Ephesians 4:5 says that there is one baptism (not two) as there is one faith, one Lord, one body, etc. And 1 COR 12:27 says that Jesus Christ is the head of that one Body and that we are members in particular.

John the Baptist indeed baptized with water unto repentance, preparing the way for the Lord. As a man of God, under the Old Covenant it behooved Jesus to be baptized in water, as all men were required to be. Thus, He fulfilled all righteousness by obedience.

But we are told SEVEN times, (once in each of the four Gospels and three times in ACTS) that although John indeed baptized in water, Jesus would baptize with the Holy Ghost [Truth] and Fire [Judgement].

I (John the Baptist) indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: BUT He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and fire: [Mt 3:11, Mk 1:8, Lk 3:16, Jn 1:33, Acts 1:5, Acts 11:16, Acts 19:4,7].

Know ye not, that so many of us were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism ["immersion" into the Body of Christ] 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. [ROM 6:3,4]

John did baptize [in water] in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance FOR the remission of sins. [Mark 1:4]

To Him [Jesus Christ] give all the prophets witness, that through His NAME whosoever believeth IN Him SHALL RECEIVE remission of sins. [ACTS 10:43]

Since we are limited to one baptism, then a choice must be made. Will it be as John baptized, i.e. with water? Or as Jesus directs, i.e. with the Holy Ghost and with Fire? Should not the Body do as the Head directs?

In John 3:23 we read: "And this is His Commandment, that we should believe on the Name of His Son Jesus Christ . . ."

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come on you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth. [ACTS 1:8]

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing [immersing] them in the Name [power and authority] of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [Matthew 28:19]

Perhaps, if the Church today would obey this commandment, instead of substituting religious rituals [MT 15:6] and water, it would be walking in the power and authority that the early Church had.

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 all been made to drink into one Spirit. [1 COR 12:13]

But what saith it? The Word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is the Word of faith, which we preach: THAT IF THOU SHALT CONFESS WITH THY MOUTH THE LORD JESUS, AND SHALL BELIEVE IN THINE HEART THAT GOD HATH RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD, THOU SHALT BE SAVED. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. [ROMANS 10:8-10,14,15]

And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins,

CALLING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD.

[Acts 22:16]

Lyle C. Hildebrand