While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. (Acts 10:44-48 ESV)
The gift of the spirit is given to all. And then all are given the gift of water baptism.
Isn’t it interesting that we think that baptism with water has to come first. We say that someone has to be baptized in order to be part of the community but here we see someone was given the gift of the Holy Spirit before water baptism had been given to them and then water baptism was offered to them.
So which needs to come first? Do we have to be baptized with water in order to get the gift of the Holy Spirit where does the gift of the Holy Spirit come when we don’t necessarily understand when it comes?
The Lutheran understanding and Martin Luther says you have to be baptized in order to be saved. But is that what the Bible tells us? Clearly here people were given the gift of the Holy Spirit before they have been baptized with water. So baptism by water was not necessary in this case, but is this a special case?
I believe the Bible is not clear on whether baptism by water happens first or baptism by the Holy Spirit happens first. We think we can put God in the box and say things have to happen in order that we dictate, but that is absolutely not how God works. We can see from this passage that God works in and through the things that He is created in this world for the advancement of His mission.
Do not put God in the box and don’t think that things that God wants to happen won’t happen. God’s mission will happen in us through us or in spite of us.
So follow our God is leading you expecting him to do great and marvelous things.
aSacredRebel 