The word 'baptism' comes from two Greek words which have a cascade of meanings: 'dip', 'pour', 'immerse', 'submerge' and 'overwhelm'.  It was not a specifically religious word; cooks would 'baptise' vegetables as they were immersed in hot water and boiled!  Baptism was, however, a Jewish practice of symbolic purification; and it was used when non-Jews wanted to belong to the God of Israel.  It expressed the desire to be clean before God.  That is why God commanded John to baptise people who repented of their sin and wanted God's cleansing (John 1:33).

But the outward symbol of baptism is nothing without the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.  John promised that Jesus would baptise those who loved Him in the Holy Spirit.  That baptism was not symbolic, but a real inner filling - infusing the depths of the soul with the personal presence of God.  That is what happens when people come to Jesus in repentance and faith (Acts 2:38).  Indeed, if people do not have God’s Spirit, they do not belong to Him (Romans 8:9).  Whilst the all-engulfing presence of God will mean punishment for the rebellious one day, it is real purification and sanctification now for all those who have been made righteous by the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:1-2).

Some people think that baptism by water is salvation: it is not.  Salvation is the gift of God to all those who have repented of their sins and welcomed the Holy Spirit from Jesus to come into their lives.  Baptism by water is the outward sign that that has happened (1 Peter 3:21).  But without welcoming Jesus by His Spirit, it is meaningless.  Mary welcomed Him, and Christ was formed in her (Luke 1:35-38; Galatians 4:4-5); the apostles did that (John 20:21-22), and the church started to grow in Christ (Galatians 4:19).

To all who believe, God has promised: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…" (Acts 1:8). Only the Holy Spirit can change hearts and reset agendas, so that the gospel is shared and the life of Christ is born into people's hearts.  So, welcome Jesus to be with you by His Spirit every day to guide and empower you as you serve Him.