Grailhunter
Well-Known Member
Well we are not really disagreeing.Respectfully, I disagree. We are “born from above” by ”water and the spirit” and per John 3, this is a work of the Holy Spirit. That makes “water” an ORDINANCE (something commanded for obedience - a symbolic remembrance) rather than a SACRAMENT (an action that conveys supernatural power).
A BAPTIST vs CATHOLIC understanding of the text and the reality that text describes. God saves, water washes off dirt and symbolizes death, burial and resurrection.
The question asked is.....Does spirit baptism replace water baptism....the Answer....absolutely not.
But when we get into the depth of all this, it does not matter if it is the power of faith, baptism, or the Bread and Wine ritual....do we know or can we comprehend all that is going on with the rituals and between us and Heaven.
Water baptism is spiritual baptism....and as with all the above.....the power comes from God. And there are physical aspect of all the above....even faith....if we have faith it changes us....we are believers and followers of Christ....which means we worship Him and love Him and love one another and be good and do good....And you can tell that baptism is a personal thing because of how we receive the Holy Spirit can differ between individuals.