Luke 3:15-22 - How many baptisms are there? Luke emphasizes the
anointing of the Spirit in connection with baptism. The Holy Spirit comes to us
in and through our baptism. In the Gospel lesson “water baptism” and “spirit
baptism” are mentioned. In verse 16 John the Baptizer says he baptizes with
water but a greater than he will baptize with the Spirit and fire. Water and
Spirit baptism are one and the same. The Spirit comes with the Word manifested
by the sign of water. Baptism is essentially a spiritual matter, a covenant
between God and the believer. It is not a mere external matter of applying
water to a person. You are a true and complete Christian by virtue of your
baptism. This is your birthright, where faith is born. Its purpose and power
cannot be taken away from you.
Baptism is n act of God’s adoption. Note that God
takes the initiative in Luke’s account of the baptism of Jesus. Here God
accepts Jesus as His Son. This also takes place in your life. You are made a Christian
and made a member of God’s elect in Baptism.
Baptism is a call to service. Jesus’ baptism opens His
public ministry. Jesus goes to the wilderness immediately after his baptism to
carry out his mission from God. At your baptism you receive your marching
orders and are sent on a mission to serve God and fulfill the destiny God has
for you as a redeemed child of God.
Luke makes Jesus’ baptism a corporate and not only and
individual experience. “When all the people were baptized” Jesus was one of them.
Baptism is not an individual matter, not a “family affair.” It is a corporate
concern in which the people of God are involved. Thus, the church teaches that
Baptism is not a private service, but a baptism should be held at a regular
worship service in which the people of God participate in the baptism and serve
as additional sponsors in the case of infant baptism.
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