◄ What Baptism ►

All the ancestors of the Jews were baptised into Moses.
1 Corinthians 10:2

John said, I baptise you with water for repentance. But He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Matthew 3:11

Jesus said, Go ye therefore, and teach (make disciples of) all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19

Defining Baptism

As we read the Bible, we discover that the word “baptism” is used in different ways. John we are told baptised with water while the Israelites were baptised into Moses. Christ was to baptise with the Holy Spirit – which is a baptism for believers, – but He was also to baptise with fire – a baptism of judgement for the lost.

Meaning of Baptism

It is important to know what the word 'baptise' means – and its significance, but is vital to know what each type of baptism is, or we may become confused. But in each case, it refers to being “put into” something – being “immersed”  or “submerged”.

Different Elements

John immersed repentant Israelites into water. Believers are immersed into Christ. Water was the agency that John used – the Holy Spirit is the agency for believers. John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance and people were placed into water. Spirit baptism occurs when we believe – we are placed into Christ by the Spirit.

Transliterated Word

Because there was no English word for “baptise”, the word has been transliterated from the Greek language and most people think that baptism is connected with water. However, water is only one of many elements into which one can be baptised.

Baptism into Moses

In Exodus 14 we read that all were baptised into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. This baptism is where the people were put into Moses, having made a conscious decision to follow Moses’ leadership – and is explained well by G.G. Findlay:-

G.G. Findlay…

The "cloud", shading and guiding the Israelites from above, and the "sea" making a path for them through its midst and drowning their enemies behind them, were glorious signs to “our fathers” of God’s salvation; together they formed a washing of regeneration, inaugurating the national covenant life; as it trod the miraculous path between upper and nether waters. Israel was born into its Divine estate. Thus they all received their baptism unto Moses, entering through him into an acknowledged fellowship with God.

Prophet to Israel

In the gospels we read that John was sent by God as a witness, to testify about Christ – the Light that was sent into the world, so that all might believe through Him. John was sent to Israel to herald their King Messiah, and he called for repentance. Israel believed in God, but had wandered far from Him and become very apostate. For centuries many prophets were sent to Israel calling the nation to repentance and being washed in water was the outward sign of a repentant or changed heart.

Mikveh and Baptizo

Washing for the Jews was the sign of cleanliness but it had become a religious ritual. The Hebrew word for washing or being immersed in water was MIKVEH.  The Greek word for washing or being immersed in water was BAPTIZO. The English had no such word and so the word BAPTISM was invented.. but the real, biblical meaning behind the word is the outward expression of an inward change.

John’s Ministry

John was sent by God to call Israel to true repentance. He came baptising in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of their sins. John was Israel’s final prophet, and he called them to repent and return to God. It is important to see the ministry of John the Baptist in its context of Israel. Paul was the man God chose to give greater insight into Church-age doctrine – and the book of Acts is a bridge from pre-cross teaching to post-cross doctrine.

Unique Baptism

John’s baptism was for a special group of people at a particular time in history. It was a final call for pre-cross Israel to repent of their sins and turn back to God. And as Christ’s forerunner, John pointed Israel to their Messiah – Jesus Christ, "He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire".

Spirit and Baptism

The two other baptisms John spoke of were connected with the Lord Jesus – Spirit and fire. Spirit baptism was for believing Israel, who were to be baptised or put into Christ. Fire baptism was for unbelieving Israel They were to face God’s fiery judgement but John was not given the fuller understanding, which was given later thru Paul.

Church Age Baptism

As church-age believers, we are baptised by the Spirit into Christ the moment we believe that Jesus is our Saviour and that He died for our sin and rose the third day. We are to grow in grace and become true followers – true disciples of the Lord and water baptism is a beautiful outward demonstration of a beautiful internal change.

Scripture Truth

Disciples of Jesus are called to make an outward profession of water baptism. Sadly, some teach that without being baptised in water, a believer is not truly saved! Perhaps when this is the teaching we receive we should refer to the scripture.

Scripture Truth

Whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

He that believes on Me hath everlasting life.
John 6:47

That through His Name, whosoever believes in Him shall receive forgiveness of sins
Acts 10:43

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.
Acts 16:31

It pleased God … to save them that believe.
1 Corinthians 1:21