The necessity of water baptism

The role of water baptism in the salvation of people is very easy to understand. The apostle Peter told his listeners on the Day of Pentecost were "baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). As baptism is "for the remission of sins" , it is absolutely necessary for salvation.

Some argue, however, that the baptism of Acts 2:38 is actually the baptism of the Holy Spirit, not water baptism. There are several difficulties associated with this view.

Jesus promised his apostles that he would send the Holy Spirit, also described as "the Comforter" and "the Spirit of truth" , after ascending to heaven. After his resurrection, Jesus commanded the apostles to stay in Jerusalem to await the promise (Acts 1:4-5). They would be baptized with the Holy Spirit baptism that occurred on the Day of Pentecost, which could be seen when they spoke in tongues (2:1-4). The baptism of the Holy Spirit was not given to men, or any other man baptized with the baptism with the Holy Spirit. The baptism of the Holy Spirit was promised, not commanded. Came "straight from heaven."

In Acts 2:38, however, Peter did not tell his listeners "waiting" by baptism, the baptism of Acts 2:38 was ordained. Why Peter commanded baptism to be baptized in Acts 2:38 was the baptism of the Holy Spirit? Certainly his listeners did not control the Holy Spirit. What good would ordain the apostles to be baptized? The baptism of Acts 2:38 is one that they could seek and receive in obedience, rather than one given to them in accordance with the will of the Holy Spirit.

The nature of the baptism with the Holy Spirit was again illustrated in Acts 10 when the Holy Spirit came upon Cornelius and his house (verses 44 and 47). They were not seeking this baptism was administered in the sky. Then Peter commanded Cornelius and his household were baptized in the name of the Lord - the baptism of the Great Commission.

On the day of Pentecost, the apostles were fulfilling the great commission as was given to them by Jesus. He said: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son, and Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19). He was ordained the apostles to baptize these listeners, so the baptism was ordained, not promised. It makes sense that the baptism of Acts 2:38 would be the same as the baptism of the Great Commission.

Does anyone believe that the baptism of the Great Commission is the baptism with the Holy Spirit? In Mark's account, Jesus connects the Great Commission baptism and salvation through faith -"He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved ..." (16:16). The baptism of the Great Commission is placed before salvation, and is a condition for salvation. The baptism of Acts 2:38 is on the way to salvation, it is "for the remission of sins"

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