As John the Baptist baptized people, he said Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. It would be a different baptism. At the Jordan River, John baptized with water to demonstrate a willingness to turn from sin and toward God.
While John’s baptism did not give salvation, repentance was the first step in entering a relationship with the Lord. Matthew 3:11 “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.[1]
The Coming of the Holy Spirit
The words of John the Baptist looked forward to when the Holy Spirit would come on the day of Pentecost. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, forming tongues of fire on believers, empowering them to proclaim the Good News of Jesus.
Acts 2:1On the day of Pentecost, all the believers were meeting together in one place. 2 Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. 3 Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. 4 And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. [2]
After Pentecost, all those who placed their faith in Jesus would receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the fire of purification. New believers would not experience flame upon their heads after Pentecost, but the results of the Holy Spirit would be the same.
The Work of the Holy Spirit
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit would temporarily come upon believers for the Lord’s particular work for that person. However, ten days after Jesus ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in every believer. Reflect on what this means; if you believe in Jesus as your Savior, the Holy Spirit lives inside you.
With the Spirit living in us, God can help us throughout our lives by providing guidance, comfort, strength, and empowerment. Obedience to our Lord Jesus is impossible if we rely on our strength, but possible as we let the Holy Spirit control us. Paul writes about the ministry of the Holy Spirit in our lives, which is a fantastic blessing.
Romans 8:26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. [3]
To learn how Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/john-prepares-the-way
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.