John 1:33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom you shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the same is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.
John the Baptist realized and proclaimed the truth that without Jesus, all baptism does is get you wet. He spoke a very important truth, as Jesus was beginning His ministry. Baptism, in and of itself, does nothing to save us. Salvation comes from Jesus, and Jesus alone. When we call upon Jesus' Name, by faith, with repentance, believing that He is God, that He gave His life for us and rose from the dead, paying the penalty for our sins, only then do we receive eternal life. At that moment the Holy Spirit comes upon us to seal us, but also takes up residence in us by indwelling us. Our first step of obedience is then physical baptism, which is our public proclamation that we are saved. We are now dead to sin, the old man is buried, and we are risen in the newness of life, having been declared "not guilty" by our Heavenly Father because of Jesus' sacrifice and righteousness imputed on us. There is nothing we can do, and there is no act of goodness we can perform that will give us what only Jesus can give us. We must not be deceived into thinking that we can get such a wonderful and undeserved gift from something symbolic, when it can only come from the Savior. Trust in Jesus alone, but seek to be obedient to do that which proclaims to those who witness it, that we belong to Him. Trust in the Savior and not in the symbol.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Romans 10:13)
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