In the first chapter of Mark we find John, the cousin of Jesus, in the wilderness of Judea baptizing people for the removal of sins–transgressions of the Law (1 Jn. 3:4). In verse five we are told that the people came “… confessing their sins,” revealing that they knew God’s definition of sin and were admit- ting to having broken the Ten Commandments. This is further illustrated in Acts 13:24 where we are told that John had come ministering the baptism of repentance for ALL THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL. Understand that it was to and for Israel that Jesus came (Mat. 1:21;2:6;15:24/Mk. 15:32/Lk. 1:33,68,77; 24:21 and numerous other Scriptures. For a complete teaching on Jesus’ relationship with Israel today write for Jesus, Israel and the Church. All printed materials are free of charge. Only Israel knew the Law and what constituted sin. In verse eight John tells those being baptized that he is merely baptizing them in water, but that One was coming Who would baptize them in the Holy Spirit. Here John indicates that there are two baptisms. However, Paul states that there is only one baptism (Eph. 4:5). How can this be? Let us study to show ourselves approved of God (2 Tim. 2:15) by studying God’s Word precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little, there a little so that He can give us understanding (Isa. 28:10,13).  Such study will reveal that, upon the death and resurrection of Jesus, the two baptisms became one act which cleanses the God-seeker of sin and at the same time fills him with the Holy Spirit. Before the death of Jesus, only certain people had the Holy Spirit come upon them, then only in certain circum-stances. Following the Lord’s death and resurrection, the Holy Spirit became available to anyone who truly seeks the Lord and His Truth.

In Acts 18:24-26 we begin to see the difference between the two baptisms and the part that each plays in the life of the true believer. Here we find a man named Apollos, “… an eloquent man, mighty in the Scriptures” who was speaking boldly in the Jewish Synagogue in the city of Ephesus. This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and being fervent in spirit, spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, “… though he knew only the baptism of John.” Upon hearing him speak, Aquila and Priscilla took him aside and “… explained the way of God more fully.” Though we are not told that they baptized him in the name of Jesus Christ for the reception of the Holy Spirit, we can assume that they did so in that he had ONLY been baptized with John’s baptism before meeting the two saints. Following his encounter with Aquila and Priscilla Apollos continued to speak in the Synagogue at Ephesus, assume- ably under the power and leadership of the Holy Spirit. This assumption is backed up by what Paul did as recorded in Acts 19.

In Acts 19:1-5 we find Paul, having found some disciples of Jesus Christ in Ephesus, asking them if they had received the Holy Spirit. They replied that they had not heard that there was a Holy Spirit. He then asked them unto what had they been baptized? To which they replied, “Unto John’s baptism.” Paul explained that John’s baptism was only for the REMISSION (REMOVAL) OF SINS. He then baptized them in the name of Jesus Christ (Christian baptism) for the infilling of the Holy Spirit. Scripture reveals that some people, upon being baptized in the name of Jesus, spoke in tongues, which is true today. Contrary to the opinion of some, not everyone speaks in tongues upon receiving Christian baptism and being filled with the Holy Spirit.

In Colossians 2:11,12 we learn the purpose of water baptism (submersion–the only Biblical baptism) fol- lowing the confession and repentance of sins. Here we are told that after we have put aside (rejected) sin, we are then “buried” in water as was our Lord Jesus. Then, our sins having been symbolically washed away, we are symbolically raised from the dead as was Jesus for the sole purpose of living as He lived as a man (1 Jn. 2:29-3:10). See Jesus:God, Man or Godman. In First Peter 3:21 God tells us through the apostle that baptism gives us a good conscience toward Him. Our conscience being cleared of all PAST sins (Rom. 3:25)–justification–we can then “… walk as He (Jesus) walked” (1 Jn. 2:6). A major part of that walk involves obedience to the Law in order to retain our justification (Rom. 2:13). See Justification for more details.

Having rejected the Law and therefore not knowing what sin is, the Institutional Church has never repented of her sins and therefore has never received forgiveness and justification. Having nailed God’s Standard of good and evil to the cross, SHE IS STILL IN HER SINS (1 Cor. 5:17). And when God sends a messenger with His Truth, she rejects that truth and His offer of justification, therefore shutting herself off from Him.

Only those who recognize what Biblical sin is, who repent and become spiritual Israelites (Law- keepers) are eligible for salvation. The Counterfeit Church, having rejected God’s Words to that effect, is headed for destruction. Hopefully, some church members who are still alive during the Great Tribulation will see the error of their ways and embrace the Lord. Hopefully, some of those who had died prior to the Tribulation will come to the Lord following the Second Resurrection. The Lake of Fire awaits those who refuse to do so. See The Resurrections for more details. Feel free to contact me concerning the informa- tion posted on this website. Write to Larry L. Jaques, P.O. Box 2352 Athens, TX 75751 U.S.A. or email me at LPJ4142@gmail.com or call me at (903) 677-5642. Unless requested, I will not contact you following your letter, email or call.