Water is inherent in the meaning of the word "baptize." Unless, of course, the word is being used figuratively as in "baptism of the Holy Spirit." I'm not saying that the event described by the phrase "baptism of the Holy Spirit" is not a real event, but the phrase itself is figurative way of describing a literal event.
Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. John 4:10
The "living water" is his spoken word and it is the gift of God which we must "drink". We receive this living water when we believe His word.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. 1 Cor. 12:13
This baptism is not in water and it is the one baptism Eph 4:5.
We receive this baptism inwardly when we believe in Christ. Christ is the Spirit our living water who gives us eternal life.
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, Eph. 5:26 (KJV)
That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. Eph. 5:27 (KJV)
God is not concerned about cleansing our fleshly bodies but our eternal souls. This process of cleansing (Spirit baptism) is when we receive circumcision without hands.
In whom also ye are circumcised with the “circumcision made without hands“, in “putting off the body of the sins of the flesh” by the circumcision of Christ: Col. 2:11
Water baptism of repentance and circumcision were operations of men by the hands of men under a old testament. Baptism by the Spirit and circumcision without hands are operations of God under a new testament.
The old testimony of sin remission began with John the Baptist.
Mark 1:4 John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
The Baptist spoke of what was to come.
Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Water baptism was to be superceded by Spirit baptism.
If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. John 5:31 (KJV)
There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. John 5:32 (KJV)
Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. John 5:33 (KJV)
But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved. John 5:34 (KJV)
He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. John 5:35 (KJV)
But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. John 5:36 (KJV)
And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. John 5:37 (KJV)
And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. John 5:38 (KJV)
We have a greater witness for sin remission and that word was first given to us by Paul.
2Co 3:6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
Paul was the first to reveal the new testament for sin remission that is why he was the only apostle that could say "Christ sent me not to baptize".
