Spirit Baptism, Water Baptism
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Jun 16
- 3 min read
Rev. Enoch Thompson | June 16 2025 | Acts 10:44-48
KEY VERSE: “Then Peter said, ⁴⁷ "Can anyone keep these people from being baptised with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." Acts 10:46b-47(NIV)
MESSAGE:
Baptism is an essential Christian ordinance, an instruction from the Lord that believers are to follow. Baptism, as an initial Christian act, takes two major forms: first, Spirit baptism (also known as the Baptism of the Holy Spirit), and then water baptism (physical baptism in water). And both baptisms are very important.
Spirit baptism is a spiritual experience that occurs when a person’s understanding and acceptance of the Gospel are acknowledged in the presence of God. It is this experience that the Apostle Paul refers to in 1 Cor 12:13 (NIV): “For we were all baptised by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” That is, when we were converted to Christ, we were baptised by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ. This Spirit baptism is manifested in different ways by different people in different circumstances. In the case of Cornelius and his relatives and friends, we are told that the new converts were heard speaking in tongues (other languages) and praising God. Others have experienced inexpressible joy, tears of joy, unfettered laughter, a deep sense of peace or a quiet, calm awe of God when they have received this baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Water baptism must follow Spirit baptism, in accordance with the instructions of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is an outward physical demonstration of what has taken place in the spirit of the person. If we have not been baptised by the Holy Spirit, then water baptism is only a religious exercise of getting wet ceremonially!
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit, and that Spirit baptism that makes us part of the body of Christ. Have you followed up with water baptism? If not, make plans to do this to show your submission to the rule of Christ.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for the privilege of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and for the opportunity to show my identification with you by water baptism. Please help me to live the baptised life, now and always. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
Day 167: Jun 16 – 2 Samuel 1 - David Mourns Saul and Jonathan
DAILY word study: BAPTISED The Greek word βαπτίσαι (baptisai), from baptizō, means “to immerse, dip, or submerge.” It was used to describe a full immersion into water or a reality, signifying total identification with something or someone.
In Acts 10:47, Peter says, “Can anyone keep these people from being baptised with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” The word baptisai here speaks of an outward sign of an inward work. These Gentile believers had already been immersed in the Spirit—baptised into Christ, so Peter calls for them also to be immersed in water, affirming what had spiritually taken place.
Reflection:
Have you embraced both baptisms? Spirit baptism brings you into God’s family. Water baptism declares it to the world. Don’t settle for only knowing—let your life show that you belong.
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