room at my house. When I repented, asked God for forgiveness of my sin and and asked him to come into my heart and life. I was a new creation in the blink of an eye. For the first time I could make sense of the bible, understanding the spiritual meaning behind Jesus teaching. The first thing I did was go tell every one in my family and friends they needed to be saved. I wanted them to experience that joy, the love that cast out all fear. And to know that they were going to heaven. So the first day at my job I’m telling people how to be saved. And this fellow tells me later in the day that if I didn’t get baptised in water and received the holy spirit with evidence of speaking tongues that I never received the holy spirit. I knew better cause no matter how hard you try you can not change your complete way of thinking 180 degrees , you cannot hate sin unless God does it. You cannot experience the joy God sets in your heart and the love for other believers and hunger for God’s word unless God does it through the baptism of the spirit. So I started going to this Baptist church where they baptised you in water ARTER your conversion experience. No one ever told me there that if you get baptised in water you would be saved. As in not having to repent. No one ever said I’d speak in tongues. All the water baptism is, is showing what has happened in your heart. Lowered in the water represents your old nature dying and being raised out the water represents your new life from being born again. So my question is if people know water baptism doesn’t doesn’t save you. What’s the harm in doing it. Recently I shared this experience and this woman told me I was going to lose my salvation teaching a different doctrine. I wasn’t teaching anything , I was sharing an experience. So what say your. I’m 67 years old, I got saved at 25. My life has not been perfect. God has done some pretty miraculous things in my life. Not boasting I’m just saying if I did something wrong by getting water baptised why didn’t God convict me like he would if I’d like or steal?

    Reply

    1. Hi Doug, thanks for posting. May I ask, what have you been “saved” for? And, how would you reconcile what Jesus said at Matthew 10:22 that salvation does not come until AFTER a period of endurance? Jesus taught:

      “You will be hated by EVERYONE because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
      Is the end here?
      Are Christ’s followers hated by EVERYONE?

      There is only ONE House (church), that of Christ himself. It is not what all of the many churches in THIS world say or teach, it is what the Master of the Household (Christ) teaches.

      Jesus NEVER baptized his chosen ones (apostles) in water. We do not see this in the Bible. His disciples never baptized each other in water. Why? Because water baptism is NOT Jesus’ baptism. It is the baptism of John the Baptizer. Jesus’ baptism is a greater baptism. It is a baptism of Holy Spirit and Fire, not water. (John 3:11-12)

      There is a harm in water baptism as many people believe it is what God wants them to do. It does not recognize the greater baptism in His Son.

      If anyone so easily dismisses Jesus’ baptism, then they will dismiss the many other things he taught.

      If we are to follow Christ, we are to follow his baptism, not that of John the Baptizer.

      We should want to do what is right.

      Salvation is being “saved” as to eternal life. Jesus died so that we not “perish” (not die). We will die. That we will die, we will be resurrected from the dead (born again from the dead). (John 5:28-29)

      It is after the resurrection of ALL, that we have in front of us the prospect and crown of eternal life. To receive that crown of eternal life, we will be tested as to our faithfulness just as Jesus was. In those days after our resurrections back to life again, it will not be easy. If we stay on that narrow road that leads to life, in other words, “endure to the end,” THEN we will be saved.

      It is past due that we all learn the truth about our God and His Son so that it will be easier on us in those future days after we are resurrected. It will be easier for those who are in expectation of those future events. Those who think they ARE SAVED (present tense) will be in for a shock. (Matthew 7:21-23)

      I am a humble servant of my Master Christ and I sit before him (not any church) and I am taught by him. Soaking up knowledge about him and the One who sent him so that my faith in them (both are invisible) is built up that will help me through the difficult days to come.

      My Master never told ANYONE that they ARE saved. The religious organizations do that. Jesus teaches that we MUST be tested as to our faithfulness and worthiness to be given eternal life.

      There is no power in water baptism and neither is their magic or power in self-proclaiming ourselves saved.

      Most people I speak to cannot articulate what “being saved” is or means. Some think it means going to heaven. Jesus never taught this. He taught what is written at John 3:13.

      No one today “is saved” as none of us have been tested (Great Tribulation) and come out on the other side with our robes washed White in the blood of the lamb. (Rev 7:14)

      Sometimes we must let go of what WE personally “feel” and obey God’s command at Luke 9:35 that we “Listen” to His son.

      What does Jesus say about these matters? That should be important to us.

      Reply

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