John’s Baptism vs. Baptism in Jesus

Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. — Acts 19:4-5

This passage made me ask, “John’s baptism is in water for repentance. Into what is the baptism of Jesus: what’s the difference?” Here is what a quick Literal Word app search found.

1. In this focal passage, the first thing to note is that John’s baptism calling for belief in Jesus who was yet to be revealed, was no longer needed once Jesus came into view. Thus we now have the assurance of salvation revealed.

“As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. — Matthew 3:11; see also Acts 1:5; Acts 11:16

2. Baptism of Holy Spirit (drenched in the Spirit) and fire (signifies cleansing / purification).

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, — Matthew 28:19

3. Instead of baptism in the name of John, it’s in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost – the Triune One.

He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. — Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12

4. Baptism of belief in Christ, who is now visible to us, disclosing Himself to all who believe unto obedience in Christ.

I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ — John 1:33

5. Baptism of Holy Spirit union – he remains on us, in us, through us.

Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. — Acts 2:38

6. Baptism into Christ is for the forgiveness of sin, not just for repentance. We are forgiven.

Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. — Acts 19:4-5

7. Baptized in the powerful, all-sufficient name of Jesus.

Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.’ — Acts 22:16

8. Calling on the name of Christ in baptism washes away our sin, to be remembered no more. Gone. Made white as pure snow that reflects His light.

Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? — Romans 6:3

9. Baptized into His death, thus the death of sin no longer has power in us.

For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. — 1 Corinthians 12:13

10. Baptized into one body – made one together in Christ – in one Spirit.

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. — Galatians 3:27

11. Baptized in Christ = clothed with Christ: the image of God rebirthed in us, made alive and well in and on us.

Make sure you are baptized into Christ.