Water Baptism

The Essential Role of Baptism in the Covenant

Baptism is not merely a ritual—it is the outward expression of an inward transformation that has its roots deep in the Bible. To understand its full significance, we must study the Scriptures in their entirety and grasp the context in which prophetic passages are given. As 2 Timothy 2:15 declares,

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." – 2 Timothy 2:15

Reading Scripture in Full Context

When New Testament authors quote or allude to Old Testament prophecies, they expect us to read the entire passage—not just one isolated verse.

For instance, when the Messiah says, “Isn’t it written in Isaiah…?” He is not providing a standalone quote. Instead, He is pointing us to a broader narrative found in Isaiah (or another prophetic book), where the full context reveals the true meaning. This method is akin to a judge in the Old Testament referring you for example to “the Book of Jasher” for a complete account of an event. Only by studying the complete passage can we rightly divide the word of truth and avoid misinterpretation.

Returning to Yahweh: The Covenant and the Call to Repentance

The foundation of baptism is rooted in God’s covenant with His people—a covenant that was broken when His people turned away from Him. Scripture teaches that true repentance is the first step toward restoring that relationship. We are called to return to YHWH, to acknowledge our sins, and to reenter the covenant.

Consider these words of encouragement and correction:

"Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." – Matthew 3:2

"Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered." – Psalm 32:1

In Psalm 32, David reminds us that acknowledging our sins and confessing them to Yahweh results in forgiveness. The call to repentance is not a new concept; it echoes throughout the Old Testament.

For example, Ezekiel 36:25–27 proclaims,

"Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean... And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you,"

which points to the renewal available when the people return to God. Isaiah 55:7 further exhorts,

"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto YHWH, and he will have mercy on him,"

reinforcing that repentance is the pathway to receiving God’s mercy.

When God’s people repent, they return to the covenant relationship established with their Creator - a relationship essential for receiving God’s forgiveness and the promised life. This process sets the stage for the coming of the Messiah, who fulfills these promises and restores the broken covenant.

John’s Baptism Versus the Baptism of the Messiah

John the Baptist’s ministry was centered on a call to repentance and a symbolic immersion in water. His baptism served as a preparatory act, urging people to cleanse themselves of sin and return to YHWH.

As John himself proclaimed:

"I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance." – Matthew 3:11

John’s baptism was not the final step but a temporary measure pointing to something greater—the coming of the Messiah, who would bring the fullness of salvation. He makes this distinction clear when he states:

"I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit." – Mark 1:8

When Yashua came to be baptized by John, the moment was not just about repentance but fulfilling righteousness, as the Messiah Himself declared:

"Suffer it to be so; for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness." – Matthew 3:15

At this event, John bore witness to a divine confirmation that Yashua was indeed the chosen one:

"And I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove upon him, and I knew that he was the Chosen One of God." – John 1:33–34

This was the turning point—Yashua’s baptism signified the transition from John's preparatory work to the real baptism of the Messiah, which would bring remission of sins and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

The Transition from John’s Baptism to Yashua’s Baptism

John’s ministry was a forerunner role. He prepared the way, but his baptism alone was insufficient for complete salvation.

This is made clear by the apostles later in Scripture.

Peter, after the resurrection, redefined baptism as something far greater than John's immersion:

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Yashua the Messiah for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as YHWH our God shall call."' – Acts 2:38–39

Further proof that John’s baptism was not enough comes from Paul’s encounter with disciples in Ephesus who had only received John’s baptism:

"And he said unto them, ‘Unto what then were ye baptized?’ And they said, ‘Unto John's baptism.’ Then said Paul, ‘John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Messiah Yashua.’ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Yashua. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." – Acts 19:1–6

This passage confirms:

John’s baptism was not enough—it required faith in Yashua.

• True baptism brings remission of sins and is done in the name of Yashua.

• The Holy Spirit is received only after baptism in Yashua's name.

Thus, while John’s baptism was a call to repentance, the baptism of Yashua brings the fullness of salvation—remission of sins, transformation, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Threefold Aspect of Baptism: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

This is not an arbitrary Trinitarian formula but a declaration of the order in which salvation is received. Scripture consistently supports this divine process:

1st Baptism in the Name of the Father:

The first step calls believers to repentance and a return to the covenant relationship with YHWH—the One who originally established the covenant with His people. Before sins can be remitted, one must acknowledge transgression and seek restoration with the Father.

As Yashua commanded:

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." – Matthew 28:19

This repentance and return to Yahweh is emphasized in Malachi’s call:

"Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith YHWH of hosts." – Malachi 3:7

The prophetic foundation of repentance is echoed throughout the Old Testament:

"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." – Ezekiel 36:26–28

"But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith YHWH, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." – Jeremiah 31:33

Without this repentance, no true cleansing can occur, and the covenant relationship remains broken.

