66 | One Baptism

What does the Bible mean when it says there is “one baptism” in Ephesians 4:5—and is that the same thing as water baptism practiced in most churches today? In this sermon, Pastor Josh walks through Scripture to define what baptism actually is, showing that the Bible speaks of multiple baptisms (diverse washings under the Law, John’s baptism with water, baptism with the Holy Spirit, baptism with fire, baptism unto Moses, etc.). He traces how these carnal, outward washings functioned as temporary figures pointing to a deeper spiritual reality, and then shows from Hebrews, the Gospels, Acts, and Paul’s letters that these ceremonial baptisms were time‑stamped and progressively faded as God’s fuller revelation in Christ was made known.

From there, the message focuses on the “one baptism” of Ephesians 4 and Romans 6: the Spirit’s work of baptizing believers into Jesus Christ and into His one body the moment they trust the gospel. Pastor Josh argues that this Spirit baptism—not water—is what actually purifies, sanctifies, and gives us a new identity in Christ, and that it is the true ground of Christian unity and membership in the church. He also explains why Twin Cities Grace Fellowship does not practice water baptism as a church ordinance, how this view addresses common membership and ministry issues in evangelical churches, and how to relate graciously to believers who still link water baptism with this one, saving baptism.