Originally posted by NorrinRadd
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Given that Paul identifies baptism as baptism into Christ - coupled with the Acts references where one group was baptised into Christ before being baptised into the Holy Spirit despite having received John's baptism, and another group who had been baptised into Christ were accordingly baptised into the Holy Spirit, the two baptisms appear to have different effects. Minimally - baptism in water is a matter of repentance from and the remission of sins (or at least, attending repentance and remission) and brings the member to be in Christ, and - baptism in the Spirit lends power and knits the member into the body of Christ.
I consider that a solid foundation exists for believing that baptism in water is not superseded by baptism in the Holy Spirit.
A case could possibly be made that both are necessary for baptism to be complete, however.
Therefore, I believe that the correct explanation is: Christ baptises into the Holy Spirit (either directly, or through the laying on of hands by authorised delegates); and authorised delegates baptise into Christ.
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