2nd Baptism in the Name of the Son:

The remission of sin is accomplished through the sacrificial death of the Messiah. Yashua’s blood covers our transgressions and restores our standing before God. The apostle Paul explains:

"For we were all baptized into his death." – Romans 6:3–4

"And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses." – Colossians 2:13

Peter reinforces this when urging immediate obedience to the call of baptism:

"And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." – Acts 22:16

Paul further teaches that those who are baptized into Yashua must put on His righteousness:

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Messiah have put on Messiah." – Galatians 3:27

This stage signifies a complete cleansing from past sins through Messiah’s atonement trough obedience to his commandments.

3rd Baptism in the Name of the Holy Spirit:

The final component is the reception of the Holy Spirit, which empowers believers, imparts knowledge, and transforms them to walk in obedience to God’s law.

Yashua taught Nicodemus the necessity of this dual rebirth:

"Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."' – John 3:5

Paul confirms that the Spirit marks true sonship and sanctification:

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." – Romans 8:14

Peter also provides a direct promise of the Spirit's gift:

"Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Yashua for the remission of sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Ruach HaKodesh." – Acts 2:38

The Spirit continues to guide believers, teaching and correcting them in truth:

"He that loveth me keepeth my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's, which sent me. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." – John 14:24–26

John further emphasizes the anointing that comes through the Spirit:

"But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him." – 1 John 2:27

Paul describes the transformation in practical terms:

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived… such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Yashua, and by the Spirit of our God." – 1 Corinthians 6:9–11

The Spirit completes the covenant process, ensuring that believers walk in obedience and truth.

The Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Teaching and Transformation

Once a believer is baptized according to the proper order, the Holy Spirit—referred to as the Comforter or Anointing—comes to indwell and guide the believer. This Spirit teaches, corrects, and brings all truth to remembrance. Scripture defines truth as YHWH´s Law his Torah. Therefore will de Spirit make us walk in his ways.

As Yashua promised,

"He that loveth me keepeth my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's, which sent me." – John 14:24–26

Moreover, the Spirit leads us into all truth, as declared in Scripture:

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth..." – John 16:13

The anointing empowers us with knowledge, wisdom, and the ability to discern truth from error. It seals the covenant in our hearts, ensuring that we walk in righteousness and remain steadfast in our obedience to God’s commandments. As Romans explains,

"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Yashua has made me free from the law of sin and death." – Romans 8:2

Furthermore, Ephesians exhorts us to be renewed in our minds and to put on the new self:

"Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life... And be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." – Ephesians 4:22–24

Thus, the anointing of the Holy Spirit not only confirms our identity as God’s children but also equips us to live out the fullness of His covenant. It teaches us, corrects us, and enables us to keep His commandments so that we may truly walk in His truth.

Practical Implications for Today’s Believers

For modern believers, understanding the full biblical order of salvation is vital. Partial or misguided doctrines—such as baptizing solely in the name of the Son without the requisite repentance to the Father—lead to an incomplete covenant relationship and doctrinal error. The church today must remain vigilant in upholding the clear teaching of Scripture:

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." – Matthew 28:19

This command is not merely a ritualistic formula but a holistic instruction that calls for repentance, forgiveness, and transformation. Believers are urged to maintain unity, pursue holiness, and allow the Spirit to guide them into all truth so that the full benefits of the covenant are experienced. As Luke 13:3 reminds us,

"Except you repent, you will all likewise perish." – Luke 13:3

And as Romans 12:2 exhorts,

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." – Romans 12:2

Furthermore, 1 John 1:7 reinforces our unity and light,

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another." – 1 John 1:7

By adhering to the full biblical order—from returning to YHWH in repentance, through receiving the remission of sin via the Son, to the empowering indwelling of the Holy Spirit—believers not only secure their covenant relationship with God but also live out a transformative, unified faith that withstands doctrinal error.

For many believers, baptism was performed in their youth or within a church setting without full understanding of its significance. However, true baptism is a conscious decision—an act of repentance, faith, and commitment to YHWH. Without this understanding, previous baptisms are often invalid, as they were done without the full knowledge of covenant responsibility.

For this reason, it is strongly recommended to be baptized again—this time, with full awareness of its meaning and in accordance with Scripture. A man in truth should perform the baptism, but if one is a man, self-baptism in living water (a river, lake, or natural flowing source) is also valid, as it is ultimately between the individual and YHWH. After this step, there are no excuses—one is fully accountable to walk in righteousness.

Embracing the Full Gospel of the Covenant

The full gospel—the pathway from repentance to the remission of sin and the reception of the Holy Spirit—is the same message that runs through the Old Testament and finds its fulfillment in the New Testament.

By following this divine order, we align ourselves with the unchanging word of God—a word that has been faithfully delivered through the prophets and sealed in the person of the Messiah. Rejecting any part of this order means rejecting the full truth of God’s covenant. Let us, therefore, commit to studying and living out the Scriptures in their entirety, rightly dividing the word of truth, so that our lives may reflect the glory of our God.

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." – 2 Timothy 2:15

May we all embrace this complete gospel and walk in the fullness of the covenant restored by our faithful God. Shalom! All Praise to the Most High!

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