Water baptism is baptism by men with water, and was done under the gospel of the kingdom. Spirit baptism is baptism by the Holy Spirit, and is only for the gospel of the grace of God.
Water Baptism
John's Baptism – Confession of Sins
In the New Testament, water baptism is the first type of baptism mentioned. We see John the Baptist preaching the baptism for the “remission of sins,” in Mark 1:4. We see John the Baptist baptizing his fellow Jews with water while they were “confessing their sins” (Matthew 3:6, Mark 1:5). We clearly see that John’s water baptism was accompanied by the confession of sins.
Water Baptism
Pentecost Baptism - Remission of Sins
On Pentecost we see where water baptism is also conducted, and this water baptism is for the “remission of sins.” This water baptism covered repentance, and being baptized the name of Jesus Christ. These that were water baptized would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, as seen in Acts 2:38.
In Acts 3:19 we see the first recorded sermon by Peter since his sermon on Pentecost. In this sermon we see that Peter says to repent and be converted (turn from sin). In this verse we also see that their sins would not be blotted until the times of refreshing comes from the presence of the Lord. What this means is that their sins would not be blotted out until Jesus Christ returns to earth and establishes His new covenant during the Millennial Kingdom (Hebrews 10:16-18).
Hebrews 10:16-18
16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
As we see in Hebrews 10:18 that there was not to be any more animal sacrifices after the death of Jesus Christ on the cross. However, these sacrifices were not stopped until the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by Roman armies in A.D. 70.
Spirit Baptism
Baptism Into The Body of Christ
In the New Testament the second type of baptism mentioned is baptism by the Holy Spirit. This baptism is not done by men, but done by the Holy Spirit. This is the baptism of the gospel of the grace of God. Those saved under the gospel of the grace of God are not water baptized, for we have no sins to be “remitted.” Our sins were forgiven on the cross 2000 years ago.
Paul tells us in Romans 4:15 and Romans 5:13 that sins are not imputed where there is no law.
In the verses below we will see that the baptism that Paul refers to is the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
I Corinthians 1:17 – “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.”
In the verse above we see that Paul was not sent to water baptize, but to preach the gospel of the grace of God. Paul’s main focus is on the cross.
Ephesians 4:5 – “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
In the verse above, Paul tells us that there is one baptism, and the baptism that Paul refers to is the baptism by the Holy Spirit of “body of Christ” believers of the gospel of the grace of God.
In Galatians 3:27, Paul tells us that those that have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Galatians 3:27 – “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
In Romans 6:3-5 we see where Paul identifies us with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection when we are spiritually baptized into the “body of Christ.” God’s Holy Spirit immediately baptizes us into the body of Christ after we believe the gospel of the grace of God.
Romans 6:3-5
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.
Colossians 2:12 – “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”
In the above verse, we see that Paul says that we are baptized (buried with Christ in baptism) by the Holy Spirit by our faith in the resurrection of Christ from the dead.
I Corinthians 12:13 – “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
In the above verse Paul tells us that we are baptized into one body. This “one body” that Paul speaks of is the “body of Christ.” In Ephesians 1:13-14 we see that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit when we believe the gospel of the grace of God.
Ephesians 1:13-14 – “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Final Notes
We are not saved by baptism. We are saved by our belief in the gospel of the death, burial and resurrection found in I Corinthians 15:1-4.
I Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
We “believe in vain” (verse 2) when we believe in anything other than what Jesus Christ accomplished on the cross. Please do not add to, or take away from, the gospel of the grace of God.