Which Baptism is For You?

 N.T. #16 "Which Baptism is For You?"

Feb. 28, 2023

Matthew 3-Part 5

LET IT GLOW

Last fall, we planted two apple trees in our yard. If they produce apples, then we will keep them, but if not, then we will remove them from our yard. Mmm. I do like apples, apple pie, fired apples, and apple everything. Similarlly, John speaks of spiritual fruit.

That rebuke by John the Baptise must have stung the Jewish leaders, who imagined that divine wrath was reserved only for non-Jews. He called them vipers. That's pretty low down, right?  John told the Pharisees and Sadducees to bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. In other words, repent of sin, agree with God that we have sinned against Him and His Word. Then we are to turn from practicing those sins and and by faith turn to God. (1 Thessalonians 1:9) John demands to see fruits of repentance. Love for God and love for others, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faith, those are what he is speaking about-fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)

In verse 9, Matthew mentions Abraham. He was the father of the Jewish nation, Israel. Those groups were trusting in their physical ancestry for salvation rather than their spiritual relationship to the father of faith. John was probably not a popular preacher in his day.

A lot is said in the New Testament about fruit bearing. A fruit tree is supposed to bear fruit. If it does not produce fruit, then an axe is laid to the root of the tree and it is gotten rid of, thrown into the fire and burnt up. Thus, the ones not producing spiritual fruit will be taken down and cast into the fire. 

Irreversible judgment is coming when Jesus returns to earth. 

LET IT GROW

In verse 11, John gives 3 types of baptism:

1. with water unto repentance; it symbolized cleansing of the heart.
2. with the Holy Spirit; all believer in Christ are Spirit-filled. (1 Cor. 12:13)
3. with fire; a baptism of judgment upon the unrepentant. (John MacArthur)

Baptism is an outward sign of what has happened in the hert-soul when one repents of sins and are saved. Eventually, everyone will either be filled with the Holy Spirit or by fire-judgment. Which will it be for you, dear one? How about your family and friends? 

LET IT GO

Lord Jesus, touch hearts through Your Word.

Please save the lost. 

Give us faith and love today for those who do not know You as Savior.