Editorial January 23, 1984 Issue

Baptized of the Holy Ghost

WILLIAM E. MOODY

To the Hebrew people of ancient Bible times, water was a most vital resource. Theirs was an arid land where water held such precious importance that it naturally became a significant symbol in their culture and religious life.

In the New Testament era John the Baptist widely practiced baptism with water as a rite of purification and as a symbolic indication of individual repentance. Yet John himself pointed to a higher, more spiritual sense of purification when he spoke of the Saviour's mission. According to John, the Messiah would come baptizing "with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." Matt. 3:11.

During his unparalleled ministry Christ Jesus consistently overcame temptation, destroyed sin, and healed disease through the regenerative power of omnipotent Spirit. What the Messiah brought to the people was not merely another religious rite or ceremony but the deep redemptive love of God. He brought the sword of divine Truth to error and cleansed individual hearts and lives of sinful beliefs and practices. Jesus indeed baptized with the Holy Ghost. By his example we can come to see the necessity of continuous purification in our own experience today.

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