The promise of Holy Baptism as instituted by Jesus is delivered in the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit's fire. The Spirit gives life and peace with God. Fire brings death as we see in the chaff imagery, as in the old Adam being put to death. It also purifies, purges, makes righteous and worthy of being in God's presence. Maybe that's the good news with which John was exhorting/encouraging the crowd. Then the Good News shows up like the answer to a children's sermon question. Goos job, guys.
The promise of Holy Baptism as instituted by Jesus is delivered in the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit's fire. The Spirit gives life and peace with God. Fire brings death as we see in the chaff imagery, as in the old Adam being put to death. It also purifies, purges, makes righteous and worthy of being in God's presence. Maybe that's the good news with which John was exhorting/encouraging the crowd. Then the Good News shows up like the answer to a children's sermon question.
Goos job, guys.