It symbolizes the death and burial of the old life.
For the entire month of August Powerzone ministries will be diving deep into the topic of temptation. What exactly is temptation? We'll be exploring what it means and what the Bible has to say about it all Month long!
"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire" (Matthew 3:11).
August 3, 2023 By Dr. George Bing
Do you have to be baptized to go to heaven? The answer to that question is yes! However, hold on; there are two baptisms in the Bible. Yes, the thief on the cross went to be with Jesus in paradise without being water baptized. But everyone has to be baptized with the Holy Ghost to go to Heaven! The temptation to believe that not being baptized by water will cause you to miss heaven is ever present, even today. The word "baptize" means to immerse, which means to go underwater. It symbolizes the death and burial of the old life, and when you rise up, it symbolizes the resurrection of the new life! The baptism happens the moment you receive Jesus Christ as Lord.
There is a death of the old life in a sense, and the new man begins to take charge immediately. John the Baptist, referencing the subject of baptism, says, "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire" (Matthew 3:11). We also cannot be tempted to believe that we do not need to be fire baptized as well. This must initially transpire in the life of a believer.
There are many fillings throughout this life, but being baptized with the Holy Spirit only occurs once. To be baptized with the Holy Ghost is like a first response kit, saying "positive!" Once a woman gets pregnant, she still has to feed that bundle of joy for him to stay strong and healthy. That's why we must continually be filled; praise God! John the Baptist says, "I indeed have baptized you with water, but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost" (Mark 1:8). What are your thoughts?
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