The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah.
John answered them all, ‘I baptize you with water. But One who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’” [1]
The baptism of repentance is about changing our perspective of who is Savior. Living in a particular geographical place or being of a particular race of people doesn’t save us. The Savior is not an elite religious group. He is not an imaginary comic book hero or a current political leader. He is Jesus Christ.
When we confess Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, He baptizes us with the Holy Spirit and fire. The Holy Spirit gives us the fruits of love, joy, and peace. He gives us grace-gifts which help us navigate through this dark world. He gives us an appetite for righteousness. He ignites in us love for God and love for neighbor.
The unholy trio of the devil, sin and death defile and destroy the human race. The Triune Father, Son and Holy Spirit saves us and renews us. All God’s fullness dwells in Christ. [2] God restores what was stolen and gives us eternal life as we trust in His Son Jesus Christ and receive His Holy Spirit.
[1] Luke 3:3, 15-16
[2] Colossians 2:9
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