I Have a Question About Baptism

Has there been a more controversial part of Christian theology than interpreting the need for water baptism? While we are commanded by Jesus to be baptized, I have read recently that multiple church denominations teach that you cannot receive the Holy Spirit without being immersed underwater and baptized. Well, here is my question:

I’m reading through Acts Chapter 10 and come upon verse 40, which describes Peter teaching in the home of Cornelius, the centurion, a man who was “well-spoken of by the Jewish nation.” God told Peter to go to the house of Corneilus, who was surrounded by family and close friends.

First of all, this was a remarkable command, as Simon Peter said himself, telling the gathering that “they knew how unlawful it was for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation.” However, God had just told Peter in a vision that he must no longer call anyone, or anything, common or unclean.

Then God took it to a whole new level. Keep in mind, Cornelius and his family were Gentiles. While Peter was teaching them about the Lord and everything they had witnessed Him do and say during His three-year ministry, the Bible said in Acts 10:44 that “While Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word.”

Suddenly, non-Jewish people could receive the Holy Spirit, much to the surprise of Peter and the people with him. Verse 46 says, “For they were hearing them (non-Jews) speaking in tongues and praising God.”

Needless to say, this was almost unbelievable at first, but as Peter declared in verse 47, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing people who have received the Holy Spirit as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

Not only was this one of the first times that the Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit, proving that God shows no favoritism but that His gift is free for anyone. It also sure looks as though water baptism is not a prerequisite for receiving the Holy Spirit. The Spirit fell on Cornelius and those in his household clearly before they were immersed.

Nowhere does it say this was a one-time phenomenon, either.

Ephesians 1:13-14 says, “…when you believed (in Jesus), you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are in God’s possession…”

“When you believed,” then you were sealed with the Holy Spirit.

Yes, Jesus did command us to be baptized. I am in no way trying to lighten up that requirement at all. The Great Commission says, “Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

The Desiring God website has a simple explanation that I think describes it best. “When we trust in Christ, His death on the Cross counts as our death, or punishment for sins. His resurrection also counts as our resurrection. In baptism, we’re dramatically portraying what happened spiritually when we received Christ.

“When we go down into the water, it’s a symbol of being buried with Jesus. And then, when we come up out of the water, it symbolizes His Resurrection and our resulting spiritual resurrection and new life when we emerge.”

Repent and be saved! Then show that commitment by answering Jesus’ command to get baptized as an outward symbol of an inner change. I’ve done it. I waited way too long to do it. You will notice an inward change as you come up out of the water. I did.