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Friday, December 8 COME HOLY SPIRIT, DOVE DIVINE Adoniram Judson, in 1811, was the first American missionary to go to Burma. He would translate the entire Bible and write a dictionary in Burmese. But before he went to Burma, he began studying the Scriptures about water baptism, and learned that even though he was baptized as an infant in his church, he was not right. He found out that Scripture does only talk about one water baptism, not infant baptism, but believer baptism. In other words, after we believe in Jesus, and repent of our own sins, then we will be baptized in water. This baptism does not save anybody, but when we are saved and baptized, this is a picture of washing away our sins. Acts 2:38—“Then Peter said unto them, repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” After seeing his own need and knowing that he was already born again, Adiniram was also baptized in water, after which he wrote a hymn about his experience. It also explains the process of water baptism. Baptism is performed by the elders and pastor of a particular church, and is performed on a new convert to Christ. In verse one, Adoniram is praying that the Holy Spirit will come and watch over what is about to happen and to speak His truths to us. I Cor. 12:13—“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free-and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” In his 2nd verse, Adoniram is giving praise to God for the opportunity to be saved and baptized. Hebrews 2:12—“I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” Verses 3 & 4 of the hymn explain the actual process of the baptism. Verse 3 is when the pastor, and sometimes elder, go out and dunk the new believer under water. This is a picture of Jesus’ death on the cross. When we confess our sins and repent, we spiritually take part in this death, by dying to sin and self. Romans 6:3—“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” Then verse 4 refers to when the believer comes up out of the water. This is a picture of Jesus rising to new life, victor over sin and death. We will also participate in this resurrection to new life, and will also have victory over sin and spiritual death when we are born again and baptized. Romans 6:4-12— “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (verse 4) All we have to do is believe and to accept the gift of eternal life, then the old fleshly desires will no longer have power over us, and we will be free to serve the living God. Right now is the day of salvation, so get on your knees and repent of your sins before God. Then go and be baptized in the name of Jesus. ~ Jason Frantz |