How very weak it seems and how entirely foreign to even think of water in connection with these last words of our Saviour.
He is indeed with his dependent children in this our day. While he baptizes them with the Holy Spirit immediately he also uses many and varied means and instruments.
Upon servants and handmaidens the Holy Spirit is now poured out as foretold by the prophet Joel and by John the Baptist and promised by Christ.[259]
Sons and daughters do now prophecy with power from on high.
We admire and wonder as did Peter at this baptizing power.[260]
We remember the word of the Lord how he said John indeed baptized with water.[261]
But ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.[262]
FOOTNOTES:
[238] Col. 2.14; Acts 15.1, 21; Acts 21.18, 26; 1 Cor. 1.14, 17; 2 Peter 3.8
[239] Jon. 16.12