You answer my question first.
"Look at your last sentence and tell me how many baptisms are referenced in that sentence and then when you get to any number bigger than one, tell me how it doesn't contradict itself (not to mention Eph 4:4). How can anyone even mention the existence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit while trying to defend the idea that water baptism is the "one baptism" of Eph. 4:4?"
Sorry it's long.
I wasn't sure what sentence you were referring to with your question but I think I see it now. With all due respect, coming from your viewpoint this will be hard for you to see. I hope that you will really try to see it from my viewpoint. If you can and I'm missing something, maybe you can point out where I have gone off track.
I have always maintained that there are many
different water baptisms. I tried to point out before that they are not all the same and that John's baptism was not from the Law. It was different and new. With no book, chapter and verse from the OT, no one was able to prove John's baptism was from the OT.
The gospel of Christ began with water baptism for ALL Jews who wanted to please God and it was for repentance for the forgiveness of sins. It could not forgive sins because it didn't have the power of Jesus' blood to forgive sins but that was coming. Jesus said he would build His church, future. When we read of those baptized by John's baptism, I'm not aware of us being told "they were added" or they were "saved". John's baptism was looking forward (preparing) to baptism in the name of Jesus.
Before Jesus ascended He tells the apostles that repentance for the forgiveness of sins would first be proclaimed in Jerusalem, Lk. 24:47. He commanded the apostles to make disciples baptizing them in the name of the father, son and HS, Matt. 28:19-20. Baptism in the name of Jesus adds someone to the church, which has now been bought with Jesus' blood, Acts 20:28.
Acts 2:41
So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
Being added to the church, they have gained access to the blood of Christ having their sins forgiven and are saved.
Acts 2:47
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
That is why Ananias,
sent by Christ, said
And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’ Calling on the authority of Jesus, Matt. 28:19, calling on His name by being baptized in His name.
As for the ONE baptism. There is ONE baptism to get into Christ and John's baptism is not it. The men in Acts 19 were accurately taught Jesus with ONE exception, baptism, Acts 18:25. Getting wet and going through the motions of symbolizing Jesus’ DBR is not enough. All baptisms have a specific purpose, are for specific people and must be done at the right time. Baptism in the name of Jesus is for ALL people who believe.
If you will notice, when Paul finds out they haven't received the HS, he asks them,
“Into what then were you baptized?”. I will suggest to you that water and Spirit go together.
Jn. 3:5
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Looking forward.
Acts 2:38
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 10:47
“Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”
If you will notice, Paul doesn't lay hands on them until they have been baptized in the name of Jesus.
Acts 19:5
On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.
Just like we see before Paul's conversion.
Acts 8:16
for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.