The record of Jesus giving the apostles the Holy Ghost in John 20 is an isolated incident. Biblical scholars agree that it was a partial impartation. Whereas later on the Day of Pentecost they actually received the full indwelling. Jesus did tell the apostles that the Holy Ghost would not come unless He departed and after that occurred He would send Him. (John 16:7) Peter confirmed this happened on at Pentecost. (Acts 2:33)
John 20:22 is a COMMANDMENT which is continued in the next verse as part of the "Great Commission" (people usually think of the Matt 28:18-20 account). I put it in quotes because God didn't call it that... but that's what man calls it when Jesus was giving COMMANDMENTS unto his apostles before he ascends to his Father.
" Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:" - Acts 1:2 KJV
They are the commandments to:
- Wait for the Promise of the Holy Ghost until you receive it.
- Then go Baptize in my (Jesus) name for remission of sins.
The John 20:22-23 version may be a little less clear about their need to wait/tarry in Jerusalem but verse 22 is VERY clear that it is a commandment that must be submitted to.... and verse 23 is VERY clear about the necessity of baptism.
The other versions make it clear that they are commanded to baptize. John 20:23 makes it clear that the remission of sins is in the hands of the baptizer, not the believer, (otherwise Jesus' statement is invalid).
See the Mark 16:14-16 & Matt 28:18-19 versions to see that they are being commanded to baptize.
See Mark 1:4 & Luke 3:3 for verification that water baptism was established by God as a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. ("remit" in John 20:22 is the verb version of the noun "remission")
That water baptism of repentance for remission of sins was incorporated without change by Jesus into his own ministry. (See John 3:22-23 & John 4:1-2)
Baptism is simply the tool/mechanism that brings about that remission to those who believe the preaching and submit to the action. That's why Mark says "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" and Jesus says "whose soever's sins ye remit, they are remitted...and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. Belief must include the follow-through or it is just seed sown that bears no fruit.
Wansvic, I know that you already knew these things about baptism (John 20:22 would be the only new stuff for you) but I wanted to show how it all relates for those who may not have heard it explained before.
For most others: Don't just accept/reject what I said. Actually look up those verses that are referenced because what I just said is probably WAY different than what you've been taught by others. It might take prayer and study. Jesus said that if the people wouldn't go unto the Father, they wouldn't be able to believe what he was saying. I'm saying that this stuff doesn't just roll off the page either. Search it out. Don't just trust what you've been taught.. or even your own understanding.
Love in Jesus to all,
Kelby
- 1
- Show all