Spirit In Water

We can look at the idea of Catholic regeneration more closely. Since they believe it occurs in baptism some taught the Spirit was in the water so to speak. 

Though we receive forgiveness and the seal of the Spirit, as well as indwelling after baptism, we shouldn't necessarily say the Spirit is in the water.

Christ received the Spirit after coming up out of the water and engaging in prayer.

Luk 3:21  Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 

Luk 3:22  And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased. 

We shouldn't think the Spirit was stirring in the water when he descended after the baptism during prayer.

This is not meant to say the indwelling Spirit is separated from baptism, it just dispells some myths.

1. it shows baptized really means in water. The Spirit descended after, so the baptism wasn't Holy Spirit baptism.

compare Acts 2:38

The gift of the Holy Spirit would be after, so it wasn't Holy Spirit baptism.

Act 2:38  Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

The gift of the Holy Spirit was to come after the baptism.

Assembly of God and other pentecostal groups are notorious for saying baptism is really Holy Spirit baptism in such cases, but the word normally provides clues that they are incorrect.