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John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and remain on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.” (John 1.29-34) Baptism * Sacrament of Baptism * Baptism with Fire * Baptism In the Holy Spirit. Born Again * Sacrament of Initiation * Grace of Renewal These are terms often used when discussing the subject of baptism. How are they different? There is an interesting account in Acts of the Apostles which refers to different baptisms. While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all. Ephesians 19:1 At this time, the Jewish practice of ritual washing's was common and they were symbolic of different things taking place. For instance, John's baptism represented a persons repentance and wholehearted intention to be faithful to the practice of the Law and the Prophets. Following the first Pentecost experience, the followers of Jesus continued to use the ritual of baptismal washing, but now it was symbolic of something new. Repentance, conversion, and a life of faith in Jesus was understood to be the work of the Holy Spirit, entering one's heart, and empowering their faith. Hence Paul's question, "... did you receive the Spirit when you believed?" A true, living faith in Jesus is not simply a matter of one liking what they hear and deciding to accept it and follow it. That is why St Paul acclaims in First Corinthians, "... no one can say Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit." 12:3 Perhaps a new take on Paul's question might sound like this; "... have you fully embraced the Spirit, given you, when you were baptized?" Pope John Paul II, speaking of infants, young children, and even adults who received baptism in the Church, points out that the Holy Spirit is truly given, yet, potentially, needing to be awakened and lived out fully. This awaking to the Holy Spirit is what is referred to by Baptism In the Holy Spirit, or the Grace of Renewal. I have explored subject in detail in a thirteen part series called, Baptism In The Holy Spirit. Link to this series is listed to the right on >>> PAGES: Special Series Index Page. PRAYER FOR GRACE: Jesus my Lord, I confess to you and to all the world my need for your presence in my life. I am alone and in darkness without you. I am influenced and controlled by the many forces that surround me. Even though I struggle against them, it is sin that so easily dominates my life. Who can save me but you alone, my Lord and my God. Deliver me from the Evil One. Touch my life with that power which flows from your resurrection. Cause your Holy Spirit to be born in me anew. Prince of Peace and Lord of Glory reign now in my heart. Baptize me with your Holy Spirit and Fire. Raise me up to a New Life in you. |
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