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One Lord, one faith, one baptism
Eph4:5 When we are born again we receive Jesus into our heart and repent of our sin. We seal this new covenant by baptism in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matt28:19) The one water baptism is in the name of the Trinity indicating a willingness to be in relationship with Father, Son and Spirit. Being born again demonstrates a personal relationship with the Son. Speaking in tongues demonstrates a personal relationship with the Spirit and the blessing, eternal life demonstrates a personal relationship with the Father. St. Paul is clearly aware of the difference between being born again and receiving the Spirit. In Acts 19:2 Paul asks the church of Ephesus if they had received the Holy Spirit since they believed? Clearly scripture is showing us that there is a definite difference between receiving Jesus and the Spirit and is not in any way contradicting the one baptism that Paul talks about in his letter to the church at Ephesus. If you are born again having received Jesus, you have begun your journey and that is good. Don”t stop there. Ask God to give you the Spirit evidenced with speaking in tongues. That is even better. When you have experienced the blessing, eternal life, that is the best because one is now abiding in the Trinity, Father, Son, and Spirit. It is one water baptism but a threefold experience. Do not sell yourself short. We need an active Christian who operates in the gifts of the Spirit and has overcome the evil one. Be that one.Amen |