Bible Question: Charis, I had to look at your profile to make sure what gender I was speaking with, not that it really matters. Anyway, I agree that there WERE three baptisms, 1) the baptism of John unto repentance, 2) the baptism of the Holy Spirit (fire), 3) and water baptism. Each of these had a purpose. My question to you is what purpose did each serve? If you have the time please cite scripture to support your position for each. Thank you. |
Bible Answer: Dear Teacher, Greetings in Jesus' name! Male - Randy, not Grace. :-) From your emphasis on 'WERE,' I gather that you think that there are now less than three? I'll try to explain 'my' position: 1) John's baptism - As you wrote, a full-immersion water baptism unto repentance, and to prepare a way for the Messiah (Christ). "Now in those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is the one referred to by Isaiah the prophet when he said, "THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, 'MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT!'" Now John himself had a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins." Matthew 3:1-6 NASB. In my opinion, many churches today are still practicing a baptism similar to John's. By this I mean that it is a 'general' baptism, 'preparing the way,' but not spiritually effective. It may separate them from the world (repentance), but not baptize them 'into Christ.' 2-a) Baptism of the Holy Spirit - a spiritual washing of the Holy Spirit that is sometimes concurrent with our repentance experience. I believe that the Holy Spirit is the Instigator (Apprehender?) of our 'meeting' with the Lord, and Encourager of our 'acceptance' of Christ Jesus as Savior. However, because of the many references to 'conversion,' 'baptism,' 'renewal,' and the like, I lean toward this being a separate gift or blessing. How or why, I do not have a definitive answer. (sorry!) My excuse is that virtually every 'definitive' answer is full of holes! :-) I do observe, however, that some souls who proclaim Christ as Savior do not produce the appropriate fruit. It would be easy to just say, "Well, they're not saved!" I cannot do this, as the only truly 'appropriate fruit' is perfection, and none can achieve this. So, it 'seems to me' that the Holy Spirit can (and will!) indwell (immerse, baptize) a believer that opens his heart and his life to Him. This, to me, is a step beyond justification by faith. Ideally, all Christians will seek this blessing, but alas... 2-b) Baptism of Fire - 'John answered and said to them all, "As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."' Luke 3:16 NASB. (and Matthew 3:11, Isaiah 48:10, I Peter 1:7, Hebrews 12:29, 1 Corinthians 3:13-15) The above Scriptures tell me that God sometimes chastens us, tries us by fire, that we may become pure. I have experienced such 'seasons,' and ministered to saints in the midst of trial. Seeing the results of such times, I can only conclude that these were sent by the lord to cleanse our lives. Baptism means washing, purification. I find that I have surpassed the 5000 limit! (ME!?) So, for the exciting conclusion to this post, see my next post. Blessings in Christ Jesus, charis |