Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

Baptism is a standing proof of the divine authenticity of the Christian
religion, and a seal of the truth of the doctrine of justification by faith,
through the blood of the covenant.
To the baptism of water a man was admitted when he became a
proselyte to the Jewish religion; and in this baptism he promised in the
most solemn manner to renounce idolatry, to take the God of Israel for his
God, and to have his life conformed to the precepts of the divine law. But
the water which was used on the occasion was only an emblem of the
Holy Ghost. The soul was considered as in a state of defilement, because
of past sin; now, as by that water the body was washed, cleansed, and
refreshed, so by the influences of the Holy Spirit the soul was to be
purified from its defilement, and strengthened to walk in the way of truth
and holiness.
When John came baptizing with water, he gave the Jews the plainest
intimations that this would not suffice; that it was only typical of that
baptism of the Holy Ghost, under the similitude of fire, which they must
all receive from Jesus Christ. Therefore our Lord asserts that a man must
be born of water and the Holy Spirit, that is, of the Holy Ghost, which,
represented under the similitude of water, cleanses, refreshes, and purifies
the soul. Reader, hast thou never had any other baptism than that of
water? If thou hast not had any other, take Jesus Christ's word for it, thou
canst not in thy present state enter into the kingdom of God. I would not
say to thee merely, "Read what it is to be born of the Spirit;" but "pray,
O pray to God incessantly till he give thee to feel what is implied in it!"
Remember it is Jesus only who baptizes with the Holy Ghost.