To baptize is to wash or clean (perhaps by immersing or dipping into water) as a symbolic gesture signifying a repentance or commitment.
First, John the Baptist baptized people who repented of their sins, that is those who had remorse over their wrong actions (Mark 1:4-5).
Interestingly, Jesus (who was sinless—without fault) insisted that John baptize him prior to starting his ministry on earth (Matthew 3:13-17).
Later, Jesus had his disciples baptize his followers (John 4:2).
While John baptized with water, Jesus’s baptism was with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, and Matthew 3:11).
Key verse about Baptize: “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” (Matthew 3:11, NIV).
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront a status quo faith and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
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