"And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God."
Today's lesson, again, provides us with a distinction between water baptism and the baptism that allows mankind to become "the sons of God", as was stated in a previous lesson: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name". (John 1:12)
It is made clear herein that those who "believe on His name" are given "the power to become the sons of God".
The power of the Holy Ghost is that "power" that power to become the children of God. By believing on, or becoming one with by immersion into, the name of Jesus Christ, one is given the power of the Holy Ghost, or the power to become a child of God.
This is further evidenced in that the souls of the saved are "sealed" by the Holy Spirit until Jesus returns. That seal was confirmed in Paul's letter to the Ephesians wherein, as he was establishing how saved people are to conduct themselves, said; "grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are SEALED unto the day of redemption." (Ephesians 3:30)
The final part of Today's lesson, John made it clear that Jesus was the one who was sent from God to provide the "baptism" whereby salvation and the power of the Holy Ghost would come; "Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God."~
NOTE: The reason I spend so much time and effort defining the true meaning and intent of water baptism is because one of the greatest, if not THE greatest, misconceptions that has ever been taken from the bible is the contention that water baptism is required to attain eternal salvation.
Jesus NEVER commanded that lost souls should be baptized in water. I know there are scriptures that have been mistakenly applied that seem to refute what I've said here, therefore, I will define the ultimate meaning, and usage intent, every time any variation of the term "baptize" appears in these New Testament lessons.
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