318. Are we to seek a "baptism with the Holy Spirit" in addition to Holy Baptism?
No, the Holy Spirit works through the one Baptism instituted by Christ.
A. There is only "one Baptism for the remission of sins" (Nicene Creed).
Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one Baptism.
1 Corinthians 12:13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.
Note: The "instruction about washing [baptisms]" (Hebrews 6:2) does not mean that there are several Christian baptisms, but that the one Baptism must be clearly distinguished from the many religious washings that were common in the ancient world (see Mark 7:4). In addition, those churches are in error that rebaptize someone who was previously and properly baptized as an infant or someone who had fallen away from Christ and the Church and then returns. Baptism is a singular event, and god does not ever revoke His promises, so it need not be repeated.
B. Christian Baptism is not a water-only or a Spirit-only baptism, but a Baptism of water and the Holy Spirit.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God."
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:11 But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Note: Matthew 3:11 and Acts 1:4-5 speak of John baptizing with water and Jesus baptizing with the Spirit. The difference here is not between a "water baptism" and a "Spirit baptism." John's Baptism gave the forgiveness of sins but was in anticipation of Jesus' saving work and the Baptism Christ would institute, which is received until the end of the age. Christ's Baptism is with water and the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out after His resurrection (see John 7:39 and Acts 2).
C. The special signs granted by the Holy Spirit were not another baptism, but they testified to the truth and power of the Apostles' preaching.
Acts 2:42-43 And they devoted themselves to the Apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the Apostles.
Eventual commentary
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