Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water to repentance. but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear… I. The NATURE of the promised baptism. John's baptism was introductory and transitory — Christ's was to be spiritual, quickening, searching. Analogy between water in the natural world and the Spirit's influence in the moral world. The baptism of the spirit includes all other blessings (Luke 11:13, with Matthew 7:11). II. The PLENITUDE of the promise. A baptism, repletion, falness, etc. Like torrents of rain poured on the thirsty earth (Ezekiel 34:26; Joel 2:28; Hosea 14:5; Malachi 3:10). On the day of Pentecost there was THE baptism of the Holy Ghost. What abundant communications of Divine influence we should expect! III. The NEED of the promised baptism. 1. In the time of John. 2. In our time — now. The low and languid piety of many. The comparatively small success of the various agencies for the conversion of sinners. Church agencies can only be spiritually useful as they are charged with Divine force. Have you received this baptism? "Ye must be born again." (A. Tucker.) Parallel Verses KJV: I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: |
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