So far as was possible at that time, John had succeeded in presenting Jesus, together with the Father and the Holy Ghost, in baptism; more than he knew, he had presented the triune God and His method; the reality of his mission had in measure been achieved. John Baptist had used water only for the fulfilment of his baptism, and when he had baptised people his basic ministry was completed by that act. He baptised in Jordan only; he just baptised unto remission of sins, that is all. He did not baptise in his own name; he did not baptise in any name, he certainly did not baptise in Jesus' name, for confessedly he did not know Him. But Christian baptism is ministered in Jesus' name, which is to say that, whereas John baptised into water, the apostles baptised into Jesus' name.
To understand this let us in thought substitute the Holy Ghost for Jordan and Jesus standing in the Spirit as He did in Jordan and the picture becomes clear. This all means that people are really to be baptised into a bodily person, for that is the sole common-sense and comprehensive reason for baptising them in and into the name of that person. Had we eyes to see it, nothing could have been more clearly shown us by God than what took place at Jordan under John.
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G.W. North (1913 - 2003)
G. W. North was born in London England in 1913. As a young man he became aware that the Lord was calling him into the work of the ministry. At timely stages the Lord placed folk in his path who were able to direct him into the truth of heart purity and a more expansive understanding of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He held pastorates in Kent and Bradford. By the late 1960s, following a significant period of ministry in Liverpool, he began a more itinerant ministry. This led him to many parts of the world, and occupied him until well into his eighties. His powerful preaching and the unique sense of the Lord's presence, which seemed to brood over his meetings, were always intensely challenging.The true secret of his remarkable ministry stemmed from his personal communion with the Lord Jesus. To him, 'entering the holiest' was not merely a theological concept; it was a distinct spiritual reality - and the central feature of his spiritual life. It was here, in the place of worship, that his revelatory ministry found its source. He preached from understanding and conviction. He was never the echo of another, nor did he take on board the ebb and flow of various contemporary emphases. He was not a man of 'books'; he soaked himself in Scripture and allowed it to saturate his heart and mind. Truly, this is a man who has lifted up a standard for the people. Mr North went to be with the Lord on 29th April 2003, shortly after his ninetieth birthday.