Hebrews 6 lists six doctrines the writer calls elementary, foundational things we need before we can go on to maturity. One of them is often translated as washings, but the Greek word is baptismos, and it's plural: baptisms. Most translations and scholars agree the writer means the two baptisms Jesus and the apostles taught: baptism in water and baptism in the Holy Spirit. This Sunday at The River Church, the message had a simple title. Don't settle for the shallow.
A Tale of Two Baptisms
The message began with a testimony. A fifteen-year-old whose parents were going through a divorce gave his life to Jesus. Later that week, on a Friday night after a football game, he was reading Matthew's teaching on marriage and divorce and marveling at God's wisdom when something came over him and he began speaking in tongues. He'd been to church maybe once or twice and had never heard anyone speak in tongues. He wondered if he was losing his mind. That Sunday a pastor showed him from Scripture what had happened.
Later, on a Wednesday night, he was baptized in water. The church celebrated loudly. His family, who had baptized him as an infant, was deeply upset, and it caused real division at home. But it was a line in the sand: No matter the consequences, I'm going to follow Jesus.
Both baptisms mattered. The trouble is that churches tend to pick one. Some require water baptism for membership but would never preach on the Holy Spirit. Others treat water baptism as optional and focus on the Spirit. The danger in those moments is that we can let our tradition decide which parts of Scripture we take seriously. As we heard Sunday, I don't get to choose which one makes me the most comfortable.
Water Baptism: The Fruit, Not the Root
Jesus Himself came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John, to fulfill all righteousness. If the only perfect person who ever lived was baptized, and He commanded us to be baptized, who are we to say we don't need it? In Acts 2, when thousands believed after Peter preached, they were baptized right then and there. They didn't hesitate.
We need to be clear: water baptism does not save you. Jesus saves you through grace by faith. Baptism is the obedient, public response of someone who has been saved. Colossians 2:12 describes it as being buried with Christ and raised with Him through faith. Water baptism is the symbolic outward expression of what has happened to us on the inside. Going under the water, you're saying your old life is buried. Coming up, you're saying you're rising new with Jesus and you're not ashamed of Him.
With, In and Upon
Scripture uses three Greek prepositions for the Spirit's work. In John 14, Jesus says the Spirit dwells with you (para, alongside you as Helper) and will be in you (en). Every believer has the Spirit in them, and 1 Corinthians 3:16 says we are God's temple. But in Acts 1:8, Jesus promises power when the Spirit comes upon you (epi).
Acts 8 shows the difference clearly. The Samaritans believed when Philip preached, and they were baptized in water. Yet the Spirit had not yet fallen on any of them until Peter and John came, prayed and laid hands on them. They were believers who had the Spirit within, and in a separate event they were baptized in the Spirit. This isn't a badge of superiority. Spirit baptism is not a trophy that proves you are more spiritual than somebody else. It's power to carry the witness of Jesus to the world.
Keep Being Filled, and Just Ask
Then came the moment everyone will remember. Travis stood on stage and got a few drops of water. It was real, and you could see it on him, but it didn't touch every part of him. Then came the full immersion, again and again, until he left wet footprints on his way off the stage. That's the difference between asking God for just enough to get through the week and being fully immersed.
Spirit baptism isn't the finish line. The disciples filled at Pentecost were filled again in Acts 4:31. Paul's command in Ephesians 5:18 is a present passive imperative: keep being filled. The Christian life was never meant to run on yesterday's feelings.
So how do we receive? There is no secret formula. Luke 11:13 says the heavenly Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him. He wants to give it to you more than you want to receive it. Jesus promised rivers of living water, not a few drops. Water baptism declares I belong to Jesus. Spirit baptism empowers you to be a witness for Jesus.
If you've believed but never been baptized, let's get that done. Reach out through theriverag.church. If you've never been baptized in the Spirit, ask. And if you're feeling dry, ask again today